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Iceland: The Golden...
 

Iceland: The Golden Circle & Ring Road

11 days |  14 days with Norwegian Fjords extension
11 days |  14 days with Norwegian Fjords extension
Group size1222 travelers
Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars

113
Physical activity
person walking near skogafoss waterfall in iceland
icelandic horses on the side of myvatn lake in iceland
a puffin sitting next to water in iceland
rocky landscapes and glacial lakes in iceland with mountains
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Immerse yourself in all the otherworldly beauty that Iceland has to offer.

Some of Earth’s most astounding and extreme landscapes can be found in Iceland, where every corner of the country offers something new. Learn about fascinating maritime history and taste traditional fare as you journey from the culturally rich capital to the most remote parts of the coast. Glacier-fed waterfalls, boiling mud pools, moss-covered cliffs—see it all on this small group Adventure Tour through the Land of Fire and Ice.

Your tour package includes

  • 9 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 9 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 4 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 liquor tasting
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Included highlights

  • Reykjavik
  • Thingvellir National Park
  • Gullfoss
  • Skógafoss waterfall
  • Reynisfjara beach
Read more
Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board an overnight flight to Reykjavik.

Reykjavik1 night
Day 2: Arrival in Reykjavik & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Welcome lunch

Welcome to Iceland! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome lunch. Then, get a feel for Reykjavik, often called the greenest city on Earth, on a walking tour with your Tour Director.

  • View Hallgrim’s Church and glimpse the artwork of Ásmundur Sveinsson and Einar Jónsson, both famous Icelandic artists
  • Walk past the Leif Erikson statue to hear about Iceland’s Viking history
  • See Tjörnin lake, the Parliament House, and the modern City Hall
  • Head to the Old Harbour to see the Harpa concert hall

Enjoy a free afternoon in Reykjavik or add an excursion.

Blue Lagoon Spa Visit

From $159 per person

Selfoss1 night
Day 3: Selfoss via the Golden Circle
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Lunch

Leave the bustle of Reykjavik behind as you travel around the Golden Circle, a ring of some of Iceland’s most magnificent natural wonders.

  • Stop at Thingvellir National Park to see the Althing, an open-air governmental assembly that was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798
  • Tour the horse stables at Friðheimar to learn about Icelandic horse breeding during a presentation served with coffee and tea
  • Sample tomatoes and sit down for lunch at Friðheimar Farm, where the produce is grown fresh in a greenhouse heated by geothermal energy
  • Explore the Great Geysir geothermal area, located in the Haukadalur Valley
  • Discover Gullfoss, or the “Golden Waterfall,” a natural wonder and one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe

Continue to Selfoss and enjoy a free evening.

South Coast Region2 nights
Day 4: Sightseeing tour of the South Coast
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue on to the South Coast, a lowland region of lush farmland, striking waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, and picturesque villages.

  • Make a photo stop by the Eyjafjallajökull volcano to marvel at breathtaking views (weather permitting)
  • View coastal mountain scenery as you travel to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall for a short walk behind the falls led by your Tour Director
  • View Skógafoss waterfall and opt to join your Tour Director on a hike up a staircase to a viewpoint overlooking the top of the falls
  • Marvel at the Sólheimajökull glacier and iconic black sands of Reynisfjara beach
  • Enjoy free time for lunch in the remote, seaside village of Vik
  • Pass Eldhraun lava field and Skaftafell National Park

This evening, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Please note: The order of today's events may be changed due to hotel location and weather. Puffins are difficult to view and are seasonal in the area from April–August.

Day 5: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to the East Fjords region, admiring the stunning landscape and stopping for an amphibious boat ride en route.

  • Set off on a cruise through Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, whose pristine waters lap against a black-sand beach
  • Try to spot wildlife as you pass between giant icebergs and head toward Breiðamerkurjökull glacier
  • Listen along as your guide explains to your group how the glacier lagoon was created
  • Board your coach again for a short drive to Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, whose surface is dotted with floating icebergs
  • Spend an hour enjoying an easy walk along the lagoon, and up-close views of the lagoon and glacier

This afternoon, travelers can choose between returning to Reykjavik for free time, visiting Skaftafell National Park, or adding an excursion.

Sit down for an included dinner with your group this evening.

Please note: The order of today's events may change based on road conditions and weather.

Falljökull Glacier Hike

From $149 per person

East Fjords Region1 night
Day 6: East Fjords Region via Djúpivogur
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Make your way through the East Fjords region to the town of Djúpivogur and explore with your Tour Director.

  • Visit Langabúð, the oldest house in town which is now a heritage museum, and sample their homemade cakes
  • Enjoy free time to explore the coastal town and admire the stunning views of Búlandstindur mountain
  • View the Eggs of Merry Bay, an outdoor installation of 34 granite eggs that line the bay as a tribute to the area’s native birds
  • Visit the world-renowned Bulandsnes Bird Sanctuary
  • Take a scenic walk around the marshland, ponds, beaches, and dunes to see where shelducks, northern shovelers, and horned grebes breed

Continue along the scenic South Coast through the East Fjords region to Egilsstaðir, enjoying views of towering mountains plunging vertically into sea.

Akureyri Region2 nights
Day 7: Akureyri Region via Dimmuborgir, Mývatn Nature Baths & Goðafoss
Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way north toward the Akureyri region, stopping to admire breathtaking waterfalls and volcanic landscapes as you go.

  • Stop at at the Dimmuborgir lava fields and walk among the towering lava formations scattered throughout the area
  • Put on your bathing suit and relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a series of thermal pools heated by the area’s geothermal energy (Entrance includes access to changing rooms, lockers, showers, and a cafe.)
  • Marvel at the beauty of Goðafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous cataracts, before ending the day in Akureyri

Please note: The order of today’s activities may change due to weather and road conditions.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Siglufjörður
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Liquor tasting

Get to know more about Icelandic culture during a visit to town of Siglufjörður.

  • Learn about the country’s maritime history as you follow a local guide through the Herring Era Museum
  • Enjoy a tasting of herring, one of Iceland’s most important culinary staples, washed down with Brennivín schnapps

Spend a free afternoon in the Akureyri region or add an excursion.

Akureyri Fjord Whale Watching

From $155 per person

Húsafell1 night
Day 9: Húsafell via Víðgelmir lava tube
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive through the landscapes of West Iceland to the Víðgelmir lava tube.

  • Take a guided tour of this cave, which is the largest in Iceland, as you discover the unique geology
  • Hear how the cave was formed over 1,000 years ago and learn about the humans who lived in the cave during the Viking Age

Later, arrive in Húsafell and sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Reykjavik1 night
Day 10: Reykjavik via Langjökull Glacier, Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Travel back to Reykjavik, making several stops en route.

  • Drive in a specially modified snow truck on the Langjökull Glacier
  • Walk through the interior ice tunnels of Iceland’s second-largest glacier
  • Take a scenic walk to view the serene Hraunfossar and powerful Barnafoss waterfalls
  • Walk along platforms over the Deildartunguhver hot springs, Europe’s largest and most powerful hot springs
  • Stop in Reykholt and learn about Snorri Sturluson, a poet, writer, chieftain, and Iceland’s most renowned historian

Tonight, celebrate your trip with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Flight Home
Day 11: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Extension to Norwegian Fjords
There's one word you could use to describe seeing the midnight sun during summer nights, or coasting through fjords flanked by hundred-foot-high cliffs. It's "wow." Fly to Bergen and tour Norway's prettiest places to see what we mean.
Bergen3 nights
Day 11: Flight to Bergen
Included meal: Breakfast

Fly from Iceland to Bergen, Norway, called "the gateway to the fjords," where you'll enjoy a free evening to explore.

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Bergen
Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide to discover historic sites in and around Bergen.

  • Walk through the Hanseatic era alleyways and courtyards in the UNESCO-listed Bryggen harbor district
  • Pass by Bergenhus Fortress and the bustling fish and flower market
  • Admire views of the city center and harbor
  • Take a cable car ride up Mount Ulriken for a hike along the mountain paths, which offer incredible views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords
Day 13: Free day in Bergen
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Bergen or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Scenic Norway: Fjord Hike & Boat Cruise

From $205 per person

Flight Home
Day 14: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars

Overall rating 4.5 out of 5

Based on 113 authentic traveler reviews
Sort by

    5 out of 5 stars

    Spectacular !
    5/10/23 by 1st-time traveler Roberta

    Well worth the money. Sofia our guide was the best. She was always in tune with weather, group and any necessary changes. The terrain and sites were to die for. Hoping to revisit someday!!!

    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 12/18/23

    Hi Roberta, Thank you for your glowing feedback f...

    Read more +

    5 out of 5 stars

    amazing
    10/5/22 by 1st-time traveler Beverley

    what a wonderful experience i can’t recommend it highly enough out guide Perla was exceptional and together with the bus driver made it great

    5 out of 5 stars

    Bday gift
    10/12/23 by 1st-time traveler Juan

    This was gift for my spouse about 10 yrs late but worth the wait. It was incredible,exceeded expectations.

    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Center Hotels Midgardur Reykjavik
    Center Hotels Midgardur Reykjavik

    This modern hotel is located in the Hlemmur neighborhood. Guests enjoy a spa, bar, and restaurant. Nearby you’ll find the Sun Voyager sculpture, Hallg...

    Read more +
    Hotel Selfoss & SPA
    Hotel Selfoss & SPA

    This peaceful hotel is located in Selfoss on the banks of the Ölfusá river. Guests enjoy the spa, on-site restaurant, and library. Nearby you’ll find ...

    Read more +
    Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
    Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

    This sleek hotel is located in Hnappavellir on the South Coast. Guests enjoy a restaurant, fitness center, and on-site coffee house. Nearby, you’ll fi...

    Read more +
    Hótel Hallormsstaður
    Hótel Hallormsstaður

    This wellness focused hotel is located in Hallormsstaður in the East Fjords region. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, sauna, and mountain bike rentals. N...

    Read more +
    Icelandair Akureyri
    Icelandair Akureyri

    This modern hotel is located in Akureyri’s city center. Guests enjoy a geothermal pool, fireplace garden, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Hlíd...

    Read more +
    Hotel Húsafell
    Hotel Húsafell

    This modern luxury hotel is located in Húsafell in Iceland’s central highlands. Guests enjoy a pool, restaurant, and bar and lounge. Nearby, you’ll fi...

    Read more +
    Clarion Admiral
    Clarion Admiral

    This contemporary hotel is located in central Bergen. Guests enjoy live entertainment, bike rentals, and on-site restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Berge...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

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