Experience Iceland’s Ring Road on a privately guided trip
Discover Iceland like never before on this 6-day private Iceland tour that takes you around the country's legendary Ring Road with your own expert driver-guide. This intimate journey combines the freedom of a personalized itinerary with the invaluable insights only a local guide can provide. From the moment your guide picks you up in Reykjavík, you'll experience Iceland through the eyes of someone who knows every hidden viewpoint, local legend, and secret photo spot.
Your 6-day Iceland tour begins in the dramatic landscapes of North Iceland before circling the country to showcase the very best of the Land of Fire and Ice. Unlike group tours, this private Iceland tour allows you to travel at your own pace, with your guide tailoring stops and commentary to match your interests. Throughout this privately guided adventure, you'll witness the raw beauty of Lake Mývatn's volcanic wonderland, stand in awe at Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall), and cruise past icebergs at the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
The journey takes you through charming fishing villages, remote Eastfjords where mountains plunge into the sea, and along the spectacular south coast where waterfalls tumble from cliffs. You'll complete the famous Golden Circle route, visiting Gullfoss waterfall, the erupting Geysir hot springs, and historic Þingvellir National Park. With Iceland Tours' carefully crafted itinerary, handpicked accommodations, and experienced local guides, this 6-day private Iceland tour delivers an unforgettable Ring Road experience. Ready to explore Iceland with your own personal guide?
On this tour you will...
Travel with your own private driver-guide who shares insider knowledge and local folklore
Explore Lake Mývatn's otherworldly volcanic landscapes and steaming geothermal areas
Stand at Europe's most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss, and feel the ground shake
Discover the remote and dramatic Eastfjords with their towering peaks and coastal villages
Marvel at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where icebergs drift through crystal-blue waters
Experience the Golden Circle's trio of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders
Top attractions
Gullfoss
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir and Strokkur
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Downtown Reykjavík
Skaftafell
Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Glaumbær turf farm
Akureyri
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
Deildartunguhver
Krafla and Leirhnjúkur
Dimmuborgir
Lake Mývatn
Goðafoss
Dettifoss
Egilsstaðir
Ásbyrgi
Húsavík
Jökulsárgljúfur
Stuðlagil canyon
Reyðarfjörður
Djúpivogur
Vík í Mýrdal
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Eldhraun lava field
Why book a privately guided trip with Iceland Tours?
Let your own driver take you around Iceland
Expert local guidance in English
Start your tour on the date that suits you
24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland
Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit
Handpicked local accommodation options
Your 6-day privately guided itinerary
Your Iceland adventure begins when your private guide picks you up at your hotel in Reykjavík and sets off toward North Iceland. This is no ordinary transfer, it's the start of your personalized journey through Iceland's most spectacular landscapes. Drive north through changing terrain toward Borgarfjörður, a region steeped in saga history. Your first major stop is the magnificent Hraunfossar waterfall, where crystal-clear water flows from beneath a lava field in delicate cascades. Your guide will explain the geology and share local stories.
Continue through the Skagafjörður region, famous for its horse breeding tradition, where you'll spot Icelandic horses grazing in fields. Your guide can tell you about these unique pure-bred animals unchanged for over a thousand years. Arrive in Akureyri, the vibrant capital of the north, where your guide will drop you at your accommodation with recommendations for dinner.
Highlights
Deildartunguhver
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
Glaumbær turf farm
Borgarnes
Akureyri
Extra activities
ExtraForest Lagoon Geothermal Spa
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the extraordinary Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve. Your guide picks you up and drives toward this volcanic wonderland, stopping first at the magnificent Goðafoss, the 'Waterfall of the Gods.' Your guide will share the legend of how Iceland's lawspeaker threw his pagan idols into this waterfall during the country's conversion to Christianity.
Continue to the Mývatn area where your guide leads you through otherworldly landscapes. Explore Dimmuborgir, a labyrinth of twisted lava formations locals call 'Dark Castles,' where your guide shares folklore about trolls and elves. Visit the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir and walk through the Námaskarð geothermal area with bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. Throughout the day, your guide's local knowledge brings the area's geology and folklore to life. Return to Akureyri for your second night.
Your guide drives you to the charming fishing village of Húsavík, known as the whale watching capital of Iceland. Continue along the dramatic Tjörnes peninsula, where your guide stops at viewpoints to point out seabirds and share stories about the area's rich fossil beds. Journey to the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, filled with lush vegetation and towering rock walls. Your guide shares the legend of Odin's eight-legged horse creating this formation.
Experience the raw power of Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, where your guide positions you at the best viewing spots to feel the ground vibrate as massive volumes of water thunder over the drop. As you drive east toward Egilsstaðir, your guide points out landscape features and shares insights about life in this remote region. Arrive in Egilsstaðir for the night.
Your guide takes you through the Eastfjords, one of Iceland's most dramatically beautiful regions. Begin by driving toward Reyðarfjörður, where your guide can arrange a visit to the small World War II museum (not included). Continue along narrow coastal roads winding through the Eastfjords, with your guide expertly navigating while you enjoy breathtaking views. The road climbs high along mountain slopes, perched dramatically above fjord waters, and your guide stops at the best viewpoints.
Your guide shares stories about the tiny fishing villages you pass, where colorful houses cling to rocky shores. Watch for reindeer in the eastern mountains, with your guide knowing the best spots for sightings. Drive through the Almannaskarð tunnel to emerge with spectacular views of Vatnajökull glacier. Arrive in Höfn, where your guide recommends restaurants specializing in fresh langoustine.
Your guide takes you through Southeast Iceland's otherworldly glacial landscapes. Drive past outlet glaciers flowing from Vatnajökull, with your guide explaining glacial processes and pointing out features in the ice. Arrive at famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where your guide gives you time to walk along the shore and watch massive icebergs drift through deep blue water. Cross to Diamond Beach, where your guide helps you find the best ice formations on black volcanic sand.
Continue to Skaftafell, a green oasis surrounded by glaciers. Your guide suggests the best hiking trails for your fitness level and interests. Drive through Kirkjubæjarklaustur village and across the vast moss-covered Eldhraun lava field, with your guide sharing volcanic history. Arrive in the Vík area for the night.
Your final day with your guide is packed with Iceland's greatest hits. Stop at Skógafoss, where your guide shows you the stairs for aerial views and shares the legend of hidden treasure. Continue to Seljalandsfoss, where your guide leads you behind the curtain of falling water. Your guide reveals hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall nearby. Drive inland to the Golden Circle. At Geysir, your guide positions you perfectly to capture Strokkur erupting. At Gullfoss, your guide takes you to multiple viewpoints to appreciate the dramatic two-stage plunge.
Finally, visit Þingvellir National Park, where your guide walks with you through the rift valley, explaining how tectonic plates are pulling apart and sharing the historical significance of Iceland's ancient parliament site. Return to Reykjavík where your guide drops you at your hotel with recommendations for the capital.
What’s included?
Comfort or Quality accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Rental car of your choice for 6 days
Private driver-guide
Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland
Carbon offsetting of your tour
VAT, taxes & service fees
Flights to Iceland
Airport transfer
Accommodation in Reykjavík
Food & drink, unless otherwise stated
Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Personal travel insurance
FAQs about our private guided trips
All of our private guided tours start in Reykjavík. Here your driver-guide will pick you up from your accommodation and you’ll hit the road.
With your enthusiastic guide leading the way, you will head out into the Icelandic countryside. As you’re immersed in the country’s incredible nature, you’ll learn from your guide about the places you’re visiting.
Once you’ve arrived at your accommodation for the night, you and your guide will say goodbye until the morning. You’ll have time to yourself to enjoy dinner and recharge before the next day’s adventure.
At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in the capital.
Good to know: Our private tour packages do not include hotel stays in Reykjavík at the start or end of the tour, or a transfer from the airport as standard. The option to add extra nights in Reykjavík is available on the tour’s page after clicking “Find your price.” You’ll see options to select extra nights before or after the tour, and the updated price will display on the right side of the screen as you make your selections.
If you’d like us to arrange airport transfer for you, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.
You’ll get to meet your guide for the first time when they collect you from your hotel in Reykjavík. Over the course of your trip, you’ll have the chance to get to know them and swap stories and jokes!
Guidance is in English as standard, although if you would like a guide that speaks a different language, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.
We can’t guarantee that a guide that speaks a language other than English will be available for your selected tour dates, but we’ll do our best to honor your request.
It’s normally possible to book a guide that speaks Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, or a Scandinavian language. Note that there may be an additional charge for a non-English-speaking guide.
In Iceland, tipping is not commonplace in restaurants, hotels, taxis, and the like.
That said, if your guide goes above and beyond to make your tour extra special, they would graciously receive a tip. Just know that it’s not expected, so it’s totally up to you.
You can customize your trip to Iceland with extra days in Reykjavík at the start or end of your trip. This is your chance to pack in day tours and activities like snowmobiling and ice caving.
If you want to customize the itinerary of your actual guided tour, contact us and we’ll be happy to help. Just so you know, there’s an extra fee for this service. See our terms and conditions for all the details.
Packages from Iceland Tours don’t include flights. We do this so that you can get a wider choice and a better price overall. When you’ve figured out roughly what your travel dates will be, you can start to look for flights online.
There are direct flights to Iceland from many cities across Europe and North America, with connections further afield also available. Major airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, Delta, and Icelandair all fly to Iceland.
On a privately-guided package with Iceland Tours, you can choose from 2 levels of accommodation:
- Comfort – Hotels or guesthouses of around 3 stars, with private bathrooms
- Quality – Hotels or guesthouses of around 4 stars, with private bathrooms
Each accommodation level offers different types of rooms. We’ve described them below to help you choose the best one for you. Just keep in mind that not every hotel has all these room types available.
- Single room: one single bed in a room, perfect for solo travelers.
- Double room: a full-sized double bed for 2 people.
- Twin room: a room with 2 single beds that fit 1 person each.
- Triple room: these vary in size and layout, but are designed to fit 3 adults. Triple rooms feature a combination of double, single or sofa beds, depending on the hotel.
No matter which accommodation level you pick, breakfast is included. Read more about the differences between the levels on this accommodation page.
Our drivers are experienced guides that know Iceland inside-out. They’ve built up years of local knowledge. This means they’ll be able to add those special moments and surprises to your itinerary that you can only get by going private.
Most of our guides have had formal training and qualifications. In any case, they’ll use their know-how to add that element of delight to your private trip.
Start by browsing the vacation packages above. You can choose from both summer and winter trips.
Once you’ve picked out your perfect package, simply follow the steps on the tour page to complete your booking. At checkout, you can add more days and extra activities so you can get even more out of your trip.
You’ll then receive a confirmation by email. Closer to your time of travel, we’ll send you all the documents you need for your upcoming Iceland vacation.
All of the privately guided vacation packages featured on this page include:
- Comfort or Quality accommodation each night
- Continental breakfast every morning
- Rental vehicle of your choice (4x4 or van)
- Expert guidance in English
- 24/7 helpline while you’re in Iceland
For info about the difference between Comfort and Quality options, see our accommodation page.
Good to know: These private trips do not include transfers to and from Keflavík airport or accommodation in Reykjavík. The option to add extra nights in Reykjavík is available on the tour’s page after clicking “Find your price.” You’ll see options to select extra nights before or after the tour, and the updated price will display on the right side of the screen as you make your selections.
If you’d like us to arrange airport transfer for you, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.
The different seasons offer completely different experiences in Iceland, so there’s no one best time to go.
In winter in Iceland, you can chase the Northern Lights and visit ice caves. There’s a good chance the country will be blanketed in fresh snow.
On the other hand, Icelandic summer gives you longer hours of light, so you can fit more into each day of your trip. You’ll also get warmer weather and see greener landscapes.
If you still can’t make up your mind between summer and winter, check out this blog about the best times to go to Iceland.
No matter what time of year you choose to visit, it pays to pack well so you stay warm and comfortable throughout your stay.
Here’s a suggested Iceland packing list:
- Warm, waterproof jacket
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Thermal layers
- Light raincoat
- Gloves, scarf, and hat
- Sunglasses
- Swimming gear (for hot springs and pools)
- Moisturizer and lip balm
For all the info on what conditions you can expect, check out this guide to weather in Iceland.
Iceland is stuffed to the brim with jaw-dropping natural attractions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Take a private tour and you could:
- Watch a geyser erupt on the Golden Circle route
- Follow in the footsteps of Vikings at Þingvellir National Park
- Come up close to Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier
- Chase the Aurora Borealis under the clear winter skies
- Walk behind the powerful Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Explore the awesome sights of Snæfellsjökull National Park
- Wind in and out of the spectacular Eastfjords
- See freshly calved icebergs drift by at Jökulsárlón
- Roam the jet-black sands of Reynisfjara beach
- Hike the picturesque trails of Skaftafell
- Savor mouth-watering cuisine at Iceland's best restaurants
You can also enhance your trip with exciting optional activities like:
- Relaxing in hot springs like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
- Gliding on top of a glacier on a snowmobile
- Horseback riding through moss-blanketed lava fields
- Touring natural ice caves with a guide in wintertime
- Snorkeling between the tectonic plates at Silfra
To see the available upgrade options, check out the detailed itineraries for one of the tour packages above.
No worries! Iceland Tours is already offsetting the carbon footprint of your tour package. We've teamed up with an environmental fund in Iceland to cover the carbon offset for all our tours.
Carbon offsetting for international flights is not included, but we suggest checking with your airline or through a local environmental fund for options.
