The Great Icelandic Journey
In summary
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Sports
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Duration11 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationEurope / Iceland
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions293.4 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
The Grand Icelandic Journey invites you to discover Iceland in all its diversity on an 11-day guided tour in a small, French-speaking group. From the famous Golden Circle to the wild fjords of the East, passing through the spectacular South Coast, the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, the volcanic landscapes of Lake Mývatn, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this trip offers a comprehensive overview of the country's natural wonders. You will explore majestic waterfalls, black sand beaches, volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields, and exceptional geothermal sites, all while enjoying the unique light of the Icelandic summer. Accompanied by an experienced French-speaking guide, you will also discover the history, culture, and traditions of this fascinating island. With a maximum of 25 participants, this tour fosters a friendly atmosphere and a relaxed pace, ideal for an authentic immersion in the heart of Iceland's vast landscapes.
The highlights
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The grand tour of Iceland in 11 days, guided in French
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From glaciers to wild fjords, discover all of Iceland
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Boat trip to Jökulsárlón and geothermal bath included
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
The expert's opinion
This trip is a guided tour focused on discovery, accessible to anyone in good general physical condition and requiring no particular experience in hiking or outdoor activities. The program prioritizes travel by coach and visits to iconic natural sites at a comfortable pace.
The included activities are mainly cultural and natural visits, with some immersive experiences such as an amphibious boat trip on the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, entry to the Earth Lagoon for a geothermal relaxation moment, a traditional Icelandic horse show and a visit to the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum.
Some days include short walks on marked trails to access waterfalls, black sand beaches, volcanic formations, and geothermal sites. These walks are generally easy and suitable for most travelers.
Overall, this is a well-balanced trip combining discovery, spectacular scenery, local culture and moments of relaxation, ideal for travelers wishing to explore Iceland in depth without demanding physical activity.
In figures
Swimming
- Average duration/day: 2h
Management
The group is accompanied throughout the trip by a professional and experienced French-speaking guide, based in Iceland.
The guide assures:
- complete logistical coordination of the route;
- the cultural and natural interpretation of the sites visited;
- the smooth running and organization of daily activities;
- assistance and support for travellers throughout their stay.
During the glacier excursion, participants are also accompanied by certified local guides, specially trained in safety and rescue techniques in glacial environments. The glacier hike is conducted in English by these local specialists.
The group is limited to a maximum of 25 participants, guaranteeing personalized attention and close supervision.
Program
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First steps on Icelandic soil! Welcome to Iceland!
- Transportation Bus - 13h15 - 51km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival, take a deep breath of fresh air and, above all, take the time to dress warmly from head to toe. Several options will allow you to reach Reykjavik, located approximately 45 minutes by car from the international airport:
The Flybus+ guarantees departures from the airport for all arriving flights and will drop you off at the stop closest to your first overnight stay. You can book your tickets online in advance or, if you prefer, you can purchase them at the ticket office located in the arrivals hall. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Taking a taxi is also an option. Much more expensive, but very comfortable, it's the fastest way to get from the airport. During the journey, you'll get a glimpse of Iceland's wild landscapes.
In Reykjavík, many restaurants will offer you menus of seasonal local specialties.
The first meeting with your guide will take place from day 2 onwards.
Day 1 -
The Golden Circle
- Transportation Bus - 21h - 280km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Discover some of Iceland's most iconic sites on a day trip combining history, nature, and spectacular landscapes. Your adventure begins at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a unique place where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. It is also the birthplace of the Althing, one of the oldest parliaments in the world.
Continue on to the Geysir geothermal area, where the famous Strokkur geyser puts on an impressive show, erupting a column of boiling water several meters into the air every few minutes. Then discover the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, the famous "Golden Falls," where glacial waters plunge powerfully into a deep canyon.
The day ends on the magnificent South Coast with a stop at Seljalandsfoss, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland.
Day 2 -
The South Coast
- Transportation Bus - 20h - 240km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Iceland's south coast is a region where the landscapes constantly change along the road. Between the Atlantic Ocean, the vast coastal plains, and the glaciers that dominate the horizon, this day reveals some of the country's most iconic scenery.
The road runs alongside agricultural land dotted with traditional farms, where it is not uncommon to see the famous Icelandic horses, heirs to a history and culture preserved for over a thousand years.
You will then discover the historic site of Skógar and the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, one of the most majestic in Iceland. Further on, a stop at Dyrhólaey (weather permitting) offers spectacular views of the coastline, cliffs, and black sand beaches that characterize this region.
The day continues at Reynisfjara, arguably Iceland's most famous black sand beach. Its basalt columns, steep cliffs, and powerful Atlantic waves create a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Depending on the conditions and the day's schedule, you may also explore Fjarðárgljúfur canyon, whose verdant walls wind through a landscape sculpted by the forces of nature. The day concludes in the Skaftafell National Park region, a true gateway to the glaciers and magnificent landscapes of southeastern Iceland.
Day 3 -
Jökulsárlón and the Eastern Fjords
- Transportation Bus - 12h - 410km
- Activity Autre
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This day takes you through some of Iceland's most spectacular landscapes. In the heart of Vatnajökull National Park, discover the famous Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, where towering icebergs drift slowly towards the ocean, offering a constantly shifting spectacle. You'll enjoy an amphibious boat tour on the lagoon, allowing you to get up close to these majestic blocks of ice and observe this unique landscape sculpted by glacial forces.
The road continues towards Höfn, a charming coastal town renowned for its exceptional location between the sea and a glacier. Along the way, the panoramas constantly change, revealing rugged mountains, vast coastal expanses, and glacial peaks dominating the horizon.
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the East Fjords, a remarkable region with diverse landscapes where mountains plunge into the ocean and picturesque fishing villages dot the coastline. Often considered one of the most peaceful regions in the country, it offers an authentic glimpse of Iceland, combining unspoiled nature, maritime traditions, and spectacular scenic drives.
Day 4 -
Across the highlands from Möðrudalur to Dettifoss
- Transportation Bus - 20h - 280km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today, we're heading to the vast wilderness of northeastern Iceland. Leaving the East Fjords behind, you'll travel through the isolated and spectacular landscapes of Möðrudalur, the highest inhabited farm in the country, nestled in the heart of the Icelandic highlands. This region offers a unique sense of immensity, where the barren plains, distant mountains, and endless horizons reveal the full power of Icelandic nature.
The road then leads to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Fed by glacial waters from Vatnajökull, it plunges with impressive force into a deep canyon, offering an unforgettable spectacle.
At the end of the day, arrival in the Lake Mývatn region, famous for its volcanic landscapes and exceptional geothermal activity, where you will spend the night before continuing your discoveries the next day.
Day 5 -
The Lake Mývatn region
- Transportation Bus - 20h - 100km
- Activity Swimming
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This day is dedicated to exploring the Lake Mývatn region, one of Iceland's most fascinating geological areas. Shaped by intense volcanic activity, this unique landscape combines lava fields, craters, rock formations, and geothermal phenomena in a setting of astonishing diversity.
You will discover the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir, created by powerful steam explosions during the lake's formation, before continuing to the impressive lava formations of Dimmuborgir, often called the "dark fortress." Nearby, the Grjótagjá cave reveals a thermal spring with crystal-clear waters, long used as a bathing spot by locals.
The route continues towards the Krafla volcanic area, home to the spectacular Viti crater, whose turquoise waters contrast with the surrounding volcanic landscapes. You will also discover geothermal features that testify to the still-active power of natural forces beneath the island's surface.
At the end of the day, enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation with a swim in the Earth Lagoon, whose geothermal waters invite you to relax in the heart of an exceptional volcanic landscape.
Day 6 -
Goðafoss, Akureyri and the Skagafjörður valleys
- Transportation Bus - 21h - 300km
- Activity Autre
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The day begins with the discovery of Goðafoss, the "waterfall of the gods", one of the most beautiful and iconic in Iceland. Its powerful waters cascade in a wide arc in the heart of a spectacular landscape, offering one of the most remarkable panoramas in the north of the country.
You will then continue your journey to Akureyri, often considered the capital of North Iceland. Nestled at the end of a magnificent fjord, this charming town captivates with its friendly atmosphere, colorful houses, and exceptional natural setting.
In the afternoon, we head towards the Skagafjörður region, renowned for its rural traditions and horse breeding. Along the way, we stop at a horse farm to discover the famous Icelandic horse, a unique breed known for its hardiness, friendly temperament, and distinctive gaits that have been a part of Icelandic life for centuries.
Day 7 -
Towards the landscapes of Borgarfjörður
- Transportation Bus - 20h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This day takes you to the historic Borgarfjörður region, renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich natural heritage. Along the way, you will discover Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, whose bubbling waters bear witness to the intense geothermal activity that characterizes Iceland.
You will also visit the magnificent Hraunfossar waterfalls, a unique site where countless streams of water emerge directly through a vast lava field to join the river below. This spectacular encounter between fire and water perfectly illustrates the forces that have shaped the Icelandic landscape over millennia.
Throughout the day, the varied panoramas of western Iceland unfold, from verdant valleys to volcanic formations and remarkable natural sites.
Day 8 -
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Transportation Bus - 21h - 430km
- Activity Autre
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Often called "Iceland in miniature," the Snæfellsnes peninsula boasts a remarkable diversity of landscapes within a relatively small area. Between rugged coastlines, volcanic formations, lava fields, and fishing villages, this region offers a concentrated dose of everything that makes Iceland so rich in natural beauty.
During the day, you will discover the charming hamlet of Búðir and its famous black church, as well as the coastal village of Arnarstapi, linked by a spectacular coastline sculpted by the Atlantic Ocean. The impressive cliffs and rock formations of Lóndrangar, meanwhile, bear witness to the peninsula's volcanic origins and are among the most iconic landscapes in the region.
You will also visit the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum, where you will discover a unique Icelandic tradition related to the preparation of Greenland shark, practiced for generations. The day continues in the pleasant port town of Stykkishólmur, renowned for its charm, maritime heritage, and magnificent views of Breiðafjörður Bay.
Between nature, history and local culture, this day offers a fascinating immersion into the heart of one of Iceland's most varied and picturesque regions.
Day 9 -
Back to Reykjavík
- Transportation Bus - 14h30 - 120km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After traversing the magnificent landscapes of western Iceland, you will reach Reykjavík, a vibrant capital nestled between the sea and the mountains. Upon arrival, an orientation tour will allow you to discover the city's main sights and familiarize yourself with its history, culture, and unique architecture.
You will then have free time to enjoy Reykjavík at your own pace. Stroll through the colorful streets of the city center, visit one of the capital's many museums, or settle into a cozy café to soak up the local atmosphere. This day is also the perfect opportunity to participate in an optional activity based on your interests, whether it's a whale-watching excursion, a geothermal experience, or a more in-depth cultural exploration of the city.
As this great discovery of Iceland comes to an end, your French-speaking guide will take leave of the group at the end of the day, marking the end of the guided tour.
Day 10 -
Departure from Iceland
- Transportation Bus - 13h15 - 51km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on the dates and times of your flight, you will organize your departure according to your wishes.
Day 11
Note
Safety is a priority throughout the trip. This escorted tour, accessible to a wide range of travelers, requires no special skills. Travel is primarily by coach, and the group is accompanied by an experienced French-speaking guide. Included activities are led by professional providers and may be adapted or modified according to weather conditions to ensure the safety of participants. This trip is suitable for travelers in average physical condition who are capable of short walks on sometimes uneven terrain.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Guided bus tour with a French-speaking guide departing from Reykjavík
- Ten nights in standard accommodation with private bathroom and breakfasts included,
- two nights in Reykjavík (first and last night)
- one night in the Skógar region
- one night in the Skaftafell region
- a night in the Eastern Fjords
- two nights in the Mývatn region
- one night in the Hvammstangi region
- two nights in the Borgarfjörður region
- Eight dinners (days 2 to 9 inclusive): two-course menu or buffet
- Amphibious boat excursion on the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon
- Entrance to Earth Lagoon;
- Traditional Icelandic horse show at Skagafjörður;
- Visit to the Shark Museum in Bjarnarhöfn.
- Flybus transfers between Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík (day 1 arrival and day 11 departure)
The price does not include
- Flights
- Lunches
- Dinners on days 1 and 10
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate what formalities are required for entry and stay in the destination country. You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
For connecting flights operated by different airlines, also check the formalities for countries you transit through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are compliant, in particular regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to still be valid 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account customs restrictions and other obligations of the destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date — remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Please dress warmly. The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable and can change rapidly, even on the hottest summer days. We recommend bringing a hat, gloves, and warm outer layers. Rain gear and hiking boots can be rented locally if needed.
Equipment to bring
- A small backpack for day trips
- A reusable water bottle (tap water is excellent in Iceland)
- A swimsuit for visiting the lagoons
- An external battery for a phone
- A camera is optional but useful.
Clothing to bring
- For summer in Iceland: opt for multi-layered clothing to adapt to changing weather.
- A waterproof and windproof jacket.
- Comfortable and water-resistant walking shoes.
- A warm sweater, sunglasses and a cap or a light hat.
The GoNorth team
Based in Iceland since 2010, our local expert creates tailor-made and authentic trips. Combining Icelandic roots with international experience, his team offers unique expertise and personalized support at every stage. In collaboration with trusted local partners (accommodations, guides, activities), he designs seamless guided tours or self-drive itineraries. Travelers can thus explore the country with complete peace of mind, supported by a passionate and readily available team.