Iceland: Ring Road at Summer Solstice
June 12-20, 2024
IT'S ROAD TRIP TIME!!!
We love a good road trip so that's why we put together the ULTIMATE road trip for you to explore one of our most favorite places in the world - Iceland! Come with us on this exciting 9 day/8 night trip around Iceland's iconic Ring Road where you will get to experience the country's most impressive waterfalls, play on black sand beaches, walk across a huge glacier, explore quaint villages, and so much more!
Day 1:
WELCOME TO REYKJAVÍK
Welcome to Iceland, the land of fire and ice! Meet at the Keflavik airport (KEF), the main airport in Iceland, by 11 a.m. Your trip leader will be there to meet you and together we will head to Reykjavik and check into our hotel for the evening.
The rest of today is yours to explore the world's northernmost capital city, Reykajvik. Admire the city's colorful and unique architecture, indulge in traditional cuisine, visit a one-of-a-kind museum, head out for an afternoon whale watching tour, climb to the top of the Hallgimskirkja church, shop till you drop or find your own way to explore the colorful city today.
Tonight you will have the choice to dine with the group and get to know your guide or dine at the place of your choice. After enjoying a delicious dinner out, we will head back to the hotel to get some rest for our big trip around Iceland's Famous Ring Road ahead!
Day 2:
TIME TO ROAD TRIP! - GOLDEN CIRCLE, ICELANDIC HORSES & HOT SOAKS
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at our hotel before we depart Reykjavik. Today we are heading out to explore Iceland's famous Golden Circle.
Our first stop is the gorgeous Thingvellir National Park, the birthplace of Iceland as a nation and the place where North America and Europe split along tectonic plates. We will take some time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and take in the history of this place.
Next up we will stop to visit the Strokkur Geysir. Also known as the Great Geysir, this is Iceland's most visited active geysir and has been active for approximately 10,000 years!
Visiting the Golden Circle wouldn't be complete without a stop at one of Iceland's most iconic and beloved waterfalls, Gullfoss. After taking in the power and beauty of this waterfall, we will make a stop at one of Iceland's hidden gems.
Once we complete our morning tour, we will visit the Friðheimar greenhouse to enjoy lunch. Here we will learn about the processes and use of geothermal heating in Icelandic horticulture which allows them to grow vegetables year round, even in the cold winter months.
We will spend the rest of our day in the Icelandic countryside as we settle into our guesthouse for the evening. Take time to unwind after today's adventure with a relaxing soak in the hot tub or explore the backyard and meet some friendly Icelandic horses as dinner is prepared for you. You will be able to enjoy dinner under the summer sky before heading to bed.
If time allows an optional hike to Bruarfoss will be available.
Hike details: Easy, flat 7km out and back
Day 3:
SOUTH COAST - WATERFALLS & GLACIER HIKE
Wake up with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and enjoy a view of the countryside. Today we will make our way along Iceland's South Coast visiting some of the most iconic places.
Up first today we will visit two of Iceland's most well-known waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. We will spend time here exploring each place taking photos and soaking up all of the natural beauty.
On our next adventure today we will be taking a hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier. This glacier is an outlet glacier of the might ice of Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland's fourth largest ice cap. On this easy glacier hike, take in the views of the surrounding mountains as you climb up for an incredible view of the South Coast.
After this once in a lifetime experience, we will continue our journey exploring the South coast on our way to Vik. Along the way we will stop to visit the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Our day will finish with a picturesque drive as we descend down the mountains into Vik, a remote seaside village and Iceland's southernmost village on the mainland.
Tonight you will enjoy the Icelandic Lava Show, the only place in the world where you can safely experience hot molten lava in close proximity. This 50-minute show recreates a volcanic eruption and you will have a unique opportunity to watch lava flowing, hear it sizzling and feel the intense heat that radiates from it.
Take time tonight to enjoy dinner at your leisure along with some time to unwind before tomorrow's exciting adventure!
Hike details: 6-7 km out and back, 250 elevation gain/loss
Day 4:
SOUTH COAST - CANYONS & GLACIER LAGOONS
Wake up, enjoy breakfast and get caffeinated for the day! We will be continuing our drive around the Ring Road heading Southeast today.
Today's adventure begins with time to explore the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur and Múlagljúfur canyons. After plenty of time to capture all the beauty in each of these places, we will make our way over to one of Iceland's natural crown jewels, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This lagoon is Iceland's deepest lake which began forming in 1934 when the Breidamerkurjokull glacier began retreating, leaving the lagoon in its path. Today the lagoon is known for its icebergs that are composed of ice that is over 1,000 years old.
We will enjoy a 40-minute Amphibian boat tour where you will sail between the magnificent towering icebergs passing through the lagoon as they make their way to the ocean. After our boat tour, we will enjoy lunch together and you’ll have an option from a handful of food shops at the lagoon.
After all that, our day isn't over yet! Our final stop for today is Diamond Beach. Littered with icebergs from the Jökulsárlón lagoon, this black sand beach is a one-of-a-kind and definitely a 100 photos worthy spot.
Tonight we will stay nearby Höfn where you will have time to enjoy dinner at your leisure.
Múlagljúfur hike details: 6km out and back, 300 meters elevation
Day 5:
SOUTH TO EAST - ICELANDIC VILLAGES & PUFFINS
Time to rise and shine... get your coffee and eat your breakfast because today is your day to experience the Viking!
After breakfast, we will take some time to explore Stokksnes Peninsula paying a visit to a viking village. As we continue our journey around the Ring Road, we will make our way taking in views of the enchanting Eastfjörds and stopping along the way for photo ops.
In the afternoon, we will hike to Hengifoss, the third highest waterfall in Iceland. Surrounded by basaltic strata featuring with thin red layers of clay between the layers makes this waterfall simply unique and incredibly stunning.
After a few hours exploring Hengifoss, we will make our way to Borgarfjörður Eystri, a fjord known famous for wonderful scenery, mystical Elf City and nesting Atlantic Puffins. After settling into our accommodations and taking a little time to relax, we will take a drive to the harbor that evening where the puffins live to get up real close to those adorable birds.
Tonight we will be staying at a stunning resort surrounded by beautiful mountains and Iceland's unique nature. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy a spa treatment, massage or relax with a book under Iceland's long summer sun.
Hengifoss hike details: 5km out and back, 260 meter elevation
Day 6:
FROM EAST TO NORTH - CANYONS, WATERFALLS & NATURE BATHS
Wake up and enjoy coffee taking in the beauty surrounding you. We will enjoy breakfast before heading out on our adventure.
Today we are exploring one of Iceland's newest photo worthy spots. Stuðlagil canyon is one of the world's most enchanting basalt rock formations. With towering basalt columns looking over a turquoise glacial river, this canyon is one of the most stunning sights in all of Iceland.
Next we will hop in the car to make our way to the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss. This true powerhouse flows from the second longest glacier river in Iceland, Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which flows from the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.
As we continue along the Ring Road, our next stop is the Mývatn area known for its unique scenery and abundance of flora, fauna and wildlife. Here we will visit some of the highlights in the area and also take a dip in the the Mývatn Nature Baths.
Our final stop of the day is another one of Iceland's spectacular waterfalls, Goðafoss before settling into our accommodations in Akureyri for the evening. Tonight you will have the opportunity to wander around town and enjoy dinner at a place of your choice.
Day 7:
NORTHERN COAST - WHALE WATCHING OR BEER SPA & TROLL PENINSULA
Our day begins in Akureyri, Iceland's capital of the North. Enjoy a warm breakfast with a cup of fresh brewed coffee under the warm summer sun.
Today begins with a choose your own adventure! You'll have the choice to enjoy the morning soaking away in the local Beer Spa or you can choose to head out on a 3-hour whale watching tour from Dalvik. With species such as humpback whales, blue whales, mike whales and even dolphins, this is the best time of year to encounter these majestic creatures in Iceland.
We will reconvene after our morning adventure and make our way to Troll Peninsula. Keep a look out for hidden folk and magical beings as we explore the dramatic landscape sprinkled with mossy meadows, remote farmhouses and gorgeous views.
After a full day of exploring, we will settle into our accommodations for the evening. Dinner is at your leisure this evening.
Day 8:
BACK TO REYKJAVIK
Can you believe that there is still more to explore? After breakfast and some fresh brewed coffee, we will head south to Snæfellsnes peninsula on our way back to Reykjavik.
If you are a fan of Game Of Thrones, then this day is for you! Today we will visit sites where this popular show was filmed including Kirkjufell mountain, Djúpalónssandur beach, finishing with a walk along the Arnarstapi sea cliffs to try and spot some seals at Ytri Tunga.
Our day ends in Reykjavik where we will settle into our hotel for the evening. The rest of the evening is yours to spend as you like, shop, eat or just relax. Tonight we will share a final group dinner together along with our guide to reminiscing on our incredible adventure exploring this magical country.
Day 9:
GOODBYE ICELAND...UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
Sadly today is our last day in this beautiful country. After enjoying your morning breakfast, you will have some free time to walk around the city before we head to the airport.
We plan to leave at 11 am to arrive at the airport by 12 pm in order for you to catch an afternoon or evening flight back home.
Ready to Book?
Ready to Book?
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$4,395 USD double occupancy in 4-star hotels, havelis and guesthouses.
Single occupancy upgrade for $1,195.
If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request.
A $595 deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
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• An experienced, local female guide with extensive knowledge of the areas we will be visiting.
• 9 days/8 nights accommodations in a variety of hotels, guesthouses and fancy hostels around Iceland. Double occupancy includes a twin bed in a shared room.
• Breakfasts, lunch at the greenhouse and both the welcome and farewell dinners are provided. This equates to 8 breakfasts 1 lunch and 2 dinners total.
• Transportation to and from the Keflavik international airport (KEF) at designated arrival and departure times.
• In-country transportation throughout the entire Ring Road Tour.
• Free time to explore Reykjavik museums, restaurants and gift shops.
• Daily guided excursions exploring waterfalls, glacier lagoons, black sand beaches, Icelandic villages, EPIC views and so much more! (See list below)
• Pre-travel checklists, packing list and support from your Women Who Explore trip host.
• Small group; maximum of 13 women plus your trip host and local female guide.
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• Thingvellir National Park
• Gullfoss Waterfall Visit
• The Great Geyser Viewing
• Brúarfoss waterfall
• Friðheimar greenhouse visit with lunch
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Walk
• Skogafoss Waterfall Visit
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Visit
• Sólheimajökul Glacier Hike
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Diamond Beach Visit
• Fjadrargljufur Canyon Hike
• Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike
• Hengifoss Waterfall Hike
• Visit Borgarfjörður Eystri to see puffins
• Stuðlagil Canyon
• Dettifoss Waterfall Visit
• Mývatn area visit
• Whale Watching Tour or Beer Spa Visit
• Troll Peninsula Tour
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula Game of Thrones Tour
• Icelandic Lava Show
• Amphibian Boat Tour
• Mývatn Nature Bath
• Iceland's Hidden GemsThingvellir National Park
• Gullfoss Waterfall Visit
• The Great Geyser Viewing
• Brúarfoss waterfall
• Friðheimar greenhouse visit with lunch
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Walk
• Skogafoss Waterfall Visit
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Visit
• Sólheimajökul Glacier Hike
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Diamond Beach Visit
• Fjadrargljufur Canyon Hike
• Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike
• Hengifoss Waterfall Hike -
• International flights to/from Iceland- Airport transfers outside of designated times or locations as noted above
• Alcohol, speciality beverages and meals as noted above
• Any other additional excursions and activities not included above
• Visas and entry requirements if applicable
• Travel insurance (required)
• Guide tips - the value of the tip is up to the client
• Medical expenses, immunizations, and any Covid-19 required testing if applicable
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All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please share any food allergies/sensitivities at the time of booking or reach out to share with the trip host. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
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This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private WhatsApp group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support.
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Please see our Terms of Service.
*Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description.
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Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.
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Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
For recommended travel insurance providers click here.
If you purchase a Travel Select plan within 15 days of your initial trip deposit made (and insure your full trip cost), you would have two added eligible benefits for no additional premium: financial default and the pre-existing conditions waiver.
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Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.