Fantastic 6-Day Ring Road Tour with Summer Glacier Hike and Winter Ice Caving

On day two of your once-in-a-lifetime trip around Iceland, you continue your sightseeing along the South Coast. Your first stop is the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, which is famous for its dramatic geology.

The towering offshore sea stacks are named Reynisdrangar. According to local legend, they are trolls that were frozen as they tried to steal a passing boat. The nearby cliffs of Reynisfjall mountain display unusual rows of basalt columns.

After leaving this unforgettable site, you travel to the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This area boasts enormous glaciers, birch forests, rushing rivers, and sweeping lava fields.

If visiting in summer, you begin a thrilling hike on one of the glacier tongues that flow into the reserve. Your guide outfits you in crampons and a helmet, gives you an ice ax, then leads you up the slopes. Here you discover magnificent views of dramatic crevasses, ridges, and ice walls.

You then head to the spectacular Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Iceland's deepest lake. Located between the sea and a glacier tongue, this lagoon has many icebergs with vivid colors and unbelievable beauty. When the icebergs reach the sea, waves push them back on the black sand shores of the nearby Diamond Beach, your next destination. Look for seals, as they are often at both locations.

Next, if traveling in winter, you begin a tour of an ice cave, one of Iceland's best excursions. The large glacier caves under the Vatnajokull glacier display vivid blues with beautiful lighting effects.

Finally, you go to your night-time accommodation near the town of Hofn.

On the third day of your tour around Iceland's Ring Road, you explore East Iceland's remote and beautiful landscapes. This region is known for its incredible coastline, abundant wildlife, and minimal crowns.

You begin touring the remote and spectacular wilderness of the Hvalsnes Peninsula, where you may see many seabirds and seals. You reach the charming village of Djupivogur, which is known for its public artwork and slow-paced lifestyle. Your guide will direct you to the famous Eggs of Merry Bay.

Next, you visit the Hengifoss waterfall. This is the third tallest waterfall in Iceland, dropping 420 feet (128 meters) over a red-layered cliff. Nearby is Litlanesfoss waterfall, which falls over unique basalt columns. The hike to these two incredible sights takes about three hours, but your guide ensures an enjoyable trip.

You finish the day at a beautiful hotel near the town of Egilsstadir. If traveling in winter, be sure to look for the northern lights.

After breakfast on day four, you leave Egilsstadir and East Iceland to visit the great sites of the North. You'll be traveling the Diamond Circle route in the opposite direction to most travelers allowing you to avoid large crowds while sightseeing.

The first site you experience is the Dettifoss waterfall. This is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, with a flow of around 6,816 feet³/second (193 meters³/second). It drops a magnificent 144 feet (44 meters) and measures 330 feet (100 meters) wide. This site is so dramatic that it was featured as a setting for the "Alien" franchise.

Next, you head to the Myvatn area, a spectacular place of geological and geothermal wonders. You explore the Dimmuborgir lava fortress, the barren Namaskard Pass, the pseudo-craters of Skutustadir, and the shores of Lake Myvatn. In the summer, you can see many wildflowers and birds, while in winter the waters will be beautifully frozen.

You then visit Godafoss waterfall, an incredible feature with a fascinating history. In A.D. 1,000, the lawspeaker of Iceland threw his idols of the Old Norse Gods into the waters of Godafoss. He then began the conversion of Iceland to Christianity to avoid invasion by the zealous Norwegian king.

Finally, you go to your accommodation around the breathtaking fjord of Eyjafjordur bay.

On the fifth day of your trip around Iceland, you arrive at Akureyri, the largest town in the north. You take a quick tour of its beautiful sites, including its harbor, church, and concert hall. Next, you drive up the shore of Eyjafjordur fjord, with its gleaming waters and flat-topped mountains.

You then arrive in Dalvik, a village famous for incredible whale-watching opportunities. From here, you board a ship and set out into the fjord. Humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins are common, but you may also see other species, such as belugas and orcas. In the summer, you might also spot blue whales and fin whales!

Next, you visit Siglufjordur village, with its magnificent harbor and fascinating culture. Then you navigate the beautiful Trollaskagi coast towards your accommodation in Laugarbakki.

On the final day of your six-day trip around Iceland, you return to Reykjavik via the fantastic sites of West Iceland. You begin at the spectacular crater of Grabok volcanic crater.

Next, you travel to Deildartunguhver, the highest flowing hot spring in Europe. It provides warm water to most of the region and the nearby Krauma Spa.

You then experience the Hraunfossar waterfall as it gently drops down a plateau of lava. Surrounded by birch woods, the calm atmosphere differs from the dramatic waterfalls you've encountered on your trip. You can also enjoy the nearby Barnafoss waterfall.

Your last stop of the tour is the village of Reykholt, with its charming red church, stunning scenery, and fascinating history. The medieval historian, chieftain, and writer Snorri Sturluson lived most of his life here and wrote much about Old Norse Gods, such as Thor and Loki.

Finally, you pass through the beautiful, green Hvalfjordur fjord for some incredible last views. Once in Reykjavik, you can enjoy dinner and drinks to celebrate your journey!