An 8 day Iceland summer tour around the whole Ring Road in a small-group minibus. Along with the waterfalls, beaches and fjords, you walk into the Katla ice cave, hike on a glacier and go whale watching in the north, with seven nights in countryside hotels.
Golden CircleKatla ice caveJökulsárlón glacier lagoonLake MývatnWhale watching from HauganesSnæfellsnes peninsula
The full Ring Road in eight days, with a guide doing the driving
Three activities included: Katla ice cave, a 3-hour glacier hike and whale watching
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach and the East Fjords
Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Stuðlagil canyon in the north and east
Snæfellsnes peninsula and Hraunfossar on the way back to Reykjavík
Seven nights in countryside hotels with private bathrooms and breakfast
Your day, stop by stop
Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkPick-up between 8:00 and 8:45 from your chosen point in the Reykjavík area.
2Day 1: Golden CircleÞingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.
The classic Golden Circle: the rift valley at Þingvellir, Strokkur erupting at Geysir and the two-step Gullfoss waterfall. You then drive to the South Coast, just outside the Golden Circle area, for the first night.
Overnight · South Coast, just outside the Golden Circle area
3Day 2: South Coast and Katla ice caveSeljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara and a guided ice cave visit.
You see Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the Dyrhólaey headland and Reynisfjara black sand beach with its basalt columns. The main event is the Katla ice cave under Mýrdalsjökull glacier, visited with a glacier guide, equipment and a safety briefing. Depending on availability, the ice cave and the glacier hike can swap between day 2 and day 3.
Ice cave age limit · 6+Walking · 527 steps to the top of Skógafoss if you want the viewOvernight · Vík area (sometimes Hvolsvöllur or similar)
4Day 3: Glacier hike and JökulsárlónA 3-hour glacier hike, then icebergs at Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach.
You hike for about three hours on Skaftafell or Sólheimajökull glacier with a certified guide and all the gear. Then you continue east to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs drift out to sea past Diamond Beach.
Glacier hike · about 3 hours, age 8+, shoe size EU 34+Optional · boat ride on the lagoonOvernight · Southeast Iceland
5Day 4: The East FjordsA day of quiet fjords, fishing villages and mountain roads.
The road winds in and out of the East Fjords, one of the least crowded parts of the country. There are options to add horse riding or a soak at Vök Baths near Egilsstaðir.
Optional · horse riding (age 10+) or Vök BathsOvernight · East FjordsOptional · horse riding or Vök Baths
6Day 5: Stuðlagil, Dettifoss and Lake MývatnBasalt canyon, a huge waterfall and the geothermal area around Mývatn.
You visit Stuðlagil canyon with its basalt columns, then Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Around Lake Mývatn you see the lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the steaming mud pots at Námaskarð, then Goðafoss on the way to Akureyri.
Walking · several short walks on uneven pathsOvernight · North Iceland
7Day 6: Whale watching in North IcelandA whale watching trip from Hauganes in Eyjafjörður.
You head out on Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, from Hauganes, where humpback and minke whales, harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins are often seen in summer. It is cold on the water, so wear your warmest layers. You overnight in North Iceland.
Tip · it is cold on the water, so wear your warmest layersOvernight · North Iceland
8Day 7: Snæfellsnes peninsulaGerðuberg cliffs, Ytri-Tunga beach, Djúpalónssandur and Kirkjufell.
A day on Snæfellsnes, often called Iceland in miniature. You see the basalt columns of Gerðuberg, the golden sand at Ytri-Tunga, the black pebbles of Djúpalónssandur and the famous shape of Kirkjufell mountain.
Tip · seals are sometimes seen on the rocks at Ytri-TungaOvernight · West Iceland
9Day 8: Borgarfjörður and back to ReykjavíkDeildartunguhver, Reykholt, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss.
On the last day you see Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, the old saga site at Reykholt, and Hraunfossar, where water runs out from under a lava field into the river, plus Barnafoss. The Víðgelmir lava cave can be added as an option. Drop-off in Reykjavík is usually between 18:00 and 20:00.
Optional · Víðgelmir lava caveDrop-off · Reykjavík, usually between 18:00 and 20:00
10Back to ReykjavíkDrop-off at your chosen point in Reykjavík in the evening.
About the 8 day Iceland summer tour
This 8 day Iceland summer tour goes all the way around the island on the Ring Road, then adds Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west. You travel in a minibus with an English-speaking guide and a small group of up to 18, and stay in countryside hotels, so there is no driving or planning on your part.
Three activities are part of the price: a guided visit to the Katla ice cave near Vík, a three-hour glacier hike on Skaftafell or Sólheimajökull, and a whale watching trip from Hauganes in Eyjafjörður. Other options, such as horse riding in the East Fjords or Vök Baths, can be added.
Summer is the easiest time for a Ring Road trip. The roads are open, and the long days leave time for stops. Expect several hours in the minibus on some days, broken up with short walks. The glacier hike is the most active part and needs about an hour of comfortable walking on uneven ice.
The weather still changes fast, even in July. Pack a waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers and good hiking boots. The Northern Lights need dark skies, so you only have a chance late in August or in September.
Make it your own
Optional extras, at extra cost
Combined ticket at a lower price: horse riding, the Jökulsárlón boat tour, Vök Baths and the lava cave
Entry to Vök Baths
Víðgelmir lava cave tour
Horse riding tour
Amphibian boat tour on Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon (summer only)
Luggage storage
Single room
Hiking boot rental
Waterproof jacket and trousers rental
Hat and gloves to buy
Neck warmer to buy
Cap to buy
Included
Small-group minibus with English-speaking guide
Pick-up and drop-off in the Reykjavík area
7 nights in countryside hotels with private bathroom
Breakfast every day
Katla ice cave visit
3-hour guided glacier hike with equipment
Whale watching tour
Wi-Fi on the minibus
Not included
Lunches and dinners
Optional activities such as horse riding, Vök Baths and the Jökulsárlón boat ride
Accommodation in Reykjavík before or after the tour
Pick-up from Keflavík airport
Travel insurance
What to bring
Hiking boots (needed for the glacier; available to rent)
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Warm layers, hat and gloves
Swimsuit and towel
Money for lunches and dinners
Good to know
Duration is 8 days and 7 nights, starting and ending in Reykjavík
Pick-up is between 8:00 and 8:45 in the Reykjavík area; not from Keflavík airport
Minimum age 8 (glacier hike 8+ with shoe size EU 34+, ice cave 6+, horse riding 10+)
Groups are up to 18 people
Nights in Reykjavík before and after the tour are not included
Solo travellers pay a single room supplement
Luggage limit is one suitcase per person
The order of stops can change with weather and road conditions
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start (a 3% fee is kept); no refund if you cancel less than 24 hours before
Questions people ask
How much time is spent driving?
Some days have several hours on the road, especially in the east and north, but the driving is broken up with regular stops for sights, food and toilets.
Which activities are included?
The Katla ice cave, a 3-hour glacier hike and whale watching. Horse riding, Vök Baths and the Jökulsárlón boat ride are optional extras.
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included every day. Lunch and dinner are not, but your guide stops where you can buy food.
Is this tour good for families?
Yes, for children aged 8 and up. The glacier hike needs a minimum shoe size of EU 34.
Will we see the Northern Lights?
Only possibly, from late August into September, when the nights are dark enough. In June and July it does not get dark.
Reviews
Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0★★★★★★★★★★Based on 5 reviews
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★★★★★★★★★★
Reseña del Tour de 8 Días por Islandia en Verano
Ho appena visitato le Havmsvik Hot Springs e posso dire che è stata un'esperienza fantastica! Il posto è un vero angolo di paradiso, immerso nella natura e circondato da paesaggi mozzafiato. Le acque termali erano perfette, con diverse piscine a diverse temperature che offrivano opzioni per tutti i gusti.L'atmosfera era estremamente rilassante, e ho apprezzato molto la tranquillità del luogo. Ci sono anche aree per sdraiarsi e godersi il sole, rendendo l'intera esperienza ancora più piacevole. Inoltre, la vista sul lago e sulle montagne circostanti aggiungeva un tocco magico al tutto.Il personale era cordiale e disponibile, rendendo la visita ancora più gradevole. Non dimenticate di provare i deliziosi snack e bevande offerte al bar!Consiglio vivamente le Havmsvik Hot Springs a chi cerca un modo per rilassarsi e ricaricare le batterie mentre esplora la bellezza naturale dell'Islanda. È un'esperienza che non dimenticherò e che spero di ripetere!
Sofía M. · October 2024
★★★★★★★★★★
Amazing Tour with Unforgettable Sights
Iceland has been on my travel list for a long time, and the 8-day summer tour exceeded all my expectations! The landscapes are surreal, and each day offered a new adventure—whether it was hiking near volcanoes or seeing puffins along the cliffs. Our tour guide was helpful, informative, and made sure everyone had a great time. I loved every moment, and I’m already planning my next trip to Iceland! I also have to give a huge shout out to our guide, David, who made this trip extra special!
Olivia B. · September 2024
★★★★★★★★★★
Worth Every Penny!
Iceland is truly a magical place, and this tour allowed us to explore the country’s most iconic spots and hidden gems. The planning was flawless, the itinerary well-balanced, and our guide was professional yet fun. We were able to visit everything on our bucket list—Geysir, glaciers, waterfalls, and so much more. The scenery was breathtaking, and the group dynamic was great. This tour is 100% worth it!
Noah A. · September 2024
★★★★★★★★★★
A Perfectly Curated Itinerary
The 8-day Iceland Summer Tour was nothing short of spectacular! Each destination was unique and provided a new adventure, from the stunning Golden Circle to the magnificent waterfalls all around the country. Our guide was fantastic and really enhanced the experience with interesting stories and facts. The accommodations were comfortable, and the bus was cozy for long journeys. This tour was the perfect way to experience Iceland’s best in one trip!
Sophia M. · September 2024
★★★★★★★★★★
Best Summer Adventure in Iceland
This tour was the highlight of my summer! It was perfectly paced, allowing us to see so much of Iceland without feeling rushed. I particularly loved the visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the hike on the black sand beaches of Vík. The guides were incredibly passionate and knew so much about Iceland’s history and nature. I came home with incredible memories. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to explore Iceland's beauty!
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