A 10-day privately guided tour around the complete Ring Road, with your own expert local driver-guide for eight full days. Planned around your pace and interests with your Travel Consultant.
Price from 11.636 EUR per person
This tour can be customized for following traveler types:
This itinerary can be offered throughout the year (some adjustments might be required depending on travel dates).
Think of this as a starting point. Swap hotels, change the pace, or add activities, and your Travel Consultant will build it around you.
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.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Reykjavik city centre
A short walk from the centre of Reykjavik. Our Classic option in the city: simpler rooms than Saga, same easy access on foot.
HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Reykjavik city centre
Central Reykjavik, walking distance to Laugavegur and the harbour. Our usual Superior choice in the city when guests want to be able to leave the hotel and be somewhere on foot.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjavík
Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavík's most recognizable building and Iceland's tallest church at 74 meters, dominating the city skyline from its hilltop position above Skólavörðustígur. It is a Lutheran parish church named after the 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of the Passion Hymns. Designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937, it took 41 years to complete, with construction running from 1945 to 1986. The distinctive stepped concrete facade was directly inspired by the hexagonal basalt column formations found at Svartifoss waterfall and across Iceland's volcanic landscape. A tower elevator open to visitors daily gives panoramic views over Reykjavík and, on clear days, across Faxaflói Bay toward Snæfellsjökull. In front of the church stands a statue of Leif Eiríksson, a gift from the United States in 1930 to mark the Alþingi's 1,000th anniversary.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjavík
Harpa is Reykjavik's concert hall and conference center, sitting on the waterfront at the edge of the Old Harbor. Its glass facade, designed by artist Ólafur Elíasson and Henning Larsen Architects, has made it one of the most photographed buildings in Iceland since it opened in 2011. The public areas are free to enter, and the building is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjavík
The Old Harbor is Reykjavik's most characterful waterfront neighborhood, where converted fishing warehouses now house restaurants, museums, and galleries alongside working boats that still come and go from the pier. Whale watching tours, puffin cruises, and northern lights boat trips all depart from here, making it both a destination and a gateway to the sea.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjavík
The Sun Voyager, known in Icelandic as Sólfar, is a polished steel sculpture on the Reykjavik waterfront that has become one of the most recognizable images of Iceland. Often mistaken for a Viking ship, it was actually described by its creator as a dreamboat, representing the promise of undiscovered territory and the freedom to explore.
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.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Hvolsvöllur, South Iceland
In the Hvolsvöllur area within easy reach of the South Coast waterfalls, and the overnight stop after the Golden Circle and Friðheimar.
HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Hvolsvöllur / Hella area, South Iceland
A hotel in the Hvolsvöllur and Hella area, well placed for Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and the rest of the South Coast.
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Hella, South Iceland
A practical, comfortable hotel in Hella, central to the Golden Circle and the South Coast.
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Hella, South Iceland
A farm hotel near Hella in South Iceland, with open views across the countryside.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Þingvellir National Park is Iceland's first national park and its only UNESCO World Heritage Site, sitting 47 kilometers east of Reykjavik at the first stop on the Golden Circle. It is the site of the Alþingi, Iceland's parliament, which first convened here in 930 AD, making it the oldest continuously operating parliament in the world. The park also straddles the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, one of the few places on earth where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge can be seen and walked above sea level.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Gullfoss, meaning Golden Falls, is one of Iceland's most powerful and visited waterfalls, dropping 32 meters in two dramatic tiers into the narrow Gullfossgjúfur canyon on the Golden Circle route. Fed by glacial meltwater from Langjökull glacier, it carries an average of 140 cubic meters of water per second in summer, producing a roar and a cloud of mist that can be heard and felt long before the falls come into view.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
The Geysir geothermal area in the Haukadalur valley of South Iceland is one of the three main stops on the Golden Circle and home to the hot spring that gave the English language the word geyser. The Great Geysir has been erupting intermittently for thousands of years and at its peak could blast water up to 70 meters into the air, but it is now largely dormant, erupting unpredictably and rarely. Its neighbor Strokkur, whose name means the Churn, erupts reliably every 5 to 10 minutes to heights of 15 to 40 meters and is the reason visitors gather here. The wider geothermal field contains dozens of hot springs, bubbling mud pools, fumaroles, and smaller geysers, making it worth exploring beyond just waiting for Strokkur. The site is free to visit year-round.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Kerið is one of Iceland's most striking volcanic craters, a 6,500-year-old caldera filled with vivid aquamarine water and ringed by steep red and black volcanic rock. It sits right off Route 35 on the Golden Circle route, making it one of the easiest natural wonders in Iceland to add to a day trip.
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. 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.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Kirkjubæjarklaustur, South Iceland
A countryside hotel in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area, positioned between the black sand beaches at Vík and the Skaftafell part of Vatnajökull National Park.
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Kirkjubæjarklaustur, South Iceland
Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur in South Iceland, away from town lighting, which makes it a good base for northern lights evenings between the South Coast and the Glacier Lagoon.
HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Vík, South Iceland
A modern hotel in Vík, close to Reynisfjara black sand beach and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Seljalandsfoss is a 60-meter waterfall on Iceland's South Coast, fed by meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull glacier flowing down the Seljalandsá river. It is one of the first major waterfalls visitors encounter heading east from Reykjavík along the Ring Road, about 120 kilometers from the capital. What makes it unusual among Iceland's waterfalls is a path that runs around the base of the cliff and directly behind the falls, allowing visitors to stand inside the curtain of water and look back out through it. The walk takes about 10 minutes and the cavern behind the falls is large enough to move around comfortably, though the path becomes extremely slippery and is closed in winter when ice makes it dangerous. The waterfall faces west and catches sunset light particularly well in the late afternoon. A second waterfall, Gljúfrabúi, is hidden inside a narrow gorge two minutes drive east and is worth the small detour.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Skógafoss is one of Iceland's largest and most visited waterfalls, dropping 60 meters over a 25-meter wide curtain of water on the South Coast near the village of Skógar. The sheer volume of spray it produces means that on clear days, single and double rainbows are almost guaranteed, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the country.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Dyrhólaey, meaning Door Hill Island, is a 120-meter volcanic promontory on Iceland's South Coast about 10 kilometers west of Vík. It is best known for its massive natural rock arch, wide enough for small boats to pass through, which was carved by wave action over thousands of years. The promontory is a protected nature reserve and one of the most accessible puffin-watching sites in Iceland, with colonies nesting on the clifftops from May through August. From the top, views extend across Reynisfjara black sand beach, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Eldhraun, meaning Fire Lava, is the world's largest lava field produced by a single eruption, covering 565 square kilometers of South Iceland between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur. It was created during the Laki eruption of 1783 to 1784, one of the most catastrophic volcanic events in recorded history. Today the entire field is covered in a continuous layer of woolly fringe moss that has taken centuries to grow, giving it one of the most otherworldly appearances of any landscape in Iceland.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Fjaðrárgljúfur is one of Iceland's most dramatic canyons, a serpentine gorge up to 100 meters deep and 2 kilometers long near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur in southeast Iceland. Its moss-covered walls, winding rock formations, and the Fjaðrá river threading along the base make it one of the most photographed natural sites in the country.
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.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Jökulsárlón area, Southeast Iceland
Near Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, with views toward Vatnajökull.
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Höfn, Southeast Iceland
In the harbor town of Höfn in Southeast Iceland, the overnight stop after Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Kirkjubæjarklaustur, universally shortened to Klaustur, is a small village of around 120 people in South Iceland, sitting on the Ring Road between Vík and Höfn. It is the only inhabited settlement on a 300-kilometer stretch of the Ring Road, making it the essential service stop for anyone driving this section of the south coast. The name translates as church farm cloister, a reference to the Benedictine convent of nuns that operated here from 1186 until the Reformation in 1550. Local place names including Systrafoss waterfall, Systravatn lake, and Systrastapi rock all take their names from the sisters of the convent and carry legends of religious transgression, execution, and vindication that remain among the more vivid pieces of south Iceland folklore. The village is surrounded by significant natural attractions including the Kirkjugólf basalt pavement, Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, and the gateway to the Laki craters.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Svartifoss, meaning Black Falls, is a 20-meter waterfall in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park on Iceland's South Coast, framed by a sweeping wall of dark hexagonal basalt columns that form a natural amphitheater around the cascade. The columns are the same geological formation found at Reynisfjara and elsewhere in Iceland, where lava cools slowly into polygonal shapes, but here their arrangement around a single waterfall is particularly theatrical. The design of Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík's most recognizable church, is widely attributed to this basalt column formation, making Svartifoss one of the more architecturally significant natural sites in the country. A 3-kilometer return hike from the Skaftafell visitor center leads to the falls through birch woodland, passing two smaller waterfalls along the way.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Svinafellsjokull is an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull, Europe's largest ice cap, located in Vatnajokull National Park in southeast Iceland. Known for its vivid blue ice formations, dramatic crevasses, and its role as a filming location for Game of Thrones and Interstellar, it is one of the most visited glaciers in the country.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Jökulsárlón is a glacier lagoon in southeast Iceland at the foot of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. It only came into existence in the 1930s when the glacier began retreating, and has grown rapidly since, making it Iceland's deepest lake at 248 meters and covering an area of around 25 square kilometers. Icebergs calved from the glacier drift slowly across the lagoon before flowing out through a short channel to the sea, passing Diamond Beach on the south side of the Ring Road as they go. The lagoon holds seals year-round, who hunt fish in the cold, clear water among the icebergs. Boat tours operate from May to October on both amphibian vehicles and zodiac inflatable boats. The lagoon has appeared in two James Bond films, Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins, among other productions.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Diamond Beach, formally known as Breiðamerkursandur, is a stretch of black volcanic sand on Iceland's South Coast where icebergs from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon drift out to sea and are pushed back onto the beach by Atlantic waves. The contrast between the jet-black basalt sand and the translucent ice, which ranges from clear white to deep blue depending on its age and density, is one of the most visually distinctive natural scenes in Iceland. Some pieces arrive small enough to hold in your hands; others stand taller than a person. The ice carries black stripes of volcanic ash from eruptions centuries ago, a record of Vatnajökull glacier's history preserved within the ice itself. The beach is directly opposite the Jökulsárlón parking lot on the south side of the Ring Road and free to visit year-round.
Today you'll travel through the tranquil and beautiful Eastfjords 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.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Egilsstaðir, East Iceland
On the shore of Lake Lagarfljót in Egilsstaðir, with a spa and views over the lake.
HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Egilsstaðir, East Iceland
A small, quiet hotel near Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, set in open countryside.
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Hallormsstaður, East Iceland
In Iceland's largest forest beside Lake Lagarfljót, a short drive from Egilsstaðir.
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Egilsstaðir, East Iceland
A central hotel in Egilsstaðir, the main town in East Iceland.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
East Iceland
Petra's Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður is one of the most distinctive attractions on Iceland's Ring Road: a private home and garden filled with hundreds of thousands of rocks, minerals, and geological specimens collected from the East Iceland countryside by Ljósbjörg Petra María Sveinsdóttir over more than six decades. Petra began collecting stones as a child in 1946 and opened her home to visitors in 1974. She passed away in 2012, and the collection is now maintained by her family.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
East Iceland
Fáskrúðsfjörður is a village of around 700 people in the heart of Iceland's East Fjords, widely known as the French Town of Iceland. From 1880 until 1935 it served as the main operational base for French cod fishermen, primarily from Brittany and Normandy, who came annually to fish Icelandic waters. The legacy is visible throughout the village: street signs are posted in both Icelandic and French, 49 French and Belgian sailors are buried in a graveyard just outside town, and the centerpiece of the village is a beautifully restored 1903 French hospital that now houses a hotel and the French Museum.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
East Iceland
Seyðisfjörður is a small town of around 700 people at the innermost point of a steep-sided fjord in East Iceland, reached by the winding mountain pass road over Fjarðarheiði from Egilsstaðir. It is unlike almost anywhere else in Iceland: a compact, architecturally distinctive town with Norwegian-influenced timber buildings in multiple colors, a rainbow-painted street leading to the blue Bláa Kirkjan church, and a cultural scene built around artist residencies, the annual LungA art festival, and weekly summer concerts. It is also Iceland's only port with a direct ferry connection to mainland Europe, via the Norræna ferry service from Denmark and the Faroe Islands.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
East Iceland
Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland, with a population of around 2,500 people, and serves as the main service, transport, and administrative hub for the entire region. It sits on the banks of the Lagarfljót river in the Fljótsdalshérað valley, directly on the Ring Road, and has its own domestic airport with connections to Reykjavík. Founded only in 1947, it is one of Iceland's newer towns, but its central location makes it the natural base for exploring the Eastfjords, Hallormsstaður forest, Hengifoss waterfall, and Lake Lagarfljót, whose resident serpent Lagarfljótsormur has been Iceland's answer to the Loch Ness Monster since the 14th century.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
East Iceland
Lagarfljót is a glacial lake in the Fljótsdalur valley of East Iceland, 25 kilometers long and up to 112 meters deep. It is fed by meltwater from Vatnajökull, giving it a characteristic gray-green color. The lake is best known as the legendary home of the Lagarfljótsormur, a many-humped serpent-like creature that has been reported in Icelandic records since 1345, earning it the nickname Iceland's Loch Ness monster. The lake sits beside Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland.
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. 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.
The Mývatn Nature Baths offer a wonderful way to relax after a day of exploration if you're interested.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Lake Mývatn, North Iceland
Near Lake Mývatn in North Iceland, a base for exploring the lake, the Mývatn Nature Baths and the geothermal areas nearby.
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Húsavík, North Iceland
In the centre of Húsavík, Iceland's whale watching town, used for two consecutive nights while exploring Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss and the Ásbyrgi canyons.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, dropping 44 meters over a 100-meter wide basalt lip on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river in northeast Iceland, within Vatnajökull National Park. Its average discharge of 193 cubic meters of water per second creates a roar that can be heard from several kilometers away and a vibration that can be felt through the rock beneath your feet when you stand at the edge. The water is gray-brown with glacial sediment from Vatnajökull, giving the falls a raw, almost industrial character quite unlike the clear-water cascades of Iceland's south. Dettifoss was the opening location of Ridley Scott's 2012 science fiction film Prometheus, chosen for its alien and primordial appearance. It is accessible from both banks of the river and free to enter.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon in northeast Iceland, about 3.5 kilometers long with cliff walls rising to 100 meters. Its sheltered floor is carpeted in birch and willow woodland, which is a genuinely rare sight in Iceland, and Norse mythology holds that the canyon was formed by the hoofprint of Sleipnir, Odin's eight-legged horse.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Lake Mývatn is a shallow volcanic lake in northeast Iceland, about an hour east of Akureyri on the Ring Road, covering 37 square kilometers with an average depth of just 2.5 meters. Its name means Midge Lake, a reference to the vast swarms of non-biting midges that hatch from the lake each summer and form the base of an extraordinarily rich food chain. The lake supports more species of breeding ducks than anywhere else in the world, with 13 species confirmed including the Barrow's goldeneye, tufted duck, harlequin duck, wigeon, and scaup. The surrounding landscape is one of the most geologically varied in Iceland, combining pseudocraters, lava formations, geothermal mud pools, active volcanic craters, and a geothermal bathing facility within a short circuit of the lake. Mývatn is a central stop on the Diamond Circle scenic route and one of the most visited natural areas in North Iceland.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
The Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters on the southern shore of Lake Myvatn are Iceland's largest and best-preserved pseudocrater field, with over 50 individual formations scattered across the wetlands. Unlike true volcanic craters, they were created 2,300 years ago when molten lava flowed over waterlogged ground, trapping steam that blasted through the surface in a series of explosions. The result is a surreal landscape of grass-covered bowl-shaped mounds that look volcanic but have no connection to any magma source below.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Námafjall is a geothermal mountain east of Lake Myvatn in North Iceland, and Hverir is the active geothermal field at its base, also known as Hverarönd. The site features boiling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and slopes stained yellow, orange, and red by mineral deposits, all driven by the Krafla volcanic system whose magma chamber sits just 3 to 5 kilometers underground. It is one of the most visually intense and accessible geothermal areas in Iceland, sitting directly off Route 1.
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. The Forest Lagoon offers an idyllic geothermal experience surrounded by birch forest and mountain views if you're interested.
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.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Akureyri, North Iceland
A historic hotel in the center of Akureyri, steps from Akureyrarkirkja and the town's shops and restaurants.
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Akureyri, North Iceland
In Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, used for two nights while exploring Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Dimmuborgir, meaning "dark castles" in Icelandic, is a sprawling field of ancient lava formations near Lake Myvatn in North Iceland. Towers, caves, arches, and jagged pillars of solidified lava create a landscape that feels genuinely unlike anything else in the country, with well-marked walking trails threading through the formations in every direction.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Goðafoss, meaning Waterfall of the Gods, is one of North Iceland's most celebrated waterfalls, sitting directly off the Ring Road about 50 kilometers east of Akureyri on the Skjálfandafljót river. It is 12 meters high and 30 meters wide, split into two horseshoe-shaped cascades by an island called Hrútey in the river above. The name comes from an event in the year 1000 AD when Iceland's Lawspeaker, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, decided that Iceland would convert from paganism to Christianity rather than risk a civil war between the two faiths. On returning home from the Althing, he is said to have thrown his statues of the Norse gods into this waterfall, symbolically marking the end of Iceland's pagan era. The waterfall is free to visit, accessible from both banks of the river, and open year-round.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Akureyri is Iceland's second-largest town and the undisputed capital of North Iceland, with a population of around 20,000 people sitting at the innermost point of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, about 100 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. Despite its modest size, it functions as a fully equipped city with a university, hospital, airport with domestic and international connections, a botanical garden that is one of the northernmost in the world, a ski resort on the mountain directly above the town, a geothermal spa, and a thriving restaurant and café scene. The town is perhaps best known internationally for its heart-shaped traffic lights, changed from the usual round shape during an economic downturn in 2008 as a gesture of optimism and never changed back. It serves as the natural base for exploring the Diamond Circle route, which connects Mývatn, Goðafoss, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, and Húsavík.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Akureyrarkirkja is the Lutheran church that defines the Akureyri skyline, sitting on a hill above the town with twin spires visible from across the Eyjafjördur fjord. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, Iceland's first state architect and the designer of Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik, it was consecrated in 1940 and remains the most visited church in North Iceland. Entry is free.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
The Akureyri Botanical Garden, known in Icelandic as Lystigarðurinn, is one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens, sitting just 50 kilometers from the Arctic Circle. It covers 3.6 hectares on a hillside above Akureyri, with views across Eyjafjördur fjord, and is home to over 7,000 plant species including around 430 native Icelandic flora. Entry is free throughout the summer season.
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. Stop at Glaumbær, an excellent turf farm museum with beautifully preserved traditional buildings that show how Icelanders lived for centuries. Continue your journey west through varied landscapes of farmland and mountains. As you approach the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you'll reach the charming coastal town of Stykkishólmur with its colorful houses and picturesque harbor. Your driver-guide will show you Kirkjufell mountain, one of Iceland's most photographed peaks thanks to its distinctive cone shape rising dramatically from the landscape.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Stykkishólmur, Snæfellsnes
Above the harbour town of Stykkishólmur on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with views over Breiðafjörður bay.
HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Stykkishólmur, Snæfellsnes
A small hotel in a historic house in the harbour town of Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Arnarstapi, Snæfellsnes
On the southern shore of the Snæfellsnes peninsula beneath Snæfellsjökull, a short walk from the coastal rock formations at Arnarstapi and Hellnar.
HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Búðir, Snæfellsnes
A countryside hotel beside the black church at Búðir on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, surrounded by lava fields and coastline.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Snæfellsjökull is a glacier-capped stratovolcano at the westernmost tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, rising 1,446 meters above sea level. On clear days it is visible across Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík, 120 kilometers to the southeast. The volcano is around 700,000 years old and last erupted approximately 1,800 years ago; it is considered dormant but active. A glacier covers the summit crater to a depth of around 200 meters. Jules Verne chose Snæfellsjökull as the entrance to the Earth's interior in his 1864 novel Journey to the Center of the Earth, following research into Icelandic geology. The mountain has inspired a significant body of literature since, including Halldór Laxness's novel Under the Glacier, written at the site and named after it. The glacier has retreated by roughly 15 percent since the Little Ice Age and may disappear within decades without significant climate intervention.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Kirkjufell is a 463-meter freestanding mountain on the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, widely regarded as the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Its distinctive pointed silhouette, shaped by millions of years of glacial erosion, makes it immediately recognizable, and the small triple-tiered Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall sitting at its base creates one of the most iconic compositions in the country.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Búðakirkja, the Black Church of Búðir, is a small black timber church standing alone on the edge of the Búðahraun lava field on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with the Snæfellsjökull glacier visible behind it on clear days. It is one of the most photographed churches in Iceland and a popular wedding venue. Originally built in 1703 by the merchant Bendt Lauridsen, it fell into disrepair when the trading settlement of Búðir declined, was deconsecrated in 1816, and lay abandoned until a local merchant's widow, Steinunn Sveinsdóttir, campaigned persistently for its reconstruction against opposition from the national church authorities. The rebuilt church was completed in 1848. The door ring bears the inscription: "The church was rebuilt in 1848, with no support from the spiritual leaders." Steinunn is buried in the churchyard beside it.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Arnarstapi, also known locally as Stapi, is a small fishing village on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, once one of the most important trading and fishing ports on the peninsula and now a quiet base for exploring the surrounding coastal landscape. The village is best known for its dramatic basalt sea cliffs, sea stacks, blowholes, and the Gatklettur stone arch, all accessible on a short clifftop walk from the harbor. At the village entrance stands a large stone statue of Bárður Snæfellsás, a figure from the Saga of Bárðar Snæfellsáss described as the half-human, half-troll guardian of Snæfellsnes, who according to legend retreated into the Snæfellsjökull glacier and continues to watch over the peninsula. A 2.5-kilometer coastal path connects Arnarstapi to the neighboring village of Hellnar, passing sea arches, nesting seabirds, and lava formations.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
West Iceland
Grábrok is a well-preserved volcanic crater in the Borgarfjördur region of West Iceland, sitting just off the Ring Road about two hours north of Reykjavik. A wooden staircase and short trail lead to the rim in around 30 minutes, where the views over the surrounding moss-covered lava fields and the Bifröst valley are genuinely impressive for very little effort.
Experience the unique landscapes of Snæfellsjökull National Park with your driver-guide as you explore the southern coast of the peninsula. Visit 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 charming coastal hamlet of Arnarstapi with its natural rock arch and bird cliffs. You might also visit Hellnar with its scenic coastal formations and the iconic black church of Búðakirkja set against a lava field backdrop.
After exploring Snæfellsnes, continue back toward Reykjavík. Along the way in West Iceland, you'll see 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.
At the end of the day, you'll arrive back in Reykjavík where you'll say goodbye to your driver-guide who has been with you for the past eight days of exploration.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Reykjavik city centre
A short walk from the centre of Reykjavik. Our Classic option in the city: simpler rooms than Saga, same easy access on foot.
HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Reykjavik city centre
Central Reykjavik, walking distance to Laugavegur and the harbour. Our usual Superior choice in the city when guests want to be able to leave the hotel and be somewhere on foot.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Lóndrangar are two towering basalt sea stacks on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, rising 75 and 61 meters respectively from the Atlantic and surrounded by a moss-covered lava field. They are the eroded remnants of an ancient volcanic crater, the softer rock long since eaten away by the sea to leave only the hard basalt cores standing. Their fortress-like silhouette has earned them the nickname the Rocky Castles, and the Landnámabók, the Book of Settlements, records a troll sitting on the larger stack as a local farmer passed by during the Viking age, suggesting these formations have held a hold on the imagination here for over a thousand years. They sit within Snæfellsjökull National Park and are free to visit.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Djúpalónssandur is a black pebble beach on the southwestern tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, within Snæfellsjökull National Park, framed by jagged lava formations with the glacier rising behind. The name means Deep Lagoon Sand. The beach was once a working fishing harbor and at its peak accommodated around 60 boats. Four large lifting stones, known as the Aflraunasteinar, remain on the beach from this era: Amlóði the Bungler at 23 kilograms, Hálfdrættingur the Weakling at 54 kilograms, Hálfsterkur Half-Strength at 100 kilograms, and Fullsterkur Full-Strength at 154 kilograms. Prospective crew members had to lift at least the Hálfdrættingur to be considered for a fishing boat. The rusted iron remains of the British trawler Epine GY7, wrecked here on March 13, 1948 with fourteen fatalities and five survivors, are scattered across the beach as a protected monument. The black pebbles themselves are also protected and removing them is prohibited.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
West Iceland
Hraunfossar, meaning Lava Falls, is one of Iceland's most unusual waterfalls: not a single drop but a 900-meter stretch of small springs that emerge directly from beneath the edge of the Hallmundarhraun lava field and trickle into the turquoise Hvítá River below. The water originates from the Langjökull glacier, filtering through the porous lava rock before appearing at the surface. A short walk upstream leads to Barnafoss, a dramatically different waterfall where the same river forces through a narrow rocky gorge.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
West Iceland
Deildartunguhver is Europe's most powerful hot spring, pumping 180 liters of water per second at a constant temperature of 97 degrees Celsius from deep underground in the Borgarfjördur valley of West Iceland. You cannot bathe in it, but the viewing walkways bring you remarkably close to one of the most viscerally powerful natural features in the country.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
West Iceland
The Settlement Center in Borgarnes is a museum dedicated to Iceland's Viking-age history, housed in two of the oldest buildings in the town. It contains two audio-guided exhibitions: one on the Age of Settlement covering the first 60 years of Icelandic history from the 870s to the founding of the Alþing parliament in 930 AD, and one on Egil's Saga, telling the story of the legendary Viking poet and warrior Egill Skallagrímsson whose father was among Iceland's earliest settlers.
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!
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjanes
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most visited tourist attraction and one of the most recognizable geothermal spas in the world, set in a black lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula about 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Its milky-blue color comes from silica dissolved in the geothermal water, which precipitates to the surface as the water cools and scatters light in the blue wavelengths. The water is maintained at 37 to 39 degrees Celsius year-round and is rich in silica, sulfur, and algae. The lagoon was not designed. It formed accidentally in 1976 when wastewater from the adjacent Svartsengi geothermal power plant began flooding a nearby lava field. A power plant employee with psoriasis bathed in it and found it relieved his condition; word spread, and by 1987 the site had been developed for public bathing. The formal spa facilities opened in 1999.
Let your personal travel consultant know what other activities catch your eye and we’ll add them to your custom-made trip itinerary.
We handpick accommodations to ensure memorable stays for every type of traveler.
Our Superior 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 Superior 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.
Experience a higher level of comfort with our carefully selected Classic 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 Classic 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.
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.
Prepare for your adventure with these essential tips and information for a smooth journey.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
