10 Day Private Tour Iceland with Landmannalaugar

Day 1: Reykjavik, Golden Circle and South Iceland

The journey begins with pickup at your hotel in Reykjavík or at Keflavík Airport, depending on the arrival time. The first day is dedicated to the Golden Circle, one of Iceland's most iconic routes.

The route can include Thingvellir National Park, where Icelandic history and geology come together and where travellers can observe the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

The journey then continues towards the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland.

Depending on the pace, an additional stop can be included at Kerið crater, a geothermal experience or a short rural visit before reaching the overnight location.

Staying in Hella, Hvolsvöllur or the South Iceland countryside works particularly well because it places the group in a stronger position for the Landmannalaugar excursion the following morning.

Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls, Vík and Reynisfjara in Iceland

The third day follows the first section of the South Coast, one of the most scenic areas of Iceland. The region combines waterfalls, volcanic beaches, glaciers, cliffs and coastal villages.

The itinerary can include Seljalandsfoss and nearby Gljúfrabúi before continuing to Skógafoss.

In the afternoon, the route reaches the Vík area, with possible stops at Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, known for its basalt columns, Reynisdrangar sea stacks and powerful Atlantic scenery.

When the overnight following Landmannalaugar is already close to Vík, the day can be adapted to a slower pace with more time for viewpoints and coastal stops.

Day 4: Fjaðrárgljúfur, Skaftafell and Svartifoss Hiking in Iceland

The fourth day continues east through lava fields, moss-covered landscapes, volcanic plains and increasingly impressive glacier scenery.

Depending on access conditions, the itinerary can include Fjaðrárgljúfur before continuing towards Skaftafell in the Vatnajökull region.

Travellers then enjoy the hiking trail to Svartifoss, known for the dark basalt columns surrounding the waterfall.

The trail passes through a varied landscape with mountain views, vegetation, rivers and volcanic formations, creating one of the most rewarding walks of the itinerary.

Additional glacier viewpoints or panoramic stops can be incorporated according to weather, daylight and the group's pace.

Day 5: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach and Höfn in Iceland

The fifth day is dedicated to one of the great highlights of the journey: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.

At Jökulsárlón, icebergs drift through the lagoon with Vatnajökull in the background, creating a constantly changing glacier landscape.

Nearby Diamond Beach contrasts pieces of glacier ice with black volcanic sand, creating one of Iceland's most recognisable coastal scenes.

In summer, a boat excursion can be added at Jökulsárlón. In winter, glacier activities or ice caves can be considered, always subject to safety conditions.

The journey then continues towards Höfn and the open landscapes of Southeast Iceland.

Day 6: Höfn, East Fjords and Egilsstaðir in Iceland

The sixth day leaves the glacier landscapes behind and enters the East Fjords, one of Iceland's quieter and less crowded Ring Road regions.

The road follows mountains, bays, fishing villages, cliffs and open sea views.

Depending on the selected route, possible stops can include Djúpivogur, Breiðdalsvík, Fáskrúðsfjörður or Seyðisfjörður.

This stage works particularly well for photography, village stops and enjoying the journey at a slower pace.

The day ends around Egilsstaðir, the main base for exploring inland East Iceland the following day.

Day 7: Hengifoss, Lagarfljót and Laugarvellir Hot Natural Pot in Iceland

Day seven is dedicated to East Iceland at a slower pace, using the Egilsstaðir area as the base.

The first major visit is Hengifoss, distinguished by the red clay layers visible between its basalt formations. Reaching the main viewpoint requires an uphill hike, so enough time should be reserved.

Along the trail, travellers can also see Litlanesfoss, another waterfall surrounded by basalt columns.

The route can then continue around Lagarfljót and through the forested landscapes near Hallormsstaður.

The day continues towards Laugarvellir Hot Natural Pot, a remote geothermal experience surrounded by the inland landscapes of East Iceland.

Day 8: Egilsstaðir, Dettifoss and Lake Mývatn in Iceland

Day eight leaves East Iceland and heads towards the north, crossing open landscapes, volcanic areas and almost lunar scenery.

Depending on season and road conditions, the route can include Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland.

The journey then continues towards Lake Mývatn, one of the country's most important geothermal and volcanic areas.

Depending on the arrival time, travellers can begin exploring Hverir, with fumaroles, bubbling mud pools and colourful mineral ground.

Additional Mývatn visits can be reserved for the following morning, creating a more comfortable pace.

Day 9: Lake Mývatn, Húsavík Whale Watching, Goðafoss and Akureyri in Iceland

Day nine completes the main experiences of North Iceland and includes whale watching from Húsavík as the principal scheduled activity.

The morning can include selected Lake Mývatn landscapes that were not visited the previous day, such as Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðagígar, Krafla or Hverir.

The journey then continues to Húsavík for a scheduled whale watching excursion. The activity should be reserved in advance and the day's schedule organised around the confirmed departure time.

After whale watching, the route continues west towards Goðafoss and Akureyri.

Depending on timing, Akureyri can include the town centre, church, harbour, botanical garden or views across Eyjafjörður.

The overnight can also be moved farther west towards Skagafjörður or Blönduós to create a more balanced final day.

Day 10: Skagafjörður, Borgarfjörður and Return to Reykjavik in Iceland

The final day completes the circular journey through Northwest and West Iceland before returning to Reykjavík.

When the previous night is in Akureyri, this becomes a longer driving day and stops should be chosen carefully. Starting in Skagafjörður or Blönduós creates a more balanced route.

In Skagafjörður, the itinerary can include Glaumbær Turf Farm, adding a cultural element to the final stage.

Farther west, the journey reaches Borgarfjörður. Depending on timing, the route can include Hraunfossar, Barnafoss and Reykholt before continuing towards Reykjavík.

Arrival in Reykjavík is expected during the afternoon or evening depending on the starting point and selected stops.