Iceland Overland | Ring of Fire and Ice
- Scandinavia
Durations
12 Days
Difficulty
Beginner, Moderate
Enjoy the Adventure
Experience the charm of the capital, explore the Golden Circle with its geysers, waterfalls, and tectonic rifts, and marvel at the stunning South Coast with its black sand beaches, puffin cliffs, and powerful waterfalls. Glide across the ice on guided glacier hikes in Skaftafell and witness the surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
Continue through the dramatic Eastfjords and the geothermal wonders of Lake Mývatn, with opportunities for whale watching in Húsavík. Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with its iconic Kirkjufell mountain and rugged coastline before ending the journey with a soothing soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. This package combines Iceland’s natural wonders, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences, making it a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
- Distance Covered: ~50 km (Airport to city)
- Focus: Arrival, car pickup, and city immersion.
- Arrive at Keflavik Airport (KEF), transfer to Reykjavik accommodation. Settle in and spend the day exploring Reykjavik’s iconic church for panoramic city views, walking along the waterfront, and discovering the lively downtown area.
- Night Stay: Reykjavik.
- Distance Covered: ~250 km
- Time Taken: Full day with sightseeing
- Terrain: Well-maintained paved roads.
- Begin the road trip on the essential Golden Circle route. At Þingvellir National Park, see the rift between continents dusted in snow. Witness the steam from Geysir contrast with the cold air, and see the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, likely adorned with spectacular ice formations.
- Night Stay: Hella / Selfoss area.
- Distance Covered: ~150 km
- Time Taken: 5-7 hours with stops
- Terrain: Route 1 (Ring Road), paved.
- Journey along the South Coast to see its famous waterfalls in their winter glory. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss may be partially frozen, creating stunning ice sculptures. Visit the iconic Reynisfjara black sand beach, where black sand and white snow create a stark, beautiful contrast.
- Night Stay: Vík area.
- Skaftafell & Glacier Hiking.
- Drive to Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Today’s main activity is a guided glacier hike on an outlet of the Vatnajökull glacier. Equipped with crampons and an ice axe, you’ll safely explore the crevasses and formations of the ancient ice, learn about the fragile ecosystem. In the evening, find a dark spot to hunt for the Northern Lights.
- Night Stay: Skaftafell / Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
- Distance Covered: ~120 km
- Time Taken: 3-4 hours drive, plus activity time.
- A day focused on glacial wonders. Visit the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to see massive icebergs floating out to sea. Take a Zodiac boat tour to get closer to the ice. Explore the adjacent Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash ashore on the black sand.
- Night Stay: Höfn area.
- Distance Covered: ~250 km
- Time Taken: 5-7 hours.
- A dedicated driving day through the dramatic and sparsely populated Eastfjords. The route passes towering mountains, deep fjords, and tranquil fishing villages. Keep an eye out for puffin colonies on coastal cliffs and potential reindeer sightings inland.
- Night Stay: Egilsstaðir area.
- Distance Covered: ~200 km
- Time Taken: 4-6 hours with stops.
- Drive west towards North Iceland. Take the detour to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Continue to the Lake Myvatn region to explore its otherworldly geothermal fields with steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots.
- Night Stay: Myvatn area.
- Distance Covered: ~120 km (return trip)
- Focus: Wildlife and further volcanic exploration.
- Take a morning drive to Húsavík, Iceland’s whale watching capital, for a memorable boat tour during peak season. Return to the Myvatn area to explore its unique lava formations or relax at the geothermal nature baths.
- Night Stay: Myvatn area.
- Distance Covered: ~430 km
- Time Taken: 6-8 hours.
- A long but scenic transit day from North to West Iceland. Stop at the beautiful Goðafoss waterfall before driving through Akureyri, the “Capital of the North.” Continue your journey towards the magnificent Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
- Night Stay: Grundarfjörður / Stykkishólmur area.
- Distance Covered: ~200 km
- Time Taken: Full day of sightseeing.
- Explore the diverse landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The day begins at the foot of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. Circle the peninsula to discover dramatic coastal cliffs, small fishing villages, and unique black sand beaches watched over by the Snæfellsjökull glacier.
- Night Stay: Borgarnes area.
- Distance Covered: ~150 km
- Time Taken: 3-5 hours with stops.
- Drive south to the Reykjanes Peninsula for a visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa for a relaxing soak (pre-booking is essential). Afterwards, complete the short drive back to Reykjavik for your final evening.
- Night Stay: Reykjavik.
- Distance Covered: ~50 km
- Time Taken: ~45 minutes
- Enjoy a final morning in Reykjavik before making the short drive to KEF airport. Return your rental car and depart.
Inclusions
We plan for all stays and meals. We arrange, if required, for accomodation on a twin-sharing or single basis, Inner Line Permits and associated fees, a basic First Aid Kit for fixed departures, certified guides and instructors including NOLS-certified guides, mechanic support throughout the trip.
Exclusions
5% GST, personal expenses, insurance, fines or servicing costs, activities additional to what has been planned for, extra costs arising from delays or breakdowns, and anything not specifically included as per customized final plan.
