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    Let's be friends!

    Unpopular opinion: red eye flights are better. ๐Ÿ›ฉ

Hereโ€™s why:

1. They are often cheaper than daytime flights.
2. You get an entire extra day in your destination.

Even if the red eye and daytime flights are the same price, you get better bang for your buck because you get to spend more time in your destination.

For example, we got an entire extra day in Bora Bora for free by flying on the red eye. ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ’ธ

Agree or disagree?

#travelreel #travelreels #travelreelsoninstagram #travelbloggervibes #redeyeflight #cheapflights
    Dreaming up a trip to Positano, Italy? ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

Save and screenshot this ultimate itinerary for 5 days in Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy!

Day 1: Explore Positanoโ€™s streets, shops and restaurants.
Day 2: Day trip to Amalfi Town (or Ravello).
Day 3: Day trip to Capri.
Day 4: Beach day at Spiaggia Grande.
Day 5: Fornillo Beach or a private beach club like @arienzobeachclubpositano 

For more itinerary details (how to get to Positano, activity details and more), head to:

indigosahara.com/positano-itinerary-5-days 

Buon viaggio! ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ‹๐ŸŒž๐ŸŒŠ

#positanoitaly #positanobeach #amalficoastitaly #italytrip #travelitinerary #travelguides #positano๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น
    Heading to Italy โ€” soon or someday? ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Heading to Italy โ€” soon or someday? ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

Save and screenshot this one week Italy itinerary for Rome and the Amalfi Coast!

Day 1: Rome
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Positano
Day 4: Amalfi Town
Day 5: Capri
Day 6: Positano
Day 7: Rome

Buon viaggio! ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿค๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‹

#italyitinerary #italytravel #italytrip #romecity #positanoitaly #amalficoastitaly
    How many have you been to out of 30? โœจ All of t How many have you been to out of 30? โœจ

All of these bucket list destinations are the perfect places to visit in Europe for an iconic European summer experience.

Iโ€™m personally very excited to check a few more off the list this summer. ๐Ÿคญ

Remember to SAVE this summer bucket list for easy access later! 

#europedestinations #europetrip #europeansummer #summertravel #travel
    12 flights for $175 USD total. ๐Ÿ’ธ Hereโ€™s how๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿผ

Travel hacking!

AKA taking advantage of credit card points and credit card opening bonuses. ๐Ÿ’ธ๐Ÿ’ธ

This is just from putting all of our regular expenses on travel credit cards over the past six-ish months (groceries, house renovation expenses, clothes, etc.), paying the card off in full every month and racking up free miles.

So, what travel credit card is best, you ask?

I wish there was a simple answer, but the truth is, it depends on your personal goals as a traveler.

Thatโ€™s why Iโ€™ve created a FREE downloadable quiz (link in bio) that you can take to determine which travel credit card you should open.

This travel hacking quiz is going to tell you exactly which travel credit card is best for you, no matter if youโ€™re new to travel credit card points or a seasoned travel hacking pro.

If you take the quiz, let me know what you get!! ๐Ÿ’ฌ

(Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor, and this is not financial advice. Always consult a professional who knows your unique financial situation. Always follow credit card best practices, such as paying your card off in full on time every month.)

#travelhacking #travelcreditcards #freeflights #freetravel #budgettravel #budgettraveltips #europeansummer
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Indigo Sahara

A travel blog: teaching cultural competence through inspirational travel

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Iceland Ring Road Itinerary You Need To Steal

July 12, 2023

Looking for a done-for-you Iceland Ring Road itinerary to see everything in a week or less? Read on.

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary You Need To Steal

Disclaimer: This blog post is sponsored by Lava Car Rental, an Icelandic car rental company specializing in new and cheap rental cars in Iceland. All thoughts are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. If a product is purchased using one of the following links, I may earn a small commission from the brand at no cost to you.

Iceland, also known as the land of fire and ice, is home to some of the most jaw-dropping scenic spots in the entire world.

From active volcanos and colorful geothermal activity to mountain-size glaciers and massive waterfalls, there is no wondering why Iceland is on the top of many travelers’ bucket lists.

iceland ring road itinerary

However, because there is so much to see in Iceland, trip planning can become stressful, especially if you are planning a relatively short trip like we did.

Regardless, we managed to drive the entire Ring Road circumference and see everything we hoped to with this jam-packed 5-day Ring Road itinerary.

Without further ado, here’s the best Iceland Ring Road itinerary for 5 days to see it all.

How long does it take to drive the Ring Road in Iceland?

Without stopping, the Ring Road in Iceland takes about 20 hours to drive.

However, obviously, you’ll want to make frequent stops to sightsee, so plan to spend at least 5 days driving around Ring Road.

iceland ring road

Many people recommend to spend at least two weeks in Iceland, and while this timeframe would be ideal, it’s not practical for all tourists.

Contrary to popular opinion, you can see everything (that is, all the main tourist attractions) in Iceland in 5 days.

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive, Explore Reykjavik And Blue Lagoon

Arrive In Reykjavik (Keflavik airport)

If you’re traveling from the US, your flight will likely be overnight, arriving in Iceland early on day one. This is perfect, as you’ll still have an entire day ahead of you to explore the country.

Reclaim your luggage, pick up your rental car and get ready for a full first day in Iceland.

iceland ring road stops

I highly recommend Lava Car Rental, a local Icelandic car rental company.

The rental pickup site is located outside of the airport (they have a free shuttle from the airport), which means they can offer some of the best prices.

I have a complete guide to whether or not you should rent a car in Iceland here if you are unsure.

Explore Reykjavik

After you pick up your rental car, pick up some budget-friendly groceries at Kronan. You’ll want to pack food every day to make the most of your 5 days in Iceland. Then, head into Reykjavik city center to see the city.

Although there is not a ton to see in Reykjavik compared to other places in Iceland, it’s definitely worth visiting for an hour or so.

iceland ring road 7 days

Head to Hallgrimskirkja Church to see the most iconic piece of architecture in Iceland: a concrete church that resembles the volcanic basalt columns you’ll see throughout the country.

iceland ring road map

Then, walk down the street directly in front of the church for a cup of coffee, a souvenir or two, and the famous Rainbow Street.

Blue Lagoon

iceland ring road camping

In the afternoon, visit the envied Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal hot spring that has been converted into a full-service spa and resort. It is known globally for its healing mineral qualities.

At Blue Lagoon, you’re guaranteed to witness some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen.

Furthermore, all visitors get both a free silica face mask and a free beverage from the swim-up bar with admission.

iceland ring road stops

Make sure to book your tickets in advance, as Blue Lagoon does typically sell out. You can book your Blue Lagoon tickets here.

Don’t wait until the last minute to book your tickets like I did, or you might end up with a late-night admission time. Once you’re admitted into Blue Lagoon, you get to stay as long as you want. So, to get the most value for your dollar, book your tickets for a time slot earlier in the day.

Finally, head to your accommodations in either Selfoss or Vik to have dinner and catch up to your jet lag.

Hotel recommendations in Selfoss:
Budget: Hotel Selfoss
Mid-range: Hotel South Coast
Luxury: 360 Hotel & Thermal Baths
Unique: Golden Circle Domes Glamping Experience

Hotel recommendations in Vik:
Budget: Vik Cottages
Mid-range: Hotel Katla
Luxury: Hotel Vik I Myrdal
Unique: Farmhouse Lodge Glamping Tents

Day 2: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall And Skogafoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

iceland ring road packing list

After waking up refreshed, drive to the magnificent Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

Iceland has tens of thousands of waterfalls. As you drive this Iceland Ring Road itinerary, you’ll be blown away by more massive waterfalls than you can count. So, what makes Seljalandsfoss stand out?

Not only does this 200-foot waterfall behemoth boast an epic view, but the unique shape of Seljalandsfoss actually allows you to walk completely behind it.

iceland ring road summer

You will get wet, so make sure to bring a warm rain coat, like this Eddie Bauer jacket that I brought.

7 day ring road iceland

BUY NOW ON EDDIE BAUER

Skogafoss Waterfall

ring road iceland 5 days

Now, this 5 day Iceland Ring Road itinerary wouldn’t be complete without visiting Iceland’s most popular waterfall, Skogafoss.

Like its neighbor Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss is a skyscraper of a waterfall, coming in at just under 200 feet tall.

The wide shape of the waterfall is what makes Skogafoss so appealing to visitors. Plus, here, you can take stairs up to the top of the waterfall to see the fall’s powerful crest.

iceland travel ring road

It can get extremely windy here, though (as can every place in Iceland), so do not get too close to the edge of the crest overlook.

Afterward, head back to your accommodations in Selfoss or Vik, and rest up for very full Iceland Ring Road itinerary day tomorrow.

Day 3: Kirkjufjara Beach, Dyrholaey Peninsula, Vik, Diamond Beach And Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Kirkjufara Beach (Black Sand Beach)

iceland ring road itinerary

Now that you’re fully rested and acquainted to the time change, start your day early and drive to the legendary Kirkjufara Beach, also known as Black Sand Beach, in Vik.

As the nickname suggests, Kirkjufara Beach is a long black sand beach that runs along the coast of Vik.

Here, you can find huge basalt columns right on the beach, as well as a volcanic rock cave and, of course, rare volcanic black sand.

iceland ring road

Originally, we planned to visit Kirkjufara on day two after Skogafoss. But, unexpected bad weather conditions prevented us from doing so. Check the weather before your trip, and adjust your Ring Road itinerary as necessary.

Likewise, do not get close to the water, and never turn your back to the ocean. Kirkjufara is home to monstrous “sneaker waves,” which notoriously sneak up on tourists and pull them out to sea. There is a warning sign with lights by the beach entrance, so be sure to follow the daily warning recommendations.

iceland ring road 7 days

Dyrholaey Peninsula

iceland ring road map

Weather permitting, drive onto the Dyrhrolaey Peninsula for an epic bird’s eye view of Kirkjufara, as well as incredible views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.

Keep your eyes peeled for seals swimming below you, too.

Vik

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite and probably need a second to warm up before adventuring further, drive into the town of Vik for a hot lunch at The Soup Company.

The Soup Company is a very busy restaurant, so either arrive when it opens or be prepared to wait in a line. The wait is worth it, though.

iceland ring road camping

I opted for the broccoli cheddar soup, which was delicious. And, I definitely recommend the homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream.

iceland ring road stops

Also, while in Vik, check out the Icewear store for souvenirs and warmer clothes if you want them. Souvenir stores are scarce throughout the rest of this Iceland Ring Road itinerary, so make sure to stop here if you’ll want them.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

iceland ring road packing list

After lunch, make your way through Vatnajokull National Park (where you’ll pass giant Icelandic glaciers) toward the southeastern corner of Iceland to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is an absolute hidden gem on the Iceland South Coast, and it was honestly the highlight of our entire trip.

iceland ring road summer

From the road, Jokulsarlon looks like nothing but a parking lot and a few dirt hills. But, once you walk up the hills, you will be blown away with a glacier-fed lagoon filled with floating icebergs.

If you want the chance to see icebergs and be reminded of your proximity to the Arctic circle during your five days in Iceland, do not skip this road trip stop.

Diamond Beach

7 day ring road iceland

Just down the street, you’ll find the iconic Diamond Beach of Iceland.

Diamond Beach, which happens to be another black sand beach, was put on the map for its icebergs that drift to the ocean from the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

The combination of the beach sunshine, dark black sand and contrasting bright blue icebergs gives the iceberg fragments a diamond-like appearance — hence the name Diamond Beach.

ring road iceland 5 days

If you’re underwhelmed here at first (Instagram photos can be deceiving), walk down the beach away from the parking lot entrance. There, you should be able to find bigger, more impressive icebergs.

Afterward, drive to your next accommodations near Egilsstadir, Iceland.

Hotel recommendations in Egilsstadir:
Budget: Hotel Valaskjalf
Mid-range: Gistihusid Lake Hotel
Luxury: Herad Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Unique: Hengifosslodge Tiny Houses

Day 4: Studlagil Canyon And Namafjall Geothermal Area

Studlagil Canyon

iceland travel ring road

Less than an hour outside of Egilsstadir, down several unpaved roads, you’ll find the marvelous Stuglagil Canyon.

Studlagil Canyon, unlike any canyon on Earth, is surrounded by tall black volcanic basalt columns and has a milky aquamarine glacier river running right through it.

iceland ring road itinerary

As someone who loves seeing natural basalt columns and is determined to discover the bluest water in the world, Studlagil Canyon was an Iceland Ring Road itinerary highlight.

Although, know ahead of time that there is a mild hike to Studlagil Canyon, and that you will likely get very muddy if you hike down into the canyon. I suggest parking in the second parking lot (bumpy road, but 4WD is not necessary) to cut the otherwise six mile hike in half.

Also, don’t wear white shoes. Learn from my mistake.

Namafjall Geothermal Area

iceland ring road

After a spectacular morning at Studlagil, prepare for a long drive back toward the west coast.

The drive will last about eight hours, so make sure to fill up your gas tank in Egilsstadir in the morning because gas stations are sparse along the north side of Ring Road.

Along the drive, you’ll find yourself in luscious green mountains, black volcanic deserts, and even bright orange and red mountains that steam from local geothermal activity. The latter area is known as Namafjall Geothermal Area.

iceland ring road 7 days

This Ring Road itinerary stop will leave you absolutely breathless — both figuratively and literally. The bright mountain colors, volcanic vapor and bubbling hot springs transport you to a dinosaur era. Meanwhile, the sulfurous odor, caused by the geothermal activity, will take your actual breath away.

No doubt, though, the otherworldly sights here outperform the strong sulfur scent.

After a few more hours of driving, you’ll arrive to your last night of accommodations on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Hotel recommendations on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula:
Budget: Hotel Budir
Mid-range: Eidhus Apartments
Luxury: Fosshotel Hellnar
Unique: Arnarstapi Cottages

Day 5: Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall And Depart

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

iceland ring road map

To finish off your Iceland Ring Road road trip, visit the photogenic Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall.

The uniquely shaped mountain that backdrops the waterfall is what makes this spot one of the most photographed places in Iceland.

Plus, it’s the perfect way to end your trip, as the waterfall is a relatively quick stop (the parking lot is steps away from the falls). And, it is not far from the airport.

Depart

Lastly, you’ll head back to Keflavik airport for your return flight, which, if traveling back to the US, will likely take off in the late afternoon.

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary You Need To Steal

Well, there you have it! As you can see, with this Iceland Ring Road itinerary, you can indeed see everything in just 5 days.

If you have any questions about your upcoming trip to Iceland, don’t hesitate to reply in the comment section below or send me a message on Instagram. I’m here to help!

More Iceland Road Trip Guides

Do You Need To Rent A Car In Iceland?
80 Road Trip Puns That Will Drive You Honkers
100 Adventure Puns Youโ€™ll Love A Moun-ton

Save This Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

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By: Indigo Sahara

About Indigo Sahara

Indigo Sahara is a full-time travel blogger and photographer who has lived abroad twice, journeyed through 10+ countries and learned multiple languages. Since graduating with her master's degree, her goal now is to make travel accessible to all.

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Unpopular opinion: red eye flights are better. ๐Ÿ›ฉ

Hereโ€™s why:

1. They are often cheaper than daytime flights.
2. You get an entire extra day in your destination.

Even if the red eye and daytime flights are the same price, you get better bang for your buck because you get to spend more time in your destination.

For example, we got an entire extra day in Bora Bora for free by flying on the red eye. ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ’ธ

Agree or disagree?

#travelreel #travelreels #travelreelsoninstagram #travelbloggervibes #redeyeflight #cheapflights
Dreaming up a trip to Positano, Italy? ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

Save and screenshot this ultimate itinerary for 5 days in Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy!

Day 1: Explore Positanoโ€™s streets, shops and restaurants.
Day 2: Day trip to Amalfi Town (or Ravello).
Day 3: Day trip to Capri.
Day 4: Beach day at Spiaggia Grande.
Day 5: Fornillo Beach or a private beach club like @arienzobeachclubpositano 

For more itinerary details (how to get to Positano, activity details and more), head to:

indigosahara.com/positano-itinerary-5-days 

Buon viaggio! ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ‹๐ŸŒž๐ŸŒŠ

#positanoitaly #positanobeach #amalficoastitaly #italytrip #travelitinerary #travelguides #positano๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น
Heading to Italy โ€” soon or someday? ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Heading to Italy โ€” soon or someday? ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

Save and screenshot this one week Italy itinerary for Rome and the Amalfi Coast!

Day 1: Rome
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Positano
Day 4: Amalfi Town
Day 5: Capri
Day 6: Positano
Day 7: Rome

Buon viaggio! ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿค๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‹

#italyitinerary #italytravel #italytrip #romecity #positanoitaly #amalficoastitaly
How many have you been to out of 30? โœจ All of t How many have you been to out of 30? โœจ

All of these bucket list destinations are the perfect places to visit in Europe for an iconic European summer experience.

Iโ€™m personally very excited to check a few more off the list this summer. ๐Ÿคญ

Remember to SAVE this summer bucket list for easy access later! 

#europedestinations #europetrip #europeansummer #summertravel #travel
12 flights for $175 USD total. ๐Ÿ’ธ Hereโ€™s how๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿผ

Travel hacking!

AKA taking advantage of credit card points and credit card opening bonuses. ๐Ÿ’ธ๐Ÿ’ธ

This is just from putting all of our regular expenses on travel credit cards over the past six-ish months (groceries, house renovation expenses, clothes, etc.), paying the card off in full every month and racking up free miles.

So, what travel credit card is best, you ask?

I wish there was a simple answer, but the truth is, it depends on your personal goals as a traveler.

Thatโ€™s why Iโ€™ve created a FREE downloadable quiz (link in bio) that you can take to determine which travel credit card you should open.

This travel hacking quiz is going to tell you exactly which travel credit card is best for you, no matter if youโ€™re new to travel credit card points or a seasoned travel hacking pro.

If you take the quiz, let me know what you get!! ๐Ÿ’ฌ

(Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor, and this is not financial advice. Always consult a professional who knows your unique financial situation. Always follow credit card best practices, such as paying your card off in full on time every month.)

#travelhacking #travelcreditcards #freeflights #freetravel #budgettravel #budgettraveltips #europeansummer

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