Private Guided Tours of Iceland

Iceland is among the safest countries in the world. It has a first-rate health system that is consistently rated higher than larger countries such as Australia, the USA, and the UK. You can find tips and advice about health and safety in Iceland before you travel.

On a private tour, you and your chosen travel companions will be accompanied by an experienced local guide. They’ll be there throughout your trip sharing their insider knowledge of Iceland with you.

Your guide is chosen specially for you by your dedicated travel consultant, based on your travel needs. We work closely with all of our guides, and each is handpicked to ensure that you’ll have a fantastic trip.

Each day your driver guide will take you to must-see attractions and stunning locations. Along the way they’ll share their favourite hidden gems and passion for Iceland with you, transforming your journey into an insightful experience.

You can also personalise your escorted tour package by adding optional day trips to your itinerary. Plus, if you have something different in mind you can speak to a travel consultant about creating a custom Iceland package that’s specific to you.

If you would prefer to meet other like-minded travellers on your tour, then we recommend checking out these Iceland small group tours.

This involves discovering Iceland in a comfortable minibus driven by your guide. As part of a small group of up to 16 guests, you’ll get to enjoy one-to-one time with your guide.

Having a local tour guide is important as they're able to add an extra layer of authenticity to your travel experience. Not only will your guide help you to see the country from an insider’s perspective, but they’ll also share their favourite spots with you.

So alongside visiting the top attractions, you’ll also uncover hidden gems that only a guide who lives and breathes Iceland would know about. You’ll also learn lots along the way as your guide imparts their knowledge of the country’s rich history, fascinating geology and more.

Plus, you can rest easy knowing that your licensed, expert guide has been selected by us, to meet our high service standards. You’re sure to have the trip of a lifetime.

There are plenty of things to do on a private tour of Iceland. No matter which trip you choose, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views and thrilling activities.

That said, these are some of the things that we think you’ll love the most on a privately guided trip:

• • Discovering the history and folklore behind the waterfalls, geysers and scenery along the Golden Circle route
• • Luxuriating in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, the country’s most iconic geothermal pool
• • Marvelling at the natural splendour of the UNESCO-listed national parks: Þingvellir and Vatnajökull
• • Delving into the sparkling blue ice caves of Langjökull glacier with an expert by your side
• • Heading deep into the highland region of Landmannalaugar, a hiker’s paradise peppered with hot springs
• • Learning about the impressive geological forces that are constantly moulding Iceland’s landscapes
• • Photographing otherworldly volcanic scenery, like moss-blanketed lava fields and black sand beaches
   

Looking for more reasons why you should opt for an escorted tour package? Check out this blog on the best things to do on a private tour of Iceland.

If you're thinking about honeymooning here, check out the top romantic things to do in Iceland.

The best time of year to visit Iceland depends on where you would like to go and what activities you want to do.

Thanks to Iceland’s distinct seasons, it’s possible to have a different experience travelling in summer, compared to visiting in winter. Happily, this just means that there are more reasons for a return trip to Iceland!

Visit Iceland in summer, from May to September, and you’re more likely to experience better weather and mild temperatures. This makes the summer months ideal for sightseeing in Iceland’s more remote regions. Plus, if you have a private guide, Iceland’s vast highlands are suddenly much more accessible.

The long daylight hours in summer also mean that you can fit more into each day. That said, you’ll set the pace on your tour, so not every day has to be action-packed. For example, you’ll enjoy the midnight sun whether you’re out on a hiking trail or relaxing in a hot spring.

Meanwhile, winter in Iceland offers a different set of experiences. Contrast exploring late into the evening under the midnight sun, with dark winter nights spent chasing incredible displays of the northern lights.

While seeing the aurora isn’t guaranteed, having a local guide with you will increase your chances. You’ll benefit from their in-depth knowledge of the best times and places to see the northern lights in Iceland.

Although winter does bring some additional challenges, such as colder weather, we think the rewards are worth it. Plus, you can relax knowing you’ll have an expert by your side the entire way.

What are some of the best things to do in Iceland in winter? Think horse riding through the snow, exploring ice caves and soaking up the festive atmosphere around Christmas and New Year.

You’ll find additional information about the seasonal changes to the weather and daylight hours in these guides:

• • Iceland's climate and weather conditions
• • Iceland's time and daylight hours
   

You can enjoy an introduction to this astonishingly varied country with as few as 4 or 5 days in Iceland. That said, for a more immersive experience, it’s best to stay for 1 week to 10 days.

Plus, the longer you stay, the more bewitched you’ll become by Iceland’s vast icecaps, breathtaking national parks and geological wonders.

At Nordic Visitor we know that your pace of travel also matters. For instance, while packing a lot into every day can be tempting, you don’t want to feel rushed.

That's why these vacation packages have been tested by our local travel experts. They’ve made sure that our itineraries strike the right balance to give you a fulfilling visit every time.

Check out our offering of expert-curated private tours in Iceland to find the perfect trip for you. That said, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’d like to create a bespoke itinerary or extend your stay in Iceland, our local travel experts are there to help.

To find out more, you can read this blog on how many days you need in Iceland.

When you first arrive in Iceland, a private transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel in comfort and style. You’ll then meet your guide on the second day of your trip, once you’re rested and refreshed after travelling.

This also gives you a full day in Reykjavík to relax and enjoy taking in the city on your own at the start of your adventure.

Tipping is generally not expected in Iceland, so providing a gratuity is entirely up to you. Of course, if you’d like to show your gratitude with a tip, we’re sure your guide will appreciate it.

Yes, you can choose the arrival date that suits you best, based on the trip and time of year. Each tour has an online availability calendar, so once you’ve decided on the right trip for you, simply select your preferred start date.

Escorted summer tours are possible from May to October. Please note, trips that venture to remote regions, including the Icelandic highlands, have a shorter season, from July to September.

Meanwhile, you can begin a winter package anytime you like between October to April. Although, it’s worth bearing in mind that we don’t offer guided tour packages over Christmas and New Year.

For up-to-date availability, please check the online calendar for the tour you are interested in.

Yes, of course! A privately guided tour is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a special travel experience that can be tailored to suit your needs.

Simply get in touch with us, and a Reykjavík-based travel expert will work with you to craft your ultimate bespoke Iceland itinerary.

This is also the time to let us know if there are any specific interests that you’d like to explore on your trip. For example, are you a foodie, a history-buff, or an aspiring photographer? If so, we’ll do our best to match you up with a guide who has expertise in this area.

While our travel consultants will happily help you to customise your tour, it’s also possible to tailor your trip when booking online. You can opt to extend your stay with extra nights in Reykjavík, giving you more time to appreciate the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

If you decide to book your tour online, you can also add a variety of group and private day tours to your itinerary. If you’re not sure what excursions are right for you, or want to know more, you can speak to our travel experts.

While each tour package is different, all of these optional activities have been handpicked to complement your private trip itinerary. For instance, you could take a super jeep into the highlands, kayak on a glacier lagoon, or soar over volcanoes on a helicopter ride.

For more information, or if you have something specific in mind, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to ask about tailor-made Iceland tours.

We advise checking flights for availability, but holding off on purchasing them until after your tour package is booked. Once your trip is confirmed by email, you can go ahead and finalise your flights.

Please get in touch with us if you have missed out on flights and we’ll do our best to accommodate a change of dates.

Iceland is renowned for having changeable weather, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared, come rain or shine.

Warm layers, along with a waterproof jacket and trousers, are essential year-round items in Iceland. Having these to hand while you’re out and about means that even if the sun isn’t shining you won’t miss out.

As part of your escorted trip you’ll visit some of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions. Most of the time, a short walk accompanied by your guide, will be the best way to appreciate your stunning surroundings. So we recommend bringing sturdy walking boots or shoes with a good grip for hiking.

During winter, October to April, you’ll need to wrap up warm with extra layers as temperatures can drop below freezing. Meanwhile the summer months, from May to September, bring milder weather. This means that you’ll want to pack sunscreen and some lighter layers.

If you’ll be heading to the renowned Blue Lagoon, or any other geothermal pools, make sure to remember swimwear and sandals. Plus, if you plan to visit any lesser-known hot springs it’s also worthwhile throwing in a quick-drying travel towel.

Below you’ll find a basic packing list that will serve you well from the south coast of Iceland to the country’s northern reaches. Find out more about what to bring with you according to the season in our Iceland packing guide.

• Walking boots or shoes with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Insulated jacket
• Woollen or fleece jumpers
• Thermal base layers
• Warm hat, scarf and gloves
• Warm hiking socks
• Rucksack
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Quick-drying travel towel
   

You can also read this blog on what to pack for your trip to Iceland for further tips and advice.