A 10-day small group tour around Iceland's Ring Road, from the South Coast waterfalls and black sand beaches to Lake Mývatn, the canyons of the north and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Groups of up to 16 guests, with expert local guides and the main experiences included.
Price from 4517 EUR per person
Want something different? Ask your Travel Consultant about a private option.
Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, you'll be greeted by your driver who will take you to your hotel in the city center of Reykjavík. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant capital city with its abundance of museums, restaurants, and bars to suit all tastes. If you're interested in checking out Icelandic design or experiencing the city's thriving coffee culture, head to the main street, Laugavegur, and enjoy its various shops and cozy cafes. Visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church, stroll along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture, or explore one of the many excellent museums. In the evening, try one of Reykjavík's many restaurants offering everything from traditional Icelandic cuisine to innovative New Nordic fare.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Reykjavík
A modern hotel on Þórunnartún, a short walk from Laugavegur and the city centre. Your base on the first night, close enough to explore Reykjavík on foot after you arrive.
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
Laugavegur is the main street of central Reykjavik and the busiest in Iceland, running through the historic heart of the city from Hlemmur square to Lækjartorg. It is lined with Icelandic design shops, wool boutiques, restaurants, cafés, galleries, and bars, and forms the spine of Reykjavik's nightlife. The lower section is pedestrianized. The name translates as Wash Road, a reference to the route women once walked to reach the hot springs of Laugardalur with their laundry.
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
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.
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.
This morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel to start your adventure around the country. First, you'll head to Þingvellir, a national park listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its geological significance and its role as the birthplace of Icelandic democracy. Walk through the dramatic Almannagjá rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart. Next, you'll visit the great Geysir geothermal area with its spouting geysers and colorful hot springs. Watch as the reliable Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. Then you'll continue to Gullfoss, the "Golden Waterfall," where you can witness powerful cascades tumbling down an impressive multi-tiered canyon in one of nature's most dramatic displays. After a scenic drive, you'll make a special stop at Friðheimar farm. Here you'll taste geothermally grown tomatoes fresh from one of their innovative greenhouses and enjoy their famous homemade tomato soup. You'll also meet beautiful Icelandic horses, renowned for their diversity of gaits, strength, and friendly spirit. The day ends with dinner at your accommodation.
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.
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
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
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
Friðheimar is a family-run farm near Reykholt on the Golden Circle in South Iceland, best known for its geothermal greenhouse operation that grows fresh tomatoes year-round using hot water from a borehole 200 meters from the greenhouses, where the water emerges at 95 degrees Celsius. The farm produces over a metric ton of tomatoes per day and uses around 600 bumblebees for natural pollination. Visitors can tour the greenhouse and dine in the restaurant set inside the growing environment, eating tomato soup with freshly baked bread while surrounded by ripening vines. The farm also breeds Icelandic horses and offers demonstrations of the five gaits unique to the breed. Friðheimar was founded by Knútur and Helena in 1995 and has expanded from a working farm into one of the most visited stops on any Golden Circle itinerary.
This morning you and your fellow travelers will learn about Iceland's unique geology at the Lava Centre, an interactive exhibition that brings Iceland's volcanic activity, frequent earthquakes, and geological evolution over millions of years to life through cutting-edge displays and immersive experiences. The next leg of the tour takes you along the dramatic South Coast, traveling below the majestic Eyjafjallajökull volcano. You'll stop at the fairytale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk right behind the misty cascade on a unique footpath, and the gorgeous Skógafoss, a 60-meter-high waterfall that creates powerful spray and often produces beautiful rainbows. At Skógar, the group will also have the chance to visit the charming Skógar Museum, a cultural heritage collection including traditional turf houses that show how Icelanders lived for centuries. Further ahead at the village of Vík, you'll walk along the volcanic black sand beach south of the village. From here you can view the haunting rock formations of Dyrhólaey and the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks rising dramatically from the ocean. Your last stop is your accommodation in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area, where you'll enjoy dinner with the group.
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.
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
Skógar Museum (Skógasafn) is one of Iceland's most celebrated regional museums, sitting directly beside Skógafoss waterfall on the South Coast. It holds over 18,000 artifacts spread across three sections: a folk museum, an open-air village of reconstructed turf houses and historical buildings, and a technical museum covering transport and communication. The collection was built over decades by local historian Þórður Tómasson, who founded the museum in 1949 and curated it until his passing in 2022 at the age of 100.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Reynisfjara is Iceland's most famous black sand beach, sitting on the South Coast just west of the village of Vík í Mýrdal, about 180 kilometers from Reykjavik. The beach is framed by a wall of hexagonal basalt columns and the three offshore Reynisdrangar sea stacks, which folklore says are trolls turned to stone by the rising sun. It is regularly cited as one of the most dramatic non-tropical beaches in the world, and is equally well known for its powerful and unpredictable sneaker waves, which can surge far up the beach without warning.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Vík í Mýrdal is Iceland's southernmost village, sitting on the South Coast about 180 kilometers from Reykjavik. With a population of around 300, it is a small but well-serviced settlement, the main overnight stop on the South Coast route between Reykjavik and Jökulsárlón. Reynisfjara black sand beach and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks are 10 minutes west; the Mýrdalsjökull glacier covering Katla volcano dominates the landscape to the north. The hilltop Víkurkirkja church, with its distinctive red roof, is the most photographed building in the village and sits high enough to serve as a designated evacuation point if Katla erupts.
Today's drive takes you to some of Iceland's most photogenic attractions, including the beautiful Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, named for Iceland's largest glacier. This stunning area is surrounded by glacial tongues, dramatic mountain peaks, and offers some of Iceland's most spectacular scenery. You'll have time to explore and take in the magnificent views. Next, your journey continues to the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where the group will sail among floating icebergs on a guided amphibian boat tour. Drift between ancient ice sculptures in shades of brilliant blue and milky white while learning about glacial geology. Nearby, you'll also visit Diamond Beach where large chunks of ice have washed up on the black sand shore after being polished smooth by the ocean waves, creating a stunning contrast. After this icy experience, the group will stop for some homemade ice cream, a beloved Icelandic treat, before driving along the majestic East Fjords with their dramatic landscapes and tranquil fishing villages on your way to your accommodation. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Breiðdalsvík, East Iceland
A small hotel in the fishing village of Breiðdalsvík, the overnight stop after Jökulsárlón on the drive north through the East Fjords.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier by volume, covering around 8,100 square kilometers and roughly 8% of Iceland's total land area. Beneath its ice lie several active volcanoes, over 30 outlet glaciers flow from its edges, and the vast Vatnajökull National Park that surrounds it is the second largest national park in Europe.
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.
After breakfast, you'll head toward Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland. With the Lagarfljót river and Iceland's largest forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur, right nearby, it's a nature lover's paradise and offers a different perspective on Icelandic landscapes. Next, you'll discover the natural beauty of Lake Mývatn and its remarkable lunar landscapes. This geologically active area offers some of Iceland's most unusual and photogenic scenery. You'll find bubbling thermal pools at the Námaskarð Pass with its colorful mineral deposits and steaming fumaroles, the dramatic lava formations at Dimmuborgir creating what locals call the "Dark Castles," and the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters nearby. This is truly a paradise for geology enthusiasts. You'll also visit the roaring Dettifoss waterfall, Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume. Marvel at the thundering column of glacial water plunging into the gorge below in a spectacular display of nature's raw power. Tonight, you'll be at your leisure in Húsavík, and your delicious dinner is included at a local restaurant, so you can wander the charming whale-watching capital without worrying about finding somewhere to eat.
Suggested hotels, or similar
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Today begins with a journey to Jökulsárgljúfur area, home to monumental canyons carved by glacial floods. You'll explore the quiet sanctuary of Ásbyrgi canyon, a horseshoe-shaped canyon with lush vegetation and towering cliffs. According to Norse legends, this dramatic canyon was formed by the footprint of Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. The canyon's unique shape and sheltered microclimate create an almost magical atmosphere. After you've explored these remarkable geological formations and captured plenty of photos, you'll journey to the seaside village of Húsavík. With impressive views of the Kinnarfjöll mountains across the bay, it's a remarkable place known as Iceland's whale-watching capital. You'll spend this evening at your leisure, so make sure to explore the charming town center and enjoy dinner at one of the excellent local restaurants.
Suggested hotels, or similar
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
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
Jökulsárgljúfur, meaning Canyon of the Glacial River, is a 25-kilometer gorge in northeast Iceland carved by the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum and shaped by catastrophic glacial outburst floods over thousands of years. It forms the northern section of Vatnajökull National Park. The canyon is up to 100 meters deep and 500 meters wide and contains three major waterfalls: Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe by water volume; Selfoss just upstream; and Hafragilsfoss downstream. At the northern end of the canyon lies Ásbyrgi, an enormous horseshoe-shaped depression whose sheer walls rise 100 meters and whose floor holds a birch forest and a pond. Norse legend holds it was formed when Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipnir touched the earth. The geological explanation is equally dramatic: a single catastrophic glacial flood carved it in a matter of days.
The first highlight of today's journey is Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods," one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Iceland. This historically significant waterfall is where, according to legend, Iceland's lawspeaker threw his pagan idols when the country officially converted to Christianity in the year 1000. Your guide will then drive to the charming town of Akureyri, often called the "Capital of North Iceland." Here you'll have leisure time to stroll in the heart of the city center, grab lunch at one of the many cafes, and explore some of the town's highlights like the botanical gardens, local museums, or the distinctive Akureyrarkirkja church. Next, you'll journey around Tröllaskagi, the "Peninsula of the Trolls," where you can enjoy fantastic views of beautiful mountains, dramatic cliffs, and deep fjords. The group will make a stop in the scenic town of Siglufjörður, which was once the bustling center of Iceland's herring industry. Here, you'll visit the award-winning Herring Era Museum and taste some local treats. Your journey continues to the tranquil farmlands of Skagafjörður, where you'll enjoy dinner at your accommodation.
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HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Skagafjörður, North Iceland
A country hotel set in the farmlands of Skagafjörður, reached after the Tröllaskagi peninsula and the herring town of Siglufjörður.
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
Siglufjörður is Iceland's northernmost town, squeezed between steep mountains at the head of a fjord on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula in North Iceland, about an hour from Akureyri. It has around 1,200 residents today, but at the height of the herring boom in the 1940s and 1950s the population swelled to over 3,000 and the town was the largest and wealthiest in Iceland, processing more than 20 percent of the country's total exports. The herring collapsed in the late 1960s and the town contracted rapidly, but the legacy survives in the award-winning Herring Era Museum and in the colorful, well-preserved harbor buildings and wooden houses that give Siglufjörður its distinctive character. The town is also the setting for the Dark Iceland crime novel series by Ragnar Jónasson.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
The Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður is Iceland's largest maritime museum, spread across three original harbor buildings from 1907 to the 1950s. Winner of the European Museum Award in 2004. Open June to August daily, admission charged.
Today your guide will take you through Skagafjörður toward the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This is a scenic drive through a beautiful stretch of Iceland where you'll pass sweeping farmlands in the northwest, dotted with grazing Icelandic horses in their natural habitat. You'll see spectacular views of the islands of Breiðafjörður Bay just before reaching the charming town of Stykkishólmur in the early afternoon. This picturesque harbor town features colorful houses and offers stunning coastal views. Here you'll have time to explore on your own before the group heads to your accommodation where dinner awaits. As you continue toward your accommodation on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you'll visit the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum to learn about an unusual Icelandic delicacy: fermented shark meat (hákarl). After discovering its importance to Icelandic food culture and perhaps tasting this unique delicacy, you'll continue to admire Kirkjufell, one of Iceland's most photographed mountains thanks to its distinctive cone shape.
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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.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Stykkishólmur is the largest town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with around 1,100 residents, sitting on a promontory above a natural harbor on the northern coast of the peninsula overlooking Breiðafjörður bay. Often called the capital of Snæfellsnes, it has been a trading and fishing center since at least the 16th century. The town is notable for its collection of well-preserved 19th-century timber buildings, the most famous of which is Norska Húsið, the Norwegian House, built in 1832 from materials imported from Norway and now a folk museum. Weather observations have been recorded here continuously since 1845, the longest unbroken meteorological record in Iceland. The Baldur ferry departs from the harbor to Flatey Island and Brjánslækur in the Westfjords, making Stykkishólmur the main connection point between Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty used the town as a filming location for scenes set in Greenland.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Bjarnarhöfn is a working family farm on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula that has been producing hákarl, Iceland's famous fermented Greenland shark, for over 400 years. The museum is small, genuinely quirky, and one of the most memorable stops on the peninsula for anyone curious about the stranger corners of Icelandic food culture.
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.
The whole day is dedicated to exploring the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature" for its incredible diversity of landscapes. You'll start with the charming villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi, where you can admire unique coastal rock formations and take photos of the dramatic sea cliffs with their natural arches and bird colonies. Next, you'll head to Djúpalónssandur on the western tip of the peninsula, a dramatic black pebble beach where you can test your strength with the heavy lifting stones that were once used to measure the fitness of prospective fishermen. Who in your group will be the strongest? The beach is also home to the haunting remains of a shipwreck. After exploring the peninsula's highlights, you'll head back toward the capital, having completed your circle around Iceland. After being dropped off at your hotel for the night, you'll have the rest of the evening at your leisure to explore Reykjavík, perhaps doing some last-minute shopping or visiting any attractions you missed on your first day.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Reykjavík
A large modern hotel on Höfðatorg in central Reykjavík, within walking distance of Laugavegur and the old harbour. Your base on the first and last nights of the tour.
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
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
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
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.
When it's time for your Iceland adventure to end, you'll be picked up from your hotel by shuttle bus for your airport transfer to Keflavík International Airport. If you're flying in the afternoon, you have the option to add a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to your itinerary. This is the ideal way to relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters and reflect on your incredible journey before continuing to the airport for your flight home.
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.
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.
This tour is specifically designed to focus on Iceland's most spectacular natural attractions rather than including extensive cultural or museum visits (though some are included). The itinerary prioritizes time at geological wonders like waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic landscapes, canyons, and unique coastal formations. It's perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers who want to experience Iceland's raw natural beauty with expert guides who can explain the geology and natural history.
The amphibian boat tour at Jökulsárlón operates from approximately May through October, depending on ice conditions. In April, when boats cannot operate safely due to ice, the tour includes a group lunch in the area instead, allowing extra time to explore the lagoon from shore and Diamond Beach. The glacier lagoon is spectacular year-round, with different characteristics in each season.
The itinerary is designed to provide ample time at each location rather than rushing through. Major attractions like Jökulsárlón, Lake Mývatn, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula receive several hours of exploration time. Shorter stops at waterfalls and viewpoints typically allow 30-60 minutes for walking, photography, and taking in the scenery. Your guide will adjust timing based on weather, group interests, and conditions to optimize your experience.
Accommodations are carefully selected comfortable hotels with private bathrooms, located strategically throughout Iceland to minimize driving distances and maximize exploration time. Hotels are typically 3-star standard with continental breakfast included. In remote areas like the Eastfjords and Húsavík, you'll stay in the best available local accommodations that offer comfort and excellent local character.
The Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum offers a unique cultural experience where you'll learn about the traditional Icelandic practice of fermenting Greenland shark meat (hákarl). This ancient preservation method was essential for survival in historical Iceland. You'll have the opportunity to taste this distinctive delicacy if you're adventurous, though it's entirely optional. The museum also provides insight into Iceland's fishing heritage and coastal culture.
This tour isn't recommended for families with young children due to the nature of the activities included. However, it's well-suited for active, well-traveled children ages 12 and older who can handle the physical demands and pace of the itinerary. If you're unsure whether this tour is right for your family, we're happy to discuss it with you and help find the perfect fit.
