7 Day Guided Ring Road Tour | Explore the Circle of Iceland

On day two, you will better explore Iceland’s incredible East Coast, starting from visit at the Jökulsárlon glacier lagoon, which many consider to be Iceland’s most beautiful spot. Watching icebergs cruise through the water, and seeing where they wash up on the Diamond Beach, is nothing but mesmerising. There, depending on the season, you can take part in exRead moreciting activities. In the winter time (November-March) you can jump on the superjeep to explore natural Blue Ice Cave, while during summer (May-October) board for the amphibian boat tour among floating icebergs. You will also incredible mountain Vestrahorn, one of the country’s most popular spots for photography.

After enjoying these sites, you will start to head up the East Fjords. This postcard-perfect stretch of coast will completely awe you, as you look down from huge mountains to narrow strips of glistening ocean, and picturesque villages nestled in remote corners. One of the visited settlements is Djupivogur, located in Berufjordur – long and narrow fjord rich in birdlife. This charming fishing village had a long trading history dating back to 16th century. In present days, local harbour serves only fishermen, but you can still catch the spirit of this place while talking a short walk around the port buildings – including Langabud, old trading station build in 1790.

Nature lovers should keep their eyes open when traversing this area. The East Fjords are the only area in Iceland where reindeer roam, but you could also spot puffins, seals or even whales and dolphins in the waters.

During spring and summer (from April to October) we also visit Stuðlagil Canyon - the hidden gem of Iceland. Turquoise waters originating in Vatnajokull glacier run between the biggest formation made of basalt columns in the whole country, that you can admire once taking just a short walk from the parking lot.

This day ends at Egillsstaðir – the capital of the East Iceland. There you can either take some rest or spend the evening soaking in Vök Geothermal Floating Pools - new geothermal SPA built on the beautiful Lake Urridavatn. Put your swimwear on, relax and enjoy the view over the untouched landscape. Pools are filled with warm waters streaming up from deeps under the lake.

On day three, you will leave East Iceland for the beautiful North, by crossing the magnificent Highlands. En route, you will stop at Europe’s most powerful waterfall, the awe-inspiring Dettifoss and feel its roaring powers beneath your feet.

The highlight of this day, however, is the Lake Mývatn area. This incredible place has more than just serene stretches Read moreof water; expect to see fascinating geothermal areas, impressive lava formations, and a huge wealth of unique birdlife.

You will fit a lot of sightseeing into this day. You will visit the dark rocky fortress of Dimmuborgir, with its stunning geology; a hot spring cave called Grjótagjá, an ancient bathing spot; the power plant Krafla and the Hverir geothermal area. After all the activity, you will likely be seeking relaxation, so you can treat yourself by visiting the Mývatn Nature Baths for a rejuvenating soak. Take a deep plunge into silky, blue waters reach in minerals, that will make you skin smooth and relaxed. Last stop on this exciting route is Godafoss - the waterfall of Gods.

You will spend the night in Akureyri - the capital of the North.

On day four, you will better explore the incredible beauty of North Iceland. After a scenic drive along the coast, you will reach the beautiful fishing village Dalvík, where you will partake in a whale watching adventure. On your three-hour boat tour, you can expect to see mighty, acrobatic humpback whales and many other species that are known to frequent thRead moree area. Between whale sightings, it is incredible to admire the nature around you; the serene fjord is surrounded by stunning mountains.

While driving through the North Coast you will easily realize how each region of Iceland differs from another - but still each one can amaze you equally. In the North we will be visiting the rock Hvítserkur which is a unique formation and a great place for photos, Seal Center in the small fishing village Hvammstangi where you will get information about these beautiful animals and Kolugljufur Canyon with spectacular waterfall (accessible only from April to October).

Day five is about Borgarfjörður and lava themed attractions. Your day will start from visit at Grábrók Volcanic Crater and the haunting but beautiful lava field of Hallmundarhraun where you will find two of West Iceland’s most celebrated waterfalls, Hraunfossar (unique lava waterfalls) and Barnafoss.

While right near each other, they are vastly different, witRead moreh the former being wide, serene and gentle, and the latter rushing violently down a narrow gulley. You will also have an opportunity to visit to a colorful Viðgelmir Lava Cave. Just shy of 1600 meters the cave features amazing colors and lava formations that lurk in the depths of the earth. During this 1,5 hour long expedition you will have a chance to see one of the largest lava caves in Iceland with its stunning lava stalactites and stalagmites. The area surrounding the entrance to the cave will allow you to realize how powerful eruptions of volcano can be. Finally, you will head to Deildartunguhver, the hot spring with the highest flow in all Europe.

You will spend your last night in the Borgarfjörður area.

On sixth day, you will explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, often called ‘Iceland in Miniature’ due to its incredible diversity of the country's most characteristic landscapes.

Watching over you this day is the crown jewel of the peninsula; Snæfellsjökull glacier. This amazing, cone-shaped mountain is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and you will be left in no wondRead moreer as to why it has inspired artists for centuries. It was, for example, where Jules Verne chose to set his novel ‘A Journey to the Centre of the Earth’.

The first stop is a farm called Ytri-Tunga. If over the seven days, you have not spotted a seal, you can be almost guaranteed to see a colony here, basking lazily on the rocks with little care for people.

You will continue to travel the coast, passing the beautiful, historic settlements of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. There is stunning geology in this area, which culminates with the Lóndrangar basalt columns, that tower above the road and ocean.

Djúpalónssandur is gorgeous black pebble beach you will stop at, and here you can test how valuable a fisherman you would have been in times gone by; four large, smooth stones here are called the lifting stones, and were used to measure one’s strength and suitability to life on the ocean. Your guide will explain the history of each one as you try them out.

At your last stop, you will find Kirkjufell mountain, rising out of the green hills, surrounded by trickling rivers. This is one of the most popular photography spots in Iceland, so be sure to get a picture for your collection.

You will stay overnight in Capital Area.

On your final day, you will explore The Golden Circle Route. The first is Þingvellir National Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Icelandic mainland. The reasons for its popularity are twofold. Firstly, it has a fascinating history, being the original site of what has become the world’s longest-running, ongoing parliament; early settlers to IcelRead moreand first convened here in 930 AD.

Secondly, it has spectacular geology; the park sits right in the rift valley between two tectonic plates, both of which are clearly visible as you travel through the sweeping lava fields of the Almannagjá gorge.

Following Þingvellir, you will head to see the geysers in geothermal hot-spot area Haukadalur Valley. Geysir itself, which gave all others their name, only goes off sporadically these days, but its neighbour Strokkur is happy to entertain; every five to ten minutes, you can see it eject water up to forty metres high.

The final stop on is the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, the most iconic falls in the country. You, however, will get to see two more beautiful locations. The first of these is the water-filled crater-lake Kerið, which is far too often overlooked by visitors.

You will then head back to Reykjavík, no doubt fully aware that you have made the most of every moment in this amazing country. Many of the locals travel the ring road in a week, and so could you, so reserve your spot now and get acquainted with Iceland.