Ring Road 6-Day Guided Tour
Circle the entire island in six days with expert guides, covering waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic landscapes, whale watching towns, and remote fjords.
Iceland's Complete Circuit
The Ring Road — Route 1 — traces a 1,322-kilometer loop around Iceland, passing through landscapes that shift from lush farmland to barren volcanic desert to glacial lagoons to fjord-carved coastline. This six-day guided tour from Guide to Iceland covers the entire circuit with an expert who knows exactly where to stop, what to point out, and when to let the scenery speak for itself.
Starting and ending in Reykjavik, the tour moves clockwise around the island. Each day brings a fundamentally different landscape, making it feel less like a long drive and more like visiting several countries in a single week.
Day-by-Day Highlights
The south coast fills the first two days with its greatest hits: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, the glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon where icebergs calve and float toward the sea, and Diamond Beach where ice chunks wash ashore and glitter in the light.
The east fjords on day three are Iceland's best-kept secret — winding roads through narrow valleys with tiny fishing villages, reindeer sightings, and dramatic mountain passes. This is where the tour earns its value over self-driving, as the guide knows the hidden stops and local stories that you would never find on your own.
Days four and five cover the north: Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall; the lunar landscape of Myvatn with its boiling mud pots and volcanic craters; Akureyri, the charming capital of the north; and Godafoss, the "waterfall of the gods." The whale-watching town of Husavik is visible across the bay, and on clear days the Arctic Circle feels close enough to touch.
The final day crosses the remote highlands of western Iceland and the Hvalfjordur tunnel before arriving back in Reykjavik, completing the full circuit.
Why Choose a Guided Tour
Self-driving the Ring Road is popular and rewarding, but a guided tour removes the stress of navigation, accommodation booking, and weather-related decision-making. The guide adjusts the schedule based on conditions — if fog obscures one viewpoint, they know an alternative. If the northern lights appear on a clear evening, they will wake the group.
The small group format creates a social dynamic that solo travelers particularly appreciate. Sharing the experience of a sunset over Jokulsarlon or a geyser eruption with fellow travelers who become temporary friends adds a human dimension to the natural spectacle.
Who This Tour Suits
This six-day format works best for travelers who want comprehensive Ring Road coverage without committing to ten or more days. The pace is active but manageable for anyone in reasonable fitness. It is ideal for first-time Iceland visitors who want to see the whole island with minimal planning effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is included in the price?
- The price covers 5 nights accommodation in quality hotels and guesthouses, daily breakfast, an expert guide, comfortable transport, and entrance to key sites. Lunches, dinners, and optional activities are at your own expense.
- How many people are in the group?
- Groups are kept small, typically 12-16 people, traveling in a comfortable minibus. This allows for a more personal experience and flexibility compared to large coach tours.
- Is the pace rushed for 6 days?
- The itinerary is well-planned to balance driving with sightseeing time. Days average 4-5 hours of driving broken into segments with frequent stops. It is brisk but not exhausting, and you see all major highlights.
- What accommodation is provided?
- Accommodation varies between countryside hotels, guesthouses, and farm stays. All rooms are private with en-suite bathrooms. The accommodation is comfortable and clean, reflecting Icelandic standards.
- When does the tour depart?
- This tour runs from May through September, with departures typically every few days during peak summer. Exact departure dates are listed on the booking page and can fill up months in advance.
- Can I extend my stay in Reykjavik before or after?
- Absolutely. Most travelers add a day or two in Reykjavik before or after the ring road tour. Guide to Iceland can help arrange additional accommodation if needed.
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