4.9(870 Reviews)

10-Days Iceland Highlands Guided Tour: Golden & Diamond Circle

  • 10dDuration
  • EnglishSpeaking Guide
  • Mobile ticketAccepted

About this experience

Duration10 Days / 9 Nights
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtReykjavik
LanguagesEnglish
Iceland Highland Adventure

Secrets of the Highlands: 10-Day Iceland Tour

From volcanic craters and geothermal springs to glacier hikes and ancient Viking heritage.


This 10-day Iceland highlands tour takes travelers deep into some of the most remote and visually dramatic landscapes on earth, connecting iconic landmarks with off-the-beaten-path highland routes accessible only by rugged 4WD roads.

Covering the Viking Circle, the Golden Circle, the Diamond Circle, and the Kerlingarfjöll geothermal highlands, this itinerary is designed for those who want more than Iceland's well-worn tourist trail. The route balances structured guided exploration with rare opportunities to relax in natural hot springs far from crowds.

Accommodations range from highland base lodges to lakeside hotels at Mývatn and a final night in Reykjavík, providing a varied and authentic experience of Icelandic hospitality. A 10-shot edited photo package per person is included, delivered via Google Drive within 14 days.

Tour Highlights

Soak in geothermal hot springs at Kerlingarfjöll, Mývatn, and secret pools near Landmannalaugar on multiple days throughout the journey.

Travel the remote Sprengisandur and Kjölur Highland Roads, two of Iceland's most dramatic and least-traveled interior routes.

Hike across a glacier and zipline along Iceland's South Coast, combining high-altitude ice travel with adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Explore the Diamond Circle, taking in Ásbyrgi Canyon, Dettifoss waterfall, Húsavík, and the dramatic Tjörnes Peninsula.

Visit the Caves of Hella and the Commonwealth Farm on the Viking Circle, gaining insight into Iceland's Norse settlement history.

Discover the rhyolite peaks of Landmannalaugar, where vivid mineral colors streak the mountainsides above steaming geothermal vents.

A 10-shot professional photo package per person is included, with edited portraits, group, and landscape images delivered within 14 days.

Itinerary Overview

1
Viking Circle: Caves of Hella and Hjálparfoss

Arrive in Iceland and join the Viking Circle tour. Visit the historical Caves of Hella, Hjálparfoss Waterfall, and the Commonwealth Farm before settling in at LandHotel for the night.

2
Kerlingarfjöll Geothermal Highlands

Pass by Gullfoss Waterfall and hike through the vivid geothermal terrain of Kerlingarfjöll. Overnight at Highland Base, located within the highland massif itself.

3
Sprengisandur Highland Road and Mývatn Hot Springs

Drive Iceland's remote Sprengisandur route across the central highlands, then unwind in the Jarðböðin Hot Springs near Mývatn. Overnight at Berjaya Mývatn.

4
Mývatn Volcanic Attractions

Spend the day exploring Hverfjall Volcano, Dimmuborgir lava formations, Höfði, and the geothermal Grjótagjá Cave. Overnight again at Berjaya Mývatn.

5
Diamond Circle: Ásbyrgi to Dettifoss

Travel the full Diamond Circle, visiting Húsavík, Tjörnes, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, and the powerful Dettifoss, Europe's most voluminous waterfall.

6
Goðafoss and Akureyri

Stop at Goðafoss Waterfall before arriving in Akureyri. Optional activities include whale watching from Húsavík or a visit to the Forest Lagoon. Overnight at Berjaya Akureyri.

What Is Included

Included

  • 9 nights accommodation in countryside hotels and Reykjavík
  • Guided tours throughout the full 10-day itinerary
  • Entry to hot springs facilities as listed in the program
  • 10-shot professional photo package per person (edited, delivered via Google Drive within 14 days)
  • Personalized portraits, group shots, and landscape photography
  • Transport along highland routes including Sprengisandur and Kjölur Roads

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Iceland
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities such as whale watching or Forest Lagoon entry
  • Personal meals and beverages unless specified
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers
  • Any expenses of a personal nature

Important Information

This tour travels on F-roads (highland interior tracks) that require 4WD vehicles. Highland roads are typically open from late June to early September. Guests should confirm accessibility dates with the operator before booking.
Duration
10 days and 9 nights, beginning with arrival and the Viking Circle and concluding with a final night in Reykjavík after the Golden Circle.
What to Bring
Layered waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, swimwear for hot springs, sunscreen, and a daypack for hikes. Weather in the highlands can change rapidly.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms are set by the operator. Guests are advised to review the policy at the time of booking and consider travel insurance for highland itineraries.
Accessibility
This is a moderate-difficulty tour with multi-day hiking on uneven volcanic terrain. It is not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.
Age Range
Recommended for participants aged 12 and above. Younger travelers may join at the discretion of the operator, subject to parental consent and fitness assessment.

Reserve Your Place on This Highland Journey

Availability for highland routes is limited by seasonal road access and small group sizes. Secure your dates early to avoid disappointment.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the highland roads open for this tour?▼
Iceland's F-roads through the Sprengisandur and Kjölur routes are typically accessible from late June through early September, depending on annual snowmelt. The operator will confirm exact dates based on road conditions at the time of booking.
What level of fitness is required for this tour?▼
The tour is rated moderate. Guests should be comfortable with multi-hour hikes on uneven volcanic terrain, including the ascent at Kerlingarfjöll and the hike at Landmannalaugar. A reasonable base level of fitness is expected.
How is the professional photo package delivered?▼
Each guest receives 10 edited shots including personalized portraits, group images, and landscape photography. The completed images are delivered via Google Drive within 14 days of the tour's conclusion.
Are the hot springs entries included in the package?▼
Entry to hot springs listed within the program, including Jarðböðin at Mývatn and the Highland Base springs at Kerlingarfjöll, is included. Optional facilities such as the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri are at the guest's own expense.
What accommodation types are provided during the tour?▼
The tour includes 8 nights in countryside hotels and lodges including Highland Base, LandHotel, and Berjaya properties at Mývatn and Akureyri, plus a final night at Berjaya Hotel Marina in Reykjavík.
Is the glacier hike suitable for first-time glacier walkers?▼
Yes. The South Coast glacier hike on Day 9 is led by a certified guide and is appropriate for participants without prior glacier experience. All necessary equipment is provided as part of the activity.
Iceland HighlandsGlacier HikeGeothermal SpringsDiamond CircleGolden CircleLandmannalaugarKerlingarfjöllViking HeritageMývatnSprengisandurSouth Coast IcelandAdventure Tour
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: secrets-highlands-10d9n

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