6-Day Fast-Paced Guided Vacation Package of the Ring Road of Iceland

The Hvitserkur rock formation off the northwest coast of Iceland.
Likely to sell out soon
Free cancellation
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Keflavík Airport (KEF), 235 KEFLAVÍKURFLUGVÖLLUR, Reykjanesbær,
Starting time
Flexible
Duration
6 days
Ending place
Keflavík Airport (KEF), 235 KEFLAVÍKURFLUGVÖLLUR, Reykjanesbær,
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Available
All year
Minimum age
5 years old

Description

Explore the entire Ring Road of Iceland in less than a week with this fast-paced, action-packed 6-day vacation package. Those who don't want to waste a moment of their short getaway to one of the world's most beautiful countries should book this highly-rated package now.

Don't spend weeks planning the perfect vacation and wondering whether you've missed any top attractions. Let the professionals take care of everything for you at a fantastic price, so all you need to do is have a great time!

After booking, you'll receive a detailed itinerary and access to a travel agent you can contact anytime. Your vacation package is also refundable up to 24 hours before departure, so what are you waiting for? 

Your vacation begins with a pick-up from Keflavik International Airport and a transfer to your Reykjavik accommodation. On the way, you can stop at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa if you wish. Soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters is an unbeatable way to start your holiday.

On day two, you'll start a thrilling 4-day tour, traveling counter-clockwise around the island. This trip will introduce you to the incredible array of attractions along the South Coast, the dramatic, untouched fjords of the East, the diversity of the North, and the picturesque landscapes of the West.

Not only will you be able to marvel over the most famed Icelandic sites, such as the Lake Myvatn region and the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, but you'll also be able to witness hidden gems such as Gljufrabui waterfall. Furthermore, it's possible to fill your days with even more excitement by booking various unique activities.

Summer travelers, for example, can take a whale-watching tour and an unforgettable boat trip on the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. They'll also be able to be able to sightsee under the unending light of the midnight sun.

Winter travelers, meanwhile, have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore a crystal blue ice cave in Vatnajokull National Park. They can also marvel over the legendary aurora borealis whenever the sky darkens. 

Though this holiday is an action-packed whirlwind of adventure, you can embark on it without any worries or stresses due to the convenience of vacation packages. All your hotels with breakfast are sorted before your arrival, as are the tours you select while booking. 

Furthermore, your local guide will handle all the driving, taking the hassle out of planning your routes and navigating Iceland's often treacherous roads. Your guide is an expert on the country's nature, folklore, and history, providing fascinating context to each site you visit.

Day six offers the opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon if you missed it on day one or explore Reykjavik if you have time. A driver will take you back to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.

Don't miss this fast-paced, 6-day adventure around Iceland's Ring Road, including accommodation, transport, airport transfers, and admission to the Blue Lagoon spa. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

Airport transfer on arrival/departure
5 nights of accommodation (details below)
4-day small-group guided tour along the Ring Road of Iceland
Blue Lagoon comfort entrance (upgrade to premium level available)
Detailed itinerary
Personal travel agent
Taxes
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your trip

Activities

Glacier Hiking
Whale Watching
Sightseeing
Boat Trip
Hot Spring Bathing

Daily itinerary

Day 1
The Blue Lagoon Spa on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula.

Day 1 - Welcome to Iceland | Blue Lagoon Spa and Reykjavik

On the first day of your action-packed holiday in Iceland, you'll land at Keflavik International Airport. After sailing through customs, you'll find a convenient shuttle bus waiting for you. However, rather than take you straight to Reykjavik, you'll make a delightful detour to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. If there's no time to visit the lagoon today, it can be added to another day. Your travel consultant can arrange this for you.

One of the most famous attractions in the country, the Blue Lagoon is a haven of relaxation and well-being. It boasts azure waters with healing properties, saunas, steam rooms, and various therapies and treatments to help the mind, body, and soul.

After rejuvenating in this heavenly place, you'll take the shuttle bus to your hotel in Reykjavik. The city has a thriving cultural scene and some spectacular art and architecture, so be sure to explore if you're not too tired.

Start with a visit to Hallgrimskirkja Church, its towering structure offering unparalleled views of the cityscape from the top. Head next to the Harpa Concert Hall, a stunning piece of modern architecture with a dazzling glass facade known for its rich music calendar and cultural performances.

For museum enthusiasts, options are plenty. Visit the National Museum of Iceland for a deep dive into the country's history, the Whales of Iceland for an interactive exploration of marine life, or Perlan for a mix of science and fun.

Reykjavik's vibrant culinary scene is worth exploring, with diverse offerings ranging from traditional Icelandic fare to global cuisines. Don't miss strolling around the old harbor and downtown areas, where colorful houses meet trendy boutiques, galleries, and coffee shops.

Whether it's history, culture, food, or outdoor activities, Reykjavik has something for everyone. Don't get too carried away by the bustling nightlife, as your Icelandic Ring Road adventure starts early tomorrow.

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Day 2
An overhead shot of a road traveling through the South Coast of Iceland.

Day 2 - The South Coast

On day two of your holiday, your four-day navigation around the circumference of Iceland will begin. Your guide will pick you up. Then, you'll meet your travel companions and set out on the trip of a lifetime.

The sites you'll enjoy today line the spectacular South Coast. You'll begin by visiting the stunning waterfall of Seljalandsfoss, and if the path is clear, locate its hidden neighbor, Gljufrabui. The following site is another magnificent waterfall, the mighty Skogafoss. Each waterfall is uniquely beautiful, and all offer excellent photo opportunities.

After approaching Skogafoss as closely as you dare and feeling its mist across your face, you'll continue to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. This stunning stretch is best known for its coastal geology. The sea stacks of Reynisdrangar tower over the waters and the giant rock arch of Dyrholaey can be seen to the west.

After a quick stop for lunch in Vik, you'll continue east. The landscapes around you will vary from black sand deserts to rural beauty until the mighty Vatnajokull glacier dominates the scenery. As Europe's largest glacier, it's also a national park, part of which you'll explore by visiting the Skaftafell nature reserve.

Beloved for its incredible scenery, you can enjoy a range of classic Icelandic features here, such as glacier lagoons, waterfalls, rivers, and lava fields. One of the reserve's highlights is the magnificent outlet glacier of Svinafellsjokull. You can elect to take a tour here when booking your vacation package.

Glacier hiking tours are a thrilling way to enjoy Iceland's nature, providing you with an adventure across unique and beautiful terrain and exposing you to some of the most unforgettable views the country offers.

After an action-packed beginning to your Ring Road adventure in Iceland, you'll retire in a hotel or guesthouse in the Southeast Iceland area.

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Day 3
Pieces of ice resting on the black sands of the Diamond Beach on Iceland's South Coast.

Day 3 - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and the Eastfjords

After breakfast on the third day of your fast-paced Icelandic holiday, you'll head to one of the country's most famous and beloved attractions. The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is a vast lake filled with giant, vividly blue icebergs that seem to be pulled from a fairytale. Walking along its shores is breathtaking, and summer visitors can book a zodiac tour for an unforgettable close-up perspective.

Another highlight of Jokulsarlon is its resident population of seals, which can often be spotted swimming among the icebergs or lounging on them, adding a lively element to this already surreal scene. The lagoon is a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts, so ensure your camera is ready to capture memories to last a lifetime.

Before departing Jokulsarlon, you can fit in a quick visit to Diamond Beach. This stretch of black sand is dotted with smaller icebergs that wash up after escaping the lagoon. It got its name from how they glisten magically in the sun.

Afterward, you'll set off to one of the least visited regions of Iceland, the Eastfords. This area only attracts fewer tourists due to its distance from Reykjavik, not because it lacks beauty. The smaller crowds at each site only make it more spectacular.

Many visitors find East Iceland their favorite region due to the unspoiled views over sparkling fjords, towering mountains, minuscule villages, far-flung beaches, and the Vatnajokull glacier. The area also has an abundance of wildlife on land and in its seas, boasting wild reindeer, seabirds, and marine mammals.

In addition to its natural splendors, East Iceland is rich in cultural heritage. It features charming fishing villages that tell stories of the region's maritime past and numerous folk museums and historic lighthouses. 

After a scenic journey in the winding fjords, you'll retire in a comfortable accommodation in East Iceland.

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Day 4
Northeast Iceland is abundant in geothermal landscapes.

Day 4 - The Lunar Landscapes of North Iceland

On day four of your holiday, you'll leave the Eastfjords and head to North Iceland. The sites and landscapes here are abundant, spectacular, and unbelievably diverse.

You will, for example, be immersed in lava-covered terrain so stark that it appears to be from another planet. After driving a short distance, however, you'll be surrounded by the verdant greenery and azure lakes of Myvatn. There is thriving flora and fauna by these sparkling waters, but just a few miles away at Namaskard Pass, where hissing steam vents have poisoned the surroundings with their volcanic fumes, there is only barren lifelessness.

Dramatic craters from historically devastating eruptions contrast with the picturesque pseudocraters on Myvatn's shores, and bright, scenic picnic spots sit in the shadow of the ominous Dimmuborgir fortress. This fortress-like area is a labyrinth of towering lava formations, forming dark, mysterious paths and caves that imbue the landscape with a sense of mystique and ancient folklore.

Even the waterfalls boast great diversity. Godafoss is beautiful, surrounded by countryside, while Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, thunders into a stark, rocky canyon. Both are perfect examples of Iceland's raw natural beauty, each with its unique charm and atmosphere. While Godafoss offers a serene, pastoral scene, the roaring Dettifoss conveys the immense power and grandeur of Iceland's landscapes, reflecting the incredible forces shaping this volcanic island.

After sightseeing around this stunning area, you can recharge by visiting the Myvatn Nature Baths. This spa is luxurious, quieter than many other pools, and immersed in a spectacular landscape. The mineral-rich, geothermally heated waters offer a soothing retreat, providing relaxation and panoramic views of the rugged beauty of the surrounding lava fields and hills.

You'll reach the town of Akureyri, the country's second-most lively area after the capital, at the day's end. After soaking up its culture and enjoying beautiful views of Eyjafjordur fjord, you'll retire at your comfortable accommodation for the night in North Iceland.

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Day 5
The Hvitserkur rock formation in Northwest Iceland.

Day 5 - North Iceland with Optional Whale-Watching

On the fifth day of your action-packed Icelandic vacation, you'll see more sites of North Iceland before returning to Reykjavik through the beautiful landscapes of West Iceland. Your first stop is at the village of Dalvik, a short drive from Akureyri. This settlement is often hailed as one of the best whale-watching locations in the country.

If you elect to whale-watch while booking, you'll set out into a spectacular fjord and have a near-certain chance to witness some of the world's most beautiful creatures. In summer, Humpback Whales, White-Beaked Dolphins, and Atlantic Puffins call these waters home, and Orcas, Belugas, and Blue Whales have been known to visit.

If traveling between April and October, you'll follow this adventure up with a visit to the dramatic Kolugljufur canyon, home to a powerful waterfall. The canyon's sheer cliffs frame the waterfall beautifully, creating a stunning spectacle where the cascading water echoes through the vastness of this rugged geological formation.

Otherwise, your second destination for the day is another North Iceland site renowned for its wildlife, the Vatnsnes Peninsula. Many seal colonies can be found lounging on its shores and playing in its waters. The peninsula's largest town, Hvammstangi, is home to the Icelandic Seal Centre, where you can learn more about them.

Vatnsnes is also home to the famous rock monolith of Hvitserkur. Shaped like an elephant drinking from the shallow waters of a bay, Hvitserkur attracts many photographers for its unusual but striking formation. At high tide, it appears as a solitary giant emerging from the sea, while at low tide, you can get close and discover the variety of sea birds that use this magnificent rock formation as a nesting place.

After enjoying these sites, you'll begin your journey south, back towards Reykjavik. West Iceland is home to many lovely landscapes to admire on the way. Idyllic countryside, fields of lava, countless mountain ranges and volcanoes, glacier views, and a dramatic coastline allow you to relax and enjoy a visual masterpiece from your window.

You'll reach Iceland's capital in the late evening, just in time to witness the nightlife before retiring.

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Day 6
The Sun Voyager monument on the Reykjavik shore front.

Day 6 - Departure with Optional Blue Lagoon or Reykjavik Sightseeing

Your sixth day is your last day in Iceland. If you have a late flight, you can use the opportunity to explore Reykjavik and admire its art, architecture, parks, and countless cultural sites. You could even fit in a visit to a fascinating museum or gallery or dip in a local pool.

The Reykjavik Art Museum, spread across three sites, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, showcasing an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional Icelandic art. For history buffs, the Reykjavik Maritime Museum offers a deep dive into Iceland's maritime history and its influence on the nation's development.

After absorbing the city's rich cultural tapestry, you can unwind at Laugardalslaug, the city's largest geothermal pool. This sprawling complex features hot tubs, a steam bath, and a large outdoor pool.

The city also has many fantastic boutiques for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Having spent the past five days wandering through magnificent nature rather than city streets, this may be your only opportunity to do so. From unique Icelandic woolen goods to locally crafted jewelry and artisanal products, Reykjavik's boutiques offer a variety of authentic souvenirs that capture the spirit of your Icelandic journey.

Alternatively, you could spend the day in the Blue Lagoon spa if you did not have time to visit when you arrived. After an action-packed vacation, there's no better way to unwind and reminisce.

The Blue Lagoon is renowned for its geothermally heated, mineral-rich waters amidst a stunning volcanic landscape, offering relaxation and reputed skin benefits. The experience is even more memorable with on-site spa amenities and the surreal backdrop of steam rising from the azure waters against the stark black lava fields.

A shuttle bus will return you to the airport in time for your trip home. Enjoy your flight, knowing you made the most of every second you had in Iceland.

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What to bring

Warm and waterproof outdoor clothing
Good hiking boots
Swimsuit and a towel
Camera

Good to know

Please know that your itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better. Please note that the boat tours on Jokulsarlon are only available from May to October.

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Accommodation in Reykjavik

See our accommodation levels below and our preferred accommodation partners under each day in the daily itinerary.

Super budget level accommodations will be arranged in hostel dorm beds. For other levels, bookings for one person will be arranged in single rooms, and bookings for two or more people will share a twin/double or triple room(s).

If you are travelling in a group, but prefer a single room, please make separate bookings.

Teenagers and children will be arranged in the same room with parents. If additional room(s) is needed, additional costs will incur.

For multi-day guided tours, accommodation cannot be upgraded and the levels below do not apply.

Guide to Iceland will provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking from our preferred partners. If our preferred partners are fully booked at the time of your booking, we will find another suitable accommodation for you of similar level.

We always do our best to accommodate special requests, which may incur additional costs. Press choose a date to find availability.

Super Budget

Dormitory beds with shared bathrooms in guesthouses or hostels, such as HI Hostels. Located in the capital region. Breakfast is not included.

Budget

Private rooms with shared bathroom in guesthouses or hostels such as Capital Inn Guesthouse. Located in the capital region. Breakfast is not included.

Comfort

Rooms with a private bathroom at three-star hotels such as Hótel Klettur, or quality guesthouses. Located in the city center or in close vicinity. Breakfast is included.

Quality

Rooms at four-star design hotels in the city center with a private bathroom at the absolute best locations downtown such as Hotel Alda. Breakfast is included.

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