From Reykjavik: 7-Day Ring Road Adventure with Accommodation

Embark on a 7-day small-group adventure tour from Reykjavík and explore the wonders of Iceland along the famous Ring Road. Discover hidden gems and avoid the crowds for a personalized experience.

Duration: 7 days
Cancellation: 3 days learn more
Highlights

South Coast of Iceland

Seljalandsfoss - A world-renowned waterfall that can be completely circled. It features a 60-meter (200ft) drop and is situated beneath the Eyjafjallajokull glacier-volcano.

Gljufrabui - Often referred to as the “hidden waterfall,” this smaller cascade located in a cave is definitely worth a visit.

Skogafoss - Next on the list is Skogafoss, a classic waterfall that looks like it came straight out of a child’s drawing. The single cascade of water showcases the raw power of nature and is a must-see.

Reynisfjara Beach - Then, head to Reynisfjara, a black sand beach nestled under Mt. Reynisfjall. The black basalt has formed into various stunning shapes, most notably the famous Reynisdrangar. Be cautious of the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean while admiring the lava formations near the shore.

Vik - For lunch, you’ll stop at Vík, a charming village on the south coast with a magnificent view of the Black Beach.

Eldhraun - The eruption of the Laki Volcano in the 1700s caused the largest lava flow in recorded history. The raw landscape formed by this event is awe-inspiring.

Solheimajokull Glacier - The main highlight of the day will be a stop at the Solheimajokull Glacier. You can opt (for an extra cost) to spend an hour and a half hiking on the ice cap (3 hours total with a safety introduction), an experience available in very few places worldwide. The beauty from atop the glacier is surreal and unforgettable.

Glacier Lagoon and East Fjords

Jokulsarlon - On day two, you’ll explore Iceland’s incredible East Coast, starting with a visit to the Jökulsárlon glacier lagoon, considered by many to be Iceland’s most beautiful spot. You can opt (for an extra cost) to take an amphibian boat tour among the floating icebergs.

Fellsfjara - Watching icebergs drift through the water and seeing where they wash up on Diamond Beach is mesmerizing.

Vestrahorn - The incredible Vestrahorn mountain is one of the best spots for photos in Iceland.

Djupivogur - The tour continues along the dramatic east coast, featuring long, narrow fjords with steep sides and jagged peaks that contrast with fertile inland farmlands. Natural harbors create picturesque fishing villages, and seemingly endless roads offer beautiful sweeping views with steep mountains towering behind the houses. One of the settlements you’ll visit is Djupivogur, located in Berufjordur – a long and narrow fjord rich in birdlife. This charming fishing village has a long trading history dating back to the 16th century. Today, the local harbor serves only fishermen, but you can still feel the spirit of the place by taking a short walk around the port buildings, including Langabud, an old trading station built in 1790.

Lake Myvatn and Waterfalls

Lake Myvatn - This incredible place offers more than just serene stretches of water; expect to see fascinating geothermal areas, impressive lava formations, and a wealth of unique birdlife. You’ll visit the dark rocky fortress of Dimmuborgir, with its stunning geology; a hot spring cave called Grjótagjá, an ancient bathing spot; the Krafla power plant, and the Hverir geothermal area.

Dettifoss Waterfall - The magnificent Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Before getting back on the bus, you’ll take a short hike to admire another waterfall called Sellfoss. These places are visited only during the summer months (Apr-Oct).

Godafoss - The last stop on this exciting route is Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods.

Studlagil canyon - The hidden gem of Iceland. Turquoise waters originating from the Vatnajokull glacier run between the largest formation of basalt columns in the country, which you can admire after a short walk from the parking lot.

Forest Lagoon - (Optional, extra cost) The Forest Lagoon features two pools, with the larger pool spanning 530m2 and maintained at a soothing temperature of around 37°C (98.6°F), along with a dry sauna and a cold pool.

North Iceland – A Region Famous for Rich Wildlife

Akureyri - The day starts in Akureyri, the capital of the North. This small, remote city is located in a stunning, deep fjord. The city center is next to the harbor, where you’ll find both modern architecture and historical wooden houses, as well as the Akureyri church on a hill, which also serves as a viewing point.

Hvitserkur - Hvítserkur is a unique rock formation and a great place for photos.

Kolugljufur Waterfall - Kolugljufur Canyon features a spectacular waterfall (accessible only from April to October).

Elding Whale Watching Akureyri - (Optional, extra cost) The whale watching tour lasts around 3 hours, and the chances of seeing these huge mammals playing in the sea are very high in this area of Iceland.

(Optional) West Iceland, Lava Cave, Waterfalls & Hot Springs

Deildartunguhver Thermal Spring - Take in the sights at Deildartunguhver, the highest-flow hot spring in Europe, providing 180 liters per second of 100°C hot water! Tread carefully while watching and hearing the powerful energy of the hot spring at work.

Snorralaug - Next, you’ll stop at the historic site of Reykholt. Here, you can learn a bit about Iceland’s history and see Snorralaug, a small hot spring used by locals since the 12th century. This place was first mentioned in the medieval writings of Snorri Sturluson, the famous Icelandic poet and politician who used to bathe there.

Hraunfossar - You’ll see the great Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls spread over a distance of around 900 meters. The waters flow out of the Hallmundarhraun, a lava field formed around 1,000 years ago during a massive volcanic eruption under the Langjökull glacier. Hraunfossar is often called the “Lava Waterfalls.” Rivulets streaming from the lava field create one of the most breathtaking views in Iceland.

Barnafoss - Just a few meters away from Hraunfossar, you’ll find another interesting waterfall – Barnafoss. Its name, “the waterfall of the children,” comes from a tragic tale that supposedly took place here in a previous century. There was a natural stone bridge over the waterfall, and two children from a nearby farm fell to their deaths while crossing the river on the bridge. Afterwards, their grief-stricken mother had the bridge destroyed.

Husafell - After nearly 2 hours spent deep below the Earth’s surface, the tour ends in the woodland oasis of Husafell, where you can grab a snack at the restaurant. Husafell is a magical place to unwind after a day of wonder, with birch tree woodlands, waterfalls, rugged lava fields, crystal-clear water springs, medieval remains, and much more to see.

(Optional) Black Beaches, Lava Fields & the Magic of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Ytri Tunga Beach - Ytri-Tunga is a charming farm with a nearby beach that is a popular seal colony. Animal lovers will enjoy seeing the seals sunbathing and playing in the surf.

Arnarstapi - Arnarstapi and Hellnar are located in a lovely coastal area with a natural harbor. Beautiful rock formations decorate the coastline, covered with green-and-yellow moss. You can stroll along the cliffs here to take in the refreshing sea air.

Londrangar Basalt Cliffs - Two black basalt columns mark the coast, so tall they can be seen from the road.

Djupalonssandur Beach - Djúpalónssandur is another gorgeous black beach, where the air is filled with the sounds of birds circling the cliffs and the ocean waves hitting the sand. At Djúpalónssandur, you’ll find a curiosity on the beach: four large, smooth stones. They are “lifting stones,” used to measure the strength of fishermen who once worked and lived along the coasts here.

The largest stone is called Fullsterkur (“Full-Strength”) and weighs 154 kg (340 lbs). Be sure to lift with your knees to avoid hurting your back! The second stone is called Hálfsterkur (“Half-Strength”) and weighs 100 kg (220 lbs). The third stone is called Hálfdrættingur (“Weakling”) and weighs 54 kg (119 lbs). Lastly, you were considered the shame of your village if you could only lift Amlóði (“Useless”), which weighs 23 kg (50 lbs).

If a fisherman wanted to earn a spot on the fishing boat, he had to be able to lift the “Hálfdrættingur” stone – anything less, and they were not accepted. Try your strength! Are you ready to join the boats?

Kirkjufell Mountain - Kirkjufell mountain rises out of the green hills, surrounded by trickling rivers. This is one of the most popular photography spots in Iceland, so be sure to get a picture for your own collection!

(Optional) The Golden Circle & Kerid Volcanic Crater

Thingvellir National Park - Þingvellir National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Icelandic mainland. Its popularity stems from two main factors. Firstly, it has a fascinating history as the original site of what has become the world’s longest-running, ongoing parliament; early settlers in Iceland first convened here in 930 AD.

Secondly, it has spectacular geology; the park sits right in the rift valley between two tectonic plates, both of which are clearly visible as you travel through the sweeping lava fields of the Almannagjá gorge.

Geysir - After Þingvellir, you’ll head to see the geysers in the geothermal hot-spot area of Haukadalur Valley. Geysir itself, which gave all other geysers their name, only erupts sporadically these days, but its neighbor Strokkur is happy to entertain; every five to ten minutes, you can see it shoot water up to forty meters high.

Gullfoss Waterfall - The majestic Gullfoss Waterfall is the most iconic falls in the country.

Kerid Crater - The water-filled Kerið crater lake is often overlooked by visitors, but it is a sight to behold.

What's Included
  • Onboard Wi-Fi and USB chargers
  • English guidance
  • Accommodation with Breakfast in double rooms with private bathrooms
  • Breakfast
  • Entry to Vidgelmir Lava Cave (if 5-day or longer tour is booked)
  • Entry to Kerið Volcanic Crater
  • 4-7 days minibus tour around Iceland with maximum 19 passengers in the bus
  • Hotel pick up & drop off in Reykjavik
What's Not Included
  • Lunch and Dinner – we make scheduled stops so that guests can buy lunch and dinner during the tour
  • Optional activities
Additional Information

Embark on a 7-day guided journey around Iceland via the local’s treasured Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, where you’ll visit not only the popular wonders but also some concealed gems in a relaxing, less crowded manner. Your tour package includes a 6-night stay accompanied by breakfast. This tour is designed for a small group to ensure a more intimate and rewarding experience.

Throughout your journey, you’ll experience the finest that Iceland has to offer! You’ll be visiting numerous well-known attractions in Iceland, as well as some well-guarded hidden treasures, allowing you to avoid the touristy hustle and bustle and find places in Iceland that feel distinctly yours.

  • Warm and water/windproof clothes
  • Good hiking shoes (if you do not have hiking shoes then we offer these for rent)
  • Camera
  • This tour typically finishes in Reykjavik on Day 7 around 05:00pm
  • IMPORTANT: It can happen that some activities are cancelled because of weather and/or safety reasons. Then we will find other activities when possible, and refund if there is a price difference.
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(22 Ratings)
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Peter_a
Jun 21, 2024
Breathtaking - Excellent experience. The driver/ guides were excellent . Got us to some “why not” stops . They were all well informed and excellent resources
Review provided by Viator
Clemens_und_marita
May 26, 2024
Iceland ring road trip - The tour was well organized, from booking thru out the entire stay in Iceland. Our tour guide Thorey was awesome and kept us informed & entertained during the whole ring road trip. It was a pleasure to have. Thorey as a tour guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderer22389
May 26, 2024
We had a great time with Thorey!👍Thorey is very knowledgeable and accommodating.Everything was well organized. - The tour included a lot of highlights, it was very beautiful and impressive. The hotels were very nice and we would recommend this tour with Thorey.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U6005mskathleens
Jun 23, 2023
Magical week in Iceland - Thank you, Nice Travel for a magical week in Iceland. We will be singing your praises to anyone we know who is contemplating a visit. Our guide for the first four days, Mika, was wonderful...so kind and caring about our needs and even our wants. (He found puffins for my husband!) He transmitted to us his love for Iceland and its geography, history and culture in his informative commentaries. He also kept us enthralled as he acquainted us with trolls and their escapades. Addi and Thoray were also great guides, though we were with them for a shorter time. They flavored their explanatory narratives with their own unique personalities and interests. The two concerns we had before our trip were availability of restrooms and physicality required for sightseeing as we are 81 years old. Firstly, all the guides were very good about scheduling bathroom stops, so this was absolutely not a problem. Secondly, we were able to tailor our sightseeing stops to match our physical abilities. We could choose our level of engagement at each stop. As an example, as we were preparing to scale the 500 or so steps of Grabrokargigar crater, Addi instructed us: "If climbing the steps becomes too difficult for you, I have an alternative solution, Turn around!" That was excellent advice and served us well throughout the trip. So, thank you so much for a never-to-be-forgotten week.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Planetabbi
Jun 22, 2022
Nice Travel is the way to go! - I cannot express how wonderful this tour was. Halldór and Þormóður took excellent care of us as we circled the Ring Road. This was my first time joining a tour group and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Tips: be ready for any kind of weather - we were here in June and had everything from freezing temps with wind and rain to warm sunny days.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carpelocum
Aug 5, 2019
A Unique and Unforgettable Experience in Every Way - My wife and I just returned from Iceland and this incredible 7 Day Ring Road Tour with NiceTravel that began July 24th. Iceland is one of those places people often visit as a layover or for a couple days. There are plenty of quick tours out of Reykjavik that take you on the Golden Circle Tour or other 1-3 day tours. The 7 Day Ring Road Tour with NiceTravel is a whole different experience and adventure. Nice Travel takes you on an immersive experience all about the country with a dedicated driver/guide. Stay in a different guesthouse each night and meet and eat with the locals. Travel comfortably in a smaller group- ours was 9 people- in a nice 19 passenger van with wifi and comfortable seating. Meet and learn about your group and become like a family as you hike together, eat together, travel together, explore together, and live together for 7 action-packed days. The smaller groups provided by Nice Travel as compared to some of the other tour companies in Iceland provides an exceptional level of service, personalization, and flexibility. They know the country and have a passion for sharing it with you. If you've seen the posts on social media like "15 Best Places to See in Iceland" or other top 10 lists out there, be assured this tour hit them all for all the lists we saw beforehand. Plenty of time was allowed as well at each attraction. We were surprised how many times we saw other tours arrive after us and leave before we did- they basically had time to rush out, take pics, and get back on their bus. NiceTravel provides time to enjoy each attraction and photo opportunity. If you aren't familiar with guesthouses, the experience may seem a bit unusual at first. A simple room with a bed to sleep in, shared bathrooms and showers, shared kitchens and dining areas all contribute to the Icelandic experience- go with it and enjoy it. After the first couple days, as your small group adjusts and bonds, it will all become comfortable and just part of the memorable experience. NiceTravel selects nice guesthouses and manages all the arrangements and scheduling. The NiceTravel website provides a great overview of this tour. Just know that that overview/itinerary provides just a sample of the highlights and stops you will make each day. There are so many other attractions and stops too numerous to list- your driver/guide is the coordinator of your daily schedule and will do a great job giving you the experience of a lifetime. Our group was active and energetic, we kept our driver/guide Valli on his toes. His patience, flexibility, and adaptability was great. We made a few unplanned stops as things got our attention or we saw things nearby that were movie location sites that we wanted to explore. We spent some extra time at many sites and definitely pushed the schedule. Valli was always happy, patient, fun, and full of information and was just a part of our group family. If you are visiting Iceland, I cant recommend enough that you choose NiceTravel as your guide hosts. You wont be disappointed. And a special thanks to Valli for all his hard work and hours he put in with us, giving us all one of the most incredible and memorable experiences in our lifetimes- ages 13-85. Thank you, my friend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lizcira
Jul 14, 2019
Magical and unforgettable! - I cannot recommend this tour and our tour guide, David, highly enough! I went with a group of five other friends, and we had an unreal 7 days driving around wild Iceland. Two of us were celebrating birthdays and I don't know how we'll ever top this. We saw so much more than if we'd done this on our own, and everything (whale watching, glacier hiking, museum tickets, lunch reservations) was arranged for us in advance--all we had to do was show up. David went out of his way to show us extra things he loves that were not on the tour itinerary, and I feel so lucky to have had this experience. Almost all of our days ended in a hot tub or geothermal spa, so pack a bathing suit (if you're going in summer.) Most of the guest houses we stayed at were in remote, gorgeous locations and I don't know how we would have found them by ourselves. The sun never set, which was surreal. Somehow, the waterfalls just kept getting more stunning. Thank you David and Nice Travel!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Noodledreaming
Jul 11, 2019
Wonderful in every way! - I just got home from the 7 day guided Ring Road tour, the first week of July, and it was just wonderful. This was one of the best vacations of my entire life, that I will remember forever. My guide was Giuseppe and he did a great job of explaining in detail Icelandic culture, geography, plants, and animals. The tour I was on only had 8 people so we were able to spread out in the bus. It was a nice bus that had WiFi and USB chargers. I enjoyed every day of the tour. They were all filled with fun and unique things to see and do. It was sunny for about half the days and rainy for the other half but as long as you pack appropriate rain gear and cold weather gear, the weather will not stop you from full enjoying yourself. I was a solo traveler and I felt this tour was a really good way for a solo traveler to see a lot of Iceland. I also love animals so I was happy I got to see many sheep, horses, puffins, various other types of birds, and even some whales, dolphins, and seals. The accommodations are simple but always clean and good value. I think this trip is really good for almost everyone--I am pretty young and active so I enjoyed doing the glacier hike, running about on the trails, etc, but some of the other people in my group were older and not as active and they still really enjoyed it. Even if you don't think of yourself as a nature lover, the sights in Iceland are so amazing that they might convert you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Asl492
Jul 30, 2022
Good Budget Tour Operator - I took the 7 day Ring Road Tour. As others have noted, this isn’t really a true 7 day tour but a combination of several shorter tours. I wound up having four different tour guides on four different minibuses. I wasn’t crazy about this arrangement but it worked out okay. For the first four days, my travel guide was Mika as we explored Northern Iceland and then the East Coast and South Coast, respectively. Mika was excellent, easily the best of the four tour guides I had. He was very friendly and informative, always making sure that everyone was comfortable and enjoying the tour. On day five, we traveled to the Western part of the country and our tour guide was Brian. He had a more reserved, business like approach. Nothing wrong with that but it was a bit of a come down after Mika. We fared better on day six with Christina as we continued west along the Snaefellsness peninsula. She was much friendlier and more enthusiastic. On our final day, we did the celebrated Golden Circle tour with Arnar (or Arna). He had a good sense of humor and provided helpful information on what we were seeing. The minibus seated 19 and it did feel a bit cramped as we got on and off it, especially if you had to sit toward the back. Just a minor complaint, though. The seats themselves were comfortable enough. The company promises a USB port for every seat and that was certainly true on the vehicle we had for the first four days. However, I noticed some of the solo seats toward the back of vehicles on the later segments of the tour didn’t have USB ports, at least none that I could see. All the tour guides did a good job of scheduling rest stops and bathroom breaks. I’ve seen some commenters complain that lunch stops often involved stopping at gas station convenience stores. I don’t know what they were expecting. This is Iceland, after all. It’s not as if you’re going to encounter supermarkets and full service restaurants around every corner. Overall, I found the food in Iceland to be quite impressive, even in the casual eateries. The accommodations throughout the trip were pretty basic but I wasn’t expecting anything fancy, especially out in the more remote areas. Every room I stayed in was clean and functional and that was adequate for me. By Icelandic standards, Nice Travel is a budget company compared to some competitors like Nordic Visitor or Arctic Adventures. For what you pay, I think they offer reasonable value. You’ll see all the major sites and a few off the beaten path ones you might not see with other tours. My advice, though, is to take the four day tour rather than the seven day tour. The former will give you most of the best sites, and you can maybe supplement it with a separate day tour of the Snaefellsness peninsula. This might be heresy to say but I would pass on the Golden Circle. The Gullfoss waterfall is beautiful but the viewpoints don’t show it off to its best effect, and you’ll see even better waterfalls on the four day tour. Also, the geyser area will seem anticlimactic if you’ve been to Yellowstone. Just my opinion :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_j
Jun 9, 2022
Niceland Tour - The tour operator, NICE Travel, was excellent, providing friendly personable driver guides, timely pickup and delivery services customized to our personal needs.
Review provided by Viator
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