8-Day Small Group Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik
At a glance
8-Day Small Group Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik is a 8 days small-group experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, operated by Troll Expeditions. Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 696 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $2,622.82 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: 8-day guided minibus tour around Iceland, Transportation in a comfortable minibus, WiFi on board.
Highlights
- Rated 4.9/5 by 696 travellers
- Small group of up to 18 people for a more personal experience
- Hotel pickup included
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 41 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group
- Small group, up to 18 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Hotel pickup included
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights on this comprehensive 8-day tour, covering the famous Golden Circle with highlights like Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. Journey along the South Coast to visit the black sand beach of Reynisfjara and the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Discover the dramatic Eastfjords before experiencing the unique volcanic landscapes of Lake Mývatn and Dimmuborgir lava pillars. Continue to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, and then explore West Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, including the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and hidden natural gems. Customize your adventure with optional tours and activities available throughout the trip.
What's included
What's included
- 8-day guided minibus tour around Iceland
- Transportation in a comfortable minibus
- WiFi on board
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Glacier Hike with Safety Equipment
- Breakfast
- Small group size for a personalized experience
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Pick-up and drop off from designated bus stops
- Hauganes Whale Watching Tour
- Ice Cave Tour with Safety Equipment
Not included
- Lunch & Dinner
- Horseback Riding (contact the Tour Operator to add this Extra)
- VÖK Baths (contact the Tour Operator to add this Extra)
- Vidgelmir Lava Cave (contact the Tour Operator to add this Extra)
- Hiking Boots Rental (4,000 ISK)
- Waterproof Jacket Rental (3,000 ISK)
- Waterproof Pants Rental (3,000 ISK)
- Hat and Gloves Combo with Logo (3,000 ISK)
- Neck Warmer with Logo (500 ISK)
- Luggage Storage (3000 ISK)
- Summer Cap (1,500 ISK)
Itinerary
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Day 1: Golden Circle · 30m
Þingvellir National Park is the historic site where Iceland’s first parliament, the Althingi, was established in 930 AD. Recognized for its cultural and geological significance, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Day 1: Golden Circle · 30m
The Geysir Geothermal Area is a unique natural site, known for its bubbling hot springs and steam vents. Here, you can witness Strokkur, an active geyser that erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water up to 25 meters into the air.
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Day 1: Golden Circle · 30m
Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of both geological and historical significance. It’s where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and drift apart by about two centimeters each year. This is also the site where the Althingi, Iceland’s national parliament, was established in 930 AD—marking the founding of one of the world’s first republics.
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Day 1: Golden Circle
Your minibus will take you to your accommodation in Hvolsvöllur, away from light pollution and city noise. With clear skies and a bit of luck, you'll have a great chance to witness the Northern Lights right outside your door.
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Day 2: The South Coast & Glacier Hike · 30m
Seljalandsfoss is a stunning waterfall that you can walk behind, offering a unique view from all angles. It's one of the few waterfalls in the world where you can experience the cascade from the inside out.
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Day 2: The South Coast & Glacier Hike · 30m
Skógafoss is a powerful waterfall where the Skógaá River plunges 60 meters over a cliff into a narrow gorge. From there, the water flows through the landscape on its way to the Atlantic Ocean, creating a breathtaking natural scene.
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Day 2: The South Coast & Glacier Hike · 30m
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is a striking coastal site where powerful Atlantic waves crash against dramatic basalt columns rising from the cliffs. The black volcanic sand and unique rock formations make it one of Iceland’s most iconic and photogenic beaches.
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Day 2: The South Coast & Glacier Hike · 3h
Included Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull: Experience the thrill of hiking on the mighty Sólheimajökull Glacier, one of South Iceland’s most impressive natural wonders. This guided adventure offers a moderate hike across glacial ice streaked with volcanic ash, surrounded by otherworldly landscapes that feel like walking on the moon.
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Day 2: The South Coast & Glacier Hike
The final stop of the day is the charming village of Vík í Mýrdal, where you'll spend the night. With little light pollution, Vík offers excellent conditions for spotting the Northern Lights right from the village, weather permitting.
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Day 3: Glacier Lagoon & Ice Caving · 30m
Breiðamerkursandur, also known as Diamond Beach, is a black sand shore famous for the sparkling icebergs that wash up from the nearby glacier lagoon as they drift toward the Atlantic Ocean. These ice chunks glisten like diamonds against the dark sand, creating a stunning and unique landscape.
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Day 3: Glacier Lagoon & Ice Caving · 30m
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. This vast lake, filled with floating icebergs from glacial meltwater, offers breathtaking views and wildlife spotting opportunities. In winter, hundreds of seals gather here to hunt, adding to the lagoon’s natural charm.
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Day 3: Glacier Lagoon & Ice Caving · 3h
Inside Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, you’ll explore the stunning Crystal Ice Cave. This breathtaking experience lets you see natural ice formations sculpted over time—a truly unforgettable and picture-perfect moment.
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Day 3: Glacier Lagoon & Ice Caving
Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland’s highest peak at 2,110 meters, is part of the crater rim of Öræfajökull, one of the country’s most powerful volcanoes. This towering summit offers dramatic views and is a prominent feature of Iceland’s volcanic landscape.
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Day 4: Exploring The East Fjords · 30m
On your fourth day, you’ll explore the East Fjords of Iceland, known for its stunning mountain ridges and unique wildlife, including the only area in Iceland where wild reindeer are sometimes spotted. The majestic Vatnajökull glacier towers to the west as you pass peaceful fishing villages, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted fishing heritage. Your first stop is the charming village of Djúpivogur, a member of the Cittaslow movement, dedicated to enhancing quality of life by embracing a slower, more relaxed pace.
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Day 4: Exploring The East Fjords
One of Iceland’s most beautiful mountains welcomes you to the East Fjords. The symmetrical, pyramid-shaped Búlandstindur mountain towers over your first stop in the region.
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Day 4: Exploring The East Fjords · 2h
Local farmers Helga and Siggi will welcome you to their farm, Finnstaðir, for a unique encounter with the iconic Icelandic horse. Known for their gentle temperament and friendly nature, these horses are perfect for riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced equestrians.
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Day 4: Exploring The East Fjords
In addition to elves, trolls, and other mythical creatures, Iceland is famous for its own sea monster, the Lagarfljótsormur, often compared to Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster. This legendary serpent is said to inhabit Lake Lagarfljót and has inspired countless stories and folklore over the centuries, with the last reported sighting by a local farmer in 2012. Nearby, you’ll find Hallormsstaðarskógur, Iceland’s largest forest, located on the shores of the lake.
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Day 4: Exploring The East Fjords · 2h
Vök Baths is an optional geothermal retreat located on the stunning Lake Urriðavatn, available at your own expense. Here, you can relax in some of Iceland’s purest hot spring waters, soaking in floating pools on the lake or enjoying the onshore hot pools, outdoor pool bar, sauna, and cold tunnel with a mist shower. It’s a perfect way to unwind after exploring the East Fjords, with the chance to see the Northern Lights on clear nights while you soak.
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Day 5: Exploring North-East Iceland · 30m
The surreal Námafjall geothermal area lies near the Námaskarð Pass, connecting you to Lake Mývatn. Here, vibrant sulfurous mud springs and steaming fumaroles showcase the geothermal power within the Krafla volcano fissure zone.
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Day 5: Exploring North-East Iceland · 30m
Dimmuborgir, meaning "Dark Castles" or "Dark Cities," is a vast area of uniquely shaped lava fields near Lake Mývatn. These unusual formations were created when lava flowed into wet marshlands, resulting in eerie and dramatic lava structures.
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Day 5: Exploring North-East Iceland · 30m
Lake Mývatn and its surroundings are highly volcanic, with nine eruptions occurring between 1975 and 1984 and a continental drift measured at 4.8 meters. The lake is rich in Arctic char and drains into the Laxá River, renowned as one of the world’s best brown trout fishing rivers. This region is also among the coldest areas in Iceland during winter.
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Day 5: Exploring North-East Iceland · 30m
Goðafoss, meaning "Waterfall of the Gods" and pronounced "GO-thuh-foss," is one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls. It is also steeped in rich history, making it a must-see natural landmark.
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Day 5: Exploring North-East Iceland
Your final destination is Akureyri, known as the capital of the north and a key port and fishing center in Iceland. You’ll spend the night here, and if the skies are clear, you may have the chance to see the Northern Lights dancing above the town.
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Day 6: Exploring North Iceland
Known as the Capital of the North, this hip and charming town has a population of around 20,000. Its warm atmosphere and unique touches, like heart-shaped stop signs at traffic lights, make it a memorable place to visit.
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Day 6: Exploring North Iceland · 1h
The small town of Hauganes offers plenty to explore. Take a stroll around its charming harbor and visit the beautiful black sand beach, all set against the backdrop of graceful, towering mountains and the vast ocean.
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Day 6: Exploring North Iceland · 2h
From the small fishing village of Hauganes, you’ll embark on a boat ride to Eyjafjörður Fjord for whale watching. Northern Iceland is globally recognized as one of the best places to see whales, giving you a chance to witness some of the largest creatures on Earth up close.
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Day 6: Exploring North Iceland
The final stop on Day 6 is Grábrók Crater, a well-shaped volcanic crater formed by an eruption two to three thousand years ago, surrounded by moss-covered lava fields. Located just minutes from your next rest stop, Grábrók is also an excellent place to catch the Northern Lights if the sky is clear.
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Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula · 20m
Our first stop on Snæfellsnes is Gerðuberg, home to an impressive cluster of hexagonal basalt columns. This site features some of the largest and most striking basalt formations in Iceland.
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Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula · 20m
At Ytri-Tunga, you’ll find a rare white sand beach, uncommon in Iceland, where most beaches are black. This spot is also known as a seal colony, where you might see seals relaxing on the rocks.
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Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula · 20m
Tucked away on Iceland’s west coast, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is home to the quaint, black wooden church of Búðir. This charming church is one of Iceland’s most popular wedding venues.
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Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula · 30m
Arnarstapi, once a lively fishing village beneath the pyramid-shaped Mount Stapafell, is now a picturesque coastal village famous for its stunning cliffs formed by glowing magma meeting the wild Atlantic waves. Known as one of Iceland’s most beautiful harbors, erosion has shaped striking stone arches and a remarkable marine geyser here. Take a scenic walk along the coastline while your guide shares tales of Bárður, the half-man, half-troll, and his legendary misdeeds in the area.
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Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula
At the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula stands the majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier, a stratovolcano that last erupted around 200 AD. This glacier is one of Iceland’s most famous landmarks, largely because it serves as the entrance to a passage leading to the center of the earth in Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.
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Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula · 20m
The Londrangar Basalt Cliffs feature uniquely formed remnants of ancient volcanic dikes rising dramatically from the sea. These striking basalt pillars are a stunning example of Iceland’s volcanic geology and coastal beauty.
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Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula · 20m
Djúpalónssandur is a stunning small black sand beach accessible by a footpath that winds through a lava landscape filled with towering moss-covered volcanic formations. This unique setting offers visitors a chance to explore Iceland’s dramatic volcanic terrain before reaching the picturesque shoreline.
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Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula · 20m
Your final stop is the photogenic Kirkjufell, also known as Church Mountain, often called Iceland’s most photographed peak. Fans of the TV series Game of Thrones may recognize it as Arrowhead Mountain, a famous filming location from the show.
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Day 8: Exploring West Iceland · 20m
The awe-inspiring Hraunfossar, or Lava Falls, is a stunning and unique natural phenomenon. It features streams of water flowing over a stretch of 900 meters from the Hallmundarhraun lava fields.
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Day 8: Exploring West Iceland · 15m
Barnafoss, or Children’s Fall, is famous for its dark history. According to legend, two children fell into the waterfall on Christmas Day after refusing to go to church.
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Day 8: Exploring West Iceland · 1h
Embark on an unforgettable journey into Víðgelmir, Iceland’s largest lava cave. Explore its vast chambers and unique volcanic formations on this epic adventure.
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Day 8: Exploring West Iceland · 30m
Deildartunguhver, located on a scenic farm, is Europe’s largest and most powerful hot spring. It produces an impressive 180 liters per second of water at 100°C.
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Day 8: Exploring West Iceland · 20m
The small village of Reykholt is one of Iceland’s most important historical sites and has been a cultural center for centuries. It was home to Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland’s best-known authors, who lived there from 1206 to 1241.
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Day 8: Exploring West Iceland
You will arrive back in Reykjavik in the afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable Iceland tour. From here, you can carry wonderful memories of your journey across this incredible country.
Meeting point
Pick up starts at 8:00 and might take 30 minutes. Please be ready at your selected location.
Due to traffic regulations, we can't stop at all hotel entrances downtown, so please read carefully if you will be picked up at your hotel or at the nearest designated Bus Stop (usually no further than a couple of mins walk).
For walking distance to bus stops, please check busstop.is.
Good to know
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the 8-Day Small Group Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik take?
The experience lasts about 8 days.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $2,622.82 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
8-day guided minibus tour around Iceland; Transportation in a comfortable minibus; WiFi on board; Professional English-speaking driver-guide; Glacier Hike with Safety Equipment; Breakfast.
Where does it start?
Pick up starts at 8:00 and might take 30 minutes. Please be ready at your selected location. Due to traffic regulations, we can't stop at all hotel entrances downtown, so please read carefully if you will be picked up at your hotel or at the nearest designated Bus Stop (usually…
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 696 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Reykjavik.
