8-Day Small Group Journey Around Iceland

Upon landing at Keflavík International Airport, make your own way to your accommodation in Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital city. Settle into your hotel, relax after your flight, and start soaking up the unique atmosphere of Iceland before your exciting 7-day Ring Road adventure begins.

Journey through the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature", before returning to your Reykjavík hotel for the night.

Continue to Arnarstapi, where dramatic sea cliffs, rock arches, and nesting seabirds create one of the country’s most picturesque coastal landscapes.

Discover Djúpalónssandur black beach and the Hólahólar volcanic craters, a true hidden gem off the beaten path.

End the day in Ólafsvík fishing village before visiting the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain and nearby Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks.

We drive northwards via the tunnel of Hvalfjörður to Borgarnes. Near Borgarnes, we stop at Grábrók Volcano, a volcanic fissure that erupted three thousand years ago. From there, we continue over Holtavörðuheiði highland plateau and arrive in the thriving farming area of northwest Iceland.

We drive past Skagafjörður, a deep fjord and valley and one of Iceland’s most prosperous agricultural regions. It boasts widespread dairy and sheep farming in addition to the horse breeding for which the district is famed. Skagafjörður is the only county in Iceland where horses outnumber people.

We will visit Glaumbær Museum, a historic turf farm that offers a glimpse into traditional Icelandic life. The museum features well-preserved turf houses that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing how Icelanders lived in harmony with their harsh environment. Visitors can explore the old farmhouse, which has been carefully restored and furnished with period-appropriate items, providing an authentic experience of Icelandic rural life. The museum also offers insights into Icelandic history and culture, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the country's heritage.

Continue over the highland plateau of Öxnadalsheidi to Akureyri, the capital of north Iceland. Overnight stay in Akureyri.

On this day, we concentrate on the beautiful area around Lake Mývatn. Lake Mývatn is a shallow lake in an area of active volcanism and boasts a high amount of biological activity.

Starting from Akureyri, the drive to Mývatn takes about an hour and a half. Along the way, we stop at Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods," a stunning cascade with historical significance.

We explore the unique volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, known as the "Dark Castles." These formations were created by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, making Dimmuborgir a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

We take a stroll around the pseudocraters at Skútustaðagígar. These formations, created by steam explosions when hot lava flowed over wetlands, resemble volcanic craters but are not true volcanoes.

Another fascinating site is Grjótagjá, a small lava cave with a thermal spring inside. The cave is a popular spot for travellers seeking a unique and serene experience. The warm, clear water in the cave was once a favoured bathing spot, although it's less accessible now due to temperature fluctuations caused by volcanic activity. Grjótagjá also gained fame as a filming location for a popular TV series Game of Thrones, making it a must-visit for both nature lovers and fans of the show.

We also stop by the geothermal area at Námaskarð, where bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles create an otherworldly landscape.

On our way to Egilsstaðir in the east part of Iceland, we stop by Dettifoss Waterfall, reputed to be the second most powerful waterfall in Europe after the Rhine Falls. We then cross Möðrudalsöræfi highland desert through Jökuldalur and to Egilsstaðir.

From Egilsstaðir, we drive through the Eastfjords to Höfn í Hornafirði. This part of the country has many narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs. In most of the fjords, we find small and attractive fishing villages. Visitors often overlook this part of the country despite its fantastic scenery, remote fishing villages, sparkling lakes, and traditional farms.

Overnight stay in the town of Höfn í Hornafirði.

We leave Höfn to drive along the southeast coast of Iceland. The first stop is at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where we will take an amphibian boat tour. The Lagoon developed around 60 years ago with a continuous process of calving and falling icebergs from the glacier tongue Breiðamerkurjökull. These icebergs come in two shades: milky white and bright blue, an interplay of light and ice crystals.

Below the Lagoon, the sparkling shards and orbs of ice wash up on the shore of Breiðamerkursandur, causing it to be called Diamond Beach in English.

We continue through Vatnajökull National Park, passing Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak (2,119m), before travelling over the vast lava fields of Eldhraun and the black glacial plains of Mýrdalssandur.

We pass by the village of Vík and visit the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, known for its colony of puffins, unusual geological formations and smashing tidal waves. Be careful not to step too close as the waves can be dangerous.

From Reynisfjara, you can view the impressive promontory Dyrhólaey where the sea has carved an enormous hole through the rock.

Next, we stop at Skógafoss, a majestic waterfall located on the Skógá River in Iceland, known for its impressive 60-meter drop and constant mist that creates vibrant rainbows on sunny days. Surrounded by lush greenery and steep cliffs, it stands as one of Iceland's most iconic and photogenic natural landmarks.

At Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, you can walk behind the waterfall but dress well, as the water mist behind the waterfall can make you wet.

On this day, we tour the renowned Golden Circle. We start with a visit to the majestic Gullfoss, often referred to as the "Golden Falls," a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall situated in the canyon of the Hvítá River in Iceland. Renowned for its sheer power and beauty, Gullfoss plunges dramatically into a rugged gorge, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that attracts visitors from around the world.

Then we head to the Geysir hot spring area, home to the famous Geysir hot spring from which all other geysers take their name. Geysir is no longer active, but another hot spring, Strokkur, erupts every few minutes.

Next, we visit the National Park at Þingvellir, where the North American and European tectonic plates drift apart and create a rift valley. The ancient Icelandic parliament, Alþingi, was established at Þingvellir in 930. Now residing in Reykjavík, it is one of the oldest surviving parliaments in the world. Þingvellir is, consequently, a sacred place for Icelanders.

From Þingvellir, we return to Reykjavík for our final night.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time (depending on your flight time). Individual transfer on your own from your hotel in Reykjavik to Keflavik airport.