Our 12-Day Iceland & Norway Explorer Itinerary is a seamless journey through two of Scandinavia’s most dramatic landscapes—beginning amid Iceland’s fiery volcanoes, icy glaciers, and thermal springs, then soaring into Norway’s world-famous fjords, alpine roads, and Viking heritage.
Over twelve carefully paced days, your private driver-guides will reveal hidden gems and iconic sights alike: from Reykjavík’s creative heart and the Golden Circle’s geysers to glacier lagoons and Eastfjords artistry, from Bergen’s colorful wharves and Hardangerfjord orchards to Trollstigen’s hairpin curves, Geirangerfjord’s “Seven Sisters,” and Oslo’s Viking ships and modern design.
Destinations on Our 12-Day Iceland & Norway Explorer
Days 1–3: Reykjavík & South Coast, Iceland
Modern Nordic culture meets volcanic spectacle—explore Reykjavík’s artful city center and the Golden Circle’s tectonic rifts and geysers, then chase waterfalls on the black-sand shoreline.
Days 4–5: Glacial Frontiers & Eastfjords, Iceland
Drift among icebergs at Jökulsárlón and diamond-studded beaches, then head to colorful Seyðisfjörður and the Eggin í Gleðivík sculpture trail along the tranquil Eastfjords.
Days 6–7: North Iceland’s Wildlife & Geothermal Heart
Discover Akureyri’s alpine gardens and Húsavík’s whale-watching sanctuary, then day seven’s odyssey from Hverir’s steaming fields to soothing Mývatn Nature Baths.
Days 8–9: Bergen & Fjord Majesty, Norway
Fly to Bergen’s UNESCO-listed wharf, ascend Mount Fløyen at sunset, then cruise the apple-blossom shores of Hardangerfjord and marvel at Vøringsfossen’s thunderous drop.
Days 10–11: Trollstigen, Geirangerfjord & Oslo, Norway
Navigate Trollstigen’s hairpin bends and speed past the “Seven Sisters” on a RIB safari in Geirangerfjord, then immerse yourself in Oslo’s Viking ships, opera house, and fortress ramparts.
Day 12: Departure from Oslo
Soak up panoramic fjord views from the Holmenkollen ski jump before a private transfer to the airport—and a final recap of your unforgettable Iceland-to-Norway odyssey.
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík
Ease into Iceland’s capital with a gentle orientation before your first taste of the Arctic night sky.
Guided Walking Tour
Touch down at Keflavík Airport and, after a smooth transfer, begin with a leisurely walk through Reykjavík’s artistic core.
Your guide will lead you past Hallgrímskirkja’s towering spire—explaining its architectural nod to basalt columns—and into narrow lanes sprinkled with street art and independent boutiques.
Pause at a family-run bakery where cardamom buns and dense rye loaves signal actual Icelandic comfort fare. As you sip a cup of locally roasted coffee, your guide will recount how the city transformed from a quiet fishing village to a vibrant cultural hub, pointing out hidden courtyards and mural-laden alleyways that illustrate Reykjavík’s creative spirit.
As afternoon light softens, explore Harpa Concert Hall’s kaleidoscopic glass façade. Your guide will share stories of the design competition and how the structure’s reflective panels capture the ever-changing Nordic sky—an apt introduction to a land defined by light.
Sunset Harbor Walk & Welcome Dinner
As daylight wanes, meander along the Old Harbor’s boardwalk, where colorful fishing boats bob against a backdrop of sea and snow-capped hills.
Your guide will highlight public art installations—such as bronze sculptures of fishermen and whale bones repurposed into playground architecture—demonstrating Reykjavík’s marriage of tradition and modern aesthetics.
For dinner, settle into a waterfront restaurant where panoramic windows frame the twilight hues of Faxaflói Bay.
Day 2: Golden Circle Highlights
Venture into the legendary Golden Circle, where tectonic drama and geothermal spectacle collide.
Þingvellir National Park Excursion
Begin at Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Walk the Silfra fissure’s edge, where North America and Eurasia drift apart, and feel the subtle rumble of Earth’s plates beneath your feet.
Your guide will lead you to the ancient Alþingi assembly fields, where Viking chieftains gathered in open-air forums over a millennium ago. Imagine the echo of Norse speeches carried across the rift valley as you explore basalt cliffs and the crystal-clear Öxará River cutting through the landscape.
Geysir & Gullfoss Discovery
Depart Þingvellir for the geothermal theater of Haukadalur Valley, home to the Great Geysir and its lively cousin, Strokkur. Stand on wooden platforms as Strokkur erupts every few minutes, sending scalding water skyward in a thundering plume.
Next, feel the spray at Gullfoss’s two-tiered cascade, where the Hvítá River plunges into a narrow canyon. From upper and lower viewpoints, photograph the waterfall’s rainbow–spangled mist and hear legends of 19th-century conservationist Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who fought to preserve these falls from industrial development.
Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls
Journey along Iceland’s photogenic south shore, where two emblematic cascades illustrate water’s raw power and hidden magic.
Seljalandsfoss Behind-the-Falls Experience
Arrive at Seljalandsfoss and follow the winding path that leads you behind its shimmering curtain.
Feel the cool mist on your face as the waterfall thunders overhead, then pause in a moss-cloaked alcove to marvel at the grotto’s emerald glow.
Your guide will share tips for backlit photography—how to frame Silfra-like arches of water against the sky—and point out subtle geological features, such as basalt steps carved into the rock face by centuries of flow.
Skógafoss & Waterfall Legends
Next, stand beneath Skógafoss’s 60-meter drop, where you’ll feel the roar in your chest and hear the legend of a Viking chieftain’s buried ring somewhere behind the falls. Ascend the adjacent staircase for panoramas of the waterfall’s broad curtain and the black-sand plains stretching toward the horizon.
From the top, look back down at the frothy torrent rushing into the pool below and learn how Skógafoss’s constant flow inspired local folklore about hidden treasures and protective spirits. Your guide will point out where rainbows often form in the spray, illustrating how light and water conspire to create ephemeral art.
Day 4: Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Journey to Iceland’s glacial frontier, where floating ice sculptures and ebony sands create one of the world’s most surreal shorelines.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Cruise
Board a sturdy zodiac and slip quietly between towering icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.
As you float among crystalline blue and white monoliths, your guide will point out how melt patterns and pressure fractures give each berg its unique shape. This intimate cruise offers unparalleled close-up views of glacial retreat and climate-driven transformation.
Diamond Beach Ice-Gem Stroll
Step onto Diamond Beach, where chunks of ancient ice rest on a canvas of volcanic sand.
Wander slowly along the shoreline, pausing as waves lap over the ice’s smooth surfaces and leave a glossy sheen that enhances each shard’s natural beauty.
Between photographic stops, feel the startling contrast beneath your boots: soft, velvety sand warmed by the sun and the bone-chilling touch of millennia-old ice.
Day 5: Eastfjords Exploration
Discover the tranquil beauty of Iceland’s eastern arm, where fishing harbors nestle beneath jagged peaks, and art infuses every seaside hamlet.
Seyðisfjörður Artistic Village Tour
Wander the rainbow-hued streets of Seyðisfjörður, where artists convert weathered boats and fish houses into galleries.
Your guide will lead you past murals that narrate local folklore, stopping at studios where potters shape clay spun from volcanic soils. Along the river that bisects the town, wooden bridges arch gracefully, offering photo-worthy reflections of mountain silhouettes.
Djúpivogur Coastal Drive
Continue along the coast to Djúpivogur, a fishing village celebrated for its art installation, Eggin í Gleðivík—34 granite eggs representing local bird species.
Walk among these smooth sculptures arranged by the harbor’s edge, listening as your guide describes the technique used to carve each one from raw stone.
Further along, stop at Hellnar Cliffs to watch kittiwakes and fulmars wheel overhead. The salty breeze accentuates the scent of seaweed and driftwood. Your guide will recount tales of hardy islanders who once clung to these shores, surviving on cod and seabird eggs; their legacy is still visible in the scattered turf-roof ruins along the route.
Day 6: North Iceland & Whale Bay
Return to the northern realm for botanical wonders and marine giants. This day pairs lush gardens with the thrill of ocean-borne wildlife.
Akureyri Botanical Garden & Town Walk
Stroll through Akureyri’s renowned botanical garden, where Arctic poppies and lupines bloom against a backdrop of fjord-framed peaks.
Your guide will explain how horticulturists coax southern species to thrive in this subarctic microclimate, creating a riot of color even in cooler months.
Continue into town to browse chic boutiques showcasing local woolen and handcrafted jewelry. Pause at a café overlooking Eyjafjörður to taste a skyr smoothie and hear how Akureyri’s blend of academic institutions and fishing heritage shaped its cosmopolitan character.
Húsavík Whale Museum & Harbor Cruise
Travel to Húsavík, the cradle of Icelandic whale watching, and explore the Whale Museum’s lifelike skeletons and interactive displays.
Learn how baleen whales feed and why Skjálfandi Bay attracts humpbacks, minkes, and even elusive orcas.
Board a comfortable vessel for a private harbor cruise, scanning the horizon for spouts and breaches. Your guide will narrate each sighting—identifying tail-fluke patterns and social behaviors—while you capture once-in-a-lifetime photographs of these majestic marine mammals in their natural element.
Day 7: Mývatn’s Geothermal Marvels
Immerse yourself in the surreal, steam-ridden landscapes of North Iceland, where volcanic heat meets glacial ice.
Hverir Geothermal Fields Trek
At Hverir, you’ll traverse a moonscape of bubbling mud pots and hissing fumaroles along sturdy boardwalks.
Each step brings you closer to roiling springs that spew mineral-rich steam, coloring the ground in ochre, rust, and sulfur yellow.
As you wander between steaming craters, inhale the pungent air, and photograph the dramatic contrast of bright plumes against dark volcanic soil, you’re getting an immersive lesson in Iceland’s volcanic heartbeat.
Mývatn Nature Baths Soak
After the otherworldly heat of Hverir, retreat to the milky-blue waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths, perched atop a lava plateau.
Slide into the warm, silica-rich pools and feel the tension melt from your muscles as panoramic vistas of moss-covered lava fields stretch to the horizon. Between soaks, wander the shallow thermal lagoon’s edge, dipping in where steam rises in soft columns, and sip a locally brewed herbal tea at the waterside café while watching clouds drift across a still volcanic skyline.
Day 8: Fly to Bergen, Norway
Trade Iceland’s rugged fjords for Norway’s coastal charm on a scenic flight to Bergen.
Scenic Coastal Flight
Board a short flight from Akureyri to Bergen, where the plane hugs Norway’s jagged coastline and islands before descending into a city of colorful wooden wharf houses.
Fløibanen Funicular Ride
As afternoon light softens, ascend Mount Fløyen aboard the iconic Fløibanen funicular—an engineering marvel that climbs steeply in just eight minutes.
At the summit, panoramic platforms reveal sweeping views of Bergen’s red-roofed buildings nestled between fjord arms and forested hills. Your guide will point out key landmarks, including the medieval Rosenkrantz Tower, the sprawling Vågen harbor, and the distant peaks of the Folgefonna glacier.
Take a moment to wander year-round hiking trails or sip a craft beer at the summit café, breathing in the crisp mountain air before descending at sunset.
Day 9: Norwegian Fjord Cruise
Experience the quintessential Norwegian landscape on a full-day fjord cruise, where cascading waterfalls and orchard-draped valleys unfold around every bend.
Hardangerfjord Sightseeing Boat Tour
Embark on a comfortable sightseeing vessel at Bergen’s pier, charting a course into the renowned Hardangerfjord.
As you glide beneath cliffs, your guide will describe how glacial carving created this ribbon-like inlet and how fruit orchards cling to sun-soaked valley slopes. Stop at a rural landing to sample freshly picked apples and pears, learning how Norway’s “fruit garden” thrives in this maritime microclimate. Return aboard to watch quiet fishing villages drift past, each with its wooden boathouse and postcard-perfect view.
Vøringsfossen Waterfall Viewpoint
Head to the dramatic Vøringsfossen, where the Måbødalen river plunges 182 meters into a narrow canyon.
Stand on the newly constructed viewing platform at the rim for an unobstructed panorama of spray-clouded cliffs and rainbow-spangled mist. Your guide will explain how the nearby hydroelectric dam diverts part of the flow and the ongoing balance between energy needs and preserving Norway’s natural spectacles.
Day 10: Geirangerfjord & Trollstigen
Experience Norway’s most dramatic mountain roads and fjord vistas, where hairpin turns give way to cascading waterfalls and secluded fjord inlets.
Trollstigen Alpine Drive
Climb aboard your private vehicle for the legendary Trollstigen route, winding up nine steep hairpin bends carved into sheer rock faces.
At each panoramic pull-off, your guide will point out geological features—glacially scoured valleys, ancient slate cliffs, and waterfalls plummeting straight from mountaintops.
Between viewpoints, breathe in the crisp mountain air perfumed with pine and moss. Notice how alpine flora clings to precarious ledges, and learn about pioneering road-builders who tamed this rugged terrain.
Geirangerfjord RIB Safari
Descend toward Geirangerfjord and transfer to a rigid-inflatable boat for a thrilling RIB safari through one of the world’s most scenic fjords.
As you speed past the iconic “Seven Sisters” waterfalls, your guide will weave in tales of farm families who once perched atop high ledges to barn their goats, calling down to each other across the water. Feel the spray of icy waterfall mist on your face and photograph the dramatic symmetry of sister falls and their lone “Suitor” counterpart.
Day 11: Oslo Cultural Immersion
The transition from wild landscapes to urban sophistication in Norway’s capital, where Viking heritage and modern design intersect.
Viking Ship Museum & Bygdøy Peninsula
Begin on the scenic Bygdøy Peninsula, boarding your private vehicle for the short drive to the Viking Ship Museum.
Here, you’ll marvel at exquisitely preserved 9th-century longships—Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune—displayed in light-filled halls. Your guide will explain the shipbuilder’s craftsmanship, from oak-plank joinery to ornate animal-head prows, and discuss recent archaeological insights gleaned from burial finds of combs, wagons, and textiles.
On the way back through leafy Oslo streets, learn how Bygdøy evolved from a royal estate to a cultural quarter and glimpse other museums—from the Fram polar ship to the Kon-Tiki raft—underscoring Norway’s maritime legacy.
Oslo City Highlights Tour
Descend into Oslo’s pulsating heart for a guided walking tour along Karl Johans gate, the city’s grand boulevard lined with historic façades and modern cafés.
Admire the Opera House’s gleaming angled roof—where you can stroll atop its marble slopes—and learn how its design reflects Norway’s commitment to public art and accessibility.
Continue to Akershus Fortress, a medieval stronghold overlooking the Oslofjord, where your guide will recount sieges, royal intrigues, and tales of resistance during World War II.
As you pause at the Nobel Peace Center, discuss Norway’s role in global diplomacy before browsing boutiques in the trendy Grünerløkka district. This urban immersion balances history, architecture, and contemporary culture, revealing the multifaceted spirit of Oslo.
Day 12: Farewell, Transfer to Airport
Settle into your private vehicle for the drive to Oslo Airport. As you depart, your guide will recap highlights—from Aurora chases and glacier caves to fjord safaris and Viking ships, ensuring you carry home lasting memories of Iceland and Norway’s most iconic experiences. Safe travels!
