Perfect 12-Day Adventure Package to Iceland with Ice Cave Tour

Discover the magnificent sights of the Golden Circle sightseeing route on day two of your adventure package.

After breakfast in Reykjavik, you'll meet the expert local guide leading you on your eight-day Ring Road tour, plus the other travelers in your group. It's a small-group tour, so you'll have plenty of opportunities throughout the week to ask your guide questions and learn more about Iceland's history, geography, and culture.

You'll board the minibus and head out of the city to your first sight of the day, Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of three national parks in Iceland. It has lakes, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, mossy lava fields, forests, and canyons.

Thingvellir sits between two tectonic plates that are drifting apart. It's one of the best places in the world to witness this tectonic activity, which usually takes place below the earth's surface. 

Your guide will tell you about the area's geology, and you'll learn about its history, too. Thingvellir is where the world's first parliament, the Althingi, was founded in 930 A.D.

From here, you'll continue to the Geysir geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley. It's a volcanic area with a distinctive mix of bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and spouting hot springs. 

Head to the Strokkur geyser to see it erupt — it shoots hot water 130 feet (about 40 meters) in the air every few minutes. Get your camera ready to capture it!

The final stop on the day's sightseeing tour is the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Fed by glacier meltwater, this two-tiered cascade roars down 105 feet (about 32 meters). You can walk along its edge and listen to the thunderous noise while enjoying the view. 

Your guide will now take you to your accommodation, which will be nearby. You can spend the evening relaxing or waiting to see if the majestic northern lights appear — if the skies are clear of clouds, you'll be in with a chance.

You'll then rest up for the night in your Golden Circle accommodation.

Enjoy a thrilling glacier hike and explore the highlights of Iceland's South Coast on day three of your 12-day trip.

After breakfast at your accommodation near the Golden Circle, you'll rejoin the group and start your day's adventure. 

First, you'll stop at two waterfalls: Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Both are about 200 feet (roughly 60 meters) tall, but that's where the similarities end. Seljalandsfoss is narrow and has a beautiful cavern behind it, while Skogafoss is broad and powerful.

From here, you'll continue your drive along the South Coast to reach the Solheimajokull glacier, one of the outlet tongues of the Myrdalsjokull ice cap. You'll meet a glacier-hiking guide and receive all the necessary safety equipment for a glacier hike. After a quick safety briefing, you'll be ready to go.

Hiking a glacier is an incredible experience, not to be missed during your time in Iceland. You'll climb caverns and walk across one of the world's most dramatic landscapes, enjoying sweeping views of the icy wonderland around you. 

While here, you can fill up your water bottle with some of the purest water you'll ever have — drinking right from the source is something you won't forget! Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the views, too.

After the glacier hike, you'll return to the minibus to continue your coastal journey. 

Your driver will take you to Iceland's most famous beach, Reynisfjara. Walk along the black sands and admire the contrast with the white snow and ice surrounding you. You'll also get a fantastic view of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks off the Atlantic coast.

Your guide will tell you about the beach, which has appeared in various films and TV shows (including Game of Thrones and Star Wars: Rogue One). They'll also ensure you don't get too close to the water, as dangerous sneaker waves can appear from nowhere. 

You'll then drive to the picturesque fishing village of Vik. You'll spend the night in South Iceland.

Discover the majestic wonder of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime ice cave adventure on day four of your vacation.

You'll start the day with breakfast at your accommodation in Vik. From here, your group will continue the journey along the South Coast, passing mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, and lava fields. Your driver will take you into the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of the Vatnajokull National Park, for your first stop.

Within the nature reserve is the incomparable Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, often called "the crown jewel of Iceland." This glacial lake is one of the country's most beautiful sights. It's instantly recognizable thanks to the icebergs floating in its waters.

You'll have plenty of time to admire the views of the icebergs here. You can also walk along the volcanic sands of Diamond Beach to see the icebergs that have drifted ashore. Ensure your camera has enough battery for today, as you'll want to take lots of photos of this gorgeous area.

When you've finished enjoying the views of the glistening ice, you'll continue the adventure with an exhilarating trip to an ice cave. You'll meet an experienced guide at the parking lot for the glacier lagoon. They'll provide the safety gear you need for this excursion before driving you onto a glacier in a Super Jeep.

You'll hike over the glacier to reach a mystical ice cave. The ice caves constantly change as the glacier moves, meaning no two visits to the caves are the same. 

Your guide will choose a cave that's safe and beautiful. Marvel at the ice's bright blue and white colors and enjoy this unforgettable visit.

After a magical day enjoying some of the country's best icy features, you'll return to the minibus and check in to your accommodation for tonight in Southeast Iceland.

Journey into Iceland's often-overlooked East Fjords region and soak in the majestic views of mountains, fishing villages, and waterfalls. 

You'll board the minibus after breakfast at your accommodation and continue your journey around the Ring Road into East Iceland. Your driver will take you past picturesque fjords and snow-covered mountains, stopping at viewpoints so you can snap a photo and stretch your legs for a moment.

As you drive, your guide will tell you about the area. Keep your eyes peeled for the wild reindeer that call this region home. Reindeer aren't native to Iceland, but they've been roaming the land since the 1700s.

You'll make various stops today. 

Take a walk along the shore at the Meleyri black-sand beach near the coastal town of Breiddalsvik. Visit quaint fishing villages and learn about the history of the East Fjords. Snap a few photos at one of the most-photographed mountains in Iceland, the Vestrahorn mountain.

Your guide will also take you to various hidden gems in East Iceland to experience the best of nature without the crowds. They'll be free to answer any questions you have about the sights. Traveling with a local guide means you get an insider's view of the attractions and can learn more about Icelandic culture and history.

If you've added a horseback-riding tour to your vacation package, you can do this today. Icelandic horses are a friendly and intelligent breed with a unique gait called the "tolt." Ride through the countryside with a new furry friend — it's a great way to spend a couple of hours in the fresh winter air.

Alternatively, you can visit the Vok geothermal baths today. This spa is on the edge of the Urridhavatn Lake, with gorgeous lake views. It's a great way to relax after a busy few days and makes a fascinating comparison with the Blue Lagoon in Southwest Iceland. 

After a fun day exploring, you'll go to your accommodation in  East Iceland.

Start your journey into North Iceland with a fantastic day of sightseeing at the stunning Lake Myvatn geothermal area.

After breakfast at your accommodation in Egilsstadir, you'll rejoin the group and take the minibus north, following the Ring Road until you reach Lake Myvatn. Along the way, you'll enjoy gorgeous views of the Vatnajokull National Park — enjoy the new perspective and snap a photo as you travel.

The lake measures 14 square miles (about 36.5 square kilometers), making it the fourth largest in Iceland. It's home to various bird species and is a gorgeous place to enjoy a walk — but it's only one of several natural attractions in this area.

Your guide will take you to the Namaskard Pass geothermal area to see dramatic vents, hot springs, and fumaroles. It's on the Namafjall mountain, and the geothermal activity means no vegetation grows here. Instead, you'll see vivid colors streaking through the earth near the hot springs.

Another fascinating sight is the Dimmuborgir lava fortress. Admire the towering structures of solidified lava as you walk through the meadow and see the stacks, rocks, and caverns. Your guide will tell you more about the formation of the volcanic structures you see here, plus the mythology and folklore surrounding the area.

When your group has finished exploring Lake Myvatn, you'll drive to the town of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. You'll stop at the Godafoss waterfall (the "waterfall of the gods") along the way. It's one of the most stunning waterfalls in North Iceland, so it's well worth the short detour.

Legend has it that this is where the Old Gods (the Norse gods) were abandoned. A priest threw the idols of the Norse gods into the waterfall in a symbolic gesture as the country accepted Christianity.

You can spend the rest of the day exploring Akureyri's sights and attractions. Why not visit the Christmas House to buy a festive souvenir?

You'll spend the evening in a comfortable hotel in North Iceland.

Explore some of the highlights of North Iceland and enjoy a beautiful whale-watching boat tour on day seven of your 12-day vacation tour.

You can start your day with a delicious breakfast in your accommodation. If you get up early, you might have time for some more sightseeing in Akureyri. Visit the botanical gardens or the Akureyrarkirkja church to see more of the city's best sights.

From here, you'll travel with your group to the quaint village of Hauganes, known for its gorgeous coastal views, black-sand beach, and whale-watching excursions.

You'll board a boat and head out to sea searching for whales and dolphins. 

North Iceland is the best region to spot whales. If you're lucky, you can see humpback, minke, sperm, and fin whales. Porpoises and white-beaked dolphins also swim in these waters. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready!

Next, your group will drive away from the Trollskagi peninsula towards the Hunafjordur fjord on the Vatnsnes peninsula. This is one of the best places in Iceland to see seals. 

You'll drive to the peninsula's edge to see the Hvirserkur rock formation. This 50-foot (15-meter) sea stack is said to resemble either an elephant drinking water or a dragon — try and decide what you can see as you look out for seals swimming below.

You'll now make your way to the town of Borgarnes in West Iceland, with plenty of stops along the way to enjoy the scenic views. Borgarnes is situated on a peninsula at the shore of the Borgarfjordur fjord, providing visitors with a beautiful panorama.

It's a fantastic place to stay up late, searching for the northern lights. Ask your guide if the aurora forecast is optimistic — if it is, it's worth waiting to see the green, yellow, white, and pink lights dancing in the sky above you.

You'll now spend the next two nights at a lovely hotel in West Iceland, so you can take this opportunity to unpack your things and reorganize your suitcase or backpack. 

Discover the beauty of "Iceland in miniature" with a day trip around the gorgeous Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. 

Packing your bags is unnecessary this morning, as you'll stay in your hotel for a second night. Instead, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before joining the group and heading west onto the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

Icelanders call this peninsula "Iceland in miniature" due to the enormous variety of natural features — everything you can find in Iceland, you can find on Snaefellsnes. On this action-packed day trip, you'll see mountains, glaciers, valleys, lava fields, craters, black-sand beaches, and waterfalls.

Your driver will take your group along the southern coastline first, stopping off at the fishing villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi. You'll have plenty of time to marvel over the cliff edges and watch the sea crash into the basalt columns below.

Next, you'll travel into the peninsula's main attraction, the Snaefellsjokull National Park. 

This national park is home to the glacier-capped volcano Snaefellsjokull. It's an enormous natural structure, visible from Reykjavik on a clear day. It also acted as the entry to the underworld in the Jules Verne novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Spend some time exploring the national park before continuing your journey around the peninsula. Another highlight of the day will be a stop at the Kirkjufell mountain. 

Arguably the most famous mountain in Iceland, it's shaped like an arrowhead and was used in the hit HBO show Game of Thrones. Walk to the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall for the best view of the mountain.

If this isn't enough excitement for you, you can add a lava cave tour today. Descend deep into the Vidgelmir lava tunnel and learn more about the incredible power of Iceland's eruptions. 

After another fun day of sightseeing with your group, you'll return to your accommodation in West Iceland. Stay up watching out for the northern lights or relaxing in your hotel's hot tub or sauna, then enjoy a good night's sleep.

Spend day nine of your 12-day vacation package exploring the best sights of West Iceland before returning to Reykjavik.

You'll start your day with breakfast in your accommodation. This town often acts as the starting point for trips into the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the other attractions of West Iceland, so you'll be well placed for a day of adventure.

The day's first stop is the Deildartunguhver hot spring, considered the most powerful in Europe. 

There's enough geothermal energy here to provide heat to towns up to 30 miles (about 50 kilometers) away. You can wander along the wooden walkways and peer down at the water — you can't swim here, as the water sits at a constant 207 F (about 97 C), meaning it's far too hot!

From here, you'll head further inland, following quiet roads until you reach the historic village of Reykholt. 

Reykholt was home to Snorri Sturlurson, one of the most prominent figures of the Icelandic Middle Ages. He was a poet, scholar, chieftain, and (most likely) writer of the Egil's Saga. You'll learn more about him and the village's history during your visit.

You'll now go to visit two waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. 

Both get their water from the nearby Langjokull glacier, but they look very different. Hraunfossar has a grand spectacle of colors, with gentle water running through rivulets carved by the lava flow of an ancient eruption. Barnafoss is taller, more powerful, and thunderous, filling the canyon beneath with a mighty roar.

After another day of exploration, adventure, and sightseeing, you'll go to Reykjavik. Spend the evening making the most of the city's nightlife with a trip to a nearby pub, or head straight to your accommodation to relax and unwind.

You'll spend the next three nights here, so feel free to unpack and make yourself at home.

Go sightseeing in the Icelandic capital or enjoy more outdoor adventures on day 10 of your 12-day vacation package.

You've now entirely circumnavigated Iceland's Ring Road, exploring its hidden gems and participating in truly unforgettable activities. You'll now have two full days without your guide to take in the capital's sights or opt for more adventure.

There are many things to see and do in Reykjavik, with art galleries, history museums, boutique stores, and beautiful parks. 

Start your day by walking along the Laugavegur shopping street and enjoying a snack in a local cafe. Head to the Hallgrimskirkja church and climb the tower for a gorgeous view of the city skyline, then head to the Old Harbor for a coastal panorama and a glimpse of the Harpa Concert Hall.

Feel like relaxing? You can also visit a local swimming pool to participate in a classic Icelandic pastime. However you want to spend the next two days in Reykjavik, you'll have a great time.

However, we also recommend adding extra activities to maximize your free time. Add them when booking, or talk to your travel agent for more information.

Enjoy an icy adventure with an artificial ice tunnel tour within the Langjokull glacier. You can explore the icy caverns and get up close and personal with another of Iceland's mighty ice caps. 

Alternatively, take a thrilling helicopter ride over the city's rooftops, landing on the Esjan mountain for another brilliant view.

You can also book your Blue Lagoon ticket for today if you didn't visit on your arrival. However, if your flight departure time on the final day of your trip is late, you might prefer to do it then so you don't have to journey onto the Reykjanes Peninsula twice.

Enjoy another fun evening in Reykjavik before returning to your downtown accommodation.

Spend your last full day in Iceland sightseeing in Reykjavik or participating in more optional excursions to round out your trip.

If your Reykjavik accommodation doesn't include breakfast, why not start the day by walking to a local cafe for a bite to eat? You can try some traditional Icelandic food, such as skyr, a local yogurt-like product rich in protein and low in fat. It's delicious.

After a tasty breakfast, you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure. When booking this vacation tour, you can add one of two optional excursions to add adventure to your final full day. Enjoy a thrilling ATV tour or go horseback riding with a friendly Icelandic horse.

An ATV tour is a great way to feel the wind in your hair and get more excitement into your trip before heading home. You'll zoom across the rough terrain of the Icelandic countryside, splashing through rivers and racing your friends up hills.

Alternatively, a horseback-riding excursion is a fantastic way to relax if you want something more low-key — you've had a busy couple of weeks, after all! 

If you don't want to leave Reykjavik, you'll still find plenty to keep you entertained on your final full day. Art lovers can visit one of the city's numerous galleries. 

The Einar Jonsson Museum and Sculpture Garden is a local favorite, but the National Gallery has more variety. It's near the Tjornin pond, which is well worth seeing during your visit.

The Settlement Exhibition at Reykjavik City Museum is a brilliant option if you'd prefer to learn more about Icelandic history. You'll leave with a clear understanding of Iceland's early settlers, including who they were and why they came.

Tonight will be your last chance to see the northern lights before your flight home. They rarely appear in Reykjavik, so consider booking a northern lights hunting tour if you haven't seen them yet — ask your travel consultant to help you. You'll head out of the city and enjoy gorgeous views of the aurora borealis twinkling in the sky above.

Spend a final night in your Reykjavik accommodation before your flight home tomorrow.

All adventures must come to an end — say goodbye to Iceland and reflect on the trip of a lifetime.

Depending on your flight's departure time, you might have the opportunity to enjoy some more sights in Reykjavik this morning. Alternatively, if you haven't been to the Blue Lagoon yet, you can book your ticket for today.

The soothing geothermal waters are the perfect place to relax and reflect on your incredible adventure in the land of fire and ice. Enjoy a final view of a lava field as you unwind before your flight home.

When you're ready to leave, you can board the shuttle bus back to the airport and catch your flight home. We hope you've had an incredible trip!