Iceland Ring Road Winter Group Adventure - Guided Group Adventure - 9 Days

Essential packing for a 9-day winter Ring Road tour includes insulated waterproof winter coat rated for sub-zero temperatures, waterproof pants for wet conditions, multiple warm base layers (wool or synthetic, never cotton), fleece or down mid-layers, insulated waterproof boots with excellent traction, warm hat covering ears, insulated gloves or mittens, several pairs of wool socks, and hand/toe warmers. Photography gear includes camera with multiple spare batteries (cold drains them quickly), tripod for Northern Lights and long exposures, and protective gear. Additional essentials include swimsuit for hot springs and pools, headlamp for short days, sunglasses for glacier glare, moisturizer and lip balm for dry air, small daypack for daily excursions, and reusable water bottle. Pack layers as you'll experience varied conditions across nine days and indoor spaces are well-heated. Quality waterproof and windproof outer layers are crucial.

Both seasons offer distinct advantages for 9-day Ring Road tours. Winter provides Northern Lights viewing (impossible in summer), ice caves accessible only November-March, dramatic frozen waterfalls and ice formations, snow-covered fairytale landscapes, fewer tourists at attractions, and magical blue hour lighting lasting hours. However, winter brings challenges: shorter daylight (4-10 hours), colder temperatures, potential weather disruptions, and some areas less accessible. Summer offers midnight sun conditions with nearly 24-hour daylight, warmest weather, all roads accessible, lush green landscapes, puffins and other wildlife, and generally easier travel conditions. However, summer brings larger crowds, higher prices, and no Northern Lights. Most travelers find both seasons rewarding for different reasons. Choose winter if Northern Lights and dramatic ice formations are priorities; choose summer for maximum accessibility and wildlife viewing.

This particular 9-day winter Ring Road tour's itinerary and timing do not allow for ice cave additions during the trip itself. However, natural blue ice caves in Vatnajökull glacier are accessible from approximately November through March and can be visited if you extend your Iceland stay with additional days in Reykjavík. Many travelers book ice cave tours as day trips from Reykjavík either before their guided Ring Road tour begins or after it concludes. Ice cave day tours typically depart early morning from Reykjavík and return in the evening, making them ideal add-ons for extended trips. Alternatively, some other 9-day winter tours specifically build ice cave visits into their standard itinerary. Check with Iceland Tours about which tours include ice caves as standard, or ask about adding extra days and ice cave day tours from Reykjavík to your booking.

A 9-day Ring Road tour covers approximately 1,500-1,800 kilometers total, with daily driving distances ranging from 200-325 kilometers (roughly 2-4 hours of actual driving time). However, tours stop frequently at attractions, so you're not sitting on the bus for extended periods. Daily schedules typically include: morning departure after breakfast, mid-morning attraction stop, lunch break, afternoon stops at 2-3 locations, and arrival at accommodation by late afternoon or early evening. Winter's shorter days mean driving mostly happens during daylight hours. Professional drivers handle all navigation, allowing you to enjoy scenery, take photos, and relax. The minibus environment feels comfortable and spacious. Most travelers find the driving very manageable and enjoy the scenic routes with their guide's commentary. The pacing feels relaxed rather than rushed, despite covering Iceland's entire Ring Road.

Nine-day guided Ring Road tours in Iceland typically range from €2,500-4,500 per person during winter season, depending on accommodation level, group size, and specific inclusions. These tours generally include accommodation for 8 nights, daily breakfast, 6 dinners in countryside locations, airport transfers, transportation with expert guide, major attraction admissions, and activities like microbrewery visits and museum entries. Winter tours sometimes cost slightly less than summer despite including more value (Northern Lights hunting, ice cave possibilities) due to lower demand. Small group tours (up to 16 people) cost more than standard groups (20-30 people) but offer more intimate experiences. Additional costs include some meals, optional activities, and personal expenses. Comprehensive inclusions make guided tours excellent value compared to organizing everything independently, especially when considering winter driving expertise and included Northern Lights hunting.

During a 9-day winter trip, expect highly variable conditions ranging from calm clear days to significant storms. Iceland's winter temperatures average 0°C to -5°C in coastal areas, though wind makes it feel colder. You'll likely experience a mix of snow, rain, sleet, wind, and occasional clear skies across nine days. Daylight varies dramatically by month: December/January offer only 4-5 hours, while October/March provide 8-10 hours. Weather changes rapidly and unpredictably, so being prepared for all conditions is essential. The variability actually enhances winter tours, creating diverse experiences from dramatic storms showcasing Iceland's raw power to clear nights perfect for Northern Lights viewing. Professional guides constantly monitor forecasts and adjust routes for safety and optimal experiences. Pack comprehensive winter gear and maintain flexible expectations, as weather will definitely impact some days of your itinerary.

Yes, Iceland's Ring Road remains open throughout winter, though conditions vary significantly by region and weather. The main Ring Road receives priority snow clearing and maintenance, keeping it generally accessible except during severe storms. However, winter driving requires confidence in challenging conditions including snow, ice, strong winds, and limited daylight. Highland roads close entirely from approximately October through May. Many travelers choose guided tours for winter Ring Road trips rather than self-driving, as experienced local drivers handle navigation in specialized vehicles while you enjoy scenery without driving stress. Professional guides monitor weather constantly and adjust routes for safety. If you do self-drive in winter, ensure you rent a 4WD vehicle, purchase comprehensive insurance, check weather forecasts and road conditions obsessively, and have flexibility in your itinerary for weather delays.

The best 9-day winter itinerary covers Iceland's complete Ring Road, providing comprehensive exposure to the country's diverse winter landscapes. An ideal route includes: Golden Circle and south coast waterfalls (Day 2), Vatnajökull glacier and Jökulsárlón lagoon (Day 3), scenic Eastfjords (Day 4), Dettifoss and Lake Mývatn (Day 5), North Iceland including Akureyri and historic fishing villages (Day 6), Icelandic horse country and west Iceland (Day 7), and concluding with west Iceland's waterfalls and Þingvellir National Park (Day 8). This routing ensures you experience all of Iceland's major regions in their winter splendor while maintaining reasonable daily driving distances. The itinerary balances famous attractions with off-the-beaten-path discoveries, provides multiple Northern Lights viewing opportunities, and allows for weather-related flexibility that's crucial in winter.

Nine days provides an excellent timeframe for experiencing Iceland's complete Ring Road in winter, offering significantly better pacing than shorter tours. This duration allows you to cover the entire 1,332-kilometer circuit without feeling rushed, with time to properly explore each region's winter highlights. You'll spend adequate time at major attractions like Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, experience the remote Eastfjords that shorter tours skip, discover Lake Mývatn's volcanic landscapes, visit North Iceland's charming towns, and still have flexibility for weather-related adjustments. Winter's shorter daylight hours (4-10 hours depending on month) mean you can't cover as much ground daily as summer tours, making 9 days ideal for the complete circuit. This timeframe also provides multiple countryside nights for Northern Lights viewing opportunities, significantly increasing your chances of witnessing the aurora compared to shorter tours.

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.

A 9-day winter tour provides excellent chances for Northern Lights viewing, with multiple countryside nights away from light pollution significantly increasing your odds. Most tours include 6-7 nights outside Reykjavík, providing numerous opportunities over different weather conditions. Your guide actively monitors aurora forecasts and weather, taking you out when conditions are favorable. However, Northern Lights require three factors: dark skies (present throughout winter nights), clear weather (variable in Iceland), and solar activity (unpredictable). While sightings can never be guaranteed, the multiple-night approach means most travelers on 9-day winter tours successfully see the aurora at least once. Some nights might offer spectacular displays, others may be clouded out, and some may show faint auroras. The longer your tour, the better your statistical chances, making 9 days far superior to shorter trips for aurora viewing.

There are 2 group sizes available:

• Small group: Up to 16 people
• Standard group: Up to 36 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.