Travel around this winter wonderland with an expert guide
On this 9-day winter group trip around Iceland, you’ll see tons of the country’s top sights and make new friends! Jump in a minibus together and let your driver-guide take you around Iceland’s famous Ring Road.
This trip packs so much in, including the famous Golden Circle with its hot springs and waterfalls. And you’ll get your fill of snow-capped mountains, glistening glaciers, and iceberg-studded black sand beaches.
Your itinerary will take you eastwards along the south coast, winding through the picturesque Eastfjords. And you’ll head north to the Lake Mývatn area, with its unusual geology and wildlife.
Then you’ll loop back round to Reykjavík, stopping at jaw-dropping natural sites en route. You’ll leave Iceland with a reel full of icy photos, unforgettable memories, and maybe even travel buddies you’ll stay in touch with for years to come!
This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.
On this tour you will...
See hot springs and waterfalls on the Golden Circle route
Visit the breathtaking Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
Walk along a black sand beach studded with icebergs
Marvel at striking volcanic formations near Lake Mývatn
Explore more off-the-beaten-path regions, including the Eastfjords
Discover Akureyri, the colourful capital of North Iceland
Top attractions
Downtown Reykjavík
Gullfoss
Geysir and Strokkur
Seljalandsfoss
Skógafoss
Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Egilsstaðir
Dettifoss
Lake Mývatn
Goðafoss
Akureyri
Borgarnes
Þingvellir National Park
Deildartunguhver
Why book a guided group trip with Iceland Tours?
Pick from wide range of departure dates
Expert local guidance in English
Small and big group options available
24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland
Secure your booking with just a 20% deposit
Handpicked local accommodation options
Your 9-day guided group itinerary
Airport transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík (included).
If you’re arriving earlier in the day, you might consider adding a day tour. We’d be happy to make suggestions based on your interests.
One of our favorite activities after a long flight is to visit one of the neighborhood geothermal pools. It is so refreshing to relax in the warm water, breathing in the fresh Icelandic air. It’s a great way to get to see Icelandic daily life and maybe meet a few locals. It’s also nice to take a stroll in the old city center, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cozy café.
Tonight, there will be an information meeting at your hotel. You’ll meet your guide and travel companions and learn more about the tour.
Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Reykjavík offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.
Highlights
Downtown Reykjavík
Extra activities
ExtraFlyOver Iceland
UpgradeUpgrade - Arrival via Blue Lagoon
ExtraThe Reykjavík Food Walk
ExtraSky Lagoon Saman Pass with Transfer
After a quick introduction to our home city of Reykjavík, head to the greenhouse village of Hveragerði and then on to the Golden Circle natural wonders. Explore Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, and the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools.
Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls before continuing to Dyrhólaey and the black sand beaches of Iceland’s south coast. Continue to Vík, Iceland’s southernmost town.
Today you’ll be in a world of glaciers! You’ll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwash as you head east.
Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the views of rich green landscapes and black sands dominated by several magnificent glaciers. You’ll also see Svínafellsjökull, one of the most beautiful glacial 'tongues' that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajökull.
Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you’ll enjoy the breathtaking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180-meter (591-foot) deep glacial lagoon. Make sure that camera is charged and ready! Nearby is the dramatic beauty of Fellsfjara (the 'Diamond Beach'), named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea.
Your overnight stay is in Höfn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajökull glacier.
Drive from Höfn through Almannaskarð pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent Eastfjords. Keep your hand on your camera and keep an eye out for wild reindeer, which can sometimes be seen in the area during the winter months.
You’ll also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. One of these is the tiny village of Breiðdalsvík. Your group will visit the Beljandi Microbrewery and sample some of the wonderful beer. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small town, as well as see how great beer is made.
The road brings you to Egilsstaðir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. The area also has an excellent reputation for locally sourced cuisine, and you’ll enjoy some of it at dinner.
Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Möðrudalsöræfi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful, as you head towards the Lake Mývatn area. On the way, stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall.
Continue onwards to the Námaskarð pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may feel the same way. It’s such a surreal experience!
Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Mývatn area, including the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and the Laxá salmon river. You will probably see why this area has become so popular for film producers.
Start the day by exploring the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. The name means “Dark Citadels” in Icelandic, and they certainly look as if they were built by fantasy creatures. There are local legends that elves live here.
Visit the magnificent Goðafoss waterfall, one of the most important symbols of North Iceland, and the old turf farm Laufás. Enjoy a taste of some traditional Icelandic farmhouse refreshments and hear tales of life in the old days. Afterwards, visit Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital” of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjörður fjord.
After spending some time in Akureyri, continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjörður and the Tröll Peninsula. This is a beautiful drive along steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and the black sand coastline. Enjoy a stop in Siglufjörður, a town set in a beautiful fjord of the same name. This town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory.
Visit Siglufjörður’s award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Siglufjörður was transformed into a frontier-like boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. The museum will transport you back to that exciting time.
Afterwards, head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to Skagafjörður, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding.
Today you will enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait, the tölt. Icelandic horses are very important to the country’s history. These gentle horses are known as the Icelandic people’s most faithful servant.
Continue towards the village of Blönduós, built on both sides of the river Blanda. This is a part of Iceland mentioned in the ancient Viking tale, Vatnsdæla Saga. Cross the Holtavörðuheiði plateau taking you into West Iceland.
Drive through Borgarfjörður, a region that has been getting international recognition for its diverse types of scenery and its Viking history.
Visit some of the beautiful natural wonders of Borgarfjörður. Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colors. There is an interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall.
Drive through the scenic and mountain lined Hvalfjörður fjord to the Þingvallavatn lake, Iceland’s largest lake, and Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where the world’s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century.
It’s also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents! Afterwards, head to Reykjavík for a last night in the colorful capital city, where your guide bids you farewell.
Shared airport transfer to Keflavík Airport for your return flight (included).
Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning flight.
We recommend you depart your hotel no later than three hours before your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back to your homeland and hope to see you in Iceland again!
What’s included?
Combination (Comfort & Quality) accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
6 three-course dinners in the countryside featuring local cuisine (Days 2–7)
Airport transfer
Local transport with guidance in English
Entrance to the Northern Lights Centre
Microbrewery tour including beer tasting
Admission to Herring-Era Museum
Introduction to Icelandic horses
Guided Northern Lights tour on foot
24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland
Carbon offsetting of your tour
VAT, taxes & service fees
Flights to Iceland
Food & drink, unless otherwise stated
Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Personal travel insurance
Stay in well-located hotels and guesthouses that are highly rated by visitors and handpicked by experts.
On this trip, you’ll stay at the following hotels or similar:
Winter 2024-2025
- Day 1 – Berjaya Iceland Reykjavík Natura
- Day 2 – Hotel Katla
- Day 3 – Hotel Höfn
- Day 4 – Hotel Valaskjálf
- Day 5 – Hotel Laxá/Fosshotel Mývatn
- Day 6 – Hofsstaðir Country Hotel
- Day 7 – Hotel Hamar
- Day 8 – Berjaya Iceland Reykjavík Natura
Winter 2025-2026
- Day 1 – Hotel Skuggi
- Day 2 – Hotel Katla
- Day 3 – Hotel Höfn
- Day 4 – Hotel Valaskjálf
- Day 5 – Hotel Laxá
- Day 6 – Hofsstaðir Country Hotel
- Day 7 – Hotel Hamar
- Day 8 – Hotel Skuggi
FAQs about our guided group trips
On this type of tour, you’ll travel around Iceland by bus with the same driver-guide for the length of your trip. Guided group tours are a great way to make like-minded friends, as you’ll spend time with the same travelers for your whole vacation.
You’ll get to stay in accommodation around the country, and some tours include a few evening meals too. After a day’s exploring, you’ll go back to your private room and meet your guide and group the next morning to continue your trip.
All of our guided group tours start and finish in Reykjavík.
There are 2 group sizes available:
- Small group: Up to 16 people
- Big group: Up to 36 people
Small groups offer a more intimate travel experience, whereas big groups are more wallet-friendly.
You’ll likely be with people from a whole mix of backgrounds, from different countries and of different ages. Your guide will entertain you with fun facts and jokes as you journey around Iceland. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll be laughing along with your group!
There will most probably be a mix of solo travelers, couples, and small groups of friends and family.
The luggage restrictions on this guided group tour are as follows:
- 1 suitcase or large bag per person for clothes and overnight items
- 1 day bag for essential items, like a camera, extra clothes, and valuables
Each day your luggage will be loaded onto the bus. In the evening, you’ll take all your bags with you to your room.
Our guided group tours have fixed start dates and itineraries. While it’s not possible to customize the actual tour, you can tailor your trip with extra days and activities before or afterwards.
For example, you could add a couple more days in Reykjavík at the end of your trip. Fill these with day tours or exciting activities like ice caving and snowmobiling.
On a guided group tour, you’ll learn a lot about Icelandic history, nature, and culture from experienced tour guides. You’ll find their passion for the country infectious and gain a perspective on life in Iceland from these travel experts.
Guided group tours also mean you don’t need to worry about driving yourself on unfamiliar roads. They’re a fantastic way to explore Iceland if you want to meet like-minded travelers too.
That said, guided tours are by no means the only way to experience Iceland. If you’d prefer something more customizable, you could go for a multi-day tour by bus. Or if you want to set your own pace on a road trip, it’s hard to beat a self-drive tour.
Another option is a privately guided tour. This combines the experience of a locally guided tour with the intimacy of traveling in your own private group.
On an Iceland guided tour, you can expect to travel by bus in a small or large party. You can choose your preferred group size when you book.
Iceland small group tours are more intimate, whereas large group tours are more wallet-friendly. The maximum number of people in a small group is 16, and 36 in a large group.
Your driver-guide will lead the entire trip, which includes stays in the Icelandic countryside. Each day you’ll explore a new part of Iceland and enjoy commentary from your guide between stops.
As you’ll be with the same group of people throughout your trip, you’ll have the chance to socialize with fellow travelers and make friends (maybe even for life). There’s nothing like diving into Iceland’s epic nature for a bonding experience!
All of the guided Iceland vacation packages featured here include local transport, accommodation, breakfast, airport transfers, and activities. Some also include dinners in the countryside, so check the specific package for details.
You can customize your guided trip with extra days in Reykjavík at the start or end of your vacation. Use these to pack in day tours or an evening Northern Lights tour. You could even pay a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.
In general, tipping is not as commonplace in Iceland as in some other countries. While tour guides would never expect to be tipped, they would receive them gratefully.
You can start planning your Iceland adventure right on this page. Browse the guided vacation packages above until you find the one for you.
Next, check departure dates on the tour page. Guided group tours have fixed dates and durations, although you can extend your trip with extra days in Reykjavík if you like. This would be your chance to add activities, like exploring an ice cave or bathing in hot springs.
After that, simply follow the checkout instructions to complete your booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email straight away, followed by your travel documents closer to your departure date.
You can check dates on the individual tour pages. Guided tours are available in a small or large group, with separate departure dates for each.
There are weekly or fortnightly departures throughout the popular summer and winter seasons. Make sure you book in advance as spaces can sell out quick.
Because guided group tours have fixed departure dates, it’s a good idea to book your vacation package before your flights. Once you’ve received the confirmation from Iceland Tours, you’re clear to book with your preferred airline.
That said, you might want to do a rough check for flights before you book your package to get a feel for what’s available.
Iceland is well connected to Europe and North America with daily direct flights to lots of major cities.
When visiting Iceland, it pays to pack smart and be prepared. The weather is changeable and conditions are likely to be different to what you’re used to at home.
Here’s an Iceland packing list that’s good for all seasons:
- Warm, waterproof coat
- Toasty inner layers
- Hat, scarf, and gloves
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Sunglasses
- Moisturizer and lip balm
There’s plenty to enjoy on a guided tour of Iceland. The great thing about them is that you can access locations you never would have known about. And you can travel to seemingly out-of-reach regions, like the Icelandic highlands.
Here’s just some of what you could get up to on an Iceland group tour:
- Chase the Northern Lights in a remote countryside spot
- Tour the legendary Ring Road route
- See bubbling hot springs on the Golden Circle
- Explore ice cave country in Vatnajökull National Park
- Hop between stunning waterfalls on a south coast tour
- Follow in the footsteps of Vikings at Þingvellir National Park
- Watch an active geyser, Strokkur, erupt before you
- Admire freshly calved icebergs drift gently out to sea
- Roam the black sands of Reynisfjara beach
- Soak up culture and nightlife in downtown Reykjavík
- Dive into the country's food scene at Iceland's best restaurants.
Need more inspiration? Check out this Iceland Travel Guide.
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.
