ICELAND ADVENTURE
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 of this Adventure 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
DAY 1 – REYKJAVIK
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.
Day 2: THINGVELLIR, BORGARNES, BJARNARHÖFN SHARK MUSEUM, STYKKISHÓLMUR, 139 Miles
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.
Day 3: BUDALUR, FLÓKALUNDUR, PINGEYRI, ISAFJORDUR, 241 miles
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.
Day 4: LITLIBAER, HOLMAVIK, LAUGARBAKKI, BLÖNDUOS, 257 miles
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.
Day 5: SKAGASTRÖND, SAUDARKROKUR, HOFSOS, SIGLUFJORDUR, DALVIK, AKUREYRI, 183 miles
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!
Day 6: AKUREYRI”
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.
Day 7: AKUREYRI, HUSAVIK, PARSHOFN, VOPNAFJORDUR, EGILSSTADIR, 280 miles
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.
Day 8: EGILSSTADIR, VATTARRIES, BREIDDALSVIK, DJUPIVOGUR, HOFN, 192 miles
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.
Day 9: HOFN TO KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR, 129 miles
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.
Day 10: VIK, SELFOSS, GRINDAVIK, HAFNIR, REYKJAVIK, 210 miles
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.
Day 11: Departure from Reykjavik
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.
BMW F800GS
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
Included
Unladen weight (with fuel): 214 kg/472 lbs
Engine displacement: 895 cc
Power output: 87 hp
Fuel capacity: 15 L/4.0 gal
Standard seat height: 815 mm/32.1 inches
Low seat height: 790 mm/31.1 inches
Low frame and low seat height: 762 mm/30.0 inches
Panniers included: Yes
Top case included: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,600
BMW R1300GS
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$1,750
Unladen weight (with fuel): 237 kg/523 lbs
Engine displacement: 1300 cc
Power output: 145 hp
Fuel capacity: 19 L/5.0 gal
Standard seat height: 800 mm/31.5 inches to 890 mm/35 inches
Low seat height: 800 mm/31.5 inches to 890 mm/35 inches
Low frame and low seat height: 800 mm/31.5 inches to 890 mm/35 inches
Panniers included: Yes
Top case included: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,600
Personal Motorcycle
Deduct from rider tour price:
-$1,950
Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like a make or model of motorcycle that is not listed on this page for your tour and we will make every effort to secure the motorcycle of your choice.
Standard Inclusions
- Late model, low mileage motorcycle
- All accommodations
- À 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
- Commemorative shirt
- Adventurer Club travel award credit
Meals
- All breakfasts
- 9 dinners
Special Inclusions
- Glacier Lake boat ride
Deposit per person: $800
2027 Schedule
| Date | 2027 Adventures | Length | Rider Price (USD) | Co-Rider Price (USD) | Single Room Supplement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 7 - 17 | Iceland Adventure | 11 days | $11,250 | $9,250 | $1,500 | |
2028 Schedule
| Date | 2028 Adventures | Length | Rider Price (USD) | Co-Rider Price (USD) | Single Room Supplement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 5 - 15 | Iceland Adventure | 11 days | $11,900 | $9,750 | $1,600 | |
Cancellation fee and refunds
| FROM DATE OF SCHEDULED COMMENCEMENT | AMOUNT FORFEITED |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days | 50% of deposit |
| 60 days or fewer but more than 45 days | 100% of deposit |
| 45 days or fewer but more than 30 days | 50% of full tour payment |
| 30 days or fewer | 100% of full tour payment |
Best motorcycle adventure/vacation group in the market
Best motorcycle adventure/vacation group in the market. Professional, fun, competent tour leaders. Sweat and ride all day with 5 star meals and accommodations at night. Learn about nations and cultures, meet great people, and ride a brand new BMW motorcycle every time. I’m never disappointed, and I don’t have to plan anything myself. Simply “The Best!”. Can’t wait to pick my next tour!
Joan's Adventures include:
Viking Run
Norwegian Midnight Sun
Spain and Morocco
Barcelona to Lisbon
Iceland Adventure
Indian Summer in the Alps
Bloomfield Hills, MI
I consider this the most beautiful scenic tour I've ever been on
The Norwegian Midnight Adventure was awesome! The scenery was simply amazing from start to finish. Personally, I consider this the most beautiful scenic tour I've ever been on. For those who have not been in the western part of Norway, I highly recommend this tour. It has it all: snow-covered mountains, spectacular fjords, waterfalls, miles of rock tunnels, quaint little villages, and more "twisties" than you'll ever experience. Not to mention riding to the northernmost point in all of Europe, Nordkapp (North Cape), located 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Furthermore, the hotels and local cuisine were exceptional. Our tour leaders (Claus and Jason) were outstanding and worked very hard to make sure the group had a wonderful and memorable experience. They succeeded. As usual on Ayres Adventures, it was a pleasure meeting and getting to know the tour group. They were all very pleasant, with varied backgrounds, and I hope to be able to ride with anyone of them again on another Ayres Adventure one day. Ayres delivers what it promises: high-quality accommodations, small intimate groups, experienced tour leaders, late-model quality motorcycles, luggage handling and support, airport transfers, and comprehensive trip planning and support materials. I highly recommend this tour and these leaders to anyone.
David's Adventures include:
Norwegian Midnight Sun
Patagonia and Ushuaia Adventure
Iceland Adventure
Princeton NJ
Everything is Top Notch
Ayres Adventures refers to its genre of travel as "premium" motorcycle touring. Think of a luxury cruise line except that you ride a motorcycle form port to port instead of a ship. Everything is top notch; rooms, meals, assistance, preparations ... all of it. Great ride. Great People. Great hosts and tour operations by Ayres Adventures.
David's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Tour
Iceland Adventure
Alaska/Yukon Adventure
Sylvania, OH
A Journey Through the Land of the Long White Cloud
Touring New Zealand with Ayres Adventures; renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage, presents an unparalleled opportunity for motorcycle enthusiasts to experience the ride of a lifetime. Taking to the paved back roads on two wheels allows riders to immerse themselves fully in the natural beauty and exhilarating routes that this island nation has to offer. From the verdant hills of the North Island to the rugged, dramatic scenery of the South Island, a motorcycle tour of New Zealand promises adventure, freedom, and unforgettable memories.
Ayres offers a worry-free ride, excellent accommodations, well-prepared motorcycles, and unforgettable scenery. The guides are extremely knowledgeable, locally experienced, and professional. You won't be disappointed.
A motorcycle tour of New Zealand is more than just a ride; it’s an odyssey through some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet. The freedom of the open road, coupled with the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming people, creates a journey that is as enriching as it is exhilarating. Whether you’re carving through mountain passes, cruising along coastal highways, or exploring charming towns and cities, New Zealand offers an endless array of experiences that will leave a lasting impression on every rider. So, gear up, make your reservations with Ayres Adventures well in advance then hit the road, and discover the magic of New Zealand on two wheels.
Bill's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Iceland Adventure
Woodland Park, Colorado
FIVE STARS * * * * *
What a once in a lifetime experience to see Iceland in all its beauty and ruggedness. Amazingly well planned out and organized experience. Tour leaders were awesome. As a “pillion” rider the motorcycles were very comfortable and plenty of power for two riders for any conditions. The accommodations and food experience is also one of a kind.
Cindy Bohl
Denver, CO
John and Axel's knowledge, experience and professionalism make for a great client experience riding with Ayres Adventures. They exercised good judgment and made good choices for the group also accommodating individuals with differing preferences. FIVE STARS * * * * *
David's Adventures include:
Iceland Adventure
Alaska/Yukon Adventure
David Martin
Sylvania, OH
The Iceland Adventure... Trip of a Lifetime
The Iceland Adventure was awesome! I enjoyed the beautiful scenery, amazing hotels and the local cuisine. Our tour leaders (Axel and John) were outstanding and worked very hard to make sure the group had the "trip of a lifetime". They succeeded. It was also a pleasure meeting and getting to know the tour group. They were all very pleasant and I hope to be able to ride with them again on another Ayres tour one day. Ayres delivers what it promises...., high quality accommodations, small intimate groups, experienced tour leaders, late model quality motorcycles, luggage handling and support, airport transfers and comprehensive trip planning and support materials. I highly recommend this tour and leaders to anyone.
David's Adventures Include:
Iceland Adventure
Princeton NJ
Iceland was an Exceptional Experience
Iceland was an exceptional experience. The tour leaders took care of our every need.
I would give this company and John and Axel a 9.5…..it would be a 10 rating if John could stop the occasional rain showers in Iceland; John proved a lot of superpowers, but not over the weather! He kept us safe and sound and laughing - I liked that we could go at our own pace as well as plan some of our own routes - very accommodating.
Ron's Adventures Include:
Iceland Adventure
Orem, UT
It truly was the trip of a lifetime!
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
Green Mountain Falls, CO
If I have to pick one word, it's "professionalism"!
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
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 tours 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.