Iceland Ring Road Bus Tour – Guided Group Adventure - 10 Day

Iceland Ring Road bus tours come in two main group sizes: small group tours (maximum 16 people) and standard coach tours (maximum 19-36 people, often around 29). Small groups offer a more intimate experience, easier interaction with your guide, more flexibility, and quicker stops at attractions. They're ideal for travelers wanting a boutique experience. Standard coach tours are more budget-friendly while still providing expert guidance and comprehensive itineraries. They're great for meeting diverse travelers from around the world. Both sizes travel in comfortable modern buses with large windows for sightseeing. Your experienced driver-guide stays with you throughout the entire journey, building rapport and adjusting commentary to the group's interests.

Northern Lights are visible on Ring Road tours during winter months (September through April), particularly from October through March when nights are longest and darkest. Summer Ring Road tours won't see Northern Lights due to midnight sun conditions and constant daylight. Winter guided tours often include dedicated Northern Lights viewing opportunities when staying in countryside locations away from light pollution. However, aurora viewing requires clear skies and solar activity, so sightings are never guaranteed. September and late March/April offer possibilities of seeing both Northern Lights and experiencing decent weather conditions. Your guide will monitor forecasts and take you to optimal viewing locations when conditions are favorable.

Summer (May through September) is the most popular time for Ring Road tours, offering long daylight hours, warmest weather, and all roads fully accessible. June through August provides midnight sun conditions, lush green landscapes, and highest temperatures (typically 10-15°C). Early summer brings wildflowers, while late summer offers potential Northern Lights sightings. Winter Ring Road tours (October through April) feature shorter days, possible Northern Lights, and dramatic snow-covered landscapes, though some highland roads close and weather can be challenging. Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer fewer crowds and good conditions. Most guided bus tours operate primarily in summer when accessibility is best.

Guided Ring Road bus tours typically include comfortable hotels and guesthouses along the route, carefully selected for location and quality. Accommodation styles range from country hotels near key attractions to comfortable guesthouses in smaller towns. Most tours offer different accommodation levels including "comfort" (3-star equivalent) and "quality" (4-star equivalent) options. Rooms are private with ensuite bathrooms, though solo travelers may pay a supplement for single occupancy. Properties are chosen for their proximity to attractions and their authentic Icelandic character. Breakfast is included daily, and many tours include dinners at countryside hotels. All luggage is transported to each night's accommodation.

A guided Ring Road bus tour offers several advantages over self-driving: you don't need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or challenging weather conditions, expert local guides provide cultural and historical context, you can relax and enjoy scenery without driving stress, and you'll meet like-minded travelers. Self-drive tours offer more flexibility and independence but require confidence driving in variable conditions. Guided tours are ideal for solo travelers, those uncomfortable with winter driving, or anyone who wants a social experience. They're also excellent value as accommodation, transport, many meals, and activities are included. Self-drives suit travelers wanting complete control over pace and schedule.

Iceland's Ring Road, officially Route 1, is a 1,332-kilometer highway that circles the entire country, connecting most of Iceland's inhabited areas. Completed in 1974, the Ring Road passes through diverse landscapes including waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic beaches, fjords, and lava fields. The route takes you through all of Iceland's regions except the remote Westfjords and highland interior. Most Ring Road tours take 7-10 days to complete, allowing time to explore attractions along the way. This iconic route has become one of the world's most famous scenic drives, offering travelers an comprehensive overview of Iceland's dramatic and varied landscapes.

Essential items for an Iceland Ring Road tour include waterproof jacket and pants (weather changes rapidly), warm layers including fleece or down jacket, comfortable hiking boots with good traction, hat and gloves even in summer, sunglasses and sunscreen (glacier glare is intense), camera with extra batteries/memory cards, daypack for daily excursions, and reusable water bottle. Dress in layers as temperatures vary throughout the day. Bring both warm and lighter clothing as indoor spaces are well-heated. Don't forget a swimsuit for hot spring visits, headlamp for early morning or late evening in winter, and any personal medications. Most guided tours have luggage restrictions (typically one large suitcase plus daypack), so pack accordingly.

Iceland Ring Road bus tour prices typically range from €2,000-4,000 per person for 7-10 day guided group tours, depending on season, accommodation level, group size, and inclusions. These tours generally include accommodation, breakfast daily, some dinners, transportation, expert guide, many activities, and airport transfers. Small group tours (up to 16 people) cost more than standard coach tours (up to 29-36 people) but offer a more intimate experience. Summer tours typically cost more than winter due to higher demand. Additional costs include some meals, optional activities, and personal expenses. Guided tours offer excellent value compared to organizing everything independently, especially considering included expertise and logistics.

A comprehensive Ring Road tour typically includes the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss), south coast waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Vík village, Vatnajökull National Park and glacier, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, scenic Eastfjords and fishing villages, Dettifoss waterfall (Europe's most powerful), Lake Mývatn geothermal area with volcanic craters and hot springs, Akureyri (north Iceland's capital), Goðafoss waterfall, west Iceland's Hraunfossar waterfalls, and the Snæfellsnes peninsula with Kirkjufell mountain. Most 10-day tours cover all these highlights plus additional stops, providing a comprehensive Iceland experience.

On this type of tour, you’ll travel around Iceland by bus with the same driver-guide for the length of your trip. Guided group tours are a great way to make like-minded friends, as you’ll spend time with the same travelers for your whole vacation.

You’ll get to stay in accommodation around the country, and some tours include a few evening meals too. After a day’s exploring, you’ll go back to your private room and meet your guide and group the next morning to continue your trip.

All of our guided group tours start and finish in Reykjavík.

Driving Iceland's Ring Road non-stop would take approximately 13-16 hours, but this would mean missing all of Iceland's incredible attractions. Most travelers take 7-10 days to properly explore the Ring Road, allowing time for stops at waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, and other natural wonders. A 10-day Ring Road tour provides an ideal pace, with time to visit major attractions without feeling rushed. On guided bus tours, experienced drivers handle the navigation while you enjoy the scenery and expert commentary. Weather conditions, particularly in winter, can affect driving times and some sections may be temporarily closed. Summer offers the longest daylight hours and most accessible road conditions.

There are 2 group sizes available:

• Small group: Up to 19 people
• Standard group: Up to 32 people

Small groups offer a more intimate travel experience, whereas standard groups are more wallet-friendly.

You’ll likely be with people from a whole mix of backgrounds, from different countries and of different ages. Your guide will entertain you with fun facts and jokes as you journey around Iceland. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll be laughing along with your group!

There will most probably be a mix of solo travelers, couples, and small groups of friends and family.

The luggage restrictions on this guided group tour are as follows:

• 1 suitcase or large bag per person for clothes and overnight items
• 1 day bag for essential items, like a camera, extra clothes, and valuables

Each day your luggage will be loaded onto the bus. In the evening, you’ll take all your bags with you to your room.

Our guided group tours have fixed start dates and itineraries. While it’s not possible to customize the actual tour, you can tailor your trip with extra days and activities before or afterwards.

For example, you could add a couple more days in Reykjavík at the end of your trip. Fill these with day tours or exciting activities like ice caving and snowmobiling.

On a guided group tour, you’ll learn a lot about Icelandic history, nature, and culture from experienced tour guides. You’ll find their passion for the country infectious and gain a perspective on life in Iceland from these travel experts.

Guided group tours also mean you don’t need to worry about driving yourself on unfamiliar roads. They’re a fantastic way to explore Iceland if you want to meet like-minded travelers too.

That said, guided tours are by no means the only way to experience Iceland. If you’d prefer something more customizable, you could go for a multi-day tour by bus. Or if you want to set your own pace on a road trip, it’s hard to beat a self-drive tour.

Another option is a privately guided tour. This combines the experience of a locally guided tour with the intimacy of traveling in your own private group.

On an Iceland guided tour, you can expect to travel by bus in a small or large party. You can choose your preferred group size when you book.

Iceland small group tours are more intimate, whereas standard group tours are more wallet-friendly. The maximum number of people in a small group is 16, and 36 in a standard group.

Your driver-guide will lead the entire trip, which includes stays in the Icelandic countryside. Each day you’ll explore a new part of Iceland and enjoy commentary from your guide between stops.

As you’ll be with the same group of people throughout your trip, you’ll have the chance to socialize with fellow travelers and make friends (maybe even for life). There’s nothing like diving into Iceland’s epic nature for a bonding experience!

All of the guided Iceland vacation packages featured here include local transport, accommodation, breakfast, airport transfers, and activities. Some also include dinners in the countryside, so check the specific package for details.

You can customize your guided trip with extra days in Reykjavík at the start or end of your vacation. Use these to pack in day tours or an evening Northern Lights tour. You could even pay a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.

In general, tipping is not as commonplace in Iceland as in some other countries. While tour guides would never expect to be tipped, they would receive them gratefully.

You can start planning your Iceland adventure right on this page. Browse the guided vacation packages above until you find the one for you.

Next, check departure dates on the tour page. Guided group tours have fixed dates and durations, although you can extend your trip with extra days in Reykjavík if you like. This would be your chance to add activities, like exploring an ice cave or bathing in hot springs.

After that, simply follow the checkout instructions to complete your booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email straight away, followed by your travel documents closer to your departure date.

You can check dates on the individual tour pages. Guided tours are available in a small or large group, with separate departure dates for each.

There are weekly or fortnightly departures throughout the popular summer and winter seasons. Make sure you book in advance as spaces can sell out quick.

Because guided group tours have fixed departure dates, it’s a good idea to book your vacation package before your flights. Once you’ve received the confirmation from Iceland Tours, you’re clear to book with your preferred airline.

That said, you might want to do a rough check for flights before you book your package to get a feel for what’s available.

Iceland is well connected to Europe and North America with daily direct flights to lots of major cities.

When visiting Iceland, it pays to pack smart and be prepared. The weather is changeable and conditions are likely to be different to what you’re used to at home.

Here’s an Iceland packing list that’s good for all seasons:

• Warm, waterproof coat
• Toasty inner layers
• Hat, scarf, and gloves
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Sunglasses
• Moisturizer and lip balm

There’s plenty to enjoy on a guided tour of Iceland. The great thing about them is that you can access locations you never would have known about. And you can travel to seemingly out-of-reach regions, like the Icelandic highlands.

Here’s just some of what you could get up to on an Iceland group tour:

• Chase the Northern Lights in a remote countryside spot
• Tour the legendary Ring Road route
• See bubbling hot springs on the Golden Circle
• Explore ice cave country in Vatnajökull National Park
• Hop between stunning waterfalls on a south coast tour
• Follow in the footsteps of Vikings at Þingvellir National Park
• Watch an active geyser, Strokkur, erupt before you
• Admire freshly calved icebergs drift gently out to sea
• Roam the black sands of Reynisfjara beach
• Soak up culture and nightlife in downtown Reykjavík
• Dive into the country's food scene at Iceland's best restaurants.

Need more inspiration? Check out this Iceland Travel Guide.

No worries! Iceland Tours is already offsetting the carbon footprint of your tour package. We've teamed up with an environmental fund in Iceland to cover the carbon offset for all our tours.

Carbon offsetting for international flights is not included, but we suggest checking with your airline or through a local environmental fund for options.