Action-Packed 8-Day Summer Vacation Package in Iceland with a Guided Tour of the Complete Ring Road

On the second day of your eight-day summer vacation in Iceland, you'll explore the famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, stopping off at its three main attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Your friendly local guide will promptly pick you up in the morning for your six-day trip around Iceland's countryside.

First up is Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between continents. The park is in a rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

Thingvellir National Park's stunning scenery reflects its unique location as the movement of the tectonic plates produces rifts and fissures throughout the valley.

Thingvellir is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and holds immense historical significance as the birthplace of Althingi, the world's oldest existing parliament, founded in 930 AD. This combination of natural beauty and deep-rooted history makes it an indispensable part of any Icelandic journey.

From there, you'll visit the Geysir geothermal area. The hot spring, Strokkur, erupts in a 66-foot (20-meter) water column every few minutes. A selfie with Strokkur is a must when visiting Iceland, so be sure to have your camera ready.

Finally, you'll reach Gullfoss waterfall, located on the Hvita river. As soon as you leave the minibus, you'll hear the rumbling noise as freezing glacial water plummets down 105 feet (32 meters) into an ancient canyon.

Gullfoss waterfall is one of the most breathtaking sites in Iceland and will surely leave you in awe.

You'll also stop at the Efstidalur farm, a family-owned dairy farm with an on-site cafe. Here, you can stretch your legs, grab a bite or drink, and even taste some ice cream made with milk from the farm's cows.

After a great first day on the road, you'll go to your accommodation in the Southwest Iceland area.

On the third day of your Ring Road vacation package, you'll explore the many South Coast attractions, including glaciers, waterfalls, and a black sand beach.

After enjoying breakfast at your accommodation, it's time to continue your journey. 

You'll make your way toward the large glacier volcano Eyjafjallajokull. Close by, you'll find Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a high and narrow waterfall that falls over a cave in the cliff face. 

This cave allows visitors to walk behind the falling water and get a unique view of the cascade and surrounding countryside.

Then, you'll move on to Skogafoss, a very different but equally beautiful waterfall. This one is wider and more powerful than Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and it falls onto flat land that allows visitors to walk right up to the wall of water.

Today, you'll also visit an ice cave, a unique experience. Ice caves are a naturally occurring phenomenon generally reserved as a winter-only experience. The one you'll see is unique as one of the only caves you can access during summer.

Ice caves feature walls of ice marbled with blues and whites. Each is unique, meaning you'll see something few others will have the privilege to witness. Ice caves constantly change, so you'll never see the same scenery twice.

Another stop on this day is the Dyraholaey sea arch. This rock formation juts out from the coast and into the sea. It's a haven for local birdlife and a great place to get spectacular photos. 

Before you head to your accommodation in or near Vik village, you'll stop at the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Here, you'll see jet-black, volcanic sand, cliffs made of hexagonal columns, massive sea stacks rising out of the ocean, and a variety of birdlife. 

Keep an eye out for puffins, as they are known to nest nearby in the summertime.

After another fantastic day, you'll retire to your accommodation in South Iceland.

On the fourth day of your Iceland vacation package, you'll explore the Vatnajokull National Park and discover the beautiful Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

This serene lagoon is one of the most stunning spots in Iceland. It's filled with massive icebergs which have broken off the nearby glacier. These blue and white icebergs shimmer in the summer sun as they travel toward the ocean.

You can add some adventure to your day and take a boat tour on the lagoon if you visit between May and August. 

An amphibious boat tour is perfect for those trying to capture fantastic photos of the icebergs and the seals, which you can often see swimming in the lagoon.

A short walk from the lagoon is Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the lagoon have washed up onshore. They lay in the sun, glistening like diamonds on the black, volcanic sand, hence the beach's name. The contrast between the radiant blue ice and the dark sands creates a surreal and picturesque landscape, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

You'll also see Skaftafell Nature Reserve, which sits inside Vatnajokull National Park. This protected area is home to hiking trails, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls. 

Its main attraction is the stunning Skaftafellsjokull glacier, an outlet glacier of the Vatnajokull ice cap. While here, you'll embark on an unforgettable glacier hike.

An experienced guide will give you safety equipment and a thorough briefing before you ascend a mighty sheet of ice like an Arctic explorer. You'll have plenty of time at the top to enjoy the surrounding views.

You'll also witness the effects of climate change firsthand and will come away with a greater understanding of the importance of preserving these amazing natural wonders for future generations.

The day finishes at comfortable accommodation near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

On the sixth day of your summer vacation package in Iceland, it's time to head north and explore the Lake Myvatn area and the town of Akureyri.

Before you leave East Iceland, however, you can soak in the glorious geothermal waters of the Vok Baths. This geothermal spa is situated in a lake and surrounded by mountains.

Your next stop today is Dettifoss waterfall. This cascade earned international fame after appearing in the opening sequence of Ridley Scott's sci-fi movie Prometheus.

It's also considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and the loud rumbling noise from the waterfall will echo in your ears as you head to your next destination.

You'll stop at Asbyrgi canyon, an area once believed to have been created by the Norse god Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. High cliffs, up to 328 feet (100 meters), encircle a lush forested area within this horseshoe-shaped canyon.

From there, you'll head to the quiet fishing settlement of Husavik, where you can explore the old harbor or walk about the charming village center. The town has colorful houses and a welcoming atmosphere.

Check out some of its historical landmarks, like the wooden Husavik church, dating back to 1907. The town's maritime history is celebrated at the Husavik Whale Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of marine artifacts.

You'll explore Namaskard Pass, a geothermal area in the Lake Myvatn area. The strange landscape is filled with steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots, and it would look more at home on another planet.

Next, discover the idyllic town of Akureyri, sometimes called the capital of the north.

Along the way, you'll stop at the Godafoss waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods." This incredible landmark is also where Iceland adopted Christianity around 1,000 AD.

You'll spend the night at a comfortable accommodation in Akureyri.

On the seventh day of your package tour of Iceland's Ring Road, you'll return to Reykjavik, stopping first at some incredible sights, including Hauganes town. You'll also take a whale-watching tour today, included in the package price.

After enjoying breakfast, say goodbye to Akureyri and head toward the quaint northern fishing village of Hauganes. It's a small, beautiful settlement on the longest fjord in North Iceland, Eyjafjordur. While there, stroll around and take in the local sites and culture.

For fans of marine life, a whale-watching tour is included in this adventure. You'll board a boat at the charming harbor in Hauganes and head out into the fjord in search of the sea's gentle giants.

The tour provides a high chance of spotting various whale species, such as humpback, minke, and orcas. The stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and rugged coastline adds to the magic of the experience.

Once you've finished in Hauganes, you'll head toward the Hvitserkur rock formation. This basalt rock stack is known for its folklore.

There's a famous local tale of a troll wading through the shore, looking to cause some trouble. He forgot to keep track of time, and when the sun rose, he was stuck there forever after being turned to stone.

Today, the Hvitserkur rock formation is one of the most photographed landmarks in this part of the country, and you'll soon see why. Many believe the shape resembles a dragon or a dinosaur drinking from the sea, adding to its mystique and allure. Ensure your camera is ready to capture this spectacular feature and its stunning surroundings.

Once you've finished admiring the coastline here, you'll head back to Reykjavik. If you arrive in time, you could enjoy dining in one of the local restaurants.

You'll spend tonight in comfortable accommodation in Reykjavik.