Iceland Summer Extravaganza
This 6-day Iceland Summer tour takes you through the country's most breathtaking landscapes – without the crowds, without the compromises. Walk between two tectonic plates at Thingvellir, watch Strokkur erupt against an open sky, stand on Diamond Beach as ancient ice glitters over black volcanic sand, and drift along the shore of Jokulsar lon Glacier Lagoon while seals swim silently between the icebergs. Every day is led by a private driver-guide who knows where the light falls best and when to linger. From the dramatic South Coast waterfalls to a free day exploring Reykjavik's creative neighborhoods at your own pace – this is Iceland the way it deserves to be seen: unhurried, personal, and unforgettable.
Tour Itinerary
Private airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel. Optional stop at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon to recover from the flight.
Hotel Holt - The Art Hotel 4* or similar
Private Transfer
After breakfast, depart Reykjavik with your private guide and head toward Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in both history and geology. This is the place where Iceland’s first parliament was founded more than a thousand years ago, and where you can actually walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. A short, easy walk along the rift valley offers beautiful views of lava fields, clear streams, and the vast Thingvallavatn lake. If conditions allow, you may also stop at Oxararfoss waterfall tucked inside the park.
Continue east toward the Geysir geothermal area in the Haukadalur valley. Here you will see steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes and sends a column of hot water high into the air. Your guide will allow enough time to explore safely, take photos, and visit the small visitor center if you wish.
A short scenic drive brings you to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful and iconic waterfalls. Walk along the viewing paths for different perspectives of the two-tiered cascade plunging into a rugged canyon. On clear days, rainbows often form in the mist, making it one of the most photogenic stops of the journey.
In the afternoon, continue through quieter rural landscapes with optional stops at lesser-known sites like Bruarfoss, a vivid blue waterfall reached by a short walk, or Efstidalur farm where you can taste homemade ice cream while overlooking grazing cows.
Overnight will be in the Selfoss or Fludir area, allowing for a slower pace and a head start toward the South Coast on the following day. Driving time is moderate, and the route can be adjusted depending on weather, interests, and energy levels.
Breakfast- Private Driver-Guide
Hotel Selfoss 4* or similar
Depart Selfoss and travel east along the South Coast, passing beneath glacier-covered volcanoes and across vast black sand plains.
Arrive at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where large icebergs break off from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier and drift slowly toward the ocean. Spend time walking along the shoreline, watching seals that occasionally swim among the ice, and listening to the cracking sounds of shifting glaciers.
Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, a striking black sand shoreline where chunks of ice wash up from the lagoon and sparkle like crystal against the dark volcanic sand. The constantly changing shapes make this one of the most photogenic stops of the entire journey, and your guide will allow flexible time here depending on light and weather conditions.
On the return westward, stop in Skaftafell, part of Vatnajokull National Park. This area offers several walking options, from an easy hike to Svartifoss waterfall, framed by tall basalt columns, to shorter scenic trails with views of glacier tongues and alpine peaks.
Continue toward Vik, a small coastal village surrounded by cliffs and dramatic sea views.
- Breakfat
- Private Driver-Guide
- Hotel Katla 3* or similar
After breakfast, continue east along Iceland’s dramatic South Coast, one of the most scenic drives in the country. This region is shaped by powerful volcanoes and massive glaciers, and the landscape changes constantly between green farmland, black lava plains, and distant ice caps. Your guide will adjust stops depending on weather and light conditions to make the most of the day.
The first major stop is Seljalandsfoss, a graceful waterfall that drops from ancient sea cliffs. A walking path allows you to go behind the cascade for a unique perspective, so waterproof layers and good footwear are recommended. Just a short walk away is Gljufrabui, a hidden waterfall tucked inside a narrow canyon that many travelers miss, offering a quieter and more atmospheric experience.
Continue east toward Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s largest and most powerful waterfalls. The wide curtain of water often creates rainbows on sunny days. Those who wish can climb the staircase beside the falls for sweeping coastal views, while others may enjoy exploring the base area and nearby Skogar village. If there is interest in history, an optional visit to the Skogar Folk Museum can be included to see traditional turf houses and local artifacts.
As you drive further, views of the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers dominate the horizon. Stop at Dyrholaey promontory, where dramatic cliffs and a natural stone arch overlook the Atlantic Ocean. During summer months, puffins often nest here.
In the afternoon, arrive at Reynisfjara, Iceland’s famous black sand beach. Walk among striking basalt columns and watch the powerful waves crash against the shore, while your guide explains local legends and safety precautions around the strong sneaker waves. Nearby, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise sharply from the ocean and are among the most photographed landmarks in Iceland.
In the evening, return to Reykjavik
- Breakfast
- Private Driver-Guide
- Hotel Holt - The Art Hotel 4* or similar
Today is yours to enjoy Reykjavik at your own pace. Iceland’s capital is compact, creative, and easy to explore independently, with colorful streets, ocean views, and a relaxed Nordic atmosphere. You may wish to begin with a walk to Hallgrimskirkja church for panoramic views from the tower, then continue along Laugavegur, the main shopping street filled with local boutiques, design shops, and cozy cafés. The Harpa Concert Hall on the waterfront is another architectural highlight, and a stroll along the Old Harbor offers views of fishing boats, modern sculptures, and distant mountains across the bay.
For those who prefer a more structured experience, a variety of optional guided city walks are available. A historical walking tour introduces Viking heritage, local folklore, and everyday Icelandic life, while art-focused walks explore Reykjavik’s vibrant street art and design culture. Food lovers may join a small-group culinary tour, sampling traditional Icelandic flavors such as fresh seafood, lamb dishes, artisan ice cream, and modern Nordic cuisine while learning about local food traditions.
You can also choose to relax in one of the city’s geothermal swimming pools, visit museums like the National Museum of Iceland or the Settlement Exhibition, or simply enjoy the café culture that makes Reykjavik so inviting. This flexible day allows you to balance sightseeing, relaxation, and personal interests before continuing your journey.
Breakfast- Hotel Holt - The Art Hotel 4* or similar
Depending on the flight schedule, private transfer to the airport
- Breakfast
- Private Transfer
Customer reviews
I don't eat fish or lamb and I thought the hotels were very accommodating for those of us that wanted something different.
I wish we would have had more time in the city rather than in the bus all the time but I think that's what was set up so that's ok. Just would have liked to do the museums in Reykjavik.
Dora seemed a little scattered but it all fell together.
Thank you again.
I just want to thank you for making up such a marvelous itinerary for me to enjoy, in Iceland. I cannot believe how very beautiful the country is! The trip far exceeded my expectations. Such a pristine and unspoiled country, Iceland is. My favorite thing was the taste of the drinking water and the purity of the fish without any mercury or chemicals. I enjoyed my adventure around the lagoon glacier and had not expected to go down into the volcano. That was a bit scary but well worth doing.
Now, I would like to commend Kari. He was wonderful and helped to make my trip so amazing. We had fun together and he helped me so much with everything. He made sure to give me all of the history of the country. Thank you for picking him as my guide. I even met his wife and daughter. He had very nice things to say about you.
In summation, I just adored Iceland and it was well worth waiting to visit.
All the best to you,
Sue
The others were great but the tree mentioned had staff that made a point of knowing you and being accommodating. The Kyria was very nice but very new and very young staff and think in time it will be a great hotel once construction is completed and the staff become bit more experienced. Overall one of my most memorable trips. Thank you Alex for arranging! Best regards celia & torben Jensen / Canada
It now seems like a dream of our trip to Iceland. We have been home now a few days and have recovered from an unexpected Jet Lag.
We left Maple Ridge via Iceland Air at 4:00 p.m. after enjoying Iceland Air's airport lounge with free food and beverages.
We landed in Reykjavik at 6:00 a.m. (local time) which was too early to check into Hotel. The airport Kerflavik is about a 40 minute drive to the city centre of Reykjavik.
We met our wonderful tour guide Kari at the airport who showed us around town and local sites until we could check into our hotel room.
Now being up for about 40 hours we were wiped. There was an annual party in the square across the street from our Hotel (Centrehotel Plaza) where they had food vendors, music, fireworks and huge crowds so we joined in the fun. On day two we walked around the historic part of Reykjavik enjoying the historic buildings, shops and many bars and restaurants.
After one day of rest Kari drove us around the south area including his home in Arkanes, enjoying the beautiful scenery with stops at Thingvellir Nt'l Park where the Vikings established the first parliament in the world in 930. Our next stop was the geothermal pools around Geysir where Strokkur erupted for our photographic treat amid heavy rains and wind! We stopped at Gullfoss Waterfall where the skies opened up and enjoyed viewing the beautiful falls. We were shown a local Iceland Horse Breeding farm where the trainer gave us a demonstration of the 5 gaits of this magnificent little horse. We stopped the night at Hotel Ranga in Hella, a lovely hotel on a slight hill overlooking barren landscape, mountains and glacier and lovely meandering river behind the hotel.
Our next day we headed for the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogarfoss the plunge over 60 meters. Also in this area is Eyjafjallajökull that erupted in 2010 if you recall that closed down many air flights in the world. Beautiful scenery with rugged cliffs, mountains, lava beds, glaciers and black sandy beaches. Our next stop was the small village of Vik where we had an enjoyable stay at hotel Kria. Day 5 we drive to ice lagoon Jokulsarlon, the continue to Glacier Lagoon where dramatic piles of ice jam up at the sea entrance. We took a Zodiac ride to view the glacier up close and toured the lagoon to view the icebergs with a knowledgeable guide at the helm.
Our stay this evening is at the FossHotel in Hnappavellier which is a perfect place near glacier and lagoons. We enjoyed the restaurant and lovely landscape views of the hills and sea under a full orange moon. Very friendly sheep that tapped on the hotel lower window for a treat!
On day 6 we head into the east fjords stopping at the fishing town of Hofn. We continued along the east coast filled with picturesque scenery, farms, waterfalls, sheep, sheep, sheep and Icelandic Horses. Did I mention we saw a lot of sheep and horses. Driving through the fjords allows for great coastal views, inland farms, small villages, farms and long inlets. We stopped at Husavik for the night staying at the Fosshotel. A small fishing village
The next morning we head into Myvatn, Nanafjall, Dimmuborgin and the beautiful falls of Godafoss where a chieftain threw into the waters statues of the Norse gods and took to Christianity. We travel through endless scenes of lava rocks and spectacular rock formations. We stop for the evening at Siglufjord staying at Hotel Siglo that is built out into the harbour. Another lovely hotel with full amenities with views of the fjord and harbour.
Our last distant driving day after leaving Siglufjord we enter a very long tunnel (one of many we have travelled through) to bypass more rugged edges of the sea cliffs. We continue towards Reykjavik on the west side of Iceland. Again travelling through dramatic scenery along the cliffs that seem to slide into the ocean. We are told on a clear day you can see Greenland. Dramatic drop-offs where our driver Kari takes care of one of his charge that isn't too keen on drop-offs! Many sheep and horses continue to grace the countryside with a few braver sheep challenging the vehicle. A long days drive when once at Reykjavik we stop at the airport for Torben to take a helicopter ride with a few others. Great pictures taken by Torben on the countryside and their stop at a remote geothermal geyser area. Our next two nights staying in Reykjavik at the Centrum Hotel located in the centre of town in the historic area. The following day we drive to the waterfalls of Hraunfossar in Husafell. We stopped at a farm where we able to drive down to the sea where we saw 3 seals on the rocks and saw many whale bones along the shore. We found a nice roadside restaurant for much needed lunch.
We leave Reykjavik for the drive to the Blue Lagoon where we are reserved at the Retreat Hotel on blue lagoon. It's a rainy windy day along the Atlantic coast. We stop at a shopping mall that has installed a glass plate floor to display a view of the Tectonic plates that were discovered when the mall was built. We continue our drive to the small towns of Thorlakshofn and Grindavik. We found the most wonderful restaurant overlooking the stormy Atlantic ocean seaside with one of the best seafood soups! Later this day we reach the Blue Lagoon and located the Retreat Hotel. A lavish hotel with private access to multi layered pools of the Blue Lagoon. It was refreshing and relaxing swimming and soaking in these warm mineral rich waters. My first trip into the lagoon was in rainy and windy weather and enjoyed the warm waters under nasty weather. The next few swims were under better conditions including darkening skies making the lagoon more magical.
We enjoyed a nice dinner and another dip into the warm waters. The following morning noticed some clothes missing from an over eager staff that turned down the beds while we were out for dinner. They found my clothes and will mail them to me! I guess the do not disturb sign didn't work! Overall a very interesting place but think the next door hotel Silica may be a more realistic option. The scenery and seclusion at this place was wonderful but not for us. Kari picked us up and slowly drove us to Keflavik Airport for our departure after a nice lunch by a harbour restaurant.
Once at airport we said our goodbyes to our wonderful guide Kari and entered the small airport for our trip home. We stopped at the Icelandair lounge which had self serve food and beverages. We picked up some duty free items and headed for the gates. It was very chaotic as figured out one gate could be used for multiple flights to different destinations and missed any announcement for Vancouver bound passengers but luckily made the last bus out to tarmac and then boarded planes. Icelandair had good service and nice direct flight to Vancouver. Picked up our car at flynpark and drove home and suffered more jet lag!
Our travel log does not cover much of the beauty of this land and what we saw. I normally write our travel log as we go but not this time so many names places may be spelled wrong and so many beautiful wonderful places we saw. We had the most amazing time and very much due to our guide Kari. I am sure on our own we would not have seen as much or learned so much of Iceland's history and folklore. A beautiful country with amazing scenery and people. We met so many nice locals and travellers. Iceland with its population of 349,000 is a unique place to visit and explore. Although a bit expensive (probably the same as Europe cities) so planning would help with costs and using local services where possible would help. Would be happy to share our tour company name with you if interested. It seems easy to get around and wonderful roundabouts to move traffic well. We mostly used charge cards for purchases and tipping is not expected. Kari will not like this but some washrooms at various places may require a small payment to use. I would go back in a heartbeat especially in winter to see the northern lights. Torben not so much as rather be sitting in Arizona or Nevada for the heat but was a good sport. Hopefully the Retreat will return my clothes! We required little cash with us as charge cards used most often.
Wishing you safe travels and love to hear of your travels,
Celia & Torben
Thank you, Nordic- Saga - Tours for arranging this trip for us. It couldn't have been better.
John Greenberg
This trail is incredible. It's unforgettable at every step you take. However, do be prepared for a very changeable weather. It can be cold, rainy, or foggy. There are several deep river crossings, so water shoes are needed. Generally, the whole route does not require special skills, it's enough if you are relatively fit.
We enjoyed it from the beginning to a drop off 6 days later. The views and natural beauty stunned us. For us it was an experience of the lifetime! Thank you, Nordic Saga (Dora) for arranging it for us.
Our private driving trip was the best holiday we have ever had. Thank you Nordic Saga Tours for helping us to have this enjoyable holiday. The best part of it was that there were so many choices to fulfill our different wishes. We had just to follow the itinerary which you built up according to our wishes. All accommodations were very well chosen with good service and food. The only thing we had to do was to enjoy the fantastic scenery which was around us all the time. Look forward to our next trip.
Austin Sarat, Belgium
