Top Vacation Packages in Iceland

Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index, and has been since 2008. This, along with a low crime rate and modern healthcare system, means Iceland is a safe place to visit.

What’s more, Icelanders are known for their friendly and liberal attitudes, making it a welcoming place for solo, female, and LGBTQ+ travellers.

Learn more about why Iceland is safe to visit and check out this page for recent Iceland travel updates.

Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice because it’s home to glaciers, hot springs, geysers and volcanoes.

While some of these volcanoes are extinct or dormant, others are active. This is because the country sits on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart.

That said, most of these active volcanoes aren’t considered a threat by the Icelandic authorities. And local scientists constantly monitor seismic activity for any signs of a potential eruption.

At Nordic Visitor, we stay informed about volcanic activity, as well as changing weather reports, so you can relax and enjoy your journey. While you’re in Iceland, don’t hesitate to ask the locals for directions or advice either, as they’re used to travellers and tend to be very helpful.

If something does happen during your visit, your dedicated travel consultant will get in touch. Plus, you can call our 24/7 helpline if you need assistance on your trip.

Check out these resources for up-to-date information about any ongoing volcanic activity:

• Iceland volcano update - for updates on volcanic activity from Nordic Visitor’s travel experts
• Icelandic Met Office - for information on seismic activity in Iceland
• Safe Travel Iceland - for any safety alerts

Home to the vibrant capital of Reyjavík, fascinating Nordic culture, and otherworldly landscapes, a trip to Iceland promises to be unforgettable no matter your interests. What’s more, with friendly, English-speaking locals and a good road network, getting around the Land of Fire and Ice is straightforward.

If you love the outdoors, you’ll soon fall for the country’s breathtaking scenery. This is a land of volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls, not to mention a rugged coastline with mighty cliffs and black sand beaches. The best way to explore? Hit the open road with your camera to hand and get ready to make memories.

If it’s culture you’re after, head for Iceland’s towns and the lively capital city of Reyjavík. Here you’ll find a host of interesting museums – some traditional, others quirky. There are also attractions such as Hallgrímskirkja and the Harpa Concert Hall with their impressive nature-inspired architecture.

Plus, Reykjavík is a top spot for trying Icelandic cuisine. You’ll be able to choose from refined tasting menus, food halls serving delicious international dishes, and much-loved local hot dog stands.

What’s more, you’ll get a different experience in the Land of Fire and Ice depending on when you visit. Imagine exploring under the midnight sun in summer and hunting for the northern lights in winter. Uncover the best time to visit Iceland in this guide.

Yes, English is widely spoken in Iceland. In fact, it’s taught as a second language in schools. While you’ll be able to speak English to the locals, we recommend learning a few Icelandic phrases for fun.

Here are some useful ones:

Learn more in this short guide to Icelandic languages and phrases.

The best way to see Iceland depends on the kind of travel experience you’re looking for. Book with Nordic Visitor and you can choose from self-drive, small group, multi-day and privately guided tours of Iceland.

Taking the wheel on a self-drive tour of Iceland will give you the freedom to go at your own pace. You’ll be able to spend as long as you like at attractions and make spontaneous photo stops as you go.

If you’d rather let someone else take care of the driving, choose a small group tour. This means you’ll explore in a group of up to 16 travellers with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. They’ll drive the minibus and share regional history and folklore with you along the way.

A multi-day tour package is another way you could experience the Land of Fire and Ice. Depending on the trip you choose, you’ll usually be based in the buzzing capital of Reykjavík with guided excursions into the surrounding countryside. This is ideal if you’d like to stay in one place during your time in Iceland.

Or go for a privately guided Iceland trip and enjoy the services of your very own guide who shares your interests. Not only will they take you to the must-see spots, but you’ll be able to tailor your trip with your preferred attractions and activities.

The northern lights happen all year round, but you’ll only be able to see this natural phenomenon when it’s dark. Thanks to Iceland’s northerly latitude, this means the winter months of October to April are the best time to chase the aurora borealis here.

With fewer daylight hours at this time of year, you’ll have a better chance of spotting this colourful display.

Delve into this blog for expert advice on the best times and places to see the northern lights. And don’t miss this guide to the aurora in Iceland for more handy tips.

The length of your trip will depend on what you’d like to see and do during your stay in Iceland. For instance, if you want to travel the country’s famous Ring Road, you’ll need at least 1 week in Iceland. This well-maintained road goes around the country connecting many top attractions.

If you’d like to explore at a more leisurely pace, then 10 days to 2 weeks or more is better. This way you’ll have longer to immerse yourself in the local culture and astonishing landscapes.

With more time in Iceland, you could also detour off the Ring Road to discover less-visited spots. Areas like the highlands, Westfjords and Snæfellsnes peninsula are brimming with jaw-dropping landscapes.

That said, as a relatively small country with a walkable capital city, it’s also possible to experience some of Iceland’s highlights in just a few days. Travel Iceland’s Golden Circle route from Reyjavík to see waterfalls, geysers and a stunning national park on the same day.

For a memorable short break or stopover in Iceland, you could also stay in Reykjavík and take day trips to the south coast. Here you can marvel at glacier lagoons, black sand beaches and moss-covered lava fields.

Read this article about how many days you’ll need in Iceland to learn more about the best length of trip for you.

Planning an unforgettable road trip takes time - researching where to stay, what route to follow and which attractions to visit. But book your self-drive tour of Iceland with Nordic Visitor, and we’ll take care of the details for you.

Each of these itineraries has been designed by one of our Iceland experts. They know the best places to go and where to find the top-rated accommodations. Not to mention the most scenic ways to get from A to B.

What’s more, choose us and you’ll get a dedicated travel consultant, based in Reykjavík, to organise your accommodation, rental car and activities. So you’ll be free to relax and look forward to your getaway. You’ll also get a detailed itinerary and travel guide, along with a hand-marked route map, complete with personal recommendations.

For more information, check out this practical guide on how to drive in Iceland and don’t miss this blog on how long it takes to drive around Iceland.

Absolutely! Not only is Iceland a kid-friendly destination, but you’ll find the locals are known for being warm and welcoming.

Plus, with so much to see and do in the Land of Fire and Ice, there’s plenty to keep your family entertained. Imagine getting to see impressive waterfalls, glittering glaciers and active geysers as you explore together.

As well as discovering Iceland’s natural wonders, you could try activities like horseback riding or swimming in geothermal pools. And if you love animals, don’t miss the chance to take your family on a puffin or whale-watching tour.

It’s not all about the outdoors and nature though. There are also world-class museums with interactive exhibits to check out. All of this makes Iceland a stand-out place to visit on a family trip.

For the flexibility of being able to stop whenever you like, opt for a self-drive tour. Plus, you’ll be able to relax knowing that your accommodation, rental car and optional activities are planned for you by a Reyjavík-based expert.

Find out more in this guide to experiencing Iceland with kids.

Yes, you can select an arrival date that suits you when you book a Nordic Visitor tour.

With self-drive, multi-day and privately guided packages, choose the day that works best for you on the trip’s online calendar. Or pick your ideal start date from a list of set departures when you go for a guided small group tour.

Travel in June, July or August if you want to experience Iceland in summer. This is the most popular time of year for visitors, as the days are long and the temperatures are mild.

Or come during the shoulder seasons of spring (May) and autumn (September) to see the top attractions with fewer people around. On the other hand, if you’re hoping to glimpse the northern lights, make sure to come in winter - between October and April.

Once you’ve chosen your ideal tour, you can easily see which dates are available on the trip’s online calendar.

Before booking your package, we recommend checking to see what flights are available. But it’s best to hold off on purchasing flights until after you’ve received a confirmation email from your travel consultant.

By booking your travel package first, you’ll get introduced to your dedicated travel consultant and receive all of your tour information. This means you can make a more informed choice when organising flights in and out of Iceland.

Iceland is packed with must-visit attractions and natural wonders. So planning a trip here can seem endless, especially when you’re also deciding the way you want to travel.

We recommend you start by choosing the time of year you'd like to visit, as this will affect the attractions you can see. For instance, go for a summer vacation in Iceland if you want more daylight for sightseeing. Or pick a winter tour if you’d like to chase the northern lights.

From there, think about whether you want a tour with independence and flexibility (like a self-drive or multi-day tour). On the other hand, you might prefer an escorted tour where you’ll explore in a small group or with your own private guide.

Once you know when and how you’d like to travel, it’s time to start researching and booking local hotels for your trip. This is also a good time to arrange your attraction tickets and passes.

Or you could save yourself a lot of time and hassle by booking your tour with Nordic Visitor instead. Each of our travel experiences has been curated by a local who knows all the best accommodations, attractions and routes. Choose us and we’ll take care of the details so you don’t have to.

With so much to discover in the Land of Fire and Ice, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding what to do. For instance, in the space of a few hours, you could be marvelling at crashing waterfalls, endless lava fields and active geysers.

No matter how you like to travel, these are some of the top experiences to have on your trip to Iceland:

• • Get up close to glaciers, lagoons and ice caves
• • Be blown away by Iceland’s famous waterfalls
• • Chase the northern lights on a winter getaway
• • See striking black sand beaches for yourself
• • Glimpse wildlife like puffins, Arctic foxes and whales
• • Taste Icelandic cuisine in colourful Reyjavík
• • Relax in a natural hot spring or geothermal pool
• • Watch geysers shoot hot water high into the air
• • Discover the volcanic highlands on a guided jeep tour
• • Hike scenic trails in pristine national parks

Get inspired by even more exciting things to do in Iceland.

The cost of your trip to Iceland will vary depending on when you decide to travel, how long you stay for, and whether or not you’d like a guide.

That said, all Nordic Visitor tour packages include your accommodation, local transport and daily breakfast, along with a detailed itinerary and handy travel guides. You’ll also enjoy the services of a dedicated travel consultant who’ll arrange your entire trip for you (excluding flights).

You can see what each tour package comes with by checking the “What’s Included” tab on the website. For instance, you’ll get a rental car, unlimited mileage, and insurance with all self-drive tours.

Meanwhile, all small group and private trips include the services of a professional English-speaking guide. And some dinners are provided on selected small group tours.

Yes, you can customise each of these expert-curated itineraries with additional nights and excursions. Depending on the trip, you’ll also be able to select the type of accommodation that’s best for you.

Once you’ve chosen your ideal tour package, you can browse our range of optional extras when you book online. Or speak to one of our Reykjavík-based travel consultants for personalised recommendations.

Pick one of these self-drive tours of Iceland and you could extend your trip with extra nights at stops along your route. You could also opt to upgrade your rental car.

Another flexible way to travel is with an Iceland multi-day tour package. On these trips, you’ll stay in Reyjavík and take guided tours to spots like the Golden Circle and the stunning south coast. This will let you explore the capital at your own pace while being able to pick the type of excursions and activities you’d like to try.

On small group tours of Iceland, it’s possible to extend your stay with additional nights at either end of the guided portion of the journey. There might also be opportunities to add city walking tours or whale-watching boat trips to your package.

If you’d like to travel with a local guide but want more flexibility, go for a private tour of Iceland. This way, you’ll have your very own knowledgeable driver-guide who’ll take you to top attractions and hidden gems. And because it’s just you and your chosen travel companions, you can stop wherever you like along the way.

The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so you’ll want to be prepared for a variety of conditions no matter when you travel.

Visit in spring, summer or autumn - May to September - and you’ll experience milder and drier weather compared to winter. In fact, June and July tend to be the driest months of the year. But this doesn’t mean you should leave your waterproofs at home, as things can change quickly.

With average spring and autumn temperatures ranging from around 3-10°C (38-50°F) in the Reyjavík area, you’ll also want some cosy layers to hand.

Explore during mid-summer - June, July and August - and you’ll get average temperatures of about 7-14°C (44-58°F). You’ll also encounter a phenomenon known as the midnight sun. This is when it stays light well into the evening.

So at this time of year, you might like to bring an eye mask for sleeping. We also recommend packing sunglasses, suncream and insect repellent.

In the winter months of October to April, you can expect average temperatures of around -3.5-6°C (26-43°F) in southern Iceland. But it’s good to know that it doesn’t usually stay below freezing for long.

Whenever you decide to come to Iceland, layering is the best way to adjust what you’re wearing to suit the changeable weather. Here’s a basic packing list to get you started:

• Walking boots with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Insulated jacket
• Woollen or fleece jumpers
• Thermal base layers
• Warm hat, scarf and gloves
• Thick hiking socks
• Rucksack or day bag
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear

If you’re planning to take a dip in some of Iceland’s geothermal pools or hot springs, don’t forget swimwear and a quick-drying travel towel. You might also want to pack a couple of smarter outfits for dining out in the evening.

For more seasonal tips on what to bring read this Iceland packing guide.