12-Day Grand Tour of Iceland: Ring Road Adventure from Reykjavík
Drive the ring road in 12 days: from Reykjavík’s coffee-lined streets to iceberg-choked lagoons, bird cliffs and geothermal baths. This escorted tour combines short walks, boat rides and cultural stops that reveal Iceland’s geology and coastal life.
The Experience
Before You Go
Pack for wind and rain
Layered waterproofs and a windproof shell are essential — weather shifts quickly, even in summer.
Sturdy footwear
Trails include wet boardwalks, rocky viewpoints and black-sand beaches — choose boots with good tread.
Bring a reusable water bottle
Tap water is safe and excellent; refill at accommodations to reduce waste.
Charge for long stretches
Long driving days between stops mean limited charging; carry power banks and spare batteries for cameras.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Petra’s stone collection in the Eastfjords (small but remarkable, with locally sourced minerals)
- •Vök Baths — geothermal floating pools on Lake Urriðavatn for a quieter soak than the Blue Lagoon
Wildlife
- •Atlantic puffin (mid-May to mid-August at Látrabjarg)
- •Harbour porpoise and humpback whales in Eyjafjörður
Conservation Note
Iceland balances tourism and fragile environments through marked trails, limits at bird cliffs, and promotion of geothermal energy; visitors should stick to paths and avoid disturbing nesting birds.
Þingvellir hosted the Alþingi from 930 AD, one of the world’s oldest parliamentary sites; fishing and sagas shaped coastal communities for centuries.
Photographer's Notes
- • Gullfoss viewing platforms (for scale and rainbows)
- • Jökulsárlón shoreline and Zodiac boat (close-up ice textures)
- • Látrabjarg cliff tops (ground-level puffin portraits)
What to Bring
Waterproof jacketEssential
Keeps you dry and blocks wind during sudden showers and coastal gusts.
Sturdy hiking bootsEssential
Provides traction on wet basalt, gravel tracks and beach sand.
Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down)Essential
Warmth for chilly mornings, boat trips and evenings, especially outside summer months.
Daypack with waterproof coverEssential
Carries layers, lunch, water and camera gear for short on-foot stops.
Common Questions
Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes — the itinerary lists most walking as short and the tour is rated suitable for all fitness levels; however, participants should be comfortable with occasional steps and uneven ground.
What is included in the price?
Inclusions cover 11 nights’ accommodation, breakfasts, 10 dinners, escort by an English-speaking guide, airport transfers via Flybus, on-board Wi‑Fi, selected excursions (e.g., Jökulsárlón boat trip, ferry crossing) and select visits.
How variable is the weather and what should I expect?
Weather can change hourly — expect wind, rain and bright sun even in a single day; pack layered waterproof clothing and be ready for cold on glacier and coastal stops.
Will I see the northern lights on this tour?
Aurora sightings depend on solar activity and clear skies; northern lights are possible in autumn and winter but never guaranteed.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes — the operator asks about special requirements at booking; notify them in advance so hosts and restaurants can prepare alternatives.
What is the cancellation policy?
This tour is sold as all-sales-final; cancellations are non-refundable and changes are typically not permitted.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
12 days
Location
Reykjavík, Capital Region
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average shape; most hikes are short but require walking on uneven ground and some stairs.
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