8-Day Ring Road Trip with Highlands Exploration & Snaefellsnes Peninsula starting from Reykjavik

Today’s journey begins once you finish your complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Today will be very active, so be sure to fuel up and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

You'll be amazed by the vast Vatnjakokull glacier, the largest in Europe. Its immense size and stunning beauty make it a popular destination for glacier hiking. Glacier hiking is a thrilling, year-round activity since the ice at Vatnajokull doesn’t melt in the summer.

You will suit up with all the necessary safety equipment before your certified glacier guide leads you onto one of the outlets of the Vatnajokull glacier. You can expect a magnificent hike over the ice, spending your time exploring crevasses and enjoying endless stunning vistas.

Your experienced guide will be happy to answer any questions as they teach you about the glacier. Bring your camera for this hike because the gorgeous views are endless.

After your bucket list experience on the glacier, it’s time to visit another of Iceland’s magnificent glacial areas. The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is known as the Crown Jewel of Iceland, and it’s easy to see why!

The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is an enormous lake filled with floating ancient icebergs. As you walk around the lagoon, keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls Jokulsarlon home, including arctic tern and seals.

Just moments from Jokulsarlon is the beloved Diamond Beach, a popular site for many visitors due to its beauty and photo opportunities. It gets its name from the chunks of ice scattered across the black volcanic sand, which look like diamonds glittering in the sun.

Tonight’s accommodation is in the southeast area. 

On the third day of your tour around Iceland's Ring Road, you explore East Iceland's remote and beautiful landscapes. This region is known for its incredible coastline, abundant wildlife, and minimal crowns.

You begin touring the remote and spectacular wilderness of the Hvalsnes Peninsula, where you may see many seabirds and seals. You reach the charming village of Djupivogur, which is known for its public artwork and slow-paced lifestyle. Your guide will direct you to the famous Eggs of Merry Bay.

Afterwards, we will spend the rest of the day in the Wilderness Center, a truly unique sanctuary, unlike anything else in Iceland. On the edge of the highlands, it feels like a step back in time. Old farmhouses, restored with care, let you experience how life once was here. Whispers of the past echo through the valley, tales of resilience and adventure in a land where nature reigns supreme. Discover the stories etched in the weathered timbers and hear the voices of those who came before.

You will be able to access the museum’s exhibitions free of charge during your stay.

As the day draws to a close, immerse yourself in the soothing waters of our Viking-inspired hot spring. Let the natural warmth melt away your cares as you gaze up at the star-studded sky. The bathhouse is built in an authentic style, with a traditional hot spring made from stones, just like the ones our ancestors used

You'll end your day having an opportunity to hunt for the northern lights at night around your accommodation.

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. 

After appreciating the different geothermal wonders, the guide will take you to the Myvatn Nature Baths to experience the soothing effects of hot geothermal bathing. Often referred to as the "Blue Lagoon of the North," these baths offer a unique opportunity to relax and unwind amid breathtaking natural surroundings.

The Myvatn Nature Baths feature a geothermically heated pool with temperatures ranging from 36-40° Celsius (97-100° Fahrenheit). The pool also features a unique blend of minerals and geothermal microorganisms, which are said to help relieve aching muscles and rejuvenate the skin.

Please note that admission is not included in the price but can be added while booking.

After an energizing time at the Myvatn Nature Baths, the guide will take you to Dimmuborgir, a geological formation full of intriguing folklore. Translating to "dark castles" in Icelandic, Dimmuborgir is a labyrinth of towering lava pillars and caves formed around 2,300 years ago during a volcanic eruption.

Interestingly, Dimmuborgir's eerie appearance has inspired Icelandic folklore, with tales of trolls and other mythical creatures inhabiting the caves and rocks. According to legend, Dimmuborgir is the home of the Yule Lads, mischievous Icelandic trolls who visit children in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Your final stop for the day is Godafoss, one of Iceland's most celebrated waterfalls. Godafoss waterfall spans approximately 100 feet (30 meters) across and drops around 39 feet (12 meters) into a horseshoe-shaped canyon. As you head toward the viewing platforms, you'll see the waterfall's majestic beauty from different vantage points.

In the evening, the guide will take you to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. You'll explore this vibrant town before heading to a country hotel to rest for the night.

On the fifth day of your trip around Iceland, you arrive at Akureyri, the largest town in the north. You take a quick tour of its beautiful sites, including its harbor, church, and concert hall. Next, you drive up the shore of Eyjafjordur fjord, with its gleaming waters and flat-topped mountains.

We will start with an incredible whale-watching tour. Eyjafjörður fjord is a whale watcher's dream, with a likelihood of seeing whales around 95%. Humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins are common, but you may also see other species, such as belugas and orcas. In the summer, you might also spot blue whales and fin whales!

After your incredible expedition to see Iceland’s whales, the tour continues along the Trollaskagi peninsula. The stunning landscape is dotted with charming villages and quaint farms and is an excellent example of the beauty of North Iceland.

You will stop in the vibrant fishing town of Siglufjordur, the northernmost town on Iceland’s mainland. Siglufjordur was once known as the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic and now boasts several fascinating museums, such as the Herring Era museum and the Folk Music museum.

Upon leaving Siglufjordur, you will make your way through Skagafjordur and Hunavatnassysla, areas that are well known for the number of Icelandic horse farms. This is a great chance to stop for pictures of some iconic Icelandic scenery.

Tonight you will be staying at a country hotel in Laugarbakki village. This tiny community sits on the banks of the Midfjardara river and is a quiet area perfect for a good night’s rest.

The Borgarfjordur region in West Iceland is your first destination on the sixth day of your tour around Iceland’s Ring Road. The area was named one of the top travel destinations of 2016 by Lonely Planet, and when you see this otherworldly landscape, you will understand why!

Your group will stop at the Grabrok volcanic crater for a short hike to the top, providing incredible views over West Iceland. Grabrok is a lovely site, often overlooked by visitors, meaning you aren’t likely to see many other people and can enjoy the peace of the attraction.

The day’s next stop showcases how Iceland harnesses green energy, specifically geothermal energy. Deildartunguhver hot spring is the most powerful hot spring in Europe, and over 90% of the hot water used in the area is created here.

The Hraunfossar waterfall, or “Lava falls,” is a series of waterfalls streaming out of the Hallmundarhraun lava fields, creating a visually stunning image. After visiting Hraunfossar, you will also have the chance to stop at the neighboring Barnafoss waterfall, a powerful waterfall in total contrast to the gentle beauty of Hraunfossar.

Finally, you will visit the small West Iceland village of Reykholt. Reykholt is the hometown of the Icelandic writer, chieftain, and historian, Snorri Sturluson, maybe best known for his work Prose Edda, which compiled Old Norse mythology.

Before Sturluson created this book, this type of mythology was exclusively kept alive through oral tradition. Sturluson’s work is one of the most important texts regarding Norse Mythology and the belief system of Vikings.

Tonight your hotel will be located in Borgarnes, a charming town that connects the Snaefellsnes peninsula with the rest of Iceland. Here you can find numerous restaurants, cafes, and other amenities.

Today will be spent exploring one of the most amazing areas in the country, the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Often referred to as Iceland in miniature, the peninsula contains all the features that are so unique to Iceland.

Home to Snaefellsjokull National Park, the Snaefellsnes peninsula features glacier-capped volcanoes, lava fields, towering mountains, black sand beaches, and even colonies of seals. Snaefellsnes is best known for its incredible natural sights, but there are also a handful of small and quaint villages dotted around the peninsula.

Your first stop of the day is at the lovely neighboring fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. After exploring the surrounding area, including the natural harbor, rock formations, and basalt caves, you will have the chance to visit a cozy cafe for lunch.

After lunch, it is time to head to the awe-inspiring Snaefellsjokull National Park. Here, you have the opportunity to go on a short hike through the rolling green hills and admire the view of the Snaefellsjokull glacier towering above.

One of the most interesting attractions today is the Londrangar sea stacks, columns jutting 246 feet (75 meters) and 200 feet (61 meters) up from the sea. Legend says these striking monuments belong to the elves.

Next, you will head to one of the most beautiful beaches in Iceland, the Djupalonssandur black sand beach. Featuring dramatic cliffs and interesting lava formations, Djupalonssandur is sure to be one of today's highlights.

Finally, you will stop at the world-famous Kirkjufell mountain before you return to Reykjavik for the night. The cone-shaped Kirkjufell mountain is one of the most photographed spots in Iceland, so you’ll undoubtedly want to capture a shot of this stunning landmark!

Tonight you will be staying in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland. You will arrive in plenty of time to go out for dinner or a drink at one of Reykjavik’s many bars or restaurants.

This tour offers two distinct experiences depending on the season.

Summer (Mid-June to End of September): Landmannalaugar Super Jeep Tour

Explore Iceland's remote Central Highlands in a Super Jeep. Journey past farmlands and the volcano Hekla, venturing off the Ring Road into a diverse landscape. Visit a lava field formed in 2000, offering panoramic views of glaciers, volcanoes, and untouched nature. The Landmannalaugar area, a geothermal paradise, boasts unique mountains and natural hot springs perfect for a relaxing soak (bring your swimsuit!). This highlands adventure is an unforgettable way to complete your Iceland trip.

Winter (October to Mid-June): Langjokull Glacier Snowmobiling Tour

Get picked up from your Reykjavik accommodation in a Super Jeep and head to Langjokull Glacier Base Camp. You'll receive all necessary snowmobiling gear (helmet, balaclava, and suit) and instructions from a certified guide. No prior experience is needed! Explore the stunning winter wonderland of Langjokull, Iceland's second-largest glacier, during an hour-long snowmobile ride. Return to Reykjavik around 9 p.m.