Take a journey along Iceland’s Ring Road on this 10-day privately guided tour. Starting and ending in Reykjavík, your drive brings you to many of Iceland’s best-known natural attractions, including beautiful waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, the famous “Golden Circle” route, and the splendid south coast. You will also have a lot of opportunities to explore sights like the glorious glacier lagoon, the marvellous Lake Mývatn and the northern towns of Akureyri and Húsavik.
Itinerary Highlights
Circle Iceland on the Ring Road, one of the best road trips in the world
Sail among the massive floating icebergs at the Glacier Lagoon
Explore the famous Golden Circle route, including hot springs and cascading waterfalls
Walk the quaint streets of Akureyri, the unofficial capital of north Iceland
Walk the Diamond Beach, seeing the scattered, glistening ice
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
09
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Arrive in Reykjavik
Day 1
Welcome to Iceland
On arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you will be welcomed by a driver and transferred to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant city centre at you own pace. The main downtown street, Laugavegur, offers a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, coffee houses and bars to suit all tastes—all within an easy walk. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Spend the night in Reykjavík.
Day 2
THE FAMOUS GOLDEN CIRCLE
This morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel, and you will head to Þingvellir, a national park that has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, you will visit the great Geysir area with its spouting geysers and colourful hot springs. The tour will continue to Gullfoss, the golden waterfall, where you can see white water thrash and tumble down two tiers, falling metres below. You can then stop by Friðheimar farm for a visit before continuing to your accommodation for the night.
Spend the night in Selfoss area.
Day 3
VOLCANOES, WATERFALLS AND BLACK SAND BEACHES
Start with an optional visit to the Lava Centre to learn about Iceland’s unique geology or begin your south coast journey with a visit to the fairytale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Here, you can have the unique experience of walking behind the misty cascade. Just a short drive brings you to yet another gorgeous waterfall, the 60-meter tall Skógafoss, which is beautiful to photograph and roam the surroundings. Further ahead at the village of Vík, you will visit the black volcanic beach south of the village, from where you can view the rock formations Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar.
Your guide will then take you to the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, which has been hollowed out over millions of years by the Fjaðrá River. The walking path along the eastern edge of the canyon offer stunning views over the plains and glacial brooks below. You will end the day in the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Spend the night in Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
Day 4
SKAFTAFELL AND JÖKULSÁRLÓN
Today’s drive takes you to some of Iceland’s most photogenic attractions, including a visit to the beautiful Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, named for Iceland’s largest glacier. Your guide will take you to the smaller lagoon, Fjallsárlón, followed by the well-known Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Next to the glacier lagoon you will stop at the Diamond Beach where you will see big chunks of ice that have washed up on shore after being polished in the surf of the glacier lagoon.
After your day of icy sights, you will be taken to your accommodation in Höfn where you can relax for the evening and perhaps enjoy the local langoustines at dinner.
Spend the night in Höfn area.
Day 5
EAST FJORDS TO MOON-LIKE NORTH ICELAND
This is a long day with a lot of diverse sights! Today’s scenery in East Iceland includes tranquil fishing villages, narrow fjords, rugged tundra and sweeping landscapes. After reaching North Iceland, prepare to be amazed by the roaring Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. There is a 1 km walk from the parking lot to the waterfall on a gravel road, which is definitely worth the trip.
Next you will explore the natural beauty of Lake Mývatn and its lunar landscapes with visits to the Námaskarð pass, the lava formations at Dimmuborgir and Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters. This is a great day for geology enthusiasts!
Spend the night in Lake Mývatn area.
Day 6
ÁSBYRGI, HLJÓÐAKLETTAR & JÖKULSÁRGLJÚFUR
You will start the day by driving to Jökulsárgljúfur National Park where you will visit the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, which according to legend was formed by a footprint from the Norse god Odin’s eight-legged horse. The next natural wonder on the list is Hljóðaklettar, the „echo rocks“, which are a collection of great basalt columns lying in every direction to create unique formations and arched caves that are known to create eerie echoes and reverberations. There you can do a short hike to explore the area.
Spend another night in Lake Mývatn.
Day 7
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GREAT NORTH
The first highlight of the journey today is Goðafoss, (the waterfall of the Gods), one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Iceland. You will then make your way to the charming town of Akureyri, where you will take a stroll in the heart of the city centre. You will have some leisure time to explore the town with your guide and grab some lunch before heading to the next stop.
Next, the tour will drive around Tröllaskagi, where you can enjoy fantastic views of beautiful mountains, cliffs and fjords. You will make a stop in the scenic town of Siglufjörður, which was once the centre of Iceland’s herring fleet. The journey continues to the tranquil farmlands of Skagafjörður, where you will spend the night.
Spend the night in Skagafjörður area.
Day 8
NATURAL WONDERS OF SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA
Today you travel through Skagafjörður, towards the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This is a scenic drive on a beautiful stretch of Iceland. Your guide will pass sweeping farmlands of the northwest that are dotted with Icelandic horses. You will also get to see spectacular views of the islands of Breiðafjörður before reaching Snæfellsnes.
A highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the Snæfellsjökull glacier, believed by many to be one of Earth’s seven major energy centers. It was also used as the backdrop to Jules Verne’s famous novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Your guide can also take you to see the Dritvík Cove and the Lóndrangar cliffs.
Spend the night in Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Day 9
HIDDEN GEMS OF THE WEST COAST
Today you will explore the beautiful Snæfellsnes peninsula with your private guide. First you will head toward the tip of the peninsula where you can measure your strength at Djúpalónssandur by the lifting the large stones on the beach. Who will be the strongest? Nearby, you will find Hellnar and Arnarstapi, with its unique rock formations, before heading back to the capital and completing our circle around Iceland. After you have been dropped off at your hotel for the night, you will have the rest of the evening in the city to enjoy at your leisure.
Spend the night in Reykjavík
Day 10
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Iceland is known for its unpredictable and extreme weather conditions. However, the best time to visit Iceland is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 15°C. The days are longer, and the sun never truly sets, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the stunning natural beauty that Iceland has to offer. It’s worth noting that even during the summer months, visitors should still expect some rain and wind, so it’s important to pack accordingly. Overall, Iceland’s weather can be challenging, but with the right preparation, visitors can enjoy a truly unforgettable experience in this unique country.
The average temperature in Iceland during January is around -1°C to 4°C, with the northern parts of the country being colder than the southern regions. It is not uncommon for Iceland to experience snow and heavy winds during this time of the year, making it important for visitors to dress warmly and be prepared for the weather conditions. Despite the chilly temperatures, January is a great time to visit Iceland and experience its unique winter landscape, such as the Northern Lights and ice caves.
During February, the weather in Iceland is still chilly, with temperatures ranging from around -1°C to 4°C, similar to the previous month. As with January, visitors should expect snow and strong winds, especially in the northern regions of the country. However, the winter landscape of Iceland during this time of year is still worth experiencing, with opportunities to witness the stunning Northern Lights and explore ice caves. It is important to dress warmly and be prepared for the weather conditions when visiting Iceland in February.
In March, the weather in Iceland starts to warm up slightly with temperatures ranging from around -1°C to 5°C. Although visitors may still encounter snow and strong winds, the weather conditions are generally milder compared to the previous months. March is a great time to explore the country's rugged landscape and witness the last of the winter's Northern Lights displays. It is still important to dress warmly and be prepared for the weather conditions when visiting Iceland in March.
In April, Iceland starts to experience warmer temperatures with an average range of 1°C to 7°C. Though it is still chilly, visitors can enjoy the beautiful spring scenery, including the blooming of flowers and the melting of snow. It's a great time to explore the country's natural wonders and experience its unique culture. However, it's still important to dress appropriately and be prepared for any sudden weather changes.
In May, the weather in Iceland becomes milder with an average temperature range of 5°C to 11°C. This is a great time to visit as the days get longer and the scenery is breathtaking. However, visitors should still prepare for occasional rain and wind, as the weather can be unpredictable. Dressing in layers and bringing waterproof gear is recommended.
In June, Iceland experiences a mild climate with an average temperature range of 7°C to 13°C. The days are longer and the scenery is still breathtaking, making it a great time to visit. However, visitors should still prepare for occasional rain and wind, as the weather can be unpredictable. Bringing waterproof gear and dressing in layers is recommended to fully enjoy the Icelandic experience.
In July, Iceland experiences a relatively warm climate with an average temperature range of 10°C to 14°C. The weather is generally pleasant with long daylight hours, making it an ideal time to explore the beauty of the country. However, visitors should still be prepared for sudden changes in weather, such as occasional rain and wind, and should bring layers of clothing to ensure comfort throughout the day.
If you are planning to visit Iceland in August, be prepared for a cool climate with an average temperature range of 9°C to 13°C. The weather can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to bring layers of clothing and waterproof gear to stay comfortable throughout the day. While there may be occasional rain and wind, visitors can still enjoy the beautiful scenery and long daylight hours that Iceland has to offer in the summer months.
In September, the weather in Iceland starts to cool down with an average temperature range of 7°C to 11°C. Similar to August, visitors should pack layers of clothing and waterproof gear to stay comfortable. While there may still be occasional rain and wind, September is a great time to visit Iceland to see the stunning fall colors and potentially even the Northern Lights.
As October approaches, Iceland's weather continues to get colder with an average temperature range of 3°C to 7°C. Visitors should come prepared with warm clothing and waterproof gear to stay comfortable during their stay. While there may be more frequent rain and wind, October is still a beautiful time to visit Iceland and see the autumn colors. Additionally, there is a chance to spot the Northern Lights during this month.
In November, Iceland's weather gets even colder with an average temperature range of 0°C to 4°C. It is important for visitors to come prepared with warm clothing and waterproof gear to stay comfortable during their stay. Although there might be more snow and wind, November is still a beautiful time to visit Iceland and experience its winter wonderland. Plus, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights during this month.
In December, Iceland's weather can be quite chilly with an average temperature range of -1°C to 3°C. It is recommended for visitors to dress warmly and bring waterproof gear to stay comfortable during their stay. Despite the cold, December is a magical time to visit Iceland and enjoy the snowy landscapes and festive holiday spirit. One of the highlights of this month is the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights in the dark night sky.
Add on’s
There is a multitude of add-on holiday options to this Iceland itinerary. One popular option is to visit Greenland, which is just a short flight away and offers stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, fjords, and icebergs. Another nearby destination is Norway, known for its incredible landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and waterfalls. You could also consider visiting the Faroe Islands, located between Iceland and Norway, offering breathtaking scenery and a unique culture.
Want a quote on a trip like this?
Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you
