Discover the Ring Road on with your own private guide
Experience the ultimate private Iceland tour on this comprehensive 8-day journey around the legendary Ring Road, enhanced with the magical Snæfellsnes peninsula. With your own expert driver-guide leading the way, you'll discover Iceland's most spectacular landscapes while enjoying the intimacy and flexibility that only a private tour can offer. From the moment your guide picks you up in Reykjavík, every day unfolds at your pace, with personalized commentary and insider knowledge that brings each location to life.
This 8-day Iceland tour takes you beyond the standard route to include Snæfellsnes, often called 'Iceland in Miniature' for its incredible diversity of landscapes packed into one dramatic peninsula. Your private guide will share local folklore as you explore mysterious lava fields like Dimmuborgir, position you for perfect photos at thundering waterfalls, and reveal hidden viewpoints that only locals know. Unlike group tours, this private Iceland tour allows spontaneous stops when you spot something interesting or extra time at locations that captivate you most.
Journey through North Iceland's volcanic wonderland at Lake Mývatn, stand at the mighty Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall), and watch icebergs drift through Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Your guide navigates the remote Eastfjords, leads you along the stunning south coast, and completes the famous Golden Circle route. With handpicked accommodations, continental breakfast daily, and Iceland Tours' expertly crafted itinerary, this 8-day private Iceland tour delivers an immersive Ring Road experience with the personal touch only a dedicated guide can provide. Ready to explore Iceland your way?
On this tour you will...
Travel with your own private driver-guide who shares insider knowledge and local folklore
Explore the dramatic Snæfellsnes peninsula with its glacier-topped volcano and coastal wonders
Discover Lake Mývatn's otherworldly volcanic landscapes and bubbling geothermal areas
Stand at Europe's most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss, and feel the ground shake beneath you
Marvel at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where massive icebergs drift toward the sea
Experience the Golden Circle and south coast's spectacular waterfalls with expert guidance
Top attractions
Downtown Reykjavík
Gullfoss
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir and Strokkur
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Snæfellsjökull Glacier & National Park
Arnarstapi
Kirkjufell
Djúpalónssandur
Skaftafell
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Glaumbær turf farm
Akureyri
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
Deildartunguhver
Krafla and Leirhnjúkur
Dimmuborgir
Lake Mývatn
Goðafoss
Dettifoss
Egilsstaðir
Ásbyrgi
Húsavík
Stuðlagil canyon
Reyðarfjörður
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 8-day privately guided itinerary
Your memorable Icelandic adventure begins when your personal driver-guide picks you up from your hotel in Reykjavík and heads toward the spectacular Snæfellsnes peninsula. This dramatic coastal region often called 'Iceland in Miniature' showcases an incredible variety of landscapes in one area. Your guide drives you to the perfectly formed Eldborg volcanic crater rising from lava fields, then continues to the impressive Gerðuberg basalt columns where geometric rock formations create a natural wall.
Visit the tiny black church at Búðir, standing alone against a backdrop of mountains, one of Iceland's most photographed sites. Walk the black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur with your guide sharing stories of the shipwreck remains scattered across the shore. Throughout the day, the mighty Snæfellsjökull glacier dominates the skyline, the mystical ice-capped volcano that inspired Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth.' Your guide will share local legends about this sacred mountain. Spend the night on Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Highlights
Arnarstapi
Kirkjufell
Snæfellsjökull Glacier & National Park
Djúpalónssandur
Extra activities
ExtraVatnshellir Cave Tour
From Stykkishólmur, your guide takes you toward southwest Iceland and the historic Borgarfjörður region. This fertile valley's vast lands served as the setting for many of Iceland's ancient sagas, and your guide will share these tales as you drive through the area. Stop at the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfall, where your guide will show you how crystal-clear water flows from beneath a lava field in delicate cascades. Nearby, Barnafoss waterfall rushes through a narrow rocky gorge, and your guide shares the tragic legend attached to its name.
You'll also see the impressive Langjökull glacier gleaming in the distance. Your guide can arrange optional stops at Deildartunguhver hot spring, Europe's most powerful in terms of flow rate, or suggest additions like soaking at Krauma geothermal baths or exploring Víðgelmir lava cave. The Borgarfjörður area offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Settle into your accommodation in the Borgarfjörður region for the night.
Today's itinerary takes you north as your guide drives through changing landscapes toward Akureyri, the vibrant capital of the north. Pass through thick farm fields and the Skagafjörður region, famous for Icelandic horse breeding. Your guide will surely point out these adorably stocky horses grazing in fields, sharing facts about how these unique animals have remained pure-bred for over a thousand years. Before reaching Akureyri, your guide takes you on detours to fascinating sites. The Vatnsnes peninsula offers opportunities to spot seal colonies basking on rocks, and the distinctive Hvítserkur sea stack rises dramatically from the water.
Visit Glaumbær, a beautifully preserved turf-house museum where your guide explains how Icelanders lived for centuries with grass-covered roofs providing insulation. As you approach Akureyri, nestled at the head of Iceland's longest fjord, your guide will share insights about this charming northern town. Arrive in Akureyri for the night, with your guide providing recommendations for experiencing the local scene.
More natural wonders are on the program today! Your guide begins by driving you to the impressive Goðafoss, known as 'the waterfall of the gods.' As you watch water cascade in a perfect horseshoe, your guide shares the legend of Iceland's conversion to Christianity. Continue to the Mývatn area where your guide takes you to several awe-inspiring attractions. Explore the Dimmuborgir lava field labyrinth where your guide shares folklore about the twisted formations locals call 'Dark Castles.' Walk among dramatic rock sculptures and through natural arches created when a lava lake once drained away. Visit the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir, unique geological features your guide will explain were created by steam explosions when lava flowed over wetlands.
Walk through one of Iceland's largest sulfurous hot spring areas, the Námaskarð geothermal area, where your guide helps you understand the forces creating the bubbling mud pools painted in vivid yellows, oranges, and reds. The sulfurous smell is intense, but your guide assures you it's worth it for the otherworldly scenery. Throughout the day, your guide's knowledge brings this volcanic wonderland to life. Settle into your accommodation in the Mývatn/Húsavík area for the night.
Before heading east, your guide continues exploring northern Iceland's spectacular attractions. Drive to the Tjörnes peninsula where your guide points out dramatic coastal cliffs and explains the area's rich fossil beds. Continue to Ásbyrgi, the lush horseshoe-shaped canyon where your guide shares the legend of Odin's eight-legged horse creating this formation, though the reality of catastrophic glacial floods is equally dramatic.
Experience the raw power of Dettifoss, where your guide positions you at the best viewing platform to feel the ground shake as Europe's most powerful waterfall thunders over its 45-meter drop. The sheer volume of water creates a roar you can hear from far away, and the mist rises like smoke. Your guide can arrange optional detours like visiting charming Húsavík or driving through the lunar landscapes of Möðrudalur. As you drive east toward Egilsstaðir, your guide shares insights about life in this remote region. Arrive in Egilsstaðir, gateway to the Eastfjords, for the night.
Today your guide takes you on a journey through the dramatic Eastfjords region. Starting toward Reyðarfjörður, your guide can arrange a visit to the small but interesting World War II history museum documenting when Allied forces were stationed in these remote fjords. Your driver continues along the fjords toward southeast Iceland, expertly navigating narrow coastal roads where steep mountains plunge into the sea. At times, the roads are perched high on mountain slopes, and your guide stops at viewpoints for exceptional panoramas.
Each fjord offers unique character, and your guide shares stories about the tiny fishing villages where colorful houses cling to rocky shores. Watch for reindeer roaming freely in the eastern mountains, with your guide knowing the best spots for potential sightings. The views are breathtaking at every turn, with your guide's commentary enriching the experience. Finally, pass through the Almannaskarð tunnel to emerge with spectacular views of Vatnajökull glacier dominating the horizon. Arrive in the Höfn region for an overnight stay.
Your guide takes you along Iceland's scenic southeast. After passing various outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap, your guide explains the glacial processes at work. Arrive at the stunning, surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, where your guide gives you time to walk along the shore watching massive icebergs drift through deep blue water. This exceptional natural attraction sits at the foot of Iceland's highest mountain, and your guide can arrange optional boat tours between the floating icebergs for an up-close experience. Cross to Diamond Beach where your guide helps you find the best ice formations on black sand.
Visit Skaftafell, an oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains. Your guide suggests hiking trails matching your fitness level, with spectacular options through this diverse landscape. Continue through Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, across the vast moss-covered Eldhraun lava field, and over the Mýrdalssandur plain. Your guide shares the volcanic history throughout. Arrive in the Vík area for the night.
Today your guide drives along the south coast exploring breathtaking landmarks. Stop at Skógafoss where your guide shows you the stairs for aerial views and shares legends of hidden treasure behind the cascading water. Continue to Seljalandsfoss where your guide leads you behind the curtain of falling water for a unique perspective. Your guide reveals the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall tucked in a narrow canyon nearby.
Drive inland to explore the Golden Circle highlights. At the Geysir geothermal area, your guide positions you perfectly to capture Strokkur ejecting its warm water column up to 30 meters every 5-10 minutes. Continue to the three-tiered Gullfoss waterfall where your guide takes you to multiple viewpoints to appreciate the Hvítá river's dramatic plunge into a rugged canyon. Visit the famous Þingvellir National Park where your guide walks with you through the rift valley, explaining tectonic plate movement and the site's historical significance as Iceland's ancient parliament. After Þingvellir, head back to Reykjavík where your private Iceland adventure ends.
What’s included?
Comfort or Quality accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Rental car of your choice for 8 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.
