7 Day Private Tour Iceland from Reykjavik to Akureyri via the South Coast

Day 1: Reykjavik, Golden Circle and South Iceland

Your private tour begins with pickup at your hotel in Reykjavík or directly from Keflavík Airport, depending on the travel schedule.

The first day introduces the journey through the Golden Circle. The itinerary can include Thingvellir National Park, where Icelandic history and geology meet, followed by the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss Waterfall.

After the Golden Circle, continue towards South Iceland. Depending on the pace of the day, the route may also include Kerið crater, selected countryside stops or time for a geothermal bathing experience.

Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls, Vík and Black Sand Beach in Iceland

The second day follows the classic South Coast of Iceland, travelling through a succession of waterfalls, glacier views, volcanic beaches and Atlantic coastline.

The route can include Seljalandsfoss, the nearby Gljúfrabúi waterfall, Skógafoss and Dyrhólaey before continuing to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Around Vík, basalt columns, black volcanic sand, sea stacks and open coastal viewpoints create one of the most distinctive landscapes of the journey.

The overnight remains on the South Coast, positioning the journey for the eastward drive into glacier country on the following morning.

Day 3: Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Höfn in Iceland

The third day continues east through lava fields, moss-covered landscapes and increasingly dramatic glacier scenery.

The itinerary can include the Skaftafell area within Vatnajökull National Park, where mountain scenery, glacier outlets and walking routes create a striking transition into Southeast Iceland.

The main highlights are Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Floating icebergs fill the lagoon, while pieces of glacier ice can create a dramatic contrast against the black volcanic shoreline.

Seasonal experiences around the glacier lagoon can be incorporated according to operating dates, weather, safety conditions and availability.

Day 4: Höfn, East Fjords and Egilsstaðir in Iceland

The fourth day leaves the glacier region behind and enters the East Fjords, one of the quieter coastal sections of the journey.

This part of Iceland is characterised by winding fjord roads, mountain scenery, small fishing communities and wide views towards the sea.

Depending on the chosen route and road conditions, possible stops can include Djúpivogur, Breiðdalsvík, Fáskrúðsfjörður or Seyðisfjörður.

The slower coastal rhythm makes this an excellent day for photography and scenic stops before arriving in Egilsstaðir, the main base for the dedicated East Iceland exploration on Day 5.

Day 5: Hengifoss, Hafrahvammagljúfur and East Iceland Landscapes

The fifth day is entirely dedicated to East Iceland, making this itinerary more complete than a fast route that simply passes through Egilsstaðir.

The day can include Hengifoss, one of the signature waterfalls of East Iceland. Its high cascade and the red clay layers visible between the surrounding basalt formations create a distinctive geological setting.

Continue through the landscapes around Lagarfljót and Hallormsstaður, with time for scenic viewpoints and the quieter countryside surrounding Egilsstaðir.

When seasonal access, road conditions and vehicle type allow, the route can continue towards Hafrahvammagljúfur. The deep canyon and remote highland-style scenery add a very different dimension to this seven-day journey.

Access to Hafrahvammagljúfur is never treated as automatic. The final decision should always be based on current road, weather and vehicle conditions.

Day 6: Egilsstaðir, Dettifoss and Lake Mývatn in Iceland

The sixth day leaves East Iceland and crosses towards the volcanic landscapes of North Iceland.

Depending on the season and road conditions, the route can include Dettifoss, whose powerful flow and canyon setting create one of the most dramatic waterfall landscapes in the country.

Continue towards Lake Mývatn, where the scenery changes to lava formations, geothermal fields and volcanic terrain. Possible visits include Hverir, Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðagígar and the landscapes around Krafla.

When timing and current operation allow, the day can conclude with a geothermal bathing experience in the Mývatn area before the final stage to Akureyri.

Day 7: Goðafoss, Akureyri and Domestic Flight to Reykjavik in Iceland

The final day includes Goðafoss Waterfall before continuing towards Akureyri, the principal town of North Iceland.

Depending on the domestic flight time, there may be time to explore Akureyri's town centre, church, harbor, botanical garden, cafés or viewpoints over Eyjafjörður.

A Forest Lagoon visit can also be considered when the timing and reservation schedule fit naturally into the final day.

The private road journey ends at Akureyri Airport. Travellers then take a domestic flight to Reykjavík Domestic Airport, completing the one-way journey without repeating the long road back to the capital.