Iceland Tours
Are you looking for some travel ideas for Iceland? We can already feel the rush of energy running through your veins that we get when we touch down in a different country, and can almost taste the tantalising flavours of foreign cuisine devoured under the stars. Join us in grabbing this much-needed optimism with both hands and plan your Iceland tour now!!
Iceland Self Drive Tours
If you are happy to drive yourself, self-drive tours around Iceland are one of the best ways to see the country at your own pace. Be your own master to decide stops and highlights. Stay in charming farm stays and country hotels, or choose some of the more modern accommodation options. Our Destination Specialists have sampled the accommodation options and can book the perfect combination for your Iceland tour. Some of our favourite places to stay are the new Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon - splash out at this incredible new luxury hotel and then take it down a notch with a local fjord side stay out at the Skalakot Manor Luxury Hotel. Iceland is a great country to mix and match your accommodation between small local farm stays and luxury remote retreats.
Don’t leave your accommodation to chance though - the great places fill early – having a satisfying breakfast each day, a comfortable bed each night and enjoying the small details such as which accommodation offers an outdoor hot tub, will make your Iceland tour beyond the ordinary.
Driving in Iceland is very easy. The road number 1 (‘ring road’) goes around the island and is easy to follow. Together with your GPS it is hard to get lost, although some farm stays are off the beaten track and require a bit of concentration to find. The ‘ring road’ is relatively small, and there is one part on the east side of the island that’s not sealed, but there’s not so much traffic either. Speed limit is 90km/hour most of the way. Conditions of the roads vary greatly between summer and winter. We don't recommend driving in the dead of winter as road conditions can be dangerous and slippery.
For a circle tour around the island, allow yourself at least 8 days. This will allow a couple of days in the beautiful capital Reykjavik and around 6 days for the circle route.
You will be amazed how quickly the sceneries change from volcanic landscapes to glaciers, and from beautiful fjords to forests.
Highlights along the circle route include the famous Golden Circle area with Geysir, Gulfoss and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Þingvellir National Park.
Continue east along the south coast and see the spectacular waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogarfoss on your way to the Sólheimajökull Glacier. Stop in Vik where you’ll see the black sand beaches, before exploring the Vatnajökull Glacier and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Continue to the beautiful fjords of the remote eastern part of the island, and explore the interesting attractions in Lake Mývatn area. Why not hike up a 4000-year-old crater, see the geothermal fields of Hverir and relax at the Mývatn Nature Baths.
Continue to the capital of the north, Akureyri, and if you have time, spend an extra couple of days exploring the West Fjords area.
There are many activity options along the way too. Try horse riding on the unique Icelandic Horse; go on a whale watching tour; join an exciting glacier walking or climbing tour; or why not go snorkelling or diving in the Þingvellir National Park.
We also encourage you to head to the highlands and stay in this new resort: Highlands Base.
For those yearning for an authentic adventure in Iceland, Highland Base presents a unique experience in the central highlands, a place once inaccessible during winter. This ultimate remote retreat offers a playground for the adventurous, with opportunities for hiking, snowmobiling, e-mountain biking, skiing, and snowshoeing across a vast expanse of 70 mountains. Visitors can soak in geothermal pools and revel in the expansive solitude. Highland Base also boasts some of the best Northern Lights viewing in Iceland.
Reaching this remote destination can be part of the adventure itself — while winter travel requires specially adapted Super Jeeps or thrilling helicopter rides, the journey enhances the feeling of seclusion and exploration.
The Highland Base resort integrates seamlessly with its dramatic surroundings, featuring a new hotel constructed from cross-laminated pine and concrete. The hotel offers 26 rooms and two suites with outdoor hot tubs, designed in Nordic minimalist style with panoramic windows. The older building provides rustic accommodations, including a historic mountaineering hut for group stays. The interior design reflects the natural environment, with textures and colours inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Iceland Coach and Small Group Tours
If you’d prefer a guided tour, there are coach tour and small group tour options available too. Join a small group tour with other traveller alike, or choose one of the smaller groups where you travel around by Super Jeeps or by a modified truck.
Some of the most popular small group tours use comfortable 4 wheel drive vehicles with a minimum 6 passengers and a maximum 16 people.
Iceland Active Tours
Iceland offers a great range of active tours too. Iceland’s most popular trek Landmannalaugar to Skógar combines the famous Laugavegur Trek and the Fimmvörðuháls to Skógar hike, and can be experienced on a 7-day group tour.
Adding snorkelling at Silfa, glacier walking and day hikes are the most common ways to make your typical tour of Iceland more active without a heap of planning.
Iceland Fine Dining Experiences on Tour
Iceland's culinary landscape has been rapidly evolving, with an increasing number of restaurants earning prestigious Michelin stars. These establishments offer a unique slice of Iceland's vibrant culinary scene. Whether you’re looking for modern Japanese delicacies, contemporary Nordic creations, or traditional Icelandic fare with a twist, these top dining spots promise a gastronomic adventure that is both diverse and unforgettable.
TIDES Michelin Guide Recommended
Cuisine: Nordic Fusion
Highlights: Located within the Reykjavik EDITION hotel, TIDES blends traditional Nordic ingredients with international influences, creating a diverse menu that includes both seafood and meat dishes, all prepared with a modern twist.
Ambiance: Contemporary and chic, offering a sophisticated yet welcoming environment.
Noteworthy: The innovative approach to Nordic cuisine and the stylish setting make Tides a popular choice for fine dining.
OTO
Cuisine: Modern Italian-Japanese fusion
Highlights: OTO combines traditional Japanese techniques with Icelandic ingredients, offering dishes like scallops Florentine, and innovative takes on Japanese classics.
Ambiance: Sleek and minimalist, with an emphasis on creating a serene dining experience.
Moss
Cuisine: Contemporary Nordic
Highlights: Located within the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, Moss offers a luxurious dining experience with a focus on local ingredients, presented in artfully crafted tasting menus.
Ambiance: Elegant and intimate, with stunning views of the surrounding geothermal landscape.
Noteworthy: The unique setting and commitment to sustainability make Moss a must-visit for a truly immersive Icelandic experience.
Dill
Cuisine: Modern Icelandic
Highlights: Dill is renowned for its innovative approach to Icelandic ingredients, blending traditional techniques with contemporary flair. The tasting menus showcase the island’s natural bounty, with dishes like Arctic char and lamb presented in artful and unexpected ways.
Ambiance: Minimalist yet warm, with an emphasis on natural materials and a relaxed atmosphere.
Noteworthy: Dill was the first Icelandic restaurant to earn a Michelin star, reflecting its pioneering role in the local fine dining scene.
New Iceland activities:
Located just a short drive from Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon presents a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty. With its expansive lagoon, sweeping views, and high-end amenities, this contemporary geothermal spa promises an exceptional wellness experience.
The Sky Lagoon is set against a striking coastal backdrop, offering captivating views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape. The lagoon’s naturally heated waters provide a soothing bath year-round. Designed to complement its natural surroundings, Sky Lagoon features modern architecture with an infinity edge that creates a seamless visual connection with the horizon. Guests can immerse themselves in the lagoon’s warmth while enjoying the serene beauty of Iceland’s rugged coastline and expansive sea.
Sky Lagoon features an array of premium facilities to enhance your spa experience. The main attraction is the large lagoon, filled with warm, mineral-rich waters ideal for relaxation. Additional amenities include a luxurious sauna, steam rooms, and stylish relaxation areas with impressive ocean views. A dedicated bar serves a selection of refreshing beverages and light snacks, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely experience while soaking in the lagoon. Modern changing rooms and amenities ensure a comfortable and convenient visit.
After immersing yourself in the rejuvenating waters of the Sky Lagoon, delight your taste buds with a range of authentic Icelandic dining experiences. Sky Lagoon proudly honours Icelandic culture and tradition through its food offerings, featuring partners who share this commitment. At Smakk Bar, explore a menu filled with Icelandic culinary treasures, including tasting platters that celebrate the island’s rich flavours. Whether you’re sampling the traditional pickled herring and gravlax or indulging in a cheese and chocolate assortment, the dishes are designed to offer a true taste of Iceland.
For a more casual experience, Sky Café serves up hearty, rustic meals such as sandwiches and soups, perfect for refuelling after your lagoon visit. Additionally, the in-water lagoon bar provides the unique opportunity to enjoy Icelandic beers, cocktails, or wine while relaxing in the lagoon, adding a touch of luxury to your spa experience.
Sky Lagoon is dedicated to sustainability and minimising its environmental impact. The spa’s design incorporates eco-friendly practices and materials, highlighting a commitment to responsible resource use. The geothermal water used in the lagoon is sourced sustainably, and the facility employs energy-efficient systems. The architectural design harmonises with the natural surroundings, using materials and elements that blend seamlessly with the landscape, while providing a modern and luxurious wellness experience.
