6-Day Guided Small Group Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

The second day of your Ring Road tour takes you along the scenic South Coast, home to some of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes.

Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a stunning waterfall with a drop of 65 meters (213 feet). While walking behind the falls is usually not possible in winter, you can still admire the enormous cavern hidden behind the cascade. 

Next, you’ll visit Skogafoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the region. According to local folklore, the first Viking settler in the area buried a treasure chest in a cave behind the falls. If conditions allow, you can climb the staircase beside the waterfall for breathtaking views from above.

From here, you’ll gear up for an unforgettable adventure, a glacier hike on Solheimajokull Glacier. Accompanied by a highly trained guide, you’ll safely trek across the glacier’s striking blue crevasses, jagged ice formations, and frozen ridges.

Your final stop of the day is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach which is famous for being enclosed by black basalt columns and widely regarded as one of Iceland's most beautiful locations.

From Reynisfjara, you can see the Reynisdrangar Rock Formations, which boldly rise from the ocean. To the west, the Dyrholaey Peninsula features a massive black lava arch, shaped by the relentless waves of the Atlantic.

You will then retire to your accommodation for the evening in or near the village of Vik. Vik is a small coastal settlement with a picturesque church and stunning surroundings. The village overlooks Vikurfjara, a black sand beach with views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean.

Today, you’ll step into a breathtaking ice cave, a rare natural wonder formed by glacial meltwater freezing into stunning formations. These caves change each year, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

If you travel between April and October, your adventure begins in an ice cave within the Myrdalsjokull glacier. This vast ice cap covers the Katla Volcano, and its caves are shaped by volcanic heat and glacial movements.

If you visit during winter, you’ll instead explore a crystal blue ice cave within Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. This season’s highlights include the Western Ice Cave, known for its brilliant blue ice and intricate formations. Another notable formation is the Eastern Ice Cave, a vast, easily accessible tunnel of glistening blue ice.

As you enter the cave, your expert guide will lead the way through twisting corridors and frozen chambers. They will explain how these remarkable structures form each year, shaped by Iceland’s extreme weather. 

After your ice cave adventure, you’ll visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs drift across the water. Here, you will witness a mesmerizing scene as enormous icebergs, freshly broken from the glacier, drift across the water. 

To fully appreciate their scale and beauty, you’ll board a boat tour. This experience brings you up close to these massive ice formations.

Next, you’ll follow the icebergs’ path to Diamond Beach, where glistening ice chunks wash ashore. The contrast of crystal-clear ice against black sand creates a breathtaking scene, perfect for capturing stunning photos.

You’ll spend the night in this extraordinary area, surrounded by Iceland’s raw natural beauty. As night falls, the peaceful landscape offers a chance to unwind and take in the moment. If you’re traveling between September and April, remember to keep an eye out for the northern lights.

On your fourth day of exploration, get ready to discover the wonders of the Eastfjords, a region in Iceland known for its incredible variety of wildlife. This is the only place in Iceland where you can see wild reindeer, majestic creatures that roam freely in their natural habitat.

As you journey through the fjords, you’ll pass steep mountain ridges that provide stunning views of Vatnajokull Glacier to the west. The coastal roads wind past picturesque fishing villages, each with unique charm and history.

These villages provide a glimpse into Iceland’s history, culture, and traditional way of life. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet locals, hear their stories, and experience the relaxed pace of this remote region.

During your journey, you'll also encounter Hallormsstadaskogur, Iceland's largest forest. This vast area is a haven for nature lovers, with trails leading to waterfalls, moors, and hidden coves.

Nearby, you’ll find Lake Lagarfljot, a vast body of water steeped in legend. According to Icelandic folklore, a wyrm-like monster is said to dwell in its depths, a mystery that has fascinated visitors for centuries.

If you want to add extra adventure to your day, you have two exciting options. You can embark on a horse riding tour, where you’ll meet Icelandic horses and explore the stunning countryside from a new perspective.

These friendly horses are known for their unique gait and gentle nature, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride. Alternatively, you can unwind at Vok Baths, a luxurious geothermal spa built directly into a serene lake.

Here, you’ll soak in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by breathtaking scenery. It's the perfect way to relax after a day of adventure and enjoy the peaceful beauty of East Iceland.

After a day filled with unforgettable experiences, you'll find yourself in a charming town in East Iceland, where you'll spend the night. Take this opportunity to relax, reflect on the day's adventures, and prepare for the wonders ahead as your Icelandic journey continues.

You'll spend day five of your Ring Road tour exploring the staggeringly beautiful geothermal region around Lake Myvatn. This area showcases Iceland’s unique volcanic landscapes, with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and lava formations.

Before leaving the east, you’ll visit the breathtaking Studlagil Canyon, one of Iceland’s most stunning basalt column formations. Towering hexagonal rock formations surround crystal-clear blue waters, which create a scene that feels almost unreal.

Take your time exploring the canyon and following scenic trails that offer spectacular viewpoints. This is a perfect place for photography, as it allows you to capture the contrast between dark basalt and vibrant water. 

Next, you’ll head to Namaskard Pass, a geothermal area where the earth’s raw power is on full display. The deep red and orange tones of the terrain highlight the incredible geological diversity of the Icelandic countryside.

Before reaching Akureyri, you’ll stop at one of North Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls, Godafoss. Also known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," it played a key role in Iceland’s conversion to Christianity in the year 1000.

Before retiring to your accommodation for the night, keep an eye on the sky. If the clouds clear, you may be fortunate enough to witness the mesmerizing dance of the northern lights. 

On your final day, you’ll complete the last leg of the Ring Road route, making your way from Akureyri to Reykjavik, but not without a stop along the way. Your journey takes you to Hauganes, a small coastal village just a short drive from Akureyri.

Despite its size, Hauganes is a world-class whale watching destination and provides one of the best chances to see marine life near the Arctic Circle. With your ticket in hand, you’ll set sail in search of humpback whales, minke whales, and harbour porpoises.

The calm waters of Eyjafjordur fjord make this a prime location for spotting these gentle giants. The experience of seeing whales surface so close to the boat is unforgettable, with breathtaking views of the surrounding fjord adding to the moment.

After your whale watching adventure, you’ll continue your journey back to Reykjavik. Once you arrive, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you choose, with plenty of options to explore Iceland’s vibrant capital.

You could visit museums and art galleries or simply enjoy Reykjavik’s famous cafe culture. If you’re in the mood for shopping, the city’s boutique stores and local markets offer unique Icelandic designs and souvenirs.

For your convenience, it’s best not to schedule your flight home on the same evening. Bad weather or travel delays could affect your journey, so an extra night ensures a stress-free departure.