Circle of Iceland in the Winter: 10-Day Small-Group Guided Tour
Duration
10 Days
Availability
Oct - Apr
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum Age
None
Overview
Put on your knitwear and wrap up warmly for this 10-day winter package around Iceland’s Ring Road. Circle the island, visiting the Golden Circle, South Coast, the remote East, and Lake Mývatn region before discovering hidden wonders on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Included in this adventure are a glacier hiking excursion, a whale-watching tour, and a visit to an authentic ice cave.
Explore the best of Iceland this Northern Lights season with this 10-day Guided Tour Package. Book now to secure your spot on this popular excursion.
- Travel in comfort and style in a small, comfortable minibus with a professional guide who will show you both popular and hidden gems.
- Enjoy unique experiences such as glacier hiking, visiting an authentic ice cave, and whale watching.
- Customize your adventure by adding additional activities like Blue Lagoon or Vök Baths visits, lava caving, and riding Icelandic horses.
- Stay in a charming countryside hotel, providing the perfect opportunity to view the mesmerizing Northern Lights in the evening.
Included
- 8-day small group guided tour of the Ring Road Iceland
- 7 nights in countryside accommodation (breakfast included, private bathroom)
- 2 nights of accommodation in Reykjavik (different levels available; breakfast included for all levels; more details in accommodation tab)
- Northern Lights hunting
- Airport transfers (Arrival and Departure)
- Glacier Hiking (During 8-day tour)
- Ice Caving (During 8-day tour)
- Whale Watching (During 8-day tour)
- Detailed Itinerary with fun and practical information on the nature, history, and culture of Iceland
- Hands-on travel agent to oversee your itinerary
- Taxes
Not included
- Flights to/from Iceland
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals & drinks (unless otherwise stated)
- Any services not listed as “Included”
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Iceland
You’ll land at Keflavík Airport in the southwest corner of the country. After picking up your bags, take the bus heading to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, where you’ll spend your first night in the land of fire and ice. Feel free to explore this vibrant capital if you’re not too tired after your flight.
Highlights:
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
Optional Activities
- Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, and 1st drink of your choice.
- Blue Lagoon Premium Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe, table reservation at Lava Restaurant, and sparkling wine if dining.
Day 2 – The Golden Circle
Now, it is time to begin your journey around Iceland. You will be picked up in the morning by your friendly guide, who will show you around this beautiful island over the next eight days, starting with the Golden Circle. After exploring this popular sightseeing route, the guide will take you to accommodations in the area. If conditions are right, you’ll search first for the Northern Lights.
Highlights:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 3 – South Coast & Glacier Hiking
On this day, you will explore South Iceland, known for beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers. You’ll get to know the glaciers a bit on a glacier hike accompanied by a professional glacier guide. After a day of exploration and adventure, your guide will take you to your accommodations near the village of Vík.
Highlights:
- Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss Waterfalls
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Glacier Hike
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 4 – Glacier Lagoon & Ice Caving
Today’s destination is the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the Diamond Beach, both found within Vatnajökull National Park. After seeing their beauty, you’ll head out on an icy adventure. Armed with crampons and a helmet, you’ll explore the blue ice caves of Vatnajökull. At the end of the day, your guide will take you to accommodations in the area.
Highlights:
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Ice Caving
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 5 – The Remote East Iceland
Now it is time to head out to one of the country’s most stunning but least visited places, the Eastfjords of Iceland. Your view today will be characterized by tall mountains on one side and the open ocean on the other. You’ll visit charming fishing villages and some hidden gems. You’ll also have some optional adventures to add to your day.
Highlights:
- Mt. Vestrahorn
- Stokksnes Peninsula
- Fishing Villages of the East
Optional Activities
- Vök Nature Baths: Vök Nature Baths are surrounded by nothing but the untouched nature of East Iceland. The ticket includes entry to the baths and a tisane brewed from the spring water and local herbs at the infusion bar. Bring a swimsuit and a towel, which can also be rented onsite. No minimum age.
- Horse Riding Tour: Meet the friendly Icelandic Horse. Includes a guided horseback ride with a specially trained guide. Use of riding helmets, boots & rain wear. Please note that this activity is not suitable for people weighing over 120 kg or people in poor physical condition.
Day 6 – Lake Mývatn Area
After breakfast, hop back on the minibus and head to the Mývatn area in North Iceland, a region colored by volcanic and geothermal activity. You’ll see geothermal areas, lava fields, and a beautiful waterfall before heading to your accommodations in the town of Akureyri.
Highlights:
- Námaskarð Pass
- Dimmuborgir Lava Field
- Goðafoss Waterfall
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 7 – Whale Watching in North Iceland
Today, you’ll explore North Iceland a bit further, starting with a visit to the little village of Hauganes. Here, you’ll have an excursion where you’ll set out to the sea in search of whales. Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is an experience you will surely not forget. You’ll then head to accommodations in the Borgarfjörður Region.
Highlights:
- Hauganes Village
- Eyjafjörður Fjord
- Whale-Watching
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 8 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today, you’ll explore the mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This beautiful place is filled with waterfalls, charming villages, and black pebble beaches, and overlooking it is the mighty Snæfellsjökull Glacier.
Highlights:
- Gerðuberg Cliffs
- Djúpalónssandur Beach
- Mt. Kirkjufell
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 9 – West Iceland
Today is the last day of your circle trip, but it will be packed with wonderful sights and adventures. You’ll see waterfalls, historic places, and Europe’s largest hot spring. At the end of the day, you’ll return to Reykjavík. where you can unwind at your accommodation after 8 fun-filled days on the road.
Highlights:
- Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
- Reykholt Farm
- Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Optional Activities
- Viðgelmir Lava Cave: One of the largest caves in Iceland. The tour includes an English-speaking guide and the use of caving equipment such as a helmet and headlamp. No age limit.
Day 10 – Departure
It is now time to bid farewell to the land of ice and fire. If you have an afternoon or an evening flight, you can squeeze in some sightseeing in Reykjavík before you leave. In good time, you’ll hop on a bus and head to the airport to catch your flight home. We hope to see you again here soon, or as we would say in Icelandic: “Sjáumst seinna!”.
Highlights:
- Tjörnin Lake
- Sun Voyager
- Old Harbour
Optional Activities
- Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, and 1st drink of your choice.
- Blue Lagoon Premium Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe, table reservation at Lava Restaurant, and sparkling wine if dining.
Accommodation
While staying in Reykjavík, you’ll have a choice of three accommodation levels. See details about each one in the boxes below. All accommodations for this tour have been hand-picked by our local travel experts.
Budget
Nice and comfortable rooms with shared bathroom facilities and showers. Located in guesthouses or hostels, in good locations, with breakfast included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Kex Hostel.
Comfort
Comfortable rooms in three-star hotels or quality guesthouses, centrally located, very close to popular attractions. Private bathroom and breakfast included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Fosshotel Rauðará.
Quality
Rooms in four-star hotels or superior rooms in quality three-star hotels at fantastic locations near popular attractions. Private bathroom and breakfast is included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Icelandair Hotel Marina.
Map
Good to know
- Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, outside of Reykjavík, you will be staying at rural hotels, which increases your chances of seeing them when the weather allows.
- Note that the itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.
- The itinerary depends on road and weather conditions, so it may be altered if conditions are not favorable. This includes optional activities as well. If extreme weather affects your travel plans, you will be notified, and we will do our best to assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when applicable.
- Note that although there is no minimum age for this tour, there is one for the glacier hike and ice cave. Participants must be at least 8 years old for the hike but 6 for the ice cave.
- Some optional activities may need a valid driving license, or you may need to send additional information to your travel agent.
What to bring
- Warm and waterproof clothes
- Good winter shoes that have soles with a good grip or crampons
- Swimsuit and towel
- Camera
- More information on what to pack HERE
