iceland and ireland trip

Taste of Iceland & Ireland | 9 Day Escorted

• Gullfoss Waterfall
• The Blue Lagoon
• Blarney Castle
• Cliffs of Moher
• Dublin Castle
• Sheepdog Experience

Inclusions & Extras

• Sightseeing by luxury coach in Ireland
• Professional driver/guides
• Golden Circle Day Tour
• Transfers to/from Blue Lagoon

Accommodation

• Hotel Centrum, Reykjavik (3 nights)
• Clayton Hotel, Dublin (2 nights)
• Killarney Towers Hotel (2 nights)
• Bunratty Castle Hotel (1 night)
• Full breakfast daily except on day 1
• 3 dinners & 1 lunch
• Icelandic Food Tour

Other Inclusions

• Visits, tours and admissions
• Headsets for walking tours
• Deluxe carry-on backpack, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person

Day 1: Reykjavik City Tour and Hallgrimskirkja

Take a walking food tour and begin exploring Iceland’s 1000-year-old history in its beautiful capital city. You’ll be charmed by its mix of modern and traditional architecture and the beautiful brightly colored rooftops. You’ll also discover why it is considered one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. A food tour is a great way to get to know a city and decide where you would like to eat for the rest of your time in Reykjavik.

Day 2: Thingvellir National Park & Gullfoss Waterfall

Head out to spectacular Thingvellir National Park, a meeting place of old Icelandic clans and the home of the Icelandic Parliament from its foundation in 930 AD until 1798. It is also where Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet aboveground. Journey to the Secret Lagoon: smaller and more intimate than the Blue Lagoon, it’s the place where savvy travelers go to enjoy the Icelandic spa experience. Enjoy a unique light lunch at the greenhouse of Fridheimar Farm, surrounded by the tomato plants that have provided the food. Then it’s on to the famous Strokkur Geysir, which erupts every 10 minutes or so. Stop at the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall – fed by Iceland’s second-biggest glacier, the falls are the largest in Europe.

Day 3: Reykjavik & The Blue Lagoon Spa

Enjoy a free afternoon in the capital city Reykjavik and explore on your own some of the city’s historic places. In the evening, travel to the Blue Lagoon, a large lake surrounded by a lava field which is also a geothermal spa. One of the 25 wonders of the world, you can also see the midnight sun in summer or the Northern Lights in winter as you say farewell to Iceland.

The Sky Lagoon is another option that you can substitute here if you wish.

Day 4: Dublin Sightseeing

Transfer to Dublin. Enjoy your day with an independent Dublin Hop-on, Hop-Off bus tour and a visit to one of Dublin’s top attractions — Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC Ireland, or the General Post Office Museum. Dine independently this evening.

Day 5: Dublin & Merry Ploughboy Pub

Enjoy the morning exploring Dublin with the included vouchers. Meet your guide at 2:00 PM in the hotel lobby when all participants join a local guide for a tour of ancient and modern Dublin. Drive through the main streets to see historic buildings such as Trinity College; rows of Georgian houses with colorfully painted doorways; and the new buildings around the Financial Centre beside the River Liffey. Take a guided tour through parts of Dublin Castle, which was the seat of power and government for many centuries and today plays a leading role in European Union activities. Return to your hotel for a get-together with your tour group and a welcome drink. In the evening head to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for a great dinner of Irish specialties and a lively show with popular Irish songs and intricate step-dancing.

Day 6: Blarney Castle & Killarney

Depart Dublin and travel through the midlands of Ireland, which has many mixed farms. Stop for photos of the stately ruins on the Rock of Cashel, rising high above the surrounding plain. Continue your drive south and, just a few miles outside Cork, visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Visit the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find quality Irish made goods of all types, conveniently displayed under one roof. Drive through Macroom, built around a fine castle, and into County Kerry where the scenery becomes more mountainous. Arrive in Killarney, picturesquely set beside lakes with Ireland’s highest mountains, the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, forming a backdrop. Check in to your hotel and relax before dinner.

Day 7: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience

Today embark on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive of 100 miles – the Ring of Kerry. This winding route reveals breathtaking views of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks as well as the scenic coast of beaches and cliffs. As you travel along, there will be plenty of stops for photos at the best vantage points. After a casual lunch in a cozy restaurant you’ll continue your scenic drive. Cross to Valentia Island by bridge where you’ll visit the Skellig Experience. Learn about the off-shore island of Skellig Michael where early Christian monks lived in austere conditions and how it was used as one of the locations for the film “Star Wars VII.” Pause for a stroll around Sneem, with its brightly painted houses, and again at Moll’s Gap for panoramic views of Ireland’s highest mountains and deep valleys. Get a taste of farm life with a sheepdog demonstration of herding flocks, and see different breeds of sheep. Return to Killarney and enjoy a free evening for independent dining or exploring the many pubs in the town.

Day 8: Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle

Leave Killarney and drive north to Tarbert for a 20-minute ferry ride across the wide River Shannon Estuary. Your tour continues along the coast of County Clare to the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone that reaches almost 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Drive past Lahinch Golf Course, one of Ireland’s most famous, and through the marketing town of Ennis to Bunratty. Check into Bunratty Castle Hotel, which is located close to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. In the evening head to Bunratty or Knappogue Castle for a memorable experience in a wonderful historic setting with good food and entertainment. Take your place in the Great Hall for a medieval-style feast of excellent dishes and plenty of wine. During and after the meal the lords and ladies will serenade you with song and harp music evocative of the Middle Ages.

Day 9: Depart from Shannon

Your tour ends after breakfast.

We are more than happy to include a flight quote separately to your package so that you can decide if you would like to book with us or on your own.  While booking flights can seem straight-forward, there are often hidden fees or classes of service that do not include seat assignments, meals or checked bags. We have been booking flights since 1985 and know the best routings and have great contracts that mean we often have better prices than what you will see online.

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Reykjavik - Edinburgh - Dublin by Air

❮ reykjavik - edinburgh - dublin by air, customize and book.

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Price Guidance

This 9 night sample itinerary includes:.

• Hotel for 3 nights in Reykjavik
• Flight from Reykjavik to Edinburgh
• Hotel for 3 nights in Edinburgh
• Flight from Edinburgh to Dublin
• Hotel for 3 nights in Dublin

A popular vacation combining Iceland, Scotland and Ireland! . Start in Reykjavik (spectacular landscapes, from the edge of a fjord to the foot of a glacier just minutes away), then fly to Edinburgh (a fairytale setting with a modern, cosmopolitan twist; museums, festivals, ghost stories, and shopping abound) and finally, to Dublin (brimming with tradition; old pubs and trendy coffee shops offer places to stop while exploring the city`s history). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in the city, desired hotel and activities.

Flexible Itinerary

This mid-Atlantic island is the nearest European neighbor to the U.S. An entirely improbable land at the top of the world, Iceland contains (among other things) a visible line separating two continents, glaciers covering volcanoes, thirty-foot-high exploding gouts of hot water, the landscape used by NASA to represent the Moon, people speaking ancient Norse, a town entirely overrun by elves, and days when the sun never goes down. Play golf at midnight because the sun never sets in summer. Fly to the Westmann Islands and visit some of the 10 million puffins that live there. And say hello to Keiko, the world's most famous killer whale.

A vacation to the isle of Britain would be incomplete without stopping in Scotland. Edinburgh and Glasgow are some of the most cosmopolitan cities in the United Kingdom, set in an urban landscape with many historic buildings dating from the Victorian era and even earlier, impressive considering Scotland was not spared from the Blitz of World War II. Further afield, rivers flow through beautiful valleys that reach the peaks of the Highlands, an area with its own authentic cultural traditions. Whether you are in mainland Scotland or on one of the offshore islands, this nation offers so many charming experiences for the traveler, from fairytale castles to abbeys in ruins to picturesque villages.

Ireland, `the Emerald Isle`, offers some of the most beautiful landscapes and views in the entire world, from castles in ruins in verdant valleys to rocky cliffsides overlooking the Atlantic. It is a country that is fiercely proud of its native language and culture, and venturing outside the major cities, you will be able to view a more rural experience. This is most popularly achieved by driving the 111-mile Ring of Kerry in the western part of the country, or visiting the charming Gaeltacht where Irish is only spoken. But definitely do not discount the cities, home to charm, history, and great landmarks, such as the cosmpolitan capital of Dublin, and large cities such as Limerick and Cork.

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The package rates displayed are your total price per person based on Double Occupancy and your Arrival Date and Number of Nights selected. You can change details after selecting your travel date.

Your Preferred Major Airport:

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Trip Summary

Reykjavik offers an interesting mix of cosmopolitan culture and local village roots. A beautiful salmon river runs through the city limits, and so do fine parks and even wild outdoor areas. But against this backdrop of nature, Reykjavik has a packed program of familiar city joys too: art museums, theaters, an opera house, a symphony orchestra and concerts/live music spanning the whole spectrum of age and taste. One must for all visitors is dining out on Icelandic specialties, including delicious seafood. Reykjavik is one of Europes` hottest nightspots, where the action of the friendly pub and nightlife scene lasts right through the night. Visit the Icelandic National Museum, the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik Art Museum, Laugardalur Park, Halsgrimkirkja, Sun Voyager, the Perlan, and so much more!

Edinburgh has an almost fairy-tale setting and every step is a revelation. Its magnificent architecture shifts from the proud tenements of its medieval Old Town, to the grace and geometric precision of the Georgian New Town. Above it all stands Edinburgh Castle perched high on its volcanic rock looking down on a city where medieval lanes and elegant, sweeping terraces hold over ten centuries of history, mystery, and tradition. Enjoy the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Princes Street Gardens, St Giles' Cathedral, Scott Monument and so much more!

With over 1000 years of history Dublin has experienced many changes, particularly in the last decade. European Union membership and increased prosperity have transformed Dublin into a multicultural city with a thriving economy, ranking it among the top tourist destinations in Europe. An hour walk from the top of Grafton Street, across the Liffey, up O'Connell Street, and farther into north Dublin is a walk through time and, also a glimpse of some of the pieces that must eventually fit together. Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, Temple Bar, St. Stephen's Green and the National Museums and so much more!

Related Itineraries:

• Reykjavik - Copenhagen - Stockholm - Oslo by Air from $989
• Reykjavik and Dublin by Air from $1,175
• Edinburgh - London - Dublin by Air from $1,141
• Edinburgh and Reykjavik by Air from $1,663
• Dublin - Edinburgh - London by Air from $1,174

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12 Night Iceland & Ireland Cruise

Your ship jewel of the seas.

DECKED OUT FOR ADVENTURE

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Day 1: amsterdam, netherlands.

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Day 4 - 5: reykjavik, iceland.

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon..

Reach for the Sky

Worldwide Wonder

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Day 6: Akureyri, Iceland

Stop and Smell the Flowers

Day 7: Seydisfjordur, Iceland

Icelandic Harmony

Follow the Colorful Road

A Feast for the Eyes

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Adventure into the Land of Fire and Ice

This small island packs a lot of wonder into every inch—you'll find fiery volcanos, crystalline waterfalls, and majestic glaciers on the land, and the iridescent glow of the Northern Lights each winter in the skies above. Discover Iceland's Viking past, and its warm and welcoming culture.

• Northern Lights

You'll have the best chance of catching the most amazing, all-natural light show if you travel to Iceland from late September to late March.

The capital's name, Reykjavik, literally means "cove of smoke," inspired by the steam coming from the natural hot springs.

• Skogar Folk Museum

Lush, green turf roofs (with an underlay of birch bark) were one of the most common roofing types throughout Scandinavia and Iceland—and offered plenty of insulation during the cold winter months.

Perlan Observatory

The Perlan Observatory offers spectacular views of Reykjavik and Iceland below—and the Northern Lights above.

• Reynisfjara Beach

The volcanoes that built Iceland also created its gorgeous black sand beaches—and the stone columns here, which legend has it were created by trolls.

Natural Springs

Iceland's abundant natural springs offer many opportunities for soaking and soothing.

• Blue Lagoon

The gorgeous Blue Lagoon isn't technically a natural hot spring--it was built in a volcanic lava field to harness the heat of the 100-degree, mineral-rich water from beneath the earth's surface.

Black Beach

The volcanoes that built Iceland also created its gorgeous black sand beaches.

Diamond Beach

Bits of glacial ice wash ashore on the black sands of Diamond Beach, looking like massive diamonds glittering on the ground.

Hot Springs

A plunge into an Icelandic spring is among the most restorative natural therapies you'll ever find.

• Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is a small, natural hot springs that became Iceland's first public swimming pool in the 19th century.

Skogafoss Falls

Rainbow seekers are often lucky enough to find double rainbows created in the mist that rises from theis waterfall's 200-foot-long drop.

• Thingvellir National Park

Thanks to the volatile volcanic forces still at play in the Land of Fire and Ice, Thingvellir National Park expands by nearly an inch each year.

Strokkur Geyser

Strokkur Geyser erupts every five to eight minutes, sending water and steam nearly 100 feet into the air.

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• Penderyn Distillery
• Peter and Paul Cathedral
• Peter and Paul Fortress
• Petrodvorets
• Piazza della Signoria
• Piccadilly Circus
• Pitlochry Pub Lunch
• Plitvice Lakes
• Politician Pub
• Poljanska Sora
• Postojna Cave
• Powerscourt House
• Prater Amusement Park
• Provand’s Lordship
• Rannoch Moor
• Rector’s Palace
• Red Deer Encounter
• Reykjavik City Tour
• Riga Castle
• Ring of Brodgar
• River Avon Cruise
• River Clyde
• River Moskva
• River Shannon
• Robba’s Fountain
• Roman baths
• Roman Forum
• Ross Castle
• Royal and Ancient Clubhouse
• Royal Castle
• Royal Castle of Hradcany
• Royal Cathedral
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Royal Military Tattoo
• Royal Route
• Russborough House
• Russian Folklore
• Saxon Gardens
• Schiller Theater
• Schloss Charlottenburg
• Scone Palace
• Seine River Cruise
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Selska Sora
• Semper Opera House
• Senate Square
• Sergiev Posad
• Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• Sheepdog Demonstration
• Shepherd’s Museum
• Shrewsbury Walking Tour
• Skaftafell National Park
• Skellig Experience
• Skofja Loka
• Skogafoss Waterfall
• Slieve League Cliffs
• Smallest House in Britain
• Smolny Cathedral
• Snowdonia National Park
• South Pole Inn
• Spanish Steps
• Spean Bridge
• Speyside Distilleries
• Sponza Palace
• Square of the Five Wells
• St. Anastasia
• St. Andrews Castle
• St. Andrews Walk
• St. Anne’s Church
• St. Asaph’s Cathedral
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• St. Catherine’s Church
• St. Columba’s Cathedral
• St. David’s Cathedral
• St. Fagans Castle
• St. Fagans National Museum of History
• St. George’s Basilica
• St. Isaac’s Cathedral
• St. Isaac’s Square
• St. Jacobs Cathedral
• St. John’s Cathedral
• St. Magnus Cathedral
• St. Mark’s Church
• St. Mary’s Church
• St. Michael’s Mount
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• St. Patrick’s Grave
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• St. Peter and Paul’s Church
• St. Peter’s Church
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Step Dancing
• Stirling Castle
• Staff Picks
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2025 Tours: Save $500pp - Use Code EBD25500

Icelandic Explorer

Starting from $4,495

Explore Iceland's incomparable waterfalls, geysers, glaciers and landscapes, but take in so much more as you focus on its fascinating culture and heritage. Discover life in early Viking…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2025 Tours: Save $200pp - Use Code EBD25200

Taste of Iceland

Starting from $2,895

Dive into one of the world's wildest and most wonderful places on this Iceland tour, which covers the volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs and waterfalls that wow every traveler.

2024 TOURS: SAVE 15% - USE CODE MAY2415

Northern Lights Quest of Iceland

Starting from $2,845

Hunt the horizon for the amazing aurora borealis on this Iceland tour. Explore the natural wonder and beauty of the land of fire and ice, from the Golden Circle to Diamond Beach.

Iceland at a glance

not expected

Avg.Summer Temp

Avg. winter temp, peak tourist season.

June, July & August

Local lingo

Þetta reddast (It will all work out okay)

víðsýni (panoramic view)

bless (goodbye)

Must-have souvenirs

Pylsusinnep (sweet brown mustard)

Icelandic wool sweaters

Icelandic licorice

Iceland is just strikingly beautiful - the landscape is amazing, the culture is fascinating, and the contrast between fire and ice is extraordinary.

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Icelandic Króna

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"Iceland is like nowhere else on the planet - the waterfalls, views and landscapes are absolutely stunning - and that's without even mentioning the Northern Lights"

John, Travel Director

Explore the quirky capital of Reykjavik

No guided tour of Iceland is complete without a visit to the most northern capital of the world, Reykjavik; a city small in size, but gregarious in style. Take in the creative intensity of the city’s people, which has flourished into a unique art and culinary scene that embraces Nordic culture and the avant-garde. All set amidst storybook gabled houses, jagged basalt rock and the sea.

Journey through Iceland's volcanic landscapes

For a land named after ice, it can be bewildering to find this country is also one of fire. Connect with this geothermal mecca of over 130 volcanic mountains by traversing raw moonscape lava fields, exposed black sand beaches and the fringes of volcanoes.

Admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss

Of the 10,000 plus waterfalls that can fill Iceland trips, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are two of the standouts. At Seljalandsfoss, water cascades off a cliff that was once part of Iceland’s coastline, flowing into pools surrounding lush green fields. At Skógafoss you will find an old-world majesty, with mythology speaking of trolls, elves and hidden pots of gold.

Swim in turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon

The country’s iconic Blue Lagoon is a hot spring of milky blue waters, flooded with minerals from underground rock. Immerse yourself in its waters for a soul-stirring and relaxing experience complete with healing properties of the water. Don't forget to cover yourself in silica rich mud.

See the Northern Lights

Watching spirals and wafts of blue green lights dance over Iceland’s stars is a natural phenomenon that will stir you to the very core. Caused by solar wind disturbances in the magnetosphere, the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are most likely encountered in the months of late August through to April.

Our top 5 things to do in Iceland

Known for its natural phenomena, from geothermal activity and hot springs to light sky displays, Trafalgar will surprise you with another side of Iceland. Step into the country's Viking past, music traditions and cultural quirks.

National Museum of Iceland

In the centre of Reykjavik sits Iceland’s National museum – a brutalist building with an igloo shaped dome. Explore Viking weaponry, Norse mythology and Lion-Knight legends, then wander upstairs to gain an understanding of the fight for independence from Danish rule. This museum shares the unbelievable chronology of the island’s history.

Icelandic Phallological Museum

Located in Reyjavik, the Icelandic Phallological Museum contains the world's largest display of penises. The extensive collection includes 280 specimens from 93 animal species including whales and seals, and land animals ranging from bulls to hamsters.

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

An island nation wedged between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, fishing has always been a vital part of Iceland’s livelihood. Learn of a modern emergence through fishing and uncover artefacts of violent cod fish wars at the Reykjavik Maritime Museum - a chronicle of the Icelandic people’s seafaring ways.

Best museums in Iceland

Iceland’s extremist landscape ranges from volcanic fields of dried magma to jutting glaciers that spike like crystals. But the contours of its people are just as intriguing to explore. Nowhere do their stories unfold better than the varied museums we take you to in the capital of Reykjavik.

Smoked Puffin

Despite their fishing heritage, Icelanders take much of their cuisine from the land. The national bird of Iceland, the puffin, is one that historically saved its residents from starvation. Today, it is considered a local delicacy. Sample it for yourself accompanied by lashings of delicious blueberry sauce.

Icelandic hot dog

Hotdogs are abundant in Iceland, found at petrol stations, roadside stands, malls and ferry terminals. They are most often made of local, organic, grass-fed lamb as a result of meat import restrictions and a population of sheep that doubles that of humans. Eat yours topped with sweet brown mustard, remoulade, capers, herbs and raw onions.

For centuries, Hardfiskur has been a staple of Icelandic cuisine. This protein-rich snack is made by curing the bacteria of oily fish in the icy Atlantic air before pounding it soft with a mallet. See the fish hanging up to dry all over the island; an insight into traditional Nordic cooking processes.

Best food in Iceland

Much of Iceland’s fascinating food is steeped in the history of Viking times and woven with greater Nordic culture. Trafalgar will indulge you in many obscure delicacies from this self-sufficient country and our tours of Iceland start and end with a surprising local dish.

What to pack for Iceland

With rain falling an average of 213 days a year in Iceland, a raincoat is definetely an item you won't want to forget. A much needed extra layer for the subarctic climate, it will also provide protection from overzealous waterfalls.

Having a dry layer of warmth close to your skin is something to have handy for Iceland whether summer or winter. It’s especially helpful to have close for those for those who love to spend time outdoors exploring the country’s extreme landscapes.

Exposing your ears to the elements can send chills through your body - easily preventable with a warm pair of ear-muffs.

Icelanders take bathing very seriously. With more pools per capita than any country in the world, you may wish to take a few pairs of swimming costumes to ensure you always have one dry.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and toiletry bottles.

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Iceland is open: volcano update

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ICELAND TOURS FROM IRELAND

Enjoy a stress-free time in Iceland with a tour that includes well-reviewed hotels, activities, transportation and more — all arranged by local travel experts. From seamless self-drive journeys around the scenic Ring Road, to action-packed city breaks in Reykjavik, travelling from Ireland to Iceland is a breeze with Nordic Visitor.

VISITING ICELAND FROM IRELAND

With a growing number of airlines flying from Ireland to Iceland, it’s never been easier to visit the Land of Fire and Ice. Flights times to Keflavik International Airport in Iceland are just 2.5 hours non-stop from Dublin.

From the moment you step out of the airport on arrival, you’ll be surprised by how quickly the scenery changes in Iceland and how many natural attractions you can experience in a short time. On a city break in Reykjavik you can visit the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and the famous sights of the Golden Circle route. In a week or more around the Ring Road you’ll come across waterfalls, iceberg lagoons, volcanic beaches, hot springs, lava fields and more.

Nordic Visitor has a wide variety of tour packages for all seasons, including easily tailored self-drive tours, Reykjavik city breaks, private tours and guided small group tours.

All itineraries are designed to be well-structured yet personalised, and you’ll have your own Reykjavik-based travel consultant at your service before, during and even after your tour. For extra peace of mind, all clients have access to our 24/7 helpline while travelling in Iceland.

As local travel experts in Iceland, Nordic Visitor always goes the extra mile to ensure that you're safe on the road. With all self-drive tours, we provide a brochure about driving in Iceland, a road map marked with your route, accommodations and highlights, unlimited in-car Wi-Fi and much more. We also provide 4x4 car rental options, which we especially recommend for winter driving.

Want to see the northern lights in Iceland? Dark nights are required for viewing this natural phenomenon, so a winter tour between October and March is best for a chance of sightings.

When you're ready to start planning your trip to Iceland, browse below for popular tours. Or  get in touch via our live chat or toll-free numbers  so we can help you plan the holiday of a lifetime.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Value for your money
• Professional service from local experts
• 24/7 emergency helpline during tour

Experience the best Iceland

Check out these holiday packages that are popular with other travellers from Ireland.

Iceland Full Circle Classic

South iceland at leisure, iceland complete classic, iceland full circle classic - winter, south iceland at leisure - winter, iceland ring road express, romance around iceland, iceland grand tour, south iceland classic, best of south iceland, golden circle, south coast & blue lagoon, golden circle classic, golden circle & blue lagoon, classic south coast, golden circle classic - winter, golden circle, blue lagoon & northern lights, active iceland - winter, snowmobiling, ice tunnel & golden circle, golden circle express - winter, golden circle express, see the northern lights in iceland.

Enjoy a winter break with chances to see the aurora borealis phenomenon light up the skies.

Northern Lights Circle Tour

Iceland's famous ring road.

Winter Highlights & Northern Lights

Ice cave & glacier lagoon.

Best of South & West Iceland - Winter

Golden circle & snæfellsnes, natural wonders of iceland - winter, the ring road & snæfellsnes, a new year’s to remember, northern lights, super jeeps and nye party, south & west iceland classic - winter, iceland full circle at leisure - winter, glacier lagoon & northern lights, new year’s in iceland, golden circle, northern lights & nye party, south iceland & into the glacier - winter, winter highlights - private, northern lights adventure in the westfjords, reykjavik, northern lights, best of south iceland - winter, best of south & north iceland - winter, golden circle, south coast & lake mývatn, golden circle & south coast - winter, south & west iceland at leisure - winter, christmas & northern lights, christmas in iceland, reykjavik, waterfalls, northern lights, new year’s & northern lights, best of south iceland & new year's eve party, christmas & new year’s in iceland, northern lights & new years eve fun, a christmas to remember, super jeeps, glaciers & blue lagoon, classic south coast - winter, northern lights circle tour - private.

1217702 ISK

Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter - Private

1598386 ISK

Golden Circle & South Coast - Winter - Private

Iceland luxury adventure - winter, northern lights, winter wonders & blue lagoon retreat.

1157452 ISK

Iceland Luxury Escape - Winter

Northern lights, south iceland & blue lagoon retreat.

1794264 ISK

Iceland Luxury Escape at Leisure - Winter

2328410 ISK

Iceland Luxury Adventure at Leisure - Winter

1639689 ISK

South & West Iceland Classic Winter - Private

1220182 ISK

Countries Visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark

Best of Scandinavia & Iceland - Winter

Train, cruise & minibus, best of scandinavia - norway cruise & iceland - winter, local travel agency.

As a travel agency with offices in Reykjavík, Edinburgh, Stockholm and Lucerne, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Europe. Choose from a variety of carefully curated tours that include must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights.

You can also make customisations to your itinerary by adding extra nights, optional activities, or upgrades to your tour. Or ask your personal travel consultant for advice and they will tailor your itinerary. This way you get a travel experience that is perfectly suited to you. 

Your dedicated travel consultant will arrange all the local details for you. You get accommodation, activities, transport, and other services included in your package. If you need to rework your itinerary, we’ll handle it for you so you can relax and look forward to your getaway.

Different ways you can experience Iceland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Iceland below.

Guided Small Groups

Multi-day tours, privately guided, midnight sun, northern lights packages, best seller, what do our customers say.

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

We had an amazing time

We cannot recommend our tour enough. We had an amazing time and have already told friends and family about it. Iceland is an amazing place and I am sure we will be back and will use Nordic Visitor again!

Experience of a lifetime

I primarily wanted to use Nordic Visitor as a resource for creating our 14-day trip itinerary, to help weed through what seemed to be an endless array of choices, and to help us to get the very most out of our time in Iceland. Yes, we could have pieced it together ourselves but I needed an advocate in Iceland, an advisor, and maybe a resource for us if issues were to arise. That piece of mind was important to my wife and me and I'm glad we chose them to frame our trip. It made it much easier to piece in the parts that were important to us to see and experience. That allowed us to just enjoy the trip and not get bogged down in the details of planning each and every moment.

There are so many things I could say about our experience, an experience of a lifetime and after posting snippets of our trip on social media I have found that several friends of mine want to know how we planned this trip. I told them the same thing I am saying here, save a little money if you want and plan it yourself or trust a reliable source like Nordic Visitor and let them give you the trip framework and essential advice. I would do it the same way if I were doing it over.

Went off without a hitch!

Everything was well-organised and went off without a hitch. The private guide was amazing. He could not have been better. I highly recommend him to anyone considering a private guide as an option. He's extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area. He knew all of the best places to go and was entertaining and delightful as well. Accommodation was all spectacular.

Warm and engaging guide

Great tour. The sights are of course amazing and the tour made the most of our time, weather and our interests/priorities. Driver and guide David managed all of these very well. He was also very knowledgeable and personally warm and engaging. Could not have asked for more.

Perfect for solo traveller

A beautiful itinerary, exceptional guide and perfect weather made this a trip I will never forget. Nordic Visitor made the process easy, and Iceland opened her arms. My 10-day small group tour was perfect for a solo traveller who wanted to see it all. 

Working with Nordic Visitor was wonderful. Our travel consultant, Heddy, was quick to respond when we had a question or concern. She helped us plan a fabulous itinerary. Everything we booked through Nordic Visitor was fantastic. I have already recommended Nordic Visitor to friends, and I will continue to do so.

Trip of a lifetime

Overall this was an amazing experience! A trip of a lifetime that I could never have planned myself. Any questions I had during planning were answered faster than expected and I felt safe and well looked after during the trip. Trip was smooth and hassle free.

5-star experience

Not only did we absolutely love every stop on the Scenic South Iceland tour, but prior to the tour we stayed for 4 days in Reykjavík. I appreciated Nordic Visitor's recommendations for things to do and places to eat there and felt highly supported by Marko, our travel consultant, in every regard to booking our flight and own hotel, day trips I was interested in, and taking public transport around. A definite 5-star experience!

I will certainly travel with Nordic Visitor again!

I cannot thank Nordic Visitor enough for providing me with a wonderful and memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everything was seamless, from the pickup at the airport, to the excellent hotels, delicious food served and our friendly, knowledgeable guide, Jakob. Nothing was too much trouble - we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience in Iceland, and all came away with wonderful memories of many of the amazing sights of such a scenic country. We were even lucky enough to see the northern lights. I will certainly travel with Nordic Visitor again and would recommend them to anyone thinking about visiting the countries where they offer tours. Thank you Nordic Visitor!

Many thanks to Nordic Visitor

Absolutely amazing. No issues whatsoever. We saw it all from North to South and much of in between. From reindeer to whales and more beautiful waterfalls and volcanic bits than you could hope to see in a week. Every hour the scenery seemed to change dramatically. Just a great experience. Many thanks to Nordic Visitor.

Best vacation we have had

Everyone at Nordic Visitor were very responsive to all questions we had during our 30-year anniversary trip to Iceland. We had airline travel issues and the representative adjusted our itinerary so we were able to see the whole island. The accommodation were beautiful and everyone was so friendly. This was the best vacation we have had, we left Iceland relaxed!

An amazing and unique experience

Our tour was great! Went for our honeymoon and it was everything we wanted. First night we got to see the northern lights which were fantastic! Second day, most certainly our longest, visited several sites (Geysire & Þingvellir) and went snowmobiling on a glacier. Such an amazing and unique experience. The walking tour around Reykjavik was surprisingly educational and our guide pointed out things that we ordinarily would have missed. The NYE dinner was delicious and going out to see the firework displays by (what seemed to be like) everyone was something. Practically had to dodge fireworks! Our 4th day was spent at the Blue Lagoon; perfect after a night of partying! Our last day was nice and relaxing, did some final shopping before we headed off to the airport. Hope to go back & visit Iceland again!

Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Icelandic adventure.

Seljalandsfoss

One of Iceland’s most visited waterfalls, after Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss is situated along the...

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Film buffs will recognise Jökulsárlón from such blockbusters as Tomb Raider, Batman Begins, and...

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is probably Iceland’s most famous attraction and has become considered a...

What to pack

Layers, layers, layers! Come prepared for all type..

Driving in Iceland

Are you prepared for your road trip? Learn the rul..

Climate & weather conditions

How icy is Iceland? You might be surprised

Time & Daylight

When to expect sunrises, sunsets, northern lights ..

Flights to Iceland

It’s easy to fly non-stop from major airports in Ireland and Northern Ireland to  Keflavik International Airport  in Iceland. Flight times are approximately 2 hours.

Airlines serving Keflavik International Airport (KEF): EasyJet : from Belfast Icelandair : from Belfast

We recommend checking with the airlines for flight availability and timetables. Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages.

Our services

Whether you choose a guided tour or a self-drive vacation, all customers receive personalised service with a designated travel consultant , tailor-made quality travel documents, and our self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines their route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, Nordic Visitor has long-standing professional relationships with local tour operators , which are carefully selected by our staff and are recognized for consistent, quality service.

Book with confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• Enjoy personal service from Iceland-based travel experts.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• As a local agency, we work closely with trusted suppliers.
• We’re a fully licensed and insured company in Iceland.

Whether you have queries about our tours or want to add activities to existing bookings, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our friendly team for any of your travel questions.

Our Icelandic phone number is +354 578 20 80

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog posts you might like

Top 10 experiences to have in iceland, what to wear in iceland : your guide, driving iceland's ring road: all you need to know, in brief: spending a day in reykjavík.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

Ultimate 8 Day Iceland Itinerary – An Iceland Road Trip Guide

Last Updated May 24, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » Ultimate 8 Day Iceland Itinerary – An Iceland Road Trip Guide

I’m just going to put this out there.  Iceland is ridiculously beautiful.  There’s been a rise in tourism there and a ton of hype.  Over these past 5 years, you couldn’t go on Facebook without seeing one of your friends sharing photos of Iceland.   I needed to see for myself and now that I’m back, I can confidently say that everything they say is true.  This Iceland road trip is one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had.  Overrated?  Hell no!

The inspiration for this 8 day Iceland itinerary guide came from the trip planning process.  There was a lot of information out there on individual attractions and  of the country.  So if you also just so happen have 8 days to work with in Iceland, this is for you.  Even if not, I think there’s a ton of insight here as I was pretty careful about writing down every small detail about the trip along the way where I went “this would be TOTALLY helpful for my readers”.

Deep dive into planning your Iceland trip

• Top 5 Hotels in Rekyjavik on a Budget
• 12 Best Things to do in Iceland
• The 6 Day Iceland Itinerary
• Reasons to go to Iceland
• 12 Icelandic Souvenirs You Need To Buy

How to get the best deals in travel

• Hottest deals  – Bookmark the  travel deals page .
• Car rentals  – stop getting ripped off and  learn about car rental coupon codes .
• Hotels  – Use  corporate codes  or get  Genius 2 tier  with Booking.
• Flights  – Have you ever heard of the  “Everywhere” feature ?
• Insurance  – Make sure you’re covered and learn more about  where to buy the best travel insurance .

Table of Contents

This Iceland guide is broken into three main parts – trip planning decision points, the comprehensive itinerary and my personal planning tips.

Getting Started is a small section devoted to some of the trip planning struggles that I encountered and my thought processes around it.   Itinerary covers the 8 day journey on the island in September.   Valuable Trip Planning Advice  started as a laundry list of notes I typed into my phone as the trip unfolded.  It contains the need to knows, things you probably didn’t think about, and everything else in between that’ll make your trip kickass.

• Getting Started

Day 1 – Black and Blue

Day 2 – exploring reykjavik + buubble, day 3 – golden circle, day 4 – snaefellsnes surprise, day 5 – foss and truly secret pool, day 6 – beauty of the south, day 7 – glacier climbing, day 8 – rewind.

• How The Itinerary Changed During The Trip
• How The Itinerary Kicked Ass

Driving in Iceland

Recommended gear, photography, getting your iceland itinerary started.

I’ve been putting a lot of thought into this and if I were to sum up into words what makes Iceland so incredible, it’s this –   Every corner of the land is so vastly varied and completely stunning because it’s a a visual wonderland of landscapes that covers all the elements.  Iceland is somewhere you thought only possible in fairy tales or science fiction movies but it’s totally real.

I was skeptical before the start of the trip.  I mean how could I not be.  Everyone and their Mom has been to Iceland.  Could it be really THAT good?  The worry I had was whether it was going to be over-hyped or  just a haven for tourists.

Having gone there and back, I can safely tell you that my trip there was everything I was hoping it would be and more.

Trust me, Iceland is a place you have to go.  It’s the best road trip you’ll ever go on.

The section below details out some of the basics that you’ve already been thinking about as you start planning your epic Iceland road trip. It covers the high level stuff but if you want to get into more details, I have a  Valuable Trip Planning Advice  section which has even more information.

If you’re a fan of this itinerary, make sure to check out other incredibly detailed ones like this.  Here are a few to get you started:

• Greek Islands 14 day itinerary
• 12 day Japan itinerary
• 14 day Tahiti itinerary
• 12 day Taiwan itinerary
• 10 day Patagonia itinerary

To Ring Road or Not?

Iceland is almost perfectly designed to allow drivers to fully explore the island.  At 1,332 kilometers, you can easily just start driving on Route 1 and if you don’t stop, you’ll arrive back at the same spot that you started 17 hours later.   The entire island is insanely beautiful all the way around so it’s a no brainer to do the full loop right?

Thing is, it was a much more complicated question than that and at the beginning of putting together this 8 day Iceland itinerary , this was probably the most hotly debated topic.  With 8 days to work with, it seemed completely do-able to drive the Ring Road but the more and more I dug into it, the more and more it didn’t make sense.  The bottom line is that it was possible but we’d be rushing from one place to the next.  We’d be crunched for time which would mean less time for random stops (oh we made many) and we’d have to make careful choices about what to see and what to skip.

Here’s why we didn’t do Ring Road:

• Excursions – Once you introduce any sort of excursion, this was almost out of the question.  The problem is that almost all activities originate from Reykjavik so if you plan on doing any of them (most are full day), you’ll have to plan to base yourself in the capital for a few days before hitting the road.  The only exception for us was our ice climbing experience in Skaftafell which we were able to meet with them on-site.
• Pick and choose – As I was building out a test itinerary for doing the Ring Road, it felt that I was continuously making compromises on where we could stop.  For instance, if a secret hot spring was too far from the main road and add too much time, you just had to cut it even if it was spectacular.  FOMO completely taking over in this case.
• Race to the next destination – What I didn’t like about doing the Ring Road in roughly a week was the fact that every day seemed to be a rush to get to the next hostel.  The prospect of seeing only a few things along the way and the rest focusing on getting to the next town would be too stressful.
• Weather – This wasn’t much an issue for September but it definitely crossed my mind.  There was some risk that if there was heavy snowfall that roads would be closed and that we’d be snowed in or have to bypass an area.

Ultimately for us, it made more sense to do a smaller portion of the island really well than to rush through it all just to check off the list.

That being said, it totally sucks we didn’t get to do the north or Westfjords.  I really wanted to go there but couldn’t swing it.  If we had 12+ days, I think we could’ve done it but it is what we had to work with.  More of a reason to go back right?

Do I regret not doing Ring Road?   Nope, not at all .

When To Go?

When planning your Iceland itinerary, it’s pretty critical to think about what time of the year you’re going to be going because it will make a big difference.  The three main factors to think about are: weather, northern lights and seasonality.  These will dramatically change the type of experience you’ll have in Iceland.

For all intents and purposes, you can think of Iceland as having two primary seasons – cold and not as cold/borderline warm with frequent weather changes sprinkled in.  For simplicity, let’s just call it summer and winter.

Seriously though, Iceland is not as chilly as its namesake sounds.

During the summer months, the weather is actually quite pleasant.  Hovering around 20C (70F), you’re totally in the t-shirt zone but of course, the fickle nature of the climate means that things can change on a dime and before you know it, you’re in the middle of torrential downpour.

Another thing that is unique to the summer months is that you’re looking at almost continuous daylight.  Midnight sun can totally trip your sleep schedule but what’s great about this is that you have all 24 hours to do and see stuff if you really wanted to.  Imagine that!  That being said, you will not be able to see the aurora borealis because it relies on darkness and clear skies.

Summer is of course high season .  This means that there will be a larger amount of tourists on the island which drives prices up and the bring large crowds to the popular sights.

All roads are open in the summer and ferry schedules are better so you can get to pretty much every part of the island.  In particular, Westfjords becomes very much accessible and places like Hornstrandir (Iceland’s northernmost peninsula, situated in the Westfjords) open up.

If you’re hoping to see puffins , you’ll find them from May to August each year.

It gets cold in the winter especially when that polar wind sweeps its way down.  That means you’ll want to make sure you bring ALL of your warm clothing and then some when you come in this season between October and April.

Winter is pretty much the polar opposite to summer.  Instead of midnight sun, you get extremely shortened days (4-6 hours).  This means less daylight to explore but you have extremely high probability to see the northern lights.

What you’ll need to deal with in the winter is the fact that there will be road closures due to snowfall.  Areas like Westfjords will be difficult to get to because the ferries basically don’t run there and access to any areas that are way off the Ring Road may be blocked off.

There will also be fewer tours offered in the off-season so self-drive becomes the most viable option.  With that though, you’ll have to be very careful behind the wheel because the roads can be hazardous and there’s always the possibility of small towns being snowed in.

However, what you gain in the winter is the majestic ice caves which aren’t accessible in the summer due to structural stability.   The snow covered landscape is also stunning and gives the island and completely different look.

As the low season, you’ll deal with much smaller crowds and prices to drop (particularly flights).  Don’t expect any price breaks on car rentals except if you use the Blue Car Rental coupon code which you’ll find in the Driving in Iceland tips.

In between you have the shoulder season in May and September.  These are the transitional months between summer and winter.  What’s great about this season is that you get the best of both seasons.

With light becoming normalized with sunrise at 7PM and sunset at 8PM, you get decently long days but with enough twilight to get the chance to see the northern lights.  Depending on the year, you might also

What you’ll have to contend with is more tumultuous weather though.  During our time in Iceland in September, we experienced many overcast days where we were always on the precipice of rain (made for a lot of rainbows though).  The rain was very on and off though where some pockets of the island would be rainy but if we kept driving along Ring Road, it would clear up.

What’s great about shoulder season is that tourists drop off in these months pre and post summer so you don’t have to deal with as many crowds.  Temperatures are also quite reasonable in the high teens (C)/50s (F).  This is a great time for an Iceland road trip.

How Many Days Do You Need?

As many as you can take would be my answer to everyone that asks.  There’s a temptation to treat Iceland as a stopover destination based on how flight packages are bundled these days but seriously Iceland is the main event – there’s no question.

I may be a bit biased here but I feel that you need at least 7 days to see a substantial part of Iceland.  This gives you time to do at least one excursion and at a minimum see the southern part of the island which is where a majority of the popular destinations are located.

If you have less than 7 days, you will have to decide whether you want to base yourself in Reykjavik the entire time and do day trips through tours or you have to hit the road right away and see what you can along Ring Road and the Golden Circle.

For the full Ring Road, I’d recommend at least 12 days for a road trip itinerary.

Things To Pack and Prep

Lots of layers  – Weather is constantly changing in Iceland and you never know when it’ll change.  The best way to handle this and pack efficiently is to bring layers.  Bring t-shirts for when it’s warm and layer up with base layers, sweaters, hoodies, long johns, and jacket as necessary.  More must-pack gear can be found in the  Valuable Trip Planning Advice  section.

Waterproof everything – There’s no rainy season per say but chances of rain peak in October – February.   I would include September in the mix as well from personal experience.  Since everything you’re doing in Iceland is outdoors, I was so glad I was fully decked out in waterproof exterior clothing.  I was so glad to have my Columbia waterproof jacket and waterproof pants , and Keen waterproof shoes .

Mapping  – You’ll quickly realize that as simple as it is to drive around Ring Road, finding places is not as easy as you think.  The reason is that Icelandic names are crazy difficult to pronounce and type in.  As a result, GPS is a must.  You’ll rely on GPS to either do an address, point of interest or coordinate search (your first time I am sure).  When that fails (oh and it will), you’ll want a backup and that’s when your phone comes in.  Assuming you don’t have any cellular data like us, we heavily relied on the Google Maps app to pre-pin our daily itinerary and use the “OK maps” trick   to save maps offline.  Since GPS signal is free, you can track your blue dot and use that as a navigation signal to get to where you need to go.  If I knew about the app beforehand, I would’ve used the maps.me app on this trip.

Track the weather  – Particularly important in the winter, you’re going to want to know the weather and road conditions.  There is a super helpful aurora borealis tracker  that will tell you what the chances are of seeing the northern lights.  What you’re looking for is white space.  This page also gives very accurate weather forecasts for the entire island. For road conditions, you’re going to want to head here to figure out whether the roads you’ll be driving are passable or not.

Money – I didn’t believe at first when my friends told me but Iceland is dominated by the credit card.  I withdrew 10,000 ISK at an ATM in Reykjavik and that was it.  I honestly can’t remember any instances where I was forced to use cash.  The only time that it came in handy was the toll for the Hvalfjörður Tunnel when we made our way up to Snaefellsnes. However, this tunnel is now free as of September 2018!

Where to Stay?

Accommodations in Iceland get scooped up quick .  Once you lock in your dates and your itinerary, you’ll want to making your bookings ASAP.

In some ways there are a lot of choices for accommodations and in other ways, it can be quite limited.  There a couple of routes that you could take.  There’s the traditional hotel, youth hostels, Airbnb, guest houses, and campervans.  The underlying thing about all of these options is that you’re not really going to find a “bargain” in Iceland.  Account for every night to be at least $100 USD a night.

Hotels are typically going to be the nicest in terms of providing full-service accommodations.  They’ll be clean, provide all the basic facilities, and usually have an attached restaurant.  The flip side of them is that they’re typically the most expensive option in Iceland.

Luckily, I still have a stash of hotel points and I found a pretty good cash & points rate with the Hilton .

Hotel we used:

• Hilton Iceland Nordica

Hostels, Guest Houses, Airbnb

The truth is that you won’t find too many big hotel chains outside of Reykjavik and that means you’ll have to look at other options.  In the absence of big properties, Icelanders have gotten pretty savvy in terms of converting property into guest houses or hostel type accommodations.  With the vast amount of land and space, old farms are looking to tourism and so you’ll find a lot of farm holidays as options.  Airbnb has also grown significantly on Iceland.

For us, most of all of our searches started with Booking.com which  seemed to have the most complete inventory.  We then augmented this with searches on Hey Iceland , and Airbnb.  Ultimately it came down to what was available in the location we wanted to end off in each day and picking one that had low cost without going into sketchy territory.

With the exception of the youth hostel, I was pleasantly surprised about every guest house we stayed in.  The guest houses in Iceland are very well done in terms of the renovation work, cleanliness, and service.  A few even had free breakfast included which was always a nice bonus.

In regards to Airbnb, you’ll of course find a ton of options between the airport and Reykjavik.  Beyond that circle, you’ll see diminishing results.  In certain parts of the island such as Snaefellsnes, you’ll barely find anything and in the south you’ll find a bit more.

Ultimately farm houses were way out of budget for us so we never got to stay in one.  Our most expensive accommodation ended up being the one by Skaftafell (Hof 1 Hotel) simply because there aren’t many options in that area.

Alternative accommodations we used:

• Öxl in Budir
• Hostel Sjónarhóll
• Hekla Room No. 2. (Airbnb)
• Hof 1 Hotel
• Hofn Guesthouse
• Private Room with Private Entry Airbnb in Reykjavik (Airbnb)

Camping and Campervan

If you’re looking to rough it out a bit more, a potentially cheaper option for you that also gives you more control in terms check-in/check-out time and where you can stay.  By camping or renting a campervan, you can literally sleep right where you want to be the next morning to catch that beautiful sunset and hit the ground running.

Campervans may not be for everyone but these vans that have their own beds built into the rear compartment are going to be your best bet in terms of saving money because you’ll be able to combine the cost of a car rental and accommodations all together.  It may not be glamorous but it is very practical and if I were to do Iceland again, I’d definitely go this route.  Give companies such as Happy Campers and Campervan Iceland  a browse!

You’ll find out in our itinerary below that we picked up a few hitchhikers along the way and what we learned from these ambitious kids is that camping is totally viable.  What’s beautiful about Iceland is that there’s this culture of camping and so the country has built a ton of facilities around the island which gives you free access buildings where you can clean up and land to set up camp.  On the hitchhiking front, they told us that they had a lot of trouble getting rides especially when in more remote areas.

8 DAY ICELAND ITINERARY

Now with the basics out of the way, you’re part of the way through your planning.  The next step is to start figuring out how you’re going to be laying out your Icelandic adventure .

The following is a high level outline of everything we did, sights we saw, and all the things I learned that I wish I knew.  By no means is this meant to be a copy and paste job but if you’re tight on planning time, you’re certainly welcome to it and grab the spreadsheet by signing up .

For a more personal recounting of our Icelandic experience head over to my other article.

If you’re coming in from North America, you’ll most likely land super early in the morning as we did.  Pick up your rental car at the airport and head into the city.  You’ll be tempted to take a nap but try your best to stay up.  The best way to do this is to book an adrenaline-filled excursion like  Black and Blue  which combines lava tube caves with snorkelling Silfra.  Crash early your first day and get ready for tomorrow.

If Black and Blue isn’t available, this is a recommended snorkeling experience that just focuses on the Silfra fissure.

What You’ll See

• Thingvellir National Park
• Lava Tube caves
• Silfra fissure
• Hradlestin  – Surprisingly awesome Indian restaurant in the city
• Hilton Iceland Nordica  – To my surprise, we were able to check in at 9AM (unheard of!)

TIPS AND TRICKS

• Booze – Before you leave the airport, make sure you pick up your alcohol supply.  This is the duty free that you have to cross through before you get your bags and not the duty free that is in the gate area.  You can’t miss it.
• Check before you drive off  – Make sure everything works in the car and you do a thorough walk around.
• Renting cars in Iceland – Make sure you read the Car Rental section below to learn about companies I researched and the importance of built-in insurance coverage.
• Excursions in Iceland – Most excursions start and end in Reykjavik so when you plan your itinerary, make sure you plan things out accordingly.
• Snack on – Always have a healthy stash of snacks with you.  Particularly for Black and Blue, it was nice to have a bunch of bars on hand since no food was included
• Black and Blue – It’s not very clear in any of the trip instructions but you’re going to want to make sure you wear long johns and dry-fit-type top.  One thing to note is that there’s no private area to change so expect to be stripping down out in the open or in the Arctic Adventures van.  In terms of valuables and your shoes, you’ll be able to leave everything behind in the van which will be guarded by your driver/guide.  They recommend brining waterproof clothing but you don’t necessarily need it.  I ended up taking off my waterproof pants in fact and just went into the drysuit with my long johns.  Oh and if you’re planning on recording the experience, don’t make the same mistake as I did and use a head mount.  You’re better off using putting your GoPro or better yet, Insta360 X4 on an invisible stick.
• Alternative Black and Blue – Similar tour offering can be found on Guide to Iceland .

Reykjavik is a vibrant and artsy city that has much to offer.  Spend the day to get to know the capital.  I recommend orienting yourself by taking a free city walking tour with CityWalk .  Make sure to try the hotdogs here.

While you’re in the capital, also make a point to do any of the shopping you want to do and to buy the Icelandic souvenirs for yourself of friends and family back at home. This could also be your only opportunity to buy any outdoor gear you forgot.

Before you hit the road, stock up on supplies at the Bonus grocery store in town and start making your way towards Selfoss.  Grab dinner here like we did and then make your way to one of the most unique stays here – the Bubble Hotel.  Time permitting, you can also squeeze in 1) a shower and 2) relaxation at the Secret Lagoon.

While there were no guarantees when I made the booking at Buubble, we were lucky enough to watch the Northern Lights this evening.  It was a light show to remember.

• Downtown Reykjavik
• Hallgrímskirkja Church
• Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
• The Sun Voyager
• Secret Lagoon /Gamla Laugin
• Northern Lights (cross your fingers!)
• Tryggvaskali Restaurant  – Highly reviewed restaurant that’s converted from an old hotel.  Excellent seafood!
• Buubble Hotel
• Parking in Reykjavik – There a few quasi-lots in the city but these are really just street parking spots by North American standards.  We did our drive around to see if there was any free parking which we were told were closer to the residential areas but we couldn’t find them so we just settled for a spot right off of Laugavegur.
• Free Walking Tour –  Make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time online.  There are a number of time slots available  and I’d recommend doing this at the beginning of your trip as a way to orient yourself in Reykjavik.
• Secret Lagoon – I thoroughly enjoyed this hot spring experience.  Sure it was $30 (2,800 ISK) but I would take this any day over Blue Lagoon to deal with less crowds, a much more natural experience, and the ability to bring your own booze.  We learned afterwards that the Secret Lagoon was also a brilliant idea when paired with our Bubble night because we didn’t have shower facilities there.  Coming out of the hot springs, we showered at the lagoon and head back just in time for the northern lights show which worked out beautifully.  Note, no need for a combination lock here since it’s one of those lockers that give you a key.

• Bonus – The go-to grocery store to pick up supplies in Iceland.  We literally planned our resupply trips around when we could drop by a Bonus.  More on this in the Eating section below.
• Bubble Hotel – More details about Buubble to be more precise can be found in my review post .
• Northern lights – There’s no real formula here other than to get yourself outside of the city which we did.  September is tough because it’s overcast all the time so the best you can do is just give you the most chances to see them and check the aurora borealis tracker religiously.

What Should You Pack?

Not sure what to pack for your trip? Make sure to check out our handy packing list for Iceland!

Every Iceland itinerary is going to have the famed Golden Circle.  Despite this route being heavy on tourists, you can’t miss the trio of Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park.

The awesome thing about our bubble is that it’s right along the Golden Circle so all you have to do is hop in your car and start driving counterclockwise.

From here you’ll be making the drive all the way up to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to get away from the crowds and part of the country that has some of the most epic dynamic landscapes.  Arrive in the Budir area and crash for the evening.

• Faxi Waterfall
• Icelandic Horses
• Thingvellir National Park
• Hotel Budir (their bread and butter is to die for)
• Golden Circle  – The big bus tours are pretty much unavoidable but I’m sure if you start right at the morning, you should be able to dodge most of them.  Another thing to note is that you’ll definitely want to account more time than you think you’ll need here (kind of applies to everything in Iceland).  Blame the photography.
• Driving to Snaefellsnes – The drive itself is pretty straightforward but if you set yourself to get there in the shortest amount of time, the GPS will take you through the Hvalfjörður Tunnel. This used to be a tolled tunnel but it is now free (as of September 2018).
• Gullfoss – For the most part, we didn’t have any bathroom problems but I do distinctly remember that the washrooms were paid here so make sure you relieve yourself at Geysir or at Thingvellir’s information center.

Weather permitting, I personally feel that the 4th day around Snaefellsnes offers the most stunning of landscapes.  You’ll be driving along the coast and making many stops along the way.  Start the day off with the Arnarstapi hike and make your way around to eventually the iconic view of Kirkjufell.  End off in Stykkishólmur to close out the day.

On a personal note, this is the day that I proposed to my now wife. The weather didn’t quite co-operate but it sure made a memorable proposal.

• Hotel Budir
• Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge
• Arnastapi Coastal Walk
• Snaefellsjokull National Park
• Djupalonssandur Beach
• Stykkishólmur Lighthouse
• Sjavarpakkhusio
• Rain  – I’m speaking from September experience here but rain definitely puts a damper on things.  Good thing I had waterproof gear on me or otherwise, we would have skipped a ton more spots along the way.  With Iceland, you have to be prepared and just work with what the weather gives you.

On this day, you’ll be leaving Snaefellsnes and dropping down to the south.  Watch the landscape dramatically change as you make your way along this popular route.  Here, waterfalls are going to dominate your view including the impressive Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.

If you can swing it, look for Seljavallalaug Pool which is set in the middle of a canyon and quite the tranquil experience.  Best part is that it’s free.

• Stykkishólmur town
• Seljalandsfoss
• Seljavallalaug Pool (Seljavellir)
• Bar Bistro (by Skogafoss) – We ended pretty late this day and there weren’t many options so we ended up at this casual restaurant.  Prices are reasonable and the Skyr cake was phenomenal.
• Seljavallalaug Pool   Directions – This one was one heck of a place to find.  As you’re driving along the ring road and going eastbound, you’re going look for Road 242 marked Raufarfell.  Start looking for it right after you pass by the Iceland Erupts exhibition that will be on your right.  Take the road all the way to the end and there should be a sign that says Seljavellir (GPS: 63.558878 N, -19.622353 W).  Park your car in this large dirt lot and you’ll want to walk 20 minutes.  The trail is not marked at all and for us we were thankful to bump into various people along the way to confirm we were going the right way but looking back on it, we were essentially hugging the left side of the valley, crossing a few small streams and hiking over a rocky ground.  You won’t see the pool until the very end so keep going and you’ll eventually see it.  Just before, you’ll also pass by a small water pumping machine.  If you’re heading there near sunset or sunrise, make sure you bring headlamps.

•   Seljavallalaug Pool Facilities  – In terms of facilities, it’s pretty bare bones here and the concrete building there is in a bit of decay.  There are “rooms” with doors but don’t expect to find any benches.  What they do have are some hooks so you can hang your clothes inside.  Other people simply changed at the back of the building away from the pool.

Continue the drive along the south and feast your eyes on unique basalt columns, gorgeous canyons, and rugged plains.  Luckily there isn’t too much driving until you make that final stretch to Skaftafell National Park.  There aren’t too many accommodations in this region unfortunately and in fact Hof 1 Hotel turned out to be the most expensive of the entire trip.

There will still be quite a bit of tourists along this section with day trip tourist busses from Reykjavik so be prepared for some crowds.

• Reynisdrangar
• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Service station cafeteria just outside of Skaftafell National Park
• Dyrholaey – I thought there wasn’t much to see here other than the arch but turns out there are a lot of interesting view points here no matter what direction you’re looking at.  Make sure you account for more time here.
• Reynisdrangar – Similar with Dryholaey, I found ourselves spending more time here than I thought we would.  We were here a good 1.5 hours and some of that was accounted by us posing around the basalt columns.  Also note that there are bathroom facilities here and they are free.
• Fjadrargljufur Canyon – This one may seem hard to find as there isn’t too much information on it but right off of Ring Road, past the small village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur is Road 206 that goes to Lakagígar.  Once you’re on this road, you’re only 2KM out.  Eventually you’ll make it to an intersection where left will lead to the canyon and right leads to   Lakagígar.  I remember the signs to be pretty clear here so you won’t get lost.  Technically after, this turns into an F-road but to be honest it’s doable with any car.  Just drive slow and carefully.  While we only hiked the top part of the canyon, the bottom of the canyon is accessible and in the summer a great spot for wading in the river.  There’s also an eco-friendly bathroom here which is free.

The whole reason why you want to stay near Skaftafell National Park is so that you don’t have to do a long drive in the morning to make the glacier climbing excursion.  Expect most of the day to be dedicated for this.  

At the time of our visit, we were on Falljökull Glacier which is in Vatnajökull . The names can be a bit confusing but to set things straight, Skaftafell National Park was integrated with the newly established Vatnajokull National Park in 2008 so they’re really one and the same. Most tours don’t mention the glacier you’ll be on but a popular one is Falljokull.

I highly recommend this 4 hour glacier experience which also includes ice caves if they’re in-season.

If you want to make sure ice climbing is included, there’s ice climbing on Vatnajokull from Skaftafell which is very close to what we did. The other one I’d recommend is ice climbing Solheimajokull which is a slightly different location. 

The tour we did was called Glacier Xtreme which has been rebranded as Blue Ice since they operate out of Solheimajokull now.

Finish the day with a sunset at Jokulsarlon iceberg lagoon before driving the furthest east as you’ll go in Iceland.

What You’ll See and Do

• Skaftafell National Park
• Falljökull Glacier ( Glacier hiking and ice climbing )
• Jokulsarlon Lagoon
• Pakkhus Restaurant  – Known for their langoustine
• Glacier Xtreme – The costs were adding up for Iceland but this was one of those experiences we didn’t want to miss out on.  On top of glacier hiking, this was the only one where you could also ice climb as well.  When talking to the locals, they said the Falljökull Glacier was much better than the others due to less traffic and being able to get way closer to the icefall.  How about things to pack and all of that?  I found that the booking sites weren’t very good about explaining this so let me clear the air.   Do you need waterproof pants?  I would say no unless it’s raining that day.  We had a beautiful sunny day and so any hiking appropriate pants are fine.   What else should I bring?  Bring gloves.  They don’t necessarily have to be waterproof but the ice can be sharp when you’re trying to keep balance or even during the ice climbing.  Also bring sunglasses.  The sun will reflect intensely off of the white ice but more importantly you want your sunglasses to protect you from the flying chips of ice that will be coming at you when you dig your ice axe into the wall.   Any other tips?   That main parking lot at Skaftafell fills up FAST.  I would show up early to get a good spot in the main lot.  Otherwise you’ll have to go to an adjacent one that is a bit farther away.
• Glacier Guides – The operator that runs Glacier Xtreme is Glacier Guides which in turn is owned by the larger company, Arctic Adventures .  That is why you can’t find a separate website for Glacier Guides if you’re as confused as we were.
• Jokulsarlon Lagoon – This place gets pretty busy around sunset so you might have to jockey a little for tripod space.  From a photography perspective, don’t be afraid to move around as there are a ton of different angles to shoot at.  If you’re not doing a whole lot of photography here, you could be done in 15 minutes or if you’re like me, 2 hours.  Lastly, be on the lookout for seals in the water.  They pop their head up once in awhile or sometimes you can catch them swim.  Let me know how many you find!  If you’d rather get out on one of those boats that take you right up to the icebergs, I recommend tours like this amphibian boat tour .

The last day has a lot of driving but the nice part about it is that you’ll be able to hit up all the spots that you missed.  For instance, you’ll be able to do Svartifoss and the Sólheimasandur plane wreck.  Treat yourself at the very end with a little bit of rest and relaxation at Blue Lagoon .

• Mossy Lava Rocks
• Vik Red Church
• Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck (aka Crashed DC 3 Plane)
• Blue Lagoon
• Svartifoss – From the research, I always thought these falls were like the others where you could drive up to alas it’s a 20 minute hike there and back.  Instead of the up and back down path that we took, there are alternative paths you can take on the way down to make it more of a loop.  We read that these had some pretty good views and interesting sights along the way but unfortunately they would’ve taken too much time so we had to do the most optimal route.  When you get to the falls, there’ll be a metal barrier to prevent you from going closer to the falls.
• Plane Wreck – The specific GPS coordinates are 63.4912391,-19.3632810, but nowadays this is such a well-known sight in Iceland that you’ll be able to find the pin on Google Maps and you’ll also see the pile of cars on the side of the road (past Skogafoss if you’re coming from the west).  Yes it’s true that the landowners have fenced off the area from cars to drive through (can’t blame them).  This means that you have to do the 50 minute hike each way so make sure you have plenty of time to work with.  Also, remember to relieve yourself before going because there isn’t going to be a bush out there to use since it’s completely flat there.  Lastly, while we were taking photos of the plane, I remember seeing a big truck pull up at the end of the road, presumably to patrol the area and make sure nobody somehow gets passed the fence by vehicle or does anything stupid at the plane.  Photography wise, I recommend bringing a tripod as the lighting may not be the greatest if it is as overcast as it was for us. Read the latest reviews to see what the situation is like.

• Blue Lagoon – Everything in my research about Blue Lagoon was true.  Sure it’s a bit of a zoo but it’s still a unique experience that can be a great way to relax.  With that in mind, I had decided that it made the most sense to put this at the very end of the trip which allowed us to do all the (in my opinion) better ones earlier.  The one thing that everyone suggested was to reserve in advance and I’d say the same thing.  You’ll notice that bookings 2 hours prior to closing are cheaper so if you want to save a bit of money, I’d go with that. We only needed 1.5 hours and I felt like we got to see and try all the different spaces.  Bonus on top of that is that if you go at 6PM, you’ll be able to watch the sunset as well.  Package wise, I’d recommend getting the Comfort package which primarily is good for that free drink and extra algae mask.  There’s the towel too but I was very frustrated with the fact that our towels were flat out stolen when we finished up at the lagoon.  I can’t blame the person that did it but that area in front with all the towel racks is not a good solution with the amount of people that are there.  It’s hard to remember where you put it and of course all the towels look the same.  If I were you, put your towel in a separate area away from everyone else’s.  Lastly, show up 30 minutes earlier than your time slot because there’s going to be a line to check-in.  This way you can maximize your time.

How The Iceland Itinerary Changed During The Trip

The fun part about travel is just how unpredictable it is sometimes and how you’ll need to improvise and adjust based on things that happen along the way.  You might meet some interest people along the way, bad weather might roll in, or maybe you love one place so much that you decide to stay longer.

For us, the Iceland itinerary largely stayed the same with a few exceptions.  As with what happens with my trips every time, I always took too long at every single destination.  Thank goodness I loosened up the itinerary to account for this, all the random side-of-the-road-stops, and surprise view points/monuments that we encountered.  In most cases, you need to account for at least 2 hours in each main spot and Google Map drive times need to be bumped up by 30 minutes.   The lesson : Being less ambitious is a good thing.

Where I had to make adjustments to the schedule:

• I had naively assumed that the hike to  Svartifoss inside Skaftafell National Park was few minutes walk from the parking lot.  It is in fact 20-30 minutes away.  Since we got to the park pretty late on Day 6 there was no way we could complete it.  Instead, we used our make-up day to see this waterfall.
• We spent too much time at  Dyrholaey and Reynisdrangar on Day 6 that we had no time to stop in Vik .  Again, we remedied this by visiting on our way back.
• On Day 3, I thought we were going to have enough  Kerið Crater but as it turns out, we passed it along our way up to the Bubble Hotel.  In the interest of time, we started Day 3 by going counterclockwise up to Geysir first instead of dropping down to Kerið and then back up.
• There were a number of lunch restaurants selected initially but as the days went on, we realized that 1) proper lunches were too expenses and 2) we couldn’t afford the time to stop and it’d be more efficient to eat while driving so we more or less cut all of them from our itinerary.
• Originally there was the idea that we could do sunrise at Jokulsarlon for sunrise on Day 7 before the Glacier Climb but as the trip went on, sleep was more precious and we ended up doing this as a sunset.  The same can be said for Sólheimasandur plane wreck where I thought it’d be cool to do this for sunrise.  I’m glad we didn’t because it would’ve been quite miserable to walk the entire 50 minute stretch in the dark.
• Mossy lava rocks was on our itinerary and we would’ve stopped by on Day 6 but we had no idea how long the stretch was in the south and whether there’d be a better place to stop ahead.  That’s why it make sense to do it on our way back on Day 8.
• Lastly, rain did a number on several days where we really had to quickly run out of the car to take a peek or brave the pouring.  I wish we got to see more of the cliffs in Snaefellsnes and had better views  Dyrholaey but it is what it is.

Why This 8 Day Iceland Itinerary Kicked Ass

This was honestly the perfect  8 day Iceland itinerary road trip in September.  We hit up everything we wanted to see and we did it at a pace that wasn’t crazy.  Sure, the weather could’ve been more cooperative but that’s kind of what you’d expect during the shoulder season.

Initially I thought that we’d be doing a lot of wasted driving because we had to double back twice – once to go up to Snaefellsnes and then another in the south, driving all the way out to Hofn and back.  What ended up being a disadvantage of not doing the full loop around the island turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  We never felt rushed throughout and in the south, we had the advantage of skipping a few things (some due to weather) on the way out east to Hofn and making them up when we drove back to Reykjavik.

The Iceland itinerary itself was very well balanced between seeing the natural beauty of the country and also trying out local activities.  It was also a balance between the popular sights that were tour bus central to a few spots that we really struggled to find and when we were there, the path wasn’t clear or marked – going truly off the beaten path.

Budget wise, we controlled it as best as we could without roughing it too much.  Ultimately cost cutting came down to food where we snacked on grocery food for breakfast and lunch, and “splurged” on dinner.

VALUABLE TRIP PLANNING ADVICE

Oh so much information I want to share with you guys here.  As I was travelling I literally had an Evernote note set up just for tips and tricks.  I’ve cleaned it up considerably and so here’s everything you need to know before you go to Iceland.

Driving is a must in Iceland.  The only other way to get around to see the island is through tour buses and you really don’t want to go there.  With your own car, you will have the freedom to follow your own schedule and more importantly, stop whenever you wish.  Trust me, you’ll want to stop A LOT .

When picking a rental car, you’ll have to decide on a few things including the car rental company, transmission, whether you want a 4×4 or not, and size.

Read this first: We have a full guide on how to rent a car in Iceland including secret car rental coupon codes.

Car Rental Companies

I researched a number of companies when I was looking for my car rental including the large international brands and the smaller local ones.

While price is one thing you’ll have your eye on, what’s more important to pay attention to is the insurance coverage that they offer and build in.  There are a lot of unknown factors when driving in Iceland and you want to make sure you’re covered because I’ve heard stories of other travellers wishing they had the insurance or glad that they had it.

We cast a wide net when looking for car rentals in Iceland. We started with what we knew and checked out companies like National and Avis but we found that they didn’t include any extended car insurance so then we turned to local car rental agencies. That’s when we discovered Blue Car Rental . They had the most positive reviews, actually had good availability, and reasonable rates.

Most Popular Car Rental Company in Iceland

Blue Car Iceland is the most reputable brand in Iceland and we would definitely rent from them again. Book through our special link below to save 5% on your rental.

Check out Blue Car Rental

Blue Car Rental as a base includes:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance – This covers the bodywork of the car.
• Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) Insurance – Deductible on bodywork damage in collisions is 90,000 ISK on 2WD and 120,000 on 4WD.
• Gravel Protection (GP) Insurance – This protection includes damage to windscreen, headlights and the car when gravel or rocks get thrown on the vehicle by another car. The deductible is 20,000 ISK.
• Theft Protection (TP) Insurance – The likelihood of this happening on Iceland is low but this covers theft of rental. No deductible.

There’s an option Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP) Insurance which covers against ash and sandstorm damage but we elected to not add it. In retrospect, we learned quite quickly how erratic the weather can be in Iceland. While we didn’t encounter any sand or ash damage, I could totally see it happening out of the blue.

Some rental car companies also have a Liability Waiver (LW) which brings down the deductibles down to zero.

Something they also made clear is that the the underside of the car nor damage caused by wind pulling hard against the door is covered. This means that you want to be careful when there are heavy winds and also be careful driving on gravel roads and potholes.

The bottom line is to make sure you do your research and run the math on total cost of renting a car.  Some companies bundle insurance together while others make it an option.

Transmission

Most cars available will be in the manual transmission format.  I wasn’t surprised about this since most of Europe is like this.  What this means is that there’ll be more affordable options and increased availability if you’re able to drive a manual car.  If not, you’ll definitely want to make sure you reserve early.

Do I Need a 4×4?

The reason why you’d want a 4WD is because you can only drive on Iceland’s infamous F-roads which are mountain roads in the highlands.  These are off-road terrain roads that have restrictions on the type of vehicles that can drive them, are only open certain times of the year, and also have restrictions on time of day.  Only an SUV can power through these roads and you certainly don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere.

That’s great and all if you take one of these roads but I’ll be honest with you, the itinerary that I followed didn’t take us through any of these types of roads.  Our path stuck primarily to the main roads and there were only a few times where it felt like we actually went off-path.

I remember the road to Saxoll Crater and Fjadrargljufur Canyon were perhaps the most bumpy and pothole ridden but everywhere else was well paved and easy to get around.  While it was certainly nice to have the spaciousness of an SUV for our road trip, we would’v been just fine with a compact sedan.  In fact even on the most challenging roads, I saw the tiny cars get by just as fine with a little careful driving.

Driving The Roads

Driving   in Iceland isn’t hard per say but as with anywhere, you need to be smart and careful.  A few things you’ll want to be mindful of are lane passing, singe lane bridge crossings, side of road stops, gravel driving, and night time driving.  Each of these of course get augmented in the winter time when you have to deal with snow, limited visibility and black ice.

• Lane Passing – Icelandic roads are thin and mostly one lane.  Pass when safe and definitely not at bends or uphills.  Common courtesy is to signal to show intent, speed up, and once you’ve passed the vehicle, turn your emergency blinkers for two flashes to thank the driver behind.
• Single Lane Bridge Crossing – There quite a number of single lane bridges especially in the south.  Make sure you stop where at the drawn line in order to wait for oncoming traffic to come through.  When crossing, double check to make sure there are no cars on the other side or they have stopped.  At night time, be extra careful here and flick your high beams or use your horn to let other cars know you’re crossing.
• Side of Road Stops – The week I was in Iceland, there was a fatality from someone stopped at the side of the road to take a photo at night.  Look out for side roads to stop safely and turn on your emergency blinkers.  When getting in and out of the car, make sure there are no cars on the highway.
• Gravel Driving – Some areas are going to have pretty deep potholes so make sure you drive slowly over them, take them at an angle, or avoid them altogether if possible.
• Night Time Driving – There aren’t any street lights outside of the main towns so expect to rely on your low-beams and high-beams.  Make sure you obey high-beam etiquette as to not blind any oncoming drivers.

For safety, make sure you also know where you spare is and you know where your tools are.  Worst case, you get a flat while on the road and you’ll need to replace the flat on your own.  Also make sure you know what the emergency and roadside assistance numbers are.

Another common question I get is about speeding and cops.  Officially the speed limit is 90 km/h on the highway.  Unofficially 100 km/h is acceptable as long as the roads are clear.  On empty roads though, I was cruising upwards to 120 km/h.  During our time in Iceland, we did not encounter any speed traps but I have heard from people that they have gotten ticketed.  The only police we saw were typically around the larger towns.

There are actual speed cameras along ring road in the south in and around towns.   There are signs that warn you about upcoming cameras along the road.  Some are real and others are duds.  To be cautious, I’d recommend slowing down when you’re in a speed camera zone.

Filling Up Gas

This was supposed to be an easy task but for some reason we had a ton of trouble filling up at the N1 gas stations.  Whereas we had no problems entering the PIN number for our credit card on the machines at the pump, N1 was just not going to take any of our cards.  We tried ALL of them.

Ultimately, at N1 specifically, we needed to buy their prepaid cards inside the station first.  They sold the cards in 3,000 and 100,000 ISK denominations.  Since we didn’t know if we’d spend 100,000 (we did), we just bought 3,000 every time we filled up at N1.  With the prepaid card, we were then able to pay at the pump.

We later learned that debit cards worked without any issue so give that a shot if you’re okay with that.

I’ll start off by saying that the food in Iceland is amazing.  I don’t know what blog or review I read that said the food is terrible but having spent 8 days there, I can definitively tell you that you don’t need to worry about having good food.

Now where you’re going to have a bit of a shock dealing with is the exuberant price you’ll be paying for a meal in Iceland.  Throw away everything you know about your own standards of eating back home because it’s easily double and often times triple here.

The good news is though that despite dishing out Michelin-restaurant level money for meals, the quality of the food makes it all a bit more swallowable.   Something about the freshness of seafood and world-class chefs has something to do with it.  I don’t remember any meal where we came out of it disappointed.  The way we thought about it was that every dinner was equivalent to a nice meal out in the city.  On average, dinners were on average $50 a person.

The way we offset this was to have less full meals.  This meant we ate our own breakfast and lunch using the supplies we brought from home or purchased at the grocery store.  We picked up things like sandwiches, fruit, cookies, snack bars, juices, and yogurt to keep our energy up during the day and we’d reward ourselves with a good meal at the end of the day.

Grocery Stores

The friend we met up with in Reykjavik strong encouraged us to only pick up food at this grocery store. We were warned not to be tempted by the convenience of the 10-11 convenient store which can be block to block. As a result, we more or less stuck with Bonus throughout the trip.  Look for the piggy logo.  You can’t miss it!

Food You Have To Try

Being a seafaring nation, anything related to seafood is a must.  We found that time and time again, fish whether grilled or fried was a winner.

Other recommendations would be:

• Water – Don’t buy water EVER on the island.  I can’t believe I’m raving about water but seriously the H2O in Iceland is the freshest I’ve had.  Pro tip:  Before filling up your water bottle at the tap, run the cold water for 10 seconds to lush out the hot water since some parts of the island bring them in from a local spring which may have some traces of sulphur smell.
• Skyr – This has to be my biggest find of the trip.  Think Greek yogurt but even richer and thicker.
• Icelandic hotdog – The most popular hotdog stand in Reykjavik is of course Baejarins Beztu Pylsur but there are other places in the city where you can try these traditional hotdogs topped with ketchup, a sweet brown mustard, raw onions, fried onions, and remoulade.
• Fish jerky – This may not be for everyone but we very much enjoyed trying different types of dried fish.  They made for great snacks on the road and sometimes to keep me awake during those long night time drives.
• Fish and chips – The restaurant Icelandic Fish and Chips in Reykjavik we had on our last day was delicious.  The Halibut in particular was very tender and flaky.
• Langoustine – These are large prawns with claws or miniature lobsters that Hofn is well known for.  They’re expensive but I hear is quite succulent.
• Liquorice – Not sure what the story is here but liquorice is everywhere here.  Almost all the chocolate here involves some sort of liquorice as well (so be careful if you’re not a fan).

If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t have any issues with eating shark, whale, puffin, or horse, those options are available although we stayed away from these.

While packing for a trip like Iceland was business as usual as I cover in a number of my packing guides , it was also challenging in a number of ways because of the time of year we went and the constraints we had to work with since we were flying WOW Air.

NOTE: WOW Air has since gone under so your best way to fly to Iceland is with Icelandair or your own local carrier. In Canada for instance, Air Canada does have direct routes to Reykjavik.

Suitcase or Backpack?

A common question.  Do you you lug around a big suitcase or do you go nimble with a backpack?  The easy answer is that it honestly doesn’t matter on a road trip like this because you’re going to be travelling with a car the entire time.  You’re going to have the luxury of space and you won’t be running around with everything on your back.

I say if you prefer to travel with a backpack , go for it.  Otherwise, a suitcase will suit you just as well.

The only thing to consider is a case like ours where we were flying WOW Air and it was the most economical to check in one bag.  With us sharing the space, a suitcase was just a lot easier organizationally.

I’m not going to list out everything we packed.  Instead, I want to focus on the things that you absolutely have to have on any trip to Iceland.  For some items, we learned the hard way that we wished we had packed them.

• Waterproof everything – I debated for a long time whether I should bring my waterproof pants along with waterproof jacket and shoes.  I’m so glad I did because we needed almost every day of the trip.  My fiance didn’t have waterproof pants and it really sucked .  Things got so desperate that one point, we had to make our own make-shift pant cover out of clear plastic bags.  Waterproof all the things.  I highly recommend Columbia’s OutDry collection including their pants and jacket that I wore all trip.
• Gloves – These are necessary to keep your hands warm.  Experiencing as much rain as we did, I wish I had more than just my thin fabric gloves.  If I were to do it again, I’d definitely bring waterproof gloves. We suggest The Heat Company for these. The magic of The Heat Company comes with these shell mittens that open up to reveal the liner gloves so you have full access to your fingers which makes operating your smartphone, drone, and camera possible.
• Layer layer layer – Weather is dynamic out here so have layers to stay warm when you need to and strip down when it gets too hot.  Layers also allow you to pack more efficiently.  I recommend a thermal base lay er + t-shirt + zip-up + fleece + jacket to complete all your layers.
• Good hiking shoes – This goes without saying.  My Keen Aphlex  hikers were amazing at keeping my feet warm, provided grip even in slippery conditions and were also completely waterproof which is a mandatory feature in my opinion for a trip like this.
• Headlamp – This Fenix HM65R Headlamp was super handy when we were staying at the Bubble Hotel where we were out in the dark.
• Swimsuit – This one’s easy to forget but remember there’ll be all those hot springs in Iceland.
• Towel – Glad we packed this one as it was a must-have when we went to Seljavallalaug Pool.
• Flip flops/sandals – In the same vain as the towel, you’ll want flip flops if you’re going to Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon to avoid having to walk around bare feet.  Also, if you’re staying at anywhere other than a hotel, you’ll want flip flops to act as your slippers and also something to wear to the communal bathrooms. Read our full review of our favorite flip flops .
• Snacks – You’ll see below in the cost breakdown that food is a heck of an expense.  The more you can bring from home, the better.  I recommend bringing granola bars, trail mix, and chocolate.

What about long johns?  September wasn’t quite cold enough to need these thankfully so we did not pack them but I can see these being necessary as you go deeper into winter.

Hand Washing

I’d say this is pretty much inevitable so you might as well be prepared to do this during your trip.  Thing is that you just won’t have time to waste finding a laundromat.  In fact, I don’t think I saw any at all.

The good thing is that you won’t be sweating a whole lot out here so you won’t need to wash as often.  What worked for us is a daily routine before we slept where we washed our underwear and socks.  To dry our clothes, we made good use of the radiator heaters that are used all over the country (thanks to all the hot springs) by draping the clothes over them.  By morning they were usually fully dry and good to go.

If you haven’t yet, check out my video on how to wash your clothes while on the road .

Throughout our trip, I did our best to keep a tally of our expenses.  I may have missed a few things here and there but this should give you a high level view of how much it would cost to spend 8 days in Iceland.

For simplicity, I’ve converted everything to USD .  Also keep in mind that these are for 2 travellers.

• Air – $1,316.82 (includes stopover in Alicante)
• Accommodation – $781.52
• Car Rental – $792.08
• Auto Expenses – $202.34
• Souvenirs – $139.45
• Food and Drink – $697.59
• Excursions – $895.37

TOTAL = $4,826.17 ($2,413.09 per person)

I’m not going to sugarcoat it, unless you’re planning on doing some serious roughing out and you don’t care for any excursions, be prepared to pay a lot of money on this trip.

Iceland is not a cheap trip .  Flights are getting cheaper and cheaper to get to the island but what most people don’t realize until they get to Iceland is just how expensive everything else is.  Food is expensive.  Gas is expensive.  Excursions are expensive.  Hotels are expensive.  Car rentals are expensive.  You get the picture.

There are definitely ways to cut costs through food and car rental/accommodations hacks to a certain extent but once you introduce any sort of guided excursion and the inevitable good meal here and there, it adds up quite quickly.

To Tip or Not To Tip

The simple answer here is that no.  There are no customs or expectations of tipping and you are completely in the clear if you leave no tips.  Of course, it’s not illegal to tip so if you’ve had exceptional service, feel free to round up or leave a bit extra behind.

Remember Tax-Free

If you buy 6,000 ISK or more at a single store, you’re eligible for tax refund (only at certain stores).  You’ll want to take advantage of this since you can get a whopping 24% back in tax.

It goes without saying that the photography here is  out of this world .  There are so many opportunities and special moments that you’ll want to capture.  Landscape wise you have the waterfalls, black sand beaches, mountains, glaciers, cliffs, volcanoes, canyons, icebergs and northern lights.  In Reykjavik, you get you fix of urban photography with its abundance of interesting architecture, sculptures, and graffiti.  Then you have the wildlife where you’ll have a ton of fun shooting sheep, Icelandic horses, and of course the puffins.

Planning vs. Spontaneity

While travelling, I always struggle with wanting to plan for specific shoots because light and time of day matters but the truth is that if you’re not on a photography-centric trip, you’ll drive your travel partner(s) mad and you’ll limit the flexibility of what you’ll see.

That being said, if you’ve got a specific shot in mind, you could totally plan it in your schedule.  Just remember to make sure you watch the time because it’s so easy to spend a lot of time in one place or likewise very easy to get away with side of the road stops.

Sunsets and Sunrises

As much as I wanted to do a sunrise, it never ended up working out for me because we were simply too tired or good weather wasn’t a guarantee.  If you’re up for it, I’d definitely try to work one or two in.

Sunsets are a lot easier to see but from my experience hard to schedule just because you’ll always be on the go and it is hard to be disciplined with time.  For us the only time we got to watch the sunset was at Jokulsarlon Lagoon which as far as sunsets go was average because of the amount of overcast we had.

Camera Gear

The most important part is that you want to have all the gear you need to be set up for success in Iceland.  Here are a few things you’ll want to think about and the specific gear that I brought.

As much as you can, make sure your gear can stand the wild weather that Iceland can and will throw at you.   Rain is going to be your biggest enemy both in damaging your gear and getting rain spots all over your lens.  Luckily my Olympus set up is fully weather sealed but it was incredibly frustrating when it was almost impossible to keep the front of the lens clean.  I got to the point where my Lenspen  and microfibre cloths were completely useless because they would either create water streak marks or were completely soaked with water.  I didn’t come prepared with enough it and it got to the point where I was forced to use the inside of my thermal layers or my Buff.

Cold is another aspect you’ll want to think about.  Freezing temperatures do a number on batteries whether it be for your camera or your phone.  One second you’ll be at 80% and the next it’ll be completely dead.  Now this only applies if you’re travelling to Iceland in the winter but make sure you account for this and either bring lots of batteries or have a way to keep your batteries warm.  I suggest travelling with a lot of these heatpacks .

What You’ll Want to Bring

• Camera – I am the least likely to discriminate the type of camera you bring.  I’m going to be focusing on mirrorless and DSLR because those are what I know best.  For those wanting a super lightweight set up, I’d recommend micro four thirds .
• Lenses – Unless you’re shooting puffins, I feel that bringing a long zoom lens will be a waste.  I’d recommend a good all-around lens in the 24-70mm range (12-40mm in the M43 world) and pair that with a super wide angle like the 16-35mm (7-144mm for M43).  A fun addition for your trip would be a fisheye lens.  I brought the Olympus 8mm f1.8 Fisheye  which worked out very well for my northern lights shoot.
• Filters – If you want to have any hope of shooting silky smooth water shots, you’re going to need to bring the right ND filters.  I’d recommend an ND8 at a minimum.  Another filter that you’ll want to have is a circular polarizer to cuts glare and reflections, allowing deep, natural colours to show through with great saturation.  Lastly, if you have the money, you can also invest in a more sophisticated glass plate kit such as the one by Formatt Hitech .
• Tripod – Key for any sunset, sunrise, star trail, geyser, long exposure water, or northern lights shots.  I recommend bringing a lightweight carbon fibre one to make it easy to carry in your pack while hiking.  I travel with the  Sirui T-024X  which isn’t exactly a well known brand but it is affordable, sturdy, and gets the job done when travelling.
• Microfibre cloths – Bring lots and lots of these.  As I mentioned above, all of mine were soaked when I was out shooting in the rain.
• Lots of batteries and memory cards – Depending on your camera, bring what you think you’ll need and then some.
• Car charging accessories – Remember you’ll be driving around the island in a car and to keep up with my battery demands, I always made sure I was queueing up the next dead battery.
• Protection from water – If your camera isn’t weather sealed, you’ll want to protect it somehow.  If it’s your camera, you should consider picking up  rain sleeves .  If it’s your phone, one of these waterproof cases should do.
• Carrying bag – Last but not least is a good backpack.  Yes it’s true that you’ll have the luxury of keeping your gear in the car most of the time but once you’re out and about, you’ll need to bring your selected gear with you.  I travelled with the discontinued  Kata 3N1-30 which I quite liked.  I’ve since retired it and right now the best travel bag out there on the market has to be the Peak Design Everyday Backpack which I review here .

Want to learn how to shoot the northern lights?

Step By Step How-To

What you should read next

• Iceland 6 Day Itinerary Road Trip
• Top 5 Hotels in Reykjavik On A Budget In Iceland
• Reasons To Go To Iceland
• Top 12 Things You Absolutely Must Do In Iceland
• Iceland Bubble Hotel Review – Unique Stays

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Vacations in Iceland

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• There are loads of types of vacations in Iceland and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $468; Family vacation $459; Romantic vacation $522; Luxury vacation $485; Budget vacation $397.

Why should you book a vacation package to Iceland?

Many of Iceland's hotels are located in the capital city of Reykjavík while the rest of the country is an open expanse of volcanic peaks, glaciers, and impressive waterfalls. Renting a car is the best way to move around the island and take advantage of all Iceland's stunning vistas.

When should you book a vacation package to Iceland?

Consider booking your vacation package to Iceland when the famous Northern Lights cast dreamy colors in the sky between September and October. The shoulder season is also a popular time for indulging in some of the world's most rugged hikes.

Where should you stay in Iceland during your vacation?

For any vacation type in iceland:.

Hotel Holt puts its emphasis on their guests experience with professional and friendly multilingual staff, an art gallery in the lobby, and a world-class restaurant on-site. Hotel Holt's airport shuttles can be prearranged according to your travel needs.

Grand Hotel Reykjavik earns its name with sweeping rooftop views of the capital city down below. The friendly staff are happy to assist you with booking your taxi to and from Reykjavik International Airport.

For family vacations in Iceland:

Hotel Odinsve is a boutique hotel in Reykjavik city center that also offers spacious 3-bedroom country homes an hour outside of the city in Grimsnes. Flybus is the easiest way to reach the downtown Reykjavik location, but a rental car is needed for other Odinsve properties.

The Reykjavik Icelandair Hotel Natura offers an indoor geothermal pool and sauna for a truly unforgettable family vacation. Book your rental car before you fly for the added flexibility of travelling with young children on your next Icelandic getaway.

For romantic vacations in Iceland:

Centerhotel Thinghold in Reykjavik is located in a small side street in one of the capital city's most popular shopping streets. It boasts a spa, gym, and business meeting rooms. Located right in the heart of downtown, Centerhotel is easily accessible via Flybus from Reykjavik International Airport.

Apotek Hotels by Keahotels maintains a classic architectural design with over 100 years of history in Reykjavik's central shopping district. There are several options that will transport you from Reykjavik International Airport to the Apotek Hotel including hotel shuttle bus, Flybus, and taxi.

For luxury vacations in Iceland:

Hotel Borg by Keahotels is consistently rated the most luxurious hotel in Iceland with art deco themed rooms overlooking the beautiful square of Austurvöllur. This top-of-the-line hotel also offers shuttle transfers to Reykjavik International Airport to start off your vacation stress-free once you land.

Kvosin Downtown Hotel is located in the historic Kirkjuvoll building and features kitchenettes, tasteful décor, and 24-hour staff services. Start your Icelandic adventure off in luxury with a taxi ride from Reykjavik International Airport.

For budget vacations in Iceland:

Hotel Leifur Eiriksson just ouside of the center of Reykjavik is an affordable way to get a sense for how the locals live in Iceland. Due to it's location, it's recommended that you book a rental car to allow you the freedom to travel freely around Reykjavik's sprawling attractions.

Hotel Keflavik gets you off the well-beaten tourist trail to the eastern town of Keflavik where Iceland's natural beauty can be truly admired. A rental car from Reykjavik International Airport is the best way to make the most of your savings while staying at the affordable Hotel Keflavik.

Where to stay in Iceland

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Your Iceland Vacation

Geysers force boiling water into the icy air and volcanoes spit fire to create a dramatic landscape rich in geological treasures ripe for exploring on an Iceland vacation package in 2024. Dark clear skies at night create ideal conditions for Northern Lights sightings. Hot springs like the Blue Lagoon offer a blissful way to relax after hiking across glaciers. With deals on Iceland vacation packages with airfare included, you can pick your flight to Reykjavik , and choose one of the many gorgeous hotels catering for families, couples, and adventurers alike. Grab a great deal with our latest Iceland travel packages for a truly unique vacation.

Top destinations in Iceland

Rangárþing eystra

Bláskógabyggd

Reykjanesbær

Vik I Myrdal

Hafnarfjordur

The latest iceland vacation packages.

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Iceland Vacation

Iceland's windswept fjords, lava fields and black-sand beaches offer endless photo opportunities, while its capital Reykjavik will keep you entertained with hip bars, eateries and nightlife.

Iceland Hotel + Flights

There are 2,247 hotels to choose from with Expedia starting at $158 a night. The even better news? If you bundle your flights and hotel with us, you stand to save some serious cash. While you’re at it, you might like to add a rental car and some exciting experiences to your Iceland Vacation Package. Not afraid of the cold? Add a tour of Langjokull Glacier and Ice Cave to your package.

Your Iceland Vacation Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up your rental car at Keflavík International Airport. It’s less than an hour’s drive to Reykjavik from here, but you’ll want to allow an extra few hours for a soak at the iconic Blue Lagoon on the way.

Day 2: From Reykjavik, head out on a day trip around the Golden Circle. This famous route takes you past some of Iceland’s most mesmerizing sights — Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Spring Area and Gullfoss Falls.

Day 3: Explore the coastal town of Vik. With its uninterrupted skies, this is a great spot to view the northern lights. The beautiful basalt beach, Reynisfjara, and the nearby puffin cliffs are also must-sees.

Iceland Information

Held each February, the Winter Lights Festival will brighten your nights if you decide to visit at this time of year.

There’s lots to see and do in Iceland’s capital. Start planning your time here with our Reykjavik Vacation Packages .

Top Vacation Destinations in Iceland

Embrace nature with Northern Iceland vacation packages

Northern Iceland is one of the most memorable destinations, thanks to its stunning natural features. You'll find geysers here along with towering mountains. One of the most iconic sights is the Northern Lights, in which lights of green and blue appear in the night sky as an effect of the planet's magnetic field. Tours of all of this are readily available, if you'd rather not go out on your own.

Explore Iceland's capital with Reykjavik vacation packages.

Reykjavik offers everything from museums and nightlife to an outstanding eco-tourism industry. This city is one of the few in the world entirely powered by geothermal energy. You can head for sites like the towering Reykjavik Art Museum with its unusual architecture and fantastic paintings, sculptures, and media collections. Enjoy fine dining and finer shopping, and go home feeling a little more Viking than you did before.

Iceland Essential Information

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Reviewed on May 28, 2024

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in iceland, reykjavik harbour.

Start your stay in Reykjavík with a trip to this antique port district, the point of departure for city tours, boat rides and more.

Blue Lagoon

Soak away your aches, get a massage treatment and swim in the milky blue waters of this mineral-rich geothermal pool sculpted by lava in Grindavik.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Explore the great outdoors at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a popular spot to commune with nature in Hofn. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's glaciers.

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Best Vacation Packages in Iceland

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10-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Top Attractions & Snaefellsnes

Epic 13-Day Self-Drive Tour of Iceland's Complete Ring Road with Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Westfjords

One Week Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s West & South Coasts with Waterfalls & Glaciers

Best 1-week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland & Golden Circle

Amazing 5-Day Summer Vacation Package in Iceland with Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Golden Circle

Epic 14 Day Self Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland & the Westfjords

In-Depth 10-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland with Waterfalls & Glaciers

Epic 7-Day Summer Vacation Package with the Inside the Volcano Tour & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Classic 10-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Full Circle of Iceland

Adventurous 7 Day Summer Self Drive Tour of Iceland with Time in the Highlands

12-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour | Explore the Ring Road of Iceland & Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Depth

8-Day Summer Vacation Package Tour of the Best Attractions in Iceland

Unforgettable 8-Day Northern Lights Winter Package of Iceland with Ice Caving & National Parks

Amazing 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon

Breathtaking 4-Day Northern Lights Winter Tour with the Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon

Breathtaking 6-Day Northern Lights Hunting Package of Iceland with Ice Caving

Perfect 6-Day Northern Lights Vacation in Iceland

7-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package with Ice Caving

8 Day Winter Package | Ring Road of Iceland in a Small Group

Scenic 4-Day Northern Lights Tour of Vatnajokull Ice Cave, Jokulsarlon & the South Coast

Beautiful 11-Day Winter Tour of the Ring Road with Snaefellsnes Peninsula

9-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with a Guided Ring Road Minibus Tour

Small Group 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation with the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle & South Coast

9 Day Northern Lights Winter Tour of the Total Iceland Experience with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon

Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages

Self Drive Tours in Iceland

Tour calendar, nature tours in iceland, adventure tours in iceland, cheap bus tours in iceland, top tour destinations in iceland, verified customer reviews.

Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

Guide to Iceland did a great job of booking our visit. All the bookings went as expected and there were no problems or difficulties. Our car hire was exactly as requested and all our guesthouses and hotels were expecting us. We got an upgrade at the Geysir from the Litl Geysir to the Hotel Geysir which was an unexpected bonus. All the accommodation was excellent, with one exception at Klausterhof which was clean but disappointing, especially the lack of dining and an extremely poor breakfast. All the other places we stayed at were clean, friendly and provided excellent facilities and food. The suggested itinerary was ideal and took us to some spectacular places I would recommend Guide to Iceland.

Incredible trip, different scenery every day, snowmobiling is so much fun, highly recommended. Looking forward to my next trip to Europe, I will still use this app. Great planning

April L Nyemah

We loved our time on Iceland though it was too short. Using Guide To Iceland was the best thing I could have done being there our first time. I didn't have to think, I could just go and visit the many places!! We want to go back to see more.

ROBIN FRISCH-GLEASON

Our trip was fantastic. We loved all of the destinations and the recommended stops for each day. The one tour we did, Whale watching in Husavik, was wonderful. Every hotel and guest house we stayed in was ready for us, our room was ready, and they were great, interesting places. Our car was ready when we arrived and it was a great choice (we are happy we upgraded). Just a perfect trip! We will definitely use you next time and recommend you to others.

Iceland offers a variety of vacations packages to suit different interests and travel styles. Some popular holiday packages in Iceland include:

1. Self-Drive Tours: Iceland is a great destination for a self-drive holiday, with its stunning landscapes, picturesque roads, and well-maintained infrastructure. Self-drive holiday packages typically include a rental car, accommodations, and an itinerary with suggested routes and attractions. You can also add tours and tickets to your self-drive tour.

2. City Breaks: Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, world-class restaurants, and a lively nightlife. City break holiday packages typically include accommodations in Reykjavik, airport transfers, and optional tours and activities, both within the city and to nearby attractions.

3. Spa and Wellness Packages: Iceland is home to many geothermal hot springs and spas, which offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Spa and wellness holiday packages typically include accommodations, access to hot springs and spas like the Blue lagoon, and optional tours and activities.

4. Northern Lights vacation packages: Witnessing the Aurora Borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see it. Northern Lights vacation packages typically include accommodations, transportation, and guided tours to the best viewing spots. They also often include ice cave tours.

5. Christmas and New Year's Packages: Iceland is a magical destination during the holiday season, with its snowy landscapes, festive markets, and traditional celebrations. Christmas and New Year's holiday packages typically include accommodations, airport transfers, and festive meals and activities.

6. Summer Packages: During the summer months, Iceland offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. Summer adventure holiday packages typically include accommodations, guided tours and activities, and equipment rental.

7. Adventure Tours: For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Iceland offers a variety of adventure tours, such as ATV tours, snowmobile tours, and ice climbing tours. These tours typically include equipment rental, a certified guide, and transportation.

Overall, holiday packages in Iceland offer a unique opportunity to experience the country's stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and exciting activities.

Frequently asked questions

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Top things to do in Iceland

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Visit a Live Volcano

Visit the Blue Lagoon

Go on a Road Trip

Do the Golden Circle

See the Glacier Lagoon

South Coast Tours

Find the Northern Lights

Explore an Ice Cave

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21 Best Things to Do in Iceland

By Kerry Spencer

Last updated: May 30th, 2024

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The best things to do in Iceland, a cinematic island in the North Atlantic Ocean, range from hiking to cascading waterfalls to gazing at show-stopping scenery shaped by volcanoes and glaciers.

Lying a few miles south of the Arctic Circle, this small country, roughly the size of Kentucky, packs in some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Think ice caps, countless fjords, and extraordinary wildlife. Indeed, nature is a huge draw, with puffin colonies, migrating whales, and charismatic Arctic foxes to spot.

In the capital, Reykjavík, there’s an abundance of museums, shopping, and gastronomy, with some world-beating architecture to admire, too. Other cities, such as Akureyri and Ísafjörður in the north offer quaint museums, welcoming coffee shops, and fantastic whale watching. From hiking mountains carpeted in wildflowers to bathing in steaming geothermal pools, here are some of the best things to do in Iceland.

Marvel at Spectacular Waterfalls

There is no shortage of spectacular waterfalls in Iceland , including Gullfoss, a gasp-inducing waterfall that’s around 70 miles east of Reykjavík. Gullfoss, which translates as golden waterfall, lies in the Hvítá river canyon, with water flowing from the mighty Langjökull glacier, the second-largest glacier in Iceland.

The two-tiered waterfall drops 105 ft and lies on the country’s famous Golden Circle route, which also encompasses Haukadalur, a valley rich in geothermal activity, and Þingvellir National Park. It’s best to visit Gullfoss during summer, when it’s estimated around 459 cubic feet of foaming water pours down the canyon every second.

In the north of Iceland, a 30-minute drive east of Akureyri, Goðafoss is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland . The waterfall also lies on a glacier river, Skjalfandafljot, and surges 39 feet over a curved, 100-foot-wide precipice.

Enjoy the cool spray as you marvel at the white water tumbling over the ledge and the backdrop of green mountains before learning about folklore tales associated with Goðafoss.

Dynjandi Waterfall

In the wild and remote Westfjords, in northwest Iceland, Dynjandi is another of the country’s captivating waterfalls. Here, travelers can marvel at the gushing water drop 325 feet to form a chalk-white veil.

Dynjandi is an awe-inspiring waterfall, 98 feet wide at the top, spreading to almost 200 feet at the bottom. On the path to reach Dynjandi, you’re treated to seven smaller falls, each flowing into the next before reaching the Arnarfjordur, the second-largest fjord of the Westfjords.

Bathe in Soothing Geothermal Water

Mývatn Nature Baths

Iceland is well known for harnessing geothermal water to create soothing bathing spots nestled in nature. One such spot is Mývatn Nature Baths, 65 miles south of the Arctic Circle. This milky lagoon is heated through a deep fissure in the Earth’s surface.

There’s a swim-up bar with a selection of libations, a steam room that sees steam dramatically rise up through vents in the floor, and a café with indoor and outdoor seating.

One of the most famous geothermal bathing spots to experience Iceland’s nature is the Blue Lagoon, located on the fiery Reykjanes Peninsula. Lying among black rock formations, the Blue Lagoon is a 40-minute drive from Reykjavík and has been considered one of the best things to do in Iceland since opening in 1987.

Blue Lagoon

Lather mud onto your skin and relax in the silica and sulfur-rich water, which is heated to a sumptuous 100°F (38°C). There’s also a spa, where therapists use the Blue Lagoon’s own healing and nourishing products, a café, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

Another tranquil spot, a 45-minute drive north of Reykjavík , is Hvammsvík Hot Springs. Here, eight natural tidal pools cling to the oceanfront, with temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 107°F (42°C). Subject to weather conditions, paddleboards can be hired and steam baths and outdoor showers are available year round. Due to the natural rocky surface at Hvammsvík, bathers are advised to wear aqua shoes.

Admire Magnificent Icelandic Horses

Icelandic horses

Just a few miles south of Akureyri , Brunir Horse Farm is a family-run farm that hosts enthralling horse shows throughout summertime.

Icelandic horses are as symbolic of Iceland as volcanoes and hot springs. They’re typically small, unique for their five gaits (walk, trot, gallop, tölt, and flying pace) and are traditionally used for herding sheep, showing, and racing.

At Brunir Horse Farm you can learn how Icelandic horses, the only breed of horse in Iceland, were bred from ponies as early as the 9th century. Visitors can meet farmers Einar and Hugrún and their twin daughters, Guðbjörg and Þórhildur, and meet some of these majestic creatures

After taking in a horse show, browse the farm’s art exhibition, featuring artwork by Einar and other Icelandic artists. There’a a café, too, where visitors can savor warming coffee, homemade bread, soup, cakes, and pastries.

Wander Siglufjörður Village

Siglufjörður Village

Iceland’s most northern village is the postcard-worthy Siglufjörður. Once the country’s herring fishing capital, Siglufjörður is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lying on the Siglufjordur fjord on the remote Trollaskagi peninsula.

Herring Era Museum, Siglufjörður

Though small, there’s plenty here to captivate travelers, including the cleverly executed Herring Era Museum on Siglufjörður’s waterfront. As the name suggests, this three-building museum charts the region’s herring industry. The museum is housed in a former herring salting station and offers a window into the once thriving industry, which collapsed in 1969 due to a lack of herring stock.

Nearby, there’s a craft brewery, Segull 67, where thirsty travelers can take a tour before sampling the selection of excellent IPAs, lagers, and stouts. Siglufjörður also boasts a folklore center housed in a mustard-yellow building, an art gallery, and several cafés and restaurants.

Go Whitewater Rafting on the Hvita River

Hvita River

Adrenaline-seekers game for a white-water adventure can try rafting on the twists and turns of the Hvita river, which flows 25 miles from the enormous Langjokull glacier in Iceland’s highlands to Gullfoss waterfall.

Hvita widens to combine three rivers from the gorge at Gullfoss. Doubling in width, it’s perfect for white water rafting . Depart from Reykjavik on a short drive to the river where you will don a wetsuit, helmet, and life jacket and prepare to embark on one of the most thrilling things to do in Iceland.

Prepare to navigate sharp turns in the valley and steer around rocky outcrops that punctuate the frothing water. It’s not all raging rapids and rushing water, with moments of calm and tranquility encountered when you can safely admire canyons covered in green moss while gently floating along.

White water rafting is suited to adults and older children, such as those older than 11. Pack a towel and a spare set of clothes to change into after your river adventure.

Read: What to Pack for Iceland

See a Puffin Colony on Vigur Island

A speck of an island situated in Ísafjarðardjúp fjord in the secluded Westfjords, Vigur is a green and fertile island that’s a mecca for seabirds—eider ducks, a rare colony of black guillemots, razorbills, and Arctic terns—during summertime.

There’s also a seal colony on the south of the island and whales are often spotted in the frigid waters surrounding Vigur, making a trip here one of the best things to do in Iceland for nature lovers.

A highlight is spotting some of the orange-billed Atlantic puffins, especially if you spot them clutching a beak filled with sprats (small silvery fish). There are an eye-popping 100,000 taking to Vigur Island annually between May and August, making it one of the largest puffin colonies in Iceland.

Vigur Island

Join a guided walk around the island to see an array of squawking seabirds and watch the annual eiderdown harvest and processing take place between May and August. The island’s only residents are a family of three and their occasional seasonal help who collect the silky-soft eiderdown left behind by the eider ducks. The island’s precious gray harvest is then exported around the world.

Vigur also has a tiny post office, considered the smallest in Europe, where you can mail a postcard back home, and a delightful café serving warm slices of Hjónabandssæla, a traditional Icelandic rhubarb pie topped with crumbly oatmeal.

Gaze at Reykjavik from Hallgrímskirkja’s Observation Deck

Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik

One of the most famous buildings in Iceland is Hallgrimskirkja, a modern church that soars above the city in downtown Reykjavík. At 244 feet, it’s one of the tallest buildings in Iceland, with its architecture mimicking the appearance of cooling lava as it chrysalises into pillars of igneous rock.

Completed in 1846 following a 40-year build, this unique building has become a symbol of Reykjavík’s modernity, with the striking design the work of architect Guðjón Samúelsson.

Admire this eye-catching church from the square outside where there is a statue of Leifur Eiríksson, a Norse explorer who is considered the first European to arrive on continental America.

Step inside the church to see the 5,275-pipe organ that was installed in 1992 before taking the elevator to Hallgrimskirkja’s open-air observation deck. The views unfurl to the hazy horizon of Iceland’s mountains and ocean beyond the city.

Spot Cetaceans on the Edge of the Arctic Circle

Whale watching in Akureyri

One of the best places in the world to go whale watching is in Iceland, in the lively waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Here, majestic cetaceans, including sperm whales and harbor porpoises, are plentiful, particularly during summertime, when they’re drawn to the mix of cold and warm sea currents, and waters rich with fish.

Minke whales and white-beaked dolphins are most commonly spotted around Iceland, including on whale-watching trips from Reykjavik. Orcas, or killer whales, can also be seen throughout the year, swimming closer to shore during summer in Iceland .

For some of the best whale watching in Iceland, however, join a summer tour from Akureyri in the north. Have your camera ready for peeking dorsal fins of minke whales, tail slapping humpbacks, and orcas leaping clean out of the water, putting on a wonderful display.

Enjoy a Bird’s Eye View from a Helicopter

Reykjanes Peninsula

A helicopter tour is one of the failsafe things to do in Iceland to really capture the magnitude of the country’s colossal natural sights.

Bucket-list flights depart from Reykjavik Domestic Airport, just outside of the city center. Passengers are whisked high above the city’s traditional tin roofs for a bird’s-eye view of the pointed Hallgrimskirkja church, before reaching the volcanic landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

See bubbling Icelandic hot springs and fumaroles before gazing at the extraordinary Sundhnukagigar craters and sites of the Litli-Hrutur and Fagradalsfjall eruptions near the town of Grindavik before returning to the capital with stirring memories of Iceland.

Explore Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park

The UNESCO-listed Thingvellir, or Þingvellir in Icelandic, is not only an active volcanic area, but the site of the country’s first parliament. Iceland’s open-air assembly was established in 930 AD and remained here, by the river Öxará, roughly 27 miles east of Reykjavik, until 1798.

You could visit the site where lawmakers once met, with the remains of around 50 turf and stone-built booths, plus further 10th-century remains buried underground, within the park. Learn about the history of Iceland and this breathtaking national park at the visitor’s center near the pretty Þingvellir church.

Perhaps what lured Iceland’s lawmakers over one millennia ago was the sensational scenery. Thingvellir lies on the Mid-Atlantic rift, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. There are rugged mountains, rousing waterfalls, and the central Lake Þingvallavatn—the largest lake in Iceland—filled with brown trout and Arctic char.

Signposted hiking trails lead to a series of abandoned farms, including Hrauntún, Skógarkot, and Vatnskot. A popular walk is to Öxaráfoss waterfall via the Almannagjá gorge on the edge of the North American plate.

Silfra Fissure, Thingvellir National Park

Experienced divers could plunge into the lake’s sapphire-blue water at one of two underwater rifts, including Silfra, close to the park’s visitor center. The underwater visibility is extraordinary, making it one of the best diving spots in the world . However, travelers are required to hold a drysuit certificate or have done at least 10 registered drysuit dives in the last two years.

Divers are also required to obtain a permit from the park’s visitor center. It’s worth it, though, to see the meeting of the tectonic plates and spot the small, but resilient spined stickleback, a shimmering fish also found in the lake.

Visit a Deserted Village in the Westfjords

Adventurous travelers will relish the chance to visit a deserted village, Hesteyri, on the edge of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords.

Hesteyri lies in one of the most remote parts of Iceland, where an abundance of flora and fauna thrives, including Arctic foxes, seals, tundra, and wildflowers, while humpbacks can often be seen on the boat ride across the fjord from Ísafjörður .

Join a local guide to learn about Hesteyri’s history. Eighty people once lived in this fishing and whaling village on the Jökulfirdir fjord, though it has been abandoned since 1952. This haunting landscape is marked by an abandoned whaling station, dotted with swan-white huts.

Stop for coffee and cake at the small building known as the Old Doctor’s House. You could also enjoy an exhilarating walk by following the headland trail to spot nesting birds and seals.

Read: Best Things to Do in Isafjordur

Savor Icelandic Cuisine in Reykjavik

Icelandic food

Thanks to a bounty of top-notch produce—think ultra-fresh seafood, free-grazing lamb, mountain herbs, and local cheeses—combined with some excellent cooking, Iceland is a top destination for foodies.

Savor some of the best Icelandic cuisine on a walking tour with a local guide to try traditional Skyr (a dairy product similar to yogurt), grass-fed lamb, mouthwatering seafood soup, and homemade ice cream. Finish a tour at the city’s beloved hotdog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, by the harbor. Order the works, complete with fried onions, mustard, remoulade, and tomato ketchup.

RVK Brewing Company, Reykjavik

You could also sip on local libations at one of the city’s many craft breweries , with a rising number popping up in the capital, including Skúli Craft Bar. Several taps are available, including Úlfur (Indian Pale Ale), Ríó (Pilsner), and Garún (Imperial Stout). There’s also RVK Brewing Company, where the refreshing Barfluga lager is a must try, and Bryggjan Brugghús for a brewery tour and tasting.

Foodie travelers who prefer to sit down over a sophisticated meal are in luck, too, with a slew of stellar restaurants in the city including Brut, Dill, and Óx, where patrons are treated to sublime Icelandic dishes in a stylish setting.

Step into the Arctic Circle on Grímsey Island

Grímsey Island

Windswept Grímsey is one of the best places to visit in Iceland . This far-flung island, 25 miles off Iceland’s north coast, is home to just 100 people and roughly one million seabirds that are drawn here because of the fish-filled waters.

The island, lying directly on the Arctic Circle, features high sea cliffs and is typically blanketed in snow during winter and carpeted in luxuriant green during summer. The kaleidoscope of bird life includes Atlantic puffins between April and August, razorbill, black-legged kittiwake, black guillemot, northern fulmar, and thick-billed murre. Grímsey is also one of Iceland’s largest tern nesting sites, so be careful if you venture into these; the tiny and fearless Arctic terns will dive-bomb intruders to drive them away.

The island’s small village, Sandvík, is reachable by boat from the mainland, and features a wooden church, one restaurant, and a scattering of houses facing the harbor.

There’s also a charming green road train operating (June to August) the length of the island, from the orange lighthouse on the southern tip, through the village, toward the concrete orb-like Arctic Circle monument on the north side. The hop-on, hop-off road-train is a great way to spot some of Grímsey’s bird life.

If you’re a cold water swimmer, Grímsey is the perfect place to do it during summer. The water will be cold, but it’s deliciously clear. The best place to go for a refreshing dip is close to the harbor, on the west coast. Consider thermal swimwear and a robe to wrap up in when you emerge from the Arctic water.

Wander Among Dimmuborgir Lava Field

Dimmuborgir Lava Field

Dimmuborgir, which roughly translates as dark city, is a mystical and craggy landscape of lava fields, steeped in folklore to the east of Lake Mývatn in northern Iceland.

This sculptural landscape was created 2,300 years ago, the result of lava flowing from a massive eruption into a lake, which caused the lake’s water to boil. The rising steam led to some of the hardening lava to shatter, resulting in Dimmuborgir’s towering black stacks and imposing rock formations.

Walking among Dimmuborgir is one of the best things to do in Iceland, not just for geology buffs, but keen photographers, and fans of popular culture (the location has been used as a backdrop in a famous fantasy TV show), too.

Learn about tales of trolls who allegedly lived in Dimmuborgir’s lava caves, including the Yule Lads,  Iceland’s folkloric, mountain-dwelling Father Christmases (there are 13), as you follow one of the dedicated paths around the lava fields.

Tour Glaumbær Farm Museum

Glaumbær Farm Museum

A visit to Glaumbær Farm, owned by the National Museum of Iceland, near Akureyri is one of the most fascinating things to do in Iceland.

Glaumbær Farm is made up of 13 traditional turf houses constructed in the 1800s on the site of a settlement that can be traced back to 874. These white-painted houses are a piece of Iceland’s history, with the homes occupied until as recently as 1947.

Roam Glaumbær Farm to learn more about Iceland’s history of grass-roofed houses and take a peek inside to picture what home life was like here 200 years ago. While the turf houses appear like separate buildings from the outside, inside, they’re all connected and feature a communal living space called a baðstofa—a cozy space where families would gather to socialize, play games, knit, and tell stories.

Walk Among the Bubbling Haukadalur Valley

Strokkur Geyser

One of the most famous sights in Iceland is the gushing Strokkur Geyser in the Haukadalur valley, 66 miles east of Reykjavik. Visiting this magical spot is easily one of the best things to do in Iceland, with plumes of pressurized hot water shooting into the air, heated by bubbling magma below the earth’s surface.

Strokkur puts on a fabulous display, erupting through the porous rock roughly every five to 10 minutes. First, the surface around Strokkur heats to around 250°F before the steaming water erupts.

Wander among the designated areas within Haukadalur, with smaller geysers, fumaroles, hot springs, and mud-pits also bubbling away in this geothermal valley. Notice the color of the earth in places shimmers from yellow to green, and then red, displaying the sulfur, copper, and iron elements.

There’s an inviting café and restaurant for refreshments, and a lovely gift shop for picking up souvenirs to take home.

Shop for Souvenirs in Downtown Reykjavik

Souvenirs in Iceland

Not all things to do in Iceland involve exploring the country’s jaw-dropping landscape, as incredible as it is. Downtown Reykjavik , festooned with street art and concept stores, is a wonderful place to indulge in retail therapy.

This walkable city center is a treasure trove of arts and crafts, vintage fashion, and independent retailers of homeware and gourmet goods.

Focus a shopping trip on Skólavörðustígur, a one-mile pedestrian strip jam-packed with restaurants, bars, and shops, neighboring Laugavegur, and the interconnecting lanes.

Skólavörðustígur, Reykjavik

On Skólavörðustígur, Fotografi is the spot to pick up beautiful photography of Iceland. Orrifinn sells one-of-a-kind jewelry, and Inga Elín offers gorgeous hand-crafted ceramics.

Browse the Blue Lagoon’s outpost on Laugavegur, selling the geothermal spa’s luxury hair, body, and skincare products, and stop by As We Grow for silky-soft knitwear for men, women, and children. Spúútnik, also on Laugavegur, is a mecca for jaunty vintage pieces, and there’s Aftur for highbrow sustainable fashion, accessories, and perfumes,

There’s more, including art shops, active-wear stores, bookshops, and places to pick up Viking-themed souvenirs in this wonderfully vibrant district of the city.

Read: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

Discover Majestic Lake Mývatn

Lake Mývatn

Mývatn is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world . Located in northern Iceland, it is surrounded by lava fields, pseudocraters, and lava pillars that were created following a basaltic lava eruption that occurred close by around 2,300 years ago.

The 14-square-mile lake is home to an array of dazzling wildlife, including fish and many migratory ducks that arrive from springtime and stay for the summer, including tufted duck, harlequin duck, Arctic tern, and mallard.

Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum, on the north side of the lake, is a great place to learn more about the bird life and geology of Lake Mývatn. The museum is known for its impressive bird specimens, including almost every type of Icelandic breeding bird on display.

There are hiking routes and viewing areas around the lake, plus plenty of points of interest, including Stóragjá, on the northeast corner of the lake, home to a series of ancient caverns containing unique rock formations, geothermally-heated pools, and hot springs.

Take a Road Trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Ytri Tunga Beach

Iceland’s Snaefellsnes peninsula makes for a breezy road trip, lying across Faxafloi bay from Reykjavik, a picturesque two-hour drive from the capital city .

This western arm of Iceland juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to the magnificent scenery of Snaefellsjokull National Park. There is a glacier-capped volcano and rousing mountains, plus tiny villages and glorious beaches strung around the coastline.

Relax at the golden Ytri Tunga Beach as you look for lazing harbor and gray seals found lying on kelp-covered rocks. Continuing along the peninsula’s south shore, stop at Búðir. Surrounded by lava fields, here there is a solitary church behind another blond beach that makes for a superb photo opportunity.

Stykkisholmur

The 700,000-year-old Snæfellsjökull glacier looms in the distance, behind the village of Arnarstapi, while the largest town on the peninsula is Stykkisholmur, on the north shore. Facing the Westfjords, Stykkisholmur is roughly a two-and-a-half hour drive from Reykjavik, and as with anywhere in Iceland, getting there is half the fun.

The town is also close to the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum, a fascinating stop on a tour of Iceland, revealing why shark meat is traditionally fermented for six months before being consumed. If you have a strong stomach, you can even try this Icelandic delicacy on a visit but be warned that it’s an acquired taste; most Icelandic people today wouldn’t touch it.

Hike Ásbyrgi Canyon

Ásbyrgi Canyon

Iceland is home to many head-turning landscapes, including the horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon, with cliffs that rise up to 330 feet in parts, within Vatnajökull National Park in the country’s far north.

If you believe in Norse folklore, this deep groove covered in lush vegetation was formed by the hoof of Odin’s eight-legged horse (Odin was the bearded God of War and Death and the God of Poetry and Wisdom in Norse mythology). The more scientific explanation is that Asbyrgi formed as the result of two catastrophic floods from the Vatnajökull glacier, some 3,000 and 10,000 years ago.

Getting to Ásbyrgi Canyon involves an intrepid coastal journey from Akureyri, taking around two hours. When you arrive, hike to the 82-foot Eyjan, a hulking rock formation that rises from the center of the canyon, surrounded by low-lying forest. The trail runs for a couple of miles and is popular with hikers for the breathtaking views of the canyon’s lush landscape.

Embark on a Tour of Reykjavik Museums

National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik

For culture-thirsty travelers, spending a day touring Reykjavík’s top museums is one of the best things to do in Iceland.

Start at the National Museum of Iceland, which covers 1,200 years of the country’s cultural landscape, including everything from Viking history to paganism and whaling, displayed over three floors.

The family-friendly Whales of Iceland is a natural history museum dedicated to cetaceans, with 23 whale species on display. There’s also the Maritime Museum in a former fish freezing plant by the harbor for enthralling tales of Iceland’s seafaring heritage, and the Saga Museum where you could try on Viking costumes.

Maritime Museum, Reykjavik Photo by Mosbatho on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0

Experience the arresting Northern Lights year-round at Aurora Reykjavik, a museum dedicated to the aurora borealis. Learn all about the natural phenomenon, including the science behind why these luminous green and purple lights appear.

There’s an interactive exhibition, a 23-foot-wide movie theater showing the Northern Lights, a photography display, and a fun photo booth where you can capture a photo of yourself in front of one of the greatest shows on earth.

With glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, and volcanoes, not to mention a vibrant capital city, a vacation to Iceland is a soul-stirring experience. Explore Celebrity Cruises’ thrilling Iceland cruises to book your next intrepid getaway.

Kerry Spencer

Kerry Spencer has been writing about travel for 15 years. A former magazine editor and the UK editor of Cruise Critic, she lives in London, where she now writes for a number of print and online publications, including Imagine Cruising, Cruise Critic, and Selling Travel, among others.

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You can skip the planning for these 7 affordable bucket list family travel adventures

As enriching as family vacations can be, there's no question they're stressful to plan. And if you want to show your kids the world, planning family travel adventures to bucket-list destinations like Ireland, Alaska, or America's national parks can also be a bit daunting. The good news is there may be a better alternative to consider—letting someone else do all the planning on a guided tour.

I've participated in numerous guided group tours with my family, and they've been among the most hassle-tree times together we've ever had. Letting trip planners and seasoned guides take care of tedious details and time-consuming logistics removes many of the difficulties that come with traveling, especially with kids. 

While a trip to the destination of your dreams is never going to be a cheap family vacation , group travel tours can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. The end result? Family travel adventures that run smoothly and don't come with any costly surprises. Here are 15 value-packed guided tours for your family’s 2024 adventures. 

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1. Iceland with National Geographic Family Journeys

G Adventures

Renowned small group travel tour company G Adventures has teamed up with National Geographic to create escorted family travel itineraries that take full advantage of NatGeo’s expertise in wildlife, storytelling, and photography. The company’s eight-day Iceland Family Journey delves into the subarctic island nation’s unique geological features in an experiential way, including hiking on the edge of a volcanic crater and riding Icelandic horses near a waterfall. 

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The tour company's trip leaders are trained to engage young guests ages seven to 17, and the participant limit is capped at 20. These guided family travel adventures start at $4,999 per adult (there’s a $200 discount for kids ages seven to 12) for 2024 and they include transportation within Iceland, accommodations, daily breakfast, three lunches, and one dinner. 

2. Highlights of Ireland

Brendan Vacations

The wild Atlantic Ocean, misty cliffs, and impossibly green countryside are a few of the reasons why the Emerald Island's mystical beauty has inspired poets for centuries. From Dublin's cosmopolitan charm to hanging by your heels to kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, Brendan Vacations are experts when it comes to Celtic travel, and its Shamrocks and Leprechauns tour is a favorite with families.

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Highlights include going behind the scenes where Game of Thrones was filmed and marveling at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Interactive experiences, such as tea with a family on their sheep farm and dressing up like medieval archers as you learn to aim a bow and arrow, make a lasting impression. 

There’s a maximum of 45 participants aged five and older on this 10-day trip in 2024. Prices start at $3,083 and children ages five to 17 receive a 10 percent discount. Transportation within Ireland, accommodations, and 15 meals are included. A travel director accompanies you throughout, with local specialists enriching the journey. 

3. Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper 

Backroads’ guided family travel adventures are a hit with active travelers who crave communion with nature. On Backroads’ Banff to Jasper Multi-Adventure Family Tour , you’ll join a small group of families as you bike, hike, and paddle your way across the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Float down the Athabasca River, soak in sweeping vistas at Icefields Parkway, and walk on a glacier. 

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This trip has a maximum of 26 guests and is recommended for ages nine and older. Trip leaders receive specialized training to ensure that they’re well-equipped to engage youngsters. The six-day trip costs $3,999 per person in 2024. Kids 17 and under receive a 10 percent discount when staying in a single or double occupancy room; the child discount is increased to 20 percent if there are three or more people staying in the same room. Lodging, activities, daily breakfast, six lunches, four dinners, and snacks are included. 

4. Grand Alaskan Adventure

If your family loves the Great Outdoors, Alaska is the vacation of a lifetime. Cosmos offers guided group tours to "America’s Last Frontier" that present value without skimping on quality. The Grand Alaskan Adventure is an appealing choice with a balanced blend of group activities and free time.

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Starting and finishing in Anchorage, you'll cross Prince William Sound and glimpse otters, seals, and whales. A ride on the Alaska Railroad will delight fans of train travel, while two days spent in Denali National Park’s wilderness is an immersion in majestic beauty. Keep your eyes open for bears, moose, and caribou as you travel the Denali Highway across Alaska’s lightly treaded interior.

In 2024, this seven-day guided family travel adventure starts at $2,139 and includes some meals, accommodations, and activities. Children as young as five are welcome, and those ages five to 17 receive a 10 percent discount. The average number of participants is 36.

5. Taste of Portugal

With alluring beaches, ancient villages, and sophisticated cities, it’s no wonder Portugal is trending in 2024. The Taste of Portugal with Madeira guided group itinerary from Globus visits cosmopolitan Lisbon, Porto’s cobbled streets, and the semi-tropical island of Madeira, with its natural rock-pools and unique wicker basket toboggan ride. 

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This 11-day escorted trip starts at $3,309 including hotels, nine breakfast, and three dinners. Kids as young as five may participate and those between ages five and 17 receive a 10 percent discount. The average group size is 36 guests. 

6. New Zealand Family Travel Adventure

Austin Adventures

Headquartered in New Zealand, guided tour company Austin Adventures is an expert when it comes to showcasing this country’s natural assets. Energetic families who want an intimate group experience will be pleased with the New Zealand Family Vacation itinerary. Starting and finishing in Christchurch, you'll visit a wildlife preserve with resident koalas, wallabies, kiwi, and ancient tuatara (a rare reptile); hike to glacial lakes; and kayak and float down a rose-lined gorge. 

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Children six and older are welcome on this 13-day trip, which costs $5,499 per adult and $4,999 per child 12 years and under. Lodging, activities, and almost all meals are part of the deal. The maximum group size is 14 people plus two guides. 

7. The Greek Islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete

EF Go Ahead Tours 

Get acquainted with a trifecta of Greek islands on The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete from EF Go Ahead Tours . Absorb ancient Hellenic heritage in Athens before arriving in lively Mykonos for a dip in its crystal-clear water. Cruise to Santorini, where volcanic black sand beaches are juxtaposed with bright white and sea blue houses. Then it's on to Crete with its trail of historic treasures, from palaces to archaeological ruins. 

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This 14-day family travel adventure has a maximum of 30 participants and starts at $4,019 in 2024. It includes hotels, daily breakfast, five dinners, a dedicated tour director, and local guides along the way. Children age six and older are welcome, though they don't receive a discount.

Affordable bucket list family travel adventures where someone else does all the planning originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

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FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations . The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

My Ideal Ireland Itinerary 7 Days Road Trip (+ Map)

A re you itching to visit the Emerald Isle but only have a week to explore? It’s a relatively small country, so it’s doable. This Ireland itinerary for 7 days will show you how to enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside and lively Irish culture in a one-week Ireland road trip.

For most travelers, starting and ending your Irish road trip at Dublin Airport makes logical (and financial) sense. But for those who can start their trip in Dublin and end it at Shannon Airport, there are other destinations in this beautiful country you can squeeze into your 7-day Ireland itinerary.

My detailed guide below suggests two different routes for both options. Either way, you’ll have an epic and memorable time in Ireland! It’s one of my favorite countries! Keep in mind, this itinerary does not take into account travel time, most flights from the US will depart in the evening and arrive the next morning.

Ireland Itinerary 7 Days: Option 1 (Dublin to Dublin)

This 7-day Ireland itinerary is based on my actual road trip around Ireland and Northern Ireland with my teen daughter. We had a wonderful time, so I’m sharing many of our lessons and stops to help you make the most of your visit.

Day 1: Dublin to Belfast

Day 2: Belfast to Derry

Day 3: Derry to Westport (or Galway)

Day 4: Westport to Galway

Day 5: Galway to Dublin

Day 6: Dublin

Day 7: Leave Dublin

Alternative Route Thoughts:

If you’re willing to drive and tour at a faster pace, you could try to combine parts of the Northern Ireland itinerary in order to allow you to visit the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula in the southwest of Ireland if you’re set on flying in and out of Dublin.

The Dingle Peninsula Slea Head Drive is considered one of the highlights of the area and the star of the Wild Atlantic Way region. But it is on the opposite end of the island from Northern Ireland, so with only 7 days, adjustments are needed. My route includes some of the Wild Atlantic Way between Westport and Galway, and is more accessible. However, some feel strongly about visiting the Dingle Peninsula.

Look at my list of things to do and see and decide which are your priorities if the Dingle Peninsula (pretty drive that will take about 3 hours) is a priority, AND you have to fly in and out of Dublin. If you want to prioritize Northern Ireland and the southwest area of Republic of Ireland, you might look at a route like this: Dublin – Derry – Galway – Dingle/Killarney (2 nights) – Dublin (2 nights)

I wouldn’t choose this fast pace, but it is an option if you’re trying to make the most of a limited week. The better option in my opinion would be to try to add on a day or two. Ideally, you’d plan a 10 day Ireland itinerary if you want to see most of the highlights. Or just plan to come back again!

My recommendation if you only have 7 days and want to see most of the popular regions is to fly into Dublin and out of Shannon Airport, which I list that alternate itinerary farther down in my post.

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin Airport and Explore Belfast

Waste no time at Dublin Airport by renting a car and driving north to Northern Ireland. Many flights from North America are red eye so you can start your 7 day Ireland itinerary in the morning. Don’t worry, you’ll end your trip in Dublin.

Renting a Car in Ireland

Take note that, unless you specify, your rental car will have a manual transmission. Request an automatic if you don’t want to tackle switching gears and driving on the left side of the road! Trust me, this isn’t the time to learn to drive standard or to try and remember that time in your childhood when you borrowed your buddy’s stick shift car.

You will need to have full coverage auto insurance for accidents or damage. Many times I rely on my credit card for car rental insurance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve both have primary rental car coverage. But, confirm that Ireland and Northern Ireland aren’t excluded from your coverage.

Also, be prepared to show proof of the coverage at the rental counter. This can typically be printed from your benefits page but consider calling or chatting with customer care to ask for written proof of rental coverage. Otherwise, you’ll need to add collision coverage to your rental.

You can use Google Maps to navigate Ireland’s narrow roads, but it will often take you the fastest way which isn’t always the best way for tourists. We had a GPS device added to our rental and found it would sometimes route us differently than Google Maps.

Most of the time Google Maps was great but twice we should have listened to the GPS, one of which was driving back to Dublin from Cliffs of Moher when Google Maps took us back roads that were very tight and slow going and the GPS would have gotten us onto a highway much faster.

On your first day, head to Northern Ireland. The total drive time from Dublin to Belfast is just under two hours covering 162 km/100 miles, so you should have plenty of time to explore Killeavy before traveling to Belfast and staying there one night.

Note: The Republic of Ireland measures speed in kilometers/hr while Northern Ireland measures in miles/hr. Money is also different as Northern Ireland uses the British Pound Sterling (￡) and Ireland uses the Euro (€).

Malahide or Killeavy

You’ll hop in your car and start heading to Northern Ireland but I recommend at least one stop along the way to help get outdoors and help your body adjust to the time change. There are two stops I’d recommend as you make your way to Belfast, either Malahide or Killeavy. Both will help you get outdoors and have a castle.

Malahide is what I’d consider a Dublin suburb. It’s home to the popular Malahide Castle and Gardens, which is a more touristy operated castle with decor and extensive gardens. Malahide is also on the coast and there is a popular 4 km Malahide to Portmarnock Coastal Walk to get an outdoor fix on your first day. The town itself has a large number of cute restaurants and shops for a great afternoon break on your first day.

If you’re looking to get out of the city on your first day, plan for a stop in Killeavy instead. Located just over the Northern Irish border, Killeavy is a small town and a great place to stop for a break in an official area of natural beauty.

Check out Killeavy Castle Estate (there’s a hotel there now but you can still check out the castle grounds) or the Slieve Gullion Forest Park. This area of woodland has links to Celtic mythology! If you’re in Killeavy around lunchtime, stop at Johnny Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant for a bite to eat.

And if you’re not in a rush and have an extra night beyond this 7-day itinerary, consider booking a stay at the Killeavy Castle Estate. It’s absolutely beautiful and a great way to unwind after a busy travel day. We overnighted in Killeavy and even visited their spa to help us relax after traveling. The extra day helps you relax and start to acclimate to the time change.

If you’re not staying overnight in Killeavy and following my 7 day itinerary, hop back in your car and head to Belfast next.

Political Mural Black Cab Tour

When you arrive in Belfast, park your rental car and let a tour guide drive you around for a change! From the 1970s to the 1990s, Belfast was at the center of a pivotal moment in Irish history called ‘the Troubles’. 

A great way to learn more about it is to book a Black Cab Tour around all the neighborhoods and dozens of political murals that document the era. Driving is much faster than a walking tour which is ideal because there are lots of things to do in Belfast!

Shopping in Belfast

Need souvenirs or just have lots of room in your suitcase to fill? St. George’s Market is a 19th-century covered weekend market selling everything from street food to antiques. Born in Belfast is a great place to shop for local, artisanal gifts. Note that it’s only open on the weekend.

Note: Ireland’s currency is the Euro but Northern Ireland uses Great British Pounds. Bring a good travel credit card with no foreign exchange fees so you can pay in both currencies with no problems. We didn’t need cash at all during our trip as everywhere we visited accepted credit cards.

Ride Hydrobikes on the River Lagan

Dublin has the River Liffey, but Belfast has the River Lagan. Take a fun, self-guided tour down this river on hydro bikes and see landmarks like the Prince Albert Clock, the yellow Harland & Wolf cranes, and the Big Fish. Check out Lagan Adventures to learn more about booking this fun water activity!

This is a fun activity that is unique, but can be skipped if you’re running low on time or would rather have more time at the Titanic museum.

Titanic Belfast Experience

While riding the hydro bikes you’ll sail past the Titanic Quarter, home of Belfast’s docks and where the infamous ship was built in the early 1910s. Titanic Belfast is a state-of-the-art experience that opened in 2012, the 100th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Titanic on its first voyage.

You can learn more about the ship’s design, the people who built it, and everything else there is to know about the Titanic. You can even find violins and deckchairs found on the Titanic’s wreckage among the exhibits. It can be an emotional experience for some, but is a must-do for anyone who is fascinated by the Titanic story.

Evening in Belfast

Belfast has tons of fantastic restaurants in its Cathedral Quarter. Check out The Dirty Onion and Yardbird for a more relaxed meal or The Muddlers Club for fine dining. Don’t forget to check out the cool neon signs down Commercial Court which look best on a dark, rainy evening.

Overnight in Belfast

You’ll spend your first night in Belfast and I have two great hotel recommendations for you. Ten Square Hotel was where I stayed most recently and is in a central location with a view of the beautiful City Hall building.

And the Maldron Hotel Belfast City is also centrally located, upscale, and has amazing reviews. I also love that both these hotels have restaurants in case you’re too tired to go out after arriving and just want to grab dinner, or breakfast, at your hotel.

Day 2: Drive the Scenic Causeway Coast

On the first full day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, you could drive straight to Derry from Belfast along the motorway (the name for highways in Ireland). But then you’d miss the scenic drive along the Causeway Coast. This drive was possibly our favorite part of the entire trip!

This coastline stretches across the top of Northern Ireland and features otherworldly landforms, medieval castles, rope bridges, and more. You can even see out to Scotland on this scenic route (on a clear day).

Driving from Belfast to Derry via the coast is approximately 114 miles in distance and will take three hours without stops. Set off early so you have as much time to make stops as possible, trust me, the views are amazing and you’ll want plenty of time to enjoy the trip.

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

With a history dating back 250 years, fishermen used to cross this rope bridge (an older version of the one installed in 2008!) to catch salmon on a small island. Carrick-A-Rede is a 66 ft-long rope bridge suspended 100 ft above the Antrim coast and offers an exciting experience as well as incredible sea and coastal views. The water around the coast here is so blue, you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean.

The hike is about 1.8 miles and will take you about an hour to an hour and a half to explore. I would consider it a simple walk for people used to physical activity, but does require effort and stamina. I highly recommend pre-booking your visit as they do limit access and you don’t want to show up and have access sold out for that time frame.

If you’re craving a snack or drink, stop by Carrick-A-Rede Bar & Restaurant before or after your bridge walk. It’s located past the rope bridge if you’re driving from Belfast, so works well as a stop after your walk on your way to the next stop, Giant’s Causeway.

Giant’s Causeway

Your next stop is one of the best things to do on the entire island of Ireland, hands down. The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a four-mile-long stretch of coastline comprising thousands of basalt columns that interlock in an otherworldly form.

You can walk over these columns as much as you want for as long as you want, it’s completely free to visit! You just need to pay for the parking lot and visitor center.

I’ve walked town below on the rocks on a trip and most recently we did the cliff hike above the coastline and it offers a completely different view of the landscape. A great activity for active visitors, although there is a shuttle you can pay for to help drive you from the visitors center down to the main rock formations if you have mobility issues.

Afterwards, head into the nearby town of Bushmills for lunch where you can eat at Lorna’s Kitchen or Flash in the Pan fish and chip shop.

Dunluce Castle

Just a few minutes along the coast from the Giant’s Causeway is a beautiful ruined castle overlooking the coastline, Dunluce Castle. This 16th-century castle was once the main stronghold of Clan MacDonnell. Of all the castles to visit in Northern Ireland, this one is convenient and offers some amazing coastal lookout views!

Overnight in Derry

Derry (aka Londonderry) is Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, so you’ll have no trouble finding places to eat for dinner or things to do. If you arrive in Derry early, make sure you see the Peace Bridge over the River Foyle, Free Derry Corner, and The Derry Walls. These are 17th-century defensive walls that circle the city and offer the best views.

One of my daughter’s absolute favorite stops on our trip was our overnight in Derry. While many itineraries will have you skip this city so that you can immediately get to the west coast of Ireland, I’m chiming in to say it’s worth stopping here.

We arrived in Derry in the evening and walked the entire circle of the walls. The walls encircle the central part of the city and it’s about a mile walk. There are multiple access points on and off the walls, so it’s a convenient and fun way to get around the city.

For dinner, Castle Street Social is a cool, laidback bistro and The Bentley Bar is better for live Irish music and grills. We loved our upscale pub dinner at the Wig Champagne Bar in Bishops Gate Hotel . I’ve stayed at this hotel twice and have loved it every time. It is a luxury property, but the price is not as crazy as you might expect.

Day 3: Explore Derry and Drive to Westport (or Galway)

Derry is Northern Ireland’s second city, so spend enough time visiting the main sites. But don’t linger too long, because on the third day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, you’ll be driving back into the Republic of Ireland and along the west coast.

Driving from Derry to Westport in County Mayo will take approximately three hours to cover 149 miles/240 km. It will take a little longer to make a stop well worth visiting en route ! Spend one night in Westport or the surrounding area. If you don’t spend too long in Derry, you could overnight in Galway instead of Westport.

If you like visiting eclectic museums, you’ll spoiled for choice in Derry. Museum of Free Derry covers the region’s local civil rights history, The Siege Museum specifically covers a specific historical moment in 1689, and the Foyle Valley Railway Museum with lots of old-timey trains.

If you haven’t already, watch the hilarious Netflix sitcom Derry Girls which is set in this city. There’s a mural of the main characters on Orchard Street, as well as lots of other murals you’ll see as you walk around.

Make the first stop on this part of your road trip to the city of Sligo, a place known for its literary heritage (W.B. Yeats was born here). Make a stop for lunch at the traditional Walker 1781 pub which serves a mix of light, European fare.

Ashford Castle

Continue driving towards Westport but make a slight detour south to Ashford Castle. This 13th-century estate is now a hotel, but you’re free to wander its lavish interiors and well-manicured gardens.

If you have the bank balance, you could always stay overnight here instead of Westport. Keep in mind that this five-star hotel could set you back around $1,000 a night!

Overnight in Westport (or Galway)

Since Westport is a large town on Ireland’s west coast, you have plenty of dinner options. Cobbler’s Bar & Courtyard is a relaxed grill or check out Friends Bistro which is a good all-rounder for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For overnighting, consider staying at The Wyatt Hotel in the heart of town or the Westport Coast Hotel on the water.

If you have time, take a stroll along the Carrowbeg River. There are lots of cute medieval bridges like the Doris Brothers Bridge.

Alternative option: if you’re willing to leave Derry early and drive farther, you can try to combine parts of days 3 and 4 and overnight in Galway. This will allow you to use day 5 to drive the Dingle Peninsula and possibly see Cork on your way back to Dublin.

This will not be a relaxed road trip and will require early starts, but it will give you the chance to see one of the other most popular tourist regions of Ireland during your 7 days. If you choose to overnight in Galway, consider staying in the main central city area at the well-rated Park House Hotel or The Huntsman Inn .

We stayed at the g Hotel and Spa and found the location out of the way and not ideal for strolling the streets of Galway. But the property does have nice rooms and restaurants, plus a spa. It reminded me of a US casino hotel experience.

Day 4: Explore Connemara National Park and Galway

Ireland has six national parks, and you’ll be able to visit at least one by following this Ireland itinerary for 7 days. Visiting during the summer months is a great time to visit Ireland as you can take advantage of the long days and good weather (well, better weather) for outdoor activities.

Westport is only 78.5 km/49 miles north of Galway City (which will take just over one hour to drive without stopping) but there are some great things to do on your journey along the west coast.

Ireland’s entire stretch of coast along the Atlantic Ocean is called the Wild Atlantic Way. It stretches 2,600 km/1600 miles from Malin Head in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. You won’t have time to drive the entire scenic route during your week in Ireland, but you will see some of it on Days 4 and 5. Stay in overnight in Galway.

Kylemore Abbey & Gardens

While there are tons of beautiful stately homes across the country, none are as special as Kylemore Abbey. This 19th-century mansion has been occupied by Benedictine nuns since the 1920s and they’re still there today. You can tour the house and walk around the gardens as well as visit the nearby Kylemore Church.

One of the best things about this abbey is its stunning location. It’s surrounded by woodland and sits on the banks of the Pollacapall Lough on the edge of Connemara National Park.

Connemara National Park

Speaking of the national park, it’s also worth a stop on your drive. Poke your head into the Visitor Center and if you have the time, tackle the nearby Lower Diamond Hill Trail. It’s only a 1.8-mile loop walk and you can continue onto the Upper Diamond Hill Trail if that trail is too easy. 

Just a stone’s throw further than Connemara National Park is Clifden, a cute, small town on the coast. Off The Square Restaurant is the perfect stone-walled café to stop for lunch, and there are some interesting memorials dotted around the hills outside the town.

Walk along the coast to the John D’Arcy Monument, dedicated to the founder of Clifden, or drive to the Alcock and Brown Memorial. These British pilots completed the first nonstop transatlantic flight in 1919 which landed right outside of Clifden.

As the home of traditional Irish music and other Celtic legends, Galway is an essential stop on any Ireland itinerary for 7 days. Head to the colorful Latin Quarter where there are dozens of colorful pubs. Many licensed pubs allow accompanied children to enter until 9 pm, so check for notices around the door before entering.

Galway’s main street, Quay Street, stretches through the Latin Quarter and this is where you can find stores selling the famous Claddaugh jewelry. These Celtic pieces have a unique symbol with two hands to represent friendship, a heart to represent love and a crown for loyalty. They are the perfect souvenir!

Head under the Spanish Arch to the harbor and check out the Galway City Museum if you want to learn more about the city’s local and maritime history. Check out the Róisín Dubh for the best live music performances in the city. 

For dinner, The Dough Bros is budget and kid-friendly. Tigh Neachtain Pub & Restaurant has the best of both local Irish cuisine and traditional folk performances.

Day 5: Witness the Cliffs of Moher and Drive to Dublin

It’s time to get back to Dublin so you can explore Ireland’s capital city before hopping on your flight back home. Not before swinging by one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, of course.

Driving from Galway to Dublin via the famous Cliffs of Moher in County Clare and Limerick will take approximately five hours as you’ll need to cover 356 km/226 miles. Stay overnight in Dublin for the last two nights of your 7-day itinerary in Ireland.

Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk and Visitor Center

Drive from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center and learn more about the formation of these incredible sea cliffs. They climb 702 feet tall at their highest point and stretch 14km/nine miles along the coast.

Then, walk out to the coastal path and explore different vantage points. On a clear day, you should be able to see out to the Aran Islands. Many companies run day tours to the Aran Islands from Galway, but you might not have time on your 7-day Ireland itinerary.

Lunch in Limerick

Stop for lunch in Limerick, the fourth-largest city on the island. You have lots of options but Story Café is perfect if you want to eat something light while The Locke Bar Gastro Pub is perfect for a filling sit-down meal.

Hang around before continuing to Dublin as there are lots of things to do in Limerick. Visit the 19th-century Milk Market where you can pick up souvenirs or snacks for your ride. King John’s Castle is an imposing medieval fortress that sits right on the River Shannon that you can visit too. 

Evening in Dublin

Since you have a pretty long drive, you probably won’t reach Dublin until the evening. Walk to the historic Temple Bar neighborhood for dinner. It’s named after an actual 19th-century, bright red pub in the area that you can’t miss.

If you’re traveling with kids and you’ve struggled to find pubs that will admit those under 18 (the drinking age in Ireland) then head to Temple Bar before 9 pm to listen to music. If you’re not visiting with kids, walk a few minutes west along the River Liffey to Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub. 

Old Storehouse Bar or Cobblestone Pub are perfect places to enjoy dinner in Temple Bar. They both boast life music too.

Overnight in Dublin

You’ll have plenty of places to choose from if you want to stay in Dublin. My experiences have been with The Davenport and Trinity City Hotel , both are gorgeous upscale properties in convenient locations to walk to many of the popular sights. If you don’t want to deal with city driving and parking and can stay a bit outside of the city center; I’ve stayed at Clontarf Castle , which is a unique property and near a bus route with easy access into Dublin.

Day 6: Explore Dublin

Dublin is the perfect place to spend the last day of your trip. If it’s your first time in Ireland, you can’t miss it! But it’s a big city and there are many options for spending your final full day. Book two nights’ accommodation in the city.

One great option is to find a parking lot for your rental car and check out the top tourist attractions in Dublin’s city center. Or, if you’re not keen on visiting a city or checking out day tours, you can drive out to County Dublin’s picturesque coastal towns like Skerries, Malahide, and Howe. 

If you want to stay in the capital, this itinerary will show you the best way to enjoy the city. I have a two day Dublin itinerary that might be useful, but find some of the highlights below.

Trinity College Library & Book of Kells

Start in the southeast part of the city at Trinity College Dublin. This is the most prestigious university in Ireland, and where you’ll find Trinity College Library. It’s famous for its 16th-century Long Room which features two stories of stacked bookshelves (it looks like something out of Harry Potter !).

It’s also famous for the Book of Kells . This is one of the oldest books in the world which was handpainted in the 9th century. They just launched a brand new experience that has made seeing the book a little more exciting than the previous old plaque style exhibit.

Something important to note is that almost all of the books have been removed from the Long Room as part of a redevelopment project. However, the new tour experience uses projections to help you still appreciate the history of the space.

St. Stephen’s Green

Dublin has lots of adorable parks so you have to see at least one during your trip. Merrion Square is a great choice, but St. Stephen’s Green is more central. It’s small but has a small pond, statues dedicated to some of Ireland’s literary greats, and is surrounded by rows of Georgian townhouses with colored doors.

Grafton Street

Walk underneath the Fusiliers’ Arch in the northwest corner of St. Stephen’s Green and you’ll be standing at the top of Grafton Street. This is a pedestrianized shopping street that is always lined with musicians playing for money (aka buskers). If you’re not a fan of pubs then this is the best spot to listen to local music.

Grafton Street also has a number of great shops for souvenir shopping. A couple of my favorites are the Aran Sweater Market for authentic wool sweaters and clothing, Claddagh Jewellers for Irish jewelry, and Seasons of Ireland for cheesy tourist gifts.

Dublin Castle

Continue walking west to Dublin Castle. This is a well-preserved castle dating back to the 13th century with museums, libraries, and state apartments. There’s also a small garden that you can explore and an onsite café which is perfect for lunch. 

Christ Church Cathedral

Just across the road from Dublin Castle is Christ Church Cathedral. St. Patrick’s Cathedral (named after the country’s famous patron saint) is arguably a more important building as it’s Ireland’s national cathedral, but it’s a little further away.

Christ Church Cathedral started as a Viking church almost 1,000 years ago although the current building dates back to the 13th century. Inside, you’ll find a mummified rat and cat (they both got stuck in the organ) and a ‘homeless Jesus’ statue on the bench outside.

Guinness Storehouse

One of the most popular attractions in Ireland, you have to check out the Guinness Storehouse during your first visit. In 1749, Arthur Guinness signed a legendary 9,000-year lease on a disused brewery at St. James’s Gate. Today, the famous dark ale is brewed elsewhere but the original location is now a visitor center.

The Guinness Storehouse covers the brewing process, the history of the company, and fun advertising displays. It’s surprisingly family-friendly and everyone either gets a pint of Guinness or a soft drink in the Gravity Bar at the end of the tour. It offers 360-degree views across the whole city of Dublin!

You can make reservations for one of the restaurants at Guinness Storehouse, or head back towards your hotel and check out the Temple Bar area for food and drinks.

Temple Bar Neighborhood

Return to Temple Bar for your last night in Ireland. There are lots of restaurants serving a range of cuisines if you’ve had more than enough savory pies, potatoes, and root vegetables during your seven-day trip!

Day 7: Depart from Dublin Airport

It’s time to head back to Dublin Airport and finish up your seven days in Ireland. Depending on the time of your flight back, you may have a little time to see parts of Dublin you missed the day before.

Leave plenty of time to travel to Dublin Airport as you will have to return your rental car too.

Ireland Itinerary 7 Days: Option 2 (Dublin to Shannon)

Day 1: arrive in dublin and explore.

The first day of this alternative 7-day Ireland itinerary starts in Dublin. Instead of traveling to Northern Ireland immediately, explore Ireland’s capital city first. You’ll spend one night in Dublin. This part is almost identical to Day 6 of the first itinerary.

You can either travel into Dublin by bus or taxi and pick up a rental car in the city center the next day, or pick up a car at the airport and find a parking lot near your hotel. You won’t need a car to get around Dublin! It’s super walkable and traffic is a nightmare.

Note: It may be more expensive to pick up a rental car at Dublin Airport and drop it off at Shannon Airport. Since traveling around Ireland using public transport is difficult to impossible, factor this extra cost into your budget.

Day 2: Travel from Dublin to Belfast

The next stop on this alternative Ireland itinerary for 7 days is Belfast. It’s similar to day 1 of the first itinerary, except you might not have time to stop in Malahide or Killeavy. You may also have to visit a Dublin attraction or two in the morning before you set off, like Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral.

Spend a couple of hours in Dublin wrapping up the top attractions before driving north and exploring the Northern Irish capital. Driving this 105-mile/166 km journey will take around one hour and 45 minutes. Spend one night in Belfast.

Day 3: Drive the Scenic Causeway Coast 

This day of this alternate itinerary is pretty much exactly the same as Day 2 on the first itinerary. Drive from Belfast to Derry via the coast which is approximately 114 miles in distance and will take three hours without stops. 

But you will absolutely want to stop as many times as possible on this stunning scenic drive! Check out all the best places to stop under Day 2 before staying overnight in Derry.

Day 4: Explore Derry and Drive to Galway

In this itinerary, you’re essentially combining Days 3 and 4 of the first itinerary and driving from Derry to Galway, returning to the Republic of Ireland. This will be your longest driving day at over three and a half hours, covering 172 miles/277 km. 

You will most likely have to compromise on road trip stops. This will probably include skipping Westport and Clifden. 

If you want to see Connemara National Park, you’ll have to head in a different direction to Ashford Castle. And if you want to see more of Galway, spend less time in Derry.

Day 5: View the Cliffs of Moher and Drive to Killarney

The biggest change from the first itinerary to this one is that you get to visit Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Many people who visit Ireland say that County Kerry is one of the best places in the country, so it’s well worth visiting!

Driving south from Galway to Killarney takes around two and a half hours, but you will want to extend that drive for another 90 minutes to make a special road trip stop. Follow the Wild Atlantic Way from Galway so you can check out the Cliffs of Moher. This will make your whole drive take around four hours, covering 263 km/163 miles.

If you have any time left at the end of the day, take that time to explore Killarney National Park. Spend the next two nights in Killarney, using it as your home base.

Killarney National Park

Although Connemara National Park is beautiful, everyone who visits Ireland gushes about Killarney. It boasts such natural diversity including huge lakes, rolling green hills, waterfalls, and historic sites.

If you have time, hire a kayak or canoe and sail on Lough Leane. You can visit the ruined structures of Ross Castle and Innisfallen Abbey.

Head to Muckross House, a 19th-century mansion in the park where Queen Victoria once stayed. Torc Waterfall is nearby which is an impressive site only a short walk into the woods from the parking lot.

Evening in Killarney

Killarney has lots of pub restaurants serving traditional Irish food and some even have live music playing every night. Murphys Bar & Restaurant and John M. Reidy are both great options.

Day 6: Drive the Scenic Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula

The Ring of Kerry is a 179 km/111-mile coastal loop drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. If you were to drive without stopping, it would take around three and a half hours. Along with the Dingle Peninsula drive, they are two of the most beautiful coastal drives in the country.

Unfortunately, you won’t have time to drive around both routes. But no matter which one you pick, you’re guaranteed to have the best time exploring the Kerry countryside and you can head back to Killarney for dinner.

Option 1: Ring of Kerry

Due to the narrow roads, drive in a counter-clockwise direction so you can lessen the chance of having to reverse for local traffic.

Some of the highlights of the Ring of Kerry drive are Rossbeigh Beach and Kells for views across the sea to the Dingle Peninsula. Cahergal Stone Fort in Cahersiveen dates back to the 7th century and there are lots of other cool ruined castles and forts in the area.

Stop in Portmagee for a fish and chips lunch from Fisherman’s Bar. It’s a cute little colorful port town with ferries to the Skellig Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the Kerry coast.

Kenmare is another essential stop on the Ring of Kerry Route. You can check out Kenmare Stone Circle (over 4,000 years old!) and Ladies View at the end of Killarney National Park. It’s one of the best vantage points in the park.

Option 2: Dingle Peninsula

If you choose to drive around the Dingle Peninsula instead, drive clockwise to follow the most popular direction of traffic. Head first to Inch Beach, a 5 km-long sandy beach that juts out into the sea and is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Ireland.

Continue along the coast to Dingle Town, the start and finish of the 30-mile-long scenic Slea Head Drive around the tip of the peninsula. You can stop for lunch before or after completing this part of the drive where you can have your pick of fish and chip shops like The Fish Box. 

After Dingle, stop by the Beehive Huts which are the well-preserved former homes of early Christian monks. They’re over 1,400 years old! Stop at Dunmore Head for the best views of the Blasket Islands before continuing to the unique Dunquin Pier.

Back at Dingle, take the N86/N70 road back to Killarney which is much wider and more pleasant to drive on.

Day 7: Depart from Shannon Airport

On the last day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, drive back up north from Killarney to Shannon Airport. This will take just under two hours covering a distance of around 175 km/84 miles. 

If you have a late flight, you can check out parts of the Ring of Kerry or Killarney National Park that you might have missed over the previous two days. Leave in plenty of time in case you have any unforeseen delays! You’ll need to return your rental car as well as go through security. 

Use This Ireland Itinerary for 7 Days as Your Guide

No matter your flight plans, you can use one of my Ireland itinerary for 7 days to navigate your entire trip! Both include all the major cities like Dublin and Belfast and beautiful scenery like the Giant’s Causeway and Cliffs of Moher. You can’t go wrong!