The Grand Iceland Journey
Travelers with time to explore in depth, wanting to combine Iceland's best-known highlights with its most remote regions
An extended exploration of Iceland, combining the Ring Road with the remote Westfjords and the diverse landscapes of Snæfellsnes Peninsula, showcasing the country's remarkable natural diversity. This is Iceland in its fullest form. Combining the country's best-known highlights with some of its least-visited regions, the itinerary offers a comprehensive journey through waterfalls, glaciers, fjords, volcanic landscapes, coastal communities, and remote wilderness areas. Designed for travelers with time to explore in depth, it showcases the remarkable diversity that makes Iceland unique, from its busiest sightseeing routes to some of its quietest corners.
16–20 Days
Self-Drive
Ring Road, Westfjords & Snæfellsnes
The Details
The Route
Starting in Reykjavík, the route follows the South Coast, Eastfjords, and North Iceland before continuing into the Westfjords. The journey then travels south via Snæfellsnes Peninsula before returning to Reykjavík, creating a complete circuit of the country and some of its most rewarding regions.
The itinerary forms a complete loop with no backtracking, combining long-established highlights with the added depth of Iceland's least-visited region.
Highlights
– Full Ring Road journey
– The Westfjords
– Snæfellsnes Peninsula
– Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
– Eastfjords coastal scenery
– Lake Mývatn
– Diamond Circle highlights
– Remote coastal communities
– Dramatic fjord landscapes
– Waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal areas
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Reykjavík
Your Iceland adventure begins in Reykjavík, where colourful streets, coastal views, and Icelandic culture provide the perfect introduction to the journey ahead.
After arriving at Keflavík Airport, collect your rental vehicle and drive to Reykjavík. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the city at your own pace, from the waterfront and old harbour to Hallgrímskirkja Church and the city's vibrant restaurant scene. Reykjavík offers a comfortable starting point before setting out to explore the varied landscapes that await around the country.
Optional Activities
- Sky Lagoon
- Blue Lagoon
- Reykjavík Food Walk
- Whale Watching from Reykjavík
Day 2 – The Wonders of the Golden Circle
Today introduces Iceland's unique blend of history, geology, and natural power.
Travel inland to Þingvellir National Park, where Iceland's first parliament was established and the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates slowly drift apart. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall before heading towards South Iceland, where broad farmlands, glacial rivers, and mountain views begin to shape the landscape.
Optional Activities
- Secret Lagoon
- Laugarvatn Fontana
- Snowmobiling on Langjökull
- Friðheimar Greenhouse Experience
Day 3 – Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches
The South Coast unfolds in a spectacular sequence of waterfalls, glaciers, sea cliffs, and volcanic beaches.
Travel east along one of Iceland's most scenic routes. Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing towards Vík, where Reynisfjara's black sand beach, basalt columns, and dramatic sea stacks showcase the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean. Glacier-capped mountains remain a constant companion throughout the day.
Optional Activities
- Glacier Walk on Sólheimajökull
- Snowmobile Tour
- Lava Show in Vík
- ATV Adventure
Day 4 – Beneath Vatnajökull Glacier
Today brings you into the shadow of Europe's largest glacier, where ice and volcanic landscapes meet.
Continue east through Vatnajökull National Park, passing vast glacial plains and lava fields. Explore the Skaftafell area before arriving at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift slowly towards the sea. Nearby Diamond Beach offers one of Iceland's most striking natural scenes, with glistening ice resting on black volcanic sands.
Optional Activities
- Ice Cave Tour (Winter)
- Glacier Walk
- Zodiac Boat Tour
- Amphibian Boat Tour
Day 5 – Through the Eastfjords
The pace slows as the route enters the winding fjords, fishing villages, and coastal landscapes of East Iceland.
Follow the coastline through a series of dramatic fjords and small communities shaped by the sea. Steep mountains rise directly from the water, while quiet harbours and remote roads create a feeling of discovery rarely found along Iceland's more travelled routes. This is a day where the journey itself becomes the highlight.
Optional Activities
- Vök Baths
Day 6 – From the Eastfjords to North Iceland
Today's drive highlights the transition from coastal fjords to volcanic landscapes and powerful glacial rivers.
Leave the Eastfjords behind and travel north through broad valleys and mountain passes. Along the way, there is the opportunity to detour to Stuðlagil Canyon, where towering basalt columns frame a glacial river below. Further north, Dettifoss waterfall demonstrates the immense power of Iceland's glacial waters before the route continues towards the Lake Mývatn region.
Optional Activities
- Mývatn Earth Lagoon
Day 7 – Volcanic Landscapes of Lake Mývatn
Few places in Iceland showcase volcanic forces as vividly as the landscapes surrounding Lake Mývatn.
Explore geothermal areas, lava formations, volcanic craters, and dramatic viewpoints throughout the region. Námaskarð, Dimmuborgir, and the shores of Lake Mývatn reveal the geological activity that continues to shape the area today, creating one of Iceland's most fascinating natural environments.
Optional Activities
- Mývatn Nature Baths
- Super Jeep Adventure
Day 8 – Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi & the Diamond Circle
The Diamond Circle reveals some of North Iceland's most spectacular and lesser-known natural landmarks.
Visit Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, before continuing to the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon. Shaped by ancient glacial floods, the landscape here is dramatically different from the volcanic terrain around Mývatn. Along the way, enjoy the wide-open spaces and sense of remoteness that define this part of the country.
Day 9 – Fjords, Whales & North Iceland
Today's route combines coastal scenery, vibrant communities, and opportunities to experience Iceland's marine wildlife.
Travel through North Iceland with time to visit Húsavík, renowned for whale watching, and Akureyri, Iceland's northern capital. Surrounded by fjords and mountains, the region offers a balance of culture, nature, and small-town charm before the journey continues westward.
Optional Activities
- Whale Watching
- Geosea Geothermal Baths
- Forest Lagoon
Day 10 – Into the Westfjords
The journey now enters Iceland's most remote and least-visited region, where dramatic fjords and winding coastal roads define the landscape.
Leaving the Ring Road behind, travel towards the Westfjords. The scenery becomes increasingly rugged as mountains plunge into the sea and settlements become fewer and farther between. The region's isolation is part of its appeal, offering visitors a chance to experience Iceland at its most untamed.
Day 11 – Dynjandi & the Heart of the Westfjords
Today's route showcases some of the most iconic scenery in the Westfjords.
Travel through a landscape shaped by glaciers and the sea, stopping at the magnificent Dynjandi waterfall before continuing towards Ísafjörður. Surrounded by steep mountains and deep fjords, the town serves as the cultural and commercial centre of the region while retaining its remote and authentic character.
Optional Activities
- Sea Kayaking
- Guided Walking Tour of Ísafjörður
- Local Food Experience
Day 12 – Exploring the Northern Westfjords
A full day in the Westfjords allows time to experience the region's rugged beauty at a relaxed pace.
Explore remote fjords, quiet fishing villages, and scenic coastal roads where nature dominates the landscape. The region rewards curiosity and flexibility, with hidden viewpoints, birdlife, and dramatic mountain scenery around almost every corner. This is Iceland far from the main tourist routes.
Optional Activities
- Wildlife Boat Tour
- Guided Hiking Excursion
- Sea Kayaking
Day 13 – Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur & Breiðafjörður Bay
The final day in the Westfjords combines some of the region's most remarkable coastal landscapes.
Visit Látrabjarg, one of Europe's largest bird cliffs, before continuing to the golden and red sands of Rauðasandur Beach. Later, travel south towards Breiðafjörður Bay and onward to Snæfellsnes, where a completely new landscape awaits.
Day 14 – Discovering Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Known as "Iceland in Miniature," Snæfellsnes brings together many of the country's most iconic landscapes within a single region.
Explore dramatic coastlines, lava fields, fishing villages, black sand beaches, and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano. Highlights may include Kirkjufell mountain, Arnarstapi's coastal cliffs, and charming coastal communities that showcase the character of western Iceland.
Optional Activities
- Vatnshellir Lava Cave
- Whale Watching
- Sea Kayaking
Day 15 – West Iceland & Return to Reykjavík
The final stage of the journey completes the loop around Iceland while showcasing another side of the country's natural and cultural history.
Travel through Borgarfjörður, where geothermal activity, waterfalls, and saga history have shaped the landscape for centuries. Stops may include Deildartunguhver, Hraunfossar, and Barnafoss before returning to Reykjavík for a final evening in the capital.
Optional Activities
- Krauma Geothermal Baths
- Into the Glacier
- Reykjavík Food Walk
Day 16 – Departure
After sixteen days exploring Iceland's most diverse regions, your journey comes to an end.
Drive to Keflavík Airport and return your rental vehicle before departure. From glacier lagoons and volcanic deserts to remote fjords, coastal villages, and geothermal landscapes, this itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Iceland's extraordinary natural diversity.
Optional Activities
- Blue Lagoon
Additional nights can be incorporated in selected regions, allowing travelers to focus on the areas that interest them most while maintaining a logical route around the country.
Flexibility
This journey can be adapted to suit different travel styles, accommodation levels, and seasonal conditions. Additional nights can be incorporated in selected regions, allowing travelers to focus on the areas that interest them most while maintaining a logical route around the country. Our team will tailor the itinerary to match your timeframe and interests, while maintaining a clear and well-paced route around the country.
Tour Highlights
List of services
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Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss
Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss
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Journey through remote East Fjord villages and dramatic coastlines
Journey through remote East Fjord villages and dramatic coastlines
-
Hike black sand beaches, volcanic canyons, and behind powerful waterfalls
Hike black sand beaches, volcanic canyons, and behind powerful waterfalls
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Soak in geothermal spas like Vök Baths and Mývatn Nature Baths
Soak in geothermal spas like Vök Baths and Mývatn Nature Baths
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Optional adventures: glacier hiking, whale watching, horseback riding & more
Optional adventures: glacier hiking, whale watching, horseback riding & more
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Stay in locally run guesthouses and boutique countryside hotels
Stay in locally run guesthouses and boutique countryside hotels
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Travel with a private guide—your expert for stories, safety, and flexibility
Travel with a private guide—your expert for stories, safety, and flexibility
Tour Highlights
Nature's Symphony
Faces of Humanity
Sands of Time
Beyond Boundaries
Tour Highlights
List of services
-
Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss
Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss
-
Journey through remote East Fjord villages and dramatic coastlines
Journey through remote East Fjord villages and dramatic coastlines
-
Hike black sand beaches, volcanic canyons, and behind powerful waterfalls
Hike black sand beaches, volcanic canyons, and behind powerful waterfalls
-
Soak in geothermal spas like Vök Baths and Mývatn Nature Baths
Soak in geothermal spas like Vök Baths and Mývatn Nature Baths
-
Optional adventures: glacier hiking, whale watching, horseback riding & more
Optional adventures: glacier hiking, whale watching, horseback riding & more
-
Stay in locally run guesthouses and boutique countryside hotels
Stay in locally run guesthouses and boutique countryside hotels
-
Travel with a private guide—your expert for stories, safety, and flexibility
Travel with a private guide—your expert for stories, safety, and flexibility
Questions, custom trip ideas?
We’re here to help.
We’re a small Icelandic team that loves planning unforgettable journeys. Whether you're ready to book, have questions about a tour, or want to build something custom — just reach out. We’ll get back to you quickly with honest answers and expert advice.
- Email: info@valaadventure.is
- Phone: +354 515 1520
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00–17:00 GMT
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