6 Days Around Iceland - Winter Ring Road Minibus Tour

Your 6-day adventure starts promptly at 8:00 AM in Reykjavík; after meeting your group, you will begin a comfortable minibus journey through the Golden Circle, complete with local stories and photo tips from your guide.

At Þingvellir National Park, the first stop of the day, you will witness the stunning sight of volcanic fields and mountains blanketed in snow. This UNESCO World Heritage site is uniquely beautiful, showcasing the exposed North American and Eurasian tectonic plates moving apart and holding significant cultural heritage as the founding location of Iceland's first parliament in 930 AD.

Next, we visit the Haukadalur Geothermal Area, a lively valley where the famous Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, shooting hot water high into the air. This stop allows you to experience the powerful energy of Iceland's nature up close, and you will also see the Great Geysir, which named all geysers worldwide.

The Golden Circle itinerary will end at the famously stunning Gullfoss ("The Golden Waterfall"), where the Hvítá glacial river dramatically plunges down a 32 meter drop across two tiers, giving the entire route its name.

Wrap up your day with an optional, peaceful horseback riding tour on a gentle Icelandic horse through the quiet countryside (Note: this activity is not suitable for individuals over 120 kgs or those not in good physical health).

Your minibus will then transport you to your accommodation ,typically Hotel Drangslid or similar accommodation. Enjoy a warm meal, relax in peaceful surroundings far from city lights, and prepare for possible Northern Lights viewing right outside your room.

On this day you will be heading to the South Coast, towards the magnificent Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a 65 meters drop of the water provides a unique sight, as one of Iceland’s highest features. Moving on to yet another waterfall, Skógafoss welcomes you, as one of the largest falls in all of Iceland.

The adventure continues as we head to the glaciers that define this region. Prepare for a thrilling Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier of the mighty Mýrdalsjökull. A certified glacier guide will provide all the necessary safety equipment, including crampons and an ice axe, and lead you on a walk across the stunning ice formations.

The final stop of the day will be at the famous black sand beach Reynisfjara, surrounded by black basalt columns and is one of the most popular Icelandic places to visit. From there you can see rock formations Reynisdrangar and Dýrhólaey Peninsula rise gracefully from the ocean providing an astonishing sight and shelter for birds like the razorbills.

Finally, your day concludes in the charming village of Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland's southernmost town. Situated near magnificent coastal cliffs and a wide black sand beach, Vík is a beautiful and peaceful place to unwind. You will spend the night at your accommodation near Vík, ready for the next day's adventures.

Our first stop provides a spectacular photo opportunity of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. We then arrive at the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, you will witness a surreal landscape where colossal blue icebergs, having calved from the glacier, drift calmly towards the ocean. Just across the road, we explore the stunning Diamond Beach, where sparkling chunks of ice wash ashore onto the black volcanic sand, creating a truly unique and beautiful sight.

The highlight of your day is an included Ice Cave tour, a thrilling adventure that takes you deep into a world of ice. Depending on the season and conditions, we will visit either a blue ice cave nestled in Vatnajökull or the striking Katla Volcano Ice Cave, which is covered in volcanic ash. To get there, you'll embark on an exciting ride in a specialized Super Jeep, making the journey itself part of the unforgettable experience. Your certified guide will ensure your safety while sharing fascinating stories about Iceland's geology.

After your incredible glacier exploration, you will stay in the serene nearby area, often at Hotel Höfn or a comparable accommodation. This provides a perfect opportunity to absorb the majestic power and magical, ice-sculpted world of Iceland's glaciers.

A region of dramatic landscapes and peaceful fishing villages. This is a special part of Iceland, offering a chance to spot wild reindeer roaming the high mountain ridges. You'll travel along scenic coastal roads with views of the magnificent Vatnajökull glacier in the west, and get a sense of the rich Icelandic history tied to its coastal communities. This quiet and beautiful region offers a serene contrast to the more rugged adventures of previous days.

As you travel through the East Fjords, you'll pass by Lake Lagarfljót, a long and narrow lake shrouded in local folklore. Keep an eye out for the legendary Lagarfljótsormurinn, a mythical worm-like creature said to live in its depths—Iceland's very own version of the Loch Ness Monster! This fascinating story adds a touch of mystery to the stunning scenery as you continue your journey.

Your day ends with an opportunity to relax and immerse yourself in Iceland's geothermal nature at the optional Vök Baths. Located on a beautiful lake, Vök Baths offers floating geothermal pools and a tranquil spa experience, a perfect way to unwind before heading to your accommodation in the East Iceland area. This optional activity provides a peaceful and unique contrast to the day's sightseeing, allowing you to fully appreciate the region's serene beauty before you rest for the night.

Stay at the hub of East Iceland, offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a complimentary breakfast. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the East Fjords, being close to the East Iceland Heritage Museum and a short drive from Lake Lagarfljót and the Vök Baths.

Your fifth day is dedicated to exploring the geological wonders of North Iceland, beginning at the breathtaking Stuðlagil Canyon. After a short walk, you’ll reach a viewpoint that offers a magnificent view of the canyon’s deep turquoise water and incredible basalt columns. While access to the river is not possible from this viewpoint, the sight itself is a stunning introduction to the day's journey into a land shaped by fire and ice.

We visit Dettifoss, known as the most powerful waterfall in Europe. This colossal fall, featured in the movie Prometheus, rushes 44 meters into a canyon with incredible force.

The day is packed with amazing sights, including the active geothermal area of Námaskarð, where you'll see bubbling mud pools and steaming vents.

You'll also explore the peculiar lava formations of Dimmuborgir, a field of pillars and arches that rise from the earth, and discover the mysterious surroundings that make this region so special.

Next, you will explore the extraordinary region around Lake Mývatn, an area famous for its unique geological features.

Finally, we stop at the beautiful Goðafoss, or "Waterfall of the Gods," a horseshoe-shaped fall that holds great importance in Iceland's Christian history.

Our day concludes in Akureyri, the vibrant "Capital of the North." You will have the entire evening free to explore the city's charming downtown. As night falls, be sure to check the dark northern skies for a chance to witness the spectacular Northern Lights, a perfect end to your North Iceland sightseeing.

The day starts in the charming town of Akureyri, often called the ‘Capital of the North’

A short drive from the town is the peaceful fishing village of Hauganes. This picturesque village offers a lovely harbor and a quiet black sand beach, with breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding tall mountains, providing a perfect setting for your morning adventure.

The highlight of your day is a thrilling whale watching boat tour from Hauganes. Embark on a journey into the Eyjafjörður Fjord to spot the majestic Humpback whales and other fascinating marine life that frequent these rich waters. The experience of seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, set against a backdrop of stunning coastal scenery, is an unforgettable final memory of your northern adventure.

After your thrilling tour, you will begin the scenic drive back south to the capital. The long journey allows you to relax and reflect on the incredible sights and experiences of your 6-day tour. You will arrive back in Reykjavík in the evening, with an estimated arrival time of around 8:00 PM, though this may vary depending on weather and road conditions.