An 8-day tour around the Ring Road of Iceland

It's easy to create your own amazing itinerary in Reykjavik!

A stroll through the Laugavegur and Skolavorðustigur shopping streets is a great way to get to the heart of Reykjavik. Browse the shops for unusual items, relax in one of the charming cafes, and then continue your stroll. You will see local crafts and the iconic tall white Hallgrimskirkja church. Its design was inspired by the Svartifoss on Skaftafell. Climbing to the top of the tower, you can overlook the whole city. It's well worth it!

There are some wonderful museums here, covering everything from the history and nation-building of Iceland at the National Museum to photography at the Reyjaavik Photography Museum or Icelandic culture at the Palace of Culture. If you love art, there are plenty of galleries here, including the National Gallery of Iceland, the Reykjavik Art Museum and Kjarvalstaðir.

Reykjavik's spa pool is open from morning until night. The largest open-air pool, Laugardalslaug, has a superb hot tub where you can relax with locals and tourists alike. Iceland has outdoor baths all year round! There are several other swimming pools near the city centre, all with hot tubs.

Your first day is mainly spent visiting the fabulous and famous Golden Circle attraction.

We visit Thingvellir, an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site of immense geological, historical and cultural significance. The historic Icelandic Parliament (Alþing) was founded here in 930 AD. The Icelandic Parliament is the oldest surviving democratic parliament in the world. The mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates continue to separate, runs right through Thingvellir. You will see the rugged plate rim of the canyon. This must have been a very dramatic setting for an ancient parliamentary session!

Your next stop is the Geysir Geothermal Active Area, home to the Great Geysir. This famous water fountain gave us the English word "geysir". You will witness one of the most active hot springs in recent years, Strokkur, which erupts powerful superheated water every 5 to 10 minutes. Steaming fumaroles and hot springs can also be seen around the area.

The final Golden Circle attraction before we set off along the South coast is the thundering Gullfoss or "Gullfoss". As the vast Hvítá river rushes through the two 11 m and 21 m drops, you will see golden mist rising around the falls. Hvítá means "white River". This torrent of ice originates from the Langjokull, Iceland's second largest glacier.

On the way to our country hotel located near the village of Vik, we will stop to admire two legendary and stunning waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Both are around 60 m in height, but apart from that, they are quite different. The Skogafoss cascades gracefully from the former sea cliff. Sometimes referred to as the "Unusual waterfall", Seljalandsfoss has a path leading behind the falls, offering you a unique experience and view.

We will stop at Reynisfjara Black Beach. A short walk along the beach will take you to the stunning and unusual basalt column cave. You can also see the trollish, atmospheric peak of Reynisdrangar rising above the coast.

After settling in at the country Hotel in Kirkjubaejarklaustur, if conditions are good, we will spend a few hours chasing the Northern Lights (from September to April).

We'll pick you up in Reykjavik at 8:00. It'll take 30 minutes Max to pick everyone up. You may have to wait a few minutes, depending on where your accommodation is located in Reykjavik. Thank you very much for your patience.

We pass through some extraordinary landscapes and otherworldly landscapes to reach skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park. You will see stunning views of the Mýrdalsjökull, which is home to one of the most feared volcanoes, the infamous Katla Volcano. You will also see another great firefighting master, Eyjafjalljokull. Our journey will take us through the Eldhraun lava fields to Skaftafell, a lush oasis in a region of black volcanic sand. Skaftafell is a secluded mountain with lush vegetation and birch forests.

Our experienced glacier guides will lead you on a three-hour walking tour as you explore the stunning ice tongue of Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier. You will learn everything there is to know about this amazing blue/white ice world.

From October to April, we explore the crystal ice caves of Vatnajokull instead of glacier hiking. Every winter, new ice caves form and freeze in the center of the glacier. Walk with your guide and see the ice caps from a whole new perspective!

Continuing with the ice theme, we head to the Jokulsarlon. Action scenes from James· Bond and other movies have made this the most famous frozen lake in the world. Enjoy the stunningly beautiful iceberg lagoon and visit the beautiful Diamond Beach. This coal-black beach sparkles with gleaming blue/white icebergs washed ashore by the tide. You will feel as if you have stepped into a magical door and entered a mysterious ice country with magical landscapes.

If conditions are good, we will look for the Northern Lights at night (September-April).

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Today we head to Iceland's famous eastfjordur. You will cross the narrow road between the mountains and the sea, passing through the very remote Hvalnes Peninsula. Moving on, you will see the truly striking and contrasting landscapes around Long, the Þvotarskriður landslide and the stunning Alftafjarðar fjordur.

We will stop in Djúpivogur, a small traditional fishing village. This friendly village community is known for its eco-conscious and welcoming approach. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor sculpture Eggin i Gleðivik (Eggs of Happy Bay).

Next, we will travel to the Wilderness Center, an interactive historical site located in the vast wilderness of Northern Europe. Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and horse riding while experiencing authentic Icelandic life. Admission to the museum is free during your stay, where you can explore exhibits about highland life and Icelandic history. Stay in charming historic buildings, sample local cuisine, and relax in the warm pool at the baths after your adventure.

Your accommodation for the night will be a country hotel in Egilsstadir. If conditions are good, we will chase the Northern Lights at night (September-April).

Today we're exploring northern Iceland. Our journey from Egilsstadir will take us through wilderness areas and we will start in the Studlagil Canyon, one of the most fascinating basalt formations in the world.

Heading along the picturesque Myvatn to Akureyri, we embark on our journey, stopping to marvel at the stunning Waterfall of the Gods, also known as the "Godafoss". The horseshoe-shaped span of this natural wonder is about 30 meters (98 feet), and its legend dates back to 1000 AD, when pagan idols were thrown into it.

On your way to Akureyri, travel through the stunning scenery around Myvatn and be prepared to encounter the unique volcanic landscape. Highlights include the famous Myvatn Natural Baths, where you can enjoy a luxurious soak in warm geothermal water rich in minerals and silicates. It is also known as the "Blue Lagoon of the North" and you will see why it is so similar! (Optional extra)

The scenery will become even more surreal! We will travel to the steaming moonscape and bubbling colorful mudpots of the Námaskarð area. Steaming fumaroles and fiery hot springs float clouds of steam across these otherworldly vistas. There are even more extraordinary scenes as we take you on a tour of the incredible Dimmuborgir lava formations (known as the Dark Castle)!

Your accommodation will be in a country hotel in Akureyri. At night, if conditions are good, your guide will help you chase the Northern Lights in winter.

Sometimes we can make a short stop in Akureyri, the capital of the north. Our journey will always take us through this beautiful town, located among the mountains and near the summit of the charming Eyjafjörður (island fjordur). We will head to the absolutely charming and still traditional fishing town of Dalvik, with its busy harbour and stunning views of Eyjafjörður and Hrisey.

Magnificent mountains are right behind you, with some of the best skiing in Iceland. Your three-hour whale-watching cruise starts in Dalvik Harbour. You'll skim the Eyjafjörður, heading in the direction of the best sightings of humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and sometimes even blue whales.

These Tours are very successful in whale watching. They can be seen on 98% of tour groups. You'll be surrounded by the incredible natural beauty of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjordur.

Next on the agenda is a drive to Siglufjorður, a beautiful fishing village with an incredible history. The town was gripped by a Klondike gold rush atmosphere in the early 1900s, when the small and isolated community was known as the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic.

Travel around Trolaskegee (Troll Peninsula) and you will see stunning ocean scenery and extremely steep mountains. A visit to Siglufjorður will give you an insight into life in a remote Icelandic village. On your way to the hotel for the night, you will pass through the agricultural heartland of Iceland, which is also a large horse farming area.

Your hostel will be located in Laugarbakki. If conditions are good, we will look for the Northern Lights (between September and April).

The final day of the 6-day Iceland tour will focus on the beauty of the western region of Iceland - which <Lonely Planet> named one of the best destinations of 2016. The first stop of the day was Grábrók, a crater surrounded by the moon - like lava. Your guide will lead you on a short hike to admire the crater from the top - with stunning views of the entire area. Today we will enjoy the wonderful and extremely diverse sights of the Borgarfjörður. We will stop at Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. You will also see the incredible Hraunfossar. These wide waterfalls are made up of thousands of streams pouring down from lava fields - truly an amazing sight! Then there's Barnafoss. The name means "Children's waterfall," which is a rather tragic folklore associated with the naming of this particular waterfall.

Now let's take a look at the history and soft scenery around Reykholt, home of the famous Icelandic legendary writer, historian, lawyer and poet Snorri Sturluson. You will see the pool, Snorralaug, where Snorri is said to have bathed. Today, the pool is still filled with naturally warm water. Upon our return to Reykjavik, we will be taken on a tour of the scenic Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjordur) fjordur. We should return to the city around 5 to 6 p.m. You will be dropped off at a hotel in Reykjavik.

You also have one day to fully explore Iceland's charming capital Reykjavik. Check out a few other things on your Reykjavik wish list - there are many more to choose from. Perhaps, explore the bike and walking paths that circle the coast and pass through the city. From Seltjarnarnes and Mosfellsbær (both easily accessible by Straetó bus) to places such as Reykjavik Botanical Garden Grasagarðurinn, the coastal scenery is fascinating. Visit the place where women in Reykjavik used to wash their clothes in the hot spring pool. These beautiful gardens are adjacent to Iceland's largest swimming pool, Laugardalslaug. Continue shopping and browsing, spend time in a coffee shop or restaurant, visit another museum or gallery, or take one last fantastic adventure trip - the choice is yours!