Six-day guided tour exploring Iceland from Reykjavík to Akureyri and back
Travel the Golden Circle, including Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park
Explore the South Coast with Reynisfjara black sand beach and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
Discover the remote East Fjords and the otherworldly lava formations at Lake Mývatn’s Dimmuborgir
Optional activities available, including horseback riding, to personalise your adventure
From £2,388 per person (excluding flights)
This is based on 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, a 6-day escorted bus tour with an English-speaking guide/driver-guide, listed excursions, and return airport transfers.
This roughly converts to 2,842 EUR | 3,081 USD
Departure Days: This trip runs on set days from June to September – spaces are limited. Contact our team to check availability.
After gathering in Reykjavík, you will set off on an unforgettable journey around Iceland, beginning with the legendary Golden Circle, a must-see route packed with geological wonders and Viking history. Your first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart, shaping a landscape of fissures, lava fields, and clear springs. This geological phenomenon makes Iceland one of the most active places on Earth. Þingvellir is also steeped in Viking history, as it was the site of Iceland’s first parliament, the Alþingi, founded in 930 AD—one of the oldest in the world.
Next, you will visit Haukadalur Geothermal Area, home to Strokkur, a powerful geyser that erupts every five to ten minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. Nearby is the Great Geysir, the namesake of all geysers worldwide, which, although now dormant, once sent water soaring up to 70 metres. The area is alive with bubbling hot springs, steaming vents, and colourful mineral deposits, all shaped by Iceland’s intense geothermal activity.
Your final stop on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls. Fed by meltwater from the Langjökull glacier, it cascades in two stages into a deep canyon, creating a powerful and dramatic sight. Viewing platforms provide stunning panoramas of the waterfall and the rugged landscapes that surround it.
On this exciting day, you will travel along Iceland’s breathtaking South Coast, a land of powerful waterfalls and striking black sand beaches.
Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a unique waterfall that allows you to walk behind its cascading curtain of water for an unforgettable experience. Next, you visit Skógafoss, one of the country's largest and most beautiful waterfalls, where rainbows often appear in the spray. We highly recommend wearing or renting waterproof clothing if you wish to get closer to the falls and truly feel their power.
After the waterfalls, you head to the coastline to see two of its most famous sights. First, you stop at the Dyrhólaey peninsula, a dramatic cliff with incredible views of the coast, a famous lighthouse, and a massive natural rock arch. From there, you go to Reynisfjara, the world-renowned Black Sand Beach. Walk along the unique black sand and see the stunning basalt columns that rise from the shore and the Reynisdrangar rock formations in the ocean. This powerful and beautiful coastline is a must-see for any visitor.
The day's highlight is a thrilling tour to the Katla Ice Cave. You will jump into a specially-equipped Super Jeep and drive into the rugged highlands, admiring fields of moss and majestic mountains on your way. Inside the cave, you will explore the powerful "Dragon Glass" formations of ice and volcanic ash.
After this incredible adventure, you will head to your accommodation near the charming coastal town of Vík, a perfect place to rest after a day of unforgettable sights.
Today, you will journey further east, travelling through a landscape shaped by glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand plains. This region is home to Iceland’s largest glacier, glacier lagoons, and striking geological formations.
Your first stop is Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park. Here, you will see the remains of the Skeiðará Bridge, which was swept away by a powerful glacial flood in 1996. This site serves as a reminder of Iceland’s ever-changing landscape and the sheer force of nature. Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, dominates the horizon, offering incredible photo opportunities.
Next, visit Jökulsárlón, Iceland’s deepest glacial lagoon, where massive icebergs drift towards the Atlantic. Fed by the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, this stunning lagoon showcases the slow retreat of one of Iceland’s most impressive ice caps. Seals are often spotted swimming among the ice. Jökulsárlón’s cinematic beauty has made it a popular filming location, appearing in Die Another Day, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins.
Just minutes away lies Diamond Beach, where glistening ice chunks wash ashore against the black volcanic sand. These sculpted ice formations create a striking contrast and make for stunning photographs. Wildlife enthusiasts may also spot seals and seabirds along the shoreline.
After a day of exploring Iceland’s glacial landscapes, you will check into a nearby hotel to rest and recharge for the next adventure.
Today, you will journey through some of North Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes, from powerful waterfalls and lava formations to steaming geothermal fields.
Start the day with a visit to Stuðlagil Canyon, one of Iceland’s most striking basalt column formations. From the viewpoint, take in the breath-taking views of the blue-green glacial river framed by towering basalt walls. (Note: Access to the river itself is not possible from this vantage point.)
Continue to Dettifoss, a waterfall known for its sheer power. Dropping 44 metres into Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, it is one of Europe’s most forceful waterfalls, surrounded by rugged volcanic landscapes. The thundering cascade and mist rising from the canyon create a truly dramatic sight.
Lake Mývatn is a region shaped by volcanic activity, famous for its lava formations, steaming hot springs, and rich birdlife. Explore its otherworldly landscapes and experience the unique combination of geothermal energy and natural beauty. A short drive brings you to Námaskarð Pass, where boiling mud pools and hissing steam vents create an eerie yet fascinating landscape. The ground here is stained in shades of orange, red, and yellow, a result of the high sulphur content in the soil.
Next, visit Dimmuborgir, a dramatic field of twisting lava formations. These towering rock pillars resemble ancient castles and are steeped in Icelandic folklore. The unique formations and lava caves make this one of Iceland’s most intriguing geological sites. Your final nature stop is Goðafoss, a striking horseshoe-shaped waterfall rich in history. It is said that when Iceland converted to Christianity around the year 1000, pagan idols were cast into these cascading waters, giving the site its name.
Arriving in Akureyri, Iceland’s northern hub, you’ll have the evening to explore. This town offers cafés, restaurants, and cultural spots, as well as stunning fjord views. On clear nights, keep an eye on the sky for a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Today, you’ll experience one of the most thrilling activities of the trip—whale watching in the North Atlantic Ocean.
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll head to the small village of Hauganes, where you’ll board a boat and set off in search of humpback whales and other marine life. The rich waters in this area are home to various species, offering a fantastic opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Warm clothing is provided to ensure you stay comfortable throughout the trip.
Following the whale-watching excursion, you’ll begin your journey back to Reykjavík. The route offers plenty of scenic views, and if time permits, you may make additional stops at notable spots along the way. Let your guide know if there’s a particular place you’d like to visit. The expected arrival in Reykjavík is around 8 pm, depending on weather and road conditions.
If you want to explore more of Iceland’s west, consider extending your adventure with our 8-Day Around Iceland Tour, which covers areas not included in this 6-day itinerary.