Planning your Iceland Trip explore beyond the Golden Circle

Planning Your Iceland Trip? Go Beyond the Golden Circle

The incredible Land of Fire and Ice meets the dreams of every tourist and adventurer. Volcanoes and glaciers collided to create Iceland's breathtaking landscape. There are a lot of hidden gems there. If you want to hike across lava fields, explore ice caves, or see waterfalls that look straight out of a movie, Enjoy Iceland Tours can help you make it happen.

As a leading provider of personalised private tours in Iceland, Enjoy Iceland Tours creates tailored routes designed around your travel style, comfort, and curiosity. This guide covers the best destinations to visit in Iceland on your private tour – from the iconic Golden Circle to the wild South Coast and serene North Iceland – through custom Iceland tours that put you in control.

The Famous Golden Circle

As a leading provider of personalised private tours in Iceland, Enjoy Iceland Tours creates tailored routes designed around your travel style, comfort, and curiosity. This guide covers the best destinations to visit in Iceland on your private tour – from the iconic Golden Circle to the wild South Coast and serene North Iceland – through custom Iceland tours that put you in control.

Key highlights include:

Þingvellir National Park

This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and this is where Iceland’s first parliament met in 930 AD. You can also walk along the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Here, steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and the mighty Strokkur geyser (which erupts every few minutes) make for a dramatic display.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Known as the "Golden Falls," this powerful two-tiered waterfall plunges into a canyon and often produces a rainbow mist on sunny days.

Kerið Crater (on certain custom routes)

Some of Enjoy Iceland Tours’ Golden Circle packages include a visit to the vibrant volcanic crater Kerið.

Depending on the itinerary you choose, you might also get to drive via Whale’s Fjord Road, which offers more secluded landscapes.

Beyond the Golden Circle: More to Explore

The Dramatic South Coast

If you’re craving big landscapes and even bigger waterfalls, the South Coast is a must on a private Iceland tour with Enjoy Iceland Tours. Our Premium Private Old South Coast Tour includes the following:

  • Seljalandsfoss – A tall, elegant waterfall you can walk behind (be prepared to get wet!).

  • Gljúfrabúi–A hidden waterfall tucked inside a canyon.

  • Skógafoss–One of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls, with a staircase beside it for dramatic views.

  • Sólheimajökull Glacier–Walk close to the glacier’s edge or view its icy expanse from a safe distance.

  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach–Famous for its black volcanic sand, basalt columns, and powerful waves.

  • Vík Village & Dyrhólaey – Panoramic sea views, puffin-watching opportunities, and striking coastal formations.

This area is ideal for a tailor-made Icelandic tour because it gives you plenty of time to stop at photo ops, go hiking, or just relax and take it all in with your private guide.

Lagoon & Relaxation Experiences

Enjoy Iceland Tours offers premium private tours that combine nature and relaxation. Rather than just sightseeing, you can unwind at:

  • Hvammsvík Lagoon–Included in their Golden Circle with Comfort Entrance to Hvammsvík package.

  • Sky Lagoon–Available via the Golden Circle with the Sky Entrance edition.

These lagoons bring a luxurious, spa-like touch to your custom Iceland tour, perfect for rest and rejuvenation after exploring Iceland’s wild landscapes.

Discovering the Untamed North Iceland

If you head north on a private Iceland tour, you’ll find fewer crowds, stunning natural features, and wildlife-rich escapes. North Iceland can also be seamlessly included as part of a personalized itinerary, ensuring every traveller gets to experience the magic of the north when desired.

Here’s what you can experience in the north if you choose to design a custom itinerary:

  • Lake Mývatn–A surreal mix of volcanic craters, lava formations, and geothermal activity.

  • Mývatn Nature Baths–A relaxing soak in geothermal waters, sometimes called the "Blue Lagoon of the North."

  • Goðafoss Waterfall–The "Waterfall of the Gods," rich in legend and beauty.

  • Húsavík–Known for its whale-watching tours, especially for humpback and minke whales.

  • Akureyri–The "Capital of the North," with charming cafés, botanical gardens, and cosy shops.

  • Dettifoss – One of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls (though road access can be challenging in winter).

When planning with Enjoy Iceland Tours, just specify that you want a custom Iceland tour that includes North Iceland, and their team will help build the right route.

Travel Tips for Your Iceland Adventure

Here are some practical suggestions to make the most of your trip:

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours, ideal for Golden Circle, South Coast, and highland exploration.

  • Winter (November–March): Best for Northern Lights, ice caves, and tranquil landscapes–but pack warm.

  • Spring/Fall: Fewer tourists, balanced weather, and great opportunities for custom private tours.

Getting Around

  • Car Rental: Offers freedom, especially if you want to explore remote areas.

  • Guided Tours: For a relaxing, safe, and hassle-free experience, Enjoy Iceland Tours’ private tours are ideal. Their expert local guides know hidden spots and seasonal routes.

What to Pack

  • Layers: Thermal base, fleece or wool, waterproof outer layer.

  • Sturdy waterproof boots – must for waterfall walks and rough terrain.

  • Gloves, warm hat, and swimwear (for lagoons!).

  • Camera + power bank (because photo ops are everywhere).

Safety Tips

  • Check weather & road conditions before setting off.

  • Never get too close to waves, glaciers, or cliff edges.

  • Respect nature – stick to marked paths, especially on fragile moss.

Why Choose Custom Private Tours in Iceland with Enjoy Iceland Tours?

When you pick Enjoy Iceland Tours for a private tour in Iceland, you’re opting for:

  • 100% privacy: Just you, your companions, and your guide–no shared buses or small–group tours.

  • Tailored experiences: Every custom Iceland tour is designed to match your pace, interests, and style.

  • Comfort and expertise: Luxury vehicles, experienced local guides, and no hidden charges.

  • Flexibility: Want to combine sightseeing with rest? Add spa visits (Sky Lagoon, Hvammsvík) or offbeat stops like Kerid Crater.

  • Seamless trip planning: From airport transfers to full-day tours – Enjoy Iceland Tours offers 24/7 VIP transfers and private tours.

FAQ

Q: When is the best time to see the Northern Lights? +
Q: Can I do the Golden Circle in one day? +
Q: What safety tips should I follow on the South Coast? +
Q: Is it better to rent a car or take a private tour? +
Q: Can I include Sky Lagoon or Hvammsvík Lagoon in my tour? +

Ready to Explore the Best Places to Visit in Iceland?

From the Golden Circle to the rugged South Coast and the peaceful beauty of North Iceland, every corner of this country offers something magical. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, watching whales, or soaking in geothermal lagoons, Iceland will stay in your heart forever.

Let Enjoy Iceland Tours help you plan your perfect trip–a personalised, private, and luxurious journey through Iceland’s most iconic and hidden gems. Get in touch to start making your dream itinerary.



Search
Related Posts