A Breathtaking Tour of Iceland
Iceland has been a popular destination for the past few years and it’s easy to understand why - it’s relatively close to the US ( it’s less than a 6 hour flight from the East Coast) and easy to get to. You can find many airlines flying direct to Iceland and some travelers even opt to do a few day layover in Iceland before traveling on to Europe.
The terrain and excursions available in Iceland are quite unique - photos from anyone visiting this country are breathtaking. So if you have ever thought about taking a trip to Iceland, now’s the time to really start planning (with my help)!
How much time do you need?
A week is the right amount of time to see the sights in Iceland, but you can certainly opt for a slightly longer or shorter stay if you need and we can work together to make sure you have time to see what you’re most interested in (on the short end) or craft some unique experiences if you’ve got more time for exploring.
Options for Your Iceland Experience
There are a few ways to get around Iceland - if you like to travel and explore at your own pace, you might be interested in a self-drive tour. I can work with a trusted partner like 50DegreesNorth or Luxury Beyond to secure an itinerary for you where you’ll be able to do your own tour around Iceland - and will make sure you see the highlights! You’ll have options to join organized tours and do these totally on your own with your travel companions. Depending on what you want to see and where you want to visit, you may travel around and stay at boutique accommodations as you travel or stay in a home base like Reykjavik and have daily excursions from there.
If you prefer not to drive (or opt to go at a time of year when self-drive is not recommended - see When is the Best Time to Go), then you can have an escorted option where you’ll have private and small group tours balanced with some free time on your own. All transfers can be handled by my trusted partners and you won’t have to worry about navigating your way.
When is the best time to go?
There’s not a bad time to visit Iceland, but your priorities may help you determine when you should plan to visit.
For more daylight and warmer temps, consider visiting in the summer. You’ll have more time to see the sights. This is also an optimal time to visit if you want to do a self-drive tour of Iceland rather than an escorted option. During some times of the year, it’s not recommended for tourists to drive themselves due to weather conditions and fewer hours of daylight.
If you are more interested in seeing the Northern Lights, plan your trip October-March when you will have more darkness and more chances to see the lights in the night sky.
A Sample Itinerary for Iceland
Reykjavik - Your Iceland tour will begin in Reykjavik - consider taking a privately guided tour of the city. After you feast your eyes on the city’s architecture and sweeping coastal views, it’s time for a different feast. Join a local chef for a private Icelandic cooking class and craft your own authentic dinner. On your third day in Iceland, head to Thrihnukagigur volcano. If you’re brave enough, descend 400 feet “Into The Volcano” for an inside view of a crater few explorers get to see.
Southern Iceland / Golden Circle - A great option for Summer visits! UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park is your all-day playground full of waterfalls, geysers, and geological wonders. Your guide will also take you under the water for a unique snorkeling experience at Silfra. Don your wetsuit for an up-close view of the continental plates that have shaped Iceland.
Back above water, your Southern Iceland Adventure then moves on to Landmannalaugar. Climb atop a Super Jeep specially designed to navigate the precarious terrain with ease. Set off across lava fields, black ash, and scoria deserts. You will also have the opportunity to take a dip in one of the natural pools here. Whale and puffin watching, ATV rides, horseback riding, and caving adventures are all possible here, too.
You may also want to see the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall or visit the Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths while you are in the Golden Circle.
Next, visit the Sólheimajökull glacier - which extends from the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier, down to the sandy plains of the Icelandic south coast. The spectacular surroundings are marked by rugged and majestic rock formations thoroughly shaped by the glacier. You can do a glacier walk here with an expert guide. At the glacier edge, we lace up our crampons, and following the guide, you will explore this otherworldly natural wonder; a rugged, raw, and ever-changing hub of ancient frozen water.
Finally, conclude your Iceland tour back to Reykjavik with a stop at the Blue Lagoon. You can stay on premises at the Lagoon with an ultra-luxurious stay at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon where you will enjoy a more secluded, private lagoon experience.
This is just the tip of the iceberg (groan…) of what you can experience on your stay in Iceland. There are other parts of the country, including the Westfjords that can be visited by self-drive as well - a bit more isolated, the Westfjords are where you will find the unspoiled beauty in Iceland.
Summertime in Iceland can be an incredible time to visit - availability is limited now, but this is the perfect time to start thinking about your 2024 summer trip!
