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 crowds.

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.

Afterwards, we will spend the rest of the day in the Wilderness Center, a truly unique sanctuary, unlike anything else in Iceland. On the edge of the highlands, it feels like a step back in time. Old farmhouses, restored with care, let you experience how life once was here. Whispers of the past echo through the valley, tales of resilience and adventure in a land where nature reigns supreme. Discover the stories etched in the weathered timbers and hear the voices of those who came before.

You will be able to access the museum’s exhibitions free of charge during your stay.

As the day draws to a close, immerse yourself in the soothing waters of our Viking-inspired hot spring. Let the natural warmth melt away your cares as you gaze up at the star-studded sky. The bathhouse is built in an authentic style, with a traditional hot spring made from stones, just like the ones our ancestors used

You'll end your day having an opportunity to hunt for the northern lights at night around your accommodation.

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.

Today you have the chance to explore the Stuðlagil Canyon, characterized by picturesque basalt formations. You will also visit Möðrudalur farm, which happens to be the highest inhabited place in Iceland. 

After appreciating the different geothermal wonders, the guide will take you to the Myvatn Nature Baths to experience the soothing effects of hot geothermal bathing. Often referred to as the "Blue Lagoon of the North," these baths offer a unique opportunity to relax and unwind amid breathtaking natural surroundings.

The Myvatn Nature Baths feature a geothermically heated pool with temperatures ranging from 36-40° Celsius (97-100° Fahrenheit). The pool also features a unique blend of minerals and geothermal microorganisms, which are said to help relieve aching muscles and rejuvenate the skin.

Please note that admission is not included in the price but can be added while booking.

After an energizing time at the Myvatn Nature Baths, the guide will take you to Dimmuborgir, a geological formation full of intriguing folklore. Translating to "dark castles" in Icelandic, Dimmuborgir is a labyrinth of towering lava pillars and caves formed around 2,300 years ago during a volcanic eruption.

Interestingly, Dimmuborgir's eerie appearance has inspired Icelandic folklore, with tales of trolls and other mythical creatures inhabiting the caves and rocks. According to legend, Dimmuborgir is the home of the Yule Lads, mischievous Icelandic trolls who visit children in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Your final stop for the day is Godafoss, one of Iceland's most celebrated waterfalls. Godafoss waterfall spans approximately 100 feet (30 meters) across and drops around 39 feet (12 meters) into a horseshoe-shaped canyon. As you head toward the viewing platforms, you'll see the waterfall's majestic beauty from different vantage points.

In the evening, the guide will take you to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. You'll explore this vibrant town before heading to a country hotel to rest for the night.

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.

We will start with an incredible whale-watching tour. Eyjafjörður fjord is a whale watcher's dream, with a likelihood of seeing whales around 95%. 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!