Compare Iceland’s Ring Road Self-Drive Tour by Carpe Mundo vs Iceland & Copenhagen Deluxe by 50 Degrees North
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 650 | $ 5,262 |
| Price Per Day | $ 93 | $ 877 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Retreats |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Drive around the entire country on the classic Ring Road! If you are looking to see as much of Iceland as possible, then this is the trip for you. Decide where you would like to spend more time, but you will see that every destination is amazing. You can partake in a variety of activities such as snowmobiling or hiking on a glacier, kayaking among icebergs, hiking in glacial ice caves, horseback riding, whale watching, dog sledding, or soaking in hot springs under the Northern Lights or Midnight Sun. |
6 days - Visit Iceland and Copenhagen with Icelandair and VisitDenmark. |
Day 1: Reykjavik to the Golden Circle.
Leave Reykjavik to go and explore the Golden Circle attractions. Visit the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, one of the largest in Iceland, as well as Geysir where Iceland's most active geyser is located (it erupts every 5-10 minutes!). The third attraction on the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park, where Iceland's parliament (and the world's first) was founded over 1,000 years ago. This is also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are drifting apart, an incredible phenomenon that you can only witness in Iceland! You can also go snorkeling, whitewater rafting, or snowmobiling on a glacier. (Approx. 2-3 hours driving)
Day 2: South Coast to Skaftafell.
The South Coast is a favorite for many visitors to Iceland due to all of the incredible waterfalls in this area. You will get to stop at several waterfalls (including one that you can walk behind!) as well as a black sand beach and a breathtaking canyon. You will spend the night near Skaftafell, which has some of the best hiking in Iceland. (Approx. 3 hours driving)
Day 3: Glacier Lagoon.
Continue driving along the southern coast to Jökulsárlón, Iceland’s famous glacier lagoon. The lagoon is filled with magnificent icebergs that broke off from the glacier in the distance, which is part of Vatnajökull- Europe’s largest glacier. You can walk around the lagoon or take a zodiac tour to see the icebergs from the water. There are a couple of additional, lesser known glacier lagoons nearby as well. We recommend partaking in an incredible glacier-related activity- either kayaking among icebergs in a glacial lagoon (summer trips) or exploring ice caves inside a glacier (winter trips). These are once in a lifetime experiences that you can only have in a handful of places in the world, and Iceland is one of the best! You will spend the night in the charming fishing town of Höfn, the lobster capital of Iceland. (Approx. 2 hours driving)
Day 4: Drive to Egilsstadir.
Drive along the East Fjords to the town of Egilsstadir. This relaxing drive along the coast will reveal plenty of beautiful scenery (even some puffin colonies), and if visiting in the winter this secluded part of Iceland is the perfect place to view the Northern Lights! (Approx. 3 hours driving)
Day 5: Lake Myvatn.
Today’s drive is to the Lake Myvatn area. This is Iceland’s most famous lake, and a stunning volcanic area. You can explore the lakeshore, head inland to the Dettifoss waterfall or hike to nearby canyons. In the evening, we recommend a visit to the Myvatn Nature Baths (the Blue Lagoon of the north!) for a relaxing soak in the geothermal water. (Approx. 2 hours driving)
Day 6: Akureyri.
Today’s shorter drive to Akureyri gives more time to relax and explore the quaint city. Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city and the main city in northern Iceland. You can shop at the charming shops, visit the museums, or explore some of the nearby towns. You can also go to nearby Husavik, Iceland’s best location for whale watching! (Approx. 1.5 hours driving)
Day 7: Return to Reykjavik.
In the morning, you can visit more of the attractions of Akureyri before driving back to Reykjavik. On the drive back, stop at some one of several dairy farms for some delicious homemade ice cream, cheese, or skyr (Icelandic style yogurt). (Approx. 4.5 hours driving)
Optional Additional Days:
If you would like to extend your trip, you can 1-2 additional nights, or more! You can either spend an additional night along the South Coast or near the Glacier Lagoon (recommended for those who prefer more hiking) or an additional night at the Golden Circle (recommended if you would like to partake in whitewater rafting, snorkeling/diving, snowmobiling, horseback riding, or a glacier hike). You can spend more time in the North, or add an extension to visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or the Westfjords.
Day 1 - Arrive Keflavik Airport and indulge in a premium session at the Blue Lagoon's Spa
Arrive Keflavik and transfer to the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a premium visit for few hours before continuing to Reykjavik. Highlights include: Check in to Reykjavík Konsúlat Hotel or similar and meet your local guide for a private guided city walk before dinner.
Day 2 - Round trip day tour visiting the Geysir Hot Spring, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park
This morning you get to explore Iceland‘s sightseeing highlights on the Golden Circle on a private tour. Explore Þingvellir National Park, home of Iceland’s ancient Viking parliament and listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage site. There you will take a walk to experience firsthand the geological phenomenon that is the Mid-Atlantic ridge. Next head to the Geysir blow hole and then the Gullfoss waterfall. Return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon and unwind in this lovely city.
Day 3 - Transfer to airport and fly to Copenhagen.
After having explored the beauty of Iceland, make sure to check into the Saga lounge at Keflavik airport to relax, recharge (have some Icelandic licorice, if you are so inclined) and get ready to board your 3 hour flight to Copenhagen, Denmark. Private transfer to your hotel, Villa Copenhagen, Superior rooms. From your hotel, head down to the tourist office (only a few minutes away) and buy Copenhagen Cards, so you have free access to public transportation, attractions as well as discounts on various restaurants (each adult card allows you to bring along two children under the age of 10 for free). A few years ago Copenhagen opened its new Metro Ring, and with the Copenhagen Card you ran ride it as much as you like. Be sure to walk down to Nyhavn for a beer with locals along the colourful wharf.
Day 4 - Guided city tour of Copenhagen and evening boat tour
After breakfast, meet your private tour guide for a 3 hour tour which will introduce you to many of the main sights of beautiful Copenhagen, Denmark. Topics covered includea general overview of Copenhagen's history, notable people such as the Royal family and Hans Christian Andersen, as well as insights into Danish food, language, and culture. Discover Copenhagen includes (but is not limited to) the following points of interest: In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a canal tour with the small boat company, Hey Captain. Here you will see Copenhagen from the best side; the canal side. You will get a hot or cold drink, whilst you cruise through the beautiful canals of Copenhagen. This trip will also bring you to neighborhoods such as Refshaleøen (where noma 2.0 has opened) and Frederiksberg, and give you a taste of local life in Copenhagen. Copenhagen is a small capital city, so it’s easy to explore the many areas of the city!
Day 5 - Explore Copenhagen’s impressive food scene on a culinary tour
The Culinary Experience tour lets you explore Copenhagen on a food tour and learn about the Nordic countries' burgeoning cuisine and restaurant scene. On this 4 hour tour, you dip into the trendy food- and restaurant scene of the Danish capital. Accompanied by a guide, learn about the city’s burgeoning reputation for fresh, light and seasonal cuisine with natural products. Seek out the locals’ favourite eateries and markets. Taste gourmet cheeses, local open rye bread sandwiches, organic hot dogs, delicious craft beers and organic gourmet chocolate - depending on the season. In the late afternoon, get ready for some thrills with an entrance to Tivoli Gardens included. Tivoli Gardens opened in 1843 and was an instant success. Today it is a place for the locals as well as the vistors of Copenhagen to enjoy great food, fun activities as well as concerts and entertainment.
Day 6 - Transfer to the airport for flight home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport.
