Iceland Ring Road Highlights

7 days / 6 nights
Sunset at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Iceland
Side view of Seljalandsfoss and the surrounding green landscape
Bridge over milky water at the Blue Lagoon
Vík í Mýrdal village, South Iceland
Eruption of Geysir
Vík í Mýrdal village, South Iceland
Eruption of Geysir
Sunset at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Iceland
Side view of Seljalandsfoss and the surrounding green landscape
Bridge over milky water at the Blue Lagoon

Circle Iceland’s famous Ring Road in 7 days with a local driver-guide by your side. Spend your days admiring majestic waterfalls, snow-capped volcanoes, and dramatic black sand beaches.

On this trip, you’ll travel on a minibus with like-minded adventurers while your expert guide shows you the country’s top spots and hidden gems. Starting off in Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital, you’ll make your way south stopping off at must-see attractions, including the legendary Golden Circle. 

As you explore the rest of the country, get ready for glacier lagoons, volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and so much more. This week-long summer tour is full of unmissable natural wonders!

This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

Travel styleGuided Small group
Trip length7 days / 6 nights
VibeSocial
SeasonSummer
(5 May-15 Sep)
TransportMini-bus
Starts fromReykjavík
Minimum age12 years
Tour codeGT08

On this tour you will...

  • Complete the iconic Golden Circle route

  • Watch massive icebergs drifting out to sea at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

  • Visit Lake Mývatn and its otherworldly volcanic landscapes 

  • Explore charming Akureyri, the unofficial capital of North Iceland

  • See white chunks of ice glitter against the dark sand at Diamond Beach

  • Chase epic waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss on the south coast

Top attractions

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall covered in icicles

Seljalandsfoss

A rainbow over the Skógafoss waterfall on a sunny day

Skógafoss

Vik Church with Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance

Vík í Mýrdal

Skaftafellsjökull glacier in Vatnajökull National Park

Skaftafell

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunrise with a pink sky

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Lake Mývatn in its autumn colors

Lake Mývatn

The Dimmuborgir lava formations in North Iceland

Dimmuborgir

The Goðafoss waterfall in summer

Goðafoss

The skyline of Akureyri, North Iceland

Akureyri

The Hraunfossar waterfall in winter covered in ice

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

Why book a guided group trip with Iceland Tours?

  • Pick from wide range of departure dates

  • Expert local guidance in English

  • Small and big group options available

  • 24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland

  • Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit

  • Handpicked local accommodation options

Your 5-day guided group itinerary

Your 5-day guided group itinerary
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)

Transfer from Keflavík International Airport to your hotel in Reykjavík (included).

As soon as you touch down at Keflavík airport, you’ll be met by your driver who will take you to your hotel in Reykjavík.

Once you've settled in, it's time to explore what Iceland’s capital has to offer. The heart of the action is on Laugavegur, the city’s main pedestrian street. Here you’ll find lots of shops, galleries, and trendy restaurants. 

If you arrive early, you could also add one of the extra activities below to your tour (optional, not included). 

Highlights

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Extra activities

Riders on FlyOver Iceland above a virtual waterfallExtra

FlyOver Iceland

The Sky Lagoon at sunsetExtra

Sky Lagoon Saman Pass with Transfer

whale breaching in front of orange and yellow sunsetExtra

Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavík

Perlan on a sunny summer’s dayExtra

Perlan Museum Wonders of Iceland & Northern Lights Show

Inside the Raufarholshellir lava tunnelExtra

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel with Transfer

Staying inVík
Driving distance485 km (301 mi)

This morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and whisk you away on your Ring Road adventure. 

Your first stop is Þingvellir National park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the meeting place of 2 continents. Next, you’ll visit the Geysir geothermal area, where the mighty Stokkur geyser erupts with a boiling plume of water and steam. Then you’ll head to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s greatest waterfalls. 

In the afternoon, continue your journey along the south coast. Here you’ll see more jaw-dropping waterfalls, like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. At Seljalandsfoss, you’ll even get the chance to walk behind the glacial waterfall. 

Visit Reynisfjara black sand beach before continuing to tonight’s accommodation in the Vík area, where you can enjoy dinner with your group (dinner is included). 

Staying inHöfn
Driving distance300 km (186 mi)

Discover the icy side of the Land of Fire & Ice, starting off with the stunning Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

Take some time to explore the area’s diverse landscapes before continuing to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Get ready to sail among huge icebergs on a guided amphibian boat tour (included). 

A short distance from here you’ll find Diamond Beach, a black sand beach covered in sparkling chunks of ice. After a day of exploring, head to your accommodation, where a delicious dinner is waiting (dinner is included). 

Staying inMývatn area
Driving distance515 km (320 mi)

Today, your driver-guide will take you along Iceland’s east coast, home to dramatic fjords, cute fishing villages and stunning landscapes. Once you reach North Iceland, prepare to be amazed by the roaring Dettifoss, Europe’s second most powerful waterfall. 

You’ll then make your way to the otherworldly landscape of Lake Mývatn, where you’ll be spending the night. End the evening with a group dinner at your accommodation (dinner is included).

Staying inSkagafjörður area
Driving distance244 km (152 mi)

Spend the first half of the day exploring the volcanic landscape of Lake Mývatn. Visit attractions such as the Námaskarð hot springs, where you can see sulfuric steam rising out of the earth. Another unmissable stop  is Dimmuborgir, a labyrinth of lava pillars and volcanic caves. 

Before you make your way to Akureyri, your guide will take you to the horseshoe-shaped Goðafoss, aka ‘The Waterfall of the Gods’. In Akureyri, you’ll have some time to explore the vibrant town center, which is full of historic 20th century buildings, cute shops, and cozy cafés.

The next destination is Skagafjörður, an area famous for its abundance of Icelandic horses. At your accommodation, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group (dinner is included).

Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance395 km (245 mi)

Today your driver-guide will take you back to Reykjavík, stopping at some must-see sights along the way. 

 

These include Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and the sapphire-blue waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. After completing the Ring Road, end your day in the capital, where you can explore at your leisure.

Driving distance50 km (31 mi)

Transfer from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport (included).

Your adventure has come to an end, and it’s time to bid farewell to the Land of Fire and Ice. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation by a shuttle bus for your airport transfer. 

If you’re flying in the afternoon, you can add a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. This is the perfect way to relax Icelandic-style before continuing to the airport (optional: not included).

What’s included?

Quality accommodation every night

Continental breakfast every day

4 two-course set dinner menu or a dinner buffet in the countryside featuring local cuisine (Days 2-5)

Airport transfer

Local transport with guidance in English

Guided Amphibian Boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland

VAT, taxes & service fees

Flights to Iceland

Food & drink, unless otherwise stated

Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated

Personal travel insurance

Choose your accommodation level

More info

Stay in well-located hotels and guesthouses that are highly rated by visitors and handpicked by experts.

On this trip, you’ll stay at the following hotels or similar:

  • Day 1 – Fosshotel Reykjavík
  • Day 2 – Hotel Katla
  • Day 3 – Fosshotel Vatnajökull
  • Day 4 – Fosshotel Mývatn
  • Day 5 - Hofsstaðir Country Hotel
  • Day 6 - Fosshotel Reykjavík

Don’t take our word for it

See what hundreds of fellow travelers have to say about their trips with Iceland Tours.

Read customer reviews

FAQs about our guided group trips

On this type of tour, you’ll travel around Iceland by bus with the same driver-guide for the length of your trip. Guided group tours are a great way to make like-minded friends, as you’ll spend time with the same travelers for your whole vacation.

You’ll get to stay in accommodation around the country, and some tours include a few evening meals too. After a day’s exploring, you’ll go back to your private room and meet your guide and group the next morning to continue your trip.

All of our guided group tours start and finish in Reykjavík.

There are 2 group sizes available:

  • Small group: Up to 16 people
  • Big group: Up to 36 people

Small groups offer a more intimate travel experience, whereas big groups are more wallet-friendly.

You’ll likely be with people from a whole mix of backgrounds, from different countries and of different ages. Your guide will entertain you with fun facts and jokes as you journey around Iceland. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll be laughing along with your group!

There will most probably be a mix of solo travelers, couples, and small groups of friends and family.

The luggage restrictions on this guided group tour are as follows:

  • 1 suitcase or large bag per person for clothes and overnight items
  • 1 day bag for essential items, like a camera, extra clothes, and valuables

Each day your luggage will be loaded onto the bus. In the evening, you’ll take all your bags with you to your room.

Our guided group tours have fixed start dates and itineraries. While it’s not possible to customize the actual tour, you can tailor your trip with extra days and activities before or afterwards.

For example, you could add a couple more days in Reykjavík at the end of your trip. Fill these with day tours or exciting activities like ice caving and snowmobiling.

On a guided group tour, you’ll learn a lot about Icelandic history, nature, and culture from experienced tour guides. You’ll find their passion for the country infectious and gain a perspective on life in Iceland from these travel experts.

Guided group tours also mean you don’t need to worry about driving yourself on unfamiliar roads. They’re a fantastic way to explore Iceland if you want to meet like-minded travelers too.

That said, guided tours are by no means the only way to experience Iceland. If you’d prefer something more customizable, you could go for a multi-day tour by bus. Or if you want to set your own pace on a road trip, it’s hard to beat a self-drive tour.

Another option is a privately guided tour. This combines the experience of a locally guided tour with the intimacy of traveling in your own private group.

On an Iceland guided tour, you can expect to travel by bus in a small or large party. You can choose your preferred group size when you book.

Iceland small group tours are more intimate, whereas large group tours are more wallet-friendly. The maximum number of people in a small group is 16, and 36 in a large group.

Your driver-guide will lead the entire trip, which includes stays in the Icelandic countryside. Each day you’ll explore a new part of Iceland and enjoy commentary from your guide between stops.

As you’ll be with the same group of people throughout your trip, you’ll have the chance to socialize with fellow travelers and make friends (maybe even for life). There’s nothing like diving into Iceland’s epic nature for a bonding experience!

All of the guided Iceland vacation packages featured here include local transport, accommodation, breakfast, airport transfers, and activities. Some also include dinners in the countryside, so check the specific package for details.

You can customize your guided trip with extra days in Reykjavík at the start or end of your vacation. Use these to pack in day tours or an evening Northern Lights tour. You could even pay a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.

In general, tipping is not as commonplace in Iceland as in some other countries. While tour guides would never expect to be tipped, they would receive them gratefully.

You can start planning your Iceland adventure right on this page. Browse the guided vacation packages above until you find the one for you.

Next, check departure dates on the tour page. Guided group tours have fixed dates and durations, although you can extend your trip with extra days in Reykjavík if you like. This would be your chance to add activities, like exploring an ice cave or bathing in hot springs.

After that, simply follow the checkout instructions to complete your booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email straight away, followed by your travel documents closer to your departure date.

You can check dates on the individual tour pages. Guided tours are available in a small or large group, with separate departure dates for each.

There are weekly or fortnightly departures throughout the popular summer and winter seasons. Make sure you book in advance as spaces can sell out quick.

Because guided group tours have fixed departure dates, it’s a good idea to book your vacation package before your flights. Once you’ve received the confirmation from Iceland Tours, you’re clear to book with your preferred airline.

That said, you might want to do a rough check for flights before you book your package to get a feel for what’s available.

Iceland is well connected to Europe and North America with daily direct flights to lots of major cities.

When visiting Iceland, it pays to pack smart and be prepared. The weather is changeable and conditions are likely to be different to what you’re used to at home.

Here’s an Iceland packing list that’s good for all seasons:

  • Warm, waterproof coat
  • Toasty inner layers
  • Hat, scarf, and gloves
  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Sunglasses
  • Moisturizer and lip balm

There’s plenty to enjoy on a guided tour of Iceland. The great thing about them is that you can access locations you never would have known about. And you can travel to seemingly out-of-reach regions, like the Icelandic highlands.

Here’s just some of what you could get up to on an Iceland group tour:

Need more inspiration? Check out this Iceland Travel Guide.

Adults

Ages 12+

2

Children

Ages 2-11

0

Infants

Ages 0-1

0

#icelandmyway

See what travelers like you have been up to lately on Instagram.