The Best of the Ring Road in One Iceland Tour
The Iceland that Icelanders Love
- EASTFJORDS, SOUTH & NORTH ICELAND
14 people per group (max)
8 Days / 7 Nights
From $9,950 USD Per Person
Iceland: East, North, and Entirely Unexpected.
Most Iceland tours follow the same well-worn route. This one doesn’t. It heads east and north – into Vatnajökull’s hidden corners, along a coastline of black dunes and dramatic peaks, through a basalt canyon that most travelers have never heard of, and into fishing towns where the langoustine is caught that morning, and the farmer who serves you lunch also grew everything on the table. Eight days through the parts of Iceland that Icelanders keep for themselves.
Explore your journey with our interactive tour map.
We build meaningful, unforgettable and unique journeys for the discerning traveler
From $9,950
8 Days
Depart Months: JULY, SEPT
Perfect Hidden & Highlights Iceland Balance
7 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
5 Dinners
15 Experiences
Classic sightseeing with gentle activity – typically 1 to 3 miles of walking per day, mostly on flat terrain, though you may encounter cobblestones, stairs, or uneven surfaces. Nothing strenuous, but reasonable mobility is required.
Activity Level
Light
Journey Overview
day 1
South Coast – The Journey Begins
The journey east from Reykjavik follows Iceland’s dramatic southern coastline – two of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls, including one you can walk behind; Reynisfjara’s black-sand beach with its towering basalt columns; and the lonely white church perched above the village of Vík. The day ends at a winding basalt canyon carved by a glacial river, one of those landscapes that makes you stop and simply look. A welcome dinner at the hotel closes an exceptional first day, and the group’s journey into the lesser-known Iceland has officially begun.
spend 1 night at
Hotel Klaustur combines contemporary comfort with rustic charm, featuring spacious rooms that overlook Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. Indulge in regional dishes at the restaurant, and venture out to explore nearby waterfalls and volcanic terrain.
Welcome dinner in Iceland
Black-sand beach and cliffs
Walk-behind waterfall
South coast scenic drive
Basalt canyon
Meet your Local Host
days 2-3
The Southeast – Höfn & Glaciers
Waking up in the tranquil surroundings of the south, the group embarks on a Zodiac boat tour across Glacier Lagoon, zipping past floating icebergs and seals. Awe-inspiring views of glaciers and the shimmering beauty of Diamond Beach set the tone for the day. After settling into the fishing village of Höfn, known for its charm, the next day takes you to Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, volcanoes and glaciers create a landscape unlike any other. Evenings are spent savoring fresh, local cuisine and sharing stories in a cozy, historic setting.
spend 2 nights at
Berjaya Höfn Hotel offers comfortable rooms with stunning glacier views, an inviting restaurant serving fresh seafood, and easy access to the Glacier Lagoon. Its location in Höfn makes it ideal for exploring the dramatic southeast coast of Iceland.
Jökulsárlón Zodiac boat tour
Vatnajökull National Park
Diamond Beach
Europe’s largest glacier
Höfn langoustine tasting
Seals and Arctic wildlife
days 4-5
The East – Wild Coastline and Hidden Canyons
The drive east begins at a peninsula of black volcanic dunes beneath sharp, dramatic peaks, one of Iceland’s great landscapes, and one most visitors never reach. A small coastal village with unhurried pace and sea views follows, before lunch at a working organic farm where everything on the table was grown on the property. By late afternoon, the group arrives at the hotel near Egilsstaðir, surrounded by Iceland’s only native forest. The following day brings Stuðlagil, a basalt canyon of extraordinary beauty where perfectly geometric columns of rock frame a vivid blue-green glacial river far below – and Seyðisfjörður, a colorful fjordside village of 19th-century timber houses, street art, and a quiet creative energy unlike anywhere else in Iceland.
spend 2 nights at
Hotel 1001 Nótt features stylish, comfortable accommodations with unique local artwork, outdoor hot tubs, and an inviting lounge. Located near Egilsstaðir, it offers easy access to hiking trails and the enchanting East Fjords.
Volcanic coastline
Organic farm lunch
Iceland’s only native forest
Stuðlagil basalt canyon
Seyðisfjörður village
Hot tubs at the hotel
days 6-8
The North – Geothermal Wonders
The drive north pauses at a surreal geothermal field of boiling mud pots and sulfur vents, where the earth feels genuinely alive and the landscape resembles another planet. From there, the Mývatn Nature Baths offer a long, restorative soak in mineral-rich geothermal water with views across a lava-filled lake basin. The group continues to Sigluфjörður, a remote harbor town in Iceland’s far north with a boom-and-bust herring history that the award-winning Herring Era Museum tells with genuine depth. The morning is free for a hike above the fjord or a visit to the museum, before the group gathers for a private brewery tour and tasting at a craft brewery housed in a former fish factory. A three-course farewell dinner brings the journey to a close in the right spirit. Day 8 transfers to Akureyri for a brief city visit before the flight back to Reykjavik.
spend 2 nights at
Siglo Hotel, in northern Iceland, combines rustic elegance with modern comfort, featuring cozy rooms and a vibrant on-site restaurant. Nestled in Siglufjörður, it offers easy access to local culture, scenic hiking trails, and fishing adventures.
Hverir geothermal landscape
Mývatn Nature Baths
Herring Era Museum
Private brewery tour & tasting
Akureyri city visit
Farewell dinner
Departures & Prices 2026
Departures & Prices 2027
Request a Tailored Private Departure
This journey may be arranged as a private departure for your group, with dates, pacing, and experiences tailored to your preferences – without compromising the itinerary’s inherent excellence.
Reflecting local hospitality through the finest amenities
Our travelers tell us that hotels are an integral part of their travel experiences. So, our staff handpicks each property for its unique character, local charm, and attention to detail. In our selection we treat comfort, location and service as “simply the basics,” so our vetting process goes well beyond that. Furthermore, our travelers tell us that they want boutique hotels. Not big, chain ones, because they want to be constantly reminded of the authenticity of the destination. Those hotels must reflect the region’s hospitality through their amenities and cultural touches. Therefore, we select hotels with the goal of making every night of your journey as remarkable as the days spent exploring.
Authentic Gratitude from SilverOpus Travelers
Our Promise to You Rests on Four Pillars
Respect
Simply fundamental. All that we do must, first and foremost, ensure that our clients, our partners, our staff and all those who live in our destinations feel entirely respected. The land must be respected. Nature must be respected. The people must be respected. All people. Honesty, fairness, care and much more are joined in a foundation of respect for all.
Authenticity
We study our destinations to understand what characterizes its beauty and relevance. Then, we fill our programs with what is most authentic about those destinations. We showcase nature, cuisine, hospitality and cultural experiences which are most valued by locals, not what is determined by the travel industry as most sellable. It is our way to stay true to authenticity, to enrich our programs with it.
Exclusivity
Our tribe is at the heart of what we do, every day. So, we don’t attempt to appeal to all. Instead, we put our efforts into creating excellence for those who love seeing the world like our tribe does. This philosophy restricts our audience to an exclusive set of travelers, and we don’t fight that. We embrace it and give them our everything.
Happiness
We are very serious about our work, but we can’t forget why we travel. And we travel because it makes us happy, joyous. Happiness from the scenery we see, the foods we taste, the people we meet and even from the hiccups that become fun stories, later on. So, we never forget that our work, serious as it is, is here to make you happy.
Answering All Your Pressing Questions
What is included in the tour price? And what isn’t?
Your tour price covers all accommodations, in‑program transfers and transportation, several included meals and guided experiences led by local experts (see the ‘Highlights’ section, above, for details), the continuous presence of your expert Tour Director, on‑location support, and all applicable taxes and fees. No surprises! Flights to and from the tour are not included, nor are alcoholic beverages (unless specified), travel insurance, or any services not listed in the program. Our team can, however, assist with flight and insurance arrangements. We’re always happy to guide you through what’s included and help tailor your experience.
Can you book flights to and from the tour?
Yes. We are happy to assist with booking your flights to and from the tour destination, ensuring your journey is seamless from start to finish, at no additional cost to you. Simply reach out and we’ll walk you through the best options.
Can you help us extend our trip?
Are solo travelers welcome? And is a solo‑occupancy supplement required?
Solo travelers are very welcome on our tours. Unless otherwise specified, a solo‑occupancy supplement applies, ensuring private accommodations throughout the journey. We’ll gladly assist you in choosing the program that best fits your travel style.
Do your group tours include free time?
Yes. Each itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance guided experiences with open time for personal exploration, so you can relax, wander, or discover your own favorite corners at your own pace.
Can I privatize a departure just for me and my friends and family? Can you create a custom journey for me?
Certainly. If you have a group of eight or more travelers, you can enjoy special rates and a fully privatized version of the program, exclusively for your friends and family. Prefer something even more personalized? We’ll be delighted to design a custom journey tailored specifically to your interests, schedule, and pace, drawing on our extensive local knowledge and insider connections to create a seamless and unforgettable experience. Simply reach out, and we’ll craft your ideal journey together.
How many people will be in my group?
Our small-group journeys are intentionally intimate, with a maximum of 14 guests and a minimum of 4. Most departures operate with 6 to 12 travelers, striking the perfect balance between companionship and personal space, while ensuring meaningful access to local experts and experiences.
I have dietary restrictions. Can you accommodate them?
How much physical activity does this tour include? Does it require much walking?
Each SilverOpus program features an Activity Level Meter, found in the “Highlights” section, to help you choose the journey that best fits your comfort and pace:
- LIGHT: Classic sightseeing with gentle activity – typically 1 to 3 miles of walking per day, mostly on flat terrain, though you may encounter cobblestones, stairs, or uneven surfaces. Nothing strenuous, but reasonable mobility is required.
- BALANCED: A blend of active and relaxed exploration, averaging 1 to 4 miles of walking per day. Activities may include light hiking, kayaking, or leisurely cycling, offering a dynamic yet comfortable pace.
- ACTIVE: Designed for travelers who enjoy movement and gentle outdoor adventures. Expect more than 4 miles of walking on certain days, sometimes on steep or uneven paths, with possible activities such as hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, or biking.
If you’re unsure which level is right for you, our team will gladly guide you in selecting the perfect match.
Where can I find your Terms & Conditions and cancellation policy?
You can review them by using this link. They outline important details regarding payments, changes, and cancellations.
How can I purchase insurance for my trip?
Do you offer suggestions for packing, tipping, and dining?
Is this tour guaranteed to run?
I’m ready to book! How do I secure my spot?
Wonderful! Simply contact us with your chosen program and preferred dates. We will send you a booking form and a secure payment link for your deposit. Once received, your spots are confirmed – and we’ll handle every detail from there as your adventure begins. We look forward to welcoming you on an unforgettable SilverOpus journey.
Begin Your SilverOpus Journey in Three Simple Steps:
01. Fill out the brief form below to introduce yourself.
02. Watch for our confirmation email (it may land in spam).
03. Tell us how you would prefer to get started — the email will outline your options.
