The Extended Ring Road

Starting from: Reykjavik or Keflavik

Season: All year

Duration: 10+ days

Driving distance: 2200-2400 kms

Highlights: Reykjavik - Akureyri - Lake Myvatn - Dettifoss - Eastfjords - Jokulsarlon - Skaftafell - Vik - Reynisfjara - Skogafoss - Seljalandsfoss - Gullfoss - Geysir - Thingvellir - Snaefellsnes - Trollaskagi

Available as a self-drive or private guided tour

Iceland's road number 1, the Ring Road, has for decades remained the most accessible route to discover the beautiful diversity of Icelandic nature and the many breathtaking highlights along the way – waterfalls & canyons, lagoons & beaches, glaciers & volcanoes.

This itinerary offers a slightly slower pace so you can combine the Ring Road with the magnificent Snaefellsnes peninsula and other short detours along the way.

A customised road trip is a personal experience and our goal is to design an itinerary that matches your dream trip.
Below is a 10 day / 9 night itinerary to give you a general idea of our Extended Ring Road trip starting from Keflavik:

Day 1 - Arrival & Golden Circle

Arrival at KEF airport. Pick up your rental car and drive to the much-visited Golden Circle - the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, the Strokkur geyser and the Thingvellir rift valley between the tectonic plates of Europe and America.

Enroute to the Golden Circle it is possible to visit the world-famous Blue Lagoon where you can spend a few hours relaxing in the milky geothermal waters.

Optional add-ons:
Blue Lagoon admission

Day 2 - Reynisfjara, Eyjafjallajokull & the South Coast waterfalls

The scenic south coast is home to many of Iceland's most famous attractions - the Reynisfjara black sand beach and basalt columns, Dyrholaey arch and the wonderful waterfall duo of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. You’ll also catch glimpses of the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

Optional add-ons:
Glacier hike / Ice climbing
ATV tour

Day 3 - Vik & Vatnajokull

Continue across the vast black sand plains of Skeidararsandur to the Vatnajokull glacier area. The wonders of this region include the surreal glacier lagoons with floating icebergs, the diamond beach, Skaftafell and several outlet glaciers. 

Optional add-ons:
Jokulsarlon boat tour
Glacier hike / Ice climbing
Glacier lagoon kayaking

Day 4 - Eastfjords

Follow the coastal route through the peaceful Eastfjords stopping to spend time in one or more of the charming villages or take a scenic detour to visit Borgarfjordur Eystri.

Day 5 - Myvatn & Dettifoss

Take a detour to visit Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall before continuing to the North. 

Drive the circle around the popular Lake Myvatn taking your time to stop at the various sights of your interest. Options include the Grjotagja cave, Hverir geothermal area and Dimmuborgir. Stay two nights in the Myvatn area.

Optional add-ons:
Myvatn Nature Baths

Day 6 - Asbyrgi & Husavik

Additional time for Myvatn, visit the beautiful fishing village of Husavik and spend the afternoon walking around the impressive Asbyrgi canyon.

Optional add-ons:
Whale watching from Husavik
Horse riding at Asbyrgi

Day 7 - Godafoss, Akureyri & Siglufjordur

Marvel at the Godafoss waterfall before reaching Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Drive along the western coastline of Eyjafjordur fjord, the pretty fishing village of Siglufjordur and the islands of Skagafjordur.

Optional add-ons:
Whale watching from Akureyri or Dalvik

Day 8 - Skagafjordur & Vatnsnes

Visit the Hvitserkur arch as you make your way through the beautiful Northwest en route to the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Overnight in the beautiful Stykkisholmur harbour town.

Optional add-ons:
Rafting

Day 9 - Snaefellsnes

The magnificent Snaefellsnes national park offers many hidden treasures, apart from the towering Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano: The unique beaches of Djupalonssandur, Hellnar and Arnarstapi, caves and ocean rocks in all forms. Finish the day in Reykjavik and stay overnight.

Optional add-ons:
Whale watching
Lava caving

Day 10 - Departure

Drop off rental car and departure from KEF airport.

Notes:

The locations specified above are indicative. Since the exact itinerary is customised for your arrival and departure times, activities and tours you choose, and the pace of your trip; these might change.
We can of course also accommodate any preferences you have.

Here are some of the ways in which we can customise this trip:
- Add extra days to slow down the pace or enrich your itinerary with more time for activities or de-tours; there is enough to do for 2 weeks
- Cut a day or two from the itinerary to allow for reduced time or budget
- Create a themed itinerary with an emphasis on your favourite activity or interest f.e. adventure, geology, hiking, geothermal pools, birds & wildlife, cuisine, history & culture etc.
- If you want to explore more sights off the beaten path then we have a ton of great ideas!

Price for self-drive: 280,000 ISK per person on a twin-sharing basis in summer

Inclusions:
- 10-day station car rental (including CDW insurance, GPS, airport pick up and drop off, unlimited kilometres and emergency service)
- Digital map for each day
- 9-night two-star hotel accommodation (double or twin room with private bath and breakfast)
- Detailed day wise sightseeing itinerary
- Contact person in Iceland

Price for private guided tour: Contact us with details of group size, language and requirements.

Notes:
For self-drive, the car rental is as per your preference and the season; in the off-season, we only provide a 4X4.
For private tours, we offer a variety of comfortable vehicles for different group sizes with a local guide.

We offer a wide variety of handpicked quality accommodations from star category hotels to guesthouses and apartments, all well rated and located so as to balance your daily driving time.

Our detailed itinerary is completely tailored to your specific interests. It will include comprehensive information on the must-see attractions and offbeat sights you will visit, a day-wise outline and directions on Google maps.

We can also include tours and activities of your choice, self-guided walks and hikes, and restaurant recommendations. Typically this requires adding extra time to the trip.

And of course, we are always available for questions or assistance during your trip.

Additional information for your Iceland trip will be sent to you after the booking. This will include details about weather and clothing, currencies and payments, electricity system, food and water, safety, contact info, and other useful tips.

Self-drive:
The minimum driver age for is 20 years for smaller cars and 25 years for jeeps. Drivers must bring an international driving licence or a local driving licence written in a Roman script. Winter driving experience is strongly recommended for off-season travel.