YEAR-ROUND TOUR: See the best of Iceland on this 6-day group tour which follows the country's famous Ring Road, starting and ending in Reykjavik. Take in the highlights of the Golden Circle, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Admire the icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, enjoy a whale-watching cruise at Dalvik and visit the northern city of Akureyrui.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
The Golden Circle
Reykjavik - Kirkjubajarklaustur. Our Icelandic adventure begins as we depart Reykjavik - you will be collected from a designated central pick up point at 08:00. Today we visit the most important sites along Iceland's Golden Circle route. Take in Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir Geothermal Area, where the mighty Strokkur erupts every 10 minutes or so. Then it's on to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most majestic waterfalls.
Travelling south, we stop at two other waterfalls - Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Enjoy a walk behind the cascades before we head to Vik, Iceland's southernmost village to see its baclk sand beaches and pretty church. Stop at Reynisfjara for a stroll on the back lava beach here. Then it's on to Kirkjubajarklaustur. Our rural hotel is a great base for spotting the Northern Lights if you are visiting in the winter months from September to April.
Please note that we strongly recommend arriving in Reykjavik the day before your tour starts.
Overnight: Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Skaftafell & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Kirkjubajarklaustur - Hof. Today, our journey will lead us across the Eldhraun lava field. Eldhraun, translating to 'fire lava', was formed by a mighty flow of fire-red glowing magma. Today's activity will depend on when you are travelling. Winter departures will explore an ice cave, whilst summer departures will enjoy a guided glacier hike at Skaftafell, in Vatnajökull National Park.
Then we visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, characterized by icebergs that have calved from the nearby Vatnajokull Glacier and see the famous Diamond Beach, its coal-black sands peppered with the glittering icebergs which have been washed ashore. Arriving in Hof, the dark nights are once again perfect for spotting the Northern Lights in winter.
Overnight: Hof | Breakfast
The Eastern Fjords
Hof - Egilsstadir. Heading away from Iceland's traditional tourist path, we journey along the coastline of the Eastern Fjords to the pretty riverside town of Egilsstadir. On the way, we visit the fishing village of Djupivogur, home to a fine outdoor sculpture, Eggin í Gleðivík (meaning The Eggs of Merry Bay). Our journey continues east, where we hope to spot some reindeer, we will stop to watch them from a safe distance if we do.
Afterward, we will spend the rest of the day in a live history center that offers optional hiking, biking, horse riding activities, exhibitions & hot spring spa. Located halfway between Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and Lake Lagarfljót, the Wilderness Center is an authentic Icelandic experience.
Overnight: Egilsstadir | Breakfast
Godafoss & Akureyri
Egilsstadir - Akureyri. This morning we drive to Studlagil Canyon, one of the world’s most enchanting basalt rock formations before we explore the mystical landscapes around Lake Mývatn, a designated nature reserve with lava fields and volcanic craters. There is the option to soak in the famous geothermal spa Myvatn Nature Baths.
Then we stop at the mud pools of the Namskard Geothermal Area with its steamy puddles, sulfur-scented steam, and moon-like landscapes. Continuing to the Dimmuborgir formations, known as ''Dark Castles'' rumoured to be home to deadly trolls and elves in Icelandic folklore.
Our last stop is at Godafoss waterfall before we arrive at Akureyri in the north of Iceland. The town is home to 17,000 people and boasts panoramic views over the Eyjafjordur fjord. You'll have time to head out and explore independently.
Overnight: Akureyri | Breakfast
Whale Watching
Akureyri - Laugarbakki. Today we hope to get up close to some of the giants of the natural world. Iceland is well known for the diversity of whales and dolphins that inhabit its waters. Our three-hour whale-watching cruise departs from the fishing town of Dalvik, and we hope to see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and perhaps even a blue whale - though the species to spot will depend on the time of year you travel.
After departing from Dalvík, we make our way to the village of Siglufjordur, the northernmost town in Iceland. Few places boast a harbour as stunning as this one. The town features charming, brightly painted corrugated iron houses and well-preserved wooden buildings. In the early 20th century, Siglufjordur became the herring capital, attracting workers from across Iceland to its bustling industry.
As we head toward our accommodation for the night, we pass through Skagafjordur, a picturesque fjord dotted with islands, including Drangey. This island, with its steep sea cliffs, is the remnant of a 700,000-year-old volcano. According to Grettir's Saga, the outlaw Grettir sought refuge on Drangey with his brother Illugi and his slave Glaumur. The island is home to various seabirds, including puffins. We will spend the night at accommodations near Laugarbakki.
Overnight: Laugarbakki | Breakfast
Return to Reykjavik
Laugarbakki - Reykjavik. We make our return journey to Reykjavik today, beginning our day with a short hike up to Grábrók, a volcano crater with fabulous views over the lava field and the whole area on a clear day. There are numerous stops along our route through Borgarfjordur, Iceland's western region. These include the Deildartunguhver hot spring and the legendary Barnafoss waterfall. We also see the Hraunfossar cascade, the low and wide falls where the water emerges straight from the lava field. There's also a stop in picturesque Reykholt before we arrive back in the capital.
We'll arrive in Reykjavik between 17:00 - 18:00 when your tour will come to an end.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Adventure Hotel Geirland, Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Adventure Hotel Geirland is set just outside the quiet village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. All rooms offer tea/coffee facilities and views of the surrounding mountain ridge. Some of Geirland’s cosy rooms are set in individual cottages in the garden. Free Wi-Fi and a TV are available in the main building. Guests can enjoy an onsite restaurant and bar. Lunch packs can be made on request. Skaftafell National Park is 60 minutes’ drive from Adventure Hotel Geirland.
Adventure Hotel Hof, Hof
Adventure Hotel Hof is located in one of the most stunning regions of Iceland with Vatnajokull National Park just a 3 minute drive away and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon a 45 minute drive. Set next to Hof turf church, this hotel offers an on-site restaurant and free WiFi. Guest rooms are brightly decorated and feature a private ensuite bathroom. The on-site restaurant provides delicious meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Wilderness Centre, Egilsstadir
The Wilderness Center is an authentic and peaceful hideaway, located right by the edge of Northern Europe’s biggest wilderness. The accommodation is in delightfully renovated and preserved historic buildings. Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant with meals made from fresh local ingredients and enjoyed in an open kitchen. There are various activities available, such as horse riding and hiking and a hot spring spa to soak those weary muscles at the end of the day.
Berjaya Akureyri Hotel, Akureyri
Formally the Icelandair Hotel Akureyri, the Berjaya Akureyri Hotel is a tastefully decorated hotel with magnificent views of the city. Guest rooms are tastefully decorated with bright and airy rooms and excellent facilities. A delicious array of meals are served at the onsite restaurant - choose form local and international cuisine including Artic Char, Lamb Shank or Wild Goose from Eyjafjordur! The hotel is located just a short drive from the Hlidarfjall ski resort.
Hotel Laugerbakki, Laugarbakki
In Midfjordur, midway between Reykjavik and Akureyri, is Hótel Laugarbakki. Stay close to one of Iceland’s best salmon rivers and the natural hot springs, which heat up the entire community. All guest rooms have private bathrooms, a flat-screen TV and a desk. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. Hótel Laugarbakki also features a restaurant, gym and hot tubs making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the countryside.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 4.5 out of 5 based on 6 recent reviews
I was picked up at Stop 1 by Matalio. He was welcoming, polite and friendly. He did a fantastic job driving for the entire tour. He was helpful and informative and went above and beyond to help.
The tour was spectactular. The views and destinations were all amazing. Was an unforgetable holiday.”
This was a very good trip, with appropriate amounts of time to visit at the stops we made for the beautiful waterfalls, beaches, etc., and also for the comfort stops. Although some tourist may have thought a few of the overnight accommodations were marginal, I thought they were fine. I did not take this trip to see the lodgings/hotels.
Siggy was an exceptionally good guide, and extremely patient, especially given the non-stop questions, dialog and distractions from one young boy who sat directly behind him, the entire trip. Siggy also facilitated the guests getting to know one another better, which made this a very enjoyable and friendly tour.”
Some of the days were very long and it would have been good to do a longer tour with a rest day or multiple night stay. On the second day of the tour the weather was predicted to be very bad, so with our consent the tour leader/driver (Hodei) included many of the day 2 activities in day 1. Lucky we did, as a section of the ring road was closed for about 24hrs. The company was able to organise super jeeps to get us around the volcano through the highlands and carry on the rest of the tour with another vehicle. The itinerary seemed a bit different to the online versions, but was very full, informative and enjoyable. There were plenty of hikes and the only activity we missed was the glacier hike as the road to it was closed. Hodei was a safe driver, full of stories of Iceland and always ready with a smile. He included some surprises that weren't on the itinerary, one of the highlights was a cafe with an all you can eat cake buffet! The standard of hotels was very good, better than expected. In some places the choices for dinner were limited, but were very tasty and generous servings. We found Iceland very expensive, so I understand why only breakfasts were included. Hodei always gave us the chance to buy ready made sandwiches at the petrol stations as an option to a sit down lunch. We felt we were given plenty of time at each site, with the exception of Siglofjordour, which was so beautiful. Some people were disappointed not to be visiting the Herring Museum.”
Great tour, thor was wonderful and very knowledgeable. I would suggest ensuring the tour groups are small to make it easier for participants and driver. And can you maybe work out a few waterfalls and in something else? They were pretty but damn there was a lot.”
I thoroughly enjoyed the 6 day tour around Iceland,however I felt it would be better as a 5 day tour.
Our guide was fantastic and knowledgeable and fitted in extra things for us which I appreciated.
I felt mentally and physically tired after day 5.
I felt the Whale Watching and horse farm visit could be removed as that is not my interest but I can see others may have been interested.
I really feel I got a good flavour and understanding of Iceland. The guide gave us lots of photo opportunities. You do have to be physically fit as there is alot of getting off and on the coach but you do have choice as to what you take part in.”
I would not say he's a tour guide; he's a driver who has lived in Iceland all his life and knows Iceland. He loves fishing and worked in the fishing industry before he worked for Arctic Adventures, which was a few years ago. He named all the waterfalls, glaciers and places we stopped at but didn't give any history or any other information about the plateaus, mountains, ice fields and fjords. He's a pleasant enough person but not a guide with knowledge and history of Iceland to convey tourists. As an older person, he had some issues with short term memory and hearing.”
At a Glance
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I was picked up at Stop 1 by Matalio. He was welcoming, polite and friendly. He did a fantastic job driving for the entire tour. He was helpful and informative and went above and beyond to help.
The tour was spectactular. The views and destinations were all amazing. Was an unforgetable holiday.”
