Discover the extraordinary beauty of the North on this 12-day privately guided tour through Iceland and Greenland.
This itinerary combines Iceland’s geothermal marvels, waterfalls, and volcanic terrain with Greenland’s icy fjords, glacial lagoons, and remote Arctic culture. With a private driver-guide in Iceland and expert local hosts in Greenland, you’ll experience both regions with ease, comfort, and flexibility.
From walking behind waterfalls and soaking in natural hot springs to cruising among towering icebergs and visiting traditional Inuit settlements, each day reveals something awe-inspiring. You’ll stay in handpicked accommodations, travel in comfort, and enjoy immersive moments—from whale watching and husky sledding to cultural museum visits and Northern Lights viewing.
Whether you’re a photographer, explorer, or nature lover, this tour offers a curated path through two of the planet’s most spectacular and untouched destinations.
Destinations on Your 12-Day Iceland & Greenland Private Tour
Day 2: Golden Circle Region (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss)
Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls & Beaches
Day 5: Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach
Day 6: Southbound Return Drive
Day 7: South Coast → Reykjavík
Day 8: Reykjavík & Blue Lagoon
Day 11: Ilulissat & Nearby Settlements
Day 12: Return to Reykjavík, Iceland
A note about this tour from our Travel Designer, Silvena
This 12 day combination of Iceland and Greenland is an exciting way to experience two very different yet connected Arctic worlds. You begin in Iceland where waterfalls, geysers, glaciers and volcanic landscapes create constant variety. Then you move to Greenland where icebergs, fjords and Inuit culture add depth and contrast.
I love how this itinerary shows the power of nature in two forms: volcanic fire and glacial ice. What makes it special is the balance between dramatic landscapes and cultural encounters. You experience the scale of the land but also the warmth of communities. For travellers who want a journey that feels both adventurous and rich in story, this two country trip is ideal.
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík – Warm Welcome to the Land of Fire and Ice
Ease into your Icelandic journey with a private arrival and a relaxed afternoon exploring Reykjavík’s cultural heart.
Private Transfer & Hotel Check-In
Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, your personal driver-guide will be waiting to greet you and assist with luggage. Enjoy a comfortable, scenic transfer into Reykjavík, passing volcanic fields and ocean views in your private vehicle. Upon arrival in the city, check in to your handpicked luxury hotel, ideally located for sightseeing and dining.
Your guide will provide a brief orientation of the city layout and tailor suggestions for how to spend your afternoon based on your energy and interests.
Cultural Landmarks of Reykjavík
After settling in, enjoy a leisurely tour of Reykjavík’s highlights with your guide.
Visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church and climb the towers to experience the panoramic views of the colorful rooftops and nearby mountains. Then, stroll along the waterfront to admire the striking Harpa Concert Hall, famous for its geometric glass designs.
Day 2: The Golden Circle – Nature’s Masterclass in Power and Beauty
Venture into Iceland’s rugged interior to witness three of the country’s most iconic natural wonders in one extraordinary day.
Þingvellir National Park – Walk Between Continents
Begin your day with a drive to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the site of the world’s first parliament. Here, your guide will take you on an awe-inspiring journey between the rift valley created by the drifting North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, surrounded by ancient lava fields and crystal-clear blue lakes.
Geysir Geothermal Area – Iceland in Motion
Next, continue to the Geysir geothermal field, where bubbling hot springs are spread throughout the landscape. Watch as Strokkur, the area’s most active geyser, erupts dramatically every few minutes, shooting water high into the air. Your guide will explain the geothermal forces at play and the history behind Iceland’s namesake phenomenon.
Gullfoss Waterfall – The Golden Cascade
End your Golden Circle journey with a visit to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. As you approach the roaring falls, you’ll feel the spray on your face and hear the thunder of glacial meltwater plunging into a canyon. Your guide will lead you to the best viewing platforms and share tales of the site’s dramatic natural and cultural significance.
Optionally, stop for a soak in the Secret Lagoon or enjoy a greenhouse lunch at Friðheimar, where tomatoes grow year-round in geothermal warmth—adding a farm-to-table twist to your day of natural wonder.
Day 3: South Coast Adventures – Waterfalls, Black Beaches & Volcanic Views
Explore Iceland’s dramatic south coast, where thundering waterfalls, otherworldly coastlines, and charming villages await.
Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss – Iconic Icelandic Waterfalls
Begin your day with a private scenic drive along the Ring Road, guided by your driver through volcanic plains and beneath glacier-capped peaks. The first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a graceful ribbon of water cascading 60 meters down a mossy cliff. With your guide, follow the trail behind the waterfall for a one-of-a-kind view through its shimmering veil.
Continue to the nearby Skógafoss, a mighty waterfall known for its photogenic symmetry and misty rainbows. Your guide will take you to the base and, if you’re feeling adventurous, lead you up the stairs to a panoramic view from above. Along the way, learn about local legends and the waterfalls’ roles in Icelandic folklore.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach & Vík Village
Next, visit the famous Reynisfjara beach, with its jet-black sands, roaring Atlantic waves, and towering basalt columns. Your guide will ensure a safe and enriching visit to this wild and mesmerizing stretch of coastline. Gaze out at the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and learn about the myths surrounding them.
Afterward, stop in the quaint coastal village of Vík, where colorful rooftops peek out beneath dramatic cliffs.
As an optional extra for the more adventurous among you, we can arrange a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull or a visit to the interactive LAVA Centre.
Day 4: Glaciers and Icebergs – Vatnajökull’s Frozen Frontiers
Today’s private transfer carries you deeper along Iceland’s dramatic South Coast, where waterfalls give way to vast lava plains and glacier-fed valleys.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Pause at the otherworldly Fjaðrárgljúfur, a serpentine canyon carved by glacial meltwater over millennia.
Walk the marked paths along the rim for sweeping views of moss-draped cliffs and the river winding far below. The play of light and shadow here makes it one of Iceland’s most photographed natural wonders.
Eldhraun Lava Fields
Continuing east, you’ll cross the Eldhraun lava fields, an immense moss-covered expanse created by one of the largest eruptions in human history.
This hauntingly beautiful landscape seems almost lunar, with endless carpets of green stretching toward the horizon. A short stop allows time to absorb the scale and silence of this remarkable natural site.
Exploring Skaftafell
Arrive in Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park and a haven for hikers.
Depending on your energy and interest, choose a short trail to Svartifoss, a graceful waterfall framed by dark basalt columns, or follow a gentler path to a glacier viewpoint overlooking the tongues of Vatnajökull. The area’s mix of woodlands, waterfalls, and icefields makes it one of Iceland’s most scenic stops.
Overnight near Skaftafell.
Day 5: Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach
Today is dedicated to the astonishing landscapes around Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and its black-sand neighbor, Diamond Beach.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Spend your morning at Jökulsárlón, where massive icebergs drift serenely after breaking off from Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier.
Watch the interplay of light on the ice, shades of blue, turquoise, and white, as seals surface in the icy waters.
For those seeking a closer look, optional zodiac or kayak tours allow you to glide among the icebergs, experiencing the lagoon’s quiet majesty up close.
Diamond Beach
Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, where shards of glacial ice wash ashore and glitter against the volcanic black sand.
The beach offers endless photo opportunities, from crystal-clear blocks to ice formations sculpted by waves into surreal shapes.
Return to your base near Skaftafell for a relaxed evening.
Day 6: Southbound Return Drive
Today, you begin your journey westward, giving you the chance to revisit favorite landmarks with your private driver or stop at sights you may have missed on the way east.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík, both charming villages with easy access to the coast and surrounding landscapes.
Take time for a quiet evening walk along the black-sand beach or enjoy dinner featuring local lamb or Arctic char.
Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík.
Day 7: Reykjavík
Today brings you full circle, returning from Iceland’s wild southern landscapes to the cultural heart of Reykjavík.
Scenic Stops Along the Way
Break up the drive with optional detours, such as the Kerið Crater, a striking volcanic caldera filled with aquamarine water, or a Reykjadalur hot spring hike, where a geothermal river winds through a mountain valley, perfect for a natural soak.
Even without detours, the route is filled with waterfalls, cliffs, and coastal views that invite spontaneous photo stops.
Return to Reykjavík
Arriving back in the capital by late afternoon, settle into your hotel for the evening.
Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 8: Reykjavík & Blue Lagoon
Your final full day in Iceland offers a chance to explore Reykjavík at a slower pace.
Beyond the big landmarks, the city reveals its character in its street art, small museums, and cozy cafés. Wander through colorful neighborhoods, browse design boutiques, or step inside galleries and cultural spaces that showcase Iceland’s modern creativity alongside its Nordic heritage.
Relaxation at Blue Lagoon
In the afternoon, leave the bustle of the city behind for a rejuvenating soak at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.
Both are renowned for their geothermal waters, mineral-rich for the skin, and surrounded by lava landscapes or dramatic coastal views. It’s the perfect way to unwind and reflect on your journey through Iceland’s landscapes before continuing north to Greenland.
Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 9: Flight to Ilulissat – Welcome to Greenland’s Ice-Crafted World
Cross into the Arctic frontier as you fly from Iceland to Greenland and settle into the majestic coastal town of Ilulissat.
Flight to Ilulissat & Arctic Arrival
This morning, take a scenic flight from Reykjavík Domestic Airport to the dramatic west coast of Greenland. As your plane descends, Greenland’s stark beauty begins to unfold—an expanse of glistening fjords, jagged mountains, and immense sheets of ice stretching to the horizon. Upon arrival at Ilulissat Airport, your local driver-guide will greet you and transfer you to your comfortable hotel, ideally situated with views of Disko Bay and the surrounding glacial wilderness.
After settling in, join your guide for a short orientation walk through Ilulissat, a small but vibrant town with a strong Inuit identity. Visit the colorful harbor, learn about traditional fishing practices, and discover how local life is intertwined with the rhythms of ice and sea.
Evening Arctic Light Experience
Depending on the season, your evening offers one of two natural spectacles. In summer, guests like to walk along the coastline beneath the midnight sun, casting golden light over the icebergs. In winter months, wrap up warmly and scan the dark skies for a chance to see the Northern Lights dancing above the frozen landscape—an unforgettable introduction to Greenland’s magic.
Day 10: Ilulissat Icefjord Exploration – Icebergs, Heritage & Arctic Adventure
Experience the awe of the Ilulissat Icefjord, where ancient glaciers meet the sea in one of Earth’s most dynamic landscapes.
Boat Tour through Ilulissat Icefjord
Start your day with a private boat tour through the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, where vast icebergs calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and drift silently into the bay. Your local captain and guide will navigate between the towering ice formations, offering breathtaking views and insight into how this natural wonder has shaped both climate science and Inuit tradition.
Photographers and nature lovers alike will find endless inspiration here, as the sheer size, color, and silence of the ice create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Visit to Sermermiut Archaeological Site
Return to land for a guided walk to the Sermermiut Valley, once home to generations of Inuit settlers. Your guide will walk you along a wooden path that leads to ancient ruins, sharing stories of how people once thrived in this harsh environment. The view over the ice fjord from this site is among the most iconic in Greenland.
Optional Arctic Experiences
For those seeking a deeper Arctic experience, consider optional excursions such as kayaking among the icebergs, a traditional Greenlandic pastime, or a helicopter flight over the glacier for unmatched aerial views of the ice fjord and inland ice sheet. Your guide can assist in arranging the experience that suits your sense of adventure.
Day 11: Cultural Immersion in Ilulissat – Stories of Ice and Community
Step beyond the landscapes and into Greenlandic life with cultural encounters that bring meaning to the Arctic environment.
Ilulissat Museum & Inuit Traditions
This morning, join your guide for a private visit to the Ilulissat Museum, housed in the former home of polar explorer Knud Rasmussen. Here, you’ll gain insight into Greenland’s rich history—from Inuit heritage to modern-day challenges and achievements. The museum’s collections trace the lives of hunters, explorers, and the evolving relationship between people and ice.
Your guide will provide context on how Inuit traditions continue to shape daily life and identity in Ilulissat, offering a deeper understanding of the town beyond its spectacular surroundings.
Village Life & Optional Settlements Tour
Continue your day with immersive interactions in local communities. Visit artisans, explore small markets, or join a local family for coffee and conversation about life in the Arctic Circle. If you wish, your guide can arrange a boat or dog sled tour to nearby settlements such as Oqaatsut, where traditional fishing villages still thrive with minimal modern influence.
Day 12: Return to Reykjavík and Departure – A Journey Concludes
Today, board your return flight from Ilulissat to Reykjavík, where your driver will meet you for a comfortable airport transfer or optional overnight stay, depending on your departure schedule. If time allows, enjoy a final walk through the capital or a farewell meal to relive your favorite moments from the trip.
Your guide will assist with any onward travel arrangements and ensure a seamless transition—whether you’re returning home or continuing your exploration of Iceland or the Nordic region.
