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Iceland tours for seniors:

Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours to Iceland and Greenland.

The Iceland tour for seniors explores Iceland‘s world famous natural beauty following in part the golden circle tour to Northern Iceland and then Southern Iceland. These Iceland tours for seniors explore and teach you about the ancient Viking heritage, World Heritage Sites, and charming Nordic towns including Reykjavik, all with some truly spectacular scenery including vast glaciers an active volcano and lava field and a black sand beach along the way. Your small group tours Iceland itinerary includes Skaftafell National park, Gullfoss waterfall and Isafjordur as well the Northern lights in places when the season and conditions are favourable. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group Iceland tours for seniors, couples and mature solo travelers. Your Iceland tour for seniors led by experienced tour director, and entusiastic tour guide from Iceland as part of our small group tours of Iceland with like minded senior travelers.

Crafted tours for Mature World Travellers

Iceland

Iceland church in Vik
Pre-guaranteed
From $20,014 NZD

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

Our escorted tour gives guests an insight into the history of this Icelandic nation. Travelling as a small group, our daily itineraries explore the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and others, national parks and majestic waterfalls as we learn about Iceland’s natural heritage and its Viking past from experienced local guides. There is a single supplement for solo travellers.

17 days
Iceland
Departing May, Sep
Iceland church in Vik
Pre-guaranteed
From $47,003 NZD

Arctic circle tour

A 40 day small group tour for senior couples and mature solo travellers interested in exploring the Arctic circle. The group with a program leader explores Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Islands of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. The tour makes use of the long summer night light for your enjoyment learning about viking history and trade  and the Sami.

40 days
Denmark, Finland
Departing May
Tours of Greenland

Articles about Iceland

Skaftafell National Park, Iceland

2 mins read EuropeIceland

Skaftafell National Park, Iceland The Skaftafell National Park was established in 1967, but became part of the newly created Vatnajokull National Park in 2008. Skaftafell, which spans 500 square kilometres, now forms the park’s southern…

Water course falling down to Lagarfljot lake in Eastern Iceland, the mountain landscape of Fljotsdalsherad municipality is at background

Egilsstadir, Iceland

2 mins read EuropeIceland

Egilsstadir, Iceland Egilsstaðir on the banks of the Lagarfljót river is the largest town in East Iceland. As of 2018, it is home to fewer than 3,000 people. With its natural wonders as well as…

Isafjordur Iceland

Isafjordur, Iceland

2 mins read EuropeIceland

Isafjordur, Iceland Ísafjörður in the largest town in Iceland’s Westfjords peninsula, but is home to fewer than 3,000 residents. The town, fuelled by a thriving fishing industry, did not form on this site until after…

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Iceland

Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

3 mins read EuropeIceland

Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is located in West Iceland about 120 kilometres from the Icelandic capital of  Reykjavik. Dubbed “Iceland in miniature”, a day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers beautiful, diverse scenery…

A land of fire and ice, dark winters and midnight sun, volcanoes, hot springs, and massive glaciers and a deep fjord or two, Iceland sometimes feels like it’s on the edge of the earth is often how a tour guide will describe trips on a Iceland small group tour on the edge of the Arctic circle , full of natural wonders for the keen traveler and photographer.

For spectacular landscapes on a multi day tour, then;

  • take a cave tour including an ice cave tour at Vatnajokull National Park , Europe’s second biggest national park,
  • see icebergs around the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon , just off the south coast,
  • and make sure to visit the cascading waterfalls of Skogafoss Waterfall and Seljalandsfoss Waterfall,
  • or enjoy at times during the year a display of the northern light up over the arctic circle.
  • Animal lovers can go a ride on a Icelandic horse,
  • or join a traditional Husavik whale watching day tour, for humpback whales or,
  • see the world’s largest number of Atlantic puffins high up in the Arctic circle.
  • And those seeking adventure on their Iceland vacation can visit one of the island’s many volcanic craters, including the active Eyjafjallajokull Volcano, famed for its regular volcanic eruptions or the silfra fissure or
  • the blue lagoon hot spring.

This is a small group tour in Iceland for mature and senior travellers interested in the geology, ecology and culture of a place. With expert local guides each day on your Iceland guided tour and an accomplished program leader, this is a great tour for the couple or solo traveller interested in discovering Iceland. The small group tour in Iceland October departure includes the Northern lights tour.

While its easy for spectacular waterfalls and amazing glacial landscapes such as the Solheimajokull glacier or the langjokull glacier to steal the show on a Iceland itinerary. An Iceland tour following Iceland’s ring road (the golden circletour) is also full of hidden gems for history buffs .

Settled by the Vikings

Settled by Vikings in the Middle Ages, the Icelanders were the romantics of the North, who wrote the famed sagas that passed down the lore of the Viking age. Iceland also pioneered modern-day democracy: visit Thingvellir National Park , where from 930 to 1798 every community in Iceland sent representatives to discuss the important issues of the day. Whatever your interest, from joining a Northern lights tour or whale watching tour, if you’re planning any trips to Iceland, consider joining an Odyssey small group tour in Iceland. Our expert tour operator and experienced local guide provide Iceland travel tips on this guided tour that will allow you to truly uncover one of the world’s most remote nations.

The need to know

Touring Iceland

Getting around

Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including trains and ferries. Specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary. If you’re doing some independent travel around Reykjavik, your choices are the city bus or taxis. The bus, however, is not known for being especially reliable. Around the country, there are no railways, so road transport or flight is usually the best way to travel between cities.

Accommodation

In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. In Iceland, there is a wide range of accommodation options, and if you’re travelling individually, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your requirements.

Tour Guides

Odyssey always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience on your Iceland holidayduring which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit.

Geograpy, environment & weather

The geography of Iceland is notoriously rugged, combining mountains, glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, and more. Near the arctic, it is positioned at the confluence of the Arctic and Noth Atlantic ocean, and is 103,000 square kilometers. Around 10% of the nation is covered by glaciers. The largest, Vatnajokull, measures 7764 square kilometers.

The weather in Iceland is at its best between June and August, during which it is essential to prebook accomodation to avoid the rush. The average temperature in winter in Reykjavik is around 1 degree, and in summer 12 degrees. However, the weather is unpredictable, and in areas of the country it can become extremely cold. Therefore, it’s vital that you come prepared, with a wardrobe that will protect you from harsh conditions.

World Heritage Sites

Iceland is home to only 2 world heritage sites, but 7 are currently on the “tentative” list, being considered for nomination. It is well worth visiting every site, if you are able. But here’s a few highlights from the bunch:

  1. Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park: This is is the former site of the world’s oldest parliament and is an excellent location to learn about the movement of the earth’s continental plates and to see how that movement affects Iceland today. It was home to the Althing open-air assembly, at which the whole of Iceland was represented from 930-1798.
  2. Surtsey: Designated a world heritage site in 2008, Surtsey is a volcanic island that was formed by an eruption that lasted from 1963-1967. It is now eroding, but it has been rigorously studied by scientists, and is likely to remain above sea level for about 100 more years.

Festivals & events

Because Iceland is a country that is very much at the whim of its weather and environment, it has plenty of events and festivals to keep morale going during dark days and cold months. Here are a few:

Þorrablót: This feast is held early in the year during midwinter, and named for a month of the traditional Icelandic calendar. The event was originally held to honour Thor, but now focuses more on the community aspect.

The Reykjavik Art Festival: From May-June, Iceland’s largest city hosts this festival that is renowned worldwide. In the past, it has hosted some of the most famous names in music and art, including Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol, and David Bowie.

The Northern Lights: From roughly September to April, when the sky is clear and dark, there is a chance you’ll witness the northern lights. Because it often lacks cloud cover, Iceland is one of the best places in the world for Northern Lights watching. However, it can never be guaranteed and the longer you spend in Iceland the better your chance of enjoying the aurora borealis.

Reading lists

  1. The Sagas of Icelanders by Anonymous
  2. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
  3. Independent People by Halldor Laxness
  4. Jar City by Arnaldur Indridason

Eating & Drinking

The cuisine of Iceland is influenced by its watery borders. Where once, hunters and fishers were limited by the brief daylight hours, Iceland now flourishes thanks to technological and agricultural advancements that see it growing much of its own food.

Iceland offers diverse and cosmopolitan restaurant options, however it is still possible to track down some traditional fare. Key elements of the diet included fish, lamb, and skyr, a creamy, yoghurt-like product that is technically classified as a cheese.

Lamb has been eaten in Iceland for centuries. You can expect to find it slow-roasted and flavoured with arctic thyme, or in a rich stew of Kjötsúpa, with potato, swede and carrots.

Iceland is renowned for its popular hotdogs. Bill Clinton famously declared them the best in the world! An Iceland hot dog (pylsur) is said to taste properly like meat, to snap when you bite into it, and is served with both raw and cooked onion and three different condiments. Find them in kitsch-looking hotdog stands across the country.

You might like to sample the fish in Iceland given its ubiquity and popularity. But a word of warning: traditional Hákarl is only for the brave. Even locals tend to avoid this pungent fermented shark dish with its strong ammonia smell. It was a product of its time, when refrigeration was not available. Nonetheless, it does live on for some devoted fish fans.

You can expect to come across rye bread in Iceland. Their variety is dark, sweet and dense, and delicious served with cheese and pickled herring.

For the sweet tooths, you can’t go wrong with a Scandinavian pastry like the snúður, or else look out for ice cream! Iceland is obsessed, with some gelaterias staying open till 1am!

Health & safety

Iceland is one of the world’s safest countries.

However, as always, you should always stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings, especially around tourist attractions.

The biggest danger in the country is the weather. It’s important that you do your research and dress for the weather. If you’re planning on hiking, always go with a group and consult with experts to ensure that your plan is safe.

Electrical supply

Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. Iceland plugs have two round pins, combining plug types C and F. Iceland operates on a 230V supply voltage at 50Hz.

See All

Tour Reviews

It is hard to believe that such a small country can contain so much dramatic scenery. Icecaps and glaciers, huge waterfalls, volcanos and hot bubbling mud, and those wonderful fjords and high mountain passes
Participant 2016
Our guide was a great ambassador for his country, wide knowledge of literature, history, customs, industry, fishing - also a perceptive and sensitive person who inter-acted so willingly with all of us!
Participant 2016
Every day was different with so much to see and do. Volcanoes, craters (including the pseudo ones), bubbling mud pools, and the active Strokkur Geyser, the bird life, black sand beaches, and those beautiful Icelandic horses. The time flew by...
Participant 2016
I loved this trip as it was so very different from anywhere else I've been. The scenery was breath-taking and I never imagined I'd be taken on a cruise around a lagoon filled with icebergs, or see so many magnificent waterfalls that I lost count.
Participant 2016
The geographical wonders offered by Iceland and Greenland left me in awe. The grandeur and spectacle of the countryside is breathtaking. Our leader (Rob) was excellent: well-researched, friendly, organized and good-humoured.
Participant 2017

FAQs

Iceland has a single time zone (excluding its overseas territories), Greenwich mean time. The longest day in Iceland occurs in June and is around 21 hours. The shortest day occurs in December and is around 4 hours.

If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you make sure you tip an appropriate amount for services, as is the case throughout much of Europe. It’s customary to tip 10-15% of the bill at restaurants, if a service charge isn’t automatically included. It’s polite to round a bill up to the nearest whole figure or leave the change when buying drinks.

Internet access is easily accessible, and most hotels and many cafes will be able to offer it.

Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you’re able to make calls and use data while in Iceland. Many providers will offer a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you’re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.

The Blue Lagoon: Probably the most famous attraction in Iceland and this is a geothermal spa which is made of heated seawater that is a striking turquoise color.

Reykjavik: The capital and largest city. It is the center of Iceland’s cultural, economic, and governmental activity, and is a popular tourist destination.

Thingvellir National Park: Protected as a UNESCO site, Thingvellir is a historic site and national park in Iceland, east of Reykjavík.

Snaefellsjokull glacier: A 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano in western Iceland.

Isafjordur: A town in the northwest Iceland, known for its dramatic landscapes. The old town has wooden houses with corrugated tin roofs built by fishing merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Northern Lights season is from late August to mid-April.

Kirkjufell: in northern Iceland is the most iconic mountain for viewing the Aurora in Iceland even when the intensity is not strong.

Iceland is a country of many amazing waterfalls and each waterfall will leave you in wonder with the shape, size, sound, or the surrounding nature around them. Widely considered the most famous of Icelandic waterfalls, is Gullfoss (‘The Golden Waterfall’), which is located in the mighty Hvíta glacier river in South Iceland, where it drops down 32 metres (105 ft) into a narrow river gorge via two tiers. In clear weather, you can even walk near enough to feel the water spray on your face.

Iceland’s famous Golden Circle is a popular route between 3 of Iceland’s most visited attractions. Starting in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, you’ll drive into the southern uplands and back, visiting Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

You will visit all these places on Odyssey’s tour to Iceland.

A short drive from Reykjavik, the capital city, see the most stunning sights at Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall – all in one day!

Odyssey’s escorted tour gives guests an insight into the history of this Icelandic nation. Travelling as a small group, our daily itineraries explore the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and others, national parks and majestic waterfalls as we learn about Iceland’s natural heritage and its Viking past from experienced local guides. There is a single supplement for solo travellers.

In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our long-stay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments.

Odyssey schedules our tours to Iceland off-season, in May, August, or September. Recommended packing is for temperatures averaging 3 degrees Celsius low and 12 degrees Celsius high. These months you miss the largest crowds of tourists and are considered by many the best months to visit Iceland.

You can find cost and other information on Odyssey’s 17-day small group tour to Iceland here. Odyssey Traveller continues to listen to you as you travel with us, and we continue to remain committed to low prices. Our program prices remain unbundled; there are no hidden costs on all Odyssey programs.

Odyssey’s Iceland cultural & wilderness small group tour for senior couples or solo travellers, is a 17-day circumnavigation of this fascinating island, designed for mature-aged or senior travellers. During this small group tour, we experience Iceland’s spectacular landscapes filled with glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls, as we cruise among Arctic icebergs at great destinations such as Vatnajokull National Park, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Snaefellsness National Park. Surrounded by natural wonders such as geysir, volcanic craters, and the famous Strokkur Geysir and Gulfoss Waterfall, we will also go whale watching in the fishing village of Husavik. At Illugastadir we will spot seals from the coast. If you are travelling on a September departure to Iceland with Odyssey Traveller, you may even be in luck to see the Northern Lights.

Our fully escorted guided tours offer fresh insights into the history of Iceland, from settlement to the present day as we follow Iceland’s Golden circle, with the help of an Odyssey Program Leader and local tour guides.

The unit of currency used in Iceland is the Icelandic krona, ISK – Íslensk króna in Icelandic. Króna means crown.The international currency abbreviation is ISK, but in Iceland you will see “kr.” before or after the price of things.

The safety of our travelers, tour leader, local guide and support staff has always been our top priority and with the new guidelines for public health and safety for keeping safe for destinations around the world, we’ve developed our plan to give you peace of mind when traveling with us.

Odyssey welcomes early bookings, as far ahead as 3 years ahead, but we also often take last-minute bookings, as late as one week before departure. It is always better to secure your place early, to avoid missing out. Flights are also always cheaper when booking early!

Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours to Iceland and Greenland.

The Iceland tour for seniors explores Iceland‘s world famous natural beauty following in part the golden circle tour to Northern Iceland and then Southern Iceland. These Iceland tours for seniors explore and teach you about the ancient Viking heritage, World Heritage Sites, and charming Nordic towns including Reykjavik, all with some truly spectacular scenery including vast glaciers an active volcano and lava field and a black sand beach along the way. Your small group tours Iceland itinerary includes Skaftafell National park, Gullfoss waterfall and Isafjordur as well the Northern lights in places when the season and conditions are favourable. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group Iceland tours for seniors, couples and mature solo travelers. Your Iceland tour for seniors led by experienced tour director, and entusiastic tour guide from Iceland as part of our small group tours of Iceland with like minded senior travelers.

English is taught as a second language in Iceland and almost every Icelander speaks the language fluently. And more so, most Icelanders speak several other languages including Danish, German, Spanish and French and welcome the opportunity to practice their language skills.

 

Odyssey schedule our tours to Iceland in May and August, which are quieter months in terms of tourism and the weather is typically mild as this is late Spring (May) and early Autumn (August).

In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our long-stay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments.

Odyssey Traveller offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours across Iceland and beyond. We explore Iceland’s world-famous natural beauty, its ancient Viking heritage, World Heritage Sites, and charming Nordic towns, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of Iceland, designed for the senior traveler, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like-minded people.

Odyssey’s tours are typically half or full-board, we include all accommodation, as well as:

  • Transport and field trips as indicated.
  • Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
  • Gratuities and necessary tips.
  • Services of an Odyssey group leader.
  • Detailed Tour Information Booklet

Iceland has three official national parks; Þingvellir, Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull.

Odyssey specialises in educational small group tours for seniors, typically groups sizes are between 6 to 12 people, and no more than 16 travellers.

Click here to find Odyssey’s contact details. You can also book our tours directly on our website.

Articles about Iceland published by Odyssey Traveller:

Questions About Iceland

Visiting Iceland for Mature and Senior Travellers

Lunar Landscapes and Geology in Iceland

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.

 

External articles to assist you on your visit to Iceland:

Inspired by Iceland: The official tourism website

Travel + Leisure: How to travel to Iceland

Ice, Fire and Feuds: On the Trail of Iceland’s Sagas

Lonely Planet: Ten things to do in Reykjavík

Updated August 2021.

Responsible travel tips for Iceland.

  • Learn at least the local greetings to break the ice. Although many locals speak English, the more you know of the native language, the greater your experience of the country will be.
  • Carry a business card in your wallet or purse from your local hotel, to assist you with the return journey if you do become lost.
  • Always ensure that you are covered by travel insurance. If you need advice on this feel free to contact Odyssey and we’ll be able to help.
  • If sightseeing in rural areas, remember to be respectful of residents and locals. As well as being tourist attractions, these are peoples’ homes!
  • When travelling independently, make sure you check the opening hours of shops and museums so that you don’t miss out! Museums and galleries are often closed on Mondays. Also be certain to check whether your trip coincides with any public holidays, so you can plan accordingly.
  • Consider contacting your bank to inform them that you may be making purchases overseas. Otherwise, they may flag any activity on your account as suspicious. Also, check which ATMs and banks are compatible with your cards, to ensure you can withdraw cash with minimal fees.
  • Before departing, make sure you have a number of Icelandic Krona in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.

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