Iceland is a dramatic volcanic frontier where the earth’s raw power is visible at every turn. Located just below the Arctic Circle, it is famous for the Golden Circle route, which connects the erupting Strokkur geyser, the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, and the tectonic rift at Þingvellir National Park. While the capital, Reykjavík, offers a quirky arts scene and the nearby milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, the island’s south coast is the real showstopper with its Reynisfjara black sand beaches and the massive Vatnajökull glacier. In recent years, Iceland has become a premier destination for "slow travel," with visitors taking the Ring Road to see the remote East Fjords or the whale-watching capital of Húsavík, all while navigating a landscape shaped by active volcanoes and ancient ice.
No Iceland tour will bypass Reykjavík. The city is a picture of modernity with pockets of history. Beautiful year round, Reykjavík is especially alluring in wintertime. But no matter what time of year, you can enjoy the many of the city’s attractions on your Iceland vacation.
Hallgrímskirkja, the church, particularly its gracefully soaring tower, can be seen from all around the city. By its design and construction, the church straddles the old and new aspects of Reykjavík. Standing in front of it is a statue of Leifur Eiríksson, another amalgamation of old and new. The statue was gift from the United States to Iceland in the Alþingi Millennial Festival in 1930 that commemorated the 1,000th anniversary of the Icelandic parliament.
Höfði House, Perlan (the Pearl), Harpa, the Solfar Sun Voyager sculpture, the Nordic House, and the Old Harbour—where you can find the Whales of Iceland exhibit—are some of the other attractions around the city.
Golden Circle
If you’re visiting the city, Reykjavík excursions are a likely considerations. Of the Icelandic tours, the Golden Circle is definitely one of its most popular attractions. It’s the perfect Iceland day tour for those who aren’t staying long enough to go on a Ring Road tour around the country. The Golden Circle tour takes you to the countryside right outside Reykjavík centered on three of the most famous: the Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, each of which is a must see on your trip to Iceland.
The Þingvellir (Thingvellir) national park’s major feature is the rift valley, the dramatic fissures that display the drift of the North American and the Eurasian contenental plates. A walk through them is like traversing two continents in one go. Þingvellir also means assembly plains. Within the park is the site of the ancient Icelandic general assembly, the Alþingi (Althingi) and the Lögberg (Law Rock). The Alþingi is the country’s oldest and highest institution, having been established in 930 A.D.
The geysers at Haukadalur are next in the route. Its famous geysers, Geysir—where the word geyser was taken from—and Strokkur are two of the largest in the area. Currently, only Strokkur is active, blowing up steam and very hot water roughly every ten minutes.
The Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is the next highlight on the Golden Circle. This waterfall on the mighty Hvítá River is aptly named. With its brownish, sediment rich, glacial ice waters, the falls take on a golden hue on sunny days.
South Shore
A tour to Iceland’s south shore will lead you through its mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and black beaches. Hike the Mýrdalsjökull or admire and lament the undulating caves showing the glacier’s increasing melt. Walk behind the magnificent Skogáfoss waterfall by the village of Skogár. Stroll along Reynisfjara’s black pebble beach to the striking basalt sea stacks Reynisdrangar—totally picture worthy. Enjoy rest of the beautiful black beaches all the way to the charming village of Vík. It's perfect for a mini Iceland vacation.
Northern Lights
A trip to Iceland almost always means seeing the Northern Lights. Keep in mind that it is most visible in winter, making Iceland winter tour packages your best bet—those are sure to incorporate options for scenic Northern Lights tours.
Whichever Iceland tours you choose, expect to spend the entire trip in awe of the untouched wildlife, diverse wilderness, rich culture, and stunning, otherworldly landscapes.
Autumn marks the cooling of Iceland’s climate: September may still reach highs near 10-11 °C, but by November daytime temperatures often fall toward 3-6 °C, nights nearing freezing. Rainfall peaks in October across the south and west, and stormy wind is more frequent. Landscapes shift to crisp light, migrating birds depart, and the Highlands begin to close - making the south coast and Golden Circle routes the prime access zones. The Northern Lights return, visible away from town lights after dusk sets in. The glacier-lagoon icebergs take on cold clarity and the sulphur pools glow against dimming skies. Crowds abate, accommodation prices ease, and this transitional season offers a balanced mix of daylight, colour and calm.
Winter in Iceland is marked by short daylight hours - just 4-5 hours around the solstice - while mean temperatures range near 0 °C in the south, colder inland and in the north. Snow, ice-cover and wind (especially in the Highlands) restrict access to many trails and F-roads. But this is prime time for witnessing the aurora borealis, glacier-caving beneath the ice cap, and soaking in geothermal pools such as the Blue Lagoon under clear winter skies. Reykjavik’s illuminated streets and quiet countryside combine for a peaceful visit. With fewer tourists, premium-priced lodgings drop, though appropriate clothing and flexible planning remain essential given the unpredictable winter storms.
Spring in Iceland ushers in gradually longer days - by late April daylight has grown significantly - while temperatures on the south-coast rise from near 0 °C in March toward 5-9 °C by May, though nights remain cold and wind can be sharp. Rainfall remains moderate but is higher in the west and south with stormy days still possible. This season unlocks access to major sights like the Golden Circle route, glacier-lagoon boat trips at Jökulsárlón and early waterfall hikes around the South Coast with fewer crowds. Puffin-watching tours begin near cliffs at Dyrhólaey and the lowland tundra shifts from white to green. Mid-May sees the F-roads open for the Highlands, offering panoramic views along the Ring Road while the midnight-sun twilight begins to linger into early hours.
Summer brings Iceland’s mildest weather: daytime highs often range between 10-15 °C in June and July, occasionally reaching 18-20 °C on warm days, though wind and showers still moderate conditions. Rainfall dips relative to autumn, and the long daylight hours - up to nearly 24 hours in north Iceland - create a surreal “midnight sun” effect. This is peak season for road-trips around the Ring Road, exploring the Highlands beyond the south coast, scuba-diving between tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park and enjoying whale-watching from the town of Húsavík. Festivals in Reykjavik and extended evening light make outdoor dining or geothermal-pool swims memorable. Because all roads are open and nature is alive, summer offers full access to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.
Excellent overview of Iceland. The route included beautiful landscapes and interesting stops. The accommodation was comfortable and the schedule worked well.
Excellent overview of Iceland. The route included beautiful landscapes and interesting stops. The accommodation was comfortable and the schedule worked well.
Our guide Martina was excellent, she was the highlight of the trip for me! Martina was so knowledgeable about Iceland and really enhanced my experience of the country. Highly recommend this tour!
Our guide Martina was excellent, she was the highlight of the trip for me! Martina was so knowledgeable about Iceland and really enhanced my experience of the country. Highly recommend this tour!
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FAQs about Iceland Tours
What’s the best time to visit Iceland?
The best months to visit Iceland are May through August for mild weather, long daylight hours, and easier ring-road driving. For the Northern Lights, the ideal time is late September to mid-April on clear, dark nights. Winter (Nov-Mar) offers more aurora opportunities but shorter daylight and challenging weather.
Do I need a car in Iceland?
Renting a car gives you the most freedom, especially for the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Ring Road explorations. Roads are generally well maintained, but weather changes fast - snow, ice, and high winds can make driving hazardous in winter, so check conditions and weather warnings daily before departure.
Is Iceland expensive & how should I plan my budget?
Iceland is known as a high-cost destination for food, accommodation, and tours compared with many other countries. Budget wisely for meals and activities, and consider options like self-drive itineraries or guesthouses to control costs. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, so you rarely need cash.
How many days do I need to see Iceland well?
For a solid Iceland experience, 7-10 days lets you explore Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, ice lagoons, and more. A shorter 4-5 day trip hits highlights, but a full Ring Road circuit ideally requires 10+ days.
Tour Code: 580894
Start CityReykjavik
End CityReykjavik
Duration5 Days
Live Tour GuideEnglish Live
Tour Code: 581155
Tour Code: 669321
Tour Code: 581797
