A 7-day small group tour through South and West Iceland, from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Golden Circle to the South Coast and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Groups of up to 16 guests, with expert local guides and the main experiences included.
Price from 3540 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 this vibrant capital city at your own pace. The main street, Laugavegur, has an abundance of museums, restaurants, and bars, all within a short walking distance. Spend this evening at your leisure, making sure to try one of Reykjavík's many gourmet restaurants for dinner. From traditional Icelandic dishes featuring fresh seafood and lamb to innovative New Nordic cuisine, the capital offers culinary experiences to suit every taste. Wander the colorful streets, visit local boutiques, or simply soak in the unique atmosphere of this northernmost capital city.
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.
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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 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.
This morning, your guide will pick you up to begin your journey through the idyllic Icelandic countryside. You'll start your adventure on the bountiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula, renowned for its natural beauty and incredibly diverse landscape. The highlight of the day is undoubtedly Snæfellsjökull glacier, a mysterious ice-capped volcano that sits at the tip of the peninsula and is believed by many to be one of Earth's seven major energy centers. Traveling along the peninsula, you'll get to admire spectacular coastal scenery with stunning sights such as Djúpalónssandur, a dramatic black pebble beach, the towering Lóndrangar basalt cliffs rising from the sea, and the picturesque fishing hamlet of Hellnar with its charming harbor and coastal rock formations. The small village of Arnarstapi offers additional scenic beauty with its natural rock arch and bird cliffs. You'll continue past the region's most famous sight, Kirkjufell mountain, which rises dramatically from the landscape and is one of Iceland's most photographed mountains. After a full day of exploration, you'll enjoy dinner at your accommodation.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Borgarnes, West Iceland
Just outside Borgarnes in West Iceland, the overnight stop after a day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
You have a full day to visit the Golden Circle region, a popular route dotted with some of the best-known natural sites in Iceland. First, get ready for a visit to Þingvellir National Park, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites for being historically significant in the founding of Icelandic democracy and a place of immense natural beauty. Walk through the dramatic Almannagjá rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. Next up is the picture-perfect, two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, where you'll witness the powerful Hvítá River plunging into a dramatic canyon in a spectacular display of nature's force. The roaring cascade creates mist and often produces beautiful rainbows on sunny days. Then you'll explore the great Geysir geothermal area with its bubbling mud pots and the reliable Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air. After a scenic drive, the group will make a special stop at Friðheimar farm, an innovative greenhouse operation where you'll get to taste geothermally grown tomatoes fresh from the greenhouse as well as their delicious tomato soup. You'll also meet beautiful Icelandic horses, famous for their strength, friendly spirit, and unique five gaits. Learn about sustainable agriculture and the creative use of geothermal energy in Iceland. Overnight: Hótel Selfoss or similar
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Selfoss, South Iceland
In the town of Selfoss on the Ölfusá river, 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.
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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
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.
Today you'll see some of the best-known attractions in South Iceland. The first stop of the journey is at the interactive Lava Centre exhibition, where cutting-edge technology brings Iceland's volcanic and seismic activity to life. Learn about the powerful geological forces that shaped and continue to shape this dynamic island. You'll then continue to the fairy tale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the only one of its kind in Iceland where you can walk behind the cascade on a unique footpath. Feel the power of the falling water and experience this natural wonder from a perspective few waterfalls in the world can offer. From there, you'll continue past the beautiful Eyjafjöll mountain range, dominated by the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Later, you'll explore the volcanic black sand beaches near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. You'll have time to admire the spectacular Dyrhólaey rock arch, the jagged bird cliffs that serve as nesting sites for puffins in summer, and sweeping views over the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks jutting dramatically from the ocean. According to legend, these distinctive rock formations are trolls who were caught by the sunrise and turned to stone. A local dinner awaits at your accommodation tonight.
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
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
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.
Today's drive will take you to some of Iceland's most photogenic attractions, starting with a visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here you'll enjoy a guided amphibian boat tour among the floating icebergs, getting up close to ancient ice sculptures in shades of brilliant blue and milky white. Your guide will share fascinating information about glacial geology and the lagoon's formation as you drift between these natural ice sculptures. Next to the glacier lagoon, you'll visit the famous Diamond Beach, where chunks of sparkling ice from the lagoon wash up on the black volcanic sand shore. Walk between these glistening ice pieces that dot the beach like scattered diamonds, polished smooth by the ocean waves and creating stunning contrasts against the dark sand. Next, the group will continue to the beautiful Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, named for Iceland's largest glacier. This area is surrounded by glacial tongues, dramatic mountain peaks, and offers some of Iceland's most spectacular hiking trails. When you reach your accommodation for the night, dinner will be served for 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
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.
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.
Traveling back toward Reykjavík via the scenic South Shore, your guide will follow the beautiful coastline so you can spot magnificent glaciers along the way. The first stop of the day is at the breathtaking Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, a picturesque site close to Kirkjubæjarklaustur. This dramatic canyon features steep walls and a winding river at its base, creating a landscape that seems almost otherworldly. Then you'll follow the massive Eyjafjallajökull glacier on your way to the well-known Skógar Museum, where you can learn about Iceland's rich cultural heritage through fascinating exhibits of traditional turf houses, artifacts, and displays about life in Iceland through the centuries. Close to the museum, you'll also get the chance to explore the magnificent Skógafoss, a 60-meter-high waterfall that creates powerful spray and often produces beautiful rainbows. The group will then continue toward Reykjavík, passing through the charming geothermal village of Hveragerði, known for its hot springs and greenhouses, and across the Hellisheiði mountain plateau with its amazing moss-covered lava formations that create an almost alien landscape.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
As your getaway to Iceland comes to an end, you'll depart for Keflavík International Airport via a semi-private transfer, shared with fellow travelers. This gives you one last chance to take in Iceland's dramatic landscapes as you travel across the Reykjanes Peninsula toward the airport. If you're flying in the afternoon, you have the option to add a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, where you can relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters before continuing to the airport. This is the perfect way to conclude your Icelandic adventure, soaking in the soothing geothermal waters while reflecting on the incredible landscapes and experiences of the past week.
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.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called "Iceland in Miniature" because it features an incredible diversity of landscapes in a relatively compact area. In a single day, you'll see glacier-capped volcanoes, dramatic coastal cliffs, black sand beaches, lava fields, fishing villages, and one of Iceland's most iconic mountains. The peninsula offers a complete Iceland experience and is less crowded than some of the more famous routes like the Golden Circle.
At Friðheimar, you'll tour the innovative geothermal greenhouses where tomatoes are grown year-round using sustainable geothermal energy. You'll taste fresh tomatoes directly from the greenhouse and enjoy their famous homemade tomato soup. The visit also includes meeting the farm's Icelandic horses, where you'll learn about this unique breed known for their five gaits, friendly temperament, and important place in Icelandic culture and history.
You'll have several hours at Jökulsárlón to fully experience this stunning location. The guided amphibian boat tour typically lasts 30-40 minutes, giving you time to drift among the icebergs while your guide explains the glacial geology and formation of the lagoon. After the boat tour, you'll have time to walk along Diamond Beach and take photos before continuing your journey. This is one of the highlights of the tour, so adequate time is built into the schedule.
This is a small group tour designed to provide a more intimate and personalized experience. Small groups allow for better interaction with your guide, more flexibility in the itinerary, easier access to attractions, and the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers who share your interest in Iceland's natural wonders. The exact group size may vary, but small group tours typically accommodate fewer than 16 participants.
This tour operates from May through September, showcasing Iceland's landscapes during the warmer months. Early season (May-June) offers longer daylight hours, blooming wildflowers, and fewer crowds, while still maintaining cooler temperatures. Midsummer (July-August) provides the longest days with nearly 24 hours of daylight, milder weather, and vibrant green landscapes. Late season (September) brings the possibility of seeing the northern lights as darkness returns, along with beautiful autumn colors and fewer tourists. The tour itinerary takes advantage of summer road accessibility and extended daylight for comprehensive sightseeing.
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.
