8-Day Best of Iceland Summer Ring Road Package

On day two, you will meet your guide and small traveling group for the next few days and set out on your journey around Iceland. You'll start this six-day trip with a trip around the Golden Circle sightseeing route, providing a perfect introduction to the country.

The first of the sites here is Thingvellir, an awe-inspiring national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The edges of two tectonic plates shelter this valley, and it has an abundance of forests, waterways, and lava fields, making it magical to explore. Furthermore, it has a fascinating Viking history dating back over a millennium.

While here, you have an optional adventure where you can snorkel between the continents in the crystal clear waters of the Silfra fissure. You will be provided with all the necessary safety equipment before enjoying the unforgettable underwater views. Snorkeling participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

Interestingly, the fissure offers visibility exceeding 328 feet (100 meters) and more shades of blue than you ever thought possible.

Secondly, you'll visit the Geysir geothermal area, renowned for its explosive hot springs and abundant fumaroles. Strokkur is the most famous, blasting steam and water over 66 feet (20 meters) into the sky. You can watch this dramatic event occur every five to 10 minutes.

If that's not enough, there are many other hot springs, vents, and mud pools to look at between eruptions within the area.

Finally, you will come to "the Golden Waterfall," Gullfoss, an immensely powerful feature that cascades into an ancient canyon. Though it only measures over 105 feet (32 meters) tall, the Gullfoss waterfall's beauty comes from its power and serene surroundings.

Moreover, rainbows appear in its blooming spray in sunny weather, and when it is clear, you may be able to see the Langjokull glacier from the higher viewing platforms, where its roots lie.

You'll then head to your accommodation in the landscapes of this area.

On the third day of your eight-day package to Iceland, you'll head to the Ring Road and begin circumnavigating the country. Your many sites for today are all along the South Coast, and as you head here, you may see glaciers such as Eyjafjallajokull from the vehicle.

Your first stops will be two breathtaking waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Seljalandsfoss has a steep drop of 197 feet (60 meters) in front of a rocky enclave. 

Though Seljalandsfoss is the gentler of the two waterfalls, it tumbles before a massive cavern, allowing for some unique perspectives for those who walk behind it.

Meanwhile, Skogafoss thunders with daunting force, and you can walk right up to its enormous cloud of spray. Being one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Skogafoss cascades from a height of 197 feet (60 meters) and 82 feet (25 meters) wide. On some days, as the light reflects through the falls, visitors have been known to see a double rainbow.

After marveling over these attractions, you will head to Dyrholaey, a rock arch large enough for ships to sail through. Not only is the geology here incredible, but thousands of puffins nest in its rocks at the height of summer, allowing for an intimate wildlife experience.

By Dyrholaey is the beach of Reynisjfara, which boasts unique black sands and striking offshore towers of lava. These structures, named Reynisdrangar, are said to be frozen trolls in folklore.

Your optional adventure today is a trip to the ice caves of Myrdalsjokull, the glacier that covers the Katla volcano. This tour is one of the only ways to see such stunning natural phenomena in summer and allows you to explore both on and within an ice cap.

Myrdalsjokull is the fourth-largest icecap in Iceland. It covers close to 232 square miles (600 square kilometers) with a peak of almost 1,500 meters tall.

After enjoying these natural wonders, you will then head to your accommodation in South Iceland.

On the fourth day of your holiday to Iceland, you will complete the rest of your South Coast travels by reaching Jokulsarlon, a magnificent glacier lagoon. However, before reaching this destination, you will head to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, a splendid corner of Vatnajokull National Park.

This wilderness is sheltered by three ice caps that descend from the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull. The glacier boasts an impressive 3,127 square miles (8,100 square kilometers) of surface area. Vatnajokull also holds the country's tallest mountain, Hvannadalshnjukur, beneath its ice.

You can enjoy a hiking adventure on one of them as part of this package. Your guide will dress you in the safety equipment necessary before leading you up the white slopes and introducing you to crevasses, ice walls, formations, and stunning views over the reserve.

After this, you will reach Jokulsarlon, Iceland's deepest lake. This feature is cluttered with thousands of beautiful icebergs, which have broken from a glacier tongue and are slowly drifting to sea. You will likely spot seals amongst the bergs and plenty of birdlife in the surrounding area, adding to your breathtaking walk along the shore.

While here, you can opt for a boat ride to immerse yourself further into the beauty of Jokulsarlon. Amphibious vessels are an affordable option to immerse yourself among the bergs while staying out of the splash zone. At the same time, zodiacs can offer you an even closer perspective.

As the icebergs escape Jokulsarlon, they wash up on the shore of the adjacent black-sand coast called Diamond Beach. It's another area of spectacular beauty you should explore. Both the lagoon and coastline are also great seal-watching locations.

Interestingly, Diamond Beach was named after the icebergs that glisten here. It's a beautiful place to stroll before heading to your accommodation in the area for the evening.

On the fifth day of your eight-day trip around Iceland, you'll head into one of the country's most remote and unforgettable regions, the Eastfjords.

Today, you will be exploring the wild and remote Eastfjords. This part of the country is known for its quiet fishing villages and winding mountain roads.

The Eastfjords is a 75-mile (120-kilometer) coastline stretch. It starts from the south in Berufjordur to the north in the fishing village of Borgarfjordur Eystri.

The Eastfjords boasts dense forests, sparkling lakes, and abundant wildlife. Some animals you’ll see in the area include reindeer, seals, and different species of migratory birds, including the elusive Atlantic puffins.

The roads you will drive follow a spectacular coastline, looking over plunging bays and towering mountains, and you may see a wealth of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, reindeer, and whales.

You'll see striking peaks such as Mount Vestrahorn, fascinating villages such as Djupavogur, and cultural attractions such as Jon's Rock Museum.

Furthermore, you'll stop at Hallormsstadhaskogur, the largest forest in the country. Hallormsstadhaskogur is in the vicinity of Egilsstadir and covers 286 square miles (740 square kilometers) of area filled with trees.

Aside from its sheer size, the forest is famous for its many hiking trails and dynamic wildlife. The forest was turned into a preserved site as early as 1905, and large-scale cultivation of the trees started around 1950.

Another vital stop is Lagarfjlot, a mystical lake with fascinating associated folklore. The lake is said to be home to the Lagarfljot Wyrm, a beast believed to be the cousin of the Loch Ness monster and responsible for disrupting the lake’s surface. Lake Lagarfjlot is also known for its natural beauty and fishing opportunities.

An optional adventure today is horseback riding. There are few better places to enjoy this experience than the East.

You will be spending the night in East Iceland.

On day six of your eight-day holiday around Iceland, you will depart the east and head to the Diamond Circle sightseeing route in the north. Before you do, have an opportunity to bask in the geothermally heated waters of the Vok Baths. This spa floats atop a lake, surrounded by mountains and far from any signs of civilization.

The Vok Baths is the largest spa in East Iceland. It features two pools, a cold tunnel leading to the baths, and hot pools with overlooking views of the area. There's also an on-site sauna and a bar in one of the pools.

You can also bring some extra clothes and use their indoor changing facilities with private showers. Moreover, the spa is home to the Tea Bar, which offers tisane tea made of spring water and various Icelandic herbs.

If you decide to forgo a trip to the Vok Baths, the first attraction of the Diamond Circle trail is one of the country's most impressive: Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The waterfall measures 328 feet (100 meters) wide with a drop of 141 feet (43 meters). It also has an average flow rate of 50,985 gallons (193 cubic meters) per second.

Falling with awe-inspiring force into a barren grey canyon, it isn't a surprise why many filmmakers have used this attraction as a backdrop to movies such as Prometheus.

Next, you'll reach Asbyrgi, a vast, horseshoe-shaped canyon filled with birch forests. Not only is the scale and beauty of this site mesmerizing, but the Old Norse legend surrounding its creation is fascinating.

After this, you'll head to the Lake Myvatn area. Lake Myvatn is also called "Fly Lake" because of the tiny flies in the area. It is also Iceland's fourth-largest lake, measuring around six miles (9.5 kilometers) long and four miles (6.5 kilometers) wide.

The bodies of water here are beautiful, thriving with unique flora and fauna and featuring countless geological marvels such as pseudocraters and basalt pillars.

You'll also discover the daunting lava fortress of Dimmuborgir and the hot springs of the stark Namaskard Pass.

You will then head to the capital of North Iceland, Akureyri, making a quick stop at Godafoss waterfall. This town has many restaurants, shops, and bars you can explore before retiring.

On the seventh day of your holiday, you will return to Reykjavik while going through several attractions in North Iceland. After leaving Akureyri, you will head up the shores of the fjord of Eyjafjordur to the charming town of Hauganes. This settlement is renowned for its whale watching, and such a tour is included in this package!

On this thrilling boat trip, you will likely see many creatures, such as white-beaked dolphins, humpback whales, and Atlantic puffins. All these animals have fascinating surface behaviors, making them a pleasure to watch, and the backdrops to your viewing experiences promise to be beautiful.

Hauganes is home to a small population of about 140. Its residents rely on fishing and fish processing for their livelihood. The town also has a sea-angling component that lets you fish for dinner between sightings of whales, dolphins, and puffins. 

Interestingly, Hauganes is where you'll see the oldest whale-watching company in Iceland. You'll also find the Baccala Bar, a popular restaurant with best-sellers like the bacalao pizza and deep-fried bacalao with fries.

The town's main attraction is the hot tubs by the black sand beach of Sandvikurfjara. It's also an excellent place for hiking, with a trail that leads up to the Thorvaldsdalur valley.

After whale-watching and exploring, you'll depart Hauganes for the Vatnsnes Peninsula. This little-visited region is home to the Hvitserkur rock monolith, a dramatic offshore rock formation that resembles an elephant. Keep an eye on the beaches here, as you may witness the area's many seal colonies.

You will then make your way back to Reykjavik, passing through the magnificent landscapes of West Iceland as you do. You'll witness rolling countryside, dramatic mountain ranges, and beautiful coastlines and make stops for refreshments.

Once you return to the capital, you'll have time for a meal or drink to celebrate your incredible journey.