6-Day Summer Ring Route of Iceland Small-Group Tour

Exploring Iceland’s incredible landscapes becomes effortless with the 6-Day Summer Ring Route of Iceland Small-Group Tour offered by Troll Expeditions. Priced at $2,535.27 per person, this tour covers the country’s top sights in just six days, making it a practical option for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience without the hassle of driving. With a maximum of 18 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere, while the small-group size ensures personalized attention from guides. The tour starts at 8:00 am from Reykjavik and offers pickup services, making logistics straightforward.

What makes this tour stand out is its inclusion of notable activities like glacier hikes with safety equipment, a boat ride among icebergs at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and the remarkable Katla ice cave. The tour also features visits to iconic waterfalls such as Gullfoss, Dettifoss, and Godafoss, along with visits to geothermal areas, black-sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes. The 6 days are packed with diverse sights and experiences, yet the pacing balances sightseeing with opportunities for relaxation and optional add-ons like whale watching or soaking in Vök Baths.

While the tour does not include lunch or dinner, it provides five breakfasts, and many activities, like hiking boots rental and waterproof gear, are available for additional fees. This makes it flexible for travelers with different gear needs and preferences. The WiFi on board and detailed guidance from knowledgeable staff help keep the journey smooth and engaging. The tour’s popularity is reflected in its average bookings of 131 days in advance, indicating strong demand and trust.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Iceland experience in 6 days with top sights and activities
• Includes glacier hikes, ice cave visits, boat rides at Jokulsarlon, and waterfalls
• Small-group format with a maximum of 18 travelers for personalized service
• Price of $2,535.27, with breakfast included and optional add-ons like whale watching and Vök Baths
• Tour starts at 8:00 am from Reykjavik, with pickup service available
• Most stops are included in the itinerary, with some activities available for additional fees

Exploring Iceland’s Iconic Sites in 6 Days

This tour offers a carefully curated route across Iceland, making the most of its stunning landscapes while avoiding long, tiring drives. It begins with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where travelers can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The tour then takes in the incredible geothermal activity at Geysir and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, often called the “Golden Waterfall.”

Day 2 continues with visits to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, two waterfalls renowned for their size and beauty. The journey then moves to the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, famous for its striking basalt columns and sea stacks, providing iconic Icelandic scenery. Travelers experience a 3-hour glacier hike at the Katla Ice Cave—a highlight of the trip—assisted by safety equipment and expert guides.

Glacier Adventures and Ice Lagoon Excursions

On Day 3, the focus is on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, with a visit to Skaftafell National Park for a glacier hike. The tour then visits Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where travelers can join a boat ride among floating icebergs—an unforgettable experience—and see Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash ashore on black sand.

The inclusion of both a glacier hike and a boat tour offers a diverse perspective on Iceland’s icy landscapes. The tour’s structure allows plenty of time to appreciate these natural wonders, with stops designed to maximize scenic viewing and photo opportunities. The ice cave visit provides a rare chance to walk inside a glacier’s blue interior, a truly instagram-worthy highlight.

Day 4: East Iceland’s Hidden Gems and Relaxation Options

The journey continues into East Iceland, with a visit to Lagarfljot Lake, known for its folklore and scenic surroundings. The tour briefly explores Eggin i Gleidivík, an outdoor art installation by Sigurdur Gudmundsson, and offers optional horse riding at Finnsstaðir Horse Rental. Travelers can also choose to relax at Vök Baths, soaking in warm geothermal waters—an extra activity available for an additional fee.

This day combines natural beauty with cultural touches, offering options to customize the experience. The optional horse riding and Vök Baths allow travelers to add a relaxing or scenic element to their day, ideal for those seeking a balanced mix of adventure and leisure.

Day 5: Northern Highlights and Waterfalls

The focus shifts to Iceland’s north with a visit to Lake Myvatn and nearby geothermal areas like Námaskarð. The tour also features the Dimmuborgir Lava Formations, where volcanic activity has created surreal landscapes and lava formations. The highlight is Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Iceland, renowned for its raw strength, followed by Godafoss, another stunning waterfall with a storied past.

This region showcases Iceland’s volcanic and geothermal activity, with a landscape that feels like another planet. The stops at these natural phenomena emphasize the country’s volcanic character and provide excellent photo opportunities.

Day 6: Charm of Akureyri and Whale Watching

The final day includes a stop in Akureyri, often called the “Capital of North Iceland,” a charming town with colorful buildings and scenic views. Travelers can then opt for a 3-hour whale watching tour from Hauganes, included in the tour package, to see whales in their natural habitat—another highlight for marine life enthusiasts.

Along With the whale tour, travelers can enjoy the town’s local cafes, shops, and lakeside views, making for a relaxed ending to the trip. The combination of cultural exploration and wildlife observation makes this day a fitting conclusion to a diverse Icelandic road trip.

Practical Details and Optional Extras

The tour’s inclusion of WiFi on board helps travelers stay connected throughout their journey. The included activities—such as glacier hikes, boat rides, and ice caves—are complemented by optional experiences including horse riding and Vök Baths. These extras can be arranged directly with the tour operator and are ideal for those wanting to extend their Iceland experience.

Gear rentals, like hiking boots and waterproof jackets, are available for purchase, ensuring travelers are prepared for outdoor activities. The tour’s start time at 8:00 am allows for a full day of sightseeing, and pickup services simplify logistics.

Final Thoughts on the 6-Day Summer Ring Route

This tour offers a rundown of Iceland’s most famous sights in just six days, all while maintaining a small-group atmosphere that promotes personalized experiences. The inclusion of key activities like glacier hikes and ice cave visits, along with visits to waterfalls, geothermal sites, and fjords, makes it an excellent choice for travelers eager to see Iceland’s diversity.

The $2,535.27 price is justified by the inclusions and the convenience of guided travel, especially considering the number of highlights covered. While some optional activities incur extra costs, the core experience delivers significant value and memorable moments.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who are comfortable with outdoor activities and want a well-rounded Icelandic adventure. The pace is lively but balanced, providing enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. Those who prefer a flexible schedule or want to explore beyond the standard itinerary can add optional extras for a personalized touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers 6 days of guided travel, breakfasts, WiFi on board, glacier hikes with safety equipment, boat rides at Jokulsarlon, visits to the Katla ice cave, and the Hauganes whale watching tour.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour includes glacier hikes and outdoor activities, so travelers should be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and wearing suitable gear, which can be rented for additional fees.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, optional activities such as horse riding and soaking at Vök Baths can be added for extra costs, allowing for a personalized experience.

What is the tour’s cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if the tour is canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Who is this tour best suited for?
This tour appeals most to adventurers and nature lovers seeking a comprehensive Iceland experience with minimal hassle, thanks to guided transportation and included activities.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, with a maximum of 18 travelers, solo participants find it easy to connect and share the experience in a friendly, small-group setting.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 131 days in advance, reflecting the tour’s popularity and limited group size.

What makes this tour stand out from other Iceland trips?
Its carefully curated itinerary, inclusion of unique activities like ice caves and glacier hikes, and the small-group format provide a focused, intimate way to see Iceland’s top sights efficiently.