10-Day Iceland Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Iceland tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineIceland travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Iceland, incl. Reykjavik and Akureyri

  A comprehensive 10-day Iceland circuit spans 17 cities, from Thingvellir National Park to Kirkjufell mountain. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Dimmuborgir's lava formations, and whale watching in Hauganes highlight the journey. Includes 9 nights' accommodation with private bathrooms.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival and Reykjavik

    After landing at Keflavik Airport, take the 45-minute shuttle to Reykjavik. "Book the Blue Lagoon for your arrival day—it's the perfect jet lag cure and just 20 minutes from the airport," suggests a recent visitor. Important: Book Blue Lagoon tickets at least 2 weeks before your trip, especially during summer.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Golden Circle and South Coast

    Get to Thingvellir National Park by 9 AM to avoid crowds. Visit Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall afterward. Spend day 3 on the South Coast seeing Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. A visitor tip: "Don't miss walking behind Seljalandsfoss, but bring a waterproof jacket—you'll get soaked!"

    
  • Day 4

    Glacier Region

    Take the morning boat tour at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The 9:30 AM departure offers the calmest water conditions. Visit Diamond Beach next, where according to one traveler, "The contrast between black sand and blue icebergs makes for incredible photos, especially in morning light."

    
  • Days 5-6

    East Fjords and North Iceland

    Travel through the East Fjords to Lake Mývatn. Make time for Stuðlagil Canyon but prepare for the 239-step descent. Visit Námaskarð geothermal area early in the day. One visitor suggests: "Pack clothes you don't mind getting sulfur smell on—it lingers!"

    
  • Day 7

    Akureyri and Whale Watching

    Spend the day in Akureyri and go whale watching in Hauganes. A recent guest reports: "The small fishing village setting made this more authentic than larger whale tours. We saw multiple humpbacks within 30 minutes."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    Visit Kirkjufell mountain, black sand beaches and volcanic sites. Go early morning or evening to get the best experience. "The wind here can be intense—bring layers even in summer," warns one traveler.

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Reykjavik

    Plan for a 3-hour drive back to Reykjavik. Stop at Hraunfossar waterfall if time allows. For evening flights, consider visiting the Blue Lagoon. They offer luggage storage for about $5.

    

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• 10 Days in Iceland, incl. Ring Road and Golden Circle

  The complete Ring Road tour showcases 25 unique locations, from Keflavik to Blue Lagoon. Deildartunguhver hot spring, Snæfellsnes Peninsula's seal colonies, and Strokkur geyser eruptions highlight the route. Includes stays at 3-star hotels like Hotel Hamar and Fosshotel Núpar, with daily breakfast and premium vehicle insurance.

  

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  • Day 1

    Keflavik to West Iceland

    Pick up your rental car at Keflavik Airport and start your adventure. Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. Stop at the historic site of Reykholt, then continue to the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. A recent traveler shared: "We had a well planned self drive around Iceland. Every question I had beforehand and during the trip was quickly responded to."

    
  • Day 2

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    Visit the "Hidden Gem" of Iceland. Start at Ytri Tunga Beach to spot seals, then explore the coastal cliffs of Arnarstapi. Make sure to see Kirkjufell Mountain, famous from Game of Thrones. Visit Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in late afternoon when crowds are smaller and lighting is perfect for photos.

    
  • Day 3

    Troll Peninsula

    Head north to see the unique Hvitserkur rock formation. You can add activities like whale watching in Eyjafjörður bay or try the Beer Spa experience. Winter travelers should focus on reaching Akureyri since daylight is limited from October to March.

    
  • Day 4

    North Iceland

    Start your day in Akureyri and visit Goðafoss waterfall on your way to Lake Mývatn. Check out the strange landscape of the Hverir geothermal area. If you're traveling in summer, get to Dettifoss before 10 AM to avoid crowds. Stay overnight in Egilsstaðir.

    
  • Day 5

    The Eastfjords

    Drive through scenic fjords and look for wild reindeer. Summer visitors should stop at Borgarfjörður höfn to see puffins between June and August. The Viking village near Vestrahorn mountain is great for photos, especially at sunset.

    
  • Days 6-7

    South Coast

    Begin at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Book boat tours ahead of time in busy seasons. Visit Diamond Beach early for the best experience. See Reynisfjara black sand beach but stay safe from the waves. Don't miss Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. You can also book a glacier hike at Sólheimajökull.

    
  • Day 8

    Golden Circle

    Visit Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir area. Try to see Strokkur geyser early or late to avoid crowds. A previous visitor noted: "There are so many places to see and explore each day, and it makes for long days with late arrivals at the hotels."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Reykjavik & Departure

    Use Day 9 to explore Reykjavik. See Hallgrímskirkja church and walk around the harbor area. Book the Blue Lagoon for your final day, preferably early morning before your flight since it's close to the airport.

    

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• 10 Days in Iceland, incl. Reykjavik and Akureyri

  A spectacular route links 8 major cities across Iceland, from Reykjavik to Akureyri. Key highlights include Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Dettifoss waterfall, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Accommodations include stays at Hótel Klettur and Sel Hótel Myvatn.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Reykjavik & Golden Circle

    Start in Reykjavik by visiting Hallgrímskirkja church and Harpa concert hall. Want to avoid crowds at the Blue Lagoon? Book your visit for early morning if you arrive on an early flight. For the Golden Circle, leave Reykjavik by 8:30 AM to get ahead of tour buses at Thingvellir National Park. You can stand right between continental plates here. Watch Strokkur geyser erupt 2-3 times. The show happens every 5-10 minutes. Last stop is Gullfoss waterfall. You'll want waterproof gear since the spray reaches far.

    
  • Days 3-4

    South Coast & Eastern Fjords

    Head east to Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. The paths get slippery, so good hiking boots are essential. Next is Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Try to arrive late afternoon for the best photos. Stay nearby and visit again at sunrise before crowds arrive. The Eastern Fjords drive takes 5-6 hours. Take extra time for stops along the winding coastal road. Look for thousands of swans in Alftafjordur during late summer.

    
  • Days 5-6

    North Iceland & Lake Myvatn

    The Lake Myvatn area looks like another planet with its lava formations and mud pots. Take the 45-minute Dimmuborgir hike early before the wind picks up. In Akureyri, go whale watching (March-October) or visit the botanical garden, the world's northernmost.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    Drive along the Troll Peninsula coast. Take a swim in the Hofsos infinity pool for amazing fjord views. On Snæfellsnes, stay near Kirkjufell mountain. Visit the black sand beach at Djúpalónssandur at low tide to spot old shipwrecks.

    
  • Days 9-10

    West Iceland & Return

    Check out the western peninsula's coast and lava fields. The black church at Búðir looks best in early morning light. Back in Reykjavik, spend time shopping on Laugavegur street.

    

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