8-Day Full Circle Guided Ring Road Tour

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.

Skaftafell within the magnificent Vatnajökull National Park. Along our scenic drive, marvel at glimpses of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, guarding the secrets of the infamous Katla volcano, and the iconic Eyjafjallajökull. We'll traverse the immense Eldhraun lava field before arriving at Skaftafell – a verdant oasis dramatically framed by vast black volcanic sands, where lush vegetation and birch forests flourish in its sheltered embrace.

Our expert glacier guide will lead you on a thrilling hike across one of the mighty outlets of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Get ready to explore breathtaking blue and white ice formations up close. And from October to April, this adventure transforms into a magical exploration of the glacier's ephemeral crystal ice caves, new ones forming with each winter, offering a truly otherworldly perspective from within!

Our journey continues to the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where colossal icebergs calve from the glacier and drift serenely through the shimmering waters. Renowned globally and immortalized in blockbuster films, this is the world's most iconic ice lagoon. After soaking in its sublime beauty, we'll step onto the captivating Diamond Beach. Here, a dazzling display of blue and white icebergs, sculpted by the ocean and kissed by the tide, gleam like precious jewels against the dramatic coal-black sand – a truly magical landscape that feels utterly surreal.

As night falls, from September to April, keep your eyes to the skies! If conditions are favorable, we'll be actively searching for the elusive Northern Lights. Your accommodation tonight will be in the Southeast, and your guide will be happy to offer tips on the best local spots to witness the mesmerizing dance of the aurora.

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. 

Prepare to be awestruck by the raw beauty of North Iceland! Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the edge of Vatnajökull National Park, offering glimpses of the untouched highlands. First, descend into the hidden wonder of Stuðlagil Canyon, where basalt columns frame a glacial river of mesmerizing hues.

You will also visit Möðrudalur farm, which happens to be the highest inhabited place in Iceland. 

Consider a rejuvenating soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths, where geothermal waters offer relaxation amidst snowy landscapes. In Jan–Mar 2026, Forest Lagoon replaces the Mývatn Nature Baths due to renovation.

Then you head to the Myvatn area, a spectacular place of geological and geothermal wonders. You explore the Hverfjall crater, the Dimmuborgir lava fortress, the barren Namaskard Pass, the pseudo-craters of Skutustadir, and the shores of Lake Myvatn. In the summer, you can see many wildflowers and birds, while in winter the waters will be beautifully frozen.

You then visit Godafoss waterfall, an incredible feature with a fascinating history. In A.D. 1000, the lawspeaker of Iceland threw his idols of the Old Norse Gods into the waters of Godafoss. He then began the conversion of Iceland to Christianity to avoid invasion by the zealous Norwegian king.

Finally, you go to your accommodation on the breathtaking fjord of Eyjafjordur bay.

You'll drive through Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, on the morning of day five of your week, exploring this spectacular country. There may be time to make a short stop before continuing to explore the more remote attractions of the country's north.

You'll start your adventure in the north by traveling up the beautiful Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland, and you'll enjoy some fabulous views of the surrounding natural landscapes.

The first destination today is an unforgettable whale-watching adventure. North Iceland is one of the world's best destinations for seeking out the gentle giants of the deep. Dolphins and porpoises are abundant throughout the year, and in summer, humpback whales and puffins can be seen on almost every trip.

You might even spot some rarer sea creatures such as orcas, belugas, and blue whales.

Once you've returned to dry land, you'll continue around the Trollaskagi peninsula to Siglufjordur. This village is one of the most spectacularly situated in the country and was once known as the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic.

Its historic buildings provide a traditional, welcoming ambiance, and you'll get a feel for what Icelandic life is like here.

You'll then tour the Trollaskagi peninsula, a region renowned for its coastal views, far-flung settlements, and abundant horses. Icelandic horses are gentle, intelligent creatures that you may have the opportunity to stop and greet. They're well known for being more friendly than other types of horses.

You'll end your day in the charming rural landscapes of Laugarbakki, where your accommodation for the night will be a country hotel. Laugarbakki is a perfect spot for hunting for the northern lights during winter.

You'll end your day at a hotel near Akureyri, the largest town in North Iceland. In winter, you will hunt for the northern lights should conditions allow, with a better chance of seeing them due to the region's longer hours of darkness, higher latitude, and generally clearer skies.

Once you’ve enjoyed your complimentary breakfast on the morning of your sixth day in Iceland, you’ll begin your two-day exploration of the sites of the west. Today, you’ll focus on the features immersed in the geothermal, rural landscapes around Borgarfjordur.

Borgarfjordur was voted one of the best travel destinations by Lonely Planet in 2016, so it’s an area not to be missed during your trip to Iceland.

You’ll start by taking a short hike up a dramatic volcano crater named Grabok, where you’ll enjoy marvelous views of the surrounding lava and a great perspective of the volcano’s depths.

From here, you’ll continue to Deildartunghver, the highest flowing hot spring in Europe. The water here is a fantastic example of Iceland’s geothermal power as it heats houses and supplies hot water throughout the region. There is even a spa adjacent to it that utilizes its energy.

Next, you will travel to the neighboring waterfalls of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar. Despite their proximity to each other, they couldn’t be more different.

Barnafoss is stark, powerful, and dramatic, and its folklore is steeped in tragedy. Hraunfossar is peaceful and gentle, pouring through a forest of Icelandic birch, a tree considered holy to the Old Norse.

The final stop of your journey today will be a cultural one. The village of Reykholt is renowned as the home of Iceland’s most important historian, chieftain, and writer, Snorri Sturluson, and you’ll learn all about his dramatic life as you explore the surroundings.

You’ll also get to see one of the oldest geothermal bathing pools in the country, which he used to use almost a thousand years ago.

In the evening, you’ll retire to a welcoming hotel near Borgarfjordur. Tonight will be your last opportunity to catch the northern lights if you’re traveling in winter, so keep an eye out!

The final day of your week-long circumnavigation of Iceland will have you tour the breathtaking Snaefellsnes Peninsula and complete the Ring Road back to where you started in Reykjavik.

This region is nicknamed ‘Iceland in Miniature’ because of its abundant attractions, many of which you will get to explore in-depth during this tour. You’ll see its craggy cliffs, black sand beaches, glaciers, and mountains.

The traditional seaside village of Arnarstapi is first on your schedule, where you can marvel over incredible coastal geology, such as the Gatklettur rock arch. You’ll also get to see the windswept 19th-century church in the abandoned settlement of Budir, surrounded by the stark natural beauty of the area.

Djupalonssandur is a black sand beach framed by spectacular cliffs. There are four historic boulders on the beach that sailors used to lift to prove their strength and suitability to the sea. Try picking one up to see how you would have fared. You can also see the remains of a British trawler, shipwrecked here in 1984.

Kirkjufell is a church-shaped standalone mountain renowned for its photogenic beauty. Thanks to its spectacular appearance, it is featured in the TV series Game of Thrones.

However, the most famous and impressive site on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is Snaefellsjokull. This magnificent glacier covers a twin-peaked volcano and is surrounded by a national park of the same name. This feature’s shape, scale, and gleaming white ice are breathtaking, and mystics have long claimed it has magical properties or alien connections.

Once you have toured around the incredible features of the park and peninsula, your guide will drive you back to Reykjavik, where the tour ends. You can spend the final leg of your journey rewarded by the knowledge that you have managed to pack an entire week with the most incredible attractions Iceland has to offer.

Your final day dawns with breakfast at your Reykjavik hotel. Then you are free to spend the day as you please.

You may be tired from your eight days of adventure around the country, so today would be an excellent day for simply wandering through the colorful streets of Reykjavik. Laugavegur street, or Main Street, is best known for its superb shopping opportunities. Be sure to get your souvenirs before heading home!

If you're up to it, you can take numerous day trips or excursions from Reykjavik. A whale-watching tour departing from Reykjavik harbor provides the opportunity to spot some gentle giants, and winter vacations allow you to take a cruise to hunt for the northern lights.

Learn more about Iceland with a visit to one or more of Reykjavik's educational museums. The Reykjavik City Card allows entry to a selection of Reykjavik's museums, galleries, and thermal pools and is a wonderful choice for budget-savvy travelers.

For true relaxation, you might enjoy a visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon. Many travelers like to visit the spa on their way to the airport since it's about 30 miles (49 kilometers) from Reykjavik and only 13.6 miles (22 kilometers) from Keflavik airport.

The Blue Lagoon is a favorite stop for a good reason. These electric blue waters are temptingly warm and provide unbeatable relaxation opportunities. To treat yourself further, consider booking a massage or spa package.

If you are heading home today, you can say goodbye to Iceland as you make your way to the airport. The 31-mile (50-kilometer) journey between Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport has scenic views of expansive lava fields and distant mountains, providing some final photo opportunities.

Your incredible eight-day tour of Iceland's Ring Road is complete, and you will have lifelong memories of this beautiful country.