9-Day Small Group Ring Road & Westfjords Tour with Glacier Hike & Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Day 2 of this 9-day Ring Road of Iceland tour is all about glacier landscape. After a hot Icelandic breakfast at the hotel, the minibus continues east along the South Coast.

On the way, you will drive beneath the glacier-covered slopes of Myrdalsjokull, which hides the powerful Katla Volcano under its thick ice cap. The drive then crosses Eldhraun Lava Field, a wide carpet of moss-covered terrain left by one of the largest lava flows in human history during a 1783 eruption.

Soon, you reach the Skaftafell region in the Vatnajokull National Park, home to the largest glacier in Europe by volume. Your guide will hand you crampons, an ice axe, a helmet, and a harness before walking you onto one of the glacier's outlet tongues.

On the guided Vatnajokull Glacier hike, hear your crampons crunch into the ice with every step. Peer into deep blue crevasses, walk past tall ice ridges, and reach out to touch ancient ice that has been frozen for hundreds of years.

The guide selects a safe route, making the glacier hike suitable for most travelers with a moderate level of fitness.

After the hike, the tour pulls up at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Stand at the shore and watch huge icebergs, freshly broken off from Breidamerkurjokull Glacier, drift slowly across the deep blue water. Seals often rest on the floating ice or pop up between the boats, so keep your camera ready.

Just across the road is Diamond Beach. Walk along the black sand and pick up a chunk of clear ice that has washed in from the Lagoon. In summer, the ice sparkles like diamonds on the dark sand.

After a full day of ice and icebergs, your group settles in for the night at a comfortable hotel in the Hofn area on the South Coast.

Day 3 of this 9-day Iceland tour takes you into the peaceful Eastfjords, a quiet region of tall mountains, deep fjords, and small fishing villages. After breakfast at the hotel, your group continues along the Ring Road as it curves along the coast.

The first stop is Djupivogur, a small fishing village with only a few hundred residents and a colorful harbor. Walk past the boats, take a few photos of the outdoor egg sculptures known as Eggin i Gledivik, and grab a hot coffee (at your own expense) in one of the small cafes by the water.

Next, the route reaches Egilsstadir, the largest town in East Iceland, set on the shore of the long Lagarfljot River. Local folklore says a serpent-like creature called the Lagarfljot Worm lives in its deep, dark waters. Your guide can share some of the local legends and stories tied to the area.

After lunch at your own expense, the tour heads to the Wilderness Center, a remote retreat at the edge of one of the largest uninhabited areas in Europe. Step inside the on-site museum, included in your tour, to see old farming tools, pioneer clothing, and learn how families lived in the highlands before paved roads.

In the evening, the Wilderness Center serves hearty meals made with fresh local ingredients (dinner at your own expense). After dinner, slip into your swimsuit and soak in the on-site geothermal hot spring, then warm up in the Finnish sauna while the late summer sun stays bright outside.

Your group will spend the night at the Wilderness Center hotel or a similar property, surrounded by mountains and open countryside. The rustic wooden rooms, quiet setting, and slow pace make the Wilderness Center one of the most memorable stops on the trip. 

Day 4 of this multi-day Iceland tour crosses from the Eastfjords into the volcanic landscapes of North Iceland. After breakfast, the journey continues along winding roads to Studlagil Canyon, your first major highlight of the day.

At Studlagil Canyon, tall basalt columns rise like organ pipes above a bright turquoise river. Walk to the viewpoint along the rim, look down at the geometric rock shapes, and feel the cool wind that funnels through the gorge.

The drive continues to Namaskard Geothermal Area. Smell the warm sulfur in the air, watch mud pools bubble at your feet, and feel the heat rising from the orange and yellow ground. Stay on the marked paths, as the steam vents and pools are very hot.

Next, the tour reaches Lake Myvatn, a shallow lake dotted with more than 50 small islands shaped by old volcanic eruptions and home to some of Iceland's richest birdlife, with ducks and waterfowl gathering here in summer.

As an optional add-on at an extra cost, you can soak in Earth Lagoon, formerly known as Myvatn Nature Baths. Its milky-blue geothermal water and wide views over the lava fields make it a relaxing place to pause.

Continue to Dimmuborgir, a maze of dark lava formations that look like castles, towers, and broken arches. Wander along the short trails between the rocks, where Icelandic folk tales say elves and trolls still live today.

The final stop of the day is Godafoss Waterfall, the "Waterfall of the Gods." Walk to the viewing area, feel the mist on your face, and listen to the roar as the wide river drops over a curved cliff. From there, the road follows Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland.

You will arrive in the northern town of Akureyri in the evening, with time to walk its colorful streets, browse local shops, or try a fresh seafood dinner. Your group checks in to a country hotel for the night.

Day 5 of this Iceland tour starts with one of the most exciting summer activities in the country, a guided whale-watching boat tour from Akureyri. After a hotel breakfast, walk down to the harbor with your guide and small group.

The boat sails out into Eyjafjordur, one of the best whale-watching spots in Iceland, with a sighting rate close to 98 percent. Scan the water for spouts of mist, then watch as humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises surface near the boat. You may even hear the loud breath of a humpback whale before you see it.

Back on land, the tour heads north onto the Trollaskagi Peninsula, often called the "Troll Peninsula" for its sharp, rocky mountains. The road winds through deep fjords, tiny fishing villages, and steep coastal cliffs that make every stop feel like a postcard.

Along the way, you will visit Siglufjordur, the northernmost town in Iceland, set in a narrow fjord surrounded by steep peaks. In the early 1900s, this was the heart of the country's herring fishing industry, and you can still see the colorful warehouses lining the harbor today.

The route continues through Skagafjordur, a wide fjord known for Icelandic horse breeding and small green islands just off the coast. Look out the window for grazing horses, sheep on the hills, and seabirds wheeling above the water.

After a full day of fjords, whales, and small towns, your guide checks the group into a comfortable hotel in the Laugarbakki Village. Enjoy the long summer daylight by taking a quiet walk in the countryside before turning in for the night.

Day 6 of this 9-day adventure leaves the north behind and heads into the diverse landscapes of West Iceland. After breakfast at the hotel, the minibus rolls south through farmland and lava plains toward Borgarfjordur Fjord.

The first stop is Grabrok Crater, a 3,400-year-old volcanic cone that rises above a wide moss-covered lava field. A short walking path with steps and railings leads to the top of the rim, where you can take in 360-degree views of the green valley below.

Next, the tour stops in Reykholt Village, once home to the medieval writer Snorri Sturluson, one of the most famous Icelanders in history. You can still see his old stone hot tub by the church, fed by a small hot spring.

From there, the group visits Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Feel the warm wave of steam as boiling water rushes out of the ground at a rate of more than 47 gallons (180 liters) per second. The water is piped to nearby towns to heat homes and greenhouses.

Continue to Hraunfossar Waterfalls, a one-of-a-kind set of small streams that pour straight out of the mossy Hallmundarhraun Lava Field. Just upstream, Barnafoss Waterfall surges through a narrow gap with much more force, creating a beautiful contrast.

Before returning to the capital, stop at Sturlureykir Horse Farm to meet a herd of Icelandic horses. Pet their soft manes, listen as the farmers explain the breed's unique five gaits, and snap a few photos with the friendly animals.

The route then continues to Reykjavik via the scenic Hvalfjordur, the "Whale Fjord." Your group will spend one night at a city hotel in Reykjavik before setting out for the Westfjords in the morning.

Day 7 of this Iceland tour begins a brand-new chapter, the wild and remote Westfjords. After breakfast in Reykjavik, your guide picks you up from your hotel and heads north along the coast.

The first stop is Eiriksstadir Museum, a rebuilt Viking longhouse where you can step inside and feel what life was like 1,000 years ago. Costumed hosts share the story of Erik the Red and his son Leif Eriksson, the explorer who is said to have reached North America before Columbus.

From there, the road climbs into the Westfjords and crosses Vatnsfjordur Nature Reserve, where birch woods and quiet inlets line the coast. In summer, this remote part of Iceland is alive, with green slopes, long daylight hours, nesting seabirds, and fjord views.

A short detour brings the group to the Gardar Shipwreck, the rusted hull of an old steel boat resting on a black sand beach. Walk around the wreck for photos, then take a moment to enjoy the silence of the empty bay.

The day continues to Latrabjarg, the largest seabird cliffs in Europe, which stretch for about 9 miles (14 kilometers) along the western tip of the country. Lie down on the soft grass at the cliff edge, peek over the side, and watch puffins, guillemots, and razorbills fly in and out of their nests just a few feet below.

Your last stop of the day is Breidavik Beach, a wide stretch of golden sand framed by blue water and green hills. Take off your shoes, dip your toes in the cold Atlantic, and enjoy a quiet walk along the shore.

Your group will spend the night at Hotel Flokalundur or a similar property in the Westfjords, surrounded by quiet fjords and long, bright summer evenings.

Day 8 of this 9-day Iceland tour takes you deeper into the Westfjords, with two of the region's most stunning natural sights on the schedule. After breakfast, set out with your guide to explore the western edge of the country.

The first stop is Raudisandur Beach, a 6.2-mile (10-kilometer) stretch of rare red and pink sand. The unusual color comes from crushed scallop shells that have built up on the shore over the centuries. Walk along the wide, quiet beach and watch how the sand changes color as the clouds and sun shift overhead.

Next, the drive winds through the Fossfjordur Valley to Dynjandi Waterfall. It’s the largest and most dramatic falls in the Westfjords, which tumble over the cliff in a series of wide tiers.

Hike the short path beside the falls and pause at the several viewpoints on the way up, where each tier of Dynjandi opens up in turn.

From Dynjandi, the route continues to Onundarfjordur Pier, where a simple wooden walkway reaches out over turquoise water and pale sand. Sit on the edge, dangle your feet, and enjoy the deep silence of the fjord.

Weather and road conditions permitting, the guide may also include a stop at the Bolafjall Viewing Platform, a glass-floor deck high above the fjords. On a clear day, look out across Isafjardardjup toward the remote Jokulfirdir, with the open Arctic Ocean beyond.

The day finishes in Isafjordur, the largest town in the Westfjords, set in a deep fjord surrounded by towering mountains. Walk through its small streets, peek into local shops, and grab a casual dinner at a friendly cafe or restaurant.

You will spend the night at Hotel Torg or a similar property in Isafjordur, ready for the final leg of the tour.

Day 9 wraps up your Westfjords adventure with a scenic drive back to Reykjavik and several memorable stops along the way. After breakfast in Isafjordur, your guide begins the day at the Osvor Museum, a restored 19th-century fishing station.

At Osvor, walk between turf-roof houses, peek inside old rowboats, and learn how Icelanders lived and worked along the coast generations ago. Just nearby stands the red-orange Osholar Lighthouse, a great photo spot with the fjord in the background.

From there, the tour follows the Seven Fjords Route, a winding road that weaves in and out of one fjord after another. Each turn opens onto new mountain ridges, sea views, and small fishing settlements tucked along the shoreline.

A highlight of the day is the Arctic Fox Center in Sudavik, dedicated to the only native land mammal in Iceland. Step inside the small exhibition to learn how Arctic foxes survive long winters, and on lucky days, you may even meet a rescued fox up close. Entrance to the Arctic Fox Center is included in your tour, so you can explore the exhibition at no extra cost.

Shortly after, the group stops at the Hvitanes Seal Colony, where harbor seals often lie on the rocks between Hestfjordur and Skotufjordur. Bring binoculars or a zoom lens, then watch quietly as the seals swim, sunbathe, and play in the cold water.

Before leaving the Westfjords, the route passes Gervidalsa Waterfall, a fast-flowing cascade right by the road. Back in West Iceland, the route turns south toward Reykjavik for the final stretch back to the city.

Your 9-day small group tour in Iceland ends in the evening in Reykjavik, with drop-off at your original pickup point. You will leave the country with memories of glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, and the wild Westfjords.