Private 10-Day Guided Tour of Iceland: Explore the West, North, East, and South
Overview: Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Iceland's most breathtaking landscapes, from the rugged Westfjords to the scenic East Fjords, and from the captivating North to the majestic South Coast. This private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Iceland’s natural wonders, including waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, fjords, and volcanic formations. Each day is filled with carefully curated experiences, and you'll have ample opportunities to relax and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Icelandic countryside. Your journey will be guided by experienced, English-speaking drivers, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
Accommodations: Stay in hotels or guesthose featuring comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. Breakfast is included daily, while lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Borgarfjörður and Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Departure: Pick-up at 8:30 AM from your hotel in Reykjavík or up to 50 km from the capital.
- Route: Borgarfjörður, Hellissandur, Ólafsvík, Grundarfjörður, Stykkishólmur.
Highlights
- Hvalfjörður Tunnel: Travel west through the scenic tunnel.
- Borgarfjörður: Agricultural area
- Snæfellsjökull National Park: One of three national parks in Iceland.
- Arnarstapi: Old fishing hub where you can see the circular stone arch called Gatklettur.
- Djúpalónssandur: Black sand beach with rocky coastal lava formations.
- Kirkjufell: One of the most picturesque mountain on the peninsula.
Optional Activities: Visit Vatnshellir which is a 8000 year old lava tunnel created during a volcanic eruption.
- Accommodation: Arrival at the hotel around 6:00-7:00 PM. Dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 2: Westfjords - Breiðafjörður and Patreksfjörður
- Route: Dalir, Búðardalur and Patreksfjörður.
Highlights
- Dalir and Búðardalur: Historic agricultural districts.
- Breiðafjörður: Large shallow bay that separate the region of the Western Iceland and West Iceland.
- Barðaströnd: South coast of the Westfjords.
- Látrabjarg: Bird cliffs that mark the most western point of Iceland and Europe.
- Rauðasandur: Beautiful red sand beach.
- Accommodation: Arrival at the hotel around 6:00-7:00 PM. Dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 3: Arnarfjörður and Ísafjörður
- Route: Explore Talknafjörður, Bíldudalur, Arnarfjörður, and Þingeyri.
Highlights
- Dynjandi Waterfall: The jewel and biggest waterfall in Westfjords.
- Hrafnseyri: Museum of Jón Sigurðsson, the leader of Icelandic independence movement.
- Flateyri: Small historic town.
- Suðureyri: Fishing village that began to from in early 20th century.
- Ísafjörður: Ísafjörður serves as a central hub for exploring the extraordinary landscapes and pristine wilderness of the surrounding areas.
- Accommodation: Arrival at the hotel around 6:00-7:00 PM. Dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 4: Ísafjarðardjúp and Hólmavík
- Route: Journey through Súðavík, Álftafjörður, and Ísafjarðardjúp, exploring fjords, mountains, and valleys.
Highlights
- Enjoy driving through this remote area.
- Vigur Island: Seal and birdwatching spot.
- Reykjanes pool: Possible to take a dip in this pool that is heated by self-running geothermal water.
- Accommodation: Arrival at the hotel around 6:00-7:00 PM. Dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 5: Hrútafjörður and Skagafjörður
- Route: Travel south through Hrútafjörður, Miðfjörður, and Vatnsdalshólar.
Highlights
- Kolugljúfur: Explore this beautiful canyon and waterfall.
- Hvítserkur sea stack: The most iconic feature of Húnaflói, the bizarrely shaped rock formation.
Optional Activities: End the day at Forest lagoon with a warm bath surrounded by birch and pine trees and beautiful view over Eyjafjörður.
- Accommodation: Arrive in Akureyri around 4:00-5:00 PM, with time for dinner and to explore the North’s capital.
Day 6: Akureyri, Mývatn, and Dettifoss
Highlights
- Godafoss Waterfall: Visit this stunning waterfall.
- Lake Mývatn: Explore this remarkable area and visit the Dimmuborgir lava fields.
- Húsavík: Visit this picturesque town known for its Viking-style whale watching harbor.
- Leirhnjúkur: Volcanic creater with colorful mud pools.
- Námafjall: Geothermal area surrounded by sulphur that crystals in many different colours and gives a special smell to the area.
- Dettifoss waterfall: Witness one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls.
Optional Activities: Whale watching tours, jump aboard a ship and spot these amazing creatures or enjoy a geothermal bath at Jarðböðin in Mývatn.
- Accommodation: Arrive near Mývatn around 6:00-7:00 PM, followed by dinner and relaxation.
Day 7: East Iceland - Egilsstaðir and East Fjords
- Route: Travel through the highlands to Egilsstaðir, capital of East Iceland.
Highlights
- Hengifoss waterfall: Second highest waterfall in Iceland, surrounded with basalt columns.
- Skriðuklaustur: Cultural center in Fljótsdalshreppur.
- Hallormsstaðaskógur: Possible to explore hiking trails in the area of Iceland's largest national forest,
- Accommodation: Arrive in Egilsstaðir around 6:00-7:00 PM.
Day 8: South East - Vestrahorn, Höfn, and Jökulsárlón
Highlights
- Vestrahorn mountain: Popular photography spot in Iceland.
- Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon: Enjoy the glacial lagoon filled with icebergs. Optional boat tours are available from May-October for a closer look at the ice formations.
- Skaftafell: Discover this beautiful nature reserve with its impressive landscapes and beautiful hiking trails.
Optional Activities: Boat tours on Jökulsárlón are available from May-October for a closer look at the ice formations.
- Accommodation: Arrive in Skaftafell area around 6:00-7:00 PM, followed by dinner and relaxation.
Day 9: South Coast - Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Vík and Skógafoss
Highlights
- Reynisfjara: Black sand beach which features basalt columns and beautiful sea stacks.
- Skógafoss: Visit this iconic waterfall and enjoy their stunning view.
- Seljalandsfoss: Walk behind this iconic waterfall.
Optional Activities: 3 hours Ice cave tour to start the day or Lava show in Vík.
- Accommodation: Arrive in Vík around 16:00-17:00, with time for dinner and leisure.
Day 10: Golden Circle and Return to Reykjavík
- Route: Hella, Flúðir and Laugarvatn
Highlights
- Þingvellir National Park: Where the Icelandic Parliament, the world's oldest, was founded in 930 AD. Here, you'll witness the dramatic meeting point of the European and American tectonic plates and stand where Viking settlers once made their laws. Designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Geysir Geothermal Area: Enjoy watch as the powerful Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: Known as the "Queen of Icelandic Waterfalls," Gullfoss is a spectacular sight, cascading down into a deep canyon. This awe-inspiring waterfall is a highlight of the Golden Circle.
Optional Activities: If time permits, choose between a snowmobile tour on Langjökull, snorkel between continents in Silfra or a dip in the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot spring.
- Accommodation: Arrive back to Reykjavík around 6:00-7:00 PM. Dinner and evening at leisure.
Tour Details:
- Transportation: Jeep 4x4 / Minivan / Minibus with a local and English-speaking driver-guide.
- Duration: 10 days, approximately 9 hours per day, covering 300-400 km daily.
- Lunch: There will be a stop around noon where you can purchase lunch.
- Availability: Year-round.
Additional Activities
Enhance your experience by choosing one of the following activities for an additional fee. Only one activity per day where possible.