8-Day Summer Vacation Package Tour of the Best Attractions in Iceland

Lupins cover much of South Iceland in summer.
Likely to sell out soon
Free cancellation
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Keflavík Airport
Starting time
Flexible
Duration
8 days
Ending place
Keflavík Airport
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Available
Apr. - Oct.
Minimum age
5 years old

Description

Join this eight-day Iceland summer package and explore the very best spots in the country. Travelers seeking to see as much of Iceland as possible with expert guidance should not hesitate to book this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

During this trip, you can hike on Europe's largest glacier and explore the insides of a volcano. You can also sail amongst icebergs and even walk behind a waterfall under the long daylight hours of the midnight sun. This tour is perfect for adventurous people looking for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

By booking this tour, you'll avoid spending weeks planning that perfect Iceland itinerary. You don't need to worry about the planning part, and the tour is also made available for a great price. You'll also get a detailed itinerary to help you keep track of your adventures.

Organizing your trip may sound exciting, but you risk missing out on some of the best attractions. By letting us handle the planning, we'll ensure that all the essential stops you need to see and experience during this exciting trip are all included.

Over eight days and seven nights, you'll be taken along the picturesque South Coast to famous places of natural beauty. These spots include the Golden Circle sightseeing route, the Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Iceland's crown jewel, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. This package also offers the chance to fly north to visit Lake Myvatn or head west to the richly diverse and picturesque Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Moreover, you'll get optional activities and destinations so that you can tailor the tour to your interests. If you love to swim, snorkeling in the Silfra fissure between two continents on your day touring the Golden Circle will make it that much more memorable.

You can also add some extra adrenaline-pumping fun by snowmobiling on Langjokull glacier or walking into the stunning ice tunnels under the glacier.

If you want to experience the fiery side of Iceland and witness as many volcanoes, craters, and geothermal fissures as possible, you shouldn't miss out on the Thrihnukagigur volcano tour.

The Thrihnukagigur volcano is the only place on earth where you can go inside a volcano. Delving deep into this dormant volcano magma chamber is a surreal experience. You'll experience many colors, sounds, and smells, making it one of the highlights of your trip to Iceland.

Another thrilling option is to take off to the north for day six. The moon-like landscape of Lake Myvatn and its surrounding areas will make you feel like an astronaut on an interstellar space mission. Under the midnight sun, this geothermal hot spot is one of the most unique places in Iceland.

If you want something more romantic and picturesque, head off to the Snaefellsnes peninsula in the west, often referred to as "Iceland in miniature." Walk around the cute fishing villages and visit Mount Kirkjufell, and you will end the day with a refreshed spirit and some beautiful photos.

If you've tired yourself from all these activities, by day seven, you can opt to stay in the city and explore Reykjavik's cafes and souvenir shops. Or, if you're determined to see it all, you can take a day trip to the Snaefellsnes peninsula for more scenes bursting with nature's beauty.

These activities add to why people love this guided tour that has earned high ratings and positive reviews. It's also one of the easiest tours, perfect for guests of all ages.

In addition, the tour comes with a personal travel agent you can contact any time of the day, seven days a week.

Due to limited availability and high demand for summer accommodation and these unique activities, it is recommended that you book as soon as possible.

So, don't hesitate to turn this dream trip to Iceland into a reality this summer. Book and check availability by choosing a date for your Iceland adventure.

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Included

6 nights of accommodation in Reykjavik (different levels available; breakfast not included for Super Budget or Budget levels; breakfast included for Comfort and Quality levels; more detailed info below)
Airport transfer on arrival/departure
Golden Circle small group sightseeing tour in a minibus (upgrades available with other activities)
South Coast 2-day small group minibus tour with glacier hike
1 night of accommodation in a country hotel in Vatnajokull National Park during the 2-day south coast tour (private bathroom, breakfast included)
Detailed itinerary
Personal travel agent
Taxes
Into the Glacier day tour (can be upgraded to Inside the Volcano day tour)
Snaefellsnes small group day tour (can be upgraded to Myvatn day tour with return flights)

Activities

Glacier Hiking
Snorkelling
Snowmobile
Super Jeep
Horse Riding
Whale Watching
Sightseeing
Boat Trip
Hot Spring Bathing
Cultural Activity
Bird watching
Ice Caving
Airplane

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Much of Iceland is covered in fragile Icelandic moss. If damaged, this moss can take decades to repair and is one of the main reasons to avoid stepping on it.

Day 1 - Arrival Day - Welcome to Iceland!

After landing at Keflavik International Airport, take the airport transfer through the lava fields of Reykjanes peninsula to the cute little smoky bay of Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world.

On your way to Iceland's capital city, you can stop at the Blue Lagoon. This world-renowned spa is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. It's in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it a unique atmosphere. If you add the Blue Lagoon, it will be arranged according to your flights.

If there is no time to visit the lagoon today, it can be added to another day. Your travel consultant will be able to arrange this for you. Moreover, there's plenty to see and do in Reykjavik if you have extra free time.

Regardless of how you start your eight-day summer vacation package in Iceland, you'll get to see the Reykjanes Peninsula en route to Reykjavik. This region boasts beautiful lava fields, large volcanoes, and dramatic beaches.

After your arrival, multiple opportunities await in the capital. Reykjavik is rich in culinary culture and will please you with its variety of restaurants and darling little cafes downtown.

You can stroll the city streets, investigate the Old Harbor area with its fishing boats and whale-watching ships, or see what's playing at various theaters or clubs with live music.

Drop by the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center, the city's leading cultural hub. It has a beautiful facade featuring 714 glass panels with LED lights, illuminating the building at night.

Next, about 2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers) from Harpa, is the Perlan Museum. It features interactive displays and exhibits about Icelandic nature.

Also, check out the Hallgrimskirkja church, about 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) away. Standing 245 feet (74.5 meters) tall, Iceland's tallest church is one of the city's most iconic landmarks.

In the evening, you'll head to your accommodation in Reykjavik.
 

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Day 2
Strokkur hot spring will erupt routinely every five to ten minutes, though its height and regularity have fluctuated over the last centuries.

Day 2 - Golden Circle - Sights and Sounds

On your first full day in Iceland, you'll head for Golden Circle, the country's most famous sightseeing route. The route mainly consists of three sites: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Thingvellir National Park is the home of the first Icelandic democratic parliament, founded over 1000 years ago. It stands on the edge of two tectonic plates, linking Europe and America. The two mammoths pull apart at each other, forming awe-inspiring clefts and canyons.

The best-known crack is Silfra, a water-filled fissure with incredibly clear water. If you're in the mood for an adventure, comfortable in the water, and able to swim, join a snorkeling tour to swim between two continents. With visibility reaching over 328 feet (100 meters), Silfra is ranked as one of the top locations for cold-water diving.

Meanwhile, the English word geyser got its name from the great Icelandic Geysir, which is your next stop. 

While the original Geysir has been quiet for decades, its brother, Strokkur, is the opposite. It hurls boiling water high into the air every five to ten minutes, providing plenty of chances to see and photograph such a unique natural wonder.

The third and final stop is the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall, the most popular of Iceland's waterfalls. Glacial water from Langjokull glacier passes through Hvita, "the White River," before rushing down 98 feet (30 meters) in two tiers to the canyon below.

The trip will be arranged on a mini-bus. If you fancy some adventure along the way and don't fancy snorkeling, consider a thrilling snowmobiling trip from Gullfoss Waterfall on the slopes of Langjokull Glacier.

More possibilities are available on this day, like a visit to the Blue Lagoon. You'll first head through the Reykjanes peninsula on the scenic route before enjoying a relaxing soak.

If you've arranged additional activities with your Golden Circle tour, scheduling your visit to the Blue Lagoon on either your arrival or departure day instead is best. This will give you time to take full advantage of its restorative powers. 

Remember that the lagoon is world-famous for its healing, mineral-rich waters, and many facilities, so you will want to take your time.

The guide will then take you back to the city after a day of nature. If it's the weekend, you can check out the bars and our nightlife before retiring.

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Day 3
At high tide, sleeper waves at Reynisfjara are able to extend all the way up the beach, posing a danger to those visiting.

Day 3 - The Wild South Coast: Glaciers and Waterfalls

Today, you’ll have a fulfilling day of nature and optional icy activities. As you head off to the South Coast, you need to gear up with proper shoes and a good jacket.

The first stop is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which flies off black cliffs and is surrounded by greenery. It has an impressive drop of 200 feet (60 meters), with the water starting from beneath the Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

Interestingly, Eyjafjallajokull became notorious after its eruption in 2010. The incident disrupted flights from various European airports.

While relishing Seljalandsfoss, check out its narrow cascade and the pathway that stretches around the waterfall. Walk around it, and you'll be rewarded with a rare viewpoint: from behind the water curtain.

A short drive away is Skogafoss, another wonderful waterfall that rushes down in a thick blanket of water. It has a drop of 197 feet (60 meters), complemented by a width of 82 feet (25 meters). With a bird's eye view, you can see the whole area from the viewing platform at the top of the waterfall.

You'll also get to go to the top of Solheimajokull glacier by joining a glacier hiking tour. It’s an outlet glacier of the Myrdalsjokull icecap, measuring over a mile (two kilometers) wide and five miles (eight kilometers) long. 

An experienced guide will provide you with all the necessary equipment and information before ascending onto the ancient, sometimes miles-thick ice. Take in the serenity of the frozen landscapes and enjoy the spectacular views of Iceland's South Coast.

Next up is the Reynisfjara black sand beach. This black coastline is where the mighty Atlantic Ocean crashes upon the land. The cliffs framing the beach are uniquely shaped hexagonal basalt columns and present a surreal sight. 

Above the sea stands the great rock stacks Reynisdrangar, looking longingly over to the Dyrholaey arch, where puffins keep their nests.

As you end another day of adventure, you'll spend the night in Southeast Iceland.

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Day 4
Diamond Beach is where icebergs from Jökulsárlón finally make their way into the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 4 - A Day on Ice

You'll start your day by visiting one of the most remarkable places in Iceland: the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. It boasts a maximum depth of 814 feet (248 meters), making it Iceland’s deepest lake.

It also covers 11.2 square miles (18 square kilometers) of surface area. You'll see massive icebergs, which have broken off a nearby glacier, float on the serene lake on their journey toward the ocean. Interestingly, some icebergs are over 1,000 years old and measure several stories high.

If you’re traveling between May and October, taking a boat ride on the lagoon is highly recommended. You'll board an amphibious boat that will sail between the massive bergs on the calm, blue water.

As you get closer to the icebergs, notice their fascinating coloration. They feature shades of electric blue and black streaks that add character to the dominantly white icebergs.

Incidentally, the black streaks are ashes that date back to centuries-old eruptions. Be sure to take many pictures of the icebergs and seals that love to play in the water.

A short walk away from the glacier lagoon is Diamond Beach, where smaller icebergs from the lagoon wash up onshore. As they glisten under the midnight sun, they resemble the precious stones which gave the beach its name.

The best times to take pictures of the beach are during sunrise and sunset. These are the times when high tide takes place. As for the black sand, it stretches out to around 11 miles (18 kilometers) along Iceland’s South Coast.

Aside from the seals playing around the icebergs, you’ll likely encounter orcas along the shores of Diamond Beach. 

After spending time with the icebergs on the beach, you’ll head back to Reykjavik, where you'll spend the night. You'll see more places along the way, including some of your local guide's hidden gems.

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Day 5
Those entering the volcanic caldera Þríhnjúkagígur will be astounded by its depth and variety of colour.

Day 5 - Hot vs. Cold

Some people come to Iceland to see glaciers and snow. Others see the incredible power of the Earth on this land of fire. Now, you can choose which side you'd like to know better.

Today, you have two options to go deep into the nature of Iceland. Each option represents an opposite side of the coin: into a glacier or inside the magma chamber of a volcano.

If you choose the glacier tour, you'll jump aboard a Superjeep monster truck that will take you to the Langjokull glacier. Here, you’ll enter a man-made tunnel carved into the thick blue ice. 

The tunnel creates an underground maze of corridors, rooms, halls, and a chapel. Blue light dances off the frozen walls, which record centuries of geological history in their layers. 

If you love the cold and ice, this trip is for you. However, if you're more of a firecracker, take the other option to visit Thrihnjukagigur, the only place on Earth that allows you to go inside a volcano.

After a Superjeep ride to the oval lava dome, you'll descend over 328 feet (100 meters) down into this now-empty magma chamber of the dormant giant. The bottom is the size of a football field. The deepest channels run nearly 656 feet (200 meters) underground.

The Thrihnjukagigur volcano is one of Iceland’s most colorful wonders. After the volcano’s last eruption around 4,000 years ago, the volcano’s rocks turned into a visual spectacle. 

The most amazing part is the colors left behind by the burning lava, created when the minerals in the stone were set alight by the intense heat and pressure. The color palette ranges from red to blue, painting the halls into a fantasy theater.

After enjoying a day of hot or cold escapades, you'll return to the city for the night, as tomorrow is yet another adventure.

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Day 6
Lake Mývatn and the surrounding area is famed for its geothermal activity and dark volcanic landscapes.

Day 6 - North vs. West

Day six is another day full of great options. You can fly to the north capital, Akureyri, and visit the famous Lake Myvatn. Alternatively, you can join a tour of the Snaefellsnes peninsula in the west, with all its scenic fishing villages and romantic paths.

If you go up north, you'll start your day at Reykjavik domestic airport, from where you'll take a 45-minute flight to the idyllic town of Akureyri. 

Sometimes called “The Danish town” due to the heavy Danish cultural influence there in the early 1900s, Akureyri is known as one of the best skiing areas in the country. It’s also the home of the northernmost botanical garden in the world.

Our local guide from the north will take you on a minibus and head east to the Lake Myvatn area from Akureyri airport. This incredible location owes its geological importance to its location. Like Thingvellir, it stands on the continental rift between the European and American tectonic plates.

Although the cracks are not as deep or wide as in Thingvellir, Myvatn sports lava fields with unparalleled beauty and size. At Dimmuborgir, also called "the dark cities," the lava has formed incredible, tall sculptures that rise into the air in various forms. 

It is said that the Hidden People hold court in this place. Moreover, certain high rock stacks carry names such as “The Church” or “The Castle.”

You'll continue your excursion by visiting the Namaskard geothermal site, where hot springs of mud bubble and the Earth boils. Locals have used the hot ground as a baking oven throughout time. They bury dough in metal boxes to perfect the slow-bake recipe of hverabraud, a hot spring bread. 

Other impressive sites include the Krafla volcano site, the area’s numerous tuff craters and small lava craters, and the beautiful Lake Myvatn.

If you'd rather head west, the Snaefellsnes peninsula is where you'll visit today. Its name comes from the great glacier on the peninsula’s edge. With a name that means “The snowy mountain,” Snaefellsnes was made famous by French sci-fi author Jules Verne in his classic adventure “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

The glacier has been considered a possible entrance to hell since the Middle Ages. In Verne's book, Snaefellsnes is the gateway to a fantastic underground world, eventually leading the characters to the Earth's core.

Snaefellsjokull National Park holds wonderful sights. The black sands and rock formations at Djupalonssandur offer an opportunity to test your worth on the old stones of power. In the past, young sailors had to hold up rocks that stated their strength and salary.

You'll also see the Bardarlaug lake, where a great and mythological Jotunn, Bardur Snaefellsas, used to stay. Plenty of birdwatching and a seal colony await along the peninsula’s southern coastline. Last but not least, snap a shot of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain.

Whichever you choose, the end of your day will be in Reykjavik, where the city once more greets you with fine accommodation.

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Day 7
Landmannalaugar ('The Pools of the People') are known for their gorgeous kaleidoscopic colours and intrepid hiking trails.

Day 7 - Concrete vs. Jungle: Wilderness or City Slicking

Your last full day in Iceland will surely be a hit, regardless of whether you feel four days of nature is enough or never want to leave the green wilderness.

Today, you'll decide if you’ll stay in the city and get to know the locals' culture or take a trip to one of the hidden oases in the highlands, Landmannalaugar.

If you choose to stay in town, you'll have the chance to travel around the city and enjoy the various museums and locales of interest on your own. You can also join a whale-watching tour at Reykjavik's old harbor. You’ll hop aboard a boat to witness the wealth of wildlife in the ocean just off the city's shore.

If you like to get in touch with nature, your other option is to hop on a mountain truck. You'll take a ride up between the mighty glaciers Langjokull and Hofsjokull to a place that has been a popular pit stop on journeys across the highlands: Landmannalaugar. 

This geothermal area has a wondrous charm, fantastic hiking paths, and wild hot springs. Here, you can enjoy the wilderness in its purest form and Iceland at its best.

Fabulous colors fill the area where the geothermal energy has affected the chemical structure in the rocks and cliffs. You’ll see these rock formations sporting a weird, reddish-rainbow look. 

On your way to this oasis of the highlands, you'll pass the crater lake Ljotipollur or “'Ugly puddle,” named by some grumpy settler. Moreover, you’ll see one of Iceland's most loved active volcanoes, Hekla.

You can also add the thrill of an ATV adventure to this day. In this experience, you'll be picked up in Reykjavik and taken to the ATV base camp just outside the city. 

You'll then be fitted with the necessary gear and given a safety briefing before taking off to explore the countryside in this exhilarating activity.

After an eventful and adventurous day, you’ll spend your last night in the lovely capital.

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Day 8
The colourful tin roofs of Iceland's picturesque capital city, Reykjavík, provide downtown with quintessential Nordic charm.

Day 8 - Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Your Icelandic summer vacation will come to a close. After eight action-packed days of exploring the country's best attractions, it's time to head back home.

If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey. However, if you have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you'll cap your stay unwinding before you head to the airport.

The lagoon is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters and look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice.

Alternatively, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. You can do your last-minute shopping along the Laugavegur main street. You can also visit some of the city's landmarks you may have missed.

An airport shuttle will pick you up at your hotel and get you safe and sound to the airport in time for your flight, so your last day will be as hassle-free as possible.

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What to bring

Warm outdoor clothes
Swim suit
Camera
Hiking shoes

Good to know

The Inside the Volcano tour is available from May 10 to October 31, and requires its participants to be of 12 years of age minimum. If you are traveling with children between 8 to 11 years old, please choose Into the Glacier for Day 5.

If you choose this tour for Day 5, please note that you are not allowed to wear cotton or jeans as the outer layer during your trip to the Þríhnjúkagígur volcano tour. Please wear suitable waterproof clothes and sturdy hiking shoes for this trip. The crater is always about 5–6°C (42–43°F) inside, so it is important to keep warm and dry.

The Þríhnjúkagígur volcano tour involves a hike of approximately 3 km (2 miles) each way. The walk usually takes around 45–50 minutes (depending on the condition of people in the group). A guide will be with you at all times during the walk.

Those who opt to go snorkeling must be comfortable in the water and able to swim, and must present medical documents before snorkeling or diving.

Due to highland roads being inaccessible earlier, the day tour to Landmannalaugar is only available from June 17th. Although it is summertime, the Icelandic weather can be very unpredictable. Please bring appropriate clothing. Please be aware that your itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better. Please note that boat tours on the glacier lagoon are only available from May to October.

If you book the extra activities alongside this tour, you will get them at a lower price.

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Accommodation in Reykjavik

See our accommodation levels below and our preferred accommodation partners under each day in the daily itinerary. Super budget level accommodations will be arranged in hostel dorm beds. For budget and comfort levels, bookings for one person will be arranged in single rooms, and bookings for two or more people will share a twin/double or triple room(s). For quality level, odd number groups will always be allocated a single room. If you are travelling in a group, but prefer a single room, please make separate bookings. Teenagers and children will be arranged in the same room with parents. If additional room(s) is needed, additional costs will incur.

For multi-day guided tours, accommodation cannot be upgraded and the levels below do not apply. Guide to Iceland will provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking from our preferred partners. If our preferred partners are fully booked at the time of your booking, we will find another suitable accommodation for you of similar level.

We always do our best to accommodate special requests, which may incur additional costs. Press choose a date to find availability.

Super Budget

Dormitory beds with shared bathrooms in guesthouses or hostels, such as HI Hostels. Located in the capital region. Breakfast is not included.

Budget

Private rooms with shared bathroom in guesthouses or hostels such as Capital Inn Guesthouse. Located in the capital region. Breakfast is not included.

Comfort

Rooms with a private bathroom at three-star hotels such as Hótel Klettur, or quality guesthouses. Located in the city center or in close vicinity. Breakfast is included.

Quality

Rooms at four-star design hotels in the city center with a private bathroom at the absolute best locations downtown such as Hotel Alda. Breakfast is included.

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