Iceland Ring Road Tour: My Unfiltered 6-Day Review

Okay, so you’re eyeing that ‘From Reykjavik 6 Day Around Iceland Ring Road Tour’, eh? It looks epic, right? Driving around that famed Route 1, seeing all the south region highlights, it’s almost too dreamy for words. But the big question that usually springs to mind, is it really worth plonking down your hard-earned cash? I recently took the plunge, and let me tell you, it was quite a rollercoaster. I’m here to give you my honest, no-holds-barred account so that you can decide if this Iceland adventure is something for you. This tour really promises a taste of Iceland’s grandeur, and I am going to unpack exactly what you receive.

First Impressions: What’s Included in the Package?

Alright, so let’s rip right into what this whole package offers. Now, before anything, be aware that this is the crucial bit, what you get (or don’t get) kinda makes or breaks the experience. The basic deal usually covers your transport (think cozy bus with, typically, Wi-Fi), accommodation for five nights, and a guide who’s something of a fountain of knowledge, telling stories of folklore and geographic fun facts at basically every stop. Things such as breakfasts, specific experiences (like glacier hiking or dips in thermal springs), and your lunch or dinner usually aren’t included. Which I learned quickly, requires a bit of planning on your end. Also, it’s a bit similar to an optional activity thing, just because something cool is happening somewhere, that doesn’t mean it’s covered. Check the small print on activities; it’s that important.

The Accommodation Situation: Comfort or Basic?

The tour blurb chats about cozy accommodations, and very likely it’s more accurate to say “functional”. You won’t get your luxury hotel. I mean, very much it’s all clean and fairly warm, which is very welcomed in Iceland. What happened to me in certain remote locales was that rooms are, to be honest, a bit simple. Just anticipate something along the lines of guesthouses or family-run hotels, where space can feel fairly limited. Now, if you are the sort who likes a great many facilities and you are expecting posh surroundings, that it is something you might just want to readjust your thinking about. On my travels the hotels tended to be outside main towns, in seemingly quiet rural settings, that for some of us could be a massive win because it is far from all the bright city lights and therefore makes for killer stargazing if that’s up your alley.

The Itinerary: South Coast Highlights

Okay, so what you will be seeing is why people come on these tours! Usually, the South Coast becomes the superstar of the show, and what occurred to me was the itinerary is actually fairly packed. Get prepared for some serious waterfall action at Seljalandsfoss (walk behind it!), and, also, the majestic Skógafoss. Dyrhólaey arch delivers views that are dramatic, and Reynisfjara dark sand beach… Very nice, and certainly Instagrammable. Add to that some glacier lagoons, the vibe will be pretty unique, specifically if you can get a sunset here, then the way that light plays on the ice… Oh boy! So, this might feel quite rushed at times; I think trying to fit a lot into just six days does come at a small price. Be prepared for lengthy bus drives and shorter times at each hot spot. Honestly, the upside is the incredible sights are totally worth it. You are seeing places you always wanted to.

The Guide: Your Iceland Expert (and Storyteller)

You are so incredibly lucky to get a great tour guide who actually shapes the whole tour vibe. And basically how much you receive from it, hinges a lot on this person. Now, my guy? Actually, he was brilliant! He would have known all there is to know about Iceland’s history, geology, and folklore, and what made him special were the funny anecdotes and that obvious passion that was obvious. It isn’t really only regarding ticking off the spots from a list, to me, he added layers and gave proper context to everything we looked at. Still, it might be just worth pointing out, that what happens when your guide isn’t great? That it would probably seriously effect your feelings concerning the trip. Request reviews or ask about the guides when you’re getting the tour all booked up, just to make sure you’ll be looked after by someone superb.

Food on the Road: Budget-Friendly Tips

Let me tell you that, if you are not careful, then Iceland can totally smash your bank balance with the prices there. Food is seriously expensive! And considering that usually your food isn’t a part of your package, you need a tactic to deal with things. Actually, loads of the people who were on my bus took the clever action of bringing their own snacks and stocking up at cheaper supermarkets at the beginning. To me, finding a grocery store in Reykjavik before setting off can make a large impact. For something really satisfying I was able to discover gas station hot dogs are oddly pretty satisfying and an affordable thing on the way. Keep an eye out when near bigger towns; those will typically provide you with a few affordable eats, something akin to small cafes or bakeries. Now if you are going to drink, you’ll find that also adds to the price a whole lot. Try to do what you can to save.

Is This Tour Right for You? Weighing the Pros and Cons

So, to just finish it up, does the ‘From Reykjavik 6 Day Around Iceland Ring Road Tour’ give what you expect? Well, after experiencing it all I am feeling qualified to give you what’s what. So if you do love not having to stress about logistics, enjoy seeing the famous south of Iceland spots, or just wish for a reasonably comfortable, quick trip, then the trip probably fits well. That the tempo may be intense is what you may need to accept, plus the feeling the hotels could have more luxury. So, what did I love best? To me, those views alone actually justified it. In reality it really does come down to if your ideal travel style lines up to what’s being provided.

Top Tips for the 6-Day Ring Road Adventure

• Pack Smart: Layers are your very good friends! Pack waterproofs! Even in summer, you get caught in any rain, the weather in Iceland could go south unexpectedly.
• Snack Up: Cut down costs, stock up the snacks. Also, keep in mind some water.
• Camera Ready: Actually ensure the cameras and telephones are prepared. I would suggest extra battery packs to make sure that you never do miss taking one great photo!
• Embrace the Pace: Accept those days, as sometimes, could feel quite fast. Savour all those moments, but be OK with just brief stays, at times.
• Engage with the Guide: Ask a bunch of questions! Tap those knowledge reserves, get extra insight to boost experience.

Well I’m thinking, as a closing note, actually having come to know that south Iceland road now I might go back and give the north region a look. Very likely it won’t involve a bus and it may be something a bit different to this trip, and anyway I did like taking those shots in south Iceland. Now this trip gets placed in those favourite travel memories, for life.

Safe trip, anyway, hopefully all goes super good for you.

I hope you will discover a great load of fun from your Iceland trip. Happy tripping!