Private Tour of Valley of Tears and Highlands adventure

This day works because it strings together big Iceland moments without the usual herd energy. You get major waterfalls plus the quieter canyon views of the Valley of Tears, then you add a drive to the desolate reaches around Volcano Hekla. One thing to plan for is the weather, since this kind of Highlands route can mean strong wind and sometimes road changes.

I especially like that the day is built for real walking, not long marches: Gjáin is a short 500 meter each way stroll into an oasis, and the main waterfall stops are brief but scenic. Another strong point is the private format, so you’re not racing strangers through pull-offs. The main drawback to consider is that the day is packed into about 10 hours, so if you dislike early starts or quick stop times, this may feel busy.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• Gjáin oasis walk into old farm vibes and small waterfalls, plus a Game of Thrones filming connection
• Haifoss drive-up access and a viewpoint walk with huge valley views
• Lunch at Hrauneyjar Highland Center, useful if you plan to eat without guessing your timing
• Sigoldufoss short stop, small but often very blue waterfall at the Highlands entrance
• Sigoldugljufur, Valley of Tears canyon viewpoints from above and photo-friendly water colors
• Hekla area desolate volcanic terrain from a safe distance, conditions permitting

Why this Reykjavik private tour feels different in the Highlands

A private tour out of Reykjavik is usually about logistics: pickup, driving, and less hassle. Here, it’s also about route choice. You’re heading toward waterfalls and a canyon that many travelers skip because they involve time, driving skill, and exact timing.

The best part is how the day balances “wow” and “slow look.” You get big waterfall payoff at Haifoss and the Valley of Tears, then you get short, manageable walks where you can actually stop and look around. That mix matters when you’re traveling from Reykjavik and want more than a checklist.

Still, this is not a sit-and-stare half day. It’s about seeing multiple sites in a single rhythm, so you should be ready for a full day out of your hotel routine.

Price and value for a private day at $1,922.34 per person

At $1,922.34 per person for a private 10 hour adventure, this is clearly not a budget outing. But the value comes from what you’re buying: a dedicated vehicle experience, time on roads you might not find easily on your own, and stop-by-stop access where short walks and safe viewing matter.

Parking fees are included, which helps, but the bigger value is built into the experience design. The stops are timed so you’re not wasting hours at one site, and the route gives you variety: oasis, tall waterfall views, a Highland center meal break, two smaller waterfall moments, a canyon, and then Hekla country.

One practical note: lunch is not included. Plan to bring snacks or budget for food at the Highland Center, because the day is paced and you don’t want hunger to shape your experience.

Pickup, timing, and how the day actually runs

The day starts at 8:30 am from the BSÍ area in Reykjavik, with pickup offered at assigned bus stops across the Reykjavik area and at BSÍ terminal. The pickup also covers areas like Hveragerði-Selfoss and Hella, which is handy if you’re staying outside the city center.

It ends back at the starting meeting point. Expect about 10 hours total, so this is a true day trip, not a quick add-on.

Because it’s private, you only share the vehicle and stops with your group. That usually means you can move at the pace that fits your comfort level, especially when wind or daylight affects how long you can safely spend at viewpoints.

Gjáin oasis at the roots of the Highlands, plus Game of Thrones vibes

Gjáin is a small walk with a big payoff, and it’s one of the best “warm up” stops for the day. You’ll walk about 500 meters each way to reach the old farm and the oasis area, then you can wander among small waterfalls and tucked-in nature.

This is the kind of place where outdoor shoes make the difference. The ground is not just decorative, so don’t plan to do it in flimsy sandals or shoes with no grip.

What I like about Gjáin is how it changes the mood of the day. Before the tall waterfalls, you get a calmer setting, and you can take photos without fighting for space at a huge viewing platform. Also, the Game of Thrones filming connection adds extra context if you like spotting real locations behind the scenes.

Potential drawback: the walk is short, but you still need to be comfortable stepping around uneven ground. If you’re bringing someone with mobility limits, this is the stop most likely to feel more hands-on.

Haifoss, Iceland’s tall waterfall stop without a long slog

Haifoss is one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls, and the viewpoint access is designed to keep it simple. You’ll drive up rocky gravel roads to reach the parking area, then walk toward the viewpoint for a quick but meaningful look into the valley of Þjórsárdalur.

The stop is only about 30 minutes, which sounds fast until you’re standing there. For many people, it’s the perfect length, because the key is getting the view and then moving on before your energy drops.

I also like that the stop is straightforward: arrive, park, walk to viewpoint, take in the waterfall. There’s less uncertainty than trying to follow a trail on your own, especially if weather is changing.

Consideration: rocky gravel roads can be rough in windy conditions, so if you’re sensitive to driving discomfort, you’ll want to sit in a position where you feel most stable.

Hrauneyjar Highland Center lunch break that keeps the day on track

Lunch is scheduled at Hrauneyjar, the Highland Center. The stop is about 40 minutes, which is long enough for a real break but not long enough to treat it like a full meal stop on vacation mode.

You should know lunch is not included. That said, this stop is valuable because it takes the guesswork out of where to eat while you’re deep in the Highlands day.

If you tend to get cranky when food timing slips, build snacks into your plan for the long drive segments between stops. That simple move can keep the entire day feeling smoother.

Sigoldufoss at the entrance to the Iceland Highlands

Sigoldufoss is smaller, but that’s part of its appeal. You’ll make a short visit, about 15 minutes, to explore for a moment at the entrance to the Iceland Highlands.

The feature here is the color and the feel: it’s often very blue, and that shade shows up best when you can get the right angle from the viewing spot. Since your time is short, you’ll want to have your camera ready and be ready to move if the weather shifts.

The good news is the stop length matches the location perfectly. You’re not forced to burn time when the best moments are quick.

Potential drawback: if you’re the type who wants to linger and enjoy waterfalls slowly, the time limit may feel brief.

Valley of Tears at Sigoldugljufur, canyon views built for photos

Sigoldugljufur is where the day turns more dramatic. This canyon area is often called the Valley of Tears, and it’s known for a series of small waterfalls, with water that can look green-blue.

You’ll have about 35 minutes to explore from above. That viewpoint approach matters because it keeps you safe in a place where conditions can change fast. It also means you can focus on the best angles and compositions without needing to commit to a long descent or tricky footing.

If you love photography, this is the kind of stop that can surprise you. The water color and the layered cascade look can give you variety in a short time, especially when you’re able to shift your position along the viewpoint line.

One practical consideration: wind can be strong in canyon areas. You’ll likely want to dress for it, and expect you may need to keep moving if conditions get rough.

Volcano Hekla from a safe distance, when conditions allow

The Hekla segment is more about feeling the place than ticking a box. You’ll explore the desolated area around Volcano Hekla, and conditions decide how far you can go.

The plan includes a possible drive up to the Rauðaskál crater from a safe distance when conditions are good. If wind or road conditions are poor, the “how close” part can change, but the stop still focuses on that stark, volcanic terrain atmosphere.

This is only about 10 minutes in the schedule, so it’s not a long exploration time. Treat it as a quick look that pairs nicely with the earlier waterfall stops, because it adds a completely different texture to the day.

Consideration: because this part is weather dependent, your experience may be more flexible than you’re used to. That’s not a problem if you’re okay with adjusting expectations for safe access.

Weather, wind, and why timing flexibility matters

This is a Highlands route, and Highlands weather is the main character. Wind can be intense, and roads can close when conditions get too rough.

A key benefit of booking a private tour is that you’re not stuck abandoning the day. Guides have the ability to adjust when access changes, including swapping to an alternative stop that still delivers scenery and photos without compromising safety.

If you want a simple strategy, dress in layers and assume you’ll need to adjust quickly. Bring a wind shell and gloves if you run cold easily, because the day moves between viewpoints and open terrain.

Also, think about where you sit in the vehicle. One past passenger noted that when they were toward the back, it was harder to hear the guide’s stories even when a speaker was used. If your group cares about the talk and details, choose a seat closer to the front.

Small group energy with private comfort

Even though it’s private, the experience is designed around short stop windows and quick transitions. That often creates a similar benefit to small groups: you spend less time waiting and more time at the places that matter.

In practice, that means you’ll likely feel the day as a sequence of moments. Gjáin sets the tone, Haifoss delivers the tall waterfall hit, the Highland Center gives you a controlled meal break, Sigoldufoss adds color, the Valley of Tears brings canyon drama, and Hekla gives you the volcanic ending.

This pacing is ideal for first timers who want a Highlands taste without renting a car and figuring out drives. It also works for repeat Iceland travelers who want fewer crowds and more off-route access.

Guide style: detailed pickup and stories that help you see more

Guides like Thor are known for being very deliberate about pickup instructions and for sharing lots of information during the day. Otto has also been described as attentive to timing, especially when high winds required changes to the plan.

Even if you don’t care about facts, good guiding helps with your experience of place. It changes how you look. You’ll notice what to photograph, where to stand for the best view, and why each stop fits into the larger Highlands story.

One more practical tip: ask your guide what the wind is doing before you step out at each location. It helps you choose the best moments to shoot and when to move to another viewpoint angle.

What to pack so the day feels easy

You’ll be outdoors at multiple stops, including a short walk at Gjáin and viewpoint time at waterfalls and a canyon. Plan for damp ground and slippery rock edges.

Bring:

• Outdoor shoes with grip for Gjáin
• A wind shell and layers for open viewpoints
• A small bag for snacks if you want extra fuel between stops
• Camera gear if you’re chasing that green-blue water look at the Valley of Tears

Also, remember lunch is not included, so your snack plan should match how hungry you get. The Hrauneyjar Center stop is helpful, but you might still want something on hand during drive time.

Should you book this Valley of Tears and Highlands adventure?

Book it if you want a full Highlands day from Reykjavik with multiple waterfall stops and a realistic chance to see the Valley of Tears without doing the hard driving yourself. The private format plus short, well-timed walks makes it a strong fit for travelers who want better access and fewer crowds.

Skip it if you hate early starts, want long stays at just one site, or you’re hoping for a flexible route with no weather impact. The day depends on conditions, especially near Hekla, so you should be comfortable with the idea that the plan may adjust for safe roads.

If you’re deciding between a self-drive day and a guided private tour, this is the kind of route where the guide’s driving and timing can save you stress. At this price, you’re paying for access, comfort, and a day that stays focused on the highlights you actually came to see.

FAQ

How long is the private tour?

The tour is approximately 10 hours long.

What time does the tour start, and where does it begin?

It starts at 8:30 am. The meeting point is BSÍ Parking at 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is pickup included, and where do they pick you up?

Pickup is offered at assigned bus stops in the Reykjavik area and at the BSÍ bus terminal. Pickup is also available for areas such as Hveragerði-Selfoss and Hella.

Is this tour private or shared with other groups?

It is a private tour/activity. Only your group participates.

Are entrance fees included at the stops?

Admission tickets are listed as free for the stops on the schedule.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. The tour includes a lunch stop at Hrauneyjar, and you can provide your own or purchase food there.

What should I expect for walking during the day?

The Gjáin stop includes a walk of about 500 meters each way. Other major viewpoints are short walks from parking areas.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if weather is bad or roads are closed?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If road access changes during the day, the day can be adjusted to keep you safe.

What is included in the tour price, aside from the drive and guide time?

Parking fees are included. Alcoholic beverages, snacks, and lunch are not included.