Highlights of Iceland's Ring Road Upgrade
Drive Iceland's most popular road at your own pace!
Get behind the wheel and explore Iceland at your own pace on this 7-night vacation. You’ll enjoy stops in Vik, the Myvatn area and the colorful capital, Reykjavik.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Reykjavik (KEF)
- Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar:
- 1 night in Hveragerdi at the Hotel Ork
- 1 night in Vik at the Burfell Hotel
- 1 night in Hofn at the Brunnholl Hotel
- 1 night in the East Fjords at Cliff Hotel
- 1 night in the Husavik area at Gigur Hotel
- 1 night in Northwest Iceland at Nordurland Hotel
- 1 night in Reykjavik at Reykjavik Lights Hotel
- Daily breakfast (excluding arrival day)
- Rental car for 7 days*, including:
- CDW & theft protection
- Unlimited mileage and VAT
- Free in-car unlimited Wi-Fi to help navigate with your personal mobile device
- No charges for an additional driver
- Detailed road map
- New mobile-based Iceland Travel Companion App which can be used with your personal phone or tablet, and provides:
- Points of interest all over Iceland, including some with an audio guide
- Links to the electronic version of the Iceland Travel Roadbook, covering interesting places to visit, safety information, and driving tips
- Emergency phone line available 24/7
- Service fees & taxes
Plus!
- Amphibian Boat Tour on Glacial Lagoon (40-minute sail on Jokusarlon Glacial Lagoon)
- Whale Watching from Husavik (3-hour whale watching boat tour)
- Bathing at Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths (including bathing fee & towel rental)
Great Ways to Explore
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This Icelandic adventure gives you everything you’ll need- a rental car, free in-car Wi-Fi, and a Travel Companion app.
- Drive the rugged coastline of the East Fjords with their towering mountains and charming fishing villages.
-
Explore the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
Spot whales, orcas, and more during your Whale Watching Tour!
-
Drive along the South Shore and admire the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and the black sand beaches around Vik.
This vacation has been carefully crafted for a great independent travel experience. This isn’t a bus, group, or tour guide vacation but one where you can set your own pace of discovery every day. However, you’re not alone – if you need any help during your trip, we’ re just a phone call or an email away.
This extremely popular classic circle self-drive vacation gives you the opportunity to visit all of Iceland’s main attractions, in eight days and seven nights! The Ring Road is an 800-mile national route that connects most of the major towns, with many of Iceland’s most popular tourist sites along (or near) the way.
*Please note that this car rental is based on seven 24-hour rental days, starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 7, an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 6 day rental is up, and use a departure shuttle transfer instead.
*Must be 23 years of age to rent a car.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Reykjavik (KEF)
- Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar:
- 1 night in Hveragerdi at the Hotel Ork
- 1 night in Vik at the Burfell Hotel
- 1 night in Hofn at the Brunnholl Hotel
- 1 night in the East Fjords at Cliff Hotel
- 1 night in the Husavik area at Gigur Hotel
- 1 night in Northwest Iceland at Nordurland Hotel
- 1 night in Reykjavik at Reykjavik Lights Hotel
- Daily breakfast (excluding arrival day)
- Rental car for 7 days*, including:
- CDW & theft protection
- Unlimited mileage and VAT
- Free in-car unlimited Wi-Fi to help navigate with your personal mobile device
- No charges for an additional driver
- Detailed road map
- New mobile-based Iceland Travel Companion App which can be used with your personal phone or tablet, and provides:
- Points of interest all over Iceland, including some with an audio guide
- Links to the electronic version of the Iceland Travel Roadbook, covering interesting places to visit, safety information, and driving tips
- Emergency phone line available 24/7
- Service fees & taxes
Plus!
- Amphibian Boat Tour on Glacial Lagoon (40-minute sail on Jokusarlon Glacial Lagoon)
- Whale Watching from Husavik (3-hour whale watching boat tour)
- Bathing at Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths (including bathing fee & towel rental)
-
This Icelandic adventure gives you everything you’ll need- a rental car, free in-car Wi-Fi, and a Travel Companion app.
- Drive the rugged coastline of the East Fjords with their towering mountains and charming fishing villages.
-
Explore the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
Spot whales, orcas, and more during your Whale Watching Tour!
-
Drive along the South Shore and admire the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and the black sand beaches around Vik.
This vacation has been carefully crafted for a great independent travel experience. This isn’t a bus, group, or tour guide vacation but one where you can set your own pace of discovery every day. However, you’re not alone – if you need any help during your trip, we’ re just a phone call or an email away.
This extremely popular classic circle self-drive vacation gives you the opportunity to visit all of Iceland’s main attractions, in eight days and seven nights! The Ring Road is an 800-mile national route that connects most of the major towns, with many of Iceland’s most popular tourist sites along (or near) the way.
*Please note that this car rental is based on seven 24-hour rental days, starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 7, an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 6 day rental is up, and use a departure shuttle transfer instead.
*Must be 23 years of age to rent a car.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Iceland!
Upon arrival in Reykjavik, pick up your rental car and start your Iceland experience! From Keflavik International Airport we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula towards your first overnight stay.
Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. You can even walk on a bridge that divides Europe and North America. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away. Reykjanes is home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. (Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs is not included in this package, and needs to be booked separately, in advance).
If traveling in March, April or October: Drive to your hotel in Reykjavik, the colorful capital of Iceland. Overnight in Reykjavik. (Approximate distance: 30 miles; if stopping in the Reykjanes Peninsula, 55 miles)
If traveling May through September: Drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the charming village of Hveragerdi for your overnight. This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.” There are plenty of outdoor and wellness activities to enjoy here, and several restaurants with a unique local focus. Overnight in Hveragerdi.
(Approximate distance: 62 miles, if stopping in the Reykjanes Peninsula, 81 miles)
Please note: check-in for most hotels begins between 2:00pm-4:00pm
Check-in - Hotel Ork Hveragerdi
Hotel Ork offers friendly accommodations in the midst of beautiful surroundings. It features 76 spacious and well-appointed guestrooms, an outdoor swimming pool with waterslide, 9-hole golf course, geothermal sauna, hot tubs, spa services and more. The restaurant offers healthy and wholesome Icelandic cuisine, sourced from the onsite geothermally heated greenhouses.
Day 2. Thingvellir - Gullfoss - Geysir - the South Coast
Today’s highlights include visits to the natural wonders of the Golden Circle region: Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and place of great geological and historical interest); as well as the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir Hot Spring area.
Drive along the South Shore, viewing such highlights as the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls, the black sand beaches around Vik, and Myrdalsjokull Glacier.
Approximate driving distance: 245 miles
A farmstead located in the Myrdalur region of Iceland, Hotel Burfell is an idyllic base from which to explore local attractions such as glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. Less than a mile from the world-famous Ring Road, this hotel provides guestrooms with private en suite, marked hiking trails, and a variety of outdoor attractions.
Day 3. Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Skaftafell - Jokulsarlon - Hofn
Start the day with a drive through Eldruan, the strange-looking lava field by one of Iceland's most devastating volcanic eruptions. Drive through the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur (site of a medieval convent), and explore Skaftafell National Park, a green oasis nestled below the great Vatnajokull Glacier. Skaftafell is part of Vatnajokull National Park, the largest of its type in Western Europe.
Continue across black sand plains created by glacial activity. Stop at the amazing Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, a filming location for several Hollywood blockbuster movies.
Take advantage of your included Amphibian Boat Tour today. Get a completely different insight of the glacial lagoon Jokulsarlon that spread at the feet of Vatnajokull Glacier, the widest in Europe. Learn about the lagoon's geology and other interesting facts, then you could get a taste of ice that is more than 1,000 years old. If you are lucky you might even see some seals! Then head onwards to the charming harbor town Hofn, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe
Approximate driving distance: 168 miles
Brunnholl Country Guesthouse is a family-run guesthouse nestled in the picturesque region of Hofn. Operating for over 35 years, the hotel offers cozy guestrooms outfitted with conveniences like Wi-Fi, private facilities, and blackout curtains. This property is ideally located in close proximity to attractions like Diamond Beach, Vatnajökull, and Hofn Village. During your stay, don't miss the guesthouse's famous homemade ice cream!
Escape to the peaceful surroundings of Seljavellir Guesthouse. This family-owned property offers comfortable guestrooms with conveniences such as a TV and free Wi-Fi. Each guestroom has a private en suite and a seating area. Just off of Route 1 Ring Road, these accommodations allow guests easy access to all the area's attractions.
Explore South Iceland with ease from your home base at Lilja Guesthouse! Featuring clean, modern rooms and magnificent views of the mountains and glaciers surrounding the property, the guesthouse is the ideal place for a peaceful respite. With Iceland's best southern attractions within a short drive, this hotel delivers the service, accommodation, and location you need for the trip of a lifetime.
Amphibian Boat Tour on the Glacial Lagoon
Board an amphibian boat and cruise between floating icebergs on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon! Enjoy a unique insight of Jokulsarlon that spreads at the foot of Vatnajokull Glacier, the widest in Europe. Learn about the lagoon's geology and other interesting facts, then get a glimpse of ice that's more than 1,000 years old. If you're lucky you might even see some seals!
Day 4. Hofn - Djupivogur - Reydarfjordur - Egilsstadir
After breakfast, we suggest you drive along the rugged coastline of the East Fjords with their towering mountains and charming fishing villages. Along the way, you may choose to visit Djupivogur village harbor and its unique egg sculptures, or Petra’s famous stone collection at Stodvarfjrdur. You can then either drive straight through Fagridalur to Egilsstadir or head along the coastal Eastfjords, one of the oldest regions in Iceland, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Although many fjords are uninhabited, each fjord has its own grandeur. The natural harbors in the fjords led to the development of fishing villages that still hang on to a degree of Old-World charm. Overnight in the Eastern Fjords.
Approximate driving distance: 165 miles
Enjoy free WiFi, onsite dining, and spacious rooms at this comfortable hotel in Egilsstadir. Guests can enjoy international cuisine at Edda’s à la carte restaurant. The hotel bar is an ideal place for an after-dinner drink. Staff can help arrange activities like mountain and glacier tours, bird watching and seal safaris.
Hotel Eyvindará is a family-run hotel, located near Egilsstaðir in East Iceland. The rooms are clean, bright and modern. They all have private bathroom facilities and free Wi-Fi. Hótel Eyvindará is an ideally located when exploring East Iceland. Use it as a starting point for a day-trip of discovering the fjords, going around lake Lagarfljót or hiking in the surrounding mountains.
Icelandair Hotel Herad delivers an authentic Icelandic experience, from its friendly staff to its use of local art, Icelandic-designed furnishings and locally-sourced foods. The hotel boasts sixty beautifully designed and stylish guestrooms with all the amenities you'd expect - from comfy beds, warm and cozy comforters, to satellite television and wireless Internet for your entertainment. Its restaurant offers top quality, locally-sourced Icelandic vegetables, meats, fish and dairy products - served in a cozy and peaceful atmosphere popular with hotel guests and local residents alike. The newly renovated and modernly designed bar is popular year-round - and during the summer months, the incredible balcony bar allows you to enjoy the midnight sun and relax in the comfort of a truly picturesque setting.
Day 5. Egilsstadir - Dettifoss - Husavik - Myvatn
Drive onwards to Tjornes Peninsula and the friendly Husavik fishing port, where you can take advantage of your included whale watching tour! In the summer months, numerous types of whales (in different sizes and shapes) visit the bay, as well as orcas, dolphins, and more. During the tour, your expert guide will teach you about those sea creatures and their habitat. Spend overnight in Northeast Iceland.
Hotel Gigur is situated in one of Iceland's most popular and beautiful tourist attractions, on the southern shore of Lake Myvatn. The hotel has 37 comfortable rooms, all with private bathrooms. Hotel Gigur has magnificent dining rooms for up to 250 guests, with a fantastic view over the lake. Hotel guests and other diners can choose from a number of delectable meals from the a la carte menu. The hotel also has a bar and a lounge.
Hotel Laugar is a summer hotel used as a boarding school over the winter with 57 rooms, which all feature a private bathroom. Upon your arrival at the hotel you can relax in our cozy lounge and have an aperitif or two during Happy Hour. In the evening, you can dine at the delicious restaurant offering a fusion cuisine of Icelandic local and fresh produce and Italian Mediterranean flavors.
The Narfastadir Guesthouse is located south of the small village Laugar and close to lake Myvatn. The main building is a former sheep-stable and a barn which have been converted into elegant and comfortable facilities. The property prides itself on good quality beds, cleanliness, and tidiness. There’s a hot tub by each house, and large sitting rooms and a small bar in the main house.
Whale Watching from Husavik
Experience a traditional whale-watching tour from Husavik, the whale capital of Iceland! This traditional whale-watching tour is perfect for those wanting to enjoy a unique adventure at sea, looking for whales and other sea creatures in the beautiful surroundings of Skjalfandi Bay. In the summer months, numerous types of whales, orcas and dolphins visit the bay. During the tour, your expert guide will tell you about the majestic creatures and their habitat.
Day 6. Myvatn - Akureyri/Skagafjordur
Explore and enjoy highlights of the Lake Myvatn area, including the mystical volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, the colorful sulfurous slopes of Namaskard, and the Hverfjall volcanic area. From there, drive to the Godafoss Waterfall en route to Akureyri, the charming “capital” of North Iceland. Overnight in the Akureyri or Northwest Iceland area.
Approximate driving distance: 100 miles
Hotel Nordurland is in the center of the capital of the north, Akureyri town. Surrounded by restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops, a stay in this hotel will keep you close to the action of the city at all times. Day trips to nearby locations are great ways to get in some whale watching, see the Dettifoss Waterfall, visit the Diamond Circle, enjoy Lake Myvatn, and much more! The hotel provides amenities to make you feel at home during your stay, such as a spacious common area, breakfast, and comfortable guestrooms.
Sveinbjarnargerdi Country Hotel offers en-suite bedrooms. Sveinbjarnargerdi is well located by highway one in the east part of Eyjafjörður with a beautiful view over the fjord. The stylish in-house restaurant at Sveinbjarnargerdi Hotel has a fireplace and offers a traditional Icelandic dinner or internationally-inspired dishes all year. The relaxation area features a hot tub, tables, and chairs.
Conveniently located in the center of Skagafjördur in Northern Iceland, Hofsstadir Country Hotel offers 14 peaceful rooms for your Icelandic adventures. All rooms have private bathrooms with showers, wooden floors, blackout drapes, tea/coffee facilities, and a porch of your own with two chairs and a table. A breakfast buffet is served daily while dinner is served from April to October. Reserve a tour and wake up call at the front desk. In addition to the guesthouse, a farmhouse, bed and breakfast and restaurant are also on the premises.
Day 7. Akureyri - Reykholt - Borgarnes - Hvalfjordur - Reykjavik
Drive through the historical region of Skagafjordur, renowned for horse breeding. You have an option to visit the old farmstead at Glaumbaer, a great example of historical Icelandic turf house architecture. Head across the Holtavorduheidi plateau, entering the Borgarfjordur area. Here you have the option to visit the beautiful Hraunfossar lava falls and Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot springs. Near Deildartunguhver is Krauma, the intriguing “fire and ice” geothermal spa that uses water from the springs. Return to Reykjavik in the evening.
Approximate driving distance: 305 miles
Individually decorated rooms themed for a specific day in the ancient Icelandic calendar adds Nordic beauty to your stay at the Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels. Along with the experience of staying in a hotel inspired by the Northern Lights, guests can enjoy a bar and lounge, daily breakfast served in the dining room, meeting and banquet rooms, and free Wi-Fi, all accompanied by Iceland's changing lights theme.
The rooms, in addition to their unique theme, also have a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, ironing facilities upon request, and private bathrooms including a hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries. The expansive Laugardalur park is a short walk away from the hotel, which features a gorgeous Botanic Garden, the Family Park and Zoo, and the largest swimming pool in the city. Other points of interest close to the hotel include the Sun Voyager sculpture which is just under two miles away, as well as buses that can take you to iconic places like Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Gullfoss and Geysir, and more.
Fosshotel Rauoara is located very close to the shopping on Laugavegur Street and mere steps away from Klambratun City Park. Step out to explore the capital city's vibrant culture, captivating architecture, and markets where you can find hidden treasures. The stylish hotel offers an excellent base from which to explore the city. Enjoy a draught beer in the on-site bar and enjoy a hot breakfast every morning. The hotel also offers plenty of amenities for a comfortable stay.
201 Hotel Iceland is located in Kopavogur, less than 5 miles from central Reykjavik. The hotel offers self-service check-in 24/7 and is within walking distance of a number of restaurants and Iceland's largest shopping mall. The hotel's lounge is an ideal place to rest after an adventurous day in Iceland. Two renowned public pools are close by for a chance to relax and mix with the local crowd.
Bathing at Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
Located along the popular Golden Circle route, the Laugarvatn Fontana Nature Baths are built over a natural hot spring that Icelanders have been visiting since the 1930s. Consisting of three steam rooms and three interconnected outdoor mineral baths, the baths offer a unique experience of the healing powers of the geothermal springs. Soak in a natural pool, listen to the bubbling hot spring in the steam rooms or take a dip in the refreshing lake.
Cold bathing is believed to have beneficial health effects, such as improving blood circulation, speeding up muscle soreness, and recovery. It has also been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis and other joint illnesses.
Day 8. Depart Iceland
Your Ring Road adventure comes to an end today. At the appropriate time, return to Keflavik International Airport to return your rental car*; or, if you’ve already returned your car, return to the airport by shuttle transfer.
*Please note that this car rental is based on seven 24-hour rental days, starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 7, an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 6 day rental is up, and use a departure shuttle transfer instead.