Iconic Iceland

Route

You travel around Iceland in a complete loop, discovering the island in its full scope. The itinerary follows the Ring Road and leads you past lava fields, glaciers, fjords and black-sand beaches. Depending on your flights and preferences, the journey starts or ends in Reykjavík, with the Reykjanes Peninsula as the other logical endpoint.

Pace

Well balanced. Active days outdoors, followed by evenings designed for warming up and unwinding.

Highlights

The Golden Circle, the south coast with Vik and Jökulsárlón, the East Fjords, Myvatn and Snæfellsnes. Plus a generous number of waterfalls, counting them is optional.

Accommodation

Carefully selected Caractère boutique hotels along the route.

Profile

For travellers who want to experience Iceland at full scale. Ideal for those who enjoy dramatic nature.

Day 1: Arrival and the Reykjanes Peninsula

After arriving at Keflavík International Airport, you’ll collect your hire car and begin your road trip. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll either head first towards Reykjavík or straight to the Reykjanes Peninsula. This rugged UNESCO GeoPark offers a striking first glimpse of Iceland, with lava fields, steam vents and dramatic cliffs. In the Krýsuvík area, you can walk amongst colourful mud pools and sulphur springs. If you’d prefer a more relaxed start, you can unwind in the Blue Lagoon, a pleasant way to ease into your holiday after the flight.

Day 2: Þingvellir National Park – Geysir – Gullfoss

Today you head into the Golden Circle region. You drive to Lake Þingvallavatn in Þingvellir National Park, where nature and history converge. Next up is Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, which you can view from various angles via several walking trails. The geothermal area of Geysir is also on the itinerary, featuring Strokkur and bubbling hot springs. You’ll round off the day at Laugarvatn Fontana, where steam cabins and mineral baths have been popular with locals since the early 20th century.

Day 3: Þjórsárdalur – Skógar – Vík

Today you leave the Golden Circle and head towards the south coast. The Þjórsárdalur valley surprises with birch forests, lava fields, rivers and waterfalls. In the Gjáin valley you’ll discover miniature waterfalls and volcanic formations, with views of the Hekla volcano on a clear day. Along the south coast, you’ll stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. At Seljalandsfoss, weather permitting, you can walk behind the waterfall. Skógafoss impresses with its powerful form and legends. Guided ice tours or kayaking trips are available in the vicinity of Sólheimajökull. Further along the coast lie Dyrhólaey* and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. You reach Vík via the vast Eldhraun lava field.

*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed between mid-May and 25 June due to the bird breeding season.

Day 4: Vatnajökull National Park – Jökulsárlón – Höfn

Today you’ll drive into south-east Iceland, where glaciers dominate the landscape. You’ll explore the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park and see glacier tongues such as Svinafellsjökull. You’ll then visit Jökulsárlón, where icebergs drift peacefully through the lagoon. Nearby lies Diamond Beach, a black beach strewn with ice blocks. The day ends in the port town of Höfn, famous for its langoustines.

Day 5: Höfn – East Fjords – Egilsstaðir

You leave Höfn behind and drive over the Almannaskarð Pass towards the East Fjords. Here, steep mountains plunge straight into the sea and fjords cut deep into the land. Along the way, you pass fishing villages such as Fáskrúðsfjörður, Reyðarfjörður and Eskifjörður. In Djúpivogur, the egg-shaped sculptures in the harbour catch the eye. Those interested in geology can visit Petra’s Mineral Collection. The day ends in Egilsstaðir, near the Hallormsstaður forest and Lake Lagarfljót with its legendary sea monster. At the Vök Baths on Lake Urriðavatn, you can relax in floating geothermal baths.

Day 6: Lake Mývatn

Today you head further north towards the volcanic north. On the way, you cross the Möðrudalur öræfi desert plateau. At Dettifoss, you can feel the power of Europe’s most powerful waterfall. In the Mývatn area, you’ll discover pseudocraters at Skútustaðir, the jagged lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð. The Stuðlagil gorge with its basalt columns is also on the itinerary. You can round off the day at the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Day 7: Mývatn – Goðafoss – Akureyri

After a final exploration of the Mývatn area, you’ll drive towards Akureyri. On the way, you’ll stop at Goðafoss, where the water plunges down wide and powerful. Akureyri, the northern capital, boasts colourful houses, a botanical garden, galleries and cafés, with views over the Eyjafjörður fjord.

Day 8: Skagafjörður – Borgarnes

Today you’ll drive through Skagafjörður, a region famous for its Icelandic horses, a purebred breed that has been bred here for centuries. Through picturesque valleys and the Holtavörðuheiði plateau, you’ll reach West Iceland. In Borgarfjörður, you’ll discover a region steeped in Viking history and volcanic landscapes. You’ll hike to the top of the Grábrók crater, visit Deildartunguhver and admire Hraunfossar and Barnafoss.

Day 9: Borgarfjörður – Snæfellsjökull National Park

Today you’ll explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often described as Iceland in a nutshell. You’ll discover cliffs, lava fields, beaches, fishing villages and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. At Arnarstapi, you’ll walk along sea cliffs, and those who wish can follow the route to Hellnar. Djúpalónssandur and the photogenic Kirkjufell are also on the itinerary.

Day 10: Snæfellsnes – Reykjavík

You’ll continue exploring Snæfellsnes before heading towards Reykjavík. The route takes you through Hvalfjörður, the ‘whale fjord’. On the way, you can stop at the Hvammsvík seawater baths, where stone pools ebb and flow with the tides. In Reykjavík, the harbour, Hallgrímskirkja and the Harpa concert hall immediately catch the eye.

Day 11: Reykjavík

Today you’ll explore Reykjavík further. Stroll through the colourful streets, past the harbour and through neighbourhoods full of cafés, boutiques and museums. After days spent in the countryside, the city feels like a pleasant change of pace.

Day 12: Reykjavík or Reykjanes

Today, you set the pace. You can explore Reykjavík further, drive around the Reykjanes Peninsula again or plan a final visit to a geothermal bath.

Day 13: Back home

Your tour of Iceland has come to an end. If you haven’t yet had time to visit the Blue Lagoon and still have time before your return flight, you can make the most of this opportunity. Allow an extra 2.5 hours so you have plenty of time at the lagoon. You’ll drive back to Keflavik International Airport and head home with wonderful memories.

What is the average cost of this trip?

For this tour, you can expect a guide price starting from 7,000 euros per person. This price depends on your travel dates, hotel choices and any extras such as excursions or extensions. The price includes international flights.

Frequently asked questions about this Iceland tour

When is the best time to travel for a complete tour of Iceland?

For the full Ring Road and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the period from June to August is the most suitable. The roads in the East Fjords and the north are then free of snow, and the long days (midnight sun) give you plenty of time to cover the vast distances comfortably.

Is a hire car essential for this complete route?

Yes, a hire car is essential. To complete the full loop of over 1,300 kilometres (plus side trips) and reach the remote fjords and craters, you need the freedom of your own transport. For this route along the Ring Road (Route 1), a standard hire car is sufficient in summer.

What makes this tour of Iceland unique?

This 13-day trip offers the ultimate Iceland experience because it not only covers the famous Golden Circle and south coast, but also takes time to explore the unspoilt East Fjords and the mystical Snæfellsnes. You’ll literally see every facet of the island, from glacial lakes to active volcanic zones.