NordicVisitor

Tour Information

Overview
PRODUCT:
ISSD-11
DURATION:
14 Days / 13 Nights
SEASON:
1 May - 30 Sep
PRICE FROM:
ISK 222800
DEPARTURES:
Daily
TYPE:
Self-drive tour
BOOK NOW Send us a request regarding this tour
Introduction

Iceland’s “Ring Road” is more than just a highway; some consider it a national landmark—just like the many sights and natural phenomena that line this scenic route. Although the entire distance is less than 1,400 km, the diversity of the landscapes along the way doesn’t cease to amaze travellers. This leisurely road trip grants you more time to enjoy each destination along the way and is the perfect holiday for those who want to partake in optional activities or venture out on some refreshing hikes. This holiday includes accommodation in Reykjavik, and in the areas of Selfoss, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Höfn, Egilsstaðir, Mývatn and Skagafjörður.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavík
Upon arrival at Keflavik Airport, you are personally greeted by our representative and transferred to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant capital at you own pace. Spend the night in a hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík.

Highlights: Reykjavik.

Day 2: The Golden Circle
After breakfast, it’s time to pick up your rental car for your unforgettable Icelandic road trip! Begin the journey on the Golden Circle route to see some of Iceland’s best-known natural phenomena. The first stop is the beautiful Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, where Viking settlers met for their ancient assemblies amidst a picturesque area of vast lava fields, a calm lake, and deep gorges. Continue onwards to Haukadalur, location of the great Geysir area with its spouting geysers and the powerful Gullfoss, “The Golden Waterfall”. Spend the next two nights in a hotel or guesthouse in the vicinity of Selfoss. Driving distance approx 185 km / 115 mi.

Highlights: Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir and Kerið.
Optional activities: snorkelling/diving at the Silfra rift in Þingvellir, Quad Biking or horseback riding.

Day 3: Scenic South Iceland
Enjoy the day in the Selfoss area, near Iceland’s fertile farming region, where you may wish to do a bit of hiking or other optional activities including: horse riding or bathing in a natural geothermal stream at Hengill, a geological hot spot near Hveragerði; river rafting on the glacier River Hvítá; sea kayaking in Stokkseyri; golfing at Hella; quad biking in Hellisheiði; caving in Þingvellir; or a visit to an authentic Iceland farm. Or take a side trip to the charming coastal villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrabakki or perhaps drive up to Þjórsárdalur and Mt. Hekla. Those with a 4x4 rental vehicle can also venture out to the surreal, mountainous area of Landmannalaugar.

Optional activities: River rafting; horse riding; guided hike in Hengill area, kayaking, golfing, quad biking and more.


Day 4: Black Sand Beaches of the South Coast
Begin the day with a visit to Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss -- two waterfalls so picturesque that you may feel like you’re in a postcard. Continue east to Vík í Mýrdal and experience the volcanic black sand beach south of the village, from where you can view the uniquely jagged rock formations of Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar. Nearby at the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, you have the opportunity to experience a guided glacial hike. The last stop of the day is to the stunning Fjaðrarárgljúfur canyon before settling in at a hotel or guesthouse in the vicinity of Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Skaftafell. Driving distance approx. 205 km / 127 mi.

Highlights: Skógar and Skógarfoss , Seljalandsfoss, the remote geothermal Seljalandslaug pool, Vík í Mýrdal, Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar rock formations, Fjaðrarárgljúfur and Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Optional activities: Glacier-walk on Sólheimajökull glacier.

Day 5: Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
Begin the morning at Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park where many interesting trails await hikers – including one that leads to the Svartifoss (“Black Falls”) waterfall, which spills over a wall of remarkable, hexagon-shaped basalt columns. Then head east to the sparkling Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, where in summer you can take a boat ride among the floating icebergs and curious seals. Spend the next two nights in a hotel in the vicinity of Höfn. Driving distance approx. 210 km / 130 mi.

Highlights: Skaftafell at Vatnajökull National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Optional activities: Glaciers walk or ice climbing at Skaftafell; boat ride on Jökulsárlón; or bird watching tour.

Day 6: Vatnajökull National Park and Höfn 
Enjoy the many sights and activities today at the foot of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. First, visit the glacier museum in Höfn, then enjoy some fresh air on a hike up to the glacier or with a stroll along the black sandy coast. The town of Höfn has been nicknamed the “Lobster Capital of Iceland” so it is recommended to end the day with a delicious lobster dinner at one of the town’s restaurants.

Highlights: Vatnajökull Glacier, village of Höfn and lobster dinner.

Day 7: Off the Beaten Path in the East Fjords
As you drive along the amazing East Fjords, why not take a break in the charming village of Djúpivogur, or hike in the Hvannagil canyon. Anyone who enjoys offbeat tourist attractions – particularly geology buffs or garden enthusiasts – may want to visit Petra’s Mineral Collection in Stöðvarfjörður, a small, eclectic museum of natural objects and mineral rocks that originally started as a personal hobby by a long-time local resident. Finally, make a stop to Fáskrúðsfjörður to learn about the village’s French connections. Spend the next two nights in the vicinity of Egilsstaðir or Seyðisfjörður. Driving distance approx. 250 km / 155 mi.

Highlights: Hvannagil; Petra’s Mineral Collection; Djúpivogur; Mt. Búlandstindur; Fáskrúðsfjöður and Egilsstaðir.
Optional activities: Guided tour to Papey Island

Day 8: Seyðisfjörður and Borgarfjörður eystri
Today, visit the two charming villages Seyðisfjörður and Bakkagerði in Borgarfjörður Eystri. First, drive to Seyðisfjörður, one of the most enchanting villages in Iceland with its well-preserved wooden houses, steep mountains, and picture-perfect fjord scenery. Then head to Bakkagerði, a great setting for hikes and one of Iceland’s most isolated villages with a population of less than 130. But what it lacks in humans, it makes up for with other “residents” – it is rumoured to have the largest colonies of elves and fairies in the country as well as a thriving bird population. For a long day, you can also visit the monster habitat at Lagafljót, the Hengifoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s largest at 118 metres high, or the Hallormsstaðarskógur forest, the largest wooded area in Iceland. Driving distance approx 200 km / 124 mi.

Highlights: Seyðisfjörður, Borgarfjörður eystri, Lagarfljót, Hengifoss and Hallormsstaðarskógur.
Optional activities: Kayaking on the fjords, sailing or deep-sea fishing.

Day 9: Lunar Landscapes of Lake Mývatn
Once you’ve traversed the stunning East Fjords and surrounding moor lands, prepare to be amazed by the radically different, unearthly landscapes you are soon to encounter near Lake Mývatn. With the lunar landscapes of Námaskarð Pass, the Skútustaðagígar volcanic pseudocraters, and the starkly beautiful Dimmuborgir lava formations, you may feel like you’ve just landed on the moon! Don’t forget a visit to Mt. Krafla, one of Iceland’s most interesting volcanoes. Later in the afternoon, head to the amazing Mývatn Nature Baths for an ideal way to rejuvenate after this enjoyable day of sightseeing. Spend the next three nights in the vicinity of Lake Mývatn. Driving distance approx. 165 km / 102 mi.

Highlights: Lake Mývatn, Skútustaðir, Dimmuborgir, Námafjall, Krafla and Mývatn Nature Baths.
Optional activities: Bathing in Mývatn Nature Baths. 

Day 10: Hiking and Whale Watching in North Iceland
Use this day to further explore the area of Lake Mývatn with its many interesting hiking trails and unusual sights. You can also partake in an optional whale watching tour in Húsavík, the “Whale Watching Capital of Europe”.

Highlights: Lake Mývatn and Húsavík.
Optional activities: Guided super-jeep tours and whale watching.

Day 11: Jökulsárgljúfur National Park
Start the day with a scenic drive through the wonderful Jökulsárgljúfur National Park (part of Vatnajökull National Park), visiting such fascinating sights as the mythical Ásbyrgi canyon, the Hljóðarklettar (“rock of echoes”) area, and Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. This park also offers ideal hiking conditions with its stunning lava landscapes, woodlands, and massive glacier river. Driving distance approx 220 km / 137 mi.

Day 12: Akureyri, "Capital of the North"
From your hotel in the Lake Mývatn area, drive westward and stop off at Goðafoss (“waterfall of the gods”) on your way to Akureyri, the “Capital of the North”. This charming town offers an interesting variety of shops and museums as well as one of the world's most northerly botanic gardens. Then continue to the valley of Skagafjörður, known locally as “The Mecca of the Icelandic Horse” where you can experience the pleasure of riding this hard-working, friendly breed. Spend the night in the vicinity of Skagafjörður. Driving distance approx. 200 km / 124 mi.

Highlights: Goðafoss, Akureyri and Skagafjörður.
Optional activities: River-rafting and horse-riding.


Day 13: Wonderful Waterfalls and Viking Heritage
Today is your chance to explore western Iceland with its diverse attractions including the Icelandic Settlement Centre exhibition in Borgarnes and Deildartunguhver, the largest hot spring in Europe. Continue on to the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where the sparkling spring water descends from a lava field to the river and the nearby Barnafoss waterfalls. You can also visit Snorrastofa, the medieval research institute at Reykholt, where the early settler Snorri Sturluson wrote his famous Saga Heimskringla in the 13th century. On your way back to Reykjavik, make a short visit to Fossatún, where it is rumoured that the troll woman Drifa overlooks the waterfall. Spend the night in a hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík. Driving distance approx. 270 km / 168 mi.

Highlights: Borgarnes, Hraunfossar, Barnafossar, Snorrastofa, Reykholt and Hvalfjörður.

Day 14: Home Sweet Home
As your epic road trip comes to an end, transportation to Keflavík Airport is provided via Fly bus in time for your departure flight. Travellers departing in the afternoon have the option to relax and rejuvenate at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa or even take a short tour of the Reykjanes peninsula. (Optional tour is available for an additional charge).

Optional activities: Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes peninsula tour.

Images

Use the arrows to scroll through the images and click on an image to enlarge it.

You need to upgrade your Flash Player

To view this page you need to have Flash Player 9, and JavaScript turned on. Please upgrade you player - it is free, and takes only a few moments. If you belive you do have Flash Player 9 installed, you may bypass the detection if you wish.

Detailed Information

Accommodation Details

We have three categories for accommodation on this tour: Budget, Comfort and Quality.

Budget

Rooms without private facilities. These are in country hotels, farmhouses and guesthouses. Some of these have washbasins in the rooms and all provide breakfast (included in the price). In the more remote areas, most places of accommodation offer optional evening meals.


Comfort

Rooms with private shower or bath and WC. These are in hotels or well-appointed guesthouses. All provide breakfast (included in the price) and most have their own restaurant.


Quality

Rooms with private shower or bath and WC. These are in the best hotels available at each location. All hotels provide breakfast (included in the price) and have their own restaurant.



Seasons
High Season From 1 June - 31 August
Shoulder Season From 1 May - 31 May , or 1 September - 30 September

Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights

Rental Cars

A   Ford Fiesta or similar (Manual)
B   Ford Focus or similar (Manual)
C   Ford Focus Wagon or similar (Manual)
D   Ford Mondeo or similar (Automatic)
E   Ford Escape or similar (Automatic 4x4)
F   Ford Explorer or similar (Automatic 4x4)
G   Ford Expedition or similar (Automatic 4x4)

For further information about the rental cars "Click here".


Booking
Advanced booking of at least three weeks prior to departure is recommended.
Extra nights and activities can be added by request; contact us for details.
This package can be customized to meet your needs; contact us for details
For easier navigation, Nordic Visitor offers its customers a GPS navigation system for all self-drive packages in Iceland. Contact us for further information
Note: Many of the optional activities are only operated between June 1st and August 31st.


PRICES

The example prices in the tables below are listed as per person and in Icelandic Krona (ISK). You can use our Currency Calculator to convert the price.

Your total package price will be determined by your preferred level of accommodation (e.g. budget, comfort, etc.) and number of travellers as well as by travel season (e.g. high, low, shoulder) and choice of rental car (Types A, B, C etc.) if applicable.

(See information about children's prices below price tables.)

Note: You can also check prices for your exact specifications by clicking "book now" and completing the first step.


EXAMPLE PRICES


High Season (1 June - 31 August)


Budget


Type of car 1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults
A ISK 477600 ISK 278500 ISK 222400 ISK 205100
B ISK 501600 ISK 290500 ISK 230400 ISK 211100
C ISK 546000 ISK 312700 ISK 245200 ISK 222200
D ISK 578400 ISK 328900 ISK 256000 ISK 230300
E ISK 687600 ISK 383500 ISK 292400 ISK 257600
F ISK 900000 ISK 489700 ISK 363200 ISK 310700
G ISK 1089600 ISK 584500 ISK 426400 ISK 358100

Comfort


Type of car 1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults
A ISK 585300 ISK 342400 ISK 264800 ISK 269000
B ISK 609300 ISK 354400 ISK 272800 ISK 275000
C ISK 653700 ISK 376600 ISK 287600 ISK 286100
D ISK 686100 ISK 392800 ISK 298400 ISK 294200
E ISK 795300 ISK 447400 ISK 334800 ISK 321500
F ISK 1007700 ISK 553600 ISK 405600 ISK 374600
G ISK 1197300 ISK 648400 ISK 468800 ISK 422000

Quality


Type of car 1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults
A ISK 695100 ISK 416000 ISK 319400 ISK 342600
B ISK 719100 ISK 428000 ISK 327400 ISK 348600
C ISK 763500 ISK 450200 ISK 342200 ISK 359700
D ISK 795900 ISK 466400 ISK 353000 ISK 367800
E ISK 905100 ISK 521000 ISK 389400 ISK 395100
F ISK 1117500 ISK 627200 ISK 460200 ISK 448200
G ISK 1307100 ISK 722000 ISK 523400 ISK 495600



Discount
Shoulder Season 20% off

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL PRICES


Children
Children age 0-2: Free Of Charge
Children age 3-11: Budget: ISK 53300 per child sharing room with adult
Comfort: ISK 71500 per child sharing room with adult
Quality: ISK 89700 per child sharing room with adult

Children age 12+: Full Price


Rooms
1 Person = Single room
2 Sharing = One twin/double room
3 Sharing = Triple room
4 Sharing = Two twin/double rooms

If you do not find prices for your ideal room combination by clicking book now then please contact us with your requirements and full details of your party.

Included

Not included

Currency Calculator

Included
Not included

An unforgettable travel experience