Beautiful 11-Day Winter Tour of the Ring Road with Snaefellsnes Peninsula

On the first day of your winter excursion, you will arrive in Iceland. 

When you arrive at Keflavik International Airport, you will have a voucher for the bus. Trade it in for a ticket to the bus heading to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, and your destination for the day.

The drive from the airport is beautiful. You will see the undeveloped and sparse volcanic fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula passing by on the right-hand side while the rolling blue of the Atlantic Ocean is on your left. 

You could stop at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on your way to Iceland's capital city. This world-renowned spa is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. 

It is in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it an otherworldly atmosphere. 

Adding the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to your itinerary will be arranged according to your flights. If there is no time to visit the lagoon today, it can be added to another day. Your travel consultant will be able to arrange this for you. 

If you choose to add the experience of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to your vacation, two options are available. The comfort entrance gives you all you need for relaxation, including a silica mud mask and towel use. 

The premium entrance provides extras like more silica mud masks, a bathrobe and towel use, and a table reservation at the acclaimed LAVA restaurant.

You'll then be taken to Reykjavik. Despite its small size, Reykjavik is a bustling city with many fantastic museums, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and bars. 

You could also spend your evening exploring cultural landmarks in the city, such as the Perlan observation deck, Harpa Concert Hall, or Hallgrimskirkja church.

You will spend your first night in comfortable accommodation in Reykjavik.

On the fifth day of your winter tour of Iceland, you'll explore the remote Eastfjords.

The Eastfjords is regarded as one of the country's most diverse areas. It is also untouched as few tourists visit here, so it's a great place to immerse yourself in nature. 

Today, you will travel through the fjords and vales of this mountainous area, stopping at some hidden gems that your guide will tell you about. 

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife throughout your journey around East Iceland. After all, it is the only region in the country where you can spot herds of wild reindeer. As with many locations in Iceland, there are plenty of opportunities to spot seals along the coastline.

The Eastfjords is also known for its charming fishing villages on its picturesque coasts. Visiting some of these settlements will give you an outlook on the local culture and rich history of the fishing industry in Iceland.

If you opt to during the booking process, this day will include a horse riding tour through the beautiful southern lowlands. The guide will take you to the stables of a local farm, where you'll get to meet and ride the friendly Icelandic horse.

Icelandic horses are renowned for their surefootedness and agility. Due to the isolation of Iceland, the breed has remained relatively pure and has not been mixed with other horse breeds.

Your last destination for the day is Egilsstadir, the biggest town in Iceland's eastern region. 

Before heading to Egilsstdir, you can also visit the breathtaking Vok Baths for the East's only geothermal spa experience. A geothermal bath is an excellent way to shield yourself against the cold weather in Iceland. 

Alternatively, you can check the forecast for the aurora borealis. If the conditions are right, you'll have a great chance to spot the lights dancing in the skies.

You will find your cozy accommodation for the night in East Iceland.

On day six of this 11-day winter package in Iceland, you'll head to the charming town of Akureyri. Akureyri is considered the unofficial capital of North Iceland, serving as the region's central hub for commerce, transportation, and tourism.

On the way, you will find fantastic photo opportunities and sightseeing stops in some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the region. The most prominent among these stops is Lake Myvatn.

Lake Myvatn is one of the largest lakes in Iceland. However, despite its massive size, the lake is unusually shallow, with average depths of only 8 feet (2.5 meters) and not exceeding 15 feet (4.5 meters).

It is considered one of Iceland's most unique and popular destinations due to its volcanic landscape, abundant birdlife, and geothermal activity. Its natural wonders and dramatic landscapes make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts.

During winter, the lake transforms into a snowy wonderland. Parts of its notable pseudocraters become enveloped by ice and snow during the cold season for the most breathtaking sight.

You will continue by stopping at Namaskard Pass, a geothermal area with steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and colorful mineral deposits. The scenery here resembles something otherworldly, which wouldn't look out of place in a sci-fi movie.

One of the most remarkable and well-visited spots around Lake Myvatn is the Dimmuborgir lava field, a space defined by the peculiar rock formations that decorate this volcanic landscape. 

Dimmuborgir means The Dark Castles, and the name came to be due to the rock formations resembling a fantastical, medieval fort.

Before you reach Akureyri, you'll stop at the beautiful Godafoss waterfall. This waterfall, referred to as the "Waterfall of the Gods," is renowned for its stunning horseshoe-shaped cascade and its significance in Icelandic history and folklore. 

You will spend the night in North Iceland.

On the seventh day of your winter vacation in Iceland, you’ll explore the wonders of North Iceland.

Before continuing your minibus trip further north, don’t miss your chance to explore Akureyri. The town is home to numerous shops, boutiques, and restaurants where you can immerse yourself in the local culture by buying souvenirs and sampling local dishes.

As you bid farewell to Akureyri, the minibus will drive you on a scenic drive along Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland. Along the way, you’ll discover a hidden gem, the little village of Hauganes. 

Although this tiny town is home to only about 140 people, it is packed with unique charm and beauty. Here, you can walk on a black sand beach and admire the surrounding seascape and idyllic harbor.

If you’d like a better view of your surroundings, a whale-watching tour is the best way to do that. Not only will you be able to take in the stunning vistas, but you’ll also be searching for the majestic whales that make the North Atlantic Ocean their home.

Eyjafjordur fjord is home to numerous wildlife species, from whales and dolphins to seabirds. The most common sightings here include humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins.

Then, you’ll be off to visit the peculiar rock stack known as Hvitserkur or ‘White Shirt.’ The unusual name comes from the amount of guano on top of it, for this is a favorite rest stop for birds looking for food in the surrounding water. 

The rock resembles an elephant drinking from the water and makes an excellent subject for photographers. 

You’ll then head to the Borgarnes region in West Iceland to spend the night. You will find a nice hot tub at your hotel, which you can unwind in after a day on the road. The northern lights may also make an appearance.

On your penultimate day in the land of fire and ice, you will have some free time to explore the world's northernmost capital, Reykjavik.

Reykjavik offers many opportunities for laid-back sightseeing or more thrilling adventures, depending on your mood today. If you want a more relaxing day, stroll around the city to see its cultural attractions and popular restaurants.

If you prefer to be more active, you can join optional tours providing you with more unique experiences and perspectives of Iceland.

For example, you could join a whale-watching tour from the Old Harbor of Reykjavik if you still need to take one during this trip. It is one of the surest ways to see Icelandic wildlife up close. 

The Faxafloi Bay, the coastal waters around the island, are home to many marine species, including minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and sometimes even orcas.

If you can't get enough of Iceland's frozen beauty, you could also board a bus heading to Iceland's second-largest glacier, Langjokull, to tour the intricate tunnels carved into the glacier. 

These tunnels give you a unique perspective of the world of glaciers as you move through the white and blue ice chambers underneath.

Alternatively, you could opt for a one-of-a-kind adventure where you fly high over the city and its nearby surroundings. Seeing the Reykjavik area by helicopter is a brilliant experience, presenting you with a rare perspective and understanding of this small, northern city.

With weather permitting, the helicopter will even make a quick stop-off on the summit of a nearby mountain. 

Regardless of what you choose to do today, you will, without a doubt, be blown away by this quirky little city and all it has to offer. Remember to look out for the northern lights on your last night in the city and the country.

You will spend your last night in Iceland at your accommodation in Reykjavik.