The Great Round Tour: Around Iceland in 13 Days

Iceland packs an astonishing amount into one island, and this 13-day circuit takes you far beyond the usual Golden Circle. With Jens Olafsson at the wheel, you travel from Reykjavik through the south coast, Eastfjords, North Iceland, and the remote Westfjords, with waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, bird cliffs, and black and red beaches along the way.

I like the small maximum of 12 people, which makes a long driving trip more personal and easier to manage. I also like the practical setup: 12 nights of lodging, breakfast each morning, 11 dinners, and a Glacier Lagoon boat ride are included, so many of the daily details are handled for you.

The tradeoff is the pace. You change hotels often, cover a great deal of ground, and spend long stretches in the vehicle. This suits you if you want to see Iceland in depth, but not if you prefer slow mornings, long stays in one town, or a relaxed beach holiday.

Why this 13-day Iceland circuit works

• Small-group travel with Jens Olafsson: A maximum of 12 people allows for a more companionable ride and easier stops than a large coach tour.
• Remote Iceland included: The route reaches the Westfjords, Strandir, Sudureyri, Latrabjarg, and Raudisandur, areas many shorter circuits leave out.
• Farmhouse and rural lodging: Several nights are in quiet country settings, including Modrudalur, the highest inhabited place in Iceland at 469 meters.
• Natural sights from every angle: You see waterfalls, glaciers, icebergs, lava fields, geothermal ground, craters, sea cliffs, and unusual beaches.
• Meals simplify an expensive destination: Breakfast and dinner are included, while lunch, drinks, and airfare remain your responsibility.
• Light hiking rather than hard adventure: Walks include Svartifoss, Grabrok Crater, coastal cliffs, and other short outings, but you still need moderate fitness.

The real strength is the route, not just the highlights

Many Iceland trips circle the Ring Road and stop at the best-known places. This one adds the difficult-to-reach Westfjords and a collection of smaller stops that give the journey more variety.

That matters because Iceland can begin to feel repetitive if every day is simply another waterfall and photo stop. Here, the scenery keeps changing. You move from the historic valley of Thingvellir to the glacial south coast, then to the broad volcanic spaces around Lake Myvatn, the fishing towns of the north, and the sparsely populated Westfjords.

Jens also adds historical background and Icelandic folk stories during the drive. That turns the long road sections into part of the experience rather than dead time. His role is especially useful on a route with frequent hotel changes, since he handles the nightly registration and keeps the schedule moving.

The group size is a major advantage. Twelve people is still enough for conversation, but small enough that stops do not feel like a procession. You should still expect a shared vehicle and a fair amount of time on the road. This is a touring trip first, with short walks and viewpoints built into the days.

Days 1 and 2: Reykjavik and the Golden Circle

Day 1 is simple. You make your own way to Hotel Klettur in Reykjavik, the listed starting point. Since the first day has no sightseeing scheduled, arriving early or staying extra nights would give you more time for Reykjavik, though those extra nights are not part of the tour.

The classic Golden Circle begins on Day 2 with Thingvellir National Park. This is both a major historical site and a geological one. Iceland’s old parliament met here, and the setting helps explain how nature and national identity are closely tied in Iceland.

You have about an hour at Thingvellir, followed by roughly 90 minutes at Gullfoss. Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s great waterfalls, with water dropping through two main levels into a deep gorge. The timing gives you enough room for views and photographs without turning the stop into a rushed glance from the parking area.

The final stop is the Geysir geothermal area, where steaming ground and hot springs show Iceland’s volcanic force at close range. The original Geysir gave its name to geysers around the world, although nearby geothermal features may provide the more regular activity today.

This first sightseeing day is efficient and familiar. The benefit is that you cover three essential sights without arranging transport yourself. The limitation is that these are among Iceland’s busiest attractions, so this is not yet the quiet side of the country.

Days 3 and 4: waterfalls, sea cliffs, and ice

Day 3 follows the south coast, where the scenery becomes more dramatic. Seljalandsfoss gets about 20 minutes, enough to see the famous waterfall and, when conditions permit, look at it from an unusual angle behind the falling water. Waterproof clothing is sensible around waterfalls, even on a dry-looking day.

Skogafoss follows with a 30-minute stop. It is broad, powerful, and easy to appreciate without a long hike. Then you spend about 90 minutes at the Skogar Museum, which adds cultural context to a day otherwise dominated by geology and scenery.

The route continues to Solheimajokull Glacier for an hour, then to Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara Beach. Dyrholaey offers coastal views, while Reynisfjara brings you to black volcanic sand and striking basalt formations. Stay alert near the sea here. The visit is short, and the coast can be rough.

Day 4 gives you more time on foot at Skaftafell National Park. The 90-minute hike to Svartifoss is one of the more active parts of the trip. Svartifoss is framed by dark basalt columns, giving it a different character from the broad falls seen earlier.

You then reach the Glacier Lagoon for a two-hour boat excursion among icebergs. This is one of the trip’s clearest value points because the boat ride is included. Nearby black sands scattered with chunks of ice are also part of the striking glacier scenery, although the exact stops can change with conditions.

These two days make a strong pair. You get cultural history, waterfalls, a glacier, sea cliffs, and ice in quick succession. You also get your first clear reminder that Iceland weather can affect roads and timing, so bring layers and waterproof outerwear.

Days 5 and 6: the wild east and volcanic north

Day 5 moves into eastern Iceland, beginning at Hvalnes Lighthouse. The stop is short, only about 30 minutes, but the coast provides a useful pause between longer drives.

There is also a brief visit around Lagarfljot and Egilsstadir before the overnight stay in the Modrudalur valley. The long 14-hour listing for this stop reflects the overnight portion rather than 14 hours of sightseeing. Modrudalur is a particularly unusual place to sleep because it is the country’s highest inhabited settlement, at 469 meters above sea level.

This rural stay is one of the tour’s most appealing details. You are not simply sleeping in a standard city hotel every night. Some accommodations are family-run farmhouses in quiet settings, and the included dinners make these remote overnights easier to enjoy without searching for an evening meal.

Day 6 begins with Dettifoss, described as Europe’s mightiest waterfall. It is a forceful, rough-edged sight, quite different from the elegant shape of Svartifoss. The route then reaches Asbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped canyon tied to Icelandic legend and volcanic history.

The rest of the day explores the volcanic area around Lake Myvatn. At Krafla, you see lava fields shaped by relatively recent eruptions. Dimmuborgir offers a maze of lava formations, while Namafjall Hverir has boiling mud pots and colorful geothermal ground. The short stop at Skutustaoagigar adds pseudo-craters to the day’s geological lesson.

This is a packed day, and the stops vary in length from five minutes to an hour. That means you should think in terms of many short introductions rather than one long hike. If you enjoy geology, this may be one of the strongest sections of the trip. If you need plenty of unstructured time, it may feel busy.

Day 7: northern towns, fjords, and a sea stack

Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, gets a 20-minute stop. It is a fitting continuation after Dettifoss and the Myvatn area, and its name brings Icelandic history into the scenery.

You then have three hours of free time in Akureyri. This is one of the better chances to enjoy a town rather than simply photograph a viewpoint. Akureyrarkirkja, the town church, is included among the stops, and the longer pause gives you time to walk around at your own pace.

The route continues to Siglufjordur, a former herring town with a strong fishing identity, followed by Hvitserkur, the famous rock formation rising from the sea. The stop at Siglufjordur is brief, so the tour gives you a glimpse rather than a full town visit.

Day 7 balances a little freedom with plenty of driving. The three-hour Akureyri break is valuable because most other stops are tightly timed. You can use it for a meal or a stroll, but lunch is not included and Iceland’s food prices can be high.

Days 8 to 10: the remote Westfjords

The Westfjords are the reason this trip feels different from a standard Iceland circuit. From Hrutafjordur, the route heads toward the remote Strandir area, passing stretches of coast with driftwood and small black-sand beaches.

The road continues toward Isafjordur and then to the fishing village of Sudureyri for the night. This is a quieter part of the country, with fewer settlements and a stronger sense of distance. You should be ready for long drives and changing road conditions. The itinerary can be altered for weather or other conditions beyond the operator’s control.

Day 9 brings Dynjandi, one of the most memorable waterfalls in the Westfjords. Its broad, tiered shape spreads down the mountainside, and the 45-minute stop gives you time to take in its form rather than simply snap a roadside photograph.

Latrabjarg is the day’s major coastal outing. This is Iceland’s westernmost point, with sheer cliffs stretching about 14 kilometers and rising as high as 400 meters. The area is known for large numbers of seabirds, including puffins at the right time of year, though bird sightings are never something a tour can guarantee.

Day 10 follows the southern side of the Westfjords to Raudisandur, known for its red sand. The one-hour stop gives the beach room to feel different from Iceland’s better-known black-sand shores. This is among the sparsest-populated parts of the country, so the experience is more about open space and coast than services or shops.

The Westfjords section is a clear test of your travel style. If you want Iceland’s less familiar roads and remote villages, it is a major reason to book. If you dislike winding drives, frequent hotel changes, or places where plans depend on weather, this section may test your patience.

Days 11 and 12: Snaefellsnes and western Iceland

Day 11 includes Kirkjufellsfoss, the waterfall often photographed with the distinctive Kirkjufell mountain behind it. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, so expect a focused viewpoint rather than a long walk.

At Djupalonssandur, you see a basalt-pebble beach shaped by waves and volcanic rock. A short coastal stroll adds birdlife and other natural sights. This is another place where sturdy shoes and weatherproof clothing make the visit more comfortable.

Day 12 begins at Grabrok Crater, an old volcano where you walk to the top. The outing is short, about 30 minutes, but it adds a little elevation and a different view of the surrounding country.

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss follow. Hraunfossar is made of streams flowing through lava, while Barnafoss has a faster, more forceful character. Together they are a fine final pair of waterfalls because they show how water can move through volcanic rock in very different ways.

These final days are less remote than the Westfjords but still full of distinct scenery. They also give you a satisfying geological finish, from an old crater to lava-fed waterfalls.

Lodging, meals, and the true cost of $7,228.71

At $7,228.71 per person, this is a serious purchase. The price makes more sense when you count what is covered: 12 nights of accommodation, 12 breakfasts, 11 dinners, guiding, the Skogar Museum, and the Glacier Lagoon boat tour.

I would not call it a luxury tour. One account describes the vehicle as a regular Ford rather than a luxury Mercedes Sprinter. That may matter if you are comparing premium coach trips, but a smaller vehicle can also suit a group that values companionship over polished transport.

The accommodation is a strong part of the package. You stay in good hotels and rural farmhouses, with some properties in beautiful, quiet settings. Dinner quality is described as a highlight, and breakfast each morning gives you a practical start before the next long day.

Lunch is not included. Neither are beverages, airfare, or services not named in the package. Plan carefully for food costs, since Iceland can be expensive, and decide ahead of time how you will handle lunches during remote days.

The value is strongest for you if you would otherwise rent a car, arrange 12 nights of lodging, plan meals, navigate remote roads, and research the Westfjords yourself. It is less compelling if you only want the Golden Circle and south coast, which can be seen on a much shorter trip.

Pace, fitness, and what to pack

The tour calls for moderate physical fitness. You do not need to be a serious hiker, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven ground, climbing to viewpoints, and spending much of the day getting in and out of the vehicle.

The Svartifoss walk and Grabrok Crater walk are the clearest active outings. Coastal cliffs, waterfalls, and beaches can also have rough or slippery footing. Walking sticks were useful for some portions of the route, so a compact pair could be worth bringing if you use them.

Pack for changeable weather:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layers that you can add or remove
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Gloves and a hat, even outside winter
• A small day bag for short walks
• Water-resistant protection for cameras and phones

The itinerary is subject to change because of weather and other conditions. That is not a minor footnote in Iceland. Roads, wind, rain, and visibility can alter a day, especially in the Westfjords and along exposed coasts.

Who should book this Iceland tour?

I would choose this trip if you want to see as much of Iceland as possible without driving yourself. It suits curious, active adults who enjoy geology, folklore, history, small communities, and long scenic rides.

It is also a good fit for solo travelers who want built-in company. The group is small enough to feel social without the scale of a big bus tour. Jens handles navigation, hotel registration, timing, and local explanation, which removes much of the daily friction.

I would hesitate if you want nightlife, a fixed base, luxury transport, or long afternoons at one attraction. You also need to accept that lunch is on your own and that the schedule can feel intense.

The cancellation terms are strict: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. A minimum number of participants is required, though if the operator cancels for that reason, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Great Round Tour?

Book it if your goal is Iceland in depth, especially if the Westfjords, farm stays, included dinners, and small-group format appeal to you. The itinerary gives you far more than a quick Ring Road sampler and takes care of the hard work of arranging remote lodging and transport.

Skip it if you prefer to travel slowly or want a luxury vehicle and flexible free time. For the right person, though, the combination of expert guiding, rural stays, included meals, light walks, and remarkable variety makes the high price easier to justify.

FAQ

How long is the Great Round Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 13 days and includes 12 nights of accommodation.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes guided touring according to the itinerary, 12 nights of accommodation, 12 breakfasts, 11 dinners, admission to the Folk Museum of Skogar, and a boat tour on the Glacier Lagoon.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch, beverages, airfare, and services not specifically listed are not included.

What is the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where does the tour start?

The listed starting point is Hotel Klettur at Mjolnisholt 12-14 in Reykjavik. On Day 1, you make your own way to the hotel.

Does the tour require much hiking?

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. It includes light hikes and walks, including the route to Svartifoss and the walk to the top of Grabrok Crater. The operator may change the itinerary because of weather or other conditions.