Iceland Adventure Map

Ask an adventurous motorcyclist for his or her “bucket list” of riding destinations, and Iceland is almost guaranteed to be included. There’s a good reason for this: Iceland is one of the wildest and most beautiful, historic, colorful places on earth. Frozen glaciers, towering volcanoes, steaming geysers, and soothing natural hot springs abound on this Arctic island. This is nature at its most primitive: raw and untouched, forged in ice and fire.

From the geographical point of view we see a multifaceted country with countless beautiful islands, crystal clear water, rugged mountains and canyons and a never ending coastline. And as motorcyclists we see roads made for riding, sceneries made to enjoy, friendly people, great food and countless places worth to stop and contemplate.

Iceland is only available to ride in summer months, so please join us this August for an adventure you’ll never forget.

Join us on an unforgettable 11-day motorcycle adventure into the wild heart of Iceland, as no other tour company can offer. You will visit Viking ruins at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir (pronounced “Thingvellir”), skirt the cliff edges of fjords, traverse the remote Highlands of Iceland, get up close and personal with some of Iceland’s most notorious volcanoes and stunning blue glaciers, and set out on a whale watching excursion on a traditional oak boat. Prepare for the ride of a lifetime on our Iceland Adventure!

During our 2016 Iceland Adventure the tour leaders wrote a daily blog and posted some pictures from the tour. Click here to read more about our Iceland Adventure Travel Journal.

Highlights include:

    • Þingvellir National Park – No other single location embodies Iceland’s geological and human history like Þingvellir. Sitting directly astride the Continental Rift, this is the only place on earth where the growth and splitting of tectonic plates is visible above water. And as the site of the world’s first Parliament, Iceland’s General Assembly convened there from 930-1798. Þingvellir is a truly amazing site that holds a special place in Icelanders’ hearts.
    • Gullfoss, Godafoss, and Dettifoss – Some of the most well-known waterfalls in Europe.
    • Hekla – Iceland’s most notorious volcano, known as the “Gateway to Hell”.
    • Enjoy a rest day with the option of enjoying this wonderful seaside town, add a few more miles in the saddle or enjoy a boat cruise.. With any luck we’ll see Minke, Humpback, and even Blue whales before heading back to shore for lunch and some well-deserved R&R.
    • Arctic Circle (almost) – While the Arctic Circle doesn’t actually cross the Icelandic mainland (the only part of Iceland technically inside the Arctic Circle is the tiny island of Grimsey), we will get you as close as we can (within .3 degrees)!
    • Geysir – The original geyser, for which all others are named.
    • Vatnajökull – The largest glacier in Europe.
    • The West Fjords – Wind along the edges of deep fjords on narrow dirt roads. Don´t worry, we´ll have plenty of stops for photo-ops!
    • Eyjafjallajökull – Under this glacier lies the volcano whose eruption in 2010 wreaked havoc for air travelers worldwide as its ash plume covered much of Europe.

At a Glance Your Iceland Adventure

Iceland Adventure, Motorcycle Tour in Iceland, Day 1
Welcome to Reykjavik! Today the tour leaders will meet you at the airport and escort you to the start hotel of the tour where you will have time to settle into your Scandinavian style hotel. If time permits, walk around Reykjavik and indulge in the charm of this northerly capital. The geothermal pools provide a unique first impression of Iceland. Later on in the afternoon the tour leaders will hand your bikes over to you before a short tour briefing. Tonight you will enjoy a kick-off dinner with your fellow riders.

Iceland Adventure, Motorcycle Tour in Iceland, Day 2
Start the tour with scenic riding on paved and hard pack roads. Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir to see the Eurasia plates and the site of the world’s oldest General Assembly. Explore the fascinating Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum and end the day of riding in the small fishing village of Stykkishólmur.

Iceland Adventure, Motorcycle Tour in Iceland, Day 3
Be prepared for a spectacular day of riding in the western fjords, winding roads traverse through stunning landscapes as you dip in and out of fjords. Be prepared for breathtaking scenery as you ride along the beautiful Icelandic coastline. In Flókalundur the adventurous can dip into the hot-pot for a soak. Stop for the night in the town of Isafjordur, a small harbour town nestled between rising hills and the waters of the fjords.

Iceland Adventure, Motorcycle Tour in Iceland, Day 4
A day of scenic overload, fjords and waterfalls dominate this day of riding to the north of Iceland.Be on the look out for seals not long after leaving your hotel this morning, sunning themselves on the rocks. There is also a wonderful coffee stop in a historical Icelandic Farmhouse. Today you will enjoy great riding on both paved and unpaved roads as you ride along the coast, in and out of fjords and through some beautiful farmlands.

Iceland Adventure, Motorcycle Tour in Iceland, Day 5
Ride the northern coastal road and discover new landscapes and scenery. There are many pearls on route, as can be seen when riding by or stopping in the remote villages and townships along the way. Tonight we will stay in the wonderful city of Akureyri, right on the ocean!

Iceland Adventure, Motorcycle Tour in Iceland, Day 6
This is a free day in Akureyri, nicknamed the capital of northern Iceland. This charming town is found at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Unlike other rural Iceland villages, Akureyri has an urban verve with a full complement of distractions. Today enjoy galleries, cafes, shopping and boat cruises or take a ride to Vatnajökull National Park to visit Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

Iceland Adventure, Motorcycle Tour in Iceland, Day 7
Today is a momentous day of riding with an early stop at the Asbyrgi Forrest, a horse-shoe shaped canyon believed to be one of the most ‘magical’ places in Iceland. Ride as far north as the route goes; a stone throw from the Arctic Circle, and enjoy the scenery and many villages along the way. An unforgettable day of riding into the mountains is highlighted with lodgings in an old farm house.

Iceland Adventure, Motorcycle Tour in Iceland, Day 8
Excellent roads take us along the south eastern fjords. Enjoy the contrasting landscapes of lofty jagged peaks and black sandy beaches. Take an opportunity to visit the glaciers and have a soak in the nearby hot-pots.

Iceland Adventure, Motorcycle Tour in Iceland, Day 9
Today’s ride is short on distance but rich in spectacular views. Prepare to be enchanted by a zodiac boat trip amongst icebergs at Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Ride past Skaftafell National Park, the largest national park in Europe and witness the many glacial tongues that lead off of the Vatnjokulspjoogardur Ice shield.

Iceland Adventure, Motorcycle Tour in Iceland, Day 10
The southern coast of Iceland reveals the more densely populated part of the country. Many more farms, villages, hamlets and lighthouses are to be found en route to Reykjavik. Stop at the unique Seljaland Falls, a 196 feet high cascade that cannot be missed. We will head north to visit Gullfoss and Strokkur Geysir before riding the last few miles in to Reykjavik where we will enjoy a special final group dinner.

Iceland Adventure, Motorcycle Tour in Iceland, Day 11
After breakfast the tour leaders will take you to the airport and say goodbye to our new friends and the beautiful country of Iceland.

Only 37% of Iceland’s roads are paved; the rest vary from wide graded gravel to single-lane mountain trails that are rated for 4x4s only. For the most part, however, the roads will be paved or graded dirt/ gravel, with the focus being on enjoying the breathtaking landscape around us. Riders should have good off-road riding experience to enjoy this tour. Riding two-up is possible for riders that have had a lot of off road riding experience with a passenger.

Please contact us about low frame and/or low seat options for our bikes.

  • Additional charge of $1,150 for a BMW R1300GS
  • Personal motorcycle: deduct $2,250 from the rider price.
Standard Inclusions
  • Late model, low mileage motorcycle
  • All accommodations
  • A’ la carte dining
  • Two Ayres Adventures professional tour leaders
  • Airport arrival/departure transfers
  • Luggage handling
  • Comfortable support vehicle for non-riding companions
  • Comprehensive pre-trip planning and assistance
  • Customized trip booklet with day-by-day itinerary and attractions
  • Two commemorative shirts
  • Adventurer Club travel award credit
Meals
  • All breakfasts
  • 9 dinners
Special Inclusions
  • Glacier Lake boat ride
Deposit per person: $800

Single room supplement – $1,500

2024 Schedule
Date2024 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
August 10 - 20Iceland Adventure11 days$9,900$8,200Waitlist only (Add Name)
August 24 - September 3Iceland Adventure11 days$9,900$8,2003 x 1300GS’s available
2025 Schedule
Date2025 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
August 9 - 19Iceland Adventure11 days$9,900$8,200
2026 Schedule
Date2026 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
August 8 - 18Iceland Adventure11 days$10,700$8,800
Cancellation fee and refunds
FROM DATE OF
SCHEDULED COMMENCEMENT
AMOUNT FORFEITED
More than 60 days50% of deposit
60 days or fewer but more than 45 days100% of deposit
45 days or fewer but more than 30 days50% of full tour payment
30 days or fewer100% of full tour payment

It truly was the trip of a lifetime!

Jan Stone, Alden Hingle, Motorcycle Tour in Iceland, Testimonial, Ayres Adventures

My husband and I just returned from the "Iceland Adventure" tour which also happened to be our honeymoon. He and I have extensively used tour companies in the past for trekking, mountain biking, road cycling, and kayaking trips, so we have a lot of experience with guided trips. That said, this was our first organized motorcycling trip and we had a lot of expectations. I can say without hesitation that this trip ranks up there with one of the best ever. It truly was the trip of a lifetime. And Ayres Adventures is a class act. I contacted John Jesson earlier this year to inquire about trips and after many discussions he convinced me that Iceland would indeed be an adventure. He was right - I cannot begin to say how much fun we had and how beautiful the country is. The routes were wonderful, the accommodations and restaurants first-rate, and the guides were a fantastic addition to our tour. Claus and Janis are thorough, knowledgeable, and a lot of fun. They had a great knack for figuring out what the group was interested in, then ensuring our routes and sightseeing matched those interests. Their enthusiasm was so contagious that we were excited to go on a new ride every day. We cannot wait to book another tour with this company - the problem will be deciding which one to pick.

Talk about a honeymoon!

Jan and Alden's Adventures include:
Iceland Adventure

Jan Stone and Alden Hingle
Green Mountain Falls, CO

If I have to pick one word, it's "professionalism"!

Geoffrey R Smith, Testimonial, Ayres Adventures

I guess after six trips with the gang from Ayres, I should write something about why I keep coming back for yet another tour. If I have to pick one word, it's "professionalism". Although they make each day look easy in terms of getting from point A to point B, on reflection it becomes so apparent that each route is well thought out and chosen for specific reasons, whether it be the scenery, road conditions, or degree of difficulty. It all seems to work so seamlessly which allows the rider to focus on the ride and his or her surroundings. Whether it's Claus or John or Axel, you know that one of them has your back, especially when you tackle a road that a month ago was paved but is now a mess and foot deep in mud or the road is closed and the detour a real challenge. And finally, at the end of the day, they're a hell of a lot of fun to have a drink with! In the final analysis, it makes for pretty much a perfect vacation.

Geoffrey's Adventures include:
Under the Tuscan Sun
Machu Picchu Excursion
Ushuaia and Antarctica
Norwegian Midnight Sun
Munich to Istanbul
The Epic Journey Riga to Hong Kong
Iceland Adventure
North Pole Adventure

Geoffrey has written several articles/blogs about his experiences on our tours:
BMW Owners News - Antarctica
BMW Owners News - Iceland
Blog – Under the Tuscan Sun

Geoffrey R. Smith
West Hollywood, LA

START CITY: Reykjavík

  • Nearest international airport: Keflavík International Airport
  • Airport code: KEF
  • Approximate distance from city centre: 31 miles/50 kms

END CITY: Reykjavík

  • Nearest international airport: Keflavík International Airport
  • Airport code: KEF
  • Approximate distance from city centre: 31 miles/50 kms
Private Tour Inquiry

We are happy to book any of our motorcycle tour as a private tour. For most tours, we require a minimum of 8 bikes, or 12 participants (riders plus co-riders). We can provide a private motorcycle tour for smaller groups, but a surcharge may apply. We can also customize any of our regular tours for a private group.

  • (Total of riders and co-riders/passengers)
  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.