12 days | Group Tour | Max 20 | May-Aug | Reykjavik
The Grand Tour of Iceland takes you on an unforgettable journey around Iceland including the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the magical West Fjords. These western areas are left unexplored by most of our visitors. Experience the spectacular splendor and untamed beauty of Iceland´s nature, breathtaking scenery and unique Icelandic history and culture. You will discover some of the most remote parts of the country and visit many well-known highlights as well.
The 'Grand Tour of Iceland' features all the best the country has to offer. Each day combines touring by bus, going for light walks, having soft adventures and experiencing Icelandic culture and history. You will stay in simple and charming guesthouses, farm- and tourist-class hotels, many of them set in the most stunning locations.
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this itinerary using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
Through our Climate Action Plan, we measure our carbon emissions each year and set goals to reduce them. But our responsibility does not end when the journey does. A share of our annual profits goes to our Impact Fund, supporting conservation, restoration and the communities we work in.
Fully escorted bus tour around Iceland with air-conditioning. One large bag per person for the trunk of the bus and one backpack above the seats is the rule of thumb.
Portage is not included - you will be responsible for carrying all your luggage.
Nature Fees: There is a possibility that some of the nature attractions around Iceland might charge an entrance fee during the trip. These entrance fees are not included in the tour price and need to be paid by all tour members additionally on the spot when entering any of these nature sites. Locations, amount of entrance fee, form of payment and other details are not known at the present time and are subject to change.
Begin the day with a visit to Thingvellir National Park,a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland’s parliament was established in 930 AD. Thingvellir is situated on the tectonic plate between North America and Europe. As a result, it is scarred by dramatic fissures, ponds, and rivers, including the great rift Almannagjá.
After exploring the historical site, head to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which juts out from Iceland’s West Coast. A rugged mountain chain runs its length, capped by the 1,446-meter Snæfellsjökull glacier. Travel around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula which offers many excellent photo opportunities. Visit the most popular sites at the Snæfellsnes National Park where volcanic craters, lava flows, an ice cap, glaciated peaks, fjords and high cliffs shape its landscape. Following the adventure of Jules Verne’s classic science-fiction novel “The Journey to the Center of the Earth” experience a tour under Snæfellsjökull glacier! This lava cave tour takes you 35 meters underground and about 200 meters into the lava tube called Vatnshellir.
Enjoy a ferry ride from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur, crossing Breiðafjörður Bay. On the 2,5 hour journey the ferry passes the island of Flatey, which is inhabited only during the summer. If the weather is good, you will enjoy magnificent views of the bay’s numerous islands as well as Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Upon arriving in the remote Westfjords, journey over mountain roads and along the edges of dramatic fjords until reaching the majestic Arnarfjörður, framed by towering mountains. At the fjord’s end lies Dynjandi, a breathtaking multi-tiered waterfall cascading over seven levels, widely regarded by Icelanders as the most beautiful waterfall in the country.
Follow the coastline and stop at the folk and transport museum in Hnjótur. Continue through a very remote and sparsely populated region to the bird cliffs of Látrabjarg, the most abundant seabird cliff and the westernmost point of Iceland and Europe where you can see puffins from mid-May till mid-August. Take a walk in the wilderness to the top of the highest bird cliff in Iceland. Látrabjarg is known in the world for its density of Nordic birds. Puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, cormorants, kittiwakes, and other cliff birds flock either in hundreds, thousands and even in millions.
Látrabjarg offers a unique opportunity to observe seabirds up close. Even if birdwatching isn't your passion, you'll be captivated by the colourful puffins and the remarkable abundance of birdlife that gathers along these dramatic cliffs. If weather and road conditions allow, we travel to Rauðisandur beach with endless red sand. Well, not endless but 10 km is a lot. The magnificent hues of the sand differ with daylight, tides, and weather. This pure sand beach is home to countless seabirds and seals and is an oasis of unique tranquillity. Forget everything, except maybe getting the perfect shot of the ever-changing hues of yellow, orange and red.
Depart the Westfjords and begin your journey east, tracing the inland edge of Breiðarfjörður. Travel through wide valleys and low mountain passes as the dramatic fjord landscape gradually changes to the wide open spaces of Northwest Iceland. Along the way, stop at Erpsstaðir, a charming family-run dairy farm renowned for its ice cream and dairy products. Enjoy a behind the scenes look at local milk production and sample freshly made ice cream featuring unique, seasonal Icelandic flavours.
Today’s journey takes you off the beaten track as you explore the scenic Vatnsnes Peninsula. Pass through the small fishing village of Hvammstangi, often referred to as Iceland’s seal capital. A gravel road winds around the peninsula, leading to Hvítserkur, a striking 15 meter high basalt sea stack, home to nesting fulmars and gulls. According to legend, Hvítserkur is a troll turned to stone while trying to destroy a nearby monastery.
The journey continues to Kolugljúfur Canyon, where powerful waterfalls plunge into a dramatic gorge. A short walk to the viewing platform offers awe inspiring views as the river moves from calm to cascading torrents an unforgettable sight. Further north, visit Víðimýri Turf Church, one of Iceland’s few preserved turf churches, built in 1834 with traditional turf walls and timber gables. End the day by crossing a scenic mountain pass to reach Akureyri, the vibrant capital of North Iceland, where you will spend the next two nights.
Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful surrounding of the botanical garden in Akureyri. Afterwards enjoy a whale watching tour for 2-3 hours in Eyjafjörður – Iceland’s longest fjord right below the Arctic Circle. For additional bonus and fun, try your luck at sea angling towards the end of the tour.
In the afternoon see the spectacular fjord landscapes while travelling to Siglufjörður, Iceland’s northernmost town, known as the herring capital of the North Atlantic. Siglufjörður is located on the mountainous Tröllaskagi Peninsula. On the way, we pass small fishing villages and stop at a deserted valley that even most Icelanders have not seen. Included is a visit to the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður, Iceland’s largest maritime museum and the only one in Iceland that won the European Museum Awards. We won’t miss the opportunity to taste the herring along with Brennivín, Icelandic schnapps.
Today, explore Goðafoss, the waterfall of the Gods, and continue to Lake Mývatn, known for its abundant bird life and amazing volcanic lava landscapes. See pseudo craters, walk in the mysterious lava field Dimmuborgir, see the tephra cone Hverfjall, explore the hot springs, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð. You will travel to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. The round-trip walk takes about 40-60 minutes.
Then continue east through the bare and sometimes deserted landscape with mountains all around and head through the uninhabited highlands to East Iceland. Explore the northernmost fjord on the East Fjord mountain range. We end the day at Vök baths, a geothermal floating pool in Lake Urriðavatn where guests can soak in the warm water while admiring the views.
Today offers a chance to take in the dramatic beauty of the East Fjords, with their winding roads, steep mountains, and quiet fishing villages nestled along the coast. Your first stop is Petra’s Stone Collection, a beloved local treasure and the result of nearly 80 years of collecting by Petra, a passionate naturalist and lifelong resident. Her museum showcases an extraordinary array of rocks, crystals, zeolites, and minerals all sourced from the surrounding region. In the afternoon, continue your journey south and witness the awe inspiring sight of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, which stretches across much of Southeast Iceland and dominates the landscape.
Today we visit Vatnajökull National Park which covers about 14% of Iceland, making it Europe’s 2nd largest national park in terms of area. Enjoy a boat ride amongst the floating icebergs on the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, considered one of the highlights on any tour around Iceland.
Stroll along the striking black sands of Diamond Beach, where shimmering icebergs from nearby Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon wash ashore, creating a dazzling contrast against the volcanic sand. Continue into the Skaftafell region, set beneath the towering peak of Hvannadalshnúkur, at 2,110 meters, Iceland’s highest mountain and the second largest stratovolcano in Europe. Enjoy a scenic walk near one of the area’s impressive glacial tongues, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. The journey continues across a sandy plain before ending at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, famous for its dramatic basalt columns and iconic sea stacks rising from the surf.
Today travel along the dramatic South Coast of Iceland. Explore Skógafoss waterfall, one of the country’s best known waterfalls. The crashing water creates a mist that results in frequent and magical rainbows. Later reach Seljalandsfoss waterfall where you can follow a slick and wet trail and walk right behind it. Come prepared and bring a raincoat and good boots as you will get wet. We continue to the Lava & Volcano Exhibition Centre focused on geology and active volcanoes and watch a documentary on Iceland's volcanic eruptions. We then head back to Reykjavik exploring the Golden Circle and other attractions along the way. The first stop is at Friðheimar, a unique geothermal greenhouse where tomatoes are grown. Next door, we can take a selfie with an Icelandic horse and learn about its unique qualities and history. We then explore Gullfoss, the beautiful double “Golden Falls”, and walk through the active geothermal area of Geysir, where Strokkur “the churn” spouts up to 25 meters (70 feet) every five to seven minutes.
The day concludes with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital.
Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik airport. We suggest spending some time at the Blue Lagoon on your way out to the airport, ask us for advice.
Price per person twin share. 20% discount for children 8-11 years of age if sharing room with parents. Triple rooms are actually double rooms with extra bed, ideal for 2 adults and 1 child. Available on request only. This tour is not recommended for children under 8. It is not possible to upgrade rooms.
All departures are guaranteed. See more prices by clicking the + sign below.
It is not possible to upgrade rooms.
Itineraries may be subject to change at short notice during severe weather conditions and certain outdoor activities/day trips may be cancelled during the winter season in Iceland. In these rare cases, where situations of force majeure apply, excursions/activities cannot be refunded, but the local guides will try their best to find reasonable alternatives where and whenever possible.
NOTE: Accommodations are subject to change.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
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