Iceland Tours November 2024

Iceland Travel Guide

Iceland Tours Things To Do

• 
  Take a Dip in the Blue Lagoon

  Pricey? Yes. Touristy? You bet. But Iceland's world-famous geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon, is popular for a reason. The ethereal blue waters contrast starkly with the surrounding black lava fields, and the roiling clouds of steam make it a dreamy setting for a few hours of relaxation. The mineral-rich waters can do wonders for your skin. And if you're in the mood for some pampering, there's a world-class spa onsite with a range of treatments on offer.

  You Should Know

  The Blue Lagoon is located near the airport, about 35 minutes from Reykjavik. It's open year-round and the water temperature is maintained at a perfect 39C (102F). As Iceland's most popular attraction, the Blue Lagoon does sell out every day. Pre-booking is required. In the busy tourist season, you may need to book weeks in advance.

• 
  See the Northern Lights

  Marooned at the top of the world, on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the remotest places on the planet, which makes it one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). This otherworldly display of colorful, dancing lights occurs when particles from the sun become trapped in the earth's magnetic field. The sight of unbelievable colors moving across the Arctic sky in a celestial ballet is sure to remain imprinted on your memory forever.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Peak Northern Lights viewing season is September to March when the long, dark nights extend for up to 20 hours a day. A full moon can drown out the lights and spoil the show, so plan your Northern Lights hunt accordingly. The display is brighter and stronger close to the spring and autumn equinoxes on March 21 and September 21, respectively.

• 
  Discover the Beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula

  Extending 55 miles into the Atlantic Ocean on Iceland's west coast, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Icelandic scenery and culture. Towering basalt cliffs formed by ancient lava, natural mineral springs heated by geothermal energy, golden sand beaches with resident seal colonies, and tranquil fishing villages with colorful wooden houses make the peninsula a feast for the eyes. You'll find yourself reaching for your camera at every turn.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The summer months will reward you with nearly constant daylight and pleasant weather. But visiting in the winter gives you the chance to see the landscape draped in snow and to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

• 
  Marvel at the Skogafoss Waterfall

  Fed by two glaciers, the Skogafoss waterfall is a magnificent veil of water that plummets nearly 200 feet, enveloping visitors in clouds of spray. Legend has it that a Viking named Thrasi hid a chest of gold under the falls. One young man almost succeeded in retrieving it, they say, but came away with only the ring of the chest handle, which now decorates the door of the church in Skogar. The river below the falls is rich in salmon and is a popular spot for local fishermen in the summer.  

  You Should Know

  Skogafoss is about a two-hour drive from Reykjavik. There is no entrance fee to visit the falls (it's free). You can climb to the top of the falls for stunning views, but the nearly 500 steps can be quite steep in places.

• 
  Hike the Vatnajökull Glacier

  The mighty Vatnajökullglacier is 3,000 square miles of jagged mountains, deep crevasses, and giant icebergs floating in glacial lagoons. The majestic scenery is best explored on a guided hike where you'll have a chance to see the glacial sculptures up close and experience the raw power of this natural wonder.  

  You Should Know

  There are hikes to suit every fitness level, including fairly easy walks. The guides will provide ice crampons to attach to your hiking boots. You should wear warm, waterproof clothing and hiking boots that have a thick sole and cover your ankles. The crampons cannot be attached to normal shoes and hiking boots may be available to rent. The price of the hiking tour typically includes the services of an expert guide and safety equipment (helmet, crampons, ice axe).

• 
  Explore the Eastfjords

  Don't fancy elbowing your way through a crowd to glimpse a famous waterfall? Ditch the popular Golden Circle and Ring Road routes and head to the Eastfjords instead. This relatively undiscovered part of Iceland has a fairytale-like atmosphere. It's a treasure trove of spectacular scenery with snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. The tranquil and picturesque village of Seyðisfjörður, with its multicolored wooden houses, will charm you with its relaxed atmosphere and artistic vibe.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Summer is the best season to go to the Eastfjords. You can arrive in Seyðisfjörður on a ferry that sails the majestic 17-km fjord. If you're planning to stay overnight, book accommodation well in advance.

• 
  Visit Lake Myvatn

  This shallow lake, surrounded by wetlands, is one of Iceland's most ecologically diverse areas. The jagged lava rocks are home to an abundance of birdlife, especially in the summer months when migratory birds come calling. Visit Krafla Caldera, a beautiful crater lake, or stroll the Hofdi Lakeside Walk, which presents a dramatically different landscape of forested areas and lush pastures.  

  You Should Know

  Myvatn means midge in Iceland, referring to the small flying insects (midges or Icelandic black flies) that infest the area in the warmer months. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on the unique beauty of the area. Just come prepared with insect repellant and a protective net for your face.

• 
  Get Close to Nature in Siglufjörður

  It is Iceland's northernmost town with a population of less than 1,500. The small fishing village of Siglufjörður is an area of spectacular natural beauty. The mountains and fjords create a majestic backdrop for an endless stream of outdoor activities, including golfing, swimming, hiking, and skiing. The town also has a flourishing cultural scene with museums, galleries, workshops, and a variety of restaurants.  

  You Should Know

  Siglufjörður sits on the Troll Peninsula, Iceland's best-kept ski secret. Imagine ski runs stripped of restaurants, boundary ropes, and other skiers. And you can go heli-skiing long after the season is over in the Rockies and the Alps. The area has many steep runs to challenge experienced skiers, but it's not suitable for beginners.

Iceland Tour Packages

• Summer - July to August - Best Season

  The best and most popular time to visit Iceland is in the summer, when the sun rises at 3 a.m. and sets around midnight, giving you 20+ hours of daylight. The weather is moderate with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s. July and August are peak tourist season, so be prepared for crowds at the popular attractions if you visit during these months.

• Winter - October to March - Good Season

  In the winter season, which extends from October to March, the days are short and precipitation peaks, with the southern and western parts of the island receiving the maximum rainfall. However, despite the country's name, Icelandic winters are not bitterly cold owing to the warming influence of the North Atlantic currents. But December has excellent conditions for viewing the Northern Lights if that's on your bucket list. You can also make major savings on airfare, accommodation, and activities in the offseason and the crowds are much thinner at popular attractions.

Iceland Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Iceland tours?

  Iceland tours are escorted group holidays that give you the chance to see all that the country has to offer without getting caught up in the logistics of arranging accommodation and transportation. It's a great value vacation, keeping in mind that accommodation and gas in Iceland can be quite expensive. You don't have to bother with driving or risk getting lost. All you have to do is sit back and soak in the panorama unfolding before you. What's more, Iceland tours give you the chance to meet and enjoy the company of other like-minded travelers.

• What’s included on Iceland tours?

  Land-only packages include accommodation, transportation, most meals, and sightseeing at many top attractions in Iceland. Air-inclusive packages include all this plus round-trip airfare from a US hub. An escorted Iceland tour includes the services of an experienced tour guide who will give you tons of interesting information about the places you're visiting. They will also be on hand to help with suggestions for optional activities and restaurant recommendations, etc. 

• What’s the best Iceland tour?

  Iceland will look very different depending on what time of the year you're visiting. You can come back again in a different season and see a completely new country. If the Northern Lights are a big attraction for you, these are best viewed in the dark winter months. If you want the benefit of long days and moderate weather, then a summer Iceland tour is your best bet.

• How much do Iceland tours cost?

  The cost of Iceland tours is heavily season-dependent. In the summer, you can expect to pay around $300 per person per day. In the winter, you might be able to snag a bargain at $100 per person per day. To see the incredible diversity of the island, we recommend a 9- to 11-day Iceland tour.