Enjoy Iceland with your own local expert at the wheel of this private winter tour around Iceland’s illustrious Ring Road. On this 8-day tour, thanks to your resourceful private guide, you’ll see the famous waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, lava fields, geothermal features, and some places you never even knew existed.
Itinerary Highlights
Watch the northern lights dance and flicker in the sky
Walk the Diamond Beach with chunks of ice glistening on the black sands
Tour the famous Golden Circle attractions
Traverse Iceland‘s beautiful national parks – Vatnajökull and Þingvellir
Roam beautiful Borgarfjörður, a scenic slice of West Iceland
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
07
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Reykjavik
Day 1
SIGHTSEEING IN REYKJAVÍK
On arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you will be welcomed by a driver and transferred to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant city centre at you own pace. The main downtown street, Laugavegur, offers a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, coffee houses and bars to suit all tastes—all within an easy walk. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Spend the night in Reykjavík.
Day 2
WONDERS OF THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
This morning your guide will pick you up at your hotel and start the first leg of the journey. You will be driven to the famous Golden Circle, a popular route that’s home to some of the best-known natural sites in south Iceland. Highlights include Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO heritage site; the Geysir geothermal hot spring area; and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. After a day of sightseeing, you will be driven to your accommodation, where you can relax for the evening and possibly see the northern lights* dance and flicker above.
Spend the night in Selfoss area.
Day 3
WATERFALLS, VOLCANIC BEACHES & NORTHERN LIGHTS
Today, you will explore majestic waterfalls and black sand beaches and learn about the unique geology of Iceland. You can start with a visit to the Lava Centre, a one-of-a-kind interactive exhibition about Iceland’s volcanic activity, its frequent earthquakes, and how Iceland has evolved over millions of years (not included). Next up is Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the icy cascade on a footpath. Your guide will continue to the nearby Skógarfoss, an impressive 60-metre high waterfall located at the foot of a mountain range.
Before continuing to your accommodation, the last stop is at the black sand volcanic beach just outside the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Here, you can see the spectacular rock arch and steep cliffs along with the Reynisdrangar basalt columns just off the shore. Next, you will travel to your accommodation for the night.
Spend the night in Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
Day 4
THE GLACIER LAGOON & DIAMOND BEACH
Today you’ll experience some of the icy wonders that truly give Iceland its name. Start the day by exploring the beautiful Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland’s largest protected landmass named for Europe’s largest glacier. You will see the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, famous for its floating icebergs in shades of milky white and bright blue, and the nearby smaller lagoon, Fjallsárlón. Next to the glacier lagoon, you will stop at the Diamond Beach where you will see large chunks of ice that have washed up on shore after being shaped and polished in the surf of the glacier lagoon. It´s truly a beautiful sight and a great photo opportunity! After some time at the Diamond Beach, you will head to your accommodation for the night.
Spend the night in South East area.
Day 5
THE MYSTICAL EAST FJORDS
Today you will get to experience a slice of Iceland that few travellers get to explore. Start the day with a scenic drive, courtesy of your guide, who will take you along majestic East Iceland, with gorgeous scenery that includes tranquil fishing villages, narrow fjords, rugged tundra and sweeping landscapes. If you are lucky, you might spot a reindeer or two as they come down from the mountains to stay close to the sea during the winter months.
The final destination of the day is the otherworldly Lake Mývatn area. The Lake Mývatn area is known for being one of the best places in Iceland to view the northern lights due to the altitude and the lay of the land. We therefore highly recommend that you be on the lookout for the Aurora Borealis tonight!
Spend the night near Lake Mývatn area.
Day 6
LAKE MÝVATN
Start the day by exploring the unusual, moon-like landscapes of the Lake Mývatn area, including the Námaskarð pass and the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters—sights that are even more surreal in the winter months. You will also have a chance to see Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, which is among the most beautiful falls in the country. You will then have some free time in Akureyri to explore with your guide. Akureyri is a charming town with museums, shops, cafes and a picturesque harbour area, before heading to Skagafjörður, where you will spend the night.
Spend the night in Skagafjörður area.
Day 7
WEST ICELAND
Before heading back to Reykjavík, you will get the chance to explore the incredible western part of Iceland along beautiful Borgarfjörður. Your guide will stop at Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, the beautiful and the spectacular twin waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Next, you will be driven to the historical sites at Reykholt, which is rich with Saga history as Reykholt is the home of 13th century writer, poet and scholar Snorri Sturluson.
After being dropped off at your accommodation, you can spend the evening at your leisure in the city centre of Reykjavik.
Day 8
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
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Iceland is known for its unpredictable and extreme weather conditions. However, the best time to visit Iceland is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 15°C. The days are longer, and the sun never truly sets, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the stunning natural beauty that Iceland has to offer. It’s worth noting that even during the summer months, visitors should still expect some rain and wind, so it’s important to pack accordingly. Overall, Iceland’s weather can be challenging, but with the right preparation, visitors can enjoy a truly unforgettable experience in this unique country.
The average temperature in Iceland during January is around -1°C to 4°C, with the northern parts of the country being colder than the southern regions. It is not uncommon for Iceland to experience snow and heavy winds during this time of the year, making it important for visitors to dress warmly and be prepared for the weather conditions. Despite the chilly temperatures, January is a great time to visit Iceland and experience its unique winter landscape, such as the Northern Lights and ice caves.
During February, the weather in Iceland is still chilly, with temperatures ranging from around -1°C to 4°C, similar to the previous month. As with January, visitors should expect snow and strong winds, especially in the northern regions of the country. However, the winter landscape of Iceland during this time of year is still worth experiencing, with opportunities to witness the stunning Northern Lights and explore ice caves. It is important to dress warmly and be prepared for the weather conditions when visiting Iceland in February.
In March, the weather in Iceland starts to warm up slightly with temperatures ranging from around -1°C to 5°C. Although visitors may still encounter snow and strong winds, the weather conditions are generally milder compared to the previous months. March is a great time to explore the country's rugged landscape and witness the last of the winter's Northern Lights displays. It is still important to dress warmly and be prepared for the weather conditions when visiting Iceland in March.
In April, Iceland starts to experience warmer temperatures with an average range of 1°C to 7°C. Though it is still chilly, visitors can enjoy the beautiful spring scenery, including the blooming of flowers and the melting of snow. It's a great time to explore the country's natural wonders and experience its unique culture. However, it's still important to dress appropriately and be prepared for any sudden weather changes.
In May, the weather in Iceland becomes milder with an average temperature range of 5°C to 11°C. This is a great time to visit as the days get longer and the scenery is breathtaking. However, visitors should still prepare for occasional rain and wind, as the weather can be unpredictable. Dressing in layers and bringing waterproof gear is recommended.
In June, Iceland experiences a mild climate with an average temperature range of 7°C to 13°C. The days are longer and the scenery is still breathtaking, making it a great time to visit. However, visitors should still prepare for occasional rain and wind, as the weather can be unpredictable. Bringing waterproof gear and dressing in layers is recommended to fully enjoy the Icelandic experience.
In July, Iceland experiences a relatively warm climate with an average temperature range of 10°C to 14°C. The weather is generally pleasant with long daylight hours, making it an ideal time to explore the beauty of the country. However, visitors should still be prepared for sudden changes in weather, such as occasional rain and wind, and should bring layers of clothing to ensure comfort throughout the day.
If you are planning to visit Iceland in August, be prepared for a cool climate with an average temperature range of 9°C to 13°C. The weather can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to bring layers of clothing and waterproof gear to stay comfortable throughout the day. While there may be occasional rain and wind, visitors can still enjoy the beautiful scenery and long daylight hours that Iceland has to offer in the summer months.
In September, the weather in Iceland starts to cool down with an average temperature range of 7°C to 11°C. Similar to August, visitors should pack layers of clothing and waterproof gear to stay comfortable. While there may still be occasional rain and wind, September is a great time to visit Iceland to see the stunning fall colors and potentially even the Northern Lights.
As October approaches, Iceland's weather continues to get colder with an average temperature range of 3°C to 7°C. Visitors should come prepared with warm clothing and waterproof gear to stay comfortable during their stay. While there may be more frequent rain and wind, October is still a beautiful time to visit Iceland and see the autumn colors. Additionally, there is a chance to spot the Northern Lights during this month.
In November, Iceland's weather gets even colder with an average temperature range of 0°C to 4°C. It is important for visitors to come prepared with warm clothing and waterproof gear to stay comfortable during their stay. Although there might be more snow and wind, November is still a beautiful time to visit Iceland and experience its winter wonderland. Plus, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights during this month.
In December, Iceland's weather can be quite chilly with an average temperature range of -1°C to 3°C. It is recommended for visitors to dress warmly and bring waterproof gear to stay comfortable during their stay. Despite the cold, December is a magical time to visit Iceland and enjoy the snowy landscapes and festive holiday spirit. One of the highlights of this month is the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights in the dark night sky.
Add on’s
There is a multitude of add-on holiday options to this Iceland itinerary. One popular option is to visit Greenland, which is just a short flight away and offers stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, fjords, and icebergs. Another nearby destination is Norway, known for its incredible landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and waterfalls. You could also consider visiting the Faroe Islands, which are located between Iceland and Norway and offer breathtaking scenery and a unique culture.
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