Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 2	Reykjavík	Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, Laugavegur Street, Street Art	Skuggi Hotel, Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre
2 - 3	Hveragerði	Reykjadalur Valley, Nature & Landscapes, Adventure & Outdoors	360 Hotel, Hótel Grímsborgir
3 - 4	Skaftafell	Adventure & Outdoors, Svartifoss Waterfalls, Vatnajökull National Park, Hvannadalshnjúkur Peak	Hotel Skaftafell, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
4 - 5	Fáskrúðsfjörður	Coastal Drive, Skrúður Island, Nature & Landscapes	Fosshotel Eastfjords
5 - 7	Lake Mývatn	Mývatn Nature Baths, Krafla Volcanic Area, Nature & Landscapes	Fosshotel Myvatn, Hotel Laxá
7 - 8	Varmahlíð	Glaumbaer Museum, Víðimýrarkirkja Church, Adventure & Outdoors	Hotel Varmahlíð, Hestasport Cottages
8 - 9	Stykkishólmur	Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Kirkjufell Mountain, Landscapes & Adventure	Fosshotel Stykkisholmur, Hótel Fransiskus
9 - 9	Reykjavík	Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, Laugavegur Street, Street Art

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 2

International Arrival

Pick up your rental car from Reykjavík airport

Drive yourself from Reykjavík Airport to Reykjavík in your rental car (Duration: 1 hr)

Reykjavík

1 Night

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a city surrounded by incredible landscapes and boasting world-class museums, colorful houses, and a dynamic nightlife! A great base for exploring Iceland’s natural wonders, the city has a vibrant cultural and design scene with many art galleries, restaurants, cafes, bars, and live music establishments.

Included Activities

Explore Reykjavik on Your Own
Explore the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik at your own pace. You could begin your day with a visit to the splendid Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral. Visible across the city, the design of the shrine draws inspiration from the natural geological formations in the country. Enjoy beautiful views of the city from the observation deck at the top of the cathedral. Head to Harpa Concert Hall, one of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks with it sleek, colored glass façade and modern design. You could enjoy a guided tour or a live performance at this all-purpose cultural center. Afterwards, walk along the city’s waterfront, halting to take pictures of the gleaming Sun Voyager steel sculpture. Make your way to the trendy Laugavegur street with its boutique stores and hip restaurants. Enjoy a hearty meal or grab a quick bite before you check out the quirky street art lining the paths along the downtown area. (Duration: Full Day; Self-exploring Activity; No Guide & No Transfers; Entrance Fees and Meals are Not Included.)

Hotel Options

Skuggi Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Standard Double
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre – Opt 2

Room	Canopy Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 2 - 3

Drive yourself from Reykjavík to Hveragerði in your rental car. You will stop for an en route activity. (Duration without stops: 1 hr)

Hveragerði

1 Night

Hveragerði, often called the ‘Hot Spring Town’ emerging from lofty lava fields, is known for its excellent thermal springs and fantastic restaurant scene! The pillars of steam rising among the surrounding hills make the town a geothermal hotbed and uniquely famous for its many greenhouses that grow vegetables and flowers all year long.

Included Activities

Personalized Tour of Golden Circle Attractions
On your drive from Reykjavik to the scenic hamlet of Hveragerdi, stop along the way at popular Golden Circle attractions. Begin your exploration at the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. Featured in the works of numerous Icelandic artists over the centuries, this spectacular park was also seen in the Game of the Thrones series. Travel on to the Haukadalur valley where you can explore the geothermal area that is home to the largely dormant Great Geysir and the intensely active Strokkur Geysir. Afterwards, drive on to the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall that gushes down into the Hvita river canyon. This glacial waterfall with its dual layer cascade offers ample opportunities for you to test your photography skills! (En route; Duration: Full Day; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Group Snowmobiling Tour on Langjökull Glacier
Beginning from Gulfoss, join your local guide in a Super Jeep, and head towards Langjökull Glacier, the second-largest in Iceland. Arriving at Jaki base camp on the glacier’s western edge, gear up in snowmobile suits, balaclavas, gloves, and helmets. A glacier expert will teach you how to safely operate snowmobiles. Shortly after, hop on for an adventure in the Icelandic highlands. Zoom across the smooth snowy landscape at your own pace. Take in breathtaking vistas of the table mountain of Eiríksjökull glacier, the domed peak of Hofsjökull glacier, and the Kerlingafjöll mountain range. En route, see expansive lava fields, rugged cliffs and gigantic volcanic craters. Making a pitstop, learn about the history of these gorgeous natural surroundings. Listen to anecdotes about the ice caves nearby that were used by outlaws during the medieval times. Return to camp with memories of a unique experience on the landmark Langjökull Glacier. (Duration: 1 hr; Time: Between 0900 and 1400 hrs; Shared Activity & Transfers; Meeting point: Gullfoss Cafe; Notes: Wear warm clothes with weatherproof layers, and snowboots)

Hotel Options

360 Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Hótel Grímsborgir – Opt 2

Room	Superior Double
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 3 - 4

Drive yourself from Hveragerði to Skaftafell in your rental car. You will stop for an en route activity. (Duration without stops: 4.5 hrs)

Skaftafell

1 Night

Discover the picturesque wilderness of Skaftafell in the Öraefi county along the southeastern coast of Iceland. It lies on the popular Ring Road that fringes the island. A year-round destination with campgrounds and diverse natural attractions, Skaftafell is the showstopper of the expansive Vatnajökull National Park.

Included Activities

Personalized Tour of LAVA Center and Natural Attractions
On your way from Hveragerdi to the picturesque region of Skaftafell, stop off at the LAVA Center in Hvolsvollur to browse the displays dedicated to Iceland’s volcanos and earthquakes. Enjoy the interactive experience before you travel on to find the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Capture splendid images of the cascading water and walk to the small cave behind the falls. Continue on your way to stop again at the historic lighthouse at Dyrholaey and enjoy panoramic views of the rugged Icelandic coastline and the ocean. Walk along the black sand on Reynisfjara beach and savor splendid views of the natural rock formations that dot the region. Capture beautiful images of the sea stacks, known as Reynisdrangar Columns, before you resume your onward journey. You also have the option of stopping by Iceland’s most voluminous waterfall, Urridafoss, depending on the time available. (En route; Duration: Full Day; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Hotel Options

Hotel Skaftafell – Opt 1

Room	Twin Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – Opt 2

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 4 - 5

Drive yourself from Skaftafell to Fáskrúðsfjörður in your rental car. You will stop for an en route activity. (Duration without stops: 5.5 hrs)

Fáskrúðsfjörður

1 Night

A small but stunning village in the eastern fjords of Iceland, Fáskrúðsfjörður will take your breath away with its natural beauty. One of its highlights is its strong 19th century French heritage from the days when French fishermen made the village their home.

Included Activities

Personalized Tour of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Zodiac Boat
Board an inflatable zodiac boat and explore the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon at a leisurely pace. Navigate around bright white and blue icebergs that dot this calm and pristine environment. If you’re lucky, you may witness an iceberg calving from the mighty Vatnajökull glacier. Conditions permitting, you can also make your way to the glacier’s terminal face. Keep an eye out for native wildlife around. Seals and seabirds might make appearances. Take in panoramas of snow-capped mountains in the Vatnajökull National Park in the distance. Chatting with your knowledgeable local guide, learn about Iceland’s glacial landscapes and their significance in the surroundings. Made popular by the opening sequence of the Bond film ‘A View to a Kill’, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon has been mesmerizing travelers ever since. Enjoy these surreal landscapes, and listen to more anecdotes as you return to shore. (Duration: 1 hr; Time: Multiple departures between 0930 and 1820 hrs; Private Activity; No Transfers; Meeting point: Zodiac Boat Tour ticket office, 30 mins before scheduled tour; Notes: Wear warm clothes and comfortable footwear. Please note that minimum height of participant 1.3 m)

Personalized en route tour of Hofskirkja Turf Church, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, Stokksnes & Vestrahorn
Explore the rugged landscapes and quaint history of the Icelandic landscape on your way from Skaftafell to the fjord-lined town of Fáskrúðsfjörður in the east. Take in the antique beauty of Hofskirkja, the last of the turf churches in the country. Originally constructed in 1884, the church was fully restored in the 1950s and still stands witness to the romance of local history. Next leave for the famous glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón that nestles along the Vatnajökull National Park. Fed by ice from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, the Jökulsárlón makes for an unforgettable sight with its mirror-like surface dotted with floating icebergs. Opt for a boat ride on the lagoon or move on to yet another iconic natural destination – the Diamond Beach where blue, transparent and white icebergs from nearby glaciers lie shining on black volcanic sands. Finally make your way to the black sand beach of Stokknes, against which towers the dramatic peaks of Vestrahorn. (Enroute Activity; Private Activity & Transfer; Duration: 20-30 mins’ stop at Hofskirkja, 1 hr at Jökulslárlón including Diamond Beach & 1.5 hr at Vestrahorn

Hotel Options

Fosshotel Eastfjords – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 5 - 7

Drive yourself from Fáskrúðsfjörður to Lake Mývatn in your rental car. You will stop for an en route activity. (Duration without stops: 3.5 hrs)

Lake Mývatn

2 Nights

Lake Mývatn, the beautiful volcanic lake in North Iceland, boasts some truly stunning landscapes and rich biological diversity. Abounding with unique scenery, one side of the lake is covered with rocky lava fields while the other side ripples with lush green fields.

Included Activities

Lake Mývatn at Leisure
Explore Lake Mývatn, a highlight of the Diamond Circle in northern Iceland. Look out for the vibrant geothermal landscapes of Námaskard Pass and Hverir, near Mount Námafjall. Drop by Dinmuborgir or Dark Fortress to see unique lava formations and explore its various trails and caves. See Iceland’s largest ice sculptures inside the Lofthellir cave, located within the Búrfell lava field. Head to the protected pseudo-craters of Skutustadagigar for bird watching opportunities. Learn about the region’s avifauna at the Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum. Visit the 1913 Grænavatn Turf House and its adjoining farm. Spot myriad species of ducks, during a stroll alongside Laxá river. Hike up the Hverfjall Cinder Cone for panoramic vistas of Lake Mývatn. Explore the infamous Krafla Volcano area to see the lava flows in the crater. Nearby, witness the grandeur of the powerful Dettifoss waterfall within the Vatnajökull National Park. Continue on to see the horseshoe-shaped glacial Àsbyrgi Canyon. Unwind in the Mývatn Nature Baths to round off your adventurous day.

Shared Group Tour of Mývatn Nature Baths
Take a relaxing soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths as you enjoy the picturesque scenery all around! The Mývatn Nature Baths are a set of geothermally heated pools and steam baths found in the Lake Mývatn area. The bath water flows directly from Landsvirkjun’s borehole in Bjarnarflag to a large reservoir and then into the lagoon. Relax and invigorate your body in the mineral-rich, alkaline waters, said to be beneficial for skin problems, asthma and respiratory diseases. A unique chemical composition also makes the waters free of bacteria and other vegetation. Get a chance to experience a steam bath in geothermal steam rising from vents on the floor. After your soak, tuck into a light lunch or dinner at Cafe Kvika, which has an outer terrace and serves a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and pastries. (Duration: Half Day or Full Day; Flexible Timings; Shared Activity & Transfer; Meals Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring a bathing suit and towel; Please note that the geothermal water in Iceland usually contains some amount of sulfur so it is recommended to remove jewellery of copper and silver before bathing, otherwise they will turn black and may be destroyed.)

Personalized Tour of Diamond Circle Attractions
Set out from Lake Myvatn to discover the splendid attractions along Iceland’s famed Diamond Circle. Start at the scenic Dettifoss waterfall, located within Vatnajokull National Park. Enjoy splendid vistas of the water gushing into a ravine before heading to the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi. Believed to be the hoof print of an eight-legged horse from Norse mythology, this canyon offers ample photo opportunities. Travel on to the Tjornes Peninsula that sits tucked between two fjords. Take in panoramic views of the ocean and spot rock ptarmigans before you head to the harbor town of Husavik. Known as the whale watching capital of Europe, it is also home to a charming wooden church and a whale museum. Stop by the Geosea geothermal baths for a rejuvenating dip in the naturally heated seawater. Afterwards, travel to Godafoss waterfall to take in gorgeous vistas of the cascading water gushing over a crescent of jagged cliffs. You also have the option of getting a closer look at the cluster of basalt rock formations known as Hljodaklettar. End your day at the port town of Akureyri. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Hotel Options

Fosshotel Myvatn – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Hotel Laxá – Opt 2

Room	Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 7 - 8

Drive yourself from Lake Mývatn to Varmahlíð in your rental car. You will stop for an en route activity. (Duration without stops: 3 hrs)

Varmahlíð

1 Night

Tucked away by the Skagafjordur bay in North Iceland lies the scenic village of Varmahlíð. It is surrounded by the woodlands of Reykjarhóll, where clearly marked trails make for invigorating hikes to the top of the hill. On a clear day, the breathtaking views from the summit can extend all the way across the central region of Skagafjörður.

Included Activities

Group Horseback Riding Tour
Enjoy a horseback ride across the flowering meadows and fertile valley of the Svartá River. Meet your local English-speaking guide at the venue, about 15 minutes before the trip begins. The ride is suitable for beginners and expert horse riders alike, and the route is adapted to your tastes and riding ability. Enjoy the feeling of the wind rushing through your hair as you ride under the big open skies, meandering along the Skagafjörður Valley, picturesquely framed by the Svartá River and the flat-topped mountains in the distance. Return to your hotel after the trip. (Duration: 2 hrs; Shared Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Helmets & rain gear provided on tour; Please dress warmly in windproof jacket, gloves & comfortable hiking boots).

Personalized en route tour of Góðafoss and Akureyri
Explore the myriad attractions of northern Iceland with a visit to the Góðafoss waterfall, followed by a city tour of Akureyri. As you head out from Lake Mývatn, get ready for the splendor of Góðafoss which translates to ‘Waterfall of Gods.’ Watch as the waters of the Skjálfandafljót river thunder down a 30-meter wide horseshoe-shaped rock, flowing into a 7000-year-old lava field from the Trölladyngja volcano. After taking in the magnificence of the falls that have birthed legends and folklore about Norse gods and heroes, it is time to make your way to the northern town of Akureyri. Like any other Icelandic town, Akureyri offers a plethora of outdoor adventures – go horseback riding on farms or whale watching along the coast. The Lystigarðurinn, Akureyri’s botanical garden is a great place to take a leisurely stroll as you marvel at the lush greenery and summer blossoms, so close to the Arctic Circle. Later, wander past quaint turf houses, many of them preserved for their architectural heritage, before making your way to the iconic Akureyri Church that dominates the downtown horizon. (Duration: Half/Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Please note that estimated time at Goðafoss waterfall is 45 min)

Hotel Options

Hotel Varmahlíð – Opt 1

Room	Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Hestasport Cottages – Opt 2

Room	Two Person Cottage
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 8 - 9

Drive yourself from Varmahlíð to Stykkishólmur in your rental car. You will stop for an en route activity. (Duration without stops: 4 hrs)

Stykkishólmur

1 Night

Stykkishólmur is a charming Icelandic fishing town that nestles on the banks of Breidarfjordur Bay at the northern end of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Built around a picturesque natural harbor, this eco-friendly town with little traffic and its tightly knit community transports you back in time.

Included Activities

Personalized Tour of Snaefellsnes Penninsula Attractions
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this enjoyable tour. Discover the diverse landscape of the region that showcases all that Iceland is famed for. Stop by the gorgeous waterfall of Kirkjufellsfoss with the soaring Kirkjufell Mountain providing a picture perfect backdrop. Head to the beautiful beach of Skardsvik with its golden sand that distinguishes it from the commonly found black sand beaches in the country. Cast your eyes on the orange-hued Svortuloft lighthouse that makes for a striking contrast against the blue sky. Capture beautiful images of the ocean with the silhouette of the lighthouse. Make your way to the hexagonal Gerduberg Basalt Columns, a cluster of geological formations formed thousands of years ago by lava flows. Return to Stykkisholmur with lasting memories. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Hotel Options

Fosshotel Stykkisholmur – Opt 1

Room	Standard Double
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Hótel Fransiskus – Opt 2

Room	Standard Double
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 9 - 9

Drive yourself from Stykkishólmur to Reykjavík Airport in your rental car (Duration: 3 hrs)

Make your own way to the Reykjavík airport and drop off your rental car

Reykjavík

0 Nights

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 2,690 /person
Option 2 From $ 3,090 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation in one double room for 9 days / 8 nights.
Meals as indicated
All activities as listed :
- Reykjavik: Explore Reykjavik on Your Own
- Hveragerði: Personalized Tour of Golden Circle Attractions
- Hveragerði: Group Snowmobiling Tour on Langjökull Glacier
- Skaftafell: Personalized Tour of LAVA Center and Natural Attractions
- Fáskrúðsfjörður: Personalized Tour of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Zodiac Boat
- Fáskrúðsfjörður: Personalized en route tour of Hofskirkja Turf Church, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, Stokksnes & Vestrahorn
- Lake Mývatn: Lake Mývatn at Lesiure
- Lake Mývatn: Shared Group Tour of Mývatn Nature Baths
- Lake Mývatn: Personalized Tour of Diamond Circle Attractions
- Varmahlíð: Group Horseback Riding Tour
- Varmahlíð: Personalized en route tour of Góðafoss and Akureyri
- Stykkishólmur: Personalized Tour of Snaefellsnes Penninsula Attractions

Self-driven car during your journey as follows:
- Vehicle Type: default car for 1 to 4 people: TOYOTA RAV4 4WD Automatic or similar
- Unlimited mileage
- 9 days
- Pick-up: Day 1/Reykjavik
- Drop-off: Day 9/Reykjavik
- Detailed description of your routing
- GPS navigation
- Airport pick up surcharge
For your rental car we book the following insurance services:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): includes third party insurance, excludes an excess of 195.000-375.000 ISK per damage
- Theft Waiver (THW)
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
The general business terms apply
Note: Minimum age for drivers is 20 years; the driving license of the driver must be issued at least 1 year prior to rental.
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
On request: A printed set of your travel documents by post
All transfers as indicated above

Not Included

Among other expenses, the following additional costs are not included for rental cars (to be made directly at the car rental shop with a credit card from a recognisable bank institution):
- 3.341 ISK per additional driver per rental
- 8.201 ISK afterhours airport charge per rental (19.00 to 06.00 hrs, only during low season)
- 1.080 ISK per day for mobile Wifi (3 GB, minimum rental 3 days)
- 810 ISK per infant/baby seat per day (max. 6.200 ISK per rental)
- Road tolls
- SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver): 1.350 ISK for group Z-D with an excess of 49.500 ISK and 2.430 ISK for other groups with an excess of 90.000 ISK per damage (per day rates)
- GP (Gravel Protection): 810 ISK for group Z-D and 1.080 ISK for other groups (covers broken windows and lights, no excess, per day rates)
- SADW (Sand & Ash Damage Waiver): 1.350 ISK for group Z-D and 1.755 ISK for other groups (excess of 25.000 ISK, per day rates)
- ZERO (Zero Excess Cover): 540 ISK for group Z-D and 810 ISK for other groups (available only in combination with Premium Protection Package, per day rate)
- MEDIUM Protection Package: 1.755 for group Z‐D with an excess of 49.500 ISK and 2.835 ISK for other groups with an excess of 90.000 ISK (per day rates, includes: CDW, PAI, THW, SCDW, GP)
- PREMIUM Protection Package: 3.240 ISK for group Z‐D and 4.725 ISK for other groups (no excess, per day rates, includes: CDW, PAI, THW, SCDW, GP, SADW, ZERO)
- Fuel (Please drop off the car with full tank. In case fuel needs to be added, the car rental company will charge 2.700 ISK service fee plus the cost for the fuel)
Tips, additional meals and personal expenses
Entrance fees, unless otherwise stated in the activity descriptions
Visa fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare (from your home country to your destination and return), unless specified under the trip inclusions above

Road Trip: Highlights of the Ring Road

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Reykjavík

Hveragerði

Skaftafell

Fáskrúðsfjörður

Lake Mývatn

Varmahlíð

Stykkishólmur

Reykjavík

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included