Unforgettable 7 Day Guided Minibus Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

Day two takes you deeper into the breathtaking East Coast of Iceland. This starts with a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, which many consider to be Iceland’s crown jewel.

Watching the icebergs float through the water and wash up on Diamond Beach is truly mesmerizing. These ice fragments, shaped by the wind and sea, create a striking contrast against the black sand, making it a photographer's paradise.

Depending on the season, you can get a closer look at the icebergs by joining an optional amphibian boat tour, available for an additional fee. Cruise among the glistening icebergs for an unforgettable experience, or perhaps spot seals lounging on the ice.

You'll also visit Vestrahorn Mountain, one of Iceland's most photogenic peaks. This dramatic mountain range on the Stokksnes Peninsula is known for its striking features, black sand dunes, and ever-changing light. This makes it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike.

After exploring Vestrahorn, you’ll head to the peaceful Hvalnes Coast, known for its rugged cliffs, wide vistas, and untouched landscapes. This tranquil spot offers beautiful panoramic views and a quiet escape to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Southeast Coast.

Continuing your journey on this 7-day Ring Road tour, you’ll stop in the charming village of Djupivogur, located in the bird-rich Berufjordur Fjord. This village has a long history of trade dating back to the 16th century.

Today, the harbor mainly serves local fishermen, but you can still explore the old port area, including Langabud, an old trading station built in 1790. Here, you can also appreciate the unique Eggin i Gledivik, an outdoor art installation featuring 34 egg sculptures representing local bird species.

The Eastfjords is also home to Iceland’s only wild reindeer population, so nature lovers should watch for these majestic creatures. You may also spot puffins, seals, and even whales or dolphins in the surrounding waters.

As you head to Egilsstadir town, you may pass Lagarfljot Lake, said to be home to the Icelandic version of the Loch Ness monster. The lake's serene beauty offers a peaceful stop before heading to Egilsstadir, the largest town in East Iceland.

In the evening, treat yourself to a relaxing experience at the Vok Geothermal Floating Pools, an optional activity for an additional fee. This new geothermal spa, located on Lake Urridavatn, offers warm, mineral-rich waters sourced from beneath the lake, providing the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

The day ends in the town of Egilsstadir, the capital of East Iceland, where you'll spend the night in a peaceful accommodation.

On day three of your 7-day Ring Road tour, you’ll journey from East Iceland to the stunning North, crossing the magnificent Highlands. Your first stop is Studlagil Canyon, a breathtaking geological marvel known for its towering basalt columns and vivid blue-green waters. The panoramic views from the viewing platform above make this a must-see for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Afterward, you’ll head to Dettifoss Waterfall, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Feel the strength of the rushing water beneath your feet as you take in the stunning views. A short hike will lead you to Selfoss Waterfall. This serene waterfall has a wide, horseshoe-shaped cascade, providing a peaceful contrast to Dettifoss.

Your adventure continues in the stunning Lake Myvatn area, known for its rich birdlife and captivating volcanic landscapes. Here, you’ll explore the Hverir Geothermal Area, a surreal landscape filled with bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. The vivid colors and sulfuric steam rising from the ground create a truly otherworldly experience.

Next, you’ll visit Grjotagja Cave, a fascinating lava cave that once served as a popular bathing spot. The crystal-clear geothermal waters and the cave’s stunning rock formations make this a mystical place to visit.

Following this, explore the Dimmuborgir Lava Field, known for its towering rock formations steeped in Icelandic folklore. Often referred to as the “Dark Castles,” the area is rich with legends about trolls and elves, adding an enchanting atmosphere to your visit.

After all the exploration, treat yourself to a rejuvenating soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths. Take a deep plunge into silky, blue waters rich in minerals that will make your skin smooth and relaxed.

The last stop of the day is Godafoss Waterfall, also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Marvel at the cascading waters falling over a wide, crescent-shaped cliff, creating a breathtaking display of nature's power and beauty.

For those seeking additional relaxation, you can choose to visit the Forest Lagoon, a peaceful spa experience in Akureyri that is available for an additional cost.

Spend the evening in Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, where you’ll check in at a comfortable accommodation. Rest and enjoy the ambiance of this charming northern city.

With the natural wonders of East Iceland behind you, day four is all about exploring more of North Iceland. After a scenic drive along the coast, you’ll arrive in the fishing village of Dalvik. You can spend the morning discovering its quaint streets and local landmarks.

Alternatively, you can join an optional whale-watching boat tour in Dalvik for an additional fee. During this three-hour tour, you’ll have the chance to see mighty humpback whales, along with other species that frequent the waters. Enjoy the stunning backdrop of Dalvik’s peaceful fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and scenic coastal views.

After visiting Dalvik, you’ll travel north to the Trollaskagi Peninsula, also known as the Troll Peninsula. This region is renowned for its rugged landscapes and panoramic views, with towering mountains and deep fjords. As you explore, you’ll have the opportunity to visit fishing villages, where you can learn about local culture and folklore.

Next, stop at the picturesque town of Siglufjordur, once the herring capital of the world. This charming town, surrounded by towering mountains and the sea, boasts colorful buildings and offers a peaceful place to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Stroll through its scenic streets and lively harbor, taking in the history of its maritime past.

From Siglufjordur, you’ll continue your journey to Hofsos, a coastal village known for its striking black wooden architecture. The traditional black-painted buildings were designed to protect the wood from Iceland’s harsh weather and have become iconic to the area.

In addition to the village’s architectural beauty, you’ll also visit the shoreline. Admire the hexagonal basalt columns that rise from the water’s edge, a fascinating natural wonder created by cooling lava.

Continue your journey to explore the Kolugljufur Canyon, a lesser-known gem with stunning rock formations and the impressive Kolufossar Waterfall cascading through the gorge. The canyon is named after the giantess Kola from Icelandic folklore and stretches about 0.6 miles (1 km) long and offers beautiful views along well-marked trails. The area is also rich in flora, and the nearby river is known for its salmon runs.

Your day ends in West Iceland with an overnight stay in a cozy accommodation in Borgarnes, a peaceful town on the West Coast. With stunning views of Hafnarfjall Mountain and proximity to Borgarfjordur Fjord, Borgarnes is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

Day five is all about exploring the dramatic landscapes of Borgarfjordur Fjord and its stunning lava-themed attractions. Start your day with a visit to Grabrok Volcanic Crater, where you can take in views of the surrounding lava fields and rugged landscapes. This volcanic crater is part of the Grabrokarhraun Lava Field and offers a great introduction to the region's geological beauty.

Next, continue to Glanni Waterfall near Bifrost. Here, the Nordura River cascades over ancient lava fields. This enchanting waterfall is steeped in local legend, with stories of elves living in the area, adding a touch of folklore to the stunning landscape.

Continue your adventure and visit Deildartunguhver Hot Spring, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, known for its intense steam and high flow rate. The hot spring pumps out over 180 liters of boiling water every second, supplying hot water and heating to nearby towns.

On this day of your Ring Road tour, you’ll also visit Reykholt, a historic site rich in Icelandic folklore and literature. It is famously linked to the poet and chieftain Snorri Sturluson and is home to Snorralaug, an ancient hot spring where locals have bathed for centuries.

From there, continue to the hauntingly beautiful Hallmundarhraun Lava Field, home to two of West Iceland’s most celebrated waterfalls: Hraunfossar (unique lava waterfalls) and Barnafoss. Though close to each other, these waterfalls are very different. The Hraunfossar Waterfall is wide, serene, and gentle, while the Barnafoss Waterfall powerfully rushes through a narrow gorge.

Afterward, visit Husafell, a charming destination between two glaciers. Surrounded by lush birch forests and pristine waterfalls, Husafell is known for its Viking heritage, and you’ll find traditional turf houses and whimsical elf huts scattered throughout the area. It's a peaceful spot that inspires local artists, many of whom display their works around the village.

To round out your day, you’ll take a guided tour of Vidgelmir Lava Cave, which stretches about 10 miles (16 km). During this 1.5-hour tour, you’ll explore the cave’s stunning lava formations, including impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

The cave’s vibrant colors and unique textures are stunning, and the area around the entrance shows the raw power of volcanic eruptions. Vidgelmir is believed to have sheltered Viking settlers in the past, adding an element of historical significance to the natural beauty.

After your underground adventure, your day ends with an overnight stay in the Borgarfjordur area, surrounded by the stunning beauty of West Iceland’s landscapes. This area offers the perfect place to unwind after an exciting day of exploration.

On day six, you’ll explore Snaefellsjokull National Park, often called “Iceland in Miniature,” because it showcases the country’s most iconic landscapes in one stunning but compact region. This area features towering coastal mountains, a glacier-capped volcano, black-sand beaches, rushing rivers, and cascading waterfalls.

Watching over you this day is the crown jewel of the peninsula: Snaefellsjokull Glacier. This amazing, cone-shaped glacier-capped mountain has inspired artists for centuries and was the setting for Jules Verne's “A Journey to the Centre of the Earth.” This 7-day Ring Road tour gives you the chance to see this glacier’s peak as it dominates the landscape, glistening in the sunlight.

The first stop is Ytri-Tunga, a beach near an abandoned farm home to a thriving seal colony. If you haven’t yet spotted any seals, this is a great place to see them lounging on the rocks, basking in the sun without a care in the world. The stunning view of Snaefellsjokull Glacier adds an element of magic to your seal-watching experience.

Afterward, head to Budakirkja, the famous black church. It’s a highlight of any journey through the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Built in the 19th century by a determined local woman, this small timber church stands out with its striking black color against the surrounding landscape. It has become a popular wedding venue despite initial resistance from church authorities.

From there, you’ll continue along the coast to the beautiful villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. At Arnarstapi, you’ll discover the natural Gatklettur, or "Rock with a Hole," an impressive sea arch made of lava rock, offering dramatic views of the surrounding cliffs and the wild Atlantic Ocean. You’ll also explore the lava bridge here, another fascinating geological feature.

A short drive takes you to the Londrangar Basalt Columns, towering 230-foot (70-meter) high formations that rise from the sea. These majestic columns serve as an important nesting site for puffins and other seabirds, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly in the summer months.

Make your way to the striking Djupalonssandur Black Pebble Beach. Here, you’ll find four large, smooth stones known as the lifting stones, once used by fishermen to test their strength before heading out to sea. Your guide will explain the history behind each stone, and you’ll have the chance to try your hand at lifting them.

The last stop of the day is Kirkjufell Mountain. It beautifully rises from the green landscape and is surrounded by trickling rivers and waterfalls. This is one of Iceland's most popular photography spots, so be sure to get a picture for your collection.

The day's final stop is Kirkjufell Mountain, one of Iceland’s most iconic and photographed mountains. Rising dramatically from the surrounding landscape, it is often likened to a shark’s fin.

It is a popular photography spot, especially with the nearby waterfalls, where you can capture the beauty of the mountain with flowing water at its base. Kirkjufell also gained fame from its appearance in the Game of Thrones series as “Arrowhead Mountain."

After a day full of spectacular sights and experiences, you’ll spend the night in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city, where you can reflect on the day's adventures and prepare for your next destination.

As your 7-day Ring Road adventure draws to a close, you’ll explore the iconic Golden Circle Route. The first attraction you’ll see on this route is Thingvellir National Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Icelandic mainland. The reasons for its popularity are twofold.

First is its history. The Thingvellir National Park is the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament, Althing. Founded in 930 AD, it's the world’s longest-running, ongoing parliament. Secondly, it has spectacular geology. The park sits in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates, visible as you travel through the Almannagja Gorge.

Following Thingvellir, you’ll head to the geothermal wonderland of Haukadalur Valley, home to the famous Geysir Geothermal Area. While Geysir, the original geyser that gave all others their name, hasn’t erupted in years, its neighbor, Strokkur, erupts every five to ten minutes, shooting water up to 131 feet (40 meters) into the air.

However, the Haukadalur Valley offers more than just Strokkur; smaller geysers and thermal pools bubble gently, creating a spectacular showcase of Iceland’s geothermal energy. The area’s mineral-rich pools and fumaroles constantly shift the landscape, adding to its magical atmosphere.

The last stop on your Golden Circle tour is Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland’s most iconic waterfall. The power of the Hvita River cascading over 98 feet (30 meters) into a deep canyon is awe-inspiring. On sunny days, the mist creates beautiful rainbows, transforming Gullfoss Waterfall into a natural light display.

Before you leave the area, you’ll visit one more hidden gem: Kerid Crater, a striking volcanic caldera. Inside the caldera lies a blue-green-colored lake, and the red volcanic rock contrasts beautifully with the blue waters, creating one of Iceland’s most visually captivating sights. Just a few thousand years old, the colors and textures of the crater make it an ideal subject for photographers.

To cap off your Icelandic adventure, you have the option to relax at the Blue Lagoon for an additional fee. The Blue Lagoon is one of the world’s most famous geothermal spas. Enjoy its soothing, mineral-rich waters, complete with towels, drinks, and changing facilities. Transfers are included, making it a relaxing way to end your Icelandic adventure.

After these unforgettable sights, you’ll return to Reykjavik, knowing you’ve experienced the best of Iceland’s natural wonders in just one week. The locals often drive the Ring Road in a week, and now you have, too. Reserve your spot and enjoy your adventure in the incredible country of Iceland.