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Goðafoss in North Iceland

Highlights of the Ring Road - Private

(7 days / 6 nights)

4.8
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See the best of the ring road with a private guide

This 7-day private tour around the Ring Road has been carefully designed to include Iceland’s top sights, including hot springs, glaciers, waterfalls, charming fishing villages, icebergs and more. Your dedicated private guide does the driving while you set back and enjoy the sights and activities on this fast-paced tour. The days are long, with lots of daylight, so get ready to explore the very best of Iceland.

Are you travelling in a group of 10 – 17 people? We can arrange this tour with transportation in a roomy mini-coach. Send us a request for details.

4.8

7 days / 6 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 1043480 ISK

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Quality & value for your money
  • Local travel experts in Iceland & trusted private guides
  • Customisable & personal tour options
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Book With Confidence

  • Optional cancellation insurance
  • Affordable deposits from 10%

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Circle Iceland on the Ring Road, with a knowledgeable, local private guide
  • Explore the famous Golden Circle route
  • Sail among the massive floating icebergs at the Glacier Lagoon
  • Walk the Diamond Beach, seeing the scattered, glistening ice
  • Tour the south coast, including the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
  • Discover the volcanic Lake Mývatn and its beautiful surroundings
  • Walk the quaint streets of Akureyri, the unofficial capital of north Iceland
  • Visit the lava landscapes of the Borgarfjörður region
  • Marvel at the mighty waterfalls Goðafoss and Gullfoss

Travel style

Privately Guided i

Interest

Best Seller i, Classic i

Season

May - Sep

Departure

Daily

Driving distance

1648/1024 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Arrival & Sightseeing in Reykjavík

    On arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you will be welcomed and driven to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant city centre at you own pace. The main downtown street, Laugavegur, offers a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, coffee houses and bars to suit all tastes—all within an easy walk.  Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

    Spend the night in Reykjavik.

    Average Driving Distance: 49 km / 30 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 50 Minutes

    Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 2: The Golden Circle and South Coast

    Start your morning early and get ready for a full day of highlights. Your private guide will meet you this morning and you will head to Þingvellir, a national park which has been nominated as a UNESCO world heritage site. Next, you will visit the great Geysir area with its spouting geysers and colourful hot springs. The tour will continue to the waterfall Gullfoss, where you will see white water thrash and tumble down the two-tiers, falling metres below.

    Then you will continue with a stop at the fairytale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk right behind the misty cascade. Your guide will then drive you to the gorgeous 60-metre high Skógafoss waterfall just a short drive down the road, before reaching the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. You will continue to Vík.

    Spend the night in Vík area.

    Average Driving Distance: 297 km / 184 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 9-10 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 3: Glaciers and Icebergs

    Today’s drive takes you to some of Iceland’s most photogenic attractions, including a visit to the beautiful Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, named for Iceland’s largest glacier. Here you‘ll have some time to explore the area before the tour heads to the small Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, followed by the larger Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Adjacent to Jökulsárlón, you will visit the Diamond Beach, where you will see chunks of sparkling ice dotting the shore like diamonds. Then, your guide will take you to your accommodation, where you will spend the evening at leisure.

    Spend the night in south east area.

    Average Driving Distance: 274 km / 170 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 7-8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 4: East Fjords & Lake Mývatn

    Today, your guide will drive along the east which is characterised by spectacular fjords, tranquil fishing villages and sweeping landscapes. This is an especially beautiful stretch of Iceland so you can relax and soak in all the scenery. After reaching North Iceland, prepare to be amazed by the roaring Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. There is a 1 km walk from the parking lot to the waterfall on a gravel road, definitely worth the trip.

    The guide then makes their way to the moon-like landscape of Lake Mývatn, where you will be spending the night.

    Spend the night in Lake Mývatn area.

    Average Driving Distance: 430 km / 267 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 9-10 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 5: The Capital of the North

    Today you will explore the volcanic landscape of Lake Mývatn where you will spend the first half of the day visiting sights such as Dimmuborgir, a magnificent lava landscape with extraordinary formations, columns, caves, followed by Námaskarð, which resembles Martian-like terrain.

    On the way to Skagafjörður, you will visit the mighty Goðafoss, “The Waterfall of the Gods”, before making your way to the charming town of Akureyri, where you will take a stroll through the town centre that is always full of life during the summer months. Then your guide will head to the next destination in the tranquil farmlands of Skagafjörður.

    Spend the night in Skagafjörður area.

    Average Driving Distance: 286 km / 177 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 9-10 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 6: History and Hot Springs

    After some spectacular days in the countryside, today you will head back to Reykjavik. Notable sights along the way include the Grábrók volcanic crater, Deildartunguhver—the largest hot spring in Europe—and the beautiful twin waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. You will end the day by closing the circle around Iceland and heading back to Reykjavík, where you will have the late afternoon at your leisure.

    If you want to see as much a possible then today you have to option of extending your day to include the Into the Glacier tour on Langjökull glacier. If you choose to visit the ice tunnel, please be advised that there is an extra cost and arrival in Reykjavik will be at around 20:00.  Please contact your travel consultant for more information.

    Spend the night in Reykjavík.

    Average Driving Distance: 263 km / 163 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 7-8 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 7: Departure from Reykjavík

    When it’s time for your Iceland adventure to end, you will be picked up from the hotel for your airport transfer about three hours before your flight. If you’re flying in the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to relax in the warm mineral waters before continuing to the airport (optional: not included).

    Average Driving Distance: 49 km / 30 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 50 Minutes

    See Activities for this day

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Day One

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this private tour in Iceland. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Iceland Travel Guide.

On a private tour with Nordic Visitor, you'll enjoy a tried-and-tested itinerary while enjoying the service of a private, local driver-guide. Let us know what your interests are and we’ll do our best to match you with a guide who will add to your experience.

You'll usually begin the day with your guide at around 9:00 AM. But if you prefer you can also choose to set out later. Depending on the day’s itinerary, you can expect between 8–9 hours with your guide. Take advantage of their insider knowledge while relaxing and enjoying the ride.

If there are specific things you'd like to see and do, let your guide know and they'll do their best to adjust the day's itinerary. The time spent at each spot will also be based on your interests. That said, the guide will follow the original itinerary.

Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, map, and our very own Iceland Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

Yes, when you book your Iceland tour with Nordic Visitor, you always get airport transfers to and from Keflavík Airport included. This will be a private, shared or bus transfer, depending on your itinerary. Please check the details of your tour to confirm.

If you add extra nights to your stay before or after the scheduled trip, we’ll rearrange your transfers to fit your new itinerary.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your travel consultant if you have any specific requests about optional activities or services.

During your private tour, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our local Iceland travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience. 
 
On private tours, you can choose from single, double and triple rooms. Please note that in Iceland room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America. 
 
For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.
 
If you have something specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, your private guide will be there to advise you. But you can also call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

If you’re arriving from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Iceland. 

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Iceland on the website of Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration. If you do require a visa, they maintain a list of local embassies that can assist you with the process. 

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months from your departure from Iceland. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it. 

Read more about visas, airports and airlines in the getting to Iceland section of our travel guide.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. It's also possible to book this directly with the car rental agency. This will incur a small, extra cost.

Only you can pick the best time to visit Iceland for your trip. It’ll depend on how much time you have to explore, what you want to see in Iceland and any events you might like to attend.

In summer, June to August, you’ll have milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, compared to the winter. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and sightseeing. 

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around then you could book your summer trip in May or September. These shoulder season months have more tour and attraction availability.

The winter months are also popular, but generally quieter, apart from the Christmas holiday season. This is the ideal time to try to spot the northern lights.

Find out what annual Icelandic events and festivals are on in our travel guide. Or read more about the best time to visit Iceland on our blog.

Because of its northerly location close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland enjoys long days throughout the summer. 

Around the summer solstice, from early June until mid-July, you’ll experience almost 24 hours of daylight. This phenomenon, known as the midnight sun, occurs within the Arctic Circle and is when the sun doesn’t fully set below the horizon. 

These long daylight hours give you plenty of time to drive around and explore. That said, you may want to pack a sleeping mask if you are a light sleeper or tend to wake up at dawn. 

Find out what the daylight hours will be during the month of your visit in this guide to time and daylight in Iceland.

Summer in Iceland is mild and boasts the best weather and longest days of the year. You can expect temperatures of around 10–15°C (50–59°F), with potential lows of 5°C (41°F) and highs of 25°C (77°F). 

It’s good to know that weather conditions are changeable in Iceland, so you should come ready for sun, rain and wind. For more information on the local climate, read the page Iceland weather conditions

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. This means that your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit.

Even in summertime Iceland’s climate can feel cool. As you’ll probably spend a lot of time outdoors, you should be ready for a variety of weather conditions.

Here is a recommended summer packing list for your trip to Iceland:

  • Durable insulated jacket
  • Rain gear, including sturdy wind and waterproof layers, like a jacket and trousers
  • Robust walking shoes with a good grip
  • Mid-layers such as a fleece or woollen jumper
  • A few pairs of warm hiking socks
  • Hat, gloves and scarf
  • Swimwear for visiting geothermal pools or spas
  • Backpack for daily adventures
  • Electronic equipment such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and eye mask for the summer sun
  • And don’t forget your camera!
     

For more information, check out this Iceland packing guide.

Breakfast at your Iceland accommodations is always included when you travel with Nordic Visitor.  For the rest of your meals, the amount of spending money you need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to. 

That said, we recommend budgeting between 2,000–3,000 ISK for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between 3,000–6,000 ISK. Meanwhile, at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay 7,000 ISK or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

You can get in touch with our Iceland travel experts ahead of your trip if you have any questions. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Iceland Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll email you copies of your travel documents.

When you arrive in Iceland, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Iceland Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Keflavík?

After picking up your luggage, you will be greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall. The driver will hand over your welcome package with hard copies of your travel documents. You’ll then be driven to your hotel in Reykjavík.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2 PM and 4 PM. 

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel so you can start exploring before check-in. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching your transfer to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Icelandic Króna (ISK), the official currency of Iceland. 

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate as issued by the Central Bank of Iceland. This means conversions from ISK to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Reviews

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Amazing

Everything was well organised and went off without a hitch. The private guide was amazing. He could not have been better. I highly recommend him to anyone considering a private guide as an option. He's extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area. He knew all of the best places to go and was entertaining and delightful as well.

Our guide was incredible

The convenience of using Nordic Visitor to plan our trip was worth the cost. Our particular guide for the private tour was incredible. He (Aron) added as much to our fantastic experience as the beauty of Iceland did by offering history and personal stories.

We had a blast

Seamless service. The agent we had was very prompt and thorough. Very meticulous in planning the private guided tour for 12 people. Everything was perfect. We had a blast.

Seamless trip

Our trip was seamless. Everything was booked according to plans and we didn't have to worry about a thing. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly, a very safe driver and he took care of our special needs.

Great customer service from Nordic Visitor

Our family of four did the 5-day privately guided tour of the Ring Road. Our flight to Reykjavík was cancelled so we arrived a day and a half later than scheduled. Nordic Visitor customer service was great helping us get things figured out and communicating with us, especially since we were travelling on a weekend when the office was closed. Our guide, Jakob, met us at the airport and we immediately began our tour. We enjoyed our week with Jakob - he was knowledgeable and kind enough to take us to one stop that was not on our itinerary, but which we had hoped to see. Our accommodation each night was wonderful - beautiful locations with good food. We always had everything we needed. Though we started with some flight headaches, we ended up having a wonderful week and thoroughly enjoyed all that beautiful Iceland has to offer.

Went off without a hitch!

Everything was well-organised and went off without a hitch. The private guide was amazing. He could not have been better. I highly recommend him to anyone considering a private guide as an option. He's extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area. He knew all of the best places to go and was entertaining and delightful as well. Accommodation was all spectacular.

Accommodation

Relax in top-quality hotels and guesthouses that are highly rated by visitors and handpicked by local travel experts.

Look forward to peaceful stays on your private tour. Each hotel or guesthouse featured on your bespoke itinerary will be conveniently located and have high service standards. Rest assured that you’ll stay in the best possible properties, which have all received excellent reviews from previous customers.

Comfort Plus

In this category, you’ll stay in standard rooms in good quality and comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses or charming country hot..

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Superior

With Superior accommodation, you’ll enjoy standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses. You might also stay in superior..

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Vehicle

Be comfortable and enjoy the journey as a passenger in the vehicle of your choosing.

Suburban/Land Cruiser Jeep
or similar

  • x3
  • x5
  • x4
  • A

Suburban/Land Cruiser Jeep
or similar

  • Type: L
  • Description: Full-Size SUV, four wheel drive.
  • Passengers: 1-3

Mercedes Benz Sprinter
or similar

  • x9
  • x4
  • x9
  • A

Mercedes Benz Sprinter
or similar

  • Type: P
  • Description: Comfortable, passenger van
  • Passengers: 1-9

Price per person from

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 1043480 ISK

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