Iceland Classic Circle Tour
Tour Itinerary
Arrival at Keflavík airport. Transfers to Reykjavík are not included in the tour. We would be happy to arrange shared or private transfers for you, so let us know at booking time.
If you arrive earlier in the day, you might consider adding a day tour. We’d be happy to make suggestions based on your interests. One of our favourite activities after a long flight is to visit one of the neighbourhood geothermal pools. It is so refreshing to relax in the warm water, breathing in the fresh Icelandic air. It’s a great way to get to see Icelandic daily life and maybe meet a few locals. It’s also nice to take a stroll in the old city centre, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cosy café.
Early this evening there will be an informational meeting at the hotel with your guide. You’ll learn more about the tour and meet other tour participants.
Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Reykjavík offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.
Please note that hotels in Iceland start check-in around 14:00 (2:00pm), and early check-in is not guaranteed. Most hotels will be happy to store your luggage if you are not able to check in early.
Fosshótel Reykjavík
Meet your guide and start your Iceland adventure!
After a quick introductory of our home city of Reykjavík, head to Lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake and Þingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world’s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents!
Next on your journey is Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, where various walking paths give you photo-worthy views of the beautiful double-ledged cascade. You’ll also visit the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools.
During the day you’ll get a glimpse into Icelandic local life. Visit an Icelandic family farm where tomatoes are grown using organic geothermal energy. Tour the greenhouse and sample some of the farm’s sweet Icelandic tomatoes.
The day ends in Hveragerði, a pretty town located in an active geothermal area. The locals have made clever use of underground hot springs to provide heat for homes, as well as greenhouses that grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
Breakfast / Dinner- Hótel Örk
205 km / 127 miles
Volcanic Valley – Waterfall Duo – Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore
Breakfast at your hotel. Explore enchanting Þjórsárdalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. If the skies are clear, you’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Visit Stöng, where you can view a replica of a Viking-age longhouse that was buried by a volcanic eruption of Hekla. The area was a filming location for Game of Thrones Season 4.
Drive along the scenic farmlands of Iceland’s South Shore. Stop to admire the scenic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Each waterfall has its own charm. Continue to Dyrhólaey* and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. End the day in Vík, Iceland’s southernmost town.
*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and the 25th of June.
- Breakfast / Dinner
- Hótel Vík
- 295 km / 183 miles
Lava Fields – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will be in a world of glaciers! You’ll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east. Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the views of rich green landscapes and black sands dominated by several magnificent glaciers. You’ll also see Svínafellsjökull, one of the most beautiful glacial “tongues” that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajökull.
Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you’ll enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. You also have the option of enjoying a boat tour amid the ice bergs (must be booked in advance). Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea.
Your overnight is in Höfn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajökull glacier. Dinner is on your own. Höfn has a nice selection of restaurants and cafes. The local specialty is langoustines (Norway lobsters).
- Breakfast
- Hótel Höfn
- 285 km / 177 miles
Narrow Fjords – Steep Mountains – Picturesque Coastline – Local Microbrewery
Breakfast at your hotel. Drive from Höfn through Almannaskarð pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent Eastfjords. We’re sure you’ll love the amazing views, so keep your camera ready. You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. One of these is the tiny village of Breiðdalsvík. Your group will visit the Beljandi Microbrewery and sample some of the wonderful beer. The local community came together in 2017 to transform a rustic warehouse into a charmingly quirky brewery. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small Icelandic town, as well as see how great beer is made. The road brings you to Egilsstaðir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster.
- Breakfast / Dinner
- Hótel Hallormsstaður
- 260 km / 162 miles
Highland Desert – Bizarre Lava Formations – Geothermal & Volcanic Wonderland
Breakfast at your hotel. Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Möðrudalsöræfi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful, as you head towards the Lake Mývatn area.
Visit fantastical Stuðlagil, an impressive canyon made of basalt columns that seem to resemble organ pipes. A viewing platform near the canyon lets you enjoy the canyon’s unique features. Stuðlagil is one of Iceland’s largest basalt formations. You can see how basalt columns like these influenced the design of Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja church.
Stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to the Námaskarð pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colours. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may feel the same way. It’s such a surreal experience!
Walk along the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and peek into Grjótagjá, a cave with underground hot springs. Explore the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. They look as if fantasy creatures built them. Legend has it that elves live here, so be respectful during your visit.
You’ll definitely see why the surreal Mývatn area has become so popular as a movie location.
- Breakfast / Dinner
- Laxá Hotel
- 255 km / 158 miles
“Waterfall of the Gods” – Iceland’s Colourful Northern “Capital”
Breakfast at your hotel. Start your day’s adventure with visiting sites in the Mývatn area. Next, head to magnificent Goðafoss waterfall, one of North Iceland’s most important symbols. You will also learn how the waterfall got its interesting name.
Afterwards, you’ll head to Akureyri, the colourful northern “capital“ of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjörður fjord. Though small in size, Akureyri has a lively cultural scene.
The rest of the day is open for you to explore Akureyri. If you’re interested in culture, check out the trendy Listagil area, the “Art Canyon.” You can stroll the street here, browsing art galleries and stopping in at one of the friendly cafes or pubs for delicious, locally sourced food. Several museums are worth a visit. The botanical garden is open year-round; many visitors find it interesting that a garden so close to the Arctic Circle has such a large variety of plants. Akureyri also has a nice variety of restaurants, so you’ll enjoy the chance to dine out tonight.
- Breakfast
- Berjaya Iceland Hotel Akureyri
- 85 km / 53 miles
Viking Horse Demonstration – Europe’s Largest Hot Spring – Picturesque Waterfalls
Breakfast at your hotel. Drive through scenic valleys framed by dramatic mountains as you head into the Skagafjörður region. Icelanders consider the Skagafjörður area to be one of the country’s finest places for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait – the tolt. This horse breed has remained unchanged since Viking times.
Cross the Holtavörðuheiði plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjörður, a region that has been getting international recognition for its lovely volcanic and wooded scenery and for its Viking history. Listen to the powerful rushing waters of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring area. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, were brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colours. There is an interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall.
- Breakfast / Dinner
- Hótel Hamar
- 415 km / 258 miles
Snæfellsjökull Glacier – Pebble Beaches – Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Quaint Fishing Villages
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snæfellsjökull National Park. The park’s crown jewel is Snæfellsjökull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. In addition, you’ll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djúpalónssandur beach. At the picturesque harbour village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations.
One Icelandic Saga mentions that Snæfellsnes and its people are protected by a benevolent half troll who lives high on the glacier. You might even find a sense of magic and healing energy in this beautiful peninsula.
During the day, your group will visit Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum, where you’ll learn about “hákarl,” the cured shark meat specialty that Icelanders have enjoyed since Viking times. You can even try some for yourself (if you dare).
At the end of the afternoon, your motor coach heads back to Reykjavík. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel.
- Breakfast
- Fosshótel Reykjavík
- 405 km / 252 miles
Transfer on your own to the international airport for your departure flight. The airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers.
We recommend you depart your hotel no later than three hours before your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back to your homeland and hope to see you in Iceland again!
Customer reviews
Lots of waterfalls, volcanic craters and lakes, glaciers with icebergs floating in glacier lake, hot springs. geysers, whales. Accammodations very good with excellent breakfasts . Guide was excellent. Some tour members were smokers and no designated smoking areas. Very expensive country with gas station hamburgers at $20 U.S. Terrific tour. Very glad we chose this one.
Alex Uskowa
Iceland was so beautiful and so different! We were amazed by different landscapes - volcanic countryside, and the green vegetation, cultivated farm lands, rivers and raging waterfalls. The tours were superbly organised and run. The accommodation was comfortable and ideally situated to explore Reykjavik in all its splendor. The itinerary was really interesting covering the major highlights of the country.
One more never-to-be-forgotten adventure in our lives.
Yvonne and Ben, Australia
Salameh D.
The hotels were all very nice, with some better than others, but all were acceptable. The meals at the hotel were also very good with, as can be expected, some better than others. I really enjoyed the buffet breakfast with the selection of cereal, meats, cheeses, dairy and pastry products. Overall, I was very satisfied with the accommodation and catering. The tour started between 8 and 9 in the morning, depending on where we were going and we were usually checked into the overnight hotel by 6 in the evening which made for a perfect “happy hour” in the bar before dinner. We came to look forward to this every day and enjoyed the rapport with the others on the tour.
Some areas where you can consider improving the tour might be: 1) Since the first and last day of the tour are just arriving and returning to the Reykjavik hotel, a “meet and greet” at the hotel the night before the tour started, so we could meet the others on the tour and possibly the guide, would have been nice. Similarly, dinner or some sort of activity at the hotel when the tour ended would also have been nice. 2) The travel documents and tour description could benefit with a rewrite with more details of the places been visited and even a better layout with pictures and a map of Iceland – perhaps adding more on the history and geology of Iceland. On the tour, we were handed a leaflet with optional activities. This, for example, could have been included with the pre-tour documents.
All in all, we totally enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to anyone. We have fond memories of Iceland, its people and our tour guide and bus driver. I hope we can get there again. My dealings with Nordic saga tours was painless and effortless with everything been done through the web and emails and they were very responsive to any questions I had. Thank you for making this a trip to remember!
Lou and I have returned from our 9 day trip to Iceland! We thought we'd shoot you a message to let you know everything went as planned and that we had the greatest time exploring the country with our group. We made friends with a really nice couple who actually live only a few hours west of us here in the states! It was fun having companions who could take photos of the two of us at each stop and chat about the new things we were learning about Iceland. We could write for hours about all the amazing and unique things we got to see, but I'll keep this short and just say the tour as a whole was really thought out well and our guides were phenomenal. Some highlights would be the glaciers and the beautiful blues we saw. The waterfalls were breathtaking and we also found the Folk Museum and visiting the town of Vik to be really interesting. Not only is the nature of Iceland intriguing, but the people and culture are neat, too! Thanks for helping us and for being a great coordinator on this Iceland tour. Your hard work is appreciated!
Cheers,
Barbara and Lou Vance
I'm back from our Iceland trip and have no complaints. I visited the country in May and the weather was actually way better than I had anticipated! I even had sun in Reykjavik and didn't need to wear my jacket a few days. I really enjoyed the circle tour and think this got me the most for my money. I saw so much of the country and have endless photos and videos as proof! The diversity of the nature in Iceland is just beautiful and definitely something I've never experienced before. I loved all of the waterfalls and glaciers. That beauty is hard to capture in a photograph. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for your guidance in planning this Iceland tour. It isn't easy traveling solo, but you were able to put my mind at ease.
Best,
Jay Hammerback
I wanted to write and tell you how much we enjoyed our tour of Iceland. The Circle Tour really kept us moving and we were able to see so much of the country! We had so much fun and loved so many parts of the trip. Tina was really happy about the puffin spotting! The black sand beaches were really interesting and we couldn't get enough of the gorgeous colors we saw throughout the tour. Thanks for putting together everything so effortlessly and for being patient with our many questions beforehand. If we travel Iceland again or maybe even Scandinavia in the future, I'll be sure to let you know.
Thanks again,
Barry and Tina Grey
