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

The powerful Dettifoss waterfall in the North Iceland
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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Reykjavík
Starting time
at 08:30
Duration
7 days
Ending place
Reykjavík
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Available
May - Oct.
Minimum age
5 years old

Description

Jump aboard this seven-day guided tour all around the circle of Iceland.

If you want to see and discover as much of this incredible country as possible, without worrying about organising or driving, then this is the perfect tour for you.

Over a week, you will see a wide variety of sights, including the world-famous spots of the Golden Circle and Jökulsárlon glacier lagoon, as well as little-known national treasures: hidden waterfalls and the remote East Fjords. 

This tour is designed to be relaxing, comfortable, and exciting. Furthermore, you will relax in a mini-bus throughout the journey. The bus hosts a maximum of nineteen passengers, ensuring a pleasant and personalised trip.

The first day of this tour will centre around waterfalls, glaciers and volcanoes, as you observe the famous Eyjafjallajökull glacier, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and Reynisfjara black sand beach. On this day, you will also have the option of glacier hiking (April-October).

The second day starts with a visit to the world-famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – a stunning glacial lake with floating icebergs. There is plenty of wildlife in this area, and seals have been known to sit on icebergs in the area. Nearby lies the Diamond Beach, where some of the ice that has broken from the glacier is washed ashore.

This creates a dazzling effect, making the ice appear diamond-like against the black sand of the beach. In this area you will have the option to take part in some activities: an Amphibian Boat Tour (May-October) or an Ice Caving Expedition (November-March).

Later in the day, the exploring continues with a visit to more sites. Explore Vestrahorn Mountain, Lagarfljot Lake (inhabited by Icelandic version of Loch Ness monster), and Studlagil Canyon (April-October). All these sites can be found along the Ring Road (Route 1). This road leads you through Iceland's coastline, by narrow fjords, endless green valleys and charming fishing villages.

On the third and fourth days, you will discover the diversity of landscapes in North Iceland; witness the beauty of the Lake Mývatn area, visit some stunning waterfalls, geothermal areas and go whale watching from Dalvik. You will also spend the night in Akureyri – the capital of the North where you can enjoy the atmosphere of this charming, remote city.

Over the next two days, you will explore the West of the island. This includes the Snæfellsnes peninsula, which is often called ‘Iceland in Miniature’, due to its diverse beauty. You will also visit the Borgarfjörður area, where you can explore the most significant known lava cave in Iceland.

On the last day, you will visit the Golden Circle Route – the most visited set of attractions in Iceland. This includes the sites of Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and Geysir geothermal area.

You can bring one piece of hand luggage on this tour, and will want hiking shoes and warm outer layers.

This tour will appeal to people of all interests, be they photography, sightseeing, wildlife, adventure or culture.

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Included

Hotel pick up & drop off in Reykjavik
English guidance
7 days minibus tour around Iceland with maximum 19 passengers in the bus
Hotel stay in double rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast
Entrance to Viðgelmir Lava Cave
Free Wi-Fi on bus
Space for one piece of hand luggage

Activities

Glacier Hiking
Whale Watching
Sightseeing

Daily itinerary

Day 1
The Iceland geyser Strokkur erupts naturally every few minutes, much to the delight of visitors to Haukadalur Valley.

Day 1 - South Coast of Iceland

For the first of your seven days of adventure, you will explore Iceland’s incredible South Coast.

This stretch of Iceland is renowned for its vast diversity of landmarks and landscapes, all visible from the Ring-Road you will be travelling on. You'll drive through verdant fields and across deserts of black sand, all in the shadows of massive volcanoes and glaciers. One of these volcanoes you may already know about; you will be able to see Eyjafjallajökull in decent weather, the volcano that seriously disrupted air travel in 2010.

You will make multiple stops to appreciate the diverse world you are driving through. For example, you get to visit three unique and magnificent waterfalls: the famous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and its lesser-known Gljúfrabúi . You will also stop at the black sand beach Reynisfjara, to admire its stark beauty and the fascinating geological formations in the area, such as the sea stacks Reynisdrangar.

The main highlight of the day, however, will come when you stop at the glacier Vatnajökull in Skaftafell National Park. If you are willing, you will have the opportunity to spend an hour and a half hiking on the ice cap (3 hours in total with safety introduction), something you can do in very few places across the world. The beauty from atop the glacier is unreal and will stay with you for life.

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Day 2
Get all geared up before going on your glacier hike up Sólheimajökull by the South Coast of Iceland.

Day 2 - Glacier Lagoon and East Fjords

On day two, you will better explore Iceland’s incredible East Coast, starting with a visit to 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 mesmerizing. There, depending on the season, you can take part in exciting activity. Board for the amphibian boat tour among floating icebergs. You will also see the 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.

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.

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Day 3
The mountain Vestrahorn in East Iceland is dramatic, haunting and beautiful all at once.

Day 3 - Dettifoss Waterfall, Lake Myvatn & the Nature Baths

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 of 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.

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Day 4
The waterfall Dettifoss in North Iceland is reputed as the most powerful in all of Europe.

Day 4 - Whale watching and North Coast

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 the 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 and Kolugljufur Canyon with spectacular waterfall.

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Day 5
Húsavík boasts some of the most successful sightings of all whale watching venues.

Day 5 - West Iceland, Lava Cave, Waterfalls & Hot Springs

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, with the former being wide, serene and gentle, and the latter rushing violently down a narrow gulley. You will also give a 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.

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Day 6
The waterfalls of West Iceland cascade over fields of rugged lava rocks.

Day 6 - Black Beaches, Lava Fields & the Magic of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

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 wonder 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.

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Day 7
A photo of the mountain Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a must-have for any nature photography portfolio.

Day 7 - The Golden Circle & Kerid Volcanic Crater

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 Iceland 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.

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What to bring

Warm and water/windproof clothes
Good hiking shoes (if you do not have hiking shoes then we offer these for rent)
Camera

Good to know

This tour typically finishes on Day 7 around 05:00pm (17:00) or 08:00pm (20:00) if the Blue Lagoon visit is selected as an extra

If you are a single traveler then a Single Room Supplement is mandatory.

Guests can bring one piece of hand luggage, and store other luggage in Reykjavik for a small fee.

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