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 (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Vík)
Day 4: Vatnajökull National Park & Höfn Area
Day 5: East Fjords (Djúpivogur, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Egilsstaðir)
Day 7: Akureyri & Húsavík (Optional)
Day 8: West Iceland (Hraunfossar, Reykholt) & Return to Reykjavík
Day 11: Ilulissat & Nearby Settlements
Day 12: Return to Reykjavík, Iceland
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
Witness southeast Iceland’s vast, icy landscapes, home to ancient glaciers, sparkling lagoons, and surreal natural sculptures.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve – Ice, Trails & Tranquility
Begin your exploration of Vatnajökull National Park in Skaftafell, a lush valley beneath Iceland’s largest glacier. With your guide, hike through birch groves and lava fields to scenic viewpoints overlooking Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by dark basalt columns. Learn how fire and ice shaped this serene region, and explore the rich biodiversity tucked between glaciers and volcanoes.
Your guide can tailor your Skaftafell experience to your pace and interests—from short scenic walks to more ambitious glacier-edge trails or guided ice-climbing excursions (with advance request).
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Next, continue east to the ethereal Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where massive icebergs drift silently across aquamarine waters.
You’ll have the option of taking a shoreshide walk, or we can arrange a private boat tour for you, venturing out amongst the floating ice for up-close views of nature’s sculpture garden.
Just across the road, explore Diamond Beach, where fragments of glacier ice wash ashore on black sand, glistening like jewels. Your guide will guide you along the shoreline, pointing out photogenic contrasts between ice and lava. End the day with a scenic drive to Höfn, a fishing town known for its lobster and glacier views, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing evening and overnight stay.
Day 5: East Fjords Discovery – Remote Beauty & Coastal Traditions
Travel through Iceland’s serene East Fjords, where quiet fishing villages and dramatic seascapes reveal a slower, more personal side of the country.
Fishing Villages of Djúpivogur & Fáskrúðsfjörður
Departing from Höfn, your private guide will lead you through the meandering roads of Iceland’s East Fjords, a region of towering mountains, mirrored fjords, and sleepy coastal hamlets. Your first stop is Djúpivogur, a charming harbor town known for its slow-living philosophy and striking outdoor art installations like the Eggin í Gleðivík (The Eggs of Merry Bay).
Continue north to Fáskrúðsfjörður, a village with a unique French maritime heritage. Once a hub for French fishermen, the town is now home to restored 19th-century buildings and a fascinating museum. Walk the waterfront with your guide and learn how these communities were shaped by the sea and sustained by isolation.
Petra’s Stone Collection & Arrival in Egilsstaðir
Before reaching your overnight stop, visit Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður. This beloved folk museum showcases thousands of minerals, crystals, and local stones lovingly gathered by Petra Sveinsdóttir over a lifetime. Your guide will share her story and highlight the geological diversity that defines this region.
Arrive in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, nestled beside Lake Lagarfljót. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by forests and fjords.
Day 6: Lake Mývatn and Northern Wonders – Geology, Lava & Tranquility
Today’s journey takes you into one of Iceland’s most geologically active and visually fascinating regions—Lake Mývatn, where bubbling mud pots and lunar-like landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see.
Námaskarð Pass, Krafla Crater & Dimmuborgir Lava Fields
Your guide will begin the day with a visit to Námaskarð Pass, where sulfur vents and steaming fumaroles paint the Earth in vibrant yellows and reds. Feel the heat of Iceland’s geothermal core under your feet and witness the Earth in raw, primal motion.
Continue to Krafla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanic areas, where you can walk along the rim of a vast crater and learn about the powerful eruptions that have shaped the landscape. Then, explore the otherworldly Dimmuborgir lava fields—twisted pillars and caves formed by ancient lava flows and steeped in Icelandic myth.
Mývatn Nature Baths
As the day winds down, soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a serene alternative to the Blue Lagoon. Relax in warm, mineral-rich waters while gazing over volcanic terrain—a perfect way to end a day of exploration.
Day 7: Akureyri and Whale Watching – Culture, Color & Arctic Wildlife
Experience the charm of Iceland’s northern capital and the thrill of spotting whales in one of the world’s best marine-watching destinations.
Scenic Drive to Akureyri
Start your day with a private drive westward toward Akureyri, traveling through sweeping valleys and fjords. Along the way, your guide will point out scenic stops and hidden gems, including turf-roofed farms and glacial rivers. As you descend into Eyjafjörður fjord, Akureyri’s colorful buildings and harbor views contrast the surrounding mountains.
Akureyri City Highlights
Once in Akureyri, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the town’s highlights, starting with the striking Akureyrarkirkja Church, designed by Guðjón Samúelsson.
Visit the beautifully curated Botanical Gardens, home to over 7,000 species of plants, both native and exotic. Stroll through charming streets lined with cafés, bookstores, and galleries, and enjoy lunch in one of the town’s vibrant eateries.
Whale Watching in Húsavík (Optional)
In the afternoon, you may opt for a guided excursion to Húsavík, about an hour away, renowned as Iceland’s whale-watching capital. Board a traditional oak boat and set off in search of humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and even blue whales during peak season. Your guide can arrange this tour in advance, including private or semi-private options for a more intimate wildlife experience. Return to Akureyri for your overnight stay in a boutique hotel.
Day 8: West Iceland and Return to Reykjavík – Waterfalls, Hot Springs & Saga History
Travel back to Iceland’s capital through the diverse landscapes of West Iceland, where natural wonders and rich history combine for a compelling final leg of your journey.
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
Your first stop is the enchanting Hraunfossar, a series of delicate waterfalls that seem to flow straight out of a lava field. Just a short walk upstream, visit the turbulent Barnafoss, where icy blue water surges through a narrow gorge. Your guide will share the folklore and geologic stories behind these unique falls.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Next, visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Witness boiling water bubbling from the Earth at an astonishing rate. Learn how this natural powerhouse supplies hot water to nearby towns and fuels Iceland’s impressive geothermal energy system.
Historic Site of Reykholt
Conclude your westward journey with a visit to Reykholt, once home to the legendary 13th-century scholar and writer Snorri Sturluson. Explore the medieval church, geothermal pool, and museum that honor his legacy. Your guide will bring the stories of Iceland’s sagas to life before continuing to Reykjavík, where you’ll spend your final night.
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.
