Iceland moves fast, and this tour keeps up. You get a small group capped at 12, and Jens Olafsson drives the loop with tight timing and smart stop choices.

I love how the itinerary mixes the big name icons with more out-of-the-way stops, so the days feel varied instead of repetitive.

Second, I like that the trip is built around meals and lodging included for 12 nights. That means you spend less time hunting for food and more time actually taking in Iceland’s waterfalls, lava, and coastline.

One thing to weigh: the pace is busy. You’ll do walking and short hikes, and the operator can shift plans with weather, so comfort comes from being flexible, not from expecting long downtime.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Up to 12 people, led by Jens Olafsson, with frequent context at each stop
• 12 nights of accommodation plus breakfast and dinner, with lunch and drinks on you
• Golden Circle classics plus South Coast waterfalls and glacier views
• East and North Iceland geology day after day, including Dettifoss and hot springs areas
• Westfjords and bird cliffs, with remote coastline driving and Latrabjarg scenery
• Included Glacial Lagoon boat tour and Skogar Museum admission

Why this 13-day Iceland loop feels personal

Most Iceland tours boil down to the same ring-road checklist. This one still hits the famous stops, but what makes it feel different is the small-group setup and Jens Olafsson’s role as the day manager.

With a group of maximum 12, you get a more normal rhythm. Conversations are possible. Questions are practical. And when the weather shifts, the guide can tweak the flow without turning the whole day into chaos.

The other reason I like this format is how it reduces friction. You’re not constantly figuring out where to park, where to eat, and how to stitch together attractions. You start each day with a plan, you arrive, and you move on.

Price and what you are really buying for $7,228.71

At $7,228.71 per person, this isn’t a budget trip. But the price makes more sense when you break down what’s included.

You get:

• 12 nights accommodation
• Breakfast 12 times and dinner 11 times
• A guided tour following the itinerary
• Admission to Skogar Museum
• A Glacial Lagoon boat tour (icebergs on the water)
• Many other stops are listed as free time at the scheduled sites

Meanwhile, what’s not included is also clear:

• Lunch and beverages
• Airfare to and from Iceland

So the value comes from bundling the hardest parts of Iceland travel, lodging and meals, into one package. If you have to book every hotel and dinner yourself, the planning and cost add up fast. Here, you pay once and spend your energy on the sights, not the spreadsheets.

If you’re the type who hates guessing, that’s where the money tends to make sense.

The pace: what a full loop day feels like

This is a driving-heavy circuit. Iceland rewards patience, and the scenery can swallow your sense of time. You should expect long road stretches, frequent stops, and days that feel like they start early and end with a new place to sleep.

That schedule can be great. You’ll see a huge range of Iceland in just 13 days: geysers, towering falls, glacier views, lava fields, steaming ground, and remote coastlines.

The tradeoff is simple: if you want slow and sleepy, this is not the right fit. You’ll also want moderate physical fitness because short walks and hikes show up at multiple sites, like the glacier viewpoint area, Svartifoss, and the Grabrok crater walk.

Day 1, Reykjavik start: get your bearings

Day 1 is all about settling in. You make your way to the hotel at Hótel KletturMjölnisholt 12-14, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland. This matters more than it sounds. Iceland days can be weather-driven and time-sensitive, and arriving in Reykjavik gives you a cushion to get oriented.

If you arrive early, it’s smart to grab a little extra time in the city before the road days begin. But even if you don’t, the tour start day keeps things simple.

Day 2 on the Golden Circle: Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir

Day 2 is classic Iceland for a reason. The day strings together three big experiences that teach you how geology shapes everything here.

Thingvellir National Park is your first stop. You’ll see the old parliament site area, plus the geological phenomenon of the rift landscape. It’s the kind of place where even a short stop feels meaningful because the ground itself tells a story.

Next up is Gullfoss Falls. This is not a dainty waterfall. You’ll feel the power quickly, and it’s easy to understand why it became an icon.

Then you head to Geysir geothermal area. Even when you only have an hour, you get the geothermal atmosphere: steam, rock, and that sense of something always happening under the surface.

How it can be tricky: Iceland weather can flatten visibility. If it’s foggy or rainy, you might get less detail in the rift and less drama from the falls. The upside is that the places still feel atmospheric, and Jens can usually steer timing and viewpoints.

Day 3 on the South Coast: Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, black sand, and a museum break

Day 3 is waterfalls plus variety, with a nice mix of famous stops and stops that help you slow down.

You start at Seljalandsfoss, then move to Skogafoss. Both are built for photos, but the experience is more than that. At these falls, the sound and mist do most of the work for you. The time you’re given is short enough that you don’t feel trapped, but long enough to step back and take it in.

The Skogar Museum stop is a smart pivot. It’s included, so you’re not juggling ticket math mid-trip. It also gives context so the landscape feels tied to Icelandic life and culture, not just geology.

Then comes the glacier stop at Solheimajokull Glacier. This is the day’s reality check: ice is bigger than your expectations, and the terrain reminds you how young and active this island is.

After that you get Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara black sand beach. The black sand and coastal views are the kind of scene that makes you stop talking for a minute. Again, if wind is rough, plan for cold hands and keep your footing in mind near the edges.

What to consider: this is a high-stop day. If you’re prone to getting cold fast, bring real layers and be ready for fast transitions from misty waterfalls to windy viewpoints.

Day 4 into Vatnajokull country: Skaftafell, Svartifoss, and the Glacial Lagoon boat tour

Day 4 goes deeper into the glacier region vibe.

You start at Skaftafell National Park. Then you hike to Svartifoss. That short hike time matters because it’s one of the ways you trade quick photo stops for a walk that changes your perspective. Svartifoss is known for its dramatic look, and even if you only have about an hour and a half, the hike makes it feel earned.

Then comes the highlight that many people plan around: the included Glacial Lagoon boat tour around the icebergs. Being on the water puts you at a different scale. Icebergs don’t just look big from shore, they feel alive once they drift and rotate in front of you.

Potential drawback: the boat ride is tied to conditions. If the sea is rough, you might feel that swing in the day’s energy. Still, the tour includes it, so it’s one of the big pre-paid wins.

Day 5 East Iceland flavor: lighthouse, Egilsstadir area, and farmhouse-style stays

Day 5 is where Iceland starts to feel more lived-in and more remote at the same time.

You stop at Hvalnes Lighthouse. Then there’s a stop labeled Lagarfljot, tied to the area of Egilsstadir. After that you reach Moorudalur Farm in Modrudalur valley, around 469 m above sea level, with an included stay.

Farm stays are a major part of why this tour gets such strong feedback. You’re not just sleeping in a generic stopover. You’re in places that feel rural, with dinners and breakfasts included. One nice side effect of this setup is that you get a more relaxed evening. You’re not paying restaurant prices, you’re not searching for a grocery run, and you can actually rest.

Consideration: farmhouse stays can be cozy, not fancy. The rooms are what they are. The payoff is location and atmosphere.

Day 6 North of the map: Dettifoss, Asbyrgi, Krafla lava, Hverir hot ground

Day 6 is a geology day, and it’s a good one.

You head to Dettifoss, described as Europe’s mightiest waterfall in the itinerary. This is the kind of stop where you feel water force. Even if you’ve seen other falls in Iceland, Dettifoss has a different, raw power.

Next is Asbyrgi, known as the Shelter of the Gods, a horseshoe canyon. It’s not just a view. The form of the canyon changes how the wind and echo feel.

Then you move through the Krafla Lava Fields, and into Dimmuborgir Lava Formations. The lava labyrinth idea is exactly that, a terrain that makes you question where you are walking and what the ground used to do.

From there you visit Namafjall Hverir, the boiling mud pots area, plus Skutustaoagigar, pseudo craters.

What can catch people: this day is visual and active. The ground can be uneven, and you might want proper shoes with grip. It’s also the kind of day where weather affects how steam and colors look, but that’s part of Iceland’s realism.

Day 7 North Iceland icons and a free chunk of Akureyri time

Day 7 balances nature with a real town pause.

You stop at Godafoss first, the Waterfall of the Gods. It’s a classic, quick stop, and an easy one to appreciate even if you’re feeling the fatigue from earlier days.

Then you get time in Akureyri, about three hours. This is valuable because it breaks up the constant nature loop. Use that window to reset, grab coffee, and stretch your legs.

After Akureyri, there’s a stop in Siglufjörður. Then you end with Hvitserkur, the rock formation.

One caution: if the day starts cold and windy, by the time you reach towns you might still feel chilled from the earlier outdoors. Pack accordingly so your breaks actually feel like breaks.

Day 8 Strandir coast: driftwood, black sand, Isafjordur, and Sudureyri

Day 8 is one of the most interesting stretches in the whole trip because it moves into a remote coastline mood.

The tour drives from Hrutafjordur to the Strandir area. You’ll see coastline segments covered with driftwood, especially near smaller black sandy beaches. Then you continue driving to Isafjordur and onward to the small fishing village of Sudureyri for the overnight stay.

This part of the tour is about feeling the scale. Reykjavik gives you city Iceland, and the ring-road gives you classic Iceland. Strandir gives you the quiet Iceland that most visitors miss because it takes effort to reach.

Consideration: this is a long day of driving and road conditions matter. If you’re the type who gets motion sickness, plan ahead and use what you can on the ride.

Day 9 Westfjords wow factor: Dynjandi and Latrabjarg bird cliffs

Day 9 is pure Westfjords energy.

You visit Dynjandi (Fjallfoss), where the waterfall experience is about variety and power over time. Then it’s off to Latrabjarg, Iceland’s westernmost point.

Latrabjarg is the bird cliff stop, with the cliff stretching about 14 km and rising 400 m from the sea. The itinerary sets aside about an hour, which is enough to understand why this place is famous. If you’ve ever seen photos of seabirds filling the cliffs, this is where that comes from.

A detail worth knowing: cliffs and sea winds can be rough. Stay aware of footing, and keep your time close to the schedule rather than drifting too far.

Day 10 the red sands: Rauðasandur in the Westfjords

Day 10 moves along the southern side of the Westfjords, a sparsely populated part of the country. The main stop is Rauðasandur Beach, the Red Sands.

This is one of those scenes that changes fast with light. In good weather you’ll see the sand tones, and in overcast you’ll feel the mood and texture more than the color.

This day is a nice reset if you’ve had multiple geology stops in a row. It’s more about the sensory experience, sand, sky, and the way the coast bends.

Day 11 Southwest coast hits: Kirkjufellsfoss and Djupalonssandur pebble shore

Day 11 is short enough to feel manageable but still packed with iconic stops.

You visit Kirkjufellsfoss. Next is Djupalonssandur Beach, a basaltic pebble beach. Then there’s a short coastal cliff stroll for birdlife and other nature wonders.

What I like about this day: it gives you photos people expect, then adds a small walk so you’re not just standing in one spot. If the wind is up, the cliff stroll might be faster than you hope, so wear layers you can adjust quickly.

Day 12 volcano remnants and lava waterfalls: Grabrok, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss

Day 12 mixes “walk up and look” with “stand and stare.”

First is Grabrok Crater, with a walk to the top. About 30 minutes is enough to feel the scale of the crater without turning it into a whole workout day.

Then you go to Hraunfossar, described as lava waterfalls, plus Barnafoss.

This pair works well at the end of the trip because it shifts from cliffs and ice to something more grounded and water-driven. You end the day with a sense that Iceland keeps producing new ways for water to move.

Day 13 wrap-up: back to the meeting point, then Keflavik

Day 13 is the unwind day. The tour ends by bringing you back toward the meeting point in Reykjavik. From there, the plan is for you to head to Keflavik airport.

This matters because Iceland timing is real. You’ll want to plan your airport transfer with extra buffer. If your flight is early, you’ll feel the pressure.

Where you sleep and how meals are handled

With accommodation for 12 nights and breakfast and dinner included, the tour solves one of the biggest Iceland friction points.

Breakfast gives you a solid start, and dinner means you can relax without hunting for restaurants on tired nights. One reason this trip earns strong praise is that the included meals tend to be something people talk about, especially when the nights include farmhouse-style stays.

Lunch is not included, and beverages are not included. If you want to keep costs down, packing your own lunch can help, and it also keeps your day flexible when timing changes.

What to pack for this specific route

This route is all weather, all terrain.

• Warm layers for misty waterfalls and wind on the coast
• Shoes with grip for lava areas, crater walks, and uneven ground
• A waterproof layer, because Iceland loves rain
• A day layer for quick changes between cold exterior stops and warmer interiors

Walking sticks were mentioned as helpful in the feedback you provided. You might not need them every day, but if you have knee or balance concerns, bring them.

Should you book the Great Round Tour around Iceland?

Book it if:

• You want a small-group experience with Jens Olafsson running the show
• You like the idea of 12 nights lodging plus breakfast and dinner included
• You want more than the usual ring-road stops, including Westfjords coastline and bird cliffs
• You’re okay with a fast-paced plan and short walks along the way

Consider a different option if:

• You want slow days, lots of free time, and minimal driving
• You don’t enjoy being outdoors in wind and changing weather
• You’re sensitive to long road days and want a lighter pace

For most people who want to see Iceland in one efficient, guided circuit, this tour makes a strong case. The reason is simple: it bundles the costly, time-consuming pieces, then spends the remaining energy on the sights that make Iceland feel otherworldly.

FAQ

How long is The Great Round Tour around Iceland?

The tour is 13 days approximately.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at Hótel KletturMjölnisholt 12-14, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and you then make your way to Keflavik airport.

What is the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What meals are included?

Breakfast is included 12 times and dinner is included 11 times. Lunch and beverages are not included.

Are any admission tickets included?

Admission to the Folk Museum of Skogar is included, and the Glacial Lagoon boat tour is included. Many other stops on the route are listed as free at the scheduled time.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Is airfare included?

No, airfare to and from Iceland is not included.

How physically demanding is it?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level. The itinerary includes short hikes and walks at several stops.

What happens if the weather forces changes?

The operator reserves the right to alter the itinerary due to weather or other conditions outside its control.

What is the cancellation policy?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If it is canceled because the minimum number of travelers is not met, you will be offered a different date or experience or a full refund.