Iceland's Ring Road

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Reykjavik & environs, South Iceland, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, East Fjords, Lake Myvatn, Husafell

This private journey through Iceland visits some of Iceland's most incredible destinations, including spectacular landscapes along the country's famed Ring Road.

With your own private guide, enjoy insider touring of the highlights of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. See iconic buildings such as historic Hallgrimskirkja Church and Harpa, the contemporary concert hall designed in conjunction with renowned artist Olafur Eliasson. Explore the colorful backstreets of the town, walk along the scenic harbor and stop at renowned culinary spots. Visit Perlan, a landmark building on a hill, for views over Reykjavik. If desired, visit the National Museum of Iceland or Reykjavik Art Museum to gain further insight into Iceland's history and contemporary culture. Also enjoy time to browse top boutiques for Icelandic crafts such as hand-knit wool sweaters and blankets. Other options include visiting the Arbaer Open Air Museum, the Viking Village, the Imagine Peace Tower or FlyOver Iceland to enjoy a simulated flight ride over Iceland's spectacular scenery. 

Next, enjoy private touring in the iconic Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most popular regions. See Gullfoss, Iceland's most famous waterfall, and watch Strokkur and other geysers erupt. Visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Althing (Icelandic assembly) met for more than 850 years in a spectacular rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Enjoy a private tour and lunch at a geothermally heated greenhouse. Also see other highlights of the area, such as Kerid crater lake. Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as seeing Icelandic horses, riding ATVs, and soaking in open-air hot springs at the Secret Lagoon or at Laugarvatn Fontana, including a visit to its geothermal bakery.

Continue along the spectacular southern coast to see some of Iceland’s most impressive and dramatic scenery. Visit Reynisfjara Beach to see its unusual black sand and basalt columns, and take in views of monumental sea stacks off the coast. Also see the amazing Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and tour cultural highlights such as the Skogar folk museum and the Lava Center, a fascinating interactive museum dedicated to Iceland's geological forces. If desired, also visit an Icelandic horse farm. During winter, this region is an ideal base for hunting for the Northern Lights (aurora borealis).

One day, enjoy a scenic 4WD excursion and optional hiking in a beautiful location such as Thorsmork, a region of rugged peaks and glacial river valleys. Alternatively, during the summer, take an excursion to Landmannalaugar, an area of geothermal hot springs and colorful rhyolite mountains in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.

Next, transfer to stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. See icebergs floating in the lagoon, and visit nearby Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice create a glittering display on the black sand. Depending on the season, take a Zodiac cruise among the floating chunks of glacial ice or take a tour on a glacier to see the natural ice caves.

Drive through rural villages and stunning scenery en route to the remote East Fjords region for an overnight stay before continuing to the Lake Myvatn region. During private touring, explore the best of North Iceland's incredible beauty. Visit the Jokulsargljufur section of Vatnajokull National Park, including dramatic Dettifoss Waterfall and Asbyrgi Canyon. Explore the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Myvatn-Laxa Nature Conservation Area. See wetland areas popular with migratory birds and the twisted lava outcroppings of Dimmuborgir. Other options are visiting Askja, a large caldera that's part of Vatnajokull National Park, or embarking on a whale watching tour from the seaside village of Husavik. Also enjoy time to relax at Myvatn Nature Baths, an open-air hot spring with views. If desired, also visit Holar Church, one of North Iceland's most important historical sites, and Akureyri, the largest city in North Iceland.

Continue to Husafell for the Into the Glacier experience at Langjokull Glacier, including driving across a glacier and venturing into a tunnel carved into the blue ice. During private touring, see Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, interesting waterfalls that stream through lava fields and ravines. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a tour of local lava tubes. Also enjoy time to relax in the open-air geothermal baths at your hotel.

Several of these locations are ideal for watching the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) in the winter.

Conclude in Reykjavik for a final night.

En route to or from the airport, visit the famed Blue Lagoon to soak in the enormous geothermal pool located among lava fields—a quintessential Icelandic experience!

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange hiking and biking excursions, whale watching and puffin spotting cruises, appointments at geothermal spas, Northern Lights (aurora borealis) excursions, tickets to performances, Icelandic cooking classes, food tours, art and architecture tours, ATV rides, snow adventures, horseback riding, the Inside the Volcano experience, scenic helicopter flights, reservations at top restaurants and more.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world