The Land of Fire & Ice

Iceland Grand Expedition

Seven days exploring Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes, from the Golden Circle and northern fjords to the wild interior, dramatic waterfalls and colourful rhyolite mountains.

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Group size: 8–10 guests
Total route: ≈ 1,690 km
Season: July – August 2027
Our vehicles: Polaris RZR; Polaris RZR Pro ROptional upgrade

Price on Request

International flights are not included.

The journey

Drive through private farming lands and ancient rural parliament roads, cruise black-sand beaches and cross snow-covered mountain ridges. Along the way you will discover hidden waterfalls, natural hot pools, dramatic stuðlaberg basalt cliffs and abandoned farms that tell the story of Iceland’s past — seven days built around a five-day central-highland loop, powered by the freedom only a buggy can offer.

Our route

Where the trail leads

Expedition Itinerary

Your 7-day programme

A rhythm of adventure by day and comfort by night — here is how the expedition unfolds.

Day 1

Day 01

Arrival in Reykjavík

Private meet-and-greet at Keflavík and transfer to your design hotel on the harbour. The evening opens with a welcome dinner where you meet your expedition guide, followed by your safety briefing and vehicle familiarisation for the buggies that will carry you around the island.

Day 2

Day 02

Golden Circle to Kerlingarfjöll

From our Reykjavík base we follow gravel tracks along a salmon river and stuðlaberg cliffs, cross from the American to the Eurasian tectonic plate at Þingvellir — the oldest parliament in the world — then pass Geysir and Gullfoss with a first glacier view, ending the day at 690 m among the geothermal peaks of Kerlingarfjöll.

Drive ≈ 260 km

Day 3

Day 03

North to Skagafjörður & Tröllaskagi

The water starts to flow north as Skagafjörður opens up with its endless fields. We drive through two local farms guided by the farmers themselves, lunch at the bakery in Sauðárkrókur, blast east along the beach past the abandoned farm of Kólkuós, then cross the Tröllaskagi mountain passes to Dalvík for the night.

Drive ≈ 368 km

Day 4

Day 04

Eyjafjörður, Akureyri & Mývatn

A whale lookout in Eyjafjörður before heading south to Akureyri for a well-earned break. Then east over Vaðlaheiði into the dense forests of Fnjóskadalur, past the old farm of Sörlastaðir and along the mighty Skjálfandafljót through Bárðardalur, ending the long day at the volcanic lake of Mývatn.

Drive ≈ 252 km

Day 5

Day 05

Sprengisandur & Aldeyjarfoss

We retrace toward Bárðardalur then climb south onto the great Sprengisandur highland, pausing at Aldeyjarfoss and its marvellous basalt columns. Past Nýjidalur beside Vatnajökull — the largest glacier in Europe — through Vonarskarð and the highland lakes to Hotel Hrauneyjar.

Drive ≈ 409 km

Day 6

Day 06

Hidden highland trails to Reykjavík

The final driving day shares rural trails barely known to locals. Into the rainbow rhyolite of Landmannalaugar, then Sigölduvegur Gamli toward Dómadalur and the steep climb of Pokahryggir toward Hrafntinnusker — incredible colours, steaming geysers and secret waterfalls — before Rauðaskál and Háifoss and the run back to base in Reykjavík.

Drive ≈ 400 km

Day 7

Day 07

Free day in Reykjavík & departure

A free day to explore Reykjavík at your own pace — the old town, the harbour and its restaurants — with optional add-on experiences on request, from a private geothermal lagoon to a whale-watching charter or a Golden Circle helicopter flight. When you are ready, a private transfer takes you to the airport.

Our experiences

Moments to keep forever

See the whales

Keep a lookout for humpbacks and minke whales breaching along the north-coast fjords of Eyjafjörður.

Whisky with glacier ice

Sip a dram chilled with thousand-year-old ice, poured right on the vast blue glaciers themselves.

Relax in hot baths

Steaming geothermal tubs at our highland hotels, overlooking volcanic valleys after a long day on the trail.

Authentic Icelandic cuisine

Fresh arctic char, lamb and langoustine, foraged herbs and skyr — the true taste of the island.

Fresh air by a huge glacier

Breathe the cold, clean highland air standing beneath the immense ice of Vatnajökull.

Breathtaking views

Rainbow rhyolite mountains, steaming valleys and hidden waterfalls at every turn of the highland loop.

Our team & support

You are never alone out there

Your convoy is led from the front by Petr, with a mechanic in the support truck and a private concierge — one dedicated guide for every few guests.

Petr, Expedition Founder & Leader — Expedition Founder & Leader
Petr
Founder of the expeditions — scouts every route himself and leads the convoy from the front.

Gunnar, Expedition Guide — Expedition Guide
Gunnar
Brings extensive local knowledge of Iceland’s highland trails, river crossings and hidden geothermal sites.

Björn, Support Driver & Mechanic — Support Driver & Mechanic
Björn
Oversees vehicle maintenance and provides expert mechanical support throughout the expedition.

Ford F-350 SuperJeep — support truck carrying spares, fuel, luggage and our on-trail mechanic

Accommodation

Exceptional Stays Along the Way

We choose unique and interesting places to stay — the best available on each stage of the route — making each overnight stay an integral part of the journey.

What’s Included

Fully hosted expedition

Modern Polaris RZR buggies, meticulously inspected and prepared for the expedition
Carefully selected hotels and desert camps, chosen for their comfort, character and location
Breakfasts and dinners along the route
Expedition leader-guide and support vehicle, route planning and navigation
Protective suits and helmets
Airport ↔ hotel transfers on the first and last day, plus every transfer in the programme
A welcome dinner immersed in local cuisine and traditions
Fuel for the entire expedition
Medical insurance as specified in the confirmed expedition programme
Professional guidance and support from your expedition leader throughout the journey
Memorable landscapes and experiences

Additional

Available on request and settled locally, so you only pay for what you choose to add.

What’s Not Included

International flights and visas
Alcohol
Dinners in some locations
Personal expenses
Additional entertainment (helicopter tours, horse riding)
Additional travel or vehicle cover beyond the included medical insurance

Discover Iceland with Meredian

Private departures, tailored to your group and dates.

Price on Request

International flights are not included.

Plan Your Expedition

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need racing or off-road experience?

None at all. A valid driving licence and our hands-on instruction session on the first day are all you need — our captains set the pace and lead the whole convoy.

How physically demanding is the expedition?

Moderate. Days are long behind the wheel, but no hiking or special fitness is required beyond a few optional short walks to viewpoints and hot springs.

What is the weather like, and are the buggies comfortable?

Highland summer typically ranges from 5–15°C and can change quickly. Buggies are open vehicles, so we provide proper layers and rain gear to keep you warm and dry throughout.

Is it suitable for couples and solo travellers?

Yes. Each buggy seats two, so couples and friends drive together, while solo guests are paired with a driving partner or given a private machine on request.

How large is the group?

A single private departure of 8–10 guests with a high guide-to-guest ratio, a support truck and an on-trail mechanic accompanying every kilometre.