5-Day Ring Road of Iceland and Golden Circle Tour with Hotel Stays and Jokulsarlon Boat Ride

After breakfast, your journey continues with a deep dive into the volcanic landscapes of North Iceland, focusing on the unique natural wonders around Lake Myvatn. This shallow lake is one of the region's geological highlights, known for its rich birdlife and geothermal activity. 

On the way, your guide will take you to Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods." This striking waterfall not only impresses with its beauty but also holds historical importance from the time of Iceland's conversion to Christianity.

Upon reaching the Myvatn area, a range of surreal landscapes shaped by ancient eruptions will welcome you. 

At Dimmuborgir, you'll walk among towering lava pillars and dramatic rock formations that resemble crumbling castles, hence the nickname "Dark Castles." 

Next to visit are the pseudocraters of Skutustadagigar. These geological formations were created by steam explosions when hot lava flowed over wetlands, leaving behind a fascinating lunar-like terrain.

Then, the short stop at Grjotagja, a hidden lava cave with a naturally heated spring, offers a glimpse into the underground forces that continue to shape Iceland. 

Your next destination is the Namaskard Geothermal Area, where steaming vents and bubbling mud pots create a Mars-like setting. The intense colors and strong sulfur smell make it a place you won't soon forget.

From Myvatn, the adventure continues eastward across the highland plateau of Modrudalsoraefi. Along the way, you'll make another pause to admire Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Iceland, thundering into Jokulsargljufur Canyon. 

You'll spend the night in a cozy hotel in Egilsstadir, a peaceful lakeside town surrounded by forests and fjords.

Egilsstadir is the cultural and service hub of East Iceland, set beside the serene Lake Lagarfljot and surrounded by rolling hills and forests. Despite its small size, the town offers a cozy atmosphere with local restaurants, shops, and access to scenic hiking trails.

Day three of the tour continues along the breathtaking Eastfjords, a stretch of coastline known for its deep fjords, dramatic cliffs, and serene fishing villages. Often overlooked by travelers, this region is one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. It offers a peaceful contrast to the country’s more popular attractions. 

From Egilsstadir, the road follows the winding coastline, opening up to spectacular ocean views on one side and towering mountains on the other. The journey passes through several remote fjords, each with its own unique landscape and story. 

This part of Iceland is also known for its abundant wildlife, with opportunities to spot seabirds, seals, and occasionally arctic foxes. In summer, the long daylight hours illuminate the fjords, while in winter, low-hanging clouds and mist give the area a moody, otherworldly charm.

In addition, the Eastfjords is the only region in Iceland where wild reindeer roam freely. Originally introduced for farming in the 18th century, the reindeer have since adapted to the wild and can often be seen grazing along the hillsides or moving through the open valleys.

One of your possible stops for the day is Djupivogur, a quiet coastal town with a rich history in fishing and trade. Known for its laid-back pace and artistic atmosphere, the village is home to the famous outdoor sculpture "Eggin í Gledivik," which features 34 large granite eggs representing the bird species nesting in the area. 

Djupivogur also offers excellent views of the Búlandstindur mountain, often associated with local folklore.

The day concludes in the fishing town of Hofn, located near the edge of Vatnajokull Glacier. With a reputation for delicious lobster and panoramic views of the glacier, Hofn offers a cozy and scenic place to spend the night before heading deeper into South Iceland.

Day four begins with a journey through Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland’s largest protected area and home to Europe’s biggest glacier. 

The park covers a vast region of Southeast Iceland and features a diverse landscape of glaciers, volcanic peaks, glacial rivers, and black sand plains. It’s also where you’ll find some of the most remarkable sights along the Ring Road.

One of the highlights of the day is Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a deep glacial lake at the base of Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. The icebergs vary in size and color, ranging from milky white to deep blue depending on the age and air content of the ice. 

As part of your tour package, you’ll enjoy an amphibian boat tour in Jokulsarlon, cruising between floating icebergs that constantly calve from the glacier. The tour offers a rare chance to get up close to the icebergs and observe their shapes, textures, and slow movement through the lagoon.

Just a short walk away, Diamond Beach offers a striking contrast where pieces of glacier ice rest on black volcanic sand. It’s particularly exciting to capture in photos.

From there, the tour continues through the beautiful area of Skaftafell, known for its green lowlands surrounded by glacier tongues. The landscape is framed by Oraefajokull Glacier and Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjukur. 

After a brief stop in Skaftafell, the route leads through the vast lava fields of Eldhraun and the black glacial plains of Myrdalssandur.

Next, you’ll visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, a famous stop on the South Coast known for its basalt columns, crashing waves, and offshore sea stacks. 

Nearby, Dyrholaey Promontory can be seen in the distance, shaped by centuries of ocean erosion. It’s also a nesting site for seabirds like puffins in summer.

The day continues with stops at two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Skogafoss is a wide and powerful waterfall with a drop of 200 feet (60 meters), easily accessible from the Ring Road. 

Then, at Seljalandsfoss, travelers can walk behind the curtain of falling water for a unique perspective. Just be prepared to get a little wet because of the heavy mist and strong winds.

After a full day of sightseeing, the tour ends with an overnight stay in the Selfoss area.

Today is the last day of your five-day Ring Road tour in Iceland. To end your guided Icelandic trip on a high note, today is all about exploring Iceland's most popular sightseeing route, the Golden Circle. 

This classic route brings together some of the country's most iconic natural and historical landmarks, each offering a unique glimpse into the powerful forces that have shaped the land.

The day begins with a visit to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most beloved waterfalls. Often referred to as the "Golden Falls," Gullfoss plunges dramatically in two stages into a narrow canyon. The combination of roaring water, mist, and sunlight often creates spectacular rainbows, making it a favorite stop for photographers and nature lovers.

The journey continues to the Geysir Geothermal Area in the Haukadalur Valley. While the original Geysir is now mostly dormant, its nearby neighbor Strokkur erupts regularly, sending a column of boiling water high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. 

Surrounding the area are colorful hot springs and steaming vents that showcase the region's geothermal energy.

The final stop on the Golden Circle is the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking geology and historical significance. 

Here, you can see the rift valley created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It offers the rare opportunity to walk between two continents while surrounded by unique geological formations like gorges, water-filled fissures, and more.

Thingvellir is also where Iceland's first parliament, the Althing, was founded in 930 AD, making it one of the world's oldest parliamentary sites.

As the Golden Circle loop comes to an end, the journey concludes with a drive back to Reykjavik. You'll be dropped off at your hotel and may continue exploring the city independently. Please note that your accommodation on this day is not included in the tour package.

This final day offers a memorable conclusion to the tour, combining dramatic landscapes with deep-rooted Icelandic history.