A Tour of the Regions of Iceland

Iceland is a land of stunningly diverse scenery, where you can pass from lush glacial meadows into barren volcanic deserts in the blink of an eye. Cliffs tower hundreds of meters high only a few steps away from the sea. Backroads' wide variety of trips here matches the diversity of the island's landscapes. Every itinerary is different, and each offers a unique perspective on the majestic beauty of this lonely volcanic island. Which one is right for you?

South & Southeast - Land of Fire & Ice This Multi-Adventure Tour begins with a charter flight from Reykjavík, Iceland's capital, to Höfn, a sleepy fishing town in the southeastern corner of the country. This epic six-day journey covers a vast swath of the island as we make our way back to Reykjavík, reaching many of its most popular tourist destinations in addition to the exclusive Backroads array of hidden places. From volcanoes and Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe,  to boating among icebergs, to riding in Super Jeeps and strapping on crampons for a hike up a glacial tongue, every day is unique and thrilling. If you're looking for a trip filled with daily adventurous highlights, this one is hard to beat.

South & Southwest - Iceland's Best-Kept Secret For those who prefer a dedicated hiking trip over the multi-adventure itinerary, this trip begins with a flight from Reykjavík to the Westman Islands off the southern coast of Iceland. On the very first day, hike in a volcanic crater, take a boat tour around the island to see nesting puffins and explore beautiful caves in the cliffs that line the coast. Continue on with visits to scenic Thingvallavatn and Thingvellir National Park, before moving north past Reykjavík to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This stunning landmass has a dramatic coastline, complete with towering cliffs and black-sand beaches that surround a regal glacier. Guests on this tour can look forward to moderate to challenging hiking routes, beautiful scenery and rustic yet luxurious accommodations.

  Ocean Cruise - Journey Around the Whole of Iceland For lovers of the sea (true Vikings!) and guests who want to see the island in its entirety, an ocean cruise to circumnavigate the entirely of Iceland is the only way to go. Our Iceland Ocean Cruise Walking and Hiking Tour begins in Reykjavík and travels clockwise around the island. The eight-day tour includes visits to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Grjótagjá Lava Cave--a Game of Thrones filming location--and Grimsey, an island in the Arctic Circle, home to one of the world's largest puffin colonies.

South - Winter Northern Lights Watching the aurora borealis dancing across a starry winter sky is a once-in-a-lifetime Multi-Adventure experience. And that's especially true when it's paired with a soak in the steaming Blue Lagoon hot springs, a glacial walk where you'll don an ice ax and crampons, and hiking or snowshoeing amid bizarre rock formations, frozen waterfalls, caves and forests. Iceland offers a winter wonderland that's like no other--come see it for yourself!

Iceland Northern & Eastern Fjords For travelers seeking a vacation in Iceland that is off the beaten path and away from the well-known (and much-Instagrammed) sights of the southern coast, the eastern and northern sections of the island offer plentiful peace and quiet abound. In the north, begin with a visit to Akureyri, the so-called "capital of the north." Journey on from there to explore the lush meadows of Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjördur, the fishing island of Hrisey, and Húsavík, a fishing village that overlooks the sea where--on a clear day--you can see all the way to the Arctic Circle. Get out for some hiking, cycling and whale-watching to fully experience all northern Iceland has to offer. In the eastern fjords, you'll find less-traveled hiking and biking paths that allow you to witness all the dramatic landscapes of Iceland while enjoying the secluded intimacy of the island's undiscovered eastern corner. Visit an organic farm and eat traditional Icelandic food, chat with the crews of local fishing vessels and enjoy exploring a region of Iceland few take the time to experience.

Whichever trip or region you choose, you're sure to leave Iceland knowing you've experienced something genuinely unique, worthwhile and adventurous. Our Trip Consultants can help you pick the trip that sounds right for you, all you need to do is prepare to be inspired with the endless natural beauty and charm of this incredible corner of the world.