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Goðafoss in winter

Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter - Private

(10 days / 9 nights)

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Enjoy the ring road in winter with a private guide

The winter is a wonderful time to visit Iceland as the country is bathed in soft light and snowfall, and this is the time to see the otherworldly northern lights. This 10-day tour will circle Iceland with a private guide, allowing you to relax, soak in the scenery and enjoy unrivaled nature like geysers, waterfalls, black sand beaches and icebergs in the glacier lagoon. This private tour is set for a leisurely pace, allowing you more time to roam the sights and explore, and to sign up for optional activities.

Are you travelling in a group of 10 – 17 people? We can arrange this tour with transportation in a roomy mini-coach. Send us a request for details.

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 1598386 ISK

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Experienced private tour guide with extensive local knowledge
  • Travel in comfort with a private driver
  • Handpicked hotels & routes designed by our trusted local experts
  • Private airport transfer upon arrival & departure
  • Outstanding experience and personal service
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map & travel guide
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour of Iceland
  • 5-star customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • See the massive floating icebergs at the Glacier Lagoon
  • Walk the Diamond Beach, seeing the scattered, glistening ice
  • Explore the famous Golden Circle route
  • Hunt for the majestic northern lights
  • Photograph jagged basalt columns & sweeping black sand beaches
  • Discover the volcanic Lake Mývatn and its beautiful surroundings
  • Walk the quaint streets of Akureyri, the unofficial capital of north Iceland
  • Get a glimpse of reindeer in the east of Iceland
  • Enjoy the cascading waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss
  • Tour the tranquil fishing villages of the east fjords

Travel style

Privately Guided i

Interest

Classic i, Family i, Northern Lights i

Season

Oct - Apr

Departure

Daily

Driving distance

1748/1086 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Arrival & Sightseeing in Reykjavik

    On arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you will be welcomed by a driver and transferred to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant city centre at you own pace. The main downtown street, Laugavegur, offers a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, coffee houses and bars to suit all tastes—all within an easy walk.  Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

    Spend the night in Reykjavík.

    For those arriving early today you have the option to upgrade your journey from the airport with a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa before heading to the city. It´s the perfect way to start your Iceland adventure!

    Average Driving Distance: 49 km / 30 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 50 Minutes

    Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 2: Wonders of the Golden Circle

    Your guide will pick you up in the morning and you will begin your journey on the classic “Golden Circle” route, starting with Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can walk on a path in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and learn about the site of Iceland’s first parliament. Next is the Haukadalur geothermal area, the home of Geysir—the original “geyser”—and the more active Strokkur, which spouts water and steam every few minutes. End the circle with visits to the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the implosion crater of Kerið. There is also the option to visit the geothermally-heated greenhouses at the Friðheimar tomato farm, where we will get to taste the fresh tomato products.

    Spend the night in the Selfoss area.

    Average Driving Distance: 189 km / 117 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 3: Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach

    Your guide will get an early start and you will enjoy a scenic drive along the south coast. Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk right behind the misty cascade, then head to the equally impressive Skógafoss waterfall just a short drive down the road. South of the village of Vík, you will make a stop at the volcanic black sand beach for dramatic views of the Dyrhólaey island and Reynisdrangar rock formations rising above the crashing waves.

    Spend the night in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area

    Average Driving Distance: 203 km / 126 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 9-10 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 4: Glaciers and floating icebergs

    Spend some time exploring Skaftafell, part of the immense Vatnajökull National Park and a place of great natural beauty. Then head to the smaller Ice lagoon, Fjallsárlón before heading to the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and enjoy the surreal scene of icebergs floating by. Afterwards you will stop by the Diamond Beach, where you will see chunks of ice glistening on the black sands. Spend the night in the Höfn area, which has been nicknamed the “Lobster Capital of Iceland”, and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner.

    Spend the night in the Höfn area.

    Average Driving Distance: 203 km / 126 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 9-10 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 5: Roam the East Fjords & Spot Reindeer

    Your journey along east Iceland today is characterised by long and narrow fjords with steep mountainsides and rugged tundra. Each fjord has its own unique qualities, with small fishing villages in postcard-perfect settings and friendly locals. If you’re lucky, you may get to see a reindeer or two as this is the only part of the island they inhabit. The east is also great for northern lights viewing, if the conditions are right, since there are vast stretches just outside your accommodation with no light pollution*.

    Spend the night in the Egilsstaðir area.

    *Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

    Average Driving Distance: 256 km / 159 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 6: The Impressive North: Dettifoss & Lake Mývatn

    Your guide will start by taking a detour (weather and road conditions permitting) to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, before heading to the otherworldly Lake Mývatn area. This part of North Iceland boasts an abundance of unusual natural wonders to explore, like the Krafla volcano, the mud pools and curiously-coloured terrain of the Námaskarð pass and the massive crater of Hverfell. Other highlights of the region include Dimmuborgir, a magnificent lava landscape of caves, columns, and arches, as well as the option of bathing at the Mývatn Nature Baths.

    Spend the night in the Lake Mývatn area.

    Average Driving Distance: 184 km / 114 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 9-10 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 7: Natural Charms of the North

    Today, you will visit Goðafoss waterfall on your way to the charming town of Akureyri, where you can take a stroll through the town centre and enjoy a variety of little shops, cafes and museums. You can next make your way toward Skagafjörður, an area known for its abundance of adorably stocky Icelandic horses. If time and weather conditions allow, you may choose to take a detour around Tröllaskagi Peninsula known for beautiful scenes of mountains, cliffs and fjords. Please speak with your guide to see if this is an option.

    Spend the night in the Skagafjörður area

    Driving distance (including Tröllaskagi) approx. 247 km / 153 mi.

    Average Driving Distance: 184 km / 114 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 9-10 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 8: Adventures of the West Coast

    Today you will head to the historical Borgarfjörður region of west Iceland today. This is an especially scenic drive and you will be glad someone else is at the wheel while you enjoy the view. Your guide will pass sweeping farmlands of the northwest that are dotted with Icelandic horses. Making your way south, you can stop at Grábrók volcanic crater for a short hike.  After some time at the crater, you can head to the town of Borgarnes and visit the Icelandic Settlement Centre.

    Spend the night in the Borgarnes area

    Average Driving Distance: 236 km / 146 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 7-8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 9: Beautiful Borgarfjörður or optional activities

    This morning you will continue your journey along the idyllic Icelandic countryside, starting with the bountiful Borgarfjörður area. Sights along the way include the twin waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss along with the Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the Háafell Goat Farm. You also have the choice to join optional activities such as visiting the Krauma geothermal baths, exploring the lava tunnel Víðgelmir, venturing inside of a glacier or experiencing a thrilling snowmobile tour on top of a glacier.

    Spend the night in Reykjavík.

    Average Driving Distance: 195 km / 121 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 10: Departure From Reykjavik

    When it’s time for your Iceland adventure to end, you will be picked up from your hotel about three hours before your flight. If you’re flying in the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to relax in the warm mineral waters before continuing to the airport (optional: not included).

    If you are interested in extending your stay, we can book extra nights and activities in the Reykjavík area or even combine this tour with a visit to one of our other Nordic destinations.

    Average Driving Distance: 49 km / 30 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 50 Minutes

    Attractions See Activities for this day

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this private tour in Iceland. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Iceland Travel Guide.

On a private tour with Nordic Visitor, you'll enjoy a tried-and-tested itinerary while enjoying the service of a private, local driver-guide. Let us know what your interests are and we’ll do our best to match you with a guide who will add to your experience.

You'll usually begin the day with your guide at around 9:00 AM. But if you prefer you can also choose to set out later. Depending on the day’s itinerary, you can expect between 8–9 hours with your guide. Take advantage of their insider knowledge while relaxing and enjoying the ride.

If there are specific things you'd like to see and do, let your guide know and they'll do their best to adjust the day's itinerary. The time spent at each spot will also be based on your interests. That said, the guide will follow the original itinerary.

Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, map, and our very own Iceland Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

Yes, when you book your Iceland tour with Nordic Visitor, you always get airport transfers to and from Keflavík Airport included. This will be a private, shared or bus transfer, depending on your itinerary. Please check the details of your tour to confirm.

If you add extra nights to your stay before or after the scheduled trip, we’ll rearrange your transfers to fit your new itinerary.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your travel consultant if you have any specific requests about optional activities or services.

During your private tour, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our local Iceland travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience. 
 
On private tours, you can choose from single, double and triple rooms. Please note that in Iceland room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America. 
 
For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.
 
If you have something specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, your private guide will be there to advise you. But you can also call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

If you’re arriving from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Iceland. 

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Iceland on the website of Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration. If you do require a visa, they maintain a list of local embassies that can assist you with the process. 

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months from your departure from Iceland. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it. 

Read more about visas, airports and airlines in the getting to Iceland section of our travel guide.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. It's also possible to book this directly with the car rental agency. This will incur a small, extra cost.

Only you can pick the best time to visit Iceland for your trip. It’ll depend on how much time you have to explore, what you want to see in Iceland and any events you might like to attend.

In summer, June to August, you’ll have milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, compared to the winter. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and sightseeing. 

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around then you could book your summer trip in May or September. These shoulder season months have more tour and attraction availability.

The winter months are also popular, but generally quieter, apart from the Christmas holiday season. This is the ideal time to try to spot the northern lights.

Find out what annual Icelandic events and festivals are on in our travel guide. Or read more about the best time to visit Iceland on our blog.

Because of its northerly location close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland has limited daylight in winter. 

Around Christmastime, from early December until late January, you can expect an average of 4–5 hours of daylight. These extended hours of darkness give you a higher chance of seeing the northern lights.

Find out what the daylight hours will be during the month of your visit in this guide to time and daylight in Iceland.

Yes! Wintertime is the right season to visit Iceland if you want to see the northern lights (or aurora borealis). You can experience the northern lights between October and March, with peak visibility from December through February. 

To improve your chances of seeing them, we recommend booking a package with a stay in the countryside. On a private tour, you’ll enjoy an aurora hunting excursion with your guide, who will bring you to top locations to try to spot the northern lights. 

Please note that as the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Even if you go out on a specific northern lights excursion, you might not see them, depending on the conditions or cloud cover. 

Read our Iceland northern lights guide to learn more.

The winter climate in Iceland is generally mild compared to other Northern European countries. That said, the temperature can drop below freezing at times. And the Atlantic winds can make it feel colder than it is. 

You can expect average temperatures between 4°C (39°F) and -1°C (30°F). Throughout winter (October to April), the weather conditions are very changeable, so you could experience rain, snow, sun and cold winds. 

For more information on the local climate, read this guide to Iceland weather conditions

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. Your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit.

Iceland’s winters are chilly although not as cold as you may expect. As you’ll probably spend a lot of time outdoors, we recommend bringing plenty of layers to stay warm and dry.

Here is a recommended winter packing list for your trip to Iceland:

  • Durable insulated jacket, which should be waterproof
  • Robust walking boots with a good grip
  • Mid-layers such as a fleece or woollen jumper
  • A few pairs of warm hiking socks
  • Hat, gloves and scarf
  • Swimwear for visiting geothermal pools or spas
  • Backpack for daily adventures
  • Electronic equipment such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen for exploring in the snow or glacier excursions
  • And don’t forget your camera!
     

For more information, check out this Iceland packing list.

There are limited laundry facilities along the Ring Road and in Iceland’s countryside. Some hotels do offer dry cleaning or laundry services for an additional cost. 

Breakfast at your Iceland accommodations is always included when you travel with Nordic Visitor.  For the rest of your meals, the amount of spending money you need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to. 

That said, we recommend budgeting between 2,000–3,000 ISK for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between 3,000–6,000 ISK. Meanwhile, at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay 7,000 ISK or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

You can get in touch with our Iceland travel experts ahead of your trip if you have any questions. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Iceland Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll email you copies of your travel documents.

When you arrive in Iceland, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Iceland Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Keflavík?

After picking up your luggage, you will be greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall. The driver will hand over your welcome package with hard copies of your travel documents. You’ll then be driven to your hotel in Reykjavík.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2 PM and 4 PM. 

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel so you can start exploring before check-in. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching your transfer to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Icelandic Króna (ISK), the official currency of Iceland. 

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate as issued by the Central Bank of Iceland. This means conversions from ISK to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Reviews

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Caring and knowledgeable guide

It was fairly easy working with Nordic Visitor. The Ring Road tour exceeded our expectations. Our driver was fun, caring and knowledgeable, he thought of the little helpful things and was very good with my 84-year-old mother in law.

Delightful

Our driver, Símon, made the tour delightful.

Accommodation

Relax in top-quality hotels and guesthouses that are highly rated by visitors and handpicked by local travel experts.

Look forward to peaceful stays on your private tour. Each hotel or guesthouse featured on your bespoke itinerary will be conveniently located and have high service standards. Rest assured that you’ll stay in the best possible properties, which have all received excellent reviews from previous customers.

Comfort Plus

In this category, you’ll stay in standard rooms in good quality 3-star hotels. Or, you'll spend the night in similar rooms in rura..

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Superior

With Superior accommodation, you’ll enjoy standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses. You might also stay in superior..

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Vehicle

Be comfortable and enjoy the journey as a passenger in the vehicle of your choosing.

Suburban/Land Cruiser Jeep
or similar

  • x3
  • x5
  • x4
  • A

Suburban/Land Cruiser Jeep
or similar

  • Type: L
  • Description: Full-Size SUV, four wheel drive.
  • Passengers: 1-3

Mercedes Benz Sprinter
or similar

  • x9
  • x4
  • x9
  • A

Mercedes Benz Sprinter
or similar

  • Type: P
  • Description: Comfortable, passenger van
  • Passengers: 1-9

Price per person from

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 1598386 ISK

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