Classic Ring Road self-drive

Iceland
Tour

Trip offered by Emanuela Travel expert in Iceland

Trip summary

Departure Keflavik
End Keflavik
Countries
- Iceland
City
- Gullfoss
- Vík
- Egilsstaðir
- Akureyri
- Blonduos
- Reykjavik
- Keflavik
Theme Car and motorcycle self drive
Travel style Tailor-made travel
Accommodation Standard
Flight Excluded
Guide Not Included

The tour has met our standards

Description

Iceland's road number 1, the Ring Road, has for decades remained the most accessible route to discover the beautiful diversity of Icelandic nature and the many breathtaking highlights along the way – waterfalls & canyons, lagoons & beaches, glaciers & volcanoes. This holiday is ideal for travellers who wish to explore the most popular tourist attractions of Iceland. A customised road trip is a personal experience and our goal is to design an itinerary that matches your dream trip. Here is an 8 day / 7 night itinerary to give you a general idea of our Classic Ring Road trip starting from Keflavik.

The locations specified above are indicative. Since the exact itinerary is customised for your arrival and departure times, activities and tours you choose, and the pace of your trip; these might change.
We can of course also accommodate any preferences you have.

Here are some of the ways in which we can customise this trip:
- Add extra days to slow down the pace or enrich your itinerary with more time for activities or de-tours; there is enough to do for 2 weeks
- Cut a day or two from the itinerary to allow for reduced time or budget
- Create a themed itinerary with an emphasis on your favourite activity or interest f.e. adventure, geology, hiking, geothermal pools, birds & wildlife, cuisine, history & culture etc.
- If you want to explore more sights off the beaten path then we have a ton of great ideas!

Starting from: Reykjavik or Keflavik
Season: All year
Duration: 8+ days
Driving distance: 1800-2000 kms

Highlights: Reykjavik - Akureyri - Lake Myvatn - Dettifoss - Eastfjords - Jokulsarlon - Skaftafell - Vik - Reynisfjara - Skogafoss - Seljalandsfoss - Gullfoss - Geysir - Thingvellir

Available as a self-drive or private guided tour.

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Detailed itinerary

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1
Arrival & Golden Circle
Day 1
Arrival at KEF airport. Pick up rental car and drive to the much-visited Golden Circle - the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, the Strokkur geyser and the Thingvellir rift valley between the tectonic plates of Europe and America.

Enroute to the Golden Circle it is possible to visit the world-famous Blue Lagoon where you can spend a few hours relaxing in the milky geothermal waters.

Optional add-ons:
Blue Lagoon admission
Visited places:
- Keflavik
- Gullfoss
2
Reynisfjara, Eyjafjallajokull & the South Coast waterfalls
Day 2
The scenic south coast is home to many of Iceland's most famous attractions - the Reynisfjara black sand beach and basalt columns, Dyrholaey arch and the wonderful waterfall duo of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. You’ll also catch glimpses of the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

Optional add-ons:
Glacier hike / Ice climbing
ATV tour
Visited places:
- Gullfoss
- Vík
3
Vik & Vatnajokull
Day 3
Continue across the vast black sand plains of Skeidararsandur to the Vatnajokull glacier area. The wonders of this region include the surreal glacier lagoons with floating icebergs, the diamond beach, Skaftafell and several outlet glaciers.

Optional add-ons:
Jokulsarlon boat tour
Glacier hike / Ice climbing
Glacier lagoon kayaking
Visited places:
- Vík
4
The Eastfjords
Day 4
Follow the coastal route through the peaceful Eastfjords stopping to spend time in one or more of the charming villages or take a scenic detour to visit Borgarfjordur Eystri.
Visited places:
- Egilsstaðir
5
Lake Myvatn & Dettifoss
Day 5
Take a detour to visit Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall before continuing to the North.

Drive through the popular Lake Myvatn stopping at the various sights of your interest. Options include the Grotagja cave, Hverir geothermal area and Dimmuborgir. Stay overnight in Akureyri town.

Optional add-ons:
Myvatn Nature Baths
Visited places:
- Egilsstaðir
- Akureyri
6
The Offbeat Northwest
Day 6
Travel through the undulating landscapes of the Northwest and the lava fields of Borgarfjordur. Visit the Hvitserkur arch and Grabrok crater.

Optional add-ons:
Riverrafting
Visited places:
- Akureyri
- Blonduos
7
West Iceland & Reykjavik
Day 7
Enjoy the powerful Deildartunguhver hot spring and the Hraunfossar lava waterfalls. Explore the capital city of Reykjavik in the afternoon. It is also possible to visit the world-famous Blue Lagoon, where you can spend a few hours relaxing in the milky geothermal waters, and stay overnight closer to KEF airport.

Optional add-ons:
Ice tunnel excursion
Lava caving
Visited places:
- Blonduos
- Reykjavik
8
Departure
Day 8
Drop off rental car and departure from KEF airport.
Visited places:
- Reykjavik
- Keflavik

Photogallery

Prices and conditions
Price includes
- 8-day station car rental (including CDW insurance, GPS, airport pick up and drop off, unlimited kilometres and emergency service)
- Digital map for each day
- 7-night two-star hotel accommodation (double or twin room with private bath and breakfast)
- Detailed day wise sightseeing itinerary
- Contact person in Iceland
Price for private guided tour: Contact us with details of group size, language and requirements.

Price does not include
- Optional tour and activities of your choice
- Additional meals: Lunch and dinner
- Additional insurance: SCDW, Gravel, Sand & Ash
- WiFi device
- Baby car seats
- Flights
- Tips
- Everything not stated in the "Inclusions" section
Notes:
For self-drive, the car rental is as per your preference and the season; in the off-season, we only provide a 4X4.
For private tours, we offer a variety of comfortable vehicles for different group sizes with a local guide.

We offer a wide variety of handpicked quality accommodations from star category hotels to guesthouses and apartments, all well rated and located so as to balance your daily driving time.

Preparation:

Additional information for your Iceland trip will be sent to you after the booking. This will include details about weather and clothing, currencies and payments, electricity system, food and water, safety, contact info, and other useful tips.

Self-drive:

The minimum driver age for is 20 years for smaller cars and 25 years for jeeps. Drivers must bring an international driving licence or a local driving licence written in a Roman script. Winter driving experience is strongly recommended for off-season travel.