Iceland Ring Road: Best of the Best

Bestseller
8 days / 7 nights
8 days / 7 nights
Reynisfjara with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks by sunset
The Reykjavík skyline next to the Tjörnin pond on a sunny day
A person standing behind the plume of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Reynisfjara with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks by sunset
The Reykjavík skyline next to the Tjörnin pond on a sunny day
A person standing behind the plume of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Reynisfjara with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks by sunset
Best price guarantee
There’s no availability for the combination you’ve chosen.
Please try another combination.

Adults

Ages 12+

2

Children

Ages 2-11

0

Infants

Ages 0-1

0

Take the Iceland road trip of a lifetime

This is our most popular vacation package to Iceland. On this 8-day road trip around Iceland’s Route 1, you’ll journey through epic landscapes studded with hot springs, fjords, and glaciers.

In just over a week, you’ll see Iceland’s top-hit natural attractions, including Lake Mývatn, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot springs, and the Gullfoss waterfall.

You’ll also get some uniquely Icelandic experiences, including a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon spa and a chance to sample modern Icelandic cuisine in Reykjavík.

It’s hard to pack much more awesome into a week, so what are you waiting for?

Travel styleSelf-drive
Trip length8 days / 7 nights
VibeDream trip
SeasonSummer
(1 Apr–31 Oct)
TransportRental car
Starts fromReykjavík
Tour codeSD01

On this tour you will...

  • Get behind the wheel and set your own pace

  • Follow Iceland’s legendary Ring Road route

  • Dive into the natural delights of North Iceland

  • Witness the power of majestic waterfalls

  • Walk to the edge of Europe’s largest glacier

  • Have the chance to bathe in hot springs

View the winter version of this trip

Top attractions

The skyline of Akureyri, North Iceland

Akureyri

The Hraunfossar waterfall in winter covered in ice

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

Lake Mývatn in its autumn colors

Lake Mývatn

The Dettifoss waterfall in autumn

Dettifoss

The village of Djúpivogur seen from a distance

Djúpivogur

Vik Church with Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance

Vík í Mýrdal

Mountains in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve on a cloudy day

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunrise with a pink sky

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The edge of the Vatnajökull glacier

Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park

The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

Why book a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours?

  • Start your tour on the date that suits you

  • New rental cars with 2 drivers as standard

  • 24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland

  • Handpicked local accommodation options

  • Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit

  • Best Price Guarantee

Your 8-day self-drive itinerary

Your 8-day self-drive itinerary
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)

Your memorable Iceland adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you pick up your rental vehicle, you’ll head directly for Reykjavík and your exciting, first night in Iceland.

Highlights

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Extra activities

The Sky Lagoon at sunsetExtra

Sky Lagoon Pure Pass

Riders on FlyOver Iceland above a virtual waterfallExtra

FlyOver Iceland

Staying inAkureyri area
Driving distance460 km (286 mi)
Staying inAkureyri area
Driving distance460 km (286 mi)

Your next day’s journey continues toward the northern part of Iceland, ending in the north’s capital, Akureyri. As you head toward Borgarfjörður, we recommend stopping by the magnificent, Hraunfossar waterfalls, where the water seems to magically flows from the lava bed into the river below. You’ll then continue your journey toward Akureyri, passing through Skagafjörður, known for exceptional horse breeding; in fact, many stunning, Icelandic horses can be seen on your drive.

Highlights

Borgarnes

Borgarnes

Water coming out of colorful rocks at Deildartunguhver hot spring

Deildartunguhver

The Hraunfossar waterfall in winter covered in ice

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

The skyline of Akureyri, North Iceland

Akureyri

A row of houses at the Glaumbær turf farm

Glaumbær turf farm

Extra activities

People bathing at Forest LagoonExtra

Forest Lagoon Geothermal Spa

Staying inMývatn area
Driving distance130 km (81 mi)
Staying inMývatn area
Driving distance130 km (81 mi)

Your whole day is dedicated to the marvels of the Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve, one of Iceland’s most inspiring natural wonders. On your way there, make sure to stop at the impressive Goðafoss waterfall, known as the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’.

At Lake Mývatn, you could explore the otherworldly lava fields of Dimmuborgir. Then, head to the nearby Krafla volcano system where you’ll find bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and steaming lava fields.

And why not end your day with a dip in the geothermal waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths, with amazing views over the lake?

Highlights

The Goðafoss waterfall in summer

Goðafoss

Lake Mývatn in its autumn colors

Lake Mývatn

The Dimmuborgir lava formations in North Iceland

Dimmuborgir

The Krafla crater on a sunny day

Krafla and Leirhnjúkur

Extra activities

A woman relaxing in Mývatn Nature BathsExtra

Mývatn Nature Baths

Staying inEgilsstaðir area
Driving distance330 km (205 mi)
Staying inEgilsstaðir area
Driving distance330 km (205 mi)

Your day starts in the beautiful Mývatn area. Make your way to the charming village of Húsavík before driving the Tjörnes peninsula coastline. On the way, you can make a quick stop at the extremity of the peninsula to enjoy the view and spot some seabirds. 

The journey then continues to the eastern part of Iceland, with a few stops along the way, for your next stay.

Highlights

The harbor in the fishing village of Húsavík

Húsavík

The Dettifoss waterfall in autumn

Dettifoss

View over the Fellabær neighborhood of Egilsstaðir

Egilsstaðir

Trees in the lush Ásbyrgi canyon

Ásbyrgi

The rocky Jökulsárgljúfur canyon

Jökulsárgljúfur

Extra activities

A couple in the GeoSea baths in winter

GeoSea Geothermal Baths

The Vök Baths at sunsetExtra

Vök Baths

Staying inHöfn area
Driving distance260 km (162 mi)
Staying inHöfn area
Driving distance260 km (162 mi)

Today is the day to discover the Eastfjords. Starting toward the fjord Reyðarfjörður, where a small-but-fascinating, World War II history museum is located, you continue along the fjords toward Southeast Iceland. At times, the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes. Finally, you drive through the tunnel of Almannaskarð to arrive in the Höfn region, where you will spend that night.

Highlights

The town of Reyðarfjörður, East Iceland, seen from above

Reyðarfjörður

The village of Djúpivogur seen from a distance

Djúpivogur

The harbor at Höfn í Hornafirði

Höfn í Hornafirði

Staying inVík/Skógar area
Driving distance300 km (186 mi)
Staying inVík/Skógar area
Driving distance300 km (186 mi)

Your next stop is Iceland’s scenic southeast. After passing various, outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, you’ll arrive at the stunningly surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón, a glacier lagoon. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.

Skaftafell National Park is another area definitely worth a visit. This oasis, surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains, offers a broad range of options for great hiking. Continue through Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, the Eldhraun lava field and the Mýrdalssandur plain, before you arrive in the Vík area.

Highlights

The edge of the Vatnajökull glacier

Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunrise with a pink sky

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Mountains in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve on a cloudy day

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Vik Church with Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance

Vík í Mýrdal

The Eldhraun lava field showing moss-covered lava rocks

Eldhraun lava field

The village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur on a sunny day

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Extra activities

Jökulsárlón Amphibian Boat Tour between two icebergsExtra

Jökulsárlón Amphibian Boat Tour

The zodiac boat tour on Fjallsárlón glacier lagoonExtra

Fjallsárlón Zodiac Boat Tour

The Skaftafell Blue Ice Glacier Walk from Iceland Mountain Guides © Björgvin HilmarssonExtra

Skaftafell Blue Ice Glacier Walk

Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance300 km (186 mi)
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance300 km (186 mi)

Continue westbound to the south coast of Iceland and explore the Golden Circle, which takes you to the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland: Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park. On your way back to Reykjavík you will pass the magnificent waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

Your day will end in Reykjavík where you will spend your last night in Iceland.

Highlights

A rainbow over the Skógafoss waterfall on a sunny day

Skógafoss

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall covered in icicles

Seljalandsfoss

The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

Extra activities

Raufarhólshellir Lava TunnelExtra

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel

Mountaineers of Iceland Langjökull snowmobile tourExtra

Snowmobiling on Langjökull (Meet at Gullfoss)

Horseback riding near the beach at Vík

Vík Horse Adventure

Driving distance50 km (31 mi)
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)

It seems as if your journey to fabulous Iceland only began a moment ago, but now it is time to head back home, driving back to Keflavík Airport for your flight. Depending on your flight’s time, you may be able to squeeze in a last day in Reykjavík or an extra night in there to experience all the amazing things that the city has to offer.

Highlights

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Extra activities

The Sky Lagoon at sunsetExtra

Sky Lagoon Pure Pass

Riders on FlyOver Iceland above a virtual waterfallExtra

FlyOver Iceland

What’s included?

Detailed itinerary

Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night

Continental breakfast every day

Rental car of your choice for 7 days

2 authorized drivers as standard

Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi

Unlimited mileage

Collision damage waiver

24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland

VAT, taxes & service fees

Flights to Iceland

Fuel & parking charges

Food & drink, unless otherwise stated

Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated

Personal travel insurance

Choose your rental car

Included as standard:

Collision damage waiver

2 authorized drivers

Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi

Kia Sportage
Automatic

CO₂ 176g/km

Kia Sportage 4×4 or similar

Class O
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Golf
Automatic

CO₂ 273g/km

Volkswagen Golf or similar

Class B2
x5
x5
x3
Toyota Aygo
Manual

CO₂ 95g/km

Toyota Aygo or similar

Class Z
x5
x3
x1
Toyota Land Cruiser
Automatic

CO₂ 213g/km

Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 or similar

Class I
x5
x5
x5
Volkswagen Golf
Manual

CO₂ 196g/km

Volkswagen Golf or similar

Class  B
x5
x5
x3
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Automatic

CO₂ 130g/km Plug-in hybrid

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 4×4 or similar

Class N3
x5
x5
x3
Kia Sportage
Automatic

CO₂ 176g/km

Kia Sportage 4×4 or similar

Class O
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Golf
Automatic

CO₂ 273g/km

Volkswagen Golf or similar

Class B2
x5
x5
x3
Toyota Aygo
Manual

CO₂ 95g/km

Toyota Aygo or similar

Class Z
x5
x3
x1
Toyota Land Cruiser
Automatic

CO₂ 213g/km

Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 or similar

Class I
x5
x5
x5
Volkswagen Golf
Manual

CO₂ 196g/km

Volkswagen Golf or similar

Class  B
x5
x5
x3
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Automatic

CO₂ 130g/km Plug-in hybrid

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 4×4 or similar

Class N3
x5
x5
x3
Dacia Duster
Manual

CO₂ 116g/km

Dacia Duster 4×4 or similar

Class E2
x5
x5
x3
Toyota Yaris
Manual

CO₂ 109g/km

Toyota Yaris or similar

Class A
x5
x5
x2
Toyota Yaris
Automatic

CO₂ 114g/km

Toyota Yaris or similar

Class Y
x5
x5
x2
Kia Nero
Automatic

CO₂ 29g/km Plug-in hybrid

Kia Niro or similar

Class B3
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Caravelle
Automatic

CO₂ 198g/km

Volkswagen Caravelle 4×4 or similar

Class D2
x9
x5
x7
Renault Captur
Automatic

CO₂ 217g/km Plug-in hybrid

Renault Captur or similar

Class P6
x5
x5
x3
Kia Sportage
Manual

CO₂ 176g/km

Kia Sportage 4×4 or similar

Class F
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Caravelle
Manual

CO₂ 198g/km

Volkswagen Caravelle 4×4 or similar

Class D
x9
x5
x7

Trip summary

Best price guarantee
There’s no availability for the combination you’ve chosen.
Please try another combination.

Adults

Ages 12+

2

Children

Ages 2-11

0

Infants

Ages 0-1

0

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