Icelandic Grand Tour
New
Begin in Reykjavik and end back in the capital on this 12 day tour – a sweeping loop of Iceland’s west, north and south. You’ll explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s black church, sea arches and photogenic Kirkjufell, soak in a seaside hot spring, and roam the wild Westfjords with Rauðisandur’s sands and the thundering Dynjandi. Expect whale watching near Hauganes, cosy Akureyri, and drama around Mývatn, Dettifoss and Goðafoss, plus stories of Vikings and witchcraft along the way. Drift past the Eastfjords to the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, add a zipline and glacier hike, tackle a rugged 4x4 day in Þorsmörk, then wrap up on the Golden Circle.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
12 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
ReykjavikEnds
AkureyriMinimum Age
6 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Iceland that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guide.Country
IcelandTour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guide.Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
Reykjavík
Stykkishólmur
Flókalundur
Ísafjörður
Hólmavík
Akureyri
Fáskrúðsfjörður
Höfn
Hella
Bláskógabyggð
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Reykjavik
Arrive in Reykjavik and the rest of the day is yours to explore. You can choose from four optional experiences - the Viking Photo Experience, Sky Lagoon, Old Icelandic Books, or the iconic Blue Lagoon. Overnight at Berjaya Hotel Marina - or similar.
Day 2 - Snaefellsnes Peninsula
You leave Reykjavik for the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, travelling towards Stykkisholmur. Along the way, visit the black church at Buðakirkja, call into the fishing village of Arnarstapi, and admire the famous Kirkjufell. You continue to Stykkisholmur for the night - overnight at FH Stykkisholmur or similar.
Day 3 - Erik The Red & Hot Springs
Follow the coastline of Breiðafjörður and visit Erik the Red's Viking House, gaining insight into the Norse explorer linked with Greenland. In the afternoon, you can unwind at Hellulaug, a natural hot spring by the beach - a relaxed way to end the day. Overnight at Flokalundur Hotel (or similar).
Day 4 - Journey Through The Westfjords
Today you journey through the Westfjords - from the golden sands of Rauðisandur to the mighty Dynjandi waterfall. Visit the Ósvör Maritime Museum, then continue to Ísafjörður to explore the town. Overnight at Hotel Ísafjörður (or similar).
Day 5 - Head to Holmavik
Today you will travel deeper into the Westfjords, following the shoreline of Ísafjarðardjup and taking in the scenic views. In Holmavik, you visit the Witchcraft Museum, then settle in for the night at Finna Hotel in Holmavik - or similar.
Day 6 - North to Akureyri
Journey into North Iceland, following the shores of Hrutafjörður before visiting the striking Hvitserkur rock formation. Later, stop at Reykjafoss in Varmahlið, then continue to Akureyri for the evening - overnight at Berjaya Hotel Akureyri (or similar).
Day 7 - Whale Watching, Godafoss & Lake Myvatn
Today begins with a whale watching excursion from Hauganes. Back in Akureyri, you can take some time to explore the city before continuing east to visit Goðafoss waterfall. You end the day in the Mývatn area - overnight at Berjaya Hotel Mývatn (or similar).
Day 8 - Faskrudsfjordur - Isafjordur - Holmavík - Akureyri
You spend the morning exploring the highlights around Mývatn, then continue east to visit two of Iceland's standout waterfalls - Dettifoss and Hengifoss. In the afternoon, travel to Faskruðsfjörður to visit the Musee Francais de Faskruðsfjörður, which tells the story of the French fishing community once based in the Eastfjords. Overnight at FH Faskruðsfjörður (or similar).
Day 9 - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Journey through the scenic Eastfjords to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to view drifting icebergs, then visit Diamond Beach, where ice from the lagoon rests on black sand. You then continue afterwards to your accommodation for an overnight stay in the South East.
Day 10 - Heading to Hella
Begin today with a zipline ride, then step onto the ice for a glacier hike. In the afternoon, you travel along the South Coast to explore its natural highlights. Overnight at LandHotel (or similar) in Hella.
Day 11 - 4X4 Thorsmork Adventure
Today you venture into Þorsmörk on a 4x4 adventure, exploring its rugged terrain and remote valleys. You follow rough tracks to striking viewpoints and pause for photographs as conditions allow - a memorable way to take in the area's dramatic landscapes. You return to Hella for the night.
Day 12 - Golden Circle & Reykjavik
You round off the journey on the classic Golden Circle, taking in Gullfoss - one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls - the steaming Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park, the historic site of Iceland's first parliament set in a dramatic rift valley. We then return to Reykjavik for an overnight at Berjaya Hotel Marina (or similar).
Please Note: Accommodation is included tonight - please ensure your departure flights are booked for the day after the tour ends - contact us for more information.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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