8 Day Budget Self Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland & the Golden Circle

Your second day begins with Iceland's number one sightseeing route, the Golden Circle. This trail includes Thingvellir National Park, the geysers at Haukadalur, and the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall.

Thingvellir Park nests in the valley of the Mid-Atlantic Rift and has spectacular nature and history. While here, you have the opportunity to join a snorkeling tour in the crystal clear waters of Silfra Fissure and swim between the continents of Eurasia and North America.

Meanwhile, at the Geysir Geothermal Area, you'll find the geyser of Strokkur, which erupts regularly every 5 to 10 minutes. As this magnificent hot spring erupts, it creates a water column that can reach 49 to 66 ft (15 to 20 m). 

Next up is the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall, renowned for its power and majesty. If you did not choose to snorkel, you could embark on a snowmobile excursion of Langjokull Glacier from here. You can also sign up for a horse riding tour and get to know the unique and friendly Icelandic horse.

You will then continue along the South Coast, where you will stop by the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. These two majestic cascades are 197 ft (60 m) tall each and lie in the shadow of the Eyjafjallajokull glacial volcano.

Your destination today will be the coastal village Vik, home to the black beach Reynisfjara. This shore is beautiful to behold but impossible to swim off because of the powerful currents of the North Atlantic Ocean. Its geology is also fascinating.

No matter how you plan out your day, it is sure to be memorable. You'll spend the night at an accommodation in Vik.

On your third day, you will continue south-east to the nature preserve of Skaftafell, which belongs to the Vatnajokull National Park. An array of trails, sights, and activities will be waiting for you here.

You can hike up to Svartifoss waterfall and behold its unique black basalt rock wall or embark on a glacier hike to stroll on top of an ice cap amidst snowy formations and glistening crevasses.

As you continue along the road, your following site will be just as impressive. The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is where majestic icebergs float before drifting to the ocean, filling a vast lake and gleaming with beauty. Here you have the option of going on two different boat trips, where you can sail among these icebergs and try to spot some resident seals.

Close by is the Diamond Beach, where ice from the lagoon has washed up on shore to sparkle like gemstones in the sun. Your final destination will be the coastal village Hofn, where you will spend the night.

On day four, it is time to leave the South Coast behind and venture into the wild fjords of the East. The fjords might seem endless as you trail through them one by one, but each one is unique and sure to take your breath away.

You will cross steep mountain ridges and rolling hills, with Vatnajokull Glacier visible to the west as you wind up north. The East Fjords are home to wonderfully diverse wildlife, including roaming wild reindeer, seals, and a myriad of birds.

This day belongs to nature, so take it all in as you follow your route to your eastern destination of Egilsstadir, a charming town resting by the banks of Lake Lagarfljot.

You'll spend the night at an accommodation here.

On day five of your ring road adventure, you will get to know the North and its incredible wonders. For a real treat en route, drive to the Jokulsargljufur Canyon to visit the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss.

Your next stop is Lake Myvatn, a stunning area of geothermal activity. Notably, it is home to the pseudocraters Skutustadagigar, the pass of Namaskard, Dimmuborgir, a citadel of mystic lava formations, and Mount Krafla, one of Iceland's most notable volcanoes.

After sightseeing in the otherworldly Myvatn area, you can relax in the geothermal waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths to recharge before you continue with your journey.

In the town of Husavik, you have the option of leaving dry land to go whale watching in Skjalfandi Bay. If you upgrade to a RIB boat tour, you'll get an even closer encounter with Iceland's gentle giants and everybody's favorite bird, the Atlantic puffin.

Finally, you will head on to the town of Akureyri, where you will spend the night.

On your sixth day, you will wake up in Akureyri and see why it's called the 'Capital of the North' by the locals. Spend your morning exploring the many charms of this town, be it the local shops, buildings, museums, cafés, or parks.

A whale watching tour can also be added on this day, this time from Akureyri harbor. You can alternatively embark on a riding tour in the outskirts of Akureyri and enjoy the beautiful Eyjafjordur fjord. Once you are ready to drive on, set out to the Trollaskagi Peninsula and continue towards Skagafjordur.

You will pass through mountainous landscapes, visit the old fishing village of Siglufjordur, and stop at the tiny town Hofsos before you reach Saudarkrokur. You will spend the night here.

Explore the last corner of the island on day seven by venturing to the great West, home to diverse attractions including the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes and Deildartunguhver, the largest hot spring in Europe.

You should also pay a visit to the neighboring waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, uniquely different but only a stone's throw away from each other.

If history is your thing, take a detour to the medieval research facility at Snorrastofa, the former home to renowned Saga writer, scholar, and poet Snorri Sturluson. In the backyard nests Snorralaug, the oldest pool in Iceland.

If you feel like an adventure, you have two options for an underground trip. You could go on a caving tour through the lava tubes of Vidgelmir or see the inside of a glacier in the artificial ice tunnels of Langjokull.

You will then begin your journey back to Reykjavik, but not before stopping at Fossatun, a waterfall guarded by a troll woman according to ancient legends. When you reach the city, you can even choose a final excursion and descend into the magnificent magma chamber of the volcanic crater of Thrihnjukagigur.

All adventures must end at some point, so make sure to drop off your car at Keflavik Airport in time for your flight home. For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you will finish off your stay unwinding before you head to the airport.

This spa is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters and look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice.