Embark on a captivating 10-day Icelandic adventure as you traverse the iconic Ring Road during a 6-day private driving tour, unveiling breathtaking landscapes at every turn. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Iceland through exhilarating activities like whale watching, a glacier hike, and snowmobiling, topped off with indulgent relaxation during two nights at a luxurious hotel nestled near the famed Blue Lagoon.
You will fly into Keflavík International Airport and meet your private driver to transfer to your 5* hotel, The Reykjavík EDITION, approximately a 45-minute drive.
After getting settled, spend the afternoon at leisure relaxing at your hotel or exploring Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital city. Make sure to get an early night, as your 6 day private Ring Road tour starts tomorrow.
A Private Ring Road tour
This express tour is the “fast track” around the Ring Road, designed to include as many of Iceland’s top sights as time allows, including hot springs, glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic black sand beaches and more. Your driver-guide will take you around the ring road and show you the incredible sights Iceland has to offer.
Your journey starts this morning when your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel. On this day, you will travel to some of the best-known natural phenomena in Iceland on the “Golden Circle” route, starting with Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its natural landscape, unique geological formations, and history. Here, you can walk on a pathway in a tectonic rift where Iceland’s early settlers established the first parliament over a thousand years ago.
Next on the route is the Haukadalur geothermal area where you can see Geysir—the original “geyser”—and its more active neighbor, Strokkur, which spouts water every few minutes. The visit continues with Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall, created by the river Hvítá, which tumbles and plunges into a crevice some 32 m (105 ft.) deep. During this stop, you will have the opportunity to join a snowmobile adventure in the Icelandic highlands, giving you the most amazing views of the majestic Langjökull glacier and its unique surroundings.
After your stop at Gullfoss, you will head to Skálholt, which is one of the most important places in Iceland. From Skálholt, you will head to your overnight stay with a short stop at the old implosion crater of Kerið.
Spend the night at Hotel Selfoss (or similar)
The day starts at the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where you can experience walking right behind the powerful cascade; close by is the beautiful waterfall Gljufrabui where you can go into a canyon and almost touch the waterfall. You will then move on to the 60-metre high Skógafoss Waterfall, which is just a short drive down the road.
From there, you will visit the stunning places of Dyrholaey and Kirkjufjara where you will have a great overview of the south coast.
After your visit to Kirkjufjara, you will visit the black beach of Reynisfjara where you have a great view towards the cliffs of Reynisdrangar.
After your visit to the black beach, you will head to your overnight stay in the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur with a short stop at Vik.
During the day, your guide will lead you to Sólheimajökull where you can join a Glacier Walk Tour. You will be given a safety briefing on how to use the crampons and ice pick and then you will set out on the walk to view the incredible landscape which includes crevices, sinkholes, and small black volcanic sandhills.
Overnight at Magma Hotel (or similar)
Today, you will explore Skaftafell, part of the immense Vatnajökull National Park, a place of great natural beauty with many interesting hiking trails. From Skaftafell, you will visit the amazing glacier Svinafellsjokull where you can see the rift in the glacier and how some of the ice is breaking off from Vatnajokull Glacier.
From there, you will head to Jökulsárslón Glacier Lagoon where you will join a zodiac boat tour to sail up to the very secluded glacier wall of Jökulsárlón. After an incredible boat ride, you will head to the famous diamond beach of Breiðarmerkursandur. After your time at the diamond beach, you will head to your overnight stay. If you have time and you are still into more glaciers and ice, you can make a short stop at Hoffelsjökull.
Overnight at Hotel Höfn (or similar)
Today, you will drive along East Iceland, characterized by spectacular fjords, tranquil fishing villages, and sweeping landscapes. Each fjord has its own unique qualities, with small fishing villages in postcard-perfect settings and friendly locals. Notable sights on the route today include mount Vestrahorn, mount Eystrahorn, and Lagarfjót river, which according to folklore is inhabited by a Loch Ness-like monster.
On arrival at the otherworldly Lake Mývatn, you have an abundance of unusual natural wonders to explore, including the Krafla volcano, the curiously-colored Námaskarð pass, the fascinating lava formations at the maze of Dimmuborgir, and the lunar-like pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir, as well as the small lava cave of Grjótagjá, made famous in Games of Thrones.
Overnight at Sel-Hotel Myvatn (or similar)
Today, you will start the day at Goðafoss (“The Waterfall of the Gods”) on your way to the charming town of Akureyri, where you will find interesting shops and museums as well as the world's most northerly botanical garden.
After your break in Akureyri, you will enter Tröllaskagi (“The Peninsula of the Trolls”), where you will enjoy fantastic scenery of beautiful mountains, cliffs, and fjords. Then, continue through Siglufjörður, which was once the center of Iceland’s herring fleet, and make a stop at Hofsós before arriving in Skagafjörður for your overnight stay.
Included in this day is also a whale watching tour from Húsavík. This is often considered as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. It is a unique adventure at sea – watching the wonders of nature in the beautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay, sheltered by the stunning mountains of Vík.
Overnight at Hofsstaðir Guesthouse (or similar)
Today, you will head back to Reykjavík. Notable sights along the way include Glaumbær turf farm museum, the stunning Kolugljúfur canyon, the Grábrók volcanic crater, Deildartunguhver—the largest hot spring in Europe—and the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls and Barnafoss waterfalls.
Overnight at Exeter Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and your private driver will pick you up and take you to the 4* Silica Hotel, near the famous Blue Lagoon in Iceland. You will spend 2 nights here for some much-needed relaxation after touring around Iceland! Your stay here includes the following ammenities:
Daily breakfast
Unlimited use of Silica Lagoon
Tasting menu for two at Lava restaurant (excluding drinks)
Choice of in-water massage (60 min) or solo float therapy (45 min) one per guest.
1x premium Blue Lagoon entry per person, which includes:
Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
Silica mud mask
Use of towel
1st drink of your choice
Two additional masks of your choice
Use of bathrobe
1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant
Spend today relaxing at your leisure! As your stay at Silica Hotel includes premium Blue Lagoon entry, and unlimited use of the Silica Lagoon, we recommend making the most of their amenities. You can also choose between the spa treatments included: an in-water massage (60 min) or solo float therapy (45 min).
For your final dinner of the trip, enjoy your tasting menu for two at Lava Restaurant. Built into an 800-year-old lava cliff on the west bank of the Blue Lagoon, Lava Restaurant is a place where dynamic cuisine and enchanting design create unforgettable culinary experiences.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Your driver will pick you up for a private transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
*Note: This trip is fully customisable! Additional days at the beginning and end of the trip can be added, and the private Ring Road tour can be extended to 10 days at request.
*Note: The hotels for the private Ring Road tour are booked once the trip deposit has been received and are dependent on availability at the time of booking.
Set in Reykjavík, 600 metres from Solfar Sun Voyager, The Reykjavik EDITION offers accommodation with a fitness centre, private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. This 5-star hotel offers a bar. The accommodation provides room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. The units at the hotel come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at The Reykjavik EDITION also have free WiFi, while selected rooms will provide you with a city view. At the accommodation all rooms come with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near The Reykjavik EDITION include Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Centre and Reykjavik Old Harbour.
Located in Grindavík, 500 metres from Blue Lagoon, Silica Hotel at Blue Lagoon Iceland features a fitness centre, a bar, a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk. Guests can enjoy free WiFi access throughout the property. The room rate includes premium admission to the Blue Lagoon for every guest per night booked. Guests also have unlimited access to the Silica Lagoon, the hotel's private lagoon that is sourced from the same geothermal hot spring as the Blue Lagoon. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, coffee/tea facilities and a private terrace with views of the volcanic horizon. The private bathrooms come with a walk-in shower, bathrobes and slippers. A breakfast buffet is included. Guests at Silica Hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Grindavík, like hiking.
Featuring a subterranean spa, a geothermal lagoon and a restaurant that re-imagines Iceland’s culinary traditions, this 62-suite luxury hotel is encircled by the Blue Lagoon’s mineral-rich waters. All rooms provide a minibar with soft drinks, wine and Icelandic beer, turndown service, WiFi and 24-hour room service. Located in the heart of an extraordinary volcanic frontier, the Retreat offers all guests unlimited access to the Retreat Spa, the Retreat Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon and Blue Lagoon Ritual, as well as skin care amenities. Designed to erase the boundaries between hospitality and well-being, each suite becomes the foundation of a relaxing, rejuvenating and exploratory experience. Offering daily guided group hikes and yoga sessions as well as afternoon Icelandic coffee in the shared lounge, this hotel has a 24-hour front desk, concierge service and valet parking. An à la carte breakfast is served each morning.
