12 Day Private Tour Iceland

Day 1: Keflavik, Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik in Iceland

The journey begins with arrival at Keflavík Airport, where private pickup is arranged for the first introduction to Iceland.

This opening day is intentionally relaxed, allowing travellers to recover after the international flight. The first experience can be the Blue Lagoon, located among the lava landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Its geothermal waters, steam and volcanic surroundings create a memorable start to the journey. Entrance should be coordinated in advance with the arrival time.

Afterwards, the route continues to Reykjavík. Depending on timing, travellers may enjoy a short walk, dinner in the city or simply check into the hotel and rest.

Day 2: Reykjavik City Visit and Local Atmosphere in Iceland

The second day is dedicated to exploring Reykjavík, allowing travellers to experience the Icelandic capital before beginning the longer journey around the island.

The visit can include Hallgrímskirkja, whose architecture is inspired by Icelandic basalt formations. Its tower offers panoramic views over colourful rooftops, the harbour and surrounding mountains.

The route can continue along Laugavegur, through the historic centre, around Tjörnin Lake, the Old Harbour, Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall.

Part of the day can also be dedicated to a food experience, a cultural visit or simply enjoying the city at a relaxed pace.

Day 3: Reykjavik, Golden Circle and South Iceland

The third day begins the journey towards South Iceland with the Golden Circle, one of the country's best-known routes.

The first visit can be Thingvellir National Park, an important historical and geological site where travellers can observe the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

The journey continues towards the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Depending on the pace, Kerið crater, a geothermal experience or a short rural visit can also be incorporated.

An overnight around Hella or Hvolsvöllur creates the best logistical position for the following day's Landmannalaugar excursion.

Day 5: South Coast, Vík, Skaftafell and Svartifoss in Iceland

Day five is a full travel day through South Iceland, moving from the Hella or Hvolsvöllur area towards Skaftafell and Southeast Iceland.

An early departure allows the itinerary to include Seljalandsfoss, nearby Gljúfrabúi and Skógafoss before continuing towards Vík.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is one of the principal coastal stops, with Dyrhólaey also possible when timing and access permit.

After Vík, the journey continues east through lava landscapes and moss-covered terrain. Fjaðrárgljúfur can be included depending on access conditions.

The day finishes in Skaftafell with the hike to Svartifoss, whose dark basalt columns create one of the most distinctive waterfall landscapes of the itinerary.

Day 6: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach and Höfn in Iceland

Because the previous night is already close to the glacier region, Day six can be enjoyed at a more comfortable pace.

The principal visit is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift across the lagoon beneath the landscapes of Vatnajökull.

Nearby Diamond Beach creates a striking contrast between pieces of glacier ice and black volcanic sand.

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

Afterwards, the journey continues towards Höfn.

Day 7: Höfn, East Fjords and Egilsstaðir in Iceland

The seventh day leaves the glacier landscapes behind and enters the East Fjords, one of the quieter sections of the Iceland Ring Road.

Mountains, bays, cliffs and open sea views accompany the journey north.

Possible stops can include Djúpivogur, Breiðdalsvík, Fáskrúðsfjörður or Seyðisfjörður, depending on the selected route and travel pace.

This stage is ideal for photography, coastal viewpoints and short stops in small communities before reaching Egilsstaðir.

Day 9: Egilsstaðir, Dettifoss and Lake Mývatn in Iceland

The ninth day leaves East Iceland behind and continues towards the volcanic landscapes of the north.

Depending on season and road conditions, the route can include Dettifoss, whose powerful flow and canyon setting make it one of the major natural visits in North Iceland.

Afterwards, the journey continues towards Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's most interesting geothermal areas.

Depending on arrival time, the itinerary can include a first visit to Hverir or reserve most of the Mývatn region for the following morning.

When the schedule permits, geothermal bathing can also be considered at the end of the day.

Day 10: Lake Mývatn, Húsavík Whale Watching, Goðafoss and Akureyri in Iceland

Day ten completes the main highlights of North Iceland and includes whale watching from Húsavík as the principal scheduled experience.

The morning can include selected Lake Mývatn locations, including Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðagígar, Krafla or Hverir.

The journey then continues to Húsavík, where travellers join the scheduled whale watching excursion. The activity should be booked in advance.

Afterwards, the route continues towards Goðafoss and finally Akureyri.

Depending on arrival time, a short visit can include the town centre, church, harbour, botanical garden or views over Eyjafjörður.

Day 11: Akureyri, Skagafjörður, Glaumbær and Borgarfjörður in Iceland

The eleventh day creates a more balanced transition between North Iceland and the final return to Reykjavík.

The morning can begin with a short visit to Akureyri when this was not possible the previous evening.

The route then continues west through North Iceland towards Skagafjörður, known for rural landscapes, valleys and Icelandic horses.

Glaumbær Turf Farm can be included as a cultural stop, adding historical context to the journey.

Instead of continuing all the way to Reykjavík, the route finishes in Borgarfjörður or Borgarnes, creating a more comfortable final day.

Day 12: Borgarfjörður, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss and Reykjavik in Iceland

The final day is considerably more relaxed thanks to the intermediate overnight in West Iceland.

The itinerary can include Hraunfossar, where multiple streams emerge beneath a lava field, followed by nearby Barnafoss with its narrower and more turbulent flow.

Reykholt can also be included, adding a cultural stop connected with Icelandic medieval history.

Depending on available time, additional geothermal areas, viewpoints, lava landscapes or small rural stops can be added.

The route then continues towards Reykjavík, where the private journey ends during the afternoon. Continuing to Keflavík Airport is possible when required by the international flight schedule.