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The Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, a bedrock from the "cold" period of the Ice Age

Complete Iceland Explorer

Iceland Guided-drive Tour - Example 10 Day Tour
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Explore the stunning landscapes of Iceland on this unforgettable 10-day tour, which reveals majestic waterfalls, expansive glaciers, and dramatic volcanic terrain each day. Begin in Reykjavík and follow the legendary Ring Road, tracing dramatic coastlines and remote routes through constantly changing scenery. Stand before thunderous cascades like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, then wander along black-sand beaches framed by striking basalt sea stacks on the south coast. Experience the immense scale of Europe’s largest glacier at Skaftafell and watch icebergs drift across the luminous waters of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. In the East Fjords, winding roads lead past fishing villages and rugged mountains straight from the sea. Northern Iceland delivers more natural drama with Lake Mývatn’s volcanic landscapes and the raw power of Dettifoss.
Studlagil canyon in IcelandGoðafoss, also known as the "Waterfall of the Gods,"Diamond Beach in Iceland with blue icebergs melting on the black sandGlacier hikes and learning more about the history and dynamicsRoad traveling IcelandThe natural Ice Cave in IcelandGeysir Hot spring - StrokkurEnjoying the Skogafoss waterfall flowing from clifMajestic Kirkjurfell waterfallThe Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, a bedrock from the "cold" period of the Ice Age
Highlights
  • Relax in the Blue Lagoon’s warm, mineral-rich geothermal waters in Iceland
  • Explore ancient rift valley of Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • See Gullfoss, iconic "Golden Falls" with stunning views and roaring waters
  • Visit Skógafoss Waterfall, Iceland's most picturesque waterfall
  • Travel through isolated fishing villages and the idyllic East Fjords
  • Admire the stunning landscape of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Enjoy a thrilling snowmobile tour in Vatnajökull glacier
Places Visited
  • Arctic
  • Europe
  • Iceland
  • Reykjavik
  • Arnarstapi
  • Dettifoss Waterfall
  • Egilsstaðir
  • Fáskrúðsfjörður
  • Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
  • Godafoss
  • Gullfoss Falls
  • Heinabergslón
  • Hofn
  • Jökulsárlón
  • Myvatn Region
  • Reykjahlíð
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
  • Seljalandsfoss
  • Siglufjörður
  • Skógafoss
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik | Blue Lagoon

Upon arrival, a private driver greets you at the airport and takes you directly to the Blue Lagoon, one of the country’s most iconic geothermal spas. Sink into the warm, mineral-rich waters and unwind as lava fields and open sky surround you, easing off the travel fatigue.

Time here stays simple and relaxed. Soak, add an optional in-water massage or spa treatment, unwind in the saunas and steam rooms, or grab a bite at the Lava Restaurant with views over the lagoon. The experience blends comfort with one of Iceland’s most recognizable settings. Once you finish at the lagoon, your journey continues directly to your accommodation in Downtown Reykjavik for the evening.

Day 2: Þingvellir National Park | Gullfoss & Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls

Travel Iceland in a rugged 4x4 built for real adventure. Today, ride across lava fields, glaciers, and black sand beaches with ease, with plenty of space for gear and an elevated seat that opens up wide views of the landscape. At the arranged time, your private driver-guide meets you in the hotel lobby, easy to spot and ready to help with luggage.

Start today's adventure at Þingvellir National Park, where you literally walk between two continental tectonic plates and through Iceland’s oldest history. This rift valley is home to the Alþingi, founded in 930 AD, and surrounded by lakes, lava, and raw, dramatic landscapes. Next, head to Geysir in the Haukadalur Valley. Steam rises, mud bubbles, and Strokkur Geyser erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air in a scene that feels uniquely Icelandic. In the afternoon, stop at Gullfoss Waterfall. The river crashes down in two powerful drops into a deep canyon, filling the air with mist and, on clear days, rainbows.

Continue south to Seljalandsfoss, a famous waterfall you can walk behind. Feel the spray, hear the roar, and snap photos from behind the falling water as it drops from the cliffs above.
 

Day 3: Skógafoss | Vik & South Coast Exploring

This morning, head to Skógafoss, a thundering south coast waterfall just outside Skógar. Water drops 60 meters in a wide curtain, kicking up mist and frequent rainbows. Walk up to the base of the falls to feel the spray and power of the falls, or for a more strenuous experience, climb the steep steps adjacent to the falls for expansive views over the river and highlands.

Next, head to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach near Vík. This famous beach, now eroded away by pounding surf, once highlighted jet-black sand framing basalt columns with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks jutting out of the ocean just offshore. Stay well back from the water and take in the new views from a safe spot to experience the raw, dramatic south coast.

Arrive in Vík í Mýrdal, a small village between cliffs and the Atlantic. The red-roofed church on the hill looks out over black sand beaches and offshore sea stacks, with green hills rising sharply behind town. It's a great starting point for viewpoints and glaciers in the area.

Later, stop at the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. Walk the rim of this deep, narrow gorge carved by an ancient river, then continue to Svínafellsjökull Glacier, the jagged “Batman glacier,” known for its sharp ice formations and famous film locations for Batman and other notable films.

Day 4: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon | Diamond Beach | Vatnajökull Glacier

After breakfast, head to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Icebergs drift across the deep blue water, some glowing bright blue, while seals pop up between the iceberg pieces. Boat tours are available to add to your experience to get you even closer to the glacier's edge. Just across the road is Diamond Beach, where shore-bound, crystal-clear iceberg fragments glitter on the black volcanic sand like scattered jewels. 

In the afternoon, suit up for a snowmobile adventure on Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. A Super Jeep ride across lava fields brings you to the ice; then you speed over crevasses, weave through ice formations, and stop for photos and stories from your guide along the way.

Finish the day at a cozy hotel in Höfn, with stunning views and easy access to Vatnajökull, Jökulsárlón, and the surrounding landscapes, perfect for unwinding after an action-packed day.

Day 5: Vestrahorn Mountain | Fáskrúðsfjörður Fjord | Egilsstaðir

Spend the morning seeking out the best views of Vestrahorn Mountain on the Stokksnes Peninsula, where striking jagged peaks rise from black sand beaches. Mist often wraps the “Batman Mountain,” giving it a dramatic, otherworldly vibe. Nearby, explore the Viking Village, a replica of a traditional Viking settlement with turf-roofed houses that contrast sharply with the wild landscape.

For the rest of the day, drive the Eastfjords from Höfn to Egilsstaðir, detouring through Fáskrúðsfjörður Fjord. Coastal roads hug panoramic fjords and mountains, with fishing villages and sweeping Atlantic views making this one of Iceland’s most scenic drives.

In the late afternoon, relax at Vök Baths on Lake Urriðavatn. Soak in floating geothermal pools, take a refreshing cold plunge, or relax in hot pools, steam baths, and mist tunnels. Grab a bite at Vök Bistro, enjoying local flavors with stunning lake views.

Day 6: Stuðlagil Canyon | Dettifoss Waterfall | Reykjahlíð

On this day, visit the Stuðlagil Canyon. This canyon, which was previously hidden by the Kěhnjúkar dam, was discovered in 2016 and features striking basalt columns along the Jěla River. View it from the north-side platform or take an enjoyable 5 km hike from the south for up-close views through a wide, open landscape.

In the afternoon, visit Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Fed by glacial rivers, it thunders over a wide cliff into Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, filling the air with mist and a deep, rumbling roar. Next, stop at Grjótagjá near Lake Mývatn. This small lava cave hides a clear geothermal pool made famous by Game of Thrones. Steamy water, dark rock walls, and quiet surroundings give it a surreal feel.

End the day at Dimmuborgir lava fields, where twisted rock towers, caves, and jagged formations create one of North Iceland’s most eerie and fascinating landscapes.

Day 7: Goðafoss Waterfall | Siglufjörður

After breakfast, continue your journey to Goðafoss, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," which is one of Iceland's most spectacular waterfalls. Located in North Iceland, it features a horseshoe-shaped cascade where water from the Skjálfandafljót River plunges over a 12-meter-high and 30-meter-wide cliff, steeped in history and natural beauty.

Day 8: Trollaskagi Peninsula | Kolugjufur Canyon| Stykkishólmur

Start the day in Hofsós, where hexagonal basalt columns rise straight from the shoreline. Formed by ancient lava, they meet gentle waves and quiet fjord views in a striking, photo-worthy scene. Next, head to Borgarvirki, a natural basalt fortress perched 180 meters above sea level. Although it appears man-made, this site is entirely natural and offers stunning 360-degree views after a short, easy walk. According to Icelandic sagas, local farmers used it as a refuge, adding a rich layer of history to the dramatic landscape.

In the afternoon, continue to Kolugjúfur Canyon. Carved by the Víðidalsá River, this hidden gorge features steep walls and rushing waterfalls. Local legend suggests it was once the home of the giantess Kola, adding a touch of myth to the canyon's rugged beauty.

Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula | Arnarstapi | Reykjavík

Today, explore the highlights of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Start at Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain. Its sharp, church-like shape rises above the landscape and pairs perfectly with nearby Kirkjufellsfoss. Green in summer, snowy in winter, it’s iconic and, yes, a Game of Thrones star.

Next, head to Djúpalónssandur, a wild black pebble beach backed by lava cliffs. Try lifting the old fishermen’s strength stones and take in the raw Atlantic views.
Continue to Lóndrangar, where massive volcanic pinnacles tower over the coastline. Waves crash below, seabirds circle above, and local legends add to the rugged, mystical feel.

Stop in Arnarstapi, a small coastal village known for dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and birdlife. Walk the shoreline and see the statue of Bárður Snæfellsás, the peninsula’s legendary guardian.

End the day at Ytri-Tunga, a rare golden-sand beach on Snæfellsnes. Watch seals lounging on the rocks before heading back to Reykjavík.

Day 10: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Wrap up your trip with a smooth transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meet your professional driver at the hotel, and settle into a comfortable private transfer. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride straight to the airport, arriving with plenty of time for check-in and security. It's a simple and stress-free way to wrap up your trip to Iceland.
 

Accommodations

Fosshótel Mývatn

Hotel exterior view
Hotel reception and lobby area
Hotel lobby area

Hotel Valaskjalf

Hotel exterior
Hotel restaurant
Hotel restaurant

Fosshotel Stykkisholmur

Hotel aerial view
Lounge area
Lounge area

Boutique Hotel Anna

Boutique Hotel Anna
Boutique Hotel Anna
Boutique Hotel Anna

Hótel Reykjavík Saga

Hotel reception area
Hotel lounge area
Hotel corridor area

Hótel Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon Hotel

Hotel swimming pool and outdoor area
Hotel lobby area
Hotel restaurant

Berjaya Iceland Hotels - Höfn

Hotel lobby seating area
Hotel lobby area
Hotel outdoor seating area

Siglo Hotel

Exterior and harbor view
Hotel exterior view
Exterior view

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$14,477 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Rates are per person based on two travelers. Rates are per person based on two travelers. For groups of 4 travelers or more, please contact us for customized pricing and potential group savings.

Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 9 Breakfasts
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • 7 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Premium Entrance at the Blue Lagoon
  • Vök Baths Entrance
  • Snowmobile tour in Vatnajökull from March to October
  • Private airport transfer in arrival day to hotel via Blue Lagoon (2-hour waiting time)
  • Private airport transfer on departure day
  • Private driver guide and vehicle for 8 days
  • Entrance, service and parking fees
  • VAT (11%)
  • Natural Ice Cave tour from October to March.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
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