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Bespoke Private Tours

10-Day Iceland Round Trip - Privately Guided Tour

Discover Iceland at your own pace with this personalized 10-day privately guided tour around the complete Ring Road. With your own expert local driver-guide for eight full days of exploration, you'll experience Iceland's most celebrated natural wonders while enjoying the flexibility and comfort that only private touring can provide. This comprehensive itinerary takes you from the iconic Golden Circle to the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the otherworldly landscapes of Lake Mývatn, and the mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Your knowledgeable driver-guide will share deep insights into Iceland's geology, history, and culture while adapting the pace and focus to your interests. Whether you want more time for photography, prefer certain types of landscapes, or have specific interests, this private tour can be customized in consultation with your travel advisor to create your perfect Icelandic adventure.

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TOUR CODE
PT-01
SEASON
Year-Round
travel style
Bespoke Private Tours
Duration
10 Days
Location
Ring Road, South Iceland, North Iceland
accessibility
Can be Customized

The Itinerary

This itinerary can be offered throughout the year (some adjustments might be required depending on travel dates).

Day 1: Arrival in Iceland and Reykjavík

dAY STARTS IN
Keflavík International Airport
DAY ENDS IN
Reykjavík
DRIVING DISTANCE
Approximately 50 km / 31 miles
About your day

Welcome to your private Iceland adventure! After you clear customs at Keflavík International Airport, you'll be transferred to your accommodation in the city center of Reykjavík. The afternoon is yours to explore some of the capital's landmarks at your leisure. Visit the striking Perlan Museum with its "Wonders of Iceland" exhibition, the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church where you can take an elevator to the tower for panoramic city views, or the modern Harpa Music and Conference Centre with its distinctive glass facade. In the evening, Reykjavík's restaurants will welcome you with everything from traditional Icelandic cuisine to innovative New Nordic fare. The bars stay open until 1 am during weekdays and 4 am on weekends if you want to experience the city's vibrant nightlife. Overnight in the heart of Reykjavík.

Attractions of the day
Reykjavík City
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Hallgrímskirkja Church
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Harpa - Music Hall
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Reykjavík Old Harbour
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Sun Voyager - The Solfar Sculpture
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Day 2: The Golden Circle

dAY STARTS IN
Reykjavík
DAY ENDS IN
Hella / Hvolsvöllur
DRIVING DISTANCE
Approximately 237 km / 147 miles
About your day

Today your private Iceland journey begins! Your personal driver-guide will meet you at your accommodation in the morning. Start your day by traveling to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site accepted in 2004 for its beauty, geological significance, and historical value. This is the site where Vikings first assembled Iceland's ancient parliament over a thousand years ago. Walk through the dramatic Almannagjá rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart. After exploring the treasures of the park, head south to see the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall to complete the famous "Golden Circle." Enjoy the afternoon witnessing the sizzling hot springs and geysers, with Strokkur reliably erupting every few minutes, and experiencing the raw force of Gullfoss, the "Golden Waterfall," as it plunges into a dramatic canyon. You might also visit the beautiful Kerið volcanic crater with its vibrant blue lake. Lastly, you'll make your way to the South Coast of Iceland. Stay the night at your accommodation in the Hella/Hvolsvöllur area.

Attractions of the day
Þingvellir National Park
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Gullfoss Waterfall
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Geysir
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Kerið Crater
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Day 3: The South Coast

dAY STARTS IN
Hella / Hvolsvöllur
DAY ENDS IN
Vík / Kirkjubæjarklaustur
DRIVING DISTANCE
Approximately 155 km / 96 miles
About your day

Today you'll travel along the famous South Coast of Iceland with your driver-guide. After breakfast, head east to the picturesque waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. At Seljalandsfoss, you can walk behind the cascading water on a unique footpath for an unforgettable perspective. Above these waterfalls, you'll get views of Eyjafjallajökull, the glacier-capped volcano where a significant eruption took place in 2010 that disrupted European air traffic. This is a perfect day to add optional activities like a snowmobile tour on a nearby glacier or a glacier hiking adventure if you've arranged these with your travel consultant. Continue along the South Shore to Dyrhólaey nature reserve where you'll find one of Iceland's best seabird colonies, with puffins nesting here during summer months. Dyrhólaey is a 120-meter-high promontory that juts into the sea, offering wonderful views over the black sand beaches of the South Coast. You'll stay the night close to Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Attractions of the day
Seljalandsfoss
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Skógafoss
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Dyrhólaey
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Eldhraun Lava Field
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Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
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Day 4: Vatnajökull National Park and the Glacier Lagoon

dAY STARTS IN
Vík / Kirkjubæjarklaustur
DAY ENDS IN
Höfn
DRIVING DISTANCE
Approximately 270 km / 170 miles
About your day

Spend the day exploring Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, where you'll find interesting hiking trails, including the path to Svartifoss waterfall, which drops dramatically from the edge of a wide cliff of hexagonal basalt columns. Stop at Svínafellsjökull glacier, where the opening sequence of Batman Begins was filmed. Head east to the spectacular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon that springs from the roots of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. During summertime, if you've pre-arranged a boat tour with your travel consultant, you'll sail between the icebergs while local boat guides share the story of this remarkable natural phenomenon. Visit Diamond Beach where ice chunks wash up on the black sand, creating stunning photo opportunities. Stay the night close to Höfn, a charming fishing village known for its excellent seafood restaurants.

Attractions of the day
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
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Svartifoss Waterfall
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Svínafellsjökull Glacier
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Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
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The Diamond Beach
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Day 5: East Iceland

dAY STARTS IN
Höfn
DAY ENDS IN
Egilsstaðir
DRIVING DISTANCE
Approximately 256 km / 159 miles
About your day

Today you'll travel through the tranquil and beautiful East Fjords of Iceland with your driver-guide. After passing the charming village of Djúpivogur, you'll explore the dramatic east coast with its narrow fjords carved by ancient glaciers. Travel through peaceful coastal villages toward Egilsstaðir, the largest settlement in the east. On the way, you might stop at Petra's Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður, an endearing personal collection of colorful stones and minerals assembled over 70 years. Your driver-guide can also take you to the artistic town of Seyðisfjörður with its colorful wooden houses and creative community. Near Egilsstaðir, there's a small forest called Hallormsstaðaskógur, one of Iceland's largest woodlands. In ancient times, it was believed that a large serpent-like monster lived in nearby Lagarfljót lake, Iceland's own version of the Loch Ness monster. Stay one night in Egilsstaðir.

Attractions of the day
Petra’s Stone Collection
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Fáskrúðsfjörður
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Seyðisfjörður
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Egilsstaðir
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Lagarfljót River
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Day 6: Lake Mývatn

dAY STARTS IN
Egilsstaðir
DAY ENDS IN
Mývatn
DRIVING DISTANCE
Approximately 336 km / 209 miles
About your day

Today you'll travel to the amazing and almost surreal Mývatn area with your driver-guide. The journey from Egilsstaðir takes you through the highlands route to Lake Mývatn. We recommend the scenic route via the Dettifoss Road to explore Dettifoss Waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe by volume, and the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon with its lush vegetation and towering cliffs. After experiencing Dettifoss, continue to Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Iceland. If you've pre-arranged a whale watching tour with your travel consultant, this is where you'll join that experience. Then proceed to Lake Mývatn, where you'll explore attractions such as the colorful Námaskarð geothermal pass with its bubbling mud pots, the Skútustaðir pseudo craters, the fascinating Dimmuborgir lava formations, and the Krafla volcanic area. These landscapes showcase the powerful geological forces that shaped this region. If you've arranged a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths with your travel consultant, this is a wonderful way to relax after a day of exploration. Stay the night in the Mývatn area.

Attractions of the day
Dettifoss Waterfall
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Ásbyrgi Canyon
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Lake Mývatn
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Skútustaðir Pseudo Craters
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Námafjall Geothermal Area
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Day 7: From Mývatn to Akureyri

dAY STARTS IN
Mývatn
DAY ENDS IN
Akureyri
DRIVING DISTANCE
Approximately 99 km / 62 miles
About your day

Start the day with your driver-guide exploring any remaining sights around Lake Mývatn that interest you before traveling to Akureyri. On your way to Akureyri, the "Capital of the North," stop and enjoy the charming Goðafoss waterfall, the "Waterfall of the Gods," which holds special historical significance in Iceland's conversion to Christianity. In Akureyri, you'll have time to explore this charming northern town. Visit the Botanical Garden, an oasis in the heart of this vibrant community, or the distinctive Akureyrarkirkja Church, situated on a hilltop overlooking the town center. If you've pre-arranged a visit to the Forest Lagoon with your travel consultant, you'll enjoy this idyllic geothermal experience surrounded by birch forest and mountain views. Your driver-guide can also take you on a scenic drive into Eyjafjörður fjord where you'll find a lush agricultural area, historic churches, and farms producing excellent ice cream. Overnight in or around Akureyri.

Attractions of the day
Dimmuborgir
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Goðafoss
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Akureyri
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Akureyrarkirkja Church
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Akureyri Botanical Garden
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Day 8: From Akureyri to Snæfellsnes Peninsula

dAY STARTS IN
Akureyri
DAY ENDS IN
Snæfellsnes area
DRIVING DISTANCE
Approximately 429 km / 266 miles
About your day

Today brings one of the longest driving days as you make your way from North Iceland to the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Your driver-guide will take you through the scenic Skagafjörður region, known for its sweeping farmlands, Icelandic horse breeding tradition, and rich saga history. Add an optional stop at Glaumbær, an excellent turf farm museum with beautifully preserved traditional buildings that show how Icelanders lived for centuries. Continue your journey west, passing through varied landscapes of farmland and mountains. You'll stop at Grábrók volcanic crater where you can take a short walk to the rim for panoramic views of the surrounding lava fields. As you approach the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the landscapes begin to change dramatically. Once on the peninsula, you'll visit Kirkjufell mountain, one of Iceland's most photographed peaks thanks to its distinctive cone shape. Your driver-guide will also show you the charming coastal hamlet of Arnarstapi with its dramatic rock formations and bird cliffs, and you might visit Búðakirkja, the iconic black church set against a lava field backdrop. Stay in accommodation in the Snæfellsnes area.

Attractions of the day
Snæfellsjökull Glacier
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Kirkjufell Mountain
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Búðakirkja Church
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Arnarstapi
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Grábrók Crater
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Day 9: West Iceland and Return to Reykjavík

dAY STARTS IN
Snæfellsnes area
DAY ENDS IN
Reykjavík
DRIVING DISTANCE
Approximately 356 km / 221 miles
About your day

Experience the unique landscapes of Snæfellsjökull National Park with your driver-guide, who will show you the amazing bird life, lush valleys, and rugged lava fields. Explore Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach where you can try lifting the traditional fishermen's strength-testing stones, the dramatic Lóndrangar basalt cliffs rising from the ocean, and the coastal hamlet of Hellnar with its abundant bird life and stunning rock formations. After exploring Snæfellsnes, it's time to continue back toward Reykjavík. Before completing your "Ring Road" journey, you'll see the highlights of West Iceland. Sights along the way include the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls cascading from beneath a lava field and Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe with its dramatic steam vents. Your driver-guide can also take you to the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes if you're interested in learning more about Iceland's Viking settlement history. Take the most direct route back to Reykjavík via Route 1 to arrive in the capital for your final night in Iceland.

Attractions of the day
Lóndrangar
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Djúpalónssandur
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Hraunfossar Waterfalls
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Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
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Settlement Center in Borgarnes
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Day 10: Departure

dAY STARTS IN
Reykjavík
DAY ENDS IN
Keflavík International Airport
DRIVING DISTANCE
Approximately 50 km / 31 miles
About your day

Your private Iceland adventure comes to an end today. You'll be picked up from your accommodation for your private transfer to Keflavík International Airport in time for your departure flight. If you're leaving in the afternoon, you can arrange to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on your way to the airport. Soak in the restorative mineral-rich waters situated in the middle of a black lava field while your luggage is kept safe. After your relaxing soak, you'll be taken directly to Keflavík International Airport. Have a safe journey home with wonderful memories of Iceland!

Attractions of the day
Reykjavík City
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The Blue Lagoon
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What's included in the tour

Included

  • Private airport transfer from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík
  • 9 nights accommodation (choice of Comfort, Quality, or Luxury category)
  • Breakfast at your accommodations (Days 2-10)
  • Private driver-guide for 8 days of touring (Days 2-9)
  • Comfortable private vehicle (size depends on number of travelers)
  • Personalized attention and flexible itinerary
  • Expert local knowledge and storytelling
  • Private airport transfer to Keflavík International Airport on departure
  • All taxes and fees

‍

Not included

  • International flights to and from Iceland
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Lunches and dinners throughout the tour
  • Entrance fees to museums and attractions
  • Optional activities (whale watching, glacier hiking, boat tours, etc.)
  • Personal expenses

Discover local activities and adventures

Let your personal travel consultant know what other activities catch your eye and we’ll add them to your custom-made trip itinerary.

Heading
Skaftafell Glacier Hike
Whale Watching Akureyri
Horse Riding Tour Near Akureyri
Ice Cave Iceland Tour - From Glacier Lagoon
Silfra Snorkeling Tour

Your route

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Unwind in the perfect accommodations

We handpick accommodations to ensure memorable stays for every type of traveler.

Comfort

Experience a higher level of comfort with our carefully selected comfort accommodations, each offering private facilities including a shower and toilet for your convenience and privacy. These lodges fall under the 3-star hotel category, providing a perfect blend of quality and value. Most properties boast an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of meals without needing to venture far. In Reykjavik, all comfort accommodations are ideally situated in central locations, giving you easy access to the city’s main attractions, shopping districts, and vibrant cultural spots. This category represents a significant upgrade in both comfort and service compared to budget options, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a cozy yet affordable stay. To make your mornings hassle-free, a delicious breakfast is included with your stay.

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Quality

Our quality accommodations feature spacious private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, offering the choice of a relaxing bath or a refreshing shower, along with a private toilet to ensure maximum comfort and privacy. These rooms represent the best available lodging options, found within prestigious 4-star hotels or the finest, highest-quality lodges across each region. In Reykjavik, all quality accommodations are centrally located, placing you within easy reach of the city’s key attractions, shopping areas, and vibrant dining and cultural scenes. These accommodations provide an elevated experience with superior comfort, thoughtful amenities, and attentive service designed to make your stay truly memorable. To enhance your visit, a complimentary breakfast is included each morning, helping you start your day well-nourished and ready to explore.

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Luxury

Our luxury accommodations feature exquisite suites and premium rooms within top-tier lodges and resorts, offering an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. Designed with refined decor and upscale touches, these accommodations provide a seamless blend of style, comfort, and exclusivity. Personalized services cater to your every need, ensuring a truly indulgent and tailored experience. In Reykjavik, all luxury accommodations are centrally located, placing you at the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural scene, fine dining, shopping, and key attractions. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an immersive urban experience, these upscale lodgings deliver the perfect base. Classy, elegant, and supremely comfortable, our luxury options strive to provide a first-class stay marked by exceptional amenities, impeccable service, and attention to detail. Every aspect is carefully crafted to make your visit not just memorable, but extraordinary.

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Good to know

Prepare for your adventure with these essential tips and information for a smooth journey.

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What are the advantages of a private guided tour versus a self-drive tour?

A private guided tour offers numerous advantages including a dedicated expert driver-guide who shares deep knowledge of Iceland's geology, history, and culture throughout your journey. You won't need to navigate unfamiliar roads or worry about driving conditions. Your driver-guide can provide personalized recommendations, adjust the pace to your preferences, and take you to hidden viewpoints that most visitors miss. The tour can be customized in consultation with your travel advisor to match your specific interests, whether that's photography, geology, birdwatching, or Icelandic sagas. You'll also have flexibility to spend more time at places you love and skip others if preferred.

Can the itinerary be customized to my interests?

Yes! While this itinerary covers Iceland's major highlights, it can be customized in consultation with your travel consultant before the tour begins. Want to add specific activities like glacier hiking, whale watching, or horseback riding? Interested in spending more time in certain regions? Prefer to include or exclude certain attractions? Your travel consultant will work with you to adjust the itinerary to match your interests and preferences.

What size vehicle will we have?

The vehicle size depends on the number of travelers in your private group. For 1-3 people, you'll typically have a comfortable SUV or similar vehicle. For 4-7 people, a spacious minivan or larger SUV. For groups of 8 or more, a larger minibus. All vehicles are modern, comfortable, and well-maintained. Your driver-guide operates the vehicle, allowing you to relax, enjoy the scenery, and focus on the experience rather than navigation.

What accommodation options are available?

You can choose from three accommodation categories. Comfort accommodations are carefully selected 3-star hotels with private bathrooms, centrally located in Reykjavík, and offering good value. Quality accommodations feature spacious rooms in prestigious 4-star hotels with superior amenities and service. Luxury accommodations offer exquisite suites in top-tier resorts with elegant decor, personalized service, and premium facilities. All categories include breakfast (Days 2-10), and your travel consultant can discuss the specific properties available for your travel dates.

Are meals included in the private guided tour?

Breakfast is included at all accommodations from Day 2 through Day 10. Lunches and dinners are not included, giving you the flexibility to choose restaurants that match your tastes and budget. Your driver-guide will provide excellent recommendations for local restaurants at each destination and can make reservations for you. This allows you to experience Iceland's diverse culinary scene, from traditional lamb and seafood dishes to innovative New Nordic cuisine, at your own pace.

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