- Description
- Trip Itinerary
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
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- FAQ
- Optional Add-ons
An EPIC Road Trip, there is nothing like it! Driving past active volcanoes, blue icebergs, and roaring waterfalls on Iceland’s Ring Road!
Iceland’s Ring Road encircles the entire country, covering over 800 miles. Although this is doable in less than 24-hours, as Iceland is just a bit smaller than the state of Kentucky, we will take 15-days to complete the journey.
We will be taking in all the scenic beauty Iceland has to offer and stopping often to get out and appreciate the view!
Here are some of the things we are going to do:
- Marvel at the most beautiful of Iceland’s waterfalls
- Explore the glaciers, we’ll walk on them, float on around them and step inside a glacier cave
- Visit a traditional Icelandic horse stables
- Take a dip in natural geothermal spas surrounded by mossy hills
- Visit Grímsey Island and cross over to the Arctic Circle
- Catch a glimpse of the beautiful puffins on Vigur Island
- Visit black sand beaches and volcanic craters
Iceland’s Ring Road encircles the entire country, covering over 800 miles. Although this is doable in less than 24-hours, as Iceland is just a bit smaller than the state of Kentucky, we will take 15-days to complete the journey.
Print Daily Itinerary
** Activities and destinations may change based on weather, availability or other unknown factors.
Itineraries
Day 1
Date : July 29, 2023
Arrival Day

Today is arrival day, when your flight arrives at the Keflavik International Airport, you will be picked up and escorted to our hotel in downtown Reykjavik. After checking into your room, you can explore downtown Reykjavik on your own or choose from one of the following optional experiences.
• Visit the Blue Lagoon ($170, includes transportation and entrance fee)
• Icelandic Mythical Walk (+$40)
• Explore the National Museum of Iceland (+ $18)
• Self-Guided Downtown Tour (free)
Later in the evening we will meet for our Welcome dinner, where we will have a chance to taste some amazing Icelandic seafood.
Meals included: dinner
Day 2
Date : July 30, 2023
Visiting the West Fjords

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We begin our Epic Road trip today – with a full day of road tripping. We will depart after breakfast and begin our adventure making our way north towards the West Fjords of Iceland. We will visit the Glanni and Gervidalsá waterfalls. We will stop for lunch at local artisan creamery. After lunch we will continue our journey north, making our way along the fjords, making our way to Ísafjörður.
Ísafjörður is located on a spit within the fjord Skutulsfjörður, which is part of the larger fjord Ísafjarðardjúp. The settlement is one of the few large enough in the Icelandic Westfjords to be considered a town, with a population of around 2,600 people.
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We will make Ísafjörður our home base for the next 2 days. There will be time after we arrive to venture out into town for dinner, or you can keep it simple and have your meal at the lovely restaurant in the hotel.
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Meals included: breakfast & lunch
Day 3
Date : July 31, 2023
Explore Ísafjörður

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Today we will take it slow. We will have a leisurely breakfast and then you will have time to get outside and explore the shops and sights in Ísafjörður. We will meet up for lunch at a local favorite spot. After we will meet up with Helga, who will be dressed as a fish worker from the 19th Century and take us on a walk to visit historical houses and trade centers, sharing legends and stories from the past and present. You will be on your own for dinner.
Meals included: breakfast & lunch
Day 4
Date : August 1, 2023
Meet the Puffins

After a lovely breakfast, you can choose how to spend your morning. Grab a cup of coffee and read at a local coffee shop, join part of our crew to take an early morning drive to see Bunárfoss, just a short 15-minute drive out of town, or make your way to one of the local museums in town.
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After lunch we will depart Ísafjörður on a scenic half an hour boat ride across the majestic ĺsafjarðardjúp to Vigur. Our afternoon will be full of Icelandic wildlife. In addition to spotting a whale or two during the voyage, on the island there will be opportunities to spot thousands of seabirds. The island has been designated an ‘internationally important seabird habitat’, some 7000 breeding Eider Ducks, more than 100,000 Puffins, a rare colony of Black Guillemot and more nesting Arctic Terns than anyone can count.
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We will take a guided tour of the island and meet with the local farm family who look after the island year-round. During our tour we will learn of the unique Icelandic tradition of eiderdown farming and relax with some traditional Icelandic coffee and cake before heading back to Ísafjörður.
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After dinner we will be heading to another seaside village in the West Fjords.
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Meals included: breakfast
Day 5
Date : August 2, 2023
Farm Visit

Today is our visit to the Icelandic Farms in northern Iceland. After a hearty breakfast we will load up and set out to visit 3 farms. Meeting Icelandic horses and visiting a turf house exhibition. Next, the Icelandic sheep where we will be hosted for a traditional Icelandic lunch. And finally, we will say hello to the Icelandic goats and peek inside a handcraft gallery to learn more about the spinning cashmere and other textile creations.
After our animal adventures we will head to a beautifully converted farmhouse set next to the sea in North Iceland. This farmhouse will be our home base for next 2 days giving us a chance to explore the delights of Northern Iceland.
Meals included: breakfast & lunch
Day 6
Date : August 3, 2023
Explore the Natural Wonders

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Today our adventures will take us to discover more of the Iceland’s natural wonders. We will start by visiting Goðafos, one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, fed from the Skjálfandafljót river, which runs in a 7000-year-old lava field from the Trölladyngja volcano. Then we’ll make the trek to Dettifoss, the waterfall with the largest volume of water of any waterfall in Europe. It is over 140 feet high and over 300 feet wide.
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After our outdoor adventures, we head to the Mývatn Nature Baths for a steam and a soak. The baths are located on the edge of Lake Myvatn, set on volcanic lava fields and craters. The water is heated by hot springs nearby. With the milky blue, mineral-rich water that is great for your skin, we can soak and float the afternoon away.
We’ll head back to the farmhouse for a relaxing dinner.
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Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7
Date : August 4, 2023
Cross the Arctic Circle

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Our travels will take us to the Arctic Circle today. After breakfast we will make our way to Dalvík, where we will depart on a ferry to Grímsey Island. During our boat ride you can expect to spot dolphins, humpback whales and blue whales. We will tour of the island and Grimsey village learning about the history of the island. We also get an opportunity to cross over into the Arctic Circle and visit the Orbis et Globus monument. We will get a certificate for crossing into the Arctic Circle! After a delightful lunch we’ll take the ferry back to Dalvik.
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We’ll spend a bit of our evening in Dalvik. You’ll be on your own for dinner.
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Meals included: breakfast & lunch
Day 8
Date : August 5, 2023
Travel Thru Eastern Iceland

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We continue East today, in the wide-open spaces of Eastern Iceland. We will keep our eyes open for reindeer and sheep along the way. Of course, there will be a couple of detours to spy a few waterfalls. Making a stop to take in the beauty of the Rjúkandi Waterfall and then at Canyon Moira, along the edge of the Eyjólfsstaðaskógur Forest, whose stream waters are a bright blue.
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We’ll stay the night in Seydisfjordur, cute town in East Iceland full of charm and brightly colored buildings. The town was made famous in the movie Walter Mitty, completed with a photogenic bright blue church at the end of a rainbow painted road.
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There will be time to explore the town. Dinner is on your own.
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Meals included: breakfast & lunch
Day 9
Date : August 6, 2023
Visit Seydisfjordur

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After breakfast, we’ll take a leisurely morning to explore Seydisfjordur, before continuing on our Epic Road Trip. In addition to Sveinsstekksfoss and Barkináfoss, we’ll make a stop to see a light house and the spectacular black beaches of Southeast Iceland. As we make our way south, we will be able to see Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, as we drive along.
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Arriving in Höfn will feel like entering a metropolis, after driving through the barely populated areas in the East Fjords. We’ll arrive in the late afternoon, after we check into our hotel you can explore the town. Dinner is on your own.
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Meals included: lunch
Day 10
Date : August 7, 2023
Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

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After breakfast at the hotel, we will venture further into the area known as the Golden Circle. Today we will get up close and person with the Vatnajökull Glacier. We will take a boat ride in the Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
During the excursion we will sail among huge icebergs, gettin a close look at the 1,000 year old ice.
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After our adventure in the lagoon, we’ll visit another gem of the Golden Circle, Diamond Beach. Diamond Beach is a black volcanic sand beach next to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Huge chunks of glacial ice into thousands of blocks that wash up on the jet-black sand, the contrast between the glistening ice and sand is breathtaking.
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After our glacier adventures we will head back to Hofn for a warm dinner. Hofn, which translates to harbor, with a long history as a fishing port – and today is the Lobster Capital of Iceland. Lobster for dinner?
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Meals included: breakfast
Day 11
Date : August 8, 2023
Vik & Ice Cave

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After breakfast we will head East to the lovely town of Vik i Myrdal, a remote seafront village. Vik sits in the shadow of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers the Katla volcano. There will be time to explore the village and Reynisfjara black beach with basalt columns. There is also a wool factory with a store where you can buy products made from Icelandic wool.
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After lunch we will be complete our glacier explorations with a hike to an ice cave. Our guides will drive us to the Kötlujökull glacier, where we will be fitted with crampons and helmets for the short walk to the ice cave's opening. (The walk is not challenging at all, and anyone in an average physical condition should be able make their way through the tour of the ice cave.) Inside you will see beautiful layers of different colored ice and volcanic ash unfold.
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After our exhilarating ice cave tour, we will make our way to Hella, where we will stay in a traditional Viking longhouse. We will have a traditional Icelandic communal dinner.
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Meals included: breakfast & dinner
Day 12
Date : August 9, 2023
Explore Viking History

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We will meet the lovely Icelandic horses that live on the property after breakfast. And honoring our Viking longhouse lodging, our excursions today include the Þjóðveldisbærinn (Commonwealth Farm), a replica of Viking-era farmstead. Excavated in 1939 by a team of Nordic archeologists, and was reconstructed by Hördur Ágústsson, completed in 1977.
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Our day would not be complete without a few stops to see the spectacular waterfalls of Iceland. We’ll get a chance to view Hjalparfoss and Urriðafoss.
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Our final adventure for the day will be to visit the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest swimming pool. Made in 1891 at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir. With warm water coming from hot springs, Vaðmálahver, Básahver, or Litli Geysir (active geyser which spouts every few minutes, showing off for the guests), provide 100% of the water supply in the lagoon.
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We will end our day back at our Viking longhouse for a lovely dinner.
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Meals included: breakfast & dinner
Day 13
Date : August 10, 2023
Thingvellir National Park

Today we will explore Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only place in the world where you can stand between two continental plates. In addition to visiting the Park’s Visitor Center, we will check out the Þingvellir Church, one of Iceland’s first church sites, consecrated back in the 11th century. We will also visit the site of the Alþingi (Parliament), the site of the first parliament in the world. The meeting spot was originally designated in 930AD and the people representing Iceland continued to meet there until 1798.
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After our day in Thingvellir National Park we will head to Selfoss to explore and have dinner before going back for our last night at the Viking longhouse.
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Meals included: breakfast & dinner
Day 14
Date : August 11, 2023
A Day in Reykjavik

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We will take our time in the morning to eat breakfast before heading out on our final day on the road of our Epic Road Trip. Arriving back in Reykjavik. The remainder of the day is yours to discover Reykjavík as you wish.
You will have the opportunity to take an optional tour to the Blue Lagoon for a therapeutic soak, another organized tour, or do some last- minute souvenir shopping. Later in the evening we will gather to celebrate your journey with a farewell toast to our Epic Road Trip.
• Visit the Blue Lagoon ($170, includes transportation and entrance fee)
• Icelandic Mythical Walk (+$40)
• Explore the National Museum of Iceland (+ $18)
• Self-Guided Downtown Tour (free)
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Meals included: breakfast
Day 15
Date : August 12, 2023
Departure Day

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Today is departure day. Breakfast will be provided at the hotel and transportation to the airport will be arranged.
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Meals included: breakfast
- All lodging accommodations (These will vary, from hotels, guesthouses, and lodges depending on our location and adventures).
- All transportation to our scheduled included activities.
- Entrance to all the included activities listed.
- Most meals, 21-meals are included (13-breakfasts, 6-lunches & 2-dinners).
- Transportation to and from the airport in Iceland.
- Flights to and from Reykjavík.
- Selected meals will be “on-your-own”.
These will give us an opportunity to explore local recommendations and also give you time to explore the area on your own. - Optional activities as listed on the itinerary.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips to guides, drivers, staff, etc.
- Souvenirs or anything extra you would like to get.
This active trip covers a lot of ground each day. Most days will include time to rest or explore on your own. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable even in the summertime. Be prepared for cold, wet, and windy weather. Some of the lodging will be in guesthouses or farm stays where we will have shared spaces (including bathrooms), and communal kitchens, where we will eat family style.
According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country in the world in 2022, a position it has held since 2008. Violent crimes are extremely rare. While there is an increase in petty crimes, those are directly related to the growth of the country’s tourism industry so exercise your usual level of caution when you are in public places.
Iceland has an area of 40 thousand square miles and a population of 376,248 (in 2022) people, most of whom live in Reykjavik. The U.S. is about 95 times bigger than Iceland, which is roughly the size of Maine.
Iceland’s main road, the Ring Road, goes around the island and it’s approximately 828 miles.
Although most adults in Iceland are fluent in English, we encourage you to learn a few words in Icelandic. It is courteous and respectful to be able to say please, thank you and other simple phases in the local language when visiting another country.
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
• Make use of the available hand sanitizer on the coach to support a healthy environment
• Respect departures times to avoid delay and missed opportunities
• Respect the mandatory seat rotation policy in the vehicles
• Refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes and/or personal products containing excessive fragrance in respect for other guests who may be allergic
• Avoid smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes or cigars in the vicinity of other tour members, including in outdoor areas where smoking may be permitted but may still affect other tour participants
• Respect your fellow passengers. Guests come from all walks of life and varied lifestyles. Please refrain from topics of conversation which might cause offense, such as religion and politics
• Refrain from conversation or talking on mobile phones while the tour leader or guide is sharing
• Seek approval before taking photographs of other tour participants
Yes. A meal in a restaurant in Reykjavik will cost you between $25 and $40. Liquor is also extremely expensive and all liquor stores, Vínbúdin, are government-owned. Grocery stores sell drinks that contain 2.25% alcohol or less.
According to Numbeo's Cost of Living Index, Iceland currently ranks as the third most expensive country in the world.
Staying in hotels is 10-32% more expensive in Reykjavik than in other Nordic capitals; prices of restaurants and lodging exceed the EU average by 44%, with alcoholic beverages averaging 123% higher.
Our tour includes most meals, 25 to be exact. Scheduled activities, transportation and lodging are included with the tour. Your tour additional costs will be limited to the few “on your own” meals, snacks, additional beverages, optional excursions, and souvenirs and gift items.
While Iceland is famous for being a perfect spot to witness the Northern Lights, it is not guaranteed that you’ll be able to see them. Aurora Borealis displays depend on cloud coverage and the sun’s activity. The key to spotting them is that is must be dark and between May and August the sun never fully sets. With approximately 18 hours of daylight hours per day.
Although the sun sets just before midnight, you can expect to still have some light throughout the evening.
It is possible to see them during August and we may go on an “aurora hunt” when sun’s activity is strong. However, due to the slow sunsets and sunrises there are incredibly picturesque displays of colorful twilight skies that last for hours.
The best time to go to Iceland for the Northern Lights, is winter and closer to the winter solstice.
The preliminary itinerary is available on this website. Once you have booked your trip with us, you can expect to receive your final itinerary two weeks prior to departure.
NOTE: Activities may take place on days or times that are different from what is show on the itinerary, depending on local schedules, weather conditions, etc.
On this tour, your guide will act as a driver and lead you and fellow travelers on an adventure in Iceland. You’ll follow a set itinerary, going on walks, excursions and dining together as a group.
You’ll benefit from your guide’s in-depth knowledge of Iceland along the way. Several activities will be led by local guides with years of experience that come highly recommended. They’ll share with you their love of their country, stories and historical knowledge as well as recommendations.
You’ll travel by van, SUV or minibus, which will be equipped with Wi-Fi. The group is capped at 10 guests, so you will receive a more personal experience.
The driver-guide will also be there for you if you need anything during the tour.
Our itinerary involves daily walks or hikes of varied lengths over pavement, boardwalks, rough lava glacial ice and dirt trails. The terrain can be muddy, slippery, and uneven. This means you must be prepared and able to walk between 1-3 miles over uneven terrain daily.
There are several boat trips during this trip, and please expect there to be rough water during some of our excursions – those prone to seasickness should take this into consideration and take the necessary precautions. All travelers should be able to get in and out of the Zodiac (large ridged rubber boats) with minimal assistance.
During our visit to the glacier cave, the use of crampons (this specialized equipment will be provided) will be necessary to walk inside the glacier.
Some drives between locations are long, (4-5 hours, depending on local conditions) we will strive to stop every few hours to stretch our legs.
You also need to be able to carry your own luggage when boarding the van and at each hotel.
The lodging for the trip will be a combination of hotels and farm guesthouses.
Icelandic hotels offer standard amenities: hair dryer, telephone, and satellite TV. Each guest will have their own private room and ensuite bath at each hotel stay. Expect twin beds or twin beds pushed together rather than one large double bed. Either way, you can be sure there will be two separate duvets. Most Icelandic hotels have everything you’d expect of a Scandinavia room: functional furniture, minimalist features, and everything you need for a hygge night.
Gistiheimilið (guesthouses) are a time-honored Scandinavian tradition and closely resemble bed-and-breakfast inns. Our guesthouses will be on Icelandic farms. This will allow us to come in close contact with the culture, people, and the magnificent natural surroundings. During the farm stays you may or may not have a private room or private bath. To ensure your needs are met, please discuss any special needs with us prior to booking.
Accommodation Highlights
** Breakfast will be included at each hotel or provided by the tour. You can expect a generous buffet of bread, meats, and fish, along with fruits, vegetables, jams and yogurts. When breakfast is provided by the tour at the farm stays or when not available at the hotel, coffee, juice and a continental style breakfast will be offered.
** The unique farm stays booked for this tour include a private artist retreat in Northern Iceland and a traditional Viking-style home, complete with a turf roof. Both will offer opportunities to connect with the farm families and their animals on the property.
** Most water will be heated by geothermal waters.
** Nearly all of the tour’s lodging will include a hot tub in some form. These too will be heated by the earth’s geothermal waters.
Internet access will be available at each location. Iceland has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world – allowing you to stay connected during your trip.
The preliminary itinerary is available on this website. Once you have booked your trip with us, you can expect to receive your final itinerary two weeks prior to departure.
Upon your arrival in your destination, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, an Iceland Travel Guide and more.
NOTE: Activities may take place on days or times that are different from what is show on the itinerary, depending on local schedules, weather conditions, etc.
This is a guided group tour, your itinerary for most of the trip is set. You can still customize parts of your package. There are a few optional excursions that you can pre-book.
Additionally, you can add extra nights in Reykjavík before or after the tour. This will give you more time to explore the Icelandic capital city at your own pace. If you would like to add additional days, please reach out to us and we can assist you in expanding your travels.
Please get in touch with us if you have something specific in mind or have any questions about customizing your guided group tour.
If you are traveling with friends or family, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we utilize more than one vehicle on the tour in which case we will ensure that guests traveling together are assigned to the same vehicle.
Due to the nature of this tour and activities included, it’s not recommended for families with young children. It is suitable for well-travelled, active children of 12 years or older. All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
During the month of August, we can expect to have an average of 17 hours of daylight each day. Iceland's daylight hours decrease by 1-3 minutes every day between June 21 and December 21.
The peak of Iceland's midnight sun is around the summer solstice, usually June 21.
Seafood is of course very popular in Iceland, as well as lamb and dairy. These have been the main elements in the Icelandic diet for over a thousand years.
In the past, Iceland’s lack of sunlight severely limited fishing and hunting options, and its far-flung location in the Arctic Circle makes importing and exporting food and goods difficult. Iceland’s food culture reflects the harsh natural circumstances.
Luckily, Iceland is surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean, and blessed renewable geothermal energy. Today it is possible to have freshly-grown, locally-sourced ingredients year-round.
Today, modern chefs imaginative, infusing new ingredients into ancient recipes. You will find traditional Scandinavian cuisine and lots of fresh, flavorful food everywhere.
There are 25 meals provided during this trip. 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 dinners.
Breakfast is provided in all but one location. In Seydisfjordur our time will be limited here – and one of the best ways to enjoy this little village is to explore on your own. You may want to simply have coffee at a local shop and use the rest of the time to explore, or you may want to find a cute little spot for a hearty breakfast, the choice will be yours.
The tour also includes 7 lunches and 5 dinners. Lunches will include box lunches served during our driving days, a hosted lunch at an Icelandic farm, lunch at a local spot in Ísafjörður and a picnic lunch on Grimsey Island. Our dinners will include the Welcome Dinner on our first night in Reykjavik, and several family-style meals in the farm-stay lodges.
Breakfasts provided by hotels will likely be as a hearty buffet of meats, cheeses, breads and fresh fruits. Our lunches & dinners will be a set menu and provided in your trip details prior to departure. If you have any dietary restrictions or needs, please let us know in advance – we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Please note that drinks are not included with your dinners.
As for the other meals, you will have options to select a local spot or on some occasions, utilize the communal kitchen during our farm-stays to make something of your own. We will also stop frequently along the way for you to pick up snacks and drinks.
Swimming is very popular year-round in Iceland. There are outdoor swimming pools in most towns and villages around Iceland. These pools are filled with water from natural hot springs. Many pools also have saunas, steam baths, and various "hot pots" with water temperatures ranging from 36 to 44 C (96 to 112 F). During we will stop several times to hop in a pool, “hot pot” or other geothermal bath. Many of our lodgings will have these as well. There are over 100 “wild hotpots” in Iceland, so be sure to bring your swim wear, flip-flops or water shoes and a small travel towel, you never know when we might get the chance to take a dip.
To ensure you and your fellow travelers have a comfortable journey, we must limit the size and amount of luggage in each vehicle.
Each guest can bring one suitcase or large bag (28 x 19 x 12) that can be stored in the back of the van and one smaller item (e.g., a backpack or daypack) to keep inside the van for daily essentials like camera, wallet, medications and so forth.
If you have any questions about luggage, please contact us.
U.S. citizens may stay in the country as tourists for up to 90 days without a visa. For a full list of countries that are exempt from a visa, visit Iceland's immigration page. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your travel dates.
Iceland has one major airport that services almost all of its international flights: Keflavik International Airport, located about 31 miles southwest of Reykjavik.
Airport transfers to and from Keflavik International Airport on arrival and departure days are included. You will be asked to provide flight details two weeks prior to the tour to schedule airport transfers.
If you are planning to arrive prior to the tour start date or depart after the tour end date, please let us know. We can also help you with additional arrangements if you wish to extend your trip.
What can you expect upon landing? After picking up your luggage, you will be greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall. The driver will provide you with hard copies of your travel documents and a lovely welcome package. You’ll then be driven to our hotel in Reykjavík.
Check-in time is after 2 pm. If you arrive prior to that, you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel until check-in is available.
If you have booked optional excursions or services your guide will assist you with directions and transportation as arranged.
There will be a Welcome dinner with the entire group on our first night in Iceland.
Despite what its name suggests, Iceland is not actually freezing cold. But if there’s one word that perfectly describes the weather in the land of fire and ice, it’s “unpredictable.”
August has an average high temperature of 55 F degrees (13 C) and average lows of about 47 F degrees (8 C).
You really need to be ready for everything. Dressing in layers along with good hiking boots and a wind- and rain-proof jacket are always good. Regardless of the season, bring a bathing suit with you as we will have multiple opportunities to hop into the many natural geothermal pools in Iceland.
“If you don’t like the weather right now, just wait five minutes.” – an Icelander
In addition to your typical travel gear, you will want to add the following to your list.
1. A warm, wind and waterproof jacket
2. Sweaters, hoodies, fleeces for layering
3. Waterproof hiking boots
4. Wool socks
5. Windproof warm hat
6. Scarf
7. Swimwear
8. Travel towel (for those “wild hotpots”)
9. Water shoes or flip-flops
Iceland uses Northern European standards (220 volts), and Europlug sockets with two round prongs. Your adapter should be type "F" or type "C"—both are usually labeled as Northern European. Before you pack your bags, be sure to check the voltage labels on your appliances to determine whether you'll need a converter as well.
Mobile phones in Iceland use the European GSM system. Most North American smart phones will work (check with your provider). The country code for Iceland from overseas is +354. There are no area codes in Iceland.
Most providers offer economical international plans. Internet access that will be plentiful while in Iceland. During our journey we will travel with a mobile hotspot in the vehicle, so you will have access to Wi-Fi during the road trip portion of our journey
Credit cards are widely accepted in Iceland. Visa and MasterCard are best, all Icelandic banks service them.
Most businesses do not require that you use a card with a PIN number, there may be occasions where a PIN is required—specifically gas stations. Be sure you have at least one credit card with a PIN for our trip. It's also advisable to carry cash; USD or Euros will work in some cases.
While service charges are usually included in your bill in Iceland, you can still tip the server or guide. Icelanders receive good wages, and tipping has never been a big part of their culture.
The amount of spending money you’ll need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to.
That said, we recommend budgeting between $14 – $20 for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between $20 - $42. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay $50 or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.
Iceland cities and towns have plenty of Wi-Fi, and Iceland has some of the fastest and most reliable Internet in the world.
Most cafés and hotels offer Internet login codes alongside your morning coffee, as is the case in Reykjavík and the larger towns. However, as we travel to more remote mountainous areas, factors of speed and reliability decrease.
You can expect free and fast Wi-Fi in most hotels and lodges. And each of our vans will be outfitted with a portable 4G modem that creates a Wi-Fi hotspot for our during while we are on the move.
When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.
You will need to check out from your room by 11 am but you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching your transfer to the airport.
The Icelandic currency is kronur (ISK). It’s easy to exchange money at at banks and at currency exchanges. But you can all get local currency at a bank machine, which are easy to find. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted; American Express less so.
When you buy goods in Iceland that cost more than 6,000 ISK you can get about 15% refunded. It’s easy to claim the refund. Click here to learn more about the Iceland Tax Refund.
You can explore downtown Reykjavik on your arrival day, our final day in Reykjavik (Aug 11th) or on departure day. You can choose from one of the following optional experiences: