Landmannalaugar & SecretGems | Private Tour | PRO Photos included

This tour is interesting because it strings together Icelandic Highlands scenery that usually takes multiple days, in one tight plan: waterfalls, a turquoise gorge, and then Landmannalaugar’s geothermal oasis. It also has a private feel, so you can slow down at photo spots without the usual crowd squeeze.

Two things I really like are the hotel pickup and drop off plus the PRO photo coverage built into the day. And if you have a name like Miro or Michal attached to your guide team at Icelandic Roamers, you’ll likely get that mix of calm driving, real local know how, and a photographer’s eye for timing.

One drawback to consider is simply the pace and length. You are out for about 11 hours, stops are flexible but not super long, and food and drinks are not included, so you will want to plan snacks and water.

Key highlights you will feel on this Landmannalaugar day

• Private, up to 5 people: Your group sets the tone, not a big bus schedule.
• Fast entry to the Highlands: Rough-road energy early, long views later.
• Free admission at every listed stop: You pay for the tour, then you enjoy the sights.
• Waterfalls in a single run: Hjálparfoss, Haifoss, and Sigöldufoss, each with its own look.
• Bláhylur turquoise water and craters: A gorge that rewards careful looking.
• Landmannalaugar hot springs time: A hike plus a geothermal recharge window.

Why this Highlands route feels like a real adventure, not just sightseeing

This kind of day tour works because it is built like a journey, not a checklist. You start in Reykjavik at 8:30 am and you spend the day reaching deeper into the interior, where the scenery changes from towns and coasts into volcanic terrain and big open sky. The ride itself matters here. The driving is described as tackling the bumpiest paths to reach the Highlands, and that is often what makes the photos and memories feel more earned.

The itinerary also has a smart rhythm. You get short, focused stops at waterfalls, then you go longer at the gorge and Landmannalaugar. That helps if you want variety without feeling like you are trapped in one theme all day.

And yes, the PRO photos included part is not a small bonus. When a day has tight timing, it is easy to spend half your brain behind your camera. Having a guide who can capture images for you means you can actually look around too.

The 8:30 am start: planning your day around a long, scenic drive

With an 11 hour total duration, you should treat this as a full day experience. Expect a big chunk of travel time, because the first stop is about 2 hours from Reykjavik. Then there is another 3.5 hour drive back, with breaks planned.

What that means for you:

• Bring layers. Iceland weather can flip fast, and Highlands locations tend to be windier.
• If you get motion discomfort easily, plan for that early. The route is described as bumpy, so you will feel it.
• Eat and hydrate before you go, because food and drinks are not included.

The upside of all this driving is that you are not repeating the same coastal pull-offs you see on shorter tours. You are building a day with clear arcs: waterfalls, then a turquoise gorge, then geothermal comfort.

Hjálparfoss: the first waterfall stop that sets the tone

The day opens with Hjálparfoss, and it is a great first stop because it feels both dramatic and easy to access. You get about 30 minutes here, and the description points to two stepped waterfall features plus the surrounding basalt rock formations.

Why this stop matters: early on, you are still warming up to Iceland’s scale. Getting basalt shapes and a multi-step waterfall in your first taste helps you understand what you are seeing later in the day. It is also a classic photography setup, because you can frame the falls with those dark volcanic rocks and get texture even in less-than-perfect light.

Practical tip: use your first stop to check your camera settings and glove strategy. If your hands struggle in the Highlands wind, sort it here, not at Landmannalaugar.

Haifoss: a bigger waterfall moment, plus the chance for a two-falls frame

After Hjálparfoss comes Haifoss, described as the third largest waterfall in Iceland. Again, the stop is about 30 minutes, but the plan is more than just staring at water. From the viewing spot, you also have a chance to spot Haifoss along with Granni Waterfall, and capture both in a single frame.

This is where the tour’s “photo-minded” design starts to feel real. If you are traveling with a phone and want one iconic shot, Haifoss offers a strong composition option. If you are a more serious shooter, you can play with perspective and layer the waterfalls.

A small consideration: 30 minutes goes fast when it is windy. Come ready to move, not ready to picnic.

Sigöldufoss in the Valley of Tears: short stop, strong mood

Next you hit Sigöldufoss, located in what is often called the Valley of Tears. You get another 30 minutes here.

What I like about this stop is the shift in vibe. Earlier waterfalls are visually powerful, but Sigöldufoss in a canyon setting tends to feel more enclosed and atmospheric. Even with a short visit, you get that sense of Iceland’s interior shaping the story around the water.

If you have limited mobility, this stop may be easier than longer trail hikes, since it is structured as a viewing stop. Still, wear proper footwear, because canyon weather and ground surfaces can change.

Bláhylur: the turquoise gorge that turns a day tour into a story

Then the itinerary moves into its more “secret-feeling” territory. Bláhylur is described as a Highlands secret gorge with water color that reads as striking turquoise, plus contrasting terrain on both sides of the canyon.

You have about 50 minutes here, which is notably longer than the waterfall stops. The extra time matters because a gorge is visually complex. Your eyes need time to understand layers: the water color, the rock shapes, the angle to frame it, and how the light shifts as you walk a bit.

The day also includes passing by volcanic craters, including Bláhylur and Ljótipollur, filled with blue water. Even if you do not get the perfect shot, these are the moments that stick in your memory, because they are different from the most common Iceland waterfall scenes.

Photo tip: prioritize your composition before you rush. This is one place where taking an extra ten minutes to set up can pay off more than snapping quickly and moving on.

Landmannalaugar: geothermal hot springs and rainbow mountains time

The final stop is the big one: Landmannalaugar. You get 2 hours 30 minutes here, and the description makes it clear why this is the destination. It offers epic hikes along trails through rainbow-colored mountains, plus a geothermal oasis with hot springs.

This is also where the tour’s private format becomes more than a luxury. You are not fighting for time in a crowded check-in line. You can decide how to split your time between:

• a shorter hike segment to get that high view feeling, and
• hot springs time to relax and reset.

If you are active, this stop gives you enough time to do more than a quick photo. If you are not, you still get the point of Landmannalaugar, which is that blend of volcanic terrain and warm geothermal relief.

Realistic note: geothermal areas are often wet. Bring a plan for keeping your belongings dry and make sure you have footwear that will handle cold surfaces.

PRO photos included: why they change the way you experience the day

This tour includes photographs from the tour, and the way it is packaged is clearly meant to reduce your stress. On a day like this, you usually do one of two things:

1) You chase every shot and miss some moments, or

2) You look around, then hope you got enough photos.

With PRO coverage, you can do more of the second while still getting the first. It helps you relax during the bumpy driving, too, because you are not constantly thinking about when you will have the best angle out the window.

From related experience with Icelandic Roamers, guides like Miro and Michal show up in accounts for being personable and photo-capable, and their approach often includes helping guests capture vlog or camera moments without turning the day into a photoshoot treadmill. While your exact photo results depend on conditions, you can expect that the team understands how to work with weather, timing, and movement.

Who this tour is best for, and who should think twice

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a private day that you can pace to your group,
• multiple Highlands highlights without planning on your own,
• a photographer-forward experience where you do not have to do everything yourself.

It is also a great choice for couples, small families, or friends who want a memorable Landmannalaugar day but do not want to spend time on interior route logistics.

Think twice if:

• You hate long drives. The schedule includes about 2 hours going to the first location and about 3.5 hours returning, plus breaks.
• You rely on meals being provided. There is no food and drinks, so you will need to bring snacks and water.
• You want very long hikes at every stop. The plan is short stops for waterfall viewing and a longer block at Landmannalaugar, but you are still working within a packed day.

The description also notes that time spent on each stop is flexible depending on preferences, while total duration stays the same. That is good news if you are willing to adapt and you trust your guide to balance timing.

What to pack for an 11 hour Highlands day (without overthinking it)

Because this tour is built around waterfalls, a turquoise gorge, and geothermal terrain, you should pack for wet, cold, and moving conditions. I would plan for:

• Layers you can adjust fast (wind can change how warm you feel).
• Waterproof or water-resistant outerwear.
• Comfortable shoes for possibly slick or uneven ground.
• A small bag for keeping dry items dry.
• Snacks and water, since food and drinks are not included.

Also, consider camera power and storage. You are going to want it for the gorge colors at Bláhylur, and Landmannalaugar’s broader views.

If you are going to get into the hot springs, think ahead about towels or what you can store. The tour includes hot springs time, but it does not say anything about providing gear, so rely on your own basics.

Price and value for a private group up to five

The price is $2,407.02 per group, for up to 5 people. The best way to judge value is per person and what you are buying besides transportation.

If you fill the group to five, the rough split is about $481 per person. If you are traveling as two or three, the per-person cost rises, because you still pay for the private vehicle and guide time.

What makes it feel worth it for the right group:

• Hotel pickup and drop off are included.
• Admission for the listed stops is free.
• You get PRO photos from the tour.
• It is private, so your timing can shift with your preferences and the day’s conditions.

If you would otherwise rent a car and drive inland, you would be paying for the vehicle, fuel, insurance, and the stress of route planning. If you would book a big-group coach tour, you would trade away some control over pacing and photo opportunities. This private format aims to give you the best of both worlds: structured stops, but with freedom at the stops that matter most.

Booking mindset: the day depends on weather and flexibility

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is exactly what you want to hear, because Highlands weather can be harsh, and interior roads can get unpredictable.

Also, because stop timing is flexible while total duration stays the same, the best strategy is mental flexibility. If the guide adjusts the schedule a bit for safer viewing or better light, that is often what keeps the day enjoyable rather than rushed.

Should you book Landmannalaugar and SecretGems?

Book this tour if you want a private, photography-supported Highlands day that hits waterfalls, volcanic craters, a turquoise gorge, and ends with Landmannalaugar’s geothermal relaxation. It is especially worth it if you are traveling in a group of up to five and you care about getting great memories without spending the whole day behind a lens.

Skip or rethink it if you are on a tight schedule for Iceland, you want long hikes at every stop, or you do not want to manage snacks and hydration yourself. For an 11 hour day, you have to be comfortable with driving time and short viewing windows.

If you like your tours to feel like a story, not a series of checkmarks, this one matches that vibe.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar & SecretGems private tour?

It runs about 11 hours.

What time does the tour start in Reykjavik?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Is this tour private, and how many people can be in a group?

Yes, it is private, and the group size is up to 5 people.

Does the price include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Are PRO photos included with the tour?

Yes. Photographs from the tour are included.

Are admission tickets included for the stops?

Yes. Admission is listed as free at the listed stops.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What happens if weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the start time.