Total immersion Iceland trip

Explore the Golden Circle, a classic start to Iceland travel, with three unforgettable highlights. Walk through Thingvellir National Park and its dramatic rift valley, continue to the Geysir geothermal area to watch Strokkur erupt every 8 to 10 minutes, then finish at Gullfoss, Iceland’s iconic golden waterfall.

This opening day blends geology, big photo moments, and cultural history. If time allows, add the vivid Kerid crater lake and a stop in Hveragerdi for a short hike, a warm soak, and a taste of local cuisine.

Spend the day on the Golden Circle with tailor-made experiences that bring you closer to Iceland’s geothermal culture. Start with a taste of geothermal bakery bread, then choose a restorative soak at the Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana. For a pure Icelandic thrill, dive or snorkel in Silfra’s crystal clear currents between tectonic plates.

If you want more adventure, add a lava cave visit, an Inside the Volcano tour, guided snowmobiling, or a horse ride across the plains. With local guides, the day is easily customized into an immersive Iceland trip.

Drive Route 1 along Iceland’s south coast to Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the curtain of water, and to picture-perfect Skogafoss, often glowing with rainbows in the mist. Continue to Reynisfjara black sand beach to see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, then head to Dyrholaey’s cliffs for sweeping views and possible puffin sightings in season.

Along the way, watch the horizon for Iceland’s famous volcanoes and glaciers, including Eyjafjallajokull, Hekla, and Katla.

Southeast Iceland is shaped by the immense Vatnajokull glacier, and it includes some of the best places to visit in Iceland for dramatic nature. In Skaftafell, enjoy tailor-made hikes to the Skaftafellsjokull glacier tongue and the photogenic Svartifoss waterfall, then continue to the ancient Fjadrargljufur canyon for a quieter taste of Iceland’s raw landscapes.

Finish at Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and nearby Breidamerkurfjara diamond beach, where icebergs drift from the lagoon onto the black sand shoreline.

Explore the Eastfjords, where towering mountains drop into serene fjords and small fishing villages feel wonderfully unhurried. Visit picture-perfect Seydisfjordur, then continue to remote Mjoifjordur for quiet roads and big coastal views.

Pause in Egilsstadir by Lake Lagarfljot, take a walk in Hallormsstadaskogur forest, and enjoy the region’s local culture before returning to the coastline.

Discover the remote Eastfjords, from the narrow Mjoifjordur and the tiny hamlet of Brekkuthorp to the wild coastal views at Dalatangi lighthouse.

Stroll through Seydisfjordur with its timber houses, art shops, and iconic blue church, then continue to Borgarfjordur Eystri for colourful mountains, puffins in season, and the area’s famous elf folklore.

Uncover the volcanic Lake Myvatn region, where geothermal heat and fresh lava landscapes shape every stop. Pause at Hverir to see steaming mud pots, then take a short walk through Leirhnjukur’s lunar lava fields.

Continue to Dimmuborgir to wander among dramatic lava towers, visit the Skutustadagigar pseudo craters on the lake’s edge, and take in the craters of Viti and Hverfjall. Finish at Grjotagja, a lava cave with a geothermal spring made famous by Game of Thrones.

Drive the Diamond Circle to experience Dettifoss, often described as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and the dramatic Jokulsargljufur glacial canyon.

Continue into Vesturdalur for rewarding walks among Hljodaklettar’s basalt columns, the colorful Raudholar hills, and Asbyrgi’s horseshoe-shaped canyon with the tranquil Botnstjorn pond, ideal for hiking and photography.

End in the fishing town of Husavik for renowned whale watching, then unwind in the GeoSea geothermal sea baths overlooking the bay.

Explore Akureyri, the lively heart of North Iceland, then wander Lystigardurinn botanical gardens before continuing to Godafoss, the famous Waterfall of the Gods.

From here, shape the day to your Iceland itinerary with a scenic coastal drive around Trollaskagi to Siglufjordur, or take the Vatnsnes peninsula route to spot seals and visit the Hvitserkur sea stack and the Borgarvirki fortress.

Explore the valleys of Dalir, rich in saga history and linked to Eirikur the Red and his son Leifur Eiriksson. Follow the quiet coastal road through Fellsstrond and Skardsstrond for sweeping views over Breidafjordur’s islands, with Snaefellsnes and the Westfjords stretching across the horizon.

Take in the dramatic fjords of Isafjordur Bay and enjoy time in the historic town of Isafjordur. Pause at Hvitanes cape to spot curious seals, then treat yourself to famous waffles at Litlibaer, the cosy turf-roofed cafe.

Continue to Sudavik to learn about the arctic fox, and end with a scenic walk through the striking Valagil gorge.

Isafjordur is the heart of the Northern Westfjords and a charming base for tailor-made Iceland trip experiences. From here, visit Bolungarvik and the Osvor maritime museum, then stroll through Flateyri and Holt beach with views along Onundarfjordur.

Continue to Sudureyri and the remote shores of Sugandafjordur, ending the day at Tjoruhusid, the renowned fish restaurant set in a heritage house.

Drive the Northern Westfjords along Arnarfjordur, Dyrafjordur, and Onundarfjordur, crossing mountain passes and passing the historic village of Thingeyri. Stop in small fishing communities for quick photo breaks and fresh seafood, then visit majestic Dynjandi waterfall with time for an easy walk around the falls. End the northern section with a stroll on Golden Holt beach in Onundarfjordur.

Continue into the Southern Westfjords to Latrabjarg, Iceland’s westernmost cliffs, for outstanding birdwatching and puffin photos in season. Finish at Raudasandur’s red sands to look for seals, then unwind on the golden beaches of Breidavik and Orlygshofn.

Explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a compact showcase of Iceland’s greatest hits. See the Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano, stop at photogenic Kirkjufell and its waterfall near Grundarfjordur, and visit the striking black church at Budir.

Drive through the lava fields of Berserkjahraun and Budahraun, then finish along the coast at Djupalonssandur’s black pebbles and the scenic seaside villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi.

Spend the day in Borgarfjordur, where lava fields and saga history shape the landscape. Visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, stop at the steaming Deildartunguhver hot spring, and explore historic Reykholt. Stretch your legs with a walk on Grabrok crater, and if you want extra adventure, take a canyon and cave hike toward Glymur waterfall. Pause in Borgarnes to visit the Settlement Center, then continue to Reykjavik for the evening.

In Reykjavik, enjoy a relaxed walk through the compact city center, from Hallgrimskirkja and Laugavegur to the town squares, Tjornin pond, and the old harbour. Finish on the waterfront at Harpa and the Solfar Sun Sculpture, and consider Perlan for panoramic views over the city.

On departure day, enjoy a calm final morning in Reykjavik. After breakfast, take a short walk through the city center or along the old harbour for last photos, coffee, and any final shopping on Laugavegur. Then transfer to Keflavik Airport in good time for check-in and your flight home.