Grand Tour of Iceland: 12-Day Journey Around the Island

  • 12dDuration
  • EnglishSpeaking Guide
  • Mobile ticketAccepted

About this experience

Duration12 Days
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtReykjavik, Iceland
LanguagesEnglish
Iceland Ring Road Tour

12 Days Grand Tour of Iceland

A complete journey around Iceland — glaciers, fjords, volcanoes, and Viking heritage in one unforgettable circuit.


The 12 Days Grand Tour of Iceland takes travellers on a full circuit of one of the world's most geologically active and visually striking countries, covering the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the remote West Fjords, the volcanic north, the dramatic East Fjords, and the celebrated South Coast. Each day balances guided bus travel with light walks, cultural stops, and soft adventure activities. Difficulty is rated easy, making this an accessible itinerary for a wide range of travellers.

Accommodation ranges from charming guesthouses to farm stays and tourist-class hotels, many situated in locations that are themselves part of the experience. Meals are largely included, with most breakfasts and dinners provided throughout the tour. The itinerary is structured to give travellers access to both iconic landmarks and corners of Iceland that few visitors ever reach.

The West Fjords section, which includes the bird cliffs of Látrabjarg and the cascading waterfall of Dynjandi, is one of the most remote stretches of road in Iceland. The tour's coverage of this region sets it apart from shorter ring road itineraries. The East Fjords, with their winding coastal roads and fishing villages, offer a slower, quieter counterpoint to the more visited south.

Highlights include a boat ride among icebergs on Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, whale watching in Eyjafjörður, a lava cave descent under Snæfellsjökull, and visits to turf churches and folk museums that document centuries of Icelandic rural life. The tour concludes with a farewell dinner in Reykjavik before an early morning transfer to Keflavik airport on day 12.

Tour Highlights

Cross Breiðafjörður Bay by car ferry from Stykkishólmur to the West Fjords, passing the island of Flatey along the way.

Cruise among floating icebergs on Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and walk the black sands of Diamond Beach directly beside it.

Stand at the edge of Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Europe, where puffins and razorbills nest in their millions.

Descend 35 metres into the Vatnshellir lava tube beneath the Snæfellsjökull glacier, the setting for Jules Verne's classic novel.

Witness Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, and the geothermal landscapes of Námaskarð and Lake Mývatn in a single day.

Tour the award-winning Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður and sample herring with Brennivín, Iceland's signature schnapps.

Walk the ancient Viking Parliament site of Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage location set on the boundary of two tectonic plates.

Itinerary Overview

1
Arrival in Reykjavik

Flybus shuttle transfer from Keflavik Airport to your hotel in Reykjavik. The remainder of the day is free to explore the capital at your own pace.

2
Golden Circle and West

Visit a geothermal greenhouse, Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir area with Strokkur, and the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park. Overnight in Borgarnes.

3
Snæfellsnes Peninsula and West Fjords Ferry

Circle the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, enter the Vatnshellir lava cave, then board the ferry Baldur across Breiðafjörður Bay to the West Fjords. Overnight in Patreksfjörður.

4
Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs and Rauðisandur

Follow the coast to the Hnjótur folk museum, walk the Látrabjarg sea cliffs, and — conditions permitting — visit the red-sand beach of Rauðisandur. Overnight in Patreksfjörður.

5
Dynjandi Waterfall and South West Fjords

Stop at the seven-tiered Dynjandi waterfall and travel the less-visited southern shore of the West Fjords before tasting farm ice cream at Erpsstaðir dairy. Overnight in Hvammstangi.

6
Vatnsnes, Turf Church, Glaumbær and Akureyri

Drive around Vatnsnes Peninsula to the Hvítserkur sea stack, visit the Víðimýri turf church and Glaumbær farm museum, then travel over the mountains to Akureyri for two nights.

What is Included

Included

  • 11 nights accommodation in guesthouses, farm stays, and tourist-class hotels
  • Most breakfasts and dinners throughout the tour
  • Farewell dinner in Reykjavik on day 11
  • Guided coach transportation throughout the circuit
  • Flybus shuttle transfers between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik hotel (days 1 and 12)
  • Vatnshellir lava cave tour on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • Car ferry crossing from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur
  • Whale watching tour in Eyjafjörður from Akureyri
  • Boat ride among icebergs on Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon
  • Entrance to the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður
  • Visit to Skógar Folk Museum and Lava and Volcano Exhibition Centre

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Iceland
  • Lunches throughout the tour
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional sea angling activity in Eyjafjörður
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Any activities or entrance fees not explicitly listed as included

Important Information

This tour operates year-round. Road and weather conditions in the West Fjords and Highland sections can change rapidly — waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are strongly recommended for all passengers.
Duration
12 days / 11 nights, beginning with airport arrival on day 1 and ending with airport transfer on the morning of day 12.
Meeting Point
Keflavik International Airport. Flybus shuttle transfers to and from Reykjavik accommodation are included.
What to Bring
Waterproof jacket and trousers, layered warm clothing, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, gloves, hat, and a change of clothes for wet activities such as the walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms vary by departure date and booking conditions. Please review the full policy at the time of booking.
Accessibility
The tour is rated easy in difficulty. However, some sites involve uneven terrain, gravel paths, and moderate walks of up to 60 minutes. Participants should be able to walk comfortably on natural surfaces.
Age Range
The tour is suitable for adults and older children. Minimum age requirements for specific activities such as the lava cave tour may apply. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Reserve Your Place on the Grand Tour

This 12-day circuit covers more of Iceland than almost any other guided tour, from the remote West Fjords to the icebergs of Vatnajökull National Park. Places are limited — secure your departure date today.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Grand Tour of Iceland suitable for first-time visitors to Iceland?▼
Yes. The tour is rated easy in difficulty and is designed to cover the country's most significant natural and cultural sites. The guided format means no prior knowledge of Icelandic roads or geography is needed.
What is the best time of year to take this tour?▼
The tour operates year-round. Summer departures (June to August) offer longer daylight hours and access to puffins at Látrabjarg. Winter departures may provide opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Some roads in the West Fjords are more accessible in summer.
Are all meals included throughout the 12 days?▼
Most breakfasts and dinners are included from day 2 onwards. A farewell dinner in Reykjavik is provided on day 11. Lunches are not included and should be budgeted for separately.
Is the Rauðisandur beach visit guaranteed on every departure?▼
The visit to Rauðisandur is subject to weather and road conditions. The West Fjords are one of Iceland's most remote regions, and some gravel mountain roads may be impassable after rain or snow. The guide will make this decision on the day.
What type of accommodation is used on the tour?▼
The tour uses a mix of simple guesthouses, farm stays, and tourist-class hotels. Many properties are located in scenic or rural settings. Rooms are comfortable and clean, though some locations in the West Fjords have limited facilities.
Does the tour visit the West Fjords, which many ring road tours skip?▼
Yes. Two full days are dedicated to the West Fjords, including the Látrabjarg bird cliffs, Dynjandi waterfall, and Rauðisandur beach. This region is one of the most sparsely populated areas of Iceland and is rarely included in standard ring road tours.
Iceland Ring RoadWest Fjords TourSnæfellsnes PeninsulaJökulsárlón Glacier LagoonVatnajökull National ParkGolden CircleWhale Watching AkureyriLátrabjarg PuffinsIcelandic HighlandsSouth Coast Iceland12 Day Iceland TourGuided Iceland Tour
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: grand-tour-iceland-12d

Departure area

The exact meeting point is on your voucher.

Activity Site

Where the experience takes place.

Gift more than a trip

Extraordinary experiences,
beautifully gifted

Give the joy of travel with a ToursXplorer Gift Card. Perfect for every occasion.

Offer a Gift Card
  • Instant Delivery
  • Perfect for Any Occasion
  • Give the Joy of Travel
Extraordinary experiences, beautifully gifted

Experiences make the best gifts

More products from this Operator

You might also like

Nearby Icon