Guided 6 Day Summer Tour of Iceland with the Best of the South, East & North
Description
Details
Description
Book this 6-day guided trip to discover Iceland’s wide variety of natural wonders in-between the capital Reykjavik and the ‘Capital in the North’ Akureyri. Along the way, your expert local guide will introduce you to some of the country’s highlights, including the Golden Circle, South Coast, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and Myvatn region.
This is the perfect opportunity for those who want to be shown the best attractions Iceland has to offer, such as the Geysir geothermal area, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Dettifoss waterfall, all without the hassle of driving or organizing accommodations.
Furthermore, the price of this experience includes two free adventures. On the South Coast, you’ll be able to scale a magnificent glacier, whereas, in the North, you’ll set out on the seas to marvel over whales and dolphins. You can also add on optional adventures like ice caving and a boat ride at Jokulsarlon.
Each place you retire to at night is of the best available accommodation. This will make sure you have enough rest and relaxation to get the most out of your adventure.
You can bring one piece of luggage with you on this tour, up to 24 inches (61 centimeters). You can store extra pieces in Reykjavik for a small cost.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Iceland and book this summer guided tour today, so you can see much of what Iceland has to offer as well as experience the warm glow of the Midnight Sun. Check availability by choosing a date.
Included
Map
Attractions
Activities
Daily itinerary

Day 1 - The Golden Circle
Day one and your tour begins with your expert tour guide picking you up in Iceland’s capital Reykjavik to embark on your first adventure, the Golden Circle Route. This is the most popular tourist circuit in Iceland and it features three main attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area.
After a safety and social introduction to your minibus and guide, you will move on to the first stop of the day, Thingvellir National Park. Not only is this vast park beautiful to look at, but it is also remarkable geographically as the ridge that runs through it is comprised of two exposed tectonic plates.
The Eurasian and North American plates pull apart here and give you the unique opportunity to walk between continents. It is also a historically rich area as it was also the sight where the first Icelandic parliament met in 930 AD, an institution that is still in operation today. You will have time to gently stroll through the park before returning to your tour bus.
You could also choose to take a snorkeling tour between the tectonic plates at the Silfra Fissure. Silfra is a large crevasse between the tectonic plates that are filled with crystal clear glacier water. On a snorkeling tour here, you will see incredible underwater columns and walls, with visibility up to 100 meters. A snorkel in Silfra is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Your next two stops are no less impressive. Gullfoss is a huge waterfall that cascades in two tiers into a massive 32m deep canyon. The resultant spray of the falling water often catches the light on sunny days casting rainbows across this beautiful natural wonder.
You will also stroll through the geothermal area named after its most famous resident, Geysir. Although nowadays this legendary hot spring very seldom erupts, you can watch his neighbor Strokkur erupt up to 20-meters in the air every 5 minutes.
You will also make a stop at the Efstidalur Farm. This family-run dairy farm is a cozy location that boasts a restaurant with meals made from locally sourced ingredients. The shining glory of Efstidalur is their ice cream, made with milk from their own cows. You can have a sample of this cold treat while you watch the gentle cows relaxing in the barn.
You will spend the evening in accommodation in the Golden Circle area.

Day 2 - South Coast
Today you will travel along the picturesque South Coast. Your first stops will be at two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. The first, Seljalandsfoss, cascades from the great heights of the interior; its unique feature is the small cavern that lies behind it which allows you to walk completely around it.
The next waterfall is called Skogafoss which falls in a broad curtain from the steep highlands, and it is rumored to have an ancient treasure hidden behind it. On sunny days, more than one rainbow can often be spotted depending on how close you get to its thunderous spray.
You will then make a stop at the Dyrholaey Sea Arch. This rocky promenade is a favorite place for local birdlife. Dyrholaey is well known for its arch, which forms out of the sea. From here you can get an incredible 360-degree-view of the coastline and surrounding areas.
Not far from Dyrholaey is the beautiful black sand beach Reynisfjara, defined not only for its color but its impressive basalt columns and famous sea stacks.
You will then come to the idyllic coastal town of Vik. This quaint seaside area is framed by mountains and the sea.
If you elect to do so while booking, you can go ice caving in the glacier that caps Katla volcano today for a mesmerizing experience.
Vik is a great place to take in the authentic atmosphere of small-town life on the South Coast. Here is where you will spend the night.

Day 3 - Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
Your next destination will be the glacier lagoon Jokulsarlon with a few surprise stops along the way chosen by your guide depending on the weather and the group’s interests. Jokulsarlon is formed by the receding glacial tongue Breidamerkurjokull where huge chunks of ice break away and float lazily out to sea. No one iceberg is the same and each is characterized by different blue and white shades scarred with volcanic ash from historical eruptions.
If traveling from May onwards, you will have the opportunity to glide alongside these icy giants on a boat tour. You'll cruise amid these impressive icebergs on an amphibian boat tour which is ideal for families and larger groups. A limited number of vessels are allowed on the lagoon every day so don't miss your chance to explore the massive bergs.
As these ancient icy giants make it to sea, some wash up on the adjacent beach which has been nicknamed Diamond Beach for the glittering chunks of ice that arrive with the surf. Walk beside chunks of ancient glacial ice and marvel at the magical sight at your feet.
You will also visit the magical Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This area sits inside Vatnajökull National Park and is home to many of the South Coast's natural wonders.
At this point in your trip, you will head for a thrilling excursion: a glacier hike. Glacier hiking is one of the most unique opportunities Iceland offers, with the fascinating terrain of the ice caps, the views from their peaks, and the sense of adventure they inspire.
You will spend the evening close to the Jokulsarlon area.

Day 4 - Eastfjords
Today you will be exploring the beautiful and remote Eastfjords. Traveling through mountainous passes with the ocean to your left, your guide will make a number of stops along these meandering passages. As well as being known for its dramatic fjords, this area is characterized by its breathtaking beaches, littered with multi-colored pebbles and rocks.
The entire region is sparsely populated, but the small communities that exist there live in quaint fishing communities, each with its own idiosyncrasies.
You will make a fascinating stop at Jon's Rock Museum. This attraction in the town of Djupivogur is a beautifully curated collection of stones from the local area. Carefully cut specimens of quartz, agate, crystals, and zeolite that have been beautifully polished are on display.
Your guide will introduce you to small-town life out in the countryside before heading to the central ‘hub’ of the East, Egilsstadir. As well as being the largest town in the Eastfjords, it is also close to the largest forest in Iceland, Hallormsstadaskogar, and the lake Lagafljot in which is a legendary water monster is said to reside.
You can also choose to go horseback riding today to experience the landscapes of the East like the early settlers.
You will spend the night in Egilsstadir.

Day 5 - Dettifoss, Myvatn & Akureyri
You will be making your way to the North of Iceland today, right across the large and beautiful expanse of Vatnajokull National Park. Before starting, however, you'll have a chance to bask in the waters of the luxurious Vok Spa.
Otherwise, your first stop of the day will be the magnificent Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful in Europe. The spray of this gigantic natural feature can be seen far before you reach the falls itself. Its awe-inspiring character has inspired many movie makers to select this area as a backdrop, including the blockbuster, Prometheus.
Rejoining your group, the next destination is the no-less spectacular Asbyrgi canyon which is shaped like a horseshoe and in Norse mythology. It is said to have been created by the foot of Sleipnir, Odin’s very own horse.
Your next destination is the varied and dynamic Myvatn area, named after the lake (‘Fly Lake’). This area is known for its energetic geothermal activity and you will get to see this first hand at the Namskard area where these forces rise to the surface through steaming mud puddles and fumaroles.
You will then head to the ‘Capital of the North’, Akureyri. Before you cross the mountain pass to get there, however, you will make a quick stop at the waterfall, Godafoss. This is a historically famous site in which the old idols of the pagan religion were cast into the water as an act of fealty towards the Christian faith.
You will spend the night in Akureyri.

Day 6 - Return to Reykjavik
Today you will head back to where your journey began, making several great stops along the way. First is Hauganes, a charming coastal town from which you will set out on a fantastic whale-watching excursion. The seas here are home to countless seabirds, dolphins, and, of course, the great migratory whales that call Iceland their seasonal home.
You will then head further south to the Hvitserkur area. Hvitserkur is an intriguing rock formation that is often referred to as the ‘Troll of Northwest Iceland.’ It stands 15 meters tall in Hunafloi Bay. Local legends say that this formation was once a troll who stayed out too late and when the sun came up, was turned to stone. Today Hvitserkur is one of the most photographed attractions in Northern Iceland and you will quickly see why.
You will then head back to the capital of Reykjavik. You will have plenty of time on the way to take in the beautiful sights of Iceland and reflect on your incredible journey.
What to bring
Good to know
Customers travelling on their own will be given a single room. Reservations for 2 people will be allocated a double room. For bookings of 3 or more, triple rooms will automatically be allocated. For example, a group of 8 will receive 2 triple rooms and 1 double. If these arrangements do not meet your requirements, please contact the provider.
It can happen, in the case of extreme weather, that an activity is cancelled. If your chosen activity is cancelled, we will assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when possible, and any potential price difference will be refunded to you.
Please note that only pick up and drop-off from designated pick up locations in the greater capital area is available, not from Keflavík International Airport. Therefore, we do not recommend attempting to start this tour on your arrival day in Iceland. Arrival time back to Reykjavík at the end of your tour can vary depending on weather and traffic.
It is also recommended that your flight out of Iceland is booked at least one day after this tour.
You can bring one piece of luggage of up to 24 inches (61 centimeters) on board. You can store more luggage in Reykjavik for a small cost.
Cancellation Insurance
This insurance guarantees that you can cancel tour and package bookings and receive a full refund, minus the insurance cost.
The cost of your cancellation insurance depends on the duration of your tour or package. A base cost of 5,000 ISK per person is applied to all tours and packages with a duration of 5 days or less. An additional 1,000 ISK per person will be added to the insurance cost for each day after.
The cancellation must be made more than 48 hours before the listed starting time on your voucher. To cancel your booking and claim your refund, simply contact info@guidetoiceland.is and declare full cancellation.
COVID-19 Related Cancellations
If you need to cancel your booking due to COVID-19 related reasons, the cancellation insurance provides further protection for your booking. If you purchase a self-drive tour or guided tour package along with the cancellation insurance, you will also get a full refund.
If you test positive on arrival, to get the full refund after arrival, please email us at info@guidetoiceland.is with your booking details and your test result within 4 hours after you receive the test result.
If your flight gets cancelled due to COVID, to get the full refund, please email us at info@guidetoiceland.is with your booking details and your flight cancellation confirmation prior to your scheduled flight departure time.
Please note that this insurance covers the cancellation of the whole tour or package. Individual services cannot be cancelled and refunded separately, but are all covered and refunded in case of a full cancellation.