Iceland Complete: Around Iceland in 10 Days

Iceland Complete packs the country’s biggest sights into one long, scenery-filled loop. You’ll walk among glaciers, lava fields, black-sand beaches, and waterfalls, then sleep in small rural inns and farmhouses instead of returning to Reykjavik every night. I especially like the boat trip through the Glacier Lagoon and the chance to reach quieter places such as Modrudalur and the eastern fjords.

I also like the small maximum group of 12. That matters on narrow roads, short hikes, and photo stops, where a full-size coach can feel clumsy. Guides who have led this route, including Jens and Hoskuldur, have added local stories, settlement history, and Icelandic folklore along the way.

The tradeoff is pace. You cover much of Iceland in 10 days, so several stops are brief and driving days can be long. Accommodation is generally comfortable rural lodging rather than luxury, and the advertised price of $5,755.01 per person does not include airfare, lunches, drinks, or extra activities.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• A true Ring Road-style circuit: You reach southern waterfalls, the east coast, North Iceland, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and West Iceland in one trip.
• A small group of up to 12: You get a more personal ride and less waiting at stops than on a large bus tour.
• Seven dinners and nine breakfasts included: This reduces daily planning, especially in remote areas where dining choices can be limited.
• One night at high-elevation Modrudalur: The rural farm stay gives the trip a strong sense of place and breaks up the long drive between east and north.
• The Glacier Lagoon boat ride is included: You travel among floating icebergs rather than simply viewing the lagoon from shore.
• Moderate fitness is needed: Expect short and medium walks, uneven ground, wind, rain, and the possibility of wet conditions.

Ten Days Around Iceland, With Very Little Repetition

The route begins and ends around Reykjavik, but this is not a city tour with day trips. It is a full circuit through Iceland’s main natural regions, with the country changing noticeably from one day to the next.

You start by making your own way to the Reykjavik hotel. That first day is intentionally light, which is helpful after an international flight. It also means airfare and airport transfers are your responsibility, so allow time to reach the hotel and settle in before the driving begins.

The trip finishes with transport arrangements to Keflavik Airport. The tour itself ends back at the Reykjavik meeting point, so check your flight timing carefully before booking.

Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss Set the Tone

Day two opens with Iceland’s classic Golden Circle. Thingvellir National Park combines political history with unusual geology. It was the site of Iceland’s old parliament, and the ground here reflects the country’s position between major tectonic plates.

You have about an hour at Thingvellir. That is enough for a walk and an introduction to the setting, though not enough for every trail. Your guide is likely to explain both the early Icelandic parliament and the geological forces that shaped the area.

Gullfoss is the big waterfall stop, with roughly 90 minutes to view the broad, rushing falls. Bring rain gear even if the weather looks calm. Wind and spray can reach the walking paths, and the conditions are part of the experience.

At the Geysir geothermal area, boiling water, steam, and hot ground replace the river scenery. The original Geysir gave its name to the word geyser, while the area’s active features provide a quick lesson in Iceland’s volcanic power. These three stops are popular for good reason, but they can feel busy compared with the quieter places later in the route.

Waterfalls, a Folk Museum, and the South Coast

Day three follows Iceland’s southern coast, where the stops come quickly. Seljalandsfoss is famous because a path allows you to walk behind the waterfall when conditions permit. Expect spray and muddy ground, so waterproof clothing and shoes are useful.

Skogafoss is wider and more forceful, with only about 30 minutes scheduled. You may have time to admire it from below and begin the stair climb beside the falls, but the schedule does not allow for a long wander.

The Skogar Folk Museum gives the day some cultural balance. Its exhibits cover Icelandic life and older buildings, including traditional structures. Since admission is included and you have about 90 minutes, this is more than a quick photo stop.

At Solheimajokull, you get an hour near a glacier. The itinerary does not state that a glacier hike is included, so treat this as a viewing and walking stop unless an additional activity is arranged separately. Dyrholaey then brings sea cliffs and open coastal views, followed by Reynisfjara, Iceland’s famous black-sand beach.

Reynisfjara is visually striking, but do not treat the surf casually. The schedule allows only about 30 minutes, and the main value is seeing the black sand, basalt formations, and rough Atlantic edge before moving on.

Skaftafell and the Icebergs of Jokulsarlon

Day four is one of the strongest sections of the tour. Skaftafell, within Vatnajokull National Park, offers a chance to walk through a glacial setting without committing to a technical expedition.

The route includes a hike to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by dark basalt columns. Allow roughly 90 minutes for this section. The walk is manageable for someone with moderate fitness, but it is still a hike, and wet or uneven footing can slow you down.

The Glacier Lagoon is the day’s main prize. A two-hour boat trip takes you among icebergs that have broken away from the glacier. The included boat ride gives you more than a roadside viewpoint, though conditions can affect how the outing operates.

This is also a day when weather matters. Glacial areas can be cold, windy, and wet even during a generally pleasant Iceland trip. Pack layers where you can reach them quickly, not buried at the bottom of your luggage.

East Iceland and a Night at Modrudalur

The eastern portion of the tour is less about famous single attractions and more about open roads, fjords, farms, and changing scenery. Hvalnes Lighthouse is a short coastal stop, followed by Lagarfljot and the town of Egilsstadir.

The overnight stay is at Moorudalur Farm in Modrudalur Valley, described as the highest inhabited place in Iceland at 469 meters above sea level. You spend about 14 hours here, so this is not merely a bed for the night. It is one of the route’s more distinctive lodging experiences.

The rural stays are a major part of the trip’s character. Some departures have included a ranch breeding Icelandic horses, while another accommodation was modeled after an Icelandic turf house. These are not polished city hotels, but they offer a closer look at how rural Iceland presents itself to visitors.

At the same time, comfort can vary. The package promises twin or double accommodation for nine nights, but not a uniform hotel standard. If you need a particular mattress, room style, or full range of amenities, ask before paying the non-refundable price.

North Iceland’s Fire and Ice Country

Day six moves through some of Iceland’s most dramatic volcanic ground. Dettifoss is described as Europe’s mightiest waterfall, and the short visit gives you a chance to feel its scale without spending the whole day there.

Asbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon linked to Icelandic legend. Krafla then shows the more recent side of volcanic activity, including lava fields that can remain warm long after an eruption.

Dimmuborgir is a maze of lava formations. The paths give you a close look at shapes created when molten rock cooled and collapsed. Nearby Namafjall Hverir brings boiling mud pots and sulfurous ground. The colors and smell are strong, so this stop is not subtle.

The final stop, Skutustaoagigar, is a set of pseudo-craters near Lake Myvatn. The scheduled five minutes is extremely brief, likely enough for a quick look rather than a proper walk. This day has many short stops, which gives you variety but can also make the route feel hurried.

Akureyri, Siglufjordur, and Hvitserkur

Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, opens day seven with another classic Icelandic river scene. The stop is only about 20 minutes, so have your camera ready and expect a concise visit.

You then spend three hours in Akureyri, the largest town in North Iceland. This is one of the few points in the itinerary with real free time, making it useful for a relaxed walk, a meal if needed, or simple time away from the vehicle. Lunch is not included, so this is a natural place to buy it.

Siglufjordur receives a short visit before the route continues to Hvitserkur, a distinctive rock formation on the coast. The schedule favors broad coverage rather than long town visits. If you want extended museum time, shopping, or independent walks, this tour may feel too structured.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula in One Full Day

Day eight explores the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often treated as a compact sample of Iceland’s larger natural features. Kirkjufellsfoss is paired with the distinctive Kirkjufell mountain, making this a popular photography stop.

Djupalonssandur is a basalt pebble beach with a rough, fascinating shoreline. Malarrif Lighthouse and Londrangar offer more coastal scenery, with sea stacks and dark rock formations shaped by the Atlantic.

Budakirkja, a small rural church, slows the day down. Its simple setting contrasts with the volcanic coast and shows another side of Iceland, where small buildings can feel important simply because of their isolation.

Each stop lasts around 20 to 30 minutes. You will see a lot, but you should not expect long hikes at every location. Sturdy shoes and rain protection are more useful than dressy clothing.

Craters and Lava Waterfalls Before Reykjavik

The final sightseeing day starts at Grabrok Crater. You walk to the top of this old volcano, a short activity that gives you a wide view over the surrounding area.

Hraunfossar is a different kind of waterfall. Water appears to flow through the porous lava before spilling into the river, creating many smaller falls along the bank. Nearby Barnafoss has a more forceful channel and adds another look at Iceland’s relationship between volcanic rock and running water.

These final stops are shorter than the major hikes earlier in the tour. That is welcome after a week of walking and driving, though the schedule still keeps moving until the return to Reykjavik.

What the $5,755.01 Price Really Covers

The price is high in simple dollar terms, but Iceland itself is expensive, and this package includes several costly pieces: nine nights of lodging, transport around the island, nine breakfasts, seven dinners, the Skogar Folk Museum, and the Glacier Lagoon boat ride.

The included dinners are especially useful in remote areas. You avoid having to find a restaurant every evening, and rural dining can be limited. Breakfast is included every morning after the first night, but lunch, drinks, and all other unlisted services are extra.

The value is strongest if you want one organized payment covering the route, lodging, most evening meals, and a large amount of guiding. It is weaker if you prefer luxury hotels, long free periods, or a custom family schedule.

One private family departure had issues with an older vehicle, uncomfortable seating, and accommodation that felt uneven. That experience was a different arrangement, but it points to a sensible question: ask about the vehicle, room standards, and current operating conditions before booking.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

I would choose this trip if you want to see nearly every major region of Iceland without planning hotels, roads, meals, and daily stops yourself. It suits people who enjoy full days, short hikes, natural history, local stories, and rural lodging.

It is also a good fit for solo visitors or couples who prefer a small group rather than driving alone. A guide can handle changing road conditions and explain the places you are seeing. Past guides have included Jens, Hoskuldur, Andre, and BG, so the exact guide may vary by departure.

Families can enjoy the waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, and lava formations, but the pace may test younger children. One family found that children eventually wanted fewer waterfalls and more swimming pools or newer activities. Discuss your priorities before booking if your group needs a highly customized route.

The tour requires moderate fitness. You should be comfortable walking on uneven ground, climbing to a crater, hiking to a waterfall, and dealing with wind, rain, spray, and cold. The operator may alter the route because of weather or other conditions beyond its control.

Should You Book Iceland Complete?

Book it if your goal is to see a broad sweep of Iceland in 10 days with a small group, included dinners, and a guide who can connect geology, folklore, and settlement history. The Glacier Lagoon boat trip, Modrudalur stay, South Coast, North Iceland, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula give the route real range.

Think twice if you want upscale lodging, a quiet touring pace, or a custom family itinerary. The experience is non-refundable, so confirm the physical demands, accommodation level, vehicle, meal arrangements, and what is included before you commit.

For an active first visit to Iceland, I find the value convincing. You trade independence and comfort for reach, structure, and a very full view of the country.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts in Reykjavik, in Iceland’s Capital Region. On the first day, you make your own way to the hotel.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the Reykjavik meeting point. On day 10, you make your own way to Keflavik Airport.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 10 days and includes nine nights of accommodation.

What is included in the price?

The package includes nine nights in a twin or double room, nine breakfasts, seven dinners, transport during the tour, admission to the Skogar Folk Museum, and a boat tour on the Glacier Lagoon.

Are flights included?

No. Airfare to and from Iceland is not included.

Are lunches and drinks included?

No. Lunches, beverages, and services not specifically listed are extra.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 participants.

Do I need to be physically fit?

Yes. A moderate fitness level is recommended because the itinerary includes walks and hikes, including the route to Svartifoss and the walk to the top of Grabrok Crater. You should also be prepared for changing weather and uneven ground.