11 Day Summer Package | Ring Road of Iceland with Experienced Local Guide

Now is when the adventure really begins! In the morning you will be picked up in Reykjavík and your guided tour will start with the classic Golden Circle, Iceland’s best-known sightseeing route.

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You'll start at Þingvellir National Park, the original site of Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament which was founded by Vikings in 930 AD. In the area’s more recent history, the park’s moss-covered lava formations were used as a location for the HBO series Game of Thrones. At Þingvellir, you can walk between continents as the park is neither located on the Eurasian nor the N-American tectonic plates, but in a rift valley between.

For some extra adventure today you could choose to go snorkelling in a dry suit between continents. In Þinvellir National Park there is a point where the Eurasian and North American Tectonic Plates meet, this is called the Silfra Fissure. Silfra is a deep crevasse filled with crystal clear glacier water that has been filtered through lava rock for over a century. The result is an incredible snorkelling experience with visibility of up to 100 metres.

Then you will be driven a short distance to the Geysir geothermal area where you will find the geyser Strokkur which is known to erupt every 5-10 minutes. Make sure to have cameras ready when the hot spring shoots a jet of boiling hot water as high as 25 meters in the air.

Last but certainly not least in the Golden Circle trilogy is Gullfoss waterfall. A vast amount of glacial water plummeting down the 32-metre high rockface burrowing down into the Gullfossgljúfur canyon below is a spectacular sight. A favourite among photographers, the ‘Golden Falls’ can be captured from a number of angles.

You will also make a stop at Efstidalur Farm. This family-owned attraction is a working dairy farm and boasts some of the freshest and most delicious ice creams you will ever taste, made with milk straight from the farm.

Your second day in Iceland will end at your cosy accommodation in the area. There you can relax and prepare for the next day of exploration.

Today you will continue your journey along the breath-taking South Coast. The route provides a diverse mix of views including mountains and glaciers, the Atlantic Ocean and fields where cows and sheep can be seen roaming.

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No doubt your waterfall appetite was whetted by Gullfoss the day before and it’ll surely be quenched on day three. You’ll see two majestic waterfalls which both measure over 60 meters tall. One is the compact Seljalandsfoss which has a footpath that allows visitors to walk behind the curtain of water. The other is the bellowing Skógarfoss which sprays a mist far over the surrounding area.

You could also choose to visit an ice cave today. Ice caves are an incredible natural wonder that will transport you into an almost crystal palace of icy walls marbled in white and blues.

You will also visit the Dyraholaey Sea Arch, a rocky promenade that stretches out from the mainland of the south coast into the sea. From here you will get a great few of the surrounding landscape.

Continuing along the coastline you will encounter Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. This dark beach and the looming lava-formation, Reynisdrangar, might ignite your inner gothic poet, or at the very least provide some Instagrammable photos.

At the end of your South Coast exploration, you can have a well-earned rest in your accommodations near the village of Vík.

Day four’s main attraction is the ‘Crown Jewel of Iceland’ Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. It is, however, not the only precious sight of the day. In and around Vatnajökull National Park you will see stunning landscapes created by the mighty Vatnajökull glacier such as black sands, rivers of glacial water and some of the country’s highest peaks.

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Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon is a spectacular thing to behold. Icebergs which have broken off from a nearby glacier floated on top of the tranquil lagoon, creating a display of blue and white shapes. The grandeur of the location seems to go unnoticed by the relaxed seals that hang out on the banks of the lagoon.

If you are travelling between May and October, you can elect to take a boat ride on the lagoon for a unique view of the icebergs and sail between the giant, natural ice sculptures on Jökulsárlón’s mirror-like surface.

A short distance away the Diamond Beach awaits you. There, the beautiful icebergs have washed ashore creating the illusion of gigantic diamonds laid out on the pitch-black beach. Truly a wonderful sight to behold, and to photograph.

Today you will also take in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, a beautiful part of the country that sits within Vatnajökull National Park. From here you will go on a glacier hike. You will be fitted with all the necessary gear and taken up on to of the icy slopes to see the incredible views from on top of a glacier.

In the evening you will go to your accommodation in the Jökulsárlón area.

On this day you’ll have plenty of time to feel the tranquillity of nature. The Eastfjords are visited less than the rest of the country, which makes them quieter. You’ll drive along the part of the Ring Road which weaves in and out of the beautiful fjords in the East. Your guide will show you some of their favourite spots along the way.

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The Eastfjords are full of texture, with mountains looming over rugged coastlines. The area is also the only part of Iceland where reindeer roam free, perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot one.

Your travels in the East will take you to Lagarfljót, a lake with a secret. Legend has it that in the water there lives a monster, Lagarfljótsormurin, a worm creature similar to the one said to dwell in the Scottish Loch Ness. Sightings of the worm date all the way back to 1345 and up to this decade. So keep your cameras at the ready, you might prove the myth to be true.

While in the East you’ll also be able to see Hallormsstaðaskógur, the biggest forest in Iceland. Iceland is not known for wooded landscapes, there aren’t many to be found, which makes Hallormsstaðaskógur unique. It is an appealing place for hiking, bird spotting and picnics. Hallormstaðaskógur is not too far from Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the eastern region of Iceland.

Along the way today you will also make a stop at Auðuns Rock Collection. This well-maintained collection of beautifully cut stones and gems of the area is a unique attraction.

You will also have the option of going on a tour of a local brewery in Egilsstaðir. Here you will be able to learn about how the master brewers use local ingredients to create the perfect Icelandic pint.

Your accommodation for the night will be in a lovely town in the Eastfjords.

Further exploration of East Iceland as you move towards the North awaits you on day six. You will be seeing Dettifoss waterfall, Ásbyrgi canyon, the town of Húsavík and Lake Mývatn. These attractions are referred to as the Diamond Circle, a sort of the north-eastern equivalent of the Golden Circle you saw down south.

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First on the list is Dettifoss, an incredibly powerful cascade which boasts the greatest volume of any waterfall in Europe. This 44-metre high waterfall has featured in films such as the Ridley Scott's movie Prometheus, but its true magnetism can only be felt by visiting it in person.

The second location visited on this day is Ásbyrgi, a luscious canyon shaped like a horseshoe. Specifically, this shape is said to have been left there by Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, from Norse Mythology. The canyon is 1.1 kilometres wide, 3.5 kilometres long and has cliffs up to 100 metres tall towering over it.

After Ásbyrgi you will go to Húsavík, a quaint fishing town. With a little over 2000 people living there year round, Húsavík just about manages to reach the population to be considered a town rather than a village. Yet, it very much looks like a cute, little village. In Húsavík there are many interesting places to visit, including Húsavíkurkirkja, a wooden church dating back to 1907, as well as Húsavík Whale Museum and The Exploration Museum.

The next stop of the day is in the Mývatn region which is named after a gorgeous lake surrounded by stirring landscapes. You will visit Námaskarð pass, a geothermal area by the Mountain Námafjall, where white pillars of steam rise into the air and give the whole region a Mars-like look.

If you wish, you can spend some time unwinding at the Mývatn Nature Baths where you can admire the surrounding volcanic landscape. Add entry during the booking process, the water’s healing properties might be just what you need at your trip’s half-way point.

You will then head towards the ‘Capital of the North’ Akureyri. On the way, you will stop at a momentous waterfall known as Goðafoss ‘The Waterfall of the Gods.’

You will stop in Akureyri to rest for the evening.

You will start your day by leaving the charming northern town of Akureyri behind and heading southwest. On your way, you will make a stop at the cosy Kaffi Ku, where you can grab a bite or drink as you take in the gorgeous surroundings.

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Your first stop of the day will be the quaint town of Hauganes. Hauganes sits in the gorgeous Eyjafjörður Fjord. This tiny town is a great opportunity to see quintessential Icelandic country life. The town sits in idyllic surroundings and has a small population of around 140 people.

During your stop here, you could choose to stretch your legs and take a walk around the picturesque village. You could also have a coffee and do some people watching, or you could choose to add even more excitement or relaxation to your day.

There are two additional activities you could enjoy from Hauganes. The waters around this part of Iceland are well-known for being hubs for whale activity, and from Hauganes, you could opt to go on a whale watching tour.

Your next stop will be a famous rock formation, Hvitserkur. This attraction is said to be a troll that got a bit to verbose and was turned to stone by the sun.

You will then stop at your accommodation in the Borganes area.

Today you will get set to explore the west of Iceland. This area of Iceland is known for its wide variety of landscapes.

You will head through the picturesque fjords and make your first stop in the Reykholtsdalur Valley. This area is bubbling with geothermal activity and is also home to the most powerful hot spring in Europe, Deildartunguhver.

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Today you will also make a visit to the Krauma Spa, a geothermal bath in the west. This attraction allows you to soak and relax as you take in the views around you.

You will also visit a goat farm. This might not be something you expect in Iceland but goat farming is in fact somewhat thriving here.

Your next stop will be the historically important town of Reykholt. This town was the home of an important figure in Iceland. Noted historian, lawspeaker and poet, Snorri Sturluson was from here. Snorri is credited with keeping invaluable records of the Icelandic language and the stories from Old Norse Mythology.

Next, you will head towards to beautiful waterfalls. The first is Hraunfossar, who’s name literally translates to ‘Lava Falls.’ Hraunfossar is fed by water that seeps through the pores of lava rock. The next waterfall is Barnafoss, made from water that makes its way through a narrow canyon that creates great torrents of water.

If you want some added adventure to your day, you can choose to go on a horse riding tour. The Icelandic horse is well-known for its lovely temperament and sturdy build, making it perfect for riders of all ages. You will be able to take in the Icelandic countryside in this experience in a whole new way.

You will then make your way to your accommodation where you can get some rest before you have more exploring tomorrow.

On this day the many gems of Snæfellsnes await you. A fantastic region to explore due to its many distinct and breathtaking sights; from Kirkjufell mountain to Djúpalónssandur beach to the glacier itself, Snæfellsjökull. The Peninsula also has many charming towns and villages.

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Right outside the town of Grundarfjörður is one of Iceland’s most recognizable landmarks; the extremely photogenic mountain Kirkjufell. Fans of the HBO series Game of Thrones might recognize it as 'the mountain like an arrowhead' which the Hound sees in a vision. Kirkjufell is often photographed from an angle which also captures the waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss.

Kirkjufell isn’t the only Snæfellsnes landmark that’s been featured in popular culture. The whole peninsula, Snæfellsjökull glacier in particular, play a pivotal role in Jules Verne’s science fiction novel 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'. In the story, a scientist believes you can reach the centre of the earth through volcanic tubes in Snæfellsjökull. Sadly the science behind that isn’t exactly sound.

However, you have the possibility to add your own subterranean adventure to the day; a cave exploration in Vatnshellir lava tube. You will walk down a spiral stair-case until you’ve descended 35-metres underground. There the 8000-year-old cave waits for you to admire its 200-metres long tunnel of bewitching colours and riveting rock formations.

Your local guide will choose their favourite sites on the peninsula to stop at, all of which are delightful to stroll around and photograph. At the end of day 9, you will be driven back to Reykjavík where you will spend the night.

Your last full day in Iceland will be spent in the enchanting capital city, Reykjavík. You will have free time to get to know the capital at your leisure or you could book one of the many tours that operate from the city. Regardless of what you spend your day doing, you’re sure to enjoy this quirky little city.

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If you didn't visit on your arrival day, you could choose to visit the world-famous Blue Lagoon. It is the ideal way to relax after eight days on the road. The geothermal waters are rich in silica which are said to do wonders for the skin.

For a more adventurous aquatic experience, you can take a tour to Þingvellir National Park and go snorkelling in Silfra. It is a rift, formed in between the European and North American tectonic plates, that is now filled with crystal clear glacial water. You’ll be picked up in Reykjavík and taken to this unique location. If you’re up for putting a snorkel on and diving in, there’s no place like it in the world.

You could also use the day and take a tour to Þríhnjúkagígur, a dormant volcano located just outside of Reykjavík. There you’ll have the chance to descend 120 metres inside the volcano's caldera. Exploring the bottom of the crater is a truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Any spare time you have on departure day can be utilized to soak in the atmosphere in Reykjavík. For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you will finish off your stay unwinding before you head to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters as you look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice. If your flight is later there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey.