8 Day - Iceland Ring Road Tour - Adventure Package

by Arctic Adventures · Whale watching · Glacier hiking · Multi-day packages · East Iceland

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Four or so stops a day. Early starts, and you will be glad of the coach seat.

26 stops across 8 days in the operator's own itinerary — 3.3 a day.

8 Day - Iceland Ring Road Tour - Adventure Package — Arctic Adventures

Would this be cheaper direct? No — we sell at Arctic Adventures's own price and take our commission from them, not from you. What you get here is one checkout across operators, one confirmation, and one place to change or cancel it. If you ever find it cheaper on their own site, tell us and we will match it or explain why we cannot.

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29 photos from Arctic Adventures. Tap any one for the full-size original.

  • Duration

    8 days and 1 hour

  • Difficulty

    Easy

  • Season

    All year

  • Starts in

    Reykjavík

  • Meeting

    Meet on location

  • Languages

    EN, DE, IS, FR, DA, ZH, ES

  • Departs

    14:00

  • Minimum age

    8

  • Cancellation

    Free until 24h before

About this experience

Day 1

Make your way to Reykjavík, and check into your accommodation in the afternoon. Free day in Reykjavík.

Day 2

The day starts with a pick-up from your accommodation in Reykjavík. First, we will head out to explore the famous Golden Circle, which includes Þingvellir National Park where Icelanders founded their parliament in the year 930 A.D., the oldest parliament in the world. The Circle includes Geysir hot springs and Gullfoss waterfall. Next, we will drive to the beautiful South Coast. Our first stop is at Seljalandsfoss, a unique opportunity to experience the power and wonder of nature. Don´t view this one from a distance – the walking path will take you directly behind the waterfall itself. Next, we will stop at the scenic Skógafoss, where the water crashes down over sea cliffs that marked the coastline of Iceland long ago. Watch out for rainbows – the incredible spray from this waterfall makes it an ideal spot to catch one or even two at a time. The final stop of the day is at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the home of the famous Reynisdrangar peaks, rumored to be the figures of two trolls caught in the sun and turned to stone, and a basalt column cave. After that, we will make our way to a country hotel near the charming village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where we will rest for the night.

Day 3

The journey continues along the South coast in the direction of Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park. At Skaftafell, another of Iceland´s three national parks, we will take a 3-hour glacier hike on one of Vatnajökull outlet glaciers, led by one of our skilled glacier guides. After that bracing experience, we will explore a little further Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where we can expect to see floating icebergs and the occasional frolicking seal. Beside the glacier lake, we will find another black sand crystal beach, which is usually filled with clear icebergs that have floated back to shore. For the evening, we will lay our heads in accommodations in the pleasant place in South East.

Day 4

Embark on a journey to the breathtaking Eastfjords, a region of dramatic landscapes, serene fjords, and quaint coastal villages. Explore the charming fishing village of Djúpivogur, known for its unique outdoor art and strong connection to nature.

Before reaching Djúpivogur, we'll make a brief stop in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, surrounded by legends of the mysterious Lagarfljót Worm.

The highlight of our day will be a visit to the Wilderness Center, a living museum offering a glimpse into Iceland's past. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the region, and enjoy a traditional hot spring bath to relax and rejuvenate.

Day 5

TToday, we embark on a journey through North Iceland, a land of dramatic landscapes and natural wonders.

We'll start by exploring the stunning Stuðlagil Canyon, where towering basalt columns rise from the turquoise waters. Then, we'll venture to the mystical Námaskarð geothermal area, with its bubbling mud pools and steamy fumaroles.

Next, we'll discover the unique volcanic landscapes and abundant birdlife of Lake Mývatn. For those seeking relaxation, the Earth Lagoon (formally Mývatn Nature Baths) offer a chance to soak in mineral-rich geothermal waters.

We'll continue our journey to the otherworldly Dimmuborgir rock formations, and then witness the power of nature at the majestic Goðafoss waterfall.

Our final destination is the picturesque town of Akureyri, nestled on the shores of Eyjafjörður fjord. From September to April, you may have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights.

Day 6

We will start the day by exploring the town of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Then, we will drive to the neighboring town of Dalvík where we go for a 3-hour whale watching tour in Eyjafjörður fjord. Take this opportunity to enjoy the wonders of sea life, including humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and the occasional blue whale. If fishing interests you, give sea angling a try and taste whatever you catch. Next we will travel the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, which will take us through a couple of fishing hamlets before we stop in the cozy village of Siglufjörður. Thereafter, we will head to West Iceland, where we will spend the night in a hotel in a small college community.

Day 7

On this, our final day, we will find ourselves in West Iceland – an area which Lonely Planet voted as one of the best destinations in 2016. Borgarfjörður has many splendid sights and we will focus on these today. We stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring, the legendary waterfall, Barnafoss, (the Children´s Waterfall), and the Hraunfossar cascade, the atmospheric very low and wide falls where the water emerges, literally straight out of the lava field. Next on the agenda is the historic and picturesque site of Reykholt, home to Snorri Sturluson, the Icelandic historian, lawyer, politician, poet and the author of some Icelandic Sagas. See Snorralaug, Snorri´s pool, dabble your fingers and feel the temperature of the water in the place where Snorri is likely to have bathed. We will drive around scenic fjord, Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), on our way to back Reykjavík. We expect to arrive in the city around 5 – 6 pm.

Day 8

Free day in Reykjavík.

Description from the operator, Arctic Adventures. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.

Where you go

  1. Reykjavík
  2. Day 2: Þingvellir National Park
  3. Day 2: Geysir
  4. Day 2: Gullfoss
  5. Day 2: Seljalandsfoss
  6. Day 2: Skógafoss
  7. Day 2: Reynisfjara
  8. Day 3: Vík
  9. Day 3: Kirkjubæjarklaustur
  10. Day 3: Skaftafell
  11. Day 3: Jökulsárlón
  12. Day 3: Höfn
  13. Day 4: Djúpivogur
  14. Day 4: Hengifoss
  15. Day 4: Egilsstaðir
  16. Day 5: Námaskarð
  17. Day 5: Mývatn
  18. Day 5: Goðafoss
  19. Day 5: Akureyri
  20. Day 6: Dalvík
  21. Day 6: Siglufjörður
  22. Day 6: Laugarbakki
  23. Day 7: Deildartunguhver
  24. Day 7: Hraunfossar
  25. Day 7: Reykholt
  26. Day 4: Stuðlagil

Included

Pick-up from your hotel in Reykjavík, a guided tour in a minibus, visit to Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara, Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon Ice Glacier Lagoon, Hengifoss, Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir, Námaskarð, Goðafoss, Mývatn Nature Baths (admission can be added), Deildartunguhver, Hraunfossar, Whale watching, Ice Cave (during winter if accessible), Glacier hike & a certified glacier guide. Hotel room with bathroom for 7 nights and breakfasts.


Please note that food is NOT included on this tour, except breakfast at hotels and guesthouses.

Good to know

Warm outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that the tour does not include meals.

- Golden Circle - Þingvellir, Gullfoss Waterfall & Geysir Hot Springs

- Ice Cave/Glacier hike exploration - Seljandsfoss Waterfall, walk behind the water.
- Skogar - Skogafoss Waterfall.
- Skaftafell - Vatnajokull National Park
- A visit to Jokulsarlon Ice Lagoon & Icebergs - Vik, the coastal village
- Reynisfjara, basalt colums & black sand beaches- Eyjafjallajokull Glacier / Volcano view.*

- Hekla Volcano / Volcano view.*
- Höfn village
- Hengifoss Waterfall
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Lake Mývatn
- Mývatn Nature Baths
- Námaskarð geothermal area
- Dimmuborgir lava field
- Goðafoss Waterfall
- Whale Watching
- Deildartunguhver hot springs
- Hraunfossar/Barnafoss Waterfalls

* Views of Eyjafjallajökull glacier and Hekla Volcano are subject to weather conditions.

Cancellation for this tour

Free cancellation until 24 hours before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.

If the weather cancels this tour

Iceland's weather is real. What usually stops this one is sea state — the skipper decides an hour or two before departure; in winter this happens often. Here is exactly what happens to your booking.

  1. 1Arctic Adventures decides, and tells us. Operators cancel when it is unsafe or pointless, and we back that call every time — we do not ask them to run anyway.
  2. 2We contact you by email, and by phone if your tour is the same or next day. You choose: another date if there is one you can make, or a full refund. There is no fee and nothing to argue.
  3. 3The refund goes back to the card you paid with, through Stripe, usually visible within a few working days. If this tour was one of several in your booking, the others are untouched.

What you do not get is the day back. If this is the only free day in your plan, put a spare day next to it — the planner leaves days free with the rest-day option. And if you want out because the forecast looks bad, that is your own cancellation: free until 1 day before departure, the operator's policy after that.

Questions on the day: [email protected] · +354 497 1373. How cancellations work in Iceland →

Sold out on your date?

Seats come back — a cancellation, or the operator adding a vehicle. Tell us the date and we will check once a day and email you if one opens. One email, then we delete the address; nothing else is ever sent to it.

Who this is not for

  • Children under 8 cannot join this one.

Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.

Why we list it

Arctic Adventures is one of 154 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →

What travellers say about Arctic Adventures

Read all 5,129 reviews on Google →

Operator rating 4.6/5 from Google — these are reviews of the company, not this specific tour. Shown as Google returns them, unedited.

  • Kai Gilchrist

    ★★★★★ · 2 months ago

    This was a phenomenal trip with AMAZING sights. Our tour guide was informative, friendly, and easy to listen to. You will learn a lot and see nature at its greatest. We absolutely loved this tour and would recommend it to anyone. The car ride is comfortable and there is wifi as well! Shout out to our tour guide, Magnus (I hope I’m spelling his name correctly), who told us some hilarious stories.

  • Tatjana Kultaniemi

    ★★★★★ · a month ago

    I spent six days on a bus tour around Iceland with a professional guide. It was an excellent opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of Iceland's breathtaking nature while also learning about the country's history and the everyday lives of its people. Iceland's landscape and animals are truly unique, featuring magnificent waterfalls, geysers, whales, seals, puffins, volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains. Every day brought new and unforgettable experiences. Of course, none of this would have been possible without our guide, Viko. He not only drove the bus safely but also shared fascinating stories about Icelandic history, culture, and way of life. He was willing to tailor the itinerary to our group's interests and wishes, making the experience even more enjoyable. I am very grateful for his professionalism, knowledge, and enthusiasm in interpreting Iceland's natural and cultural heritage. He played a key role in making this tour such a memorable experience.

  • Chloe Lamm

    ★★★★★ · 2 months ago

    I did the Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik. Such an amazing tour and one of the highlights of my trip to Iceland! Our guide, Erik, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much interesting information about Iceland throughout the day. We visited some of the country’s most beautiful sights, including stunning waterfalls, Vik, black sand beaches, and other breathtaking stops along the South Coast. The pickup process was simple and organized, making the day completely stress-free. The scenery was incredible from start to finish, and Erik helped make the experience even better with his knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm. If you’re visiting Iceland, the South Coast is a must-do, and I highly recommend taking this tour with Erik as your guide!

  • maya sterett

    ★★★★★ · 3 months ago

    A Fantastic Trip: Review of 3-Day Golden Circle, Ice Cave and Glacier Lagoon Absolutely incredible experience with Arctic Adventures and the guide Hjalti Bjornsson. The pick up from the bus stop was easy and the instructions were super clear. Be aware that they are extremely punctual at every stop. Do not be late by even a minute. We saw so many sites and the weather was perfect for most of the days. Our guide even took us on some stops that were not in the itinerary, but ones he thought were interesting and on the way, like the power plants and some other glaciers. The bus ride was very smooth with plenty of room and the seats were comfortable. The itinerary was well thought out with a great mix of light walking about 3 - 6 miles per day depending on how much you wanted to walk to each site. Some sites like the glacier Skaftafellsjokull (optional) were further away (4 ish miles), while others were much closer (1000ft). The hotel was situated in a beautiful location with sheep everywhere and interesting rock formations. The hotel was very comfortable with hot water and plenty of space to spread out. Our guide was extremely friendly and knowledgable. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone between the ages 10 - 70. However, this might not be the best experience for those with mobility issues as there is walking to some of the best sites.

Reviews from Google · updated 13 Sept 2026

Read before you book

Reviews from our travellers

Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.

No reviews yet from our travellers on this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.

Whale watching — questions people ask

When is the best time for whale watching in Iceland?

April to October, with June to August the most reliable. Humpbacks and minke whales feed in Faxaflói off Reykjavík and in the northern fjords all summer, and white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises turn up on most trips. Winter boats still sail from Reykjavík, but sightings drop and the sea is rougher. If whales are the point of your trip, come in summer and book an early departure; seas are usually calmer in the morning.

Can you see whales from Reykjavík in December?

Sometimes. Boats run from the Old Harbour all year, and winter trips do find whales, mostly humpbacks and the occasional orca. But December means short daylight, cold wind and a higher chance the operator cancels for weather. Sightings are noticeably less frequent than in summer. If you are here in winter, go anyway, but treat it as a sea trip with a chance of whales rather than a whale trip. Most operators offer a free second trip if nothing shows.

Is Húsavík or Reykjavík better for whale watching?

Húsavík, if you can get there. Skjálfandi Bay in the north sees humpbacks close to shore from May to September, and the small family-run boats like Friends of Moby Dick (/experience/752602/) keep group sizes down. Reykjavík is more convenient: boats leave the Old Harbour five minutes from most hotels and run all year. Akureyri and Dalvík in Eyjafjörður are also strong. If you are only in Reykjavík, go from Reykjavík and do not feel short-changed.

Will I get seasick on a whale watching tour?

You might. Faxaflói is open sea and the boats roll, especially in wind. Take a tablet an hour before departure, stay on deck in fresh air and watch the horizon rather than your phone. Morning trips tend to be calmer than afternoon ones. If you know you suffer badly, a two-hour RIB trip (/experience/155331/) is faster and bumpier but shorter, or pick a northern fjord like Eyjafjörður, which is more sheltered than the bay off Reykjavík.

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