Iceland Only ground transport Tours & Trip Packages

Iceland Only ground transport Tours & Trips

327 Iceland trips. Tours from 127 tour companies. 504 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

173 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Only ground transport
Highlights of north Iceland
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Akureyri, Lake Myvatn, Reykjavík

Highlights

  • Tour the volcanic Krafla region of Lake Mývatn on a private tour with a local geologist.
  • Search for humpback whales and fish for cod in Eyjafjörður on a traditional Icelandic fishing boat.
  • Explore the pretty fishing villages that line the Troll Peninsula, close to the Arctic Circle.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

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Intergenerational Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss, Reykjavík, Thingvellir National park

Highlights

  • Ride a snowcat to the top of Vatnajokull, Iceland’s largest glacier.
  • Discover amazing geological features like the Gullfoss waterfall, the Great Geysir and the Blue Lagoon.
  • Meet Icelandic families and enjoy home-cooked meals daily, sampling specialties like lamb, fresh fish and berry-topped skyr.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Old Meets New: An Extraordinary Crossing, Amsterdam to New York City
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Ellis Island, Thingvellir National park

Highlights

  • With a Road Scholar expert, stroll Amsterdam’s arched bridges and watery passageways to 100-year-old Albert Cuyp Market and sample stroopwafel, a signature Dutch syrup waffle.
  • From Reykjavik, a field trip into central Iceland unveils the jewel of Thingvellir national park, the world’s best and most fascinating example of continental drift.
  • In New York City, experience Ellis Island, where 40 percent of U.S. citizens can trace an ancestor’s arrival, explore the Met, see a Broadway show or walk architect Frederick Law Olmsted’s gem — Central Park.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Fire and Ice: A Circumnavigation of Mystical Iceland
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Blue Lagoon, Lake Myvatn, Vatnajökull National Park

Highlights

  • Observe and photograph local birds and whales from close proximity.
  • See "Pompeii of the North" — a volcanic crater and houses half-buried from the volcanic eruption of 1973.
  • At the rejuvenating waters of the Blue Lagoon, learn about its geological and man-made history.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Dramatic Iceland by Foot and by Sea: A Circumnavigation
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Blue Lagoon, Lake Myvatn, Reykjavík, Skaftafell National Park, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Thingvellir National park

Highlights

  • Walk to Gullfoss waterfall and learn why the threat of a landowner’s daughter, Sigríður Tómasdottir, to plunge into the Gullfoss turned it into a natural treasure.
  • At the magnificent glacier Lagoon of Jökulsarlon, float past magnificent icebergs in a specially equipped boat and hike the extraordinary lava fields of Berserkjahraun.
  • Swim in the rejuvenating waters of Blue Lagoon and visit the site of the first Icelandic parliament at Thingvellir National Park.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Glaciers, Geysers, Volcanoes & Elves: An Epic Family Voyage Around Iceland
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss, Lake Myvatn, Reykjavík, Skaftafell National Park, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Thingvellir National park, Vatnajökull National Park

Highlights

  • See Europe’s largest glacier and take a boat excursion through icebergs on a glacier lagoon.
  • Witness the aftermath of a volcanic eruption on the island of Heimaey.
  • Discover incredible natural formations like Gullfoss (“Golden Waterfall”) and Geysir and take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Land of Fire & Ice: Iceland With Your Grandchild
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Blue Lagoon

Highlights

  • Ride a glacier vehicle to the top of Langjokull, Iceland’s second largest glacier
  • Discover amazing geological features like the Gullfoss waterfall, the Great Geysir and the Blue Lagoon
  • Meet Icelandic families and enjoy home-cooked meals daily, sampling specialties like lamb, fresh fish and berry-topped skyr

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Walking and Hiking in South Iceland: The Drama of Nature
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss, Skaftafell National Park, Thingvellir National park

Highlights

  • Learn about Iceland’s energy source at a geothermal power plant.
  • Explore Skaftafell National Park, which spans three glaciers on the southern edge of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest icecap.
  • Soak in a naturally heated river in the colorful, volcanic Landmannalaugar region.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Iceland Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
504  Reviews
See all Iceland tour reviews
Excellent
324
Great
89
Average
22
Disappointing
4
Terrible
3
A

Ankur

Mar 2024

Written on

Our trip to Iceland was absolutely stunning and Charlie the Traveler curated an amazing and adventurous trip for us that kept in mind all of the attractions that were on our list and many other gems this beautiful country has to offer.

Our trip to Iceland was absolutely stunning and Charlie the Traveler curated an amazing and adventurous trip for us that kept in mind all of the attractions that wer...

L

Laurie Nelson

Feb 2023

Written on

My husband and I had an excellent trip to Iceland this January.

My husband and I had an excellent trip to Iceland this January. Our hotels, itineraries, and travel were all taken care of, which made our vacation so much more enjo...

F

Francine R.

Feb 2023

Written on

Booking a tour with CharlieTheTraveler was very easy.

Booking a tour with CharlieTheTraveler was very easy. My trip to Iceland went off without any issues and that’s all to the company’s organization. The tour guide the...

L

Linda Keira

Feb 2023

Written on

This trip to Iceland perfectly captured all the natural wonders of the country.

This trip to Iceland perfectly captured all the natural wonders of the country. I am so glad I went with CharlieTheTraveler, as they were organized and planned a var...

L

Laurie Nelson

Feb 2023

Written on

My husband and I had an excellent trip to Iceland this January.

My husband and I had an excellent trip to Iceland this January. Our hotels, itineraries, and travel were all taken care of, which made our vacation so much more enjo...

Write a Review

Iceland Tour Selection Trips

  • Prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Iceland with these essential travel tips. From navigating the unpredictable weather to maximizing your experiences, these insights will help ensure a smooth and memorable journey:

    Layer clothing to prepare for Iceland's ever-changing weather.

  • Rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle for exploring remote areas and rough terrain.

  • Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak seasons.

  • Stay hydrated and carry snacks, as amenities can be sparse in some areas.

  • Respect nature and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve Iceland's pristine environment.

  • Check road conditions and weather forecasts regularly, especially in winter.

  • Pack waterproof gear, including sturdy hiking boots and rain jackets.

  • Embrace the midnight sun in summer by adjusting your sleep schedule accordingly.

  • Keep emergency supplies, such as blankets and flashlights, in your vehicle.

  • Download offline maps and essential apps for navigation and communication.

  • Ensure your trip is long enough to see the northern lights, as you may need a few days to get the best conditions. 

Additional details

Iceland Tours tend to focus on the outdoors and active travel. You’ll be outside a lot, and in the elements. This doesn’t mean all tours in Iceland are about hard adventure though. It’s very possible to find tours that take it slow, use more comfortable modes of transportation, and partake in “easier” physical activity.

Iceland is home to numerous natural attractions, several national parks, waterfalls, lagoons, caves, volcanoes, and beaches. Most of these attractions have several ways they can be enjoyed making choosing your Iceland tour as much about the time of year as about the type of physical activity you’re looking for.

Choosing When to Tour Iceland

Visiting Iceland is very different in the summer vs the winter. In the summertime, you have extended sunlight, and the opportunity for more outdoor activity. It never gets overly warm in Iceland. Summer will be cool, and sometimes rainy, so be sure to bring lightweight jackets, long pants, and shoes that can get muddy. One of the biggest draws of Iceland in summer is the Midnight Sun, which occurs on June 21.

In the winter, the main draw is the Northern Lights! Planning to see the Northern Lights is tough because they don’t appear on a schedule - sometimes the fog doesn’t cooperate and they remain shrouded. But a tour in Iceland will help increase your chances of seeing the amazing aerial light show.

What languages are spoken in Iceland?

The national language in Iceland is Icelandic, an ancient Norse language that has changed little from its original forms, and remains one of the oldest spoken languages in Europe. However, it is also very common for Icelanders to speak English and Danish (which are required throughout school) and other European languages.

What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The Aurora Borealis can be seen in Iceland throughout the winter, from October to April. However, the best sightings occur between December and February, and when there are no clouds.

What do I need to know about Iceland?

One of the first things to know about Iceland is that it is one of the world’s hotspots of geothermal activity. This is how the country got its nickname, the Land of Fire and Ice. You can find volcanoes all over Iceland, but only some of them remain active. These volcanoes make their presence known through the various hot springs and lava fields of the country. The only thing that makes them more beautiful is how they are contrasted by the many stunning glaciers.  

Over Tourism in Iceland - is it a problem?

The short answer is yes, over tourism has begun affecting popular destinations around the world. Iceland is a very good case study. A rapid boom in popularity based on media influences (such as Game of Thrones) has caused the country to have to deal with a massive influx of tourists.

One of the most effective ways to address over tourism is actually to visit Iceland on a tour. This way of travel not only introduces you to destinations inaccessible to solo tourists but also creates safeguards against being overly harmful to the landscape. You’ll learn about the country from an experienced guide, and have a great time.  

If your speed is more adventure focused, worry not. There are plenty of Iceland tour operators suited to you! Hike on lava fields, strap on some ice shoes and climb a glacier, and off-roading to explore Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.  

Because Iceland has grown massively in popularity in recent years, over-tourism has been a hot button issue - particularly considering the many fragile ecosystems the country has. There are a number of Iceland specific operators, as well as global operators that feature tours to Iceland - and traveling with a tour is one way to help reduce your carbon footprint.

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