Guide to tours

Tours come in different shapes and sizes. You can explore on a self-guided experience where you're given a great framework. Or you can go on a guided tour which is conveniently curated and filled with expert knowledge. Either way, going on a tour is the best way to see the best of what Iceland has to offer.

Tour benefits

Sometimes planning a vacation can feel like you need another vacation just to get over the stress of research, decision-making, and booking the trip. This can be especially true when the destination has a lot to offer; and when your hopes for exploration are equally ambitious. You may find that planning a visit to Iceland fits this criteria. There are so many different experiences to be had, and things to see. In saying this, Iceland attracts travelers far and wide, so there are plenty of resources and information available to people who ‘want to go it alone’. But for those of you who want convenience, comfort, expertise and safety, a tour of Iceland might be the way to go.

Tours can be very convenient, as they often include transportation, accommodation, and other amenities. If you choose a guided tour, they are often led by experienced local guides who can provide insights and information that can help you get a deeper understanding of the culture and history of the places you are visiting. They are also a fantastic resources for tips and tricks when traveling around or dining out. For solo travelers, or first-time visitors, the structure and organization can offer a sense of comfort and safety in unfamiliar surroundings. Though Iceland is considered a very welcoming and safe country, the weather and landscape does require an additional degree of consideration and care, which tour providers can help with.

Choosing a tour

There is something for everyone in Iceland, so it is important to pick a tour that meets your needs. Before you can do that, think about what type of experience you want to have. Are you interested in Iceland’s arts and culture, nature, food, or adventure? Perhaps all of the above. Therefore, by starting with the type of experience you want to have, you can start narrowing in on tour providers that offer an itinerary that matches your interests and priorities.

Next, consider what type of traveler you are. Are you someone who wants to travel your own way, in your own time, alone or in the company of friends? Or are you someone who prefers expert guidance and structure, or perhaps you’re traveling to meet new people. Your travel companion, or lack thereof, is also a factor at this point; can you depend on yourself or each other, or does the size of the traveling group make it hard to agree on day-to-day decisions. Reflecting on these points will lead you to consider whether you prefer a guided tour planned, booked and run by experts on the ground, or a self-guided tour that gives you an itinerary and you can execute your own experience.

Finally, the price and reputation of the tour company is likely to be the deciding factor. In Iceland there are various well-known, and long-standing tour companies with great reputations, so if they have what looks like the same level of inclusions, ultimately you may need to decide based on which you consider the best value for money, or the best booking terms such as cancellation policies. This has become a more important factor in our post-Covid world.

Tour companies in Iceland

There is a wide range of tour providers that operate in Iceland to deliver all types of itineraries and experiences. Remember to reflect on your needs and preferences, as this will ultimately help you find the right tour company match. Here are some of the most popular tour companies in Iceland:

Arctic Adventures

Arctic Adventures is a tour provider based in Reykjavik, Iceland, that offers a variety of adventure tours and activities throughout the country. Arctic Adventures is known for its emphasis on adventure and outdoor activities. It is a popular among travelers looking for an active and exciting trip to Iceland. Some of the tours and activities offered by Arctic Adventures include:

Day tours

Arctic Adventures offers a range of day tours, including hiking, caving, rafting, and snorkeling. These tours range from 4-10 hours in length and often include stops at popular destinations such as the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Activity tours

Arctic Adventures also offers a variety of activities, such as: hiking and trekking tours, caving Vatnajökull ice cap and Víðgelmir, rafting, snorkeling Silfra fissure and Thingvellir National Park, horse riding, glacier climbing, and snowmobiling.

Multi-day tours

Arctic Adventures has a number of well-curated multi-day tours, including: the Classic Circle tour is a 4-day tour (Golden Circle, the South Coast, and the Vatnajökull ice cap), the Northern Lights tour is a 3-day tour, the Icelandic Highlands tour is a 4-day tour (Landmannalaugar, Thorsmork, and Skaftafell National Park), and the Ultimate Iceland tour is a 5-day tour. Multi-day tours includes accommodation, meals, and transportation. In general, multi-day tours with Arctic Adventures tend to be small groups, with an average size of around 10-20 people. This allows for a more personalized and intimate experience, with more opportunities for interaction with the guide and other travelers. Some tours may have a minimum group size, while others may have a maximum group size.