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.

Often considered a hidden gem within Iceland's breathtaking landscapes, Brúarfoss is famous as "Iceland's Bluest Waterfall."

While it may be smaller than other famous cascades, its unique beauty lies in the serenity of its setting. The silky, sapphire-blue waters create a surreal landscape as they cascade over dark lava rocks. This vibrant blue stands in stunning contrast to the surrounding black rock and the bright green moss, making it a picturesque location perfect for nature lovers and photographers seeking to explore Iceland's untouched wilderness.

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.

Arriving at our hotel, (in the winter season) your guide will let you know the chances of seeing Northern Lights tonight and if the conditions are favorable. He will suggest places near the hotel, and if the sky is clear and the forecast is good, we can hope for the magic to begin.
Please be aware that the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence; therefore, we cannot guarantee their appearance. Nevertheless, we will make every effort to guide you to the most suitable locations where the likelihood of witnessing them is high.
(Please keep in mind that the Northern Lights sightseeing is possible only in the winter time as Nature allows, usually from September to beginning of April)

For Day 2, Your journey will begin from the hotel between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, after you’ve had breakfast. Your guide will confirm the exact departure time and itinerary the evening before.

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.

We’ll end the day at a cozy countryside inn in the area, typically Hrífunes Inn or a similar guesthouse, perfectly located between the waterfalls of the South Coast and the glaciers of Vatnajökull National Park. This quiet, rural setting offers a peaceful atmosphere and wide-open skies that are ideal for spotting the Northern Lights on clear winter nights. It’s a comfortable overnight stop that sets us up nicely for the scenic drive east the following morning.

Arriving at our hotel, (in the winter season) your guide will let you know the chances of seeing Northern Lights tonight and if the conditions are favorable. He will suggest places near the hotel, and if the sky is clear and the forecast is good, we can hope for the magic to begin.
Please be aware that the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence; therefore, we cannot guarantee their appearance. Nevertheless, we will make every effort to guide you to the most suitable locations where the likelihood of witnessing them is high.
(Please keep in mind that the Northern Lights sightseeing is possible only in the winter time as Nature allows, usually from September to beginning of April)

For Day 3, Your journey will start from the hotel between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, after you've enjoyed breakfast. Your guide will provide you with a more accurate departure time and plan the night before.

We visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where the Atlantic coastline features dramatic, massive waves crashing against unique basalt pillars in the cliffs. In the distance, you can see the cliffs of Dyrhólaey.

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.

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.

Please note that the specific ice cave we visit depends on the season and daily conditions to ensure your safety and the best possible experience.

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.

After the end of your days tour, A countryside stay after your Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave, and Black Sand Beach tour provides an essential rest stop near the dramatic landscapes you've just explored.

Arriving at our hotel, (in the winter season) your guide will let you know the chances of seeing Northern Lights tonight and if the conditions are favorable. He will suggest places near the hotel, and if the sky is clear and the forecast is good, we can hope for the magic to begin.
Please be aware that the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence; therefore, we cannot guarantee their appearance. Nevertheless, we will make every effort to guide you to the most suitable locations where the likelihood of witnessing them is high.
(Please keep in mind that the Northern Lights sightseeing is possible only in the winter time as Nature allows, usually from September to beginning of April)

For Day 4, your journey will start from the hotel between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, after you've enjoyed breakfast. Your guide will provide you with a more accurate departure time and plan the night before.

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.

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.

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.

Arriving at our hotel, (in the winter season) your guide will let you know the chances of seeing Northern Lights tonight and if the conditions are favorable. He will suggest places near the hotel, and if the sky is clear and the forecast is good, we can hope for the magic to begin.
Please be aware that the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence; therefore, we cannot guarantee their appearance. Nevertheless, we will make every effort to guide you to the most suitable locations where the likelihood of witnessing them is high.
(Please keep in mind that the Northern Lights sightseeing is possible only in the winter time as Nature allows, usually from September to beginning of April)

For day 5, your journey will start from the hotel between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, after you've enjoyed breakfast. Your guide will provide you with a more accurate departure time and plan the night before.

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.

Arriving at our hotel, (in the winter season) your guide will let you know the chances of seeing Northern Lights tonight and if the conditions are favorable. He will suggest places near the hotel, and if the sky is clear and the forecast is good, we can hope for the magic to begin.

Please be aware that the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence; therefore, we cannot guarantee their appearance. Nevertheless, we will make every effort to guide you to the most suitable locations where the likelihood of witnessing them is high.

(Please keep in mind that the Northern Lights sightseeing is possible only in the winter time as Nature allows, usually from September to beginning of April)

For Day 6, Once you’ve had breakfast, you will meet up with your guide for the start of an exciting new day. Departure times are normally between 8:00 and 9:00 AM.

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.

Join Tröll Expeditions for a thrilling 3-hour boat tour from Hauganes, widely regarded as the best place for whale watching in Iceland and one of the best in the world.

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.