The Great Round Tour: Around Iceland in 13 Days

The Great Round Tour: Around Iceland in 13 Days offers a comprehensive and well-organized way to explore the island’s most iconic and less-visited sites. Priced at $7,128.74 per person, this guided journey takes you around the Ring Road, through the Snaefellsnes peninsula, and into the Westfjords, with a focus on natural wonders, wildlife spotting, and cultural highlights. With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour provides a small-group experience that balances personalized attention with the freedom to explore at a relaxed pace.

This tour stands out for its inclusive approach—all accommodation, breakfast, and dinner are covered—making it a stress-free way to see Iceland’s diverse landscapes. It is suited for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level who want to access both popular sights and hidden corners of the country. While the itinerary is detailed and packed, the tour offers a rare chance to visit off-the-beaten-path regions like the remote Westfjords, often inaccessible for short visits.

Key Points

• Includes all accommodation, breakfast, and dinner, simplifying travel logistics.
• Guided 13-day tour that covers the entire country, from waterfalls to glaciers to volcanic landscapes.
• Small group of only 12 travelers ensures a more personal experience.
• Visits diverse sites like Pingvellir, Gullfoss, Skogafoss, Dettifoss, Latrabjarg, and Hvitserkur.
• Accessible for travelers with moderate fitness, with opportunities for light hiking and walking at various stops.
• Highlights off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Westfjords, with visits to fishing villages and bird cliffs.

Starting in Reykjavik: From the Hotel to the Golden Circle

The tour begins in Reykjavik, where you meet at the Hótel Klettur in the city center. From here, the first few days focus on the famous Golden Circle route, a classic Iceland experience. The guides lead you through Pingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament and a remarkable geological setting; Gullfoss, the powerful Golden Waterfall; and the Geysir geothermal area, home to erupting geysers. These stops, all free to visit, are emblematic of Iceland’s volcanic activity and natural beauty.

The two-day start sets the tone with accessible yet breathtaking sights, perfect for those new to Iceland or wishing to see its iconic landscapes without strenuous activity. The guided commentary enhances understanding of Iceland’s geology and history, making each stop more meaningful.

Walking through Pingvellir National Park and Geysir

Pingvellir National Park offers a chance to walk across rift valleys and learn about Iceland’s tectonic plate boundaries. Gullfoss impresses with its multi-tiered cascade, showcasing the island’s raw power. The Geysir geothermal area features bubbling hot springs and erupting geysers, with Strokkur erupting regularly. These sites are easily accessible and are among the most photographed in Iceland, making them perfect first-day highlights.

The tour’s pacing allows ample time to enjoy each site, with admission tickets free, and guides provide insightful stories about Iceland’s volcanic activity and early settlements.

Exploring South Coast Waterfalls and Beaches

From Seljalandsfoss to Skogafoss, the southern coast reveals some of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss is famous for the path that runs behind it, giving a unique perspective. Skogafoss’s impressive curtain of water is often accompanied by rainbows on sunny days.

Next, the tour visits the Skogar Folk Museum, where history and culture come alive through exhibits of traditional Icelandic life. The Solheimajokull Glacier offers a close-up view of glacial ice, with optional walking or light hiking. Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara Beach showcase black sand beaches, sea stacks, and puffins during the nesting season. These stops combine natural beauty with cultural insights, all with manageable walking distances.

Visiting Skaftafell and the Glacier Lagoon

In Skaftafell National Park, the tour hikes for around 2 hours amidst glaciers, mountains, and lush scenery. A highlight is the ascent to Svartifoss, a striking waterfall framed by basalt columns, about 1.5 hours of walking**. The Glacier Lagoon features a boat tour on floating icebergs, providing a chance to see the iceberg formations up close.

These awe-inspiring sites demonstrate Iceland’s ongoing volcanic and glacial activity, with admission free but the boat tour included to enhance the experience. The tour guides explain the geological processes, adding context to the scenery.

Discovering Iceland’s East Fjords and the Highest Inhabited Area

The journey continues eastward toward Egilsstadir, where the Lagarfljot River flows near the Moorudalur Farm, located at 469 meters above sea level, making it Iceland’s highest inhabited place. This overnight stay offers a peaceful farm setting, with included accommodations designed for comfort.

The area is perfect for those interested in rural Iceland and local farming traditions, with quiet surroundings and scenic views. The tour spends about 14 hours here, emphasizing the remote beauty of the East Fjords.

Witnessing Europe’s Mightiest Waterfall and the Lava Fields

The next day features the Dettifoss Waterfall, regarded as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, with a 45-minute visit. Nearby, the Asbyrgi canyon charms visitors with its horseshoe shape, and the Krafla Lava Fields demonstrate the island’s volcanic activity over the past decades, with still-warm lava from eruptions over 30 years ago.

The Dimmuborgir Lava Formations resemble a lava labyrinth, while Namafjall Hverir displays boiling mud pots. The stops at pseudo craters and geothermal activity sites underscore Iceland’s volcanic landscape, accessible with free admission, and are easily walkable.

Exploring Northern Iceland: Waterfalls, Towns, and Bird Cliffs

In Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest town, the tour spends about 3 hours exploring local sites, including the Akureyrarkirkja church. The visit to Godafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” provides a dramatic photo opportunity.

Travel along the north coast includes the charming Siglufjörður fishing village, and the iconic Hvitserkur rock formation, known for its dragon-like profile. These attractions highlight Iceland’s diverse coastal scenery and cultural heritage.

Venturing into the Remote Westfjords

The Westfjords represent one of Iceland’s most untouched regions, with limited tourist traffic. The tour visits the Strandir area, known for coastline covered with driftwood and small black beaches. Staying overnight in Sudureyri, a fishing village, offers a unique look at Icelandic coastal life.

Highlights include the stunning Dynjandi waterfall, often called the “jewel of the Westfjords,” and Latrabjarg, the bird cliffs extending 14 km along the sea, home to thousands of nesting seabirds, including puffins. These remote spots are accessible via well-organized routes, with admission free.

Visiting South West Beaches and Volcanic Craters

On the tour’s final days, the focus shifts to Kirkjufell, the picturesque mountain with its waterfalls, and Djupalonssandur, a black pebble beach with basalt rocks. The Grabrok Crater provides a short walk atop a dormant volcano, while the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls showcase lava formations and rushing water.

These stops are easily accessible and perfect for light hikes or photography, closing the trip with scenic, memorable landscapes.

Practicalities and Group Experience

The tour departs from the centrally located Hótel Klettur in Reykjavik and concludes back there. The journey is led by guides with extensive knowledge of Iceland’s geology, history, and folklore, ensuring an educational and engaging experience.

With small groups of up to 12, travelers enjoy more personal interaction and flexibility. The tour’s pacing balances sightseeing with enough time for rest, making it suitable for those with moderate physical fitness. While the itinerary can be adjusted due to weather, the overall route remains comprehensive and rewarding.

Why Choose the Great Round Tour in Iceland

This tour combines the most famous sites with lesser-known gems, providing a well-rounded adventure. The inclusion of all accommodation and meals alleviates logistical worries, and the guided commentary enriches the experience.

Based on high praise for knowledgeable guides, spectacular views, and careful organization, this tour appeals to travelers looking for an in-depth exploration of Iceland without the stress of planning every detail. The cost may seem steep, but the experience encompasses a wide range of sights and activities, making it a solid value for those wanting a complete overview.

While the tour is not geared toward extreme adventure, light hikes and walking at various stops are part of the experience. It offers a chance to see Iceland’s most famous landscapes, along with some of its most isolated and dramatic locations, in a comfortable, guided format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
All accommodation, breakfast, and dinner are included, along with admission tickets for stops like the Folk Museum of Skogar and the boat tour on the Glacier Lagoon.

How long is the tour?
The tour spans 13 days, with a flexible approximate duration designed to maximize sightseeing.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

What kind of physical activity is involved?
Most stops involve light walking or hiking, suitable for those with moderate fitness levels.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included daily, and dinner is also included, providing a hassle-free experience.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The operator reserves the right to change the schedule due to weather or conditions, but the core route is planned to cover key sites.

What are the main highlights?
Expect waterfalls, glacier lagoons, volcanoes, bird cliffs, and remote fishing villages. The Westfjords are a particular highlight.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes, the tour is designed to provide a broad overview, making it ideal for those new to Iceland or wanting a structured experience.

What is the minimum fitness level needed?
A moderate physical fitness level is recommended, as some stops involve walking or short hikes.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is typically made in advance; the tour is usually booked 118 days ahead on average. Contact details are available through the supplier for reservations.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While suitable for most travelers, the tour’s pace and walking requirements are best for those with moderate fitness; families with young children should consider their activity level.