They call it the land of fire and ice. Come on! They forgot to mention that we dive into fresh lava—yes, fresh lava—walk inside glaciers, pick fights with seals, and gorge ourselves on the Northern Lights with our butts freezing off.
This huge Iceland, ta-daa!
In autumn and winter, we do an 8-day self-drive tour of South Iceland. No minibuses or anything like that. Take that, all those people forced to rush around to stick to the day’s schedule. With the self-drive format, you do the driving (if you want!) and we stop where and whenever we feel like it. Or when we get a flat tire.
We’ve been traveling to and hanging out in Iceland for more than 10 years. After plenty of wind in our faces, Northern Lights sightings, and lucky breaks on the ice, we’ve improved our itinerary year after year. On this Big Group Adventure Trip, you get all the insanely amazing highlights of this island, skip the touristy clichés (you’re welcome!), and have a Trip Leader (bless them!) with you—an experienced professional who handles the travel logistics and deals with any unexpected hiccups.
We set off from Reykjavik, the capital, then head straight to Gullfoss for the rainbows and Geysir for the explosive bursts of water. From there, backpack in the car and on to Skogafoss, then onward through Reynisfjara, Dyrholaey, and Vatnajokull, with a stop at the Ice Caves too. Another series of unbelievable places awaits us, with equally unbelievable names: Eyjafjallajokull volcano, then Solheimassandur, then the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell waterfall. We probably spelled them all wrong.
Alright, at this point, here’s a more organized recap of some of the amazing highlights we’ll experience together:
🍌 Vatnajökull glacier and the ice caves 🍌 Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach 🍌 Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and the black sand beach 🍌 The full Golden Circle, including Geysir and Gullfoss 🍌 Reykjavik, the capital, and the Blue Lagoon 🍌 The Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the famous Kirkjufell waterfall
We don’t travel just to say, “I’ve been there,” but to feel, “damn, I’ve changed.” We’re here to take you on the most beautiful adventure trip of your life. The one you imagine—but even more so. Iceland, here we come!
Experiences you'll live
Lick a real iceberg on Diamond Beach.
Cooking together in the guesthouse, slippers on, after a day among the glaciers.
Our jaws dropping as we tilt our heads back to catch our first glimpse of the Northern Lights.
To fall in love with a deserted road built on a glacier
What we've got
(And the others don't, MUAHAHA)
Self-drive: you’re behind the wheel (if you want)
Certified team leader with licensed tour escort qualification
You can depart from the airport of your choice
You can customize your trip with extra activities
We do not stay in hostels or shared dormitories.
Discover this gran trip
Check out the itinerary
1
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY IN ICELAND
Day 1
Absolutely thrilled and full of excitement, we hop on a flight that takes us to Iceland. We collect our vehicles and head to our base of operations: an incredible place surrounded by the ocean on Reykjavik Bay.We have a briefing about the adventure and a great dinner at the best restaurant in the area (which also happens to be the only one, but never mind the details). We spend the night right there — not in the restaurant, of course, but near the bay.We’re in one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, so fingers crossed! Can you imagine how amazing it will be?
Absolutely thrilled and full of excitement, we hop on a flight that takes us to Iceland. We collect our vehicles and head to our base of operations: an incredible place surrounded by the ocean on Reykjavik Bay. We have a briefing about the adventure and a great dinner at the best restaurant in the area (which also happens to be the only one, but never mind the details). We spend the night right there — not in the restaurant, of course, but near the bay. We’re in one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, so fingers crossed! Can you imagine how amazing it will be?
2
GOLDEN CIRCLE, WATERFALLS AND GEYSERS
Day 2
This morning, in our vehicles, A-Team style, we head along the Ring Road toward the Golden Circle. First we stop at Gullfoss, the golden waterfall where there are always rainbows. Well, always when the sun is out. In any case, it’s huge, tall, spectacular, with glacial water plunging into a basalt canyon. Then we move on to Geysir to watch the eruptions of water, and explore the geothermal valley with colorful pools bubbling and steaming. After that, nothing too special: a small waterfall, a basalt canyon, and the meeting point of two tectonic plates. We’re at Thingvellir, where the tour leader explains why this is one of the few places in the world where you can literally put one foot on two different continents: we are right between them. And that was the Golden Circle, bam!Tonight we dress up as make-believe Vikings in a local tavern to try our hand at axe throwing, which (almost) never hurts anyone, and we eat burgers (those are definitely less harmless).We sleep in our wooden cottages, where the northern lights may also pay us a visit, if we’ve been good.
This morning, in our vehicles, A-Team style, we head along the Ring Road toward the Golden Circle. First we stop at Gullfoss, the golden waterfall where there are always rainbows. Well, always when the sun is out. In any case, it’s huge, tall, spectacular, with glacial water plunging into a basalt canyon. Then we move on to Geysir to watch the eruptions of water, and explore the geothermal valley with colorful pools bubbling and steaming. After that, nothing too special: a small waterfall, a basalt canyon, and the meeting point of two tectonic plates. We’re at Thingvellir, where the tour leader explains why this is one of the few places in the world where you can literally put one foot on two different continents: we are right between them. And that was the Golden Circle, bam!
Tonight we dress up as make-believe Vikings in a local tavern to try our hand at axe throwing, which (almost) never hurts anyone, and we eat burgers (those are definitely less harmless). We sleep in our wooden cottages, where the northern lights may also pay us a visit, if we’ve been good.
3
REYNISFJARA, THE BLACK SAND BEACH
Day 3
This morning we wash our faces with the water of Skogafoss waterfall. We walk right beneath a 40-meter wall of water, and at some point we climb to the top, tackling 430 easy but terribly slippery icy steps. And the day could already end here, but no! Time to celebrate one of the most beautiful stops of the trip: black volcanic sand, columnar basalt caves, sea stacks, and tourists swallowed up by the fury of the ocean. What more could you want?! We’re at Reynisfjara, the black sand beach. We brave the ocean’s biting cold and the angry waves below us at Dyrholaey promontory too, then enjoy lunch at the best gas station in the world. This afternoon we cross the desert, with glaciers on the left and a vast moraine plain on the right, until we reach our lovely cottages.It’s evening! Here we sip an ice-cold beer or a steaming herbal tea, maybe beneath the aurora. Then it’s dinner back at our cozy house. We cook together and wait for the northern lights with our slippers on. Come on, let’s hope for another dazzling flash across the sky.
This morning we wash our faces with the water of Skogafoss waterfall. We walk right beneath a 40-meter wall of water, and at some point we climb to the top, tackling 430 easy but terribly slippery icy steps. And the day could already end here, but no! Time to celebrate one of the most beautiful stops of the trip: black volcanic sand, columnar basalt caves, sea stacks, and tourists swallowed up by the fury of the ocean. What more could you want?! We’re at Reynisfjara, the black sand beach. We brave the ocean’s biting cold and the angry waves below us at Dyrholaey promontory too, then enjoy lunch at the best gas station in the world. This afternoon we cross the desert, with glaciers on the left and a vast moraine plain on the right, until we reach our lovely cottages.
It’s evening! Here we sip an ice-cold beer or a steaming herbal tea, maybe beneath the aurora. Then it’s dinner back at our cozy house. We cook together and wait for the northern lights with our slippers on. Come on, let’s hope for another dazzling flash across the sky.
4
Jökulsárlón, Icebergs and Seals
Day 4
Gooood morning! Today brings tears for the most beautiful day of the trip. We’re heading inside, outside, and around one of the largest glaciers in the world: Vatnajökull, ta-daaah. We drive around the ice cap along a deserted road built on an ancient glacier. We’re left speechless as we take in all the glacier tongues, icefalls, crevasses, and the national park.Once we reach the base, we rely on Icelandic guides to take us inside the glacier in search of the Ice Caves. Those incredibly blue ice caves (take a look at the extra activity details).Then we stop at the iceberg lagoon: Jökulsárlón. Can you imagine how incredible it is to see a lake in front of a glacier, with bright blue icebergs floating and rolling in the water? Ice in trillions of shades, with seals swimming all around. It’s the most beautiful sight of your life. All to ourselves.We cross the road to Diamond Beach. It’s called the “diamond beach,” and it needs no explanation: thousands of icebergs, big and small, scattered across black volcanic sand, reflecting the sunlight in a thousand different ways. Have you ever licked an iceberg?After this intense day, we head back with the sunset over the glacier, towards our wooden cottages to get ready for another night waiting for the aurora. Another round, another burst of northern lights?
Gooood morning! Today brings tears for the most beautiful day of the trip. We’re heading inside, outside, and around one of the largest glaciers in the world: Vatnajökull, ta-daaah. We drive around the ice cap along a deserted road built on an ancient glacier. We’re left speechless as we take in all the glacier tongues, icefalls, crevasses, and the national park.
Once we reach the base, we rely on Icelandic guides to take us inside the glacier in search of the Ice Caves. Those incredibly blue ice caves (take a look at the extra activity details). Then we stop at the iceberg lagoon: Jökulsárlón. Can you imagine how incredible it is to see a lake in front of a glacier, with bright blue icebergs floating and rolling in the water? Ice in trillions of shades, with seals swimming all around. It’s the most beautiful sight of your life. All to ourselves. We cross the road to Diamond Beach. It’s called the “diamond beach,” and it needs no explanation: thousands of icebergs, big and small, scattered across black volcanic sand, reflecting the sunlight in a thousand different ways. Have you ever licked an iceberg?
After this intense day, we head back with the sunset over the glacier, towards our wooden cottages to get ready for another night waiting for the aurora. Another round, another burst of northern lights?
5
Stone-themed fair, quad bikes and aircraft
Day 5
We begin our journey back along the Ring Road. Since we’re still the ones driving, we decide to first make a stop at Iceland’s most unpronounceable canyon, Fjaðrárgljúfur, near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, for an advanced course in place-name pronunciation. Then it’s time for another incredible activity. In the morning we keep driving through the desert, crossing one of the oldest and largest lava fields, now covered with bright green domes of moss. By the time we reach Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland’s most famous volcano, we’re ready for the fun part.Alright. It’s time to drive across black sand and through rivers on quad bikes, also reaching the plane wreck in the Solheimasandur desert (take a look at the extra activity details).The next stop is Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall where we can walk behind the curtain of water, as long as the path isn’t closed or frozen. And then? Did someone say “stone p*ssy”? No? We’re going anyway. It’s our little Icelandic spot: a hidden waterfall inside a hole in the rock, tucked into a small canyon with a tiny stream. Unreal.We come out soaking wet and head toward our wooden cottages deep in the countryside. Then we enjoy a nice traditional dinner while waiting for the Northern Lights (seriously?!)
We begin our journey back along the Ring Road. Since we’re still the ones driving, we decide to first make a stop at Iceland’s most unpronounceable canyon, Fjaðrárgljúfur, near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, for an advanced course in place-name pronunciation. Then it’s time for another incredible activity. In the morning we keep driving through the desert, crossing one of the oldest and largest lava fields, now covered with bright green domes of moss. By the time we reach Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland’s most famous volcano, we’re ready for the fun part.
Alright. It’s time to drive across black sand and through rivers on quad bikes, also reaching the plane wreck in the Solheimasandur desert (take a look at the extra activity details). The next stop is Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall where we can walk behind the curtain of water, as long as the path isn’t closed or frozen. And then? Did someone say “stone p*ssy”? No? We’re going anyway. It’s our little Icelandic spot: a hidden waterfall inside a hole in the rock, tucked into a small canyon with a tiny stream. Unreal.
We come out soaking wet and head toward our wooden cottages deep in the countryside. Then we enjoy a nice traditional dinner while waiting for the Northern Lights (seriously?!)
6
THE SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA
Day 6
Come on, rise and shine! Today we’re setting off on a journey to the center of the Earth! We leave the southern region behind and drive toward one of Iceland’s most remote and extraordinary peninsulas, home to Jules Verne’s volcano. This strip of land in the middle of the ocean will be our home for the next few days, and we’ll also reach one of the most iconic places on the entire island: the famous Kirkjufell waterfall, set against the backdrop of the rounded volcanic cone. We’ll enjoy the sunset over this spectacular scenery, right in the little fishing village on the bay.Totally worth it!
Come on, rise and shine! Today we’re setting off on a journey to the center of the Earth! We leave the southern region behind and drive toward one of Iceland’s most remote and extraordinary peninsulas, home to Jules Verne’s volcano. This strip of land in the middle of the ocean will be our home for the next few days, and we’ll also reach one of the most iconic places on the entire island: the famous Kirkjufell waterfall, set against the backdrop of the rounded volcanic cone. We’ll enjoy the sunset over this spectacular scenery, right in the little fishing village on the bay.
Totally worth it!
7
MILLEBOLLEBLU
Day 7
We load our backpacks onto our trusty vehicles and drive toward Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world. After a week in the wilderness, it feels strange to see so many people again. We dive into the city’s food scene, perhaps trying the world’s best lobster soup and hot dog (Bill Clinton’s words, not ours). But the day still has one more surprise in store: the Blue Lagoon. We soak in the warm waters powered by a geothermal plant. It may not sound glamorous at first, but these are some of the most famous and incredible thermal baths in the world, and that’s exactly how they work. What can you do? The intensely blue water among the basalt rocks in the middle of a volcanic valley, while sipping a cold beer from the pool bar, makes us forget everything. And it’s the perfect way to end this epic journey (take a look at the extra activities section).In the evening, pleasantly exhausted, we return to our Icelandic base for one last dinner and one last farewell Northern Lights display. A final night beneath the Arctic sky in the bay—and yes, there may be tears.
We load our backpacks onto our trusty vehicles and drive toward Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world. After a week in the wilderness, it feels strange to see so many people again. We dive into the city’s food scene, perhaps trying the world’s best lobster soup and hot dog (Bill Clinton’s words, not ours). But the day still has one more surprise in store: the Blue Lagoon. We soak in the warm waters powered by a geothermal plant. It may not sound glamorous at first, but these are some of the most famous and incredible thermal baths in the world, and that’s exactly how they work. What can you do? The intensely blue water among the basalt rocks in the middle of a volcanic valley, while sipping a cold beer from the pool bar, makes us forget everything. And it’s the perfect way to end this epic journey (take a look at the extra activities section).
In the evening, pleasantly exhausted, we return to our Icelandic base for one last dinner and one last farewell Northern Lights display. A final night beneath the Arctic sky in the bay—and yes, there may be tears.
8
Yep, it’s that time.
Day 8
Today is the day to head back: we drop off the cars at the airport and, with tears still in our eyes, make our way back to Italy. It was the trip you imagined — and then some.
Today is the day to head back: we drop off the cars at the airport and, with tears still in our eyes, make our way back to Italy. It was the trip you imagined — and then some.
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Boring but important stuff to know
Deposit and registration
To sign up for the trip, you will need to: 🍌 Pay a deposit, which will be indicated during registration, to confirm your spot. 🍌 The remaining balance must be paid 45 days before departure.
And what about the payment methods? 🍌You can pay by bank transfer. 🍌You can pay by card. 🍌 You can pay for your trip in up to 12 installments with HeyLight.
We will show you the final cost of the trip, including any extras you select, during the registration process and in your personal area.
Flight
🍌 Your flight is included in the price, with departure from Milan or Rome. 🍌 You can also depart from other airports—just select your preferred one during sign-up. If you can’t find the airport you want, write to us and we’ll help you. 🍌 A No-Flight option is available. Basically, if you prefer to arrange your own flight, we’ll deduct the airfare from the trip price and you can book your flight independently. Then we’ll coordinate to meet at the destination. 🍌 You can find your flight schedule in your personal area once you have completed your registration. 🍌 And who takes care of check-in? It’s up to you! By default, you handle it yourself, but if you prefer, we can do it for you—just select this option during sign-up. 🍌 Please read all the flight-related FAQs carefully at the bottom of this page.
Accommodation and transport
🍌 Accommodation 1: we stay in wooden cottages for 3, 4, or 6 people, with double rooms and a shared bathroom inside the cottage (reserved for the group). We’ll be deep in the Icelandic countryside, far from artificial lights or towns, so we’ll have a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights right around the house. 🍌 Accommodation 2: we stay in hotels with double, triple, or quadruple rooms and private and/or shared bathrooms. 🍌 Transport: we’ll drive 9-seater vans or 4- or 5-seat cars. Driving is not mandatory, but it’s an amazing experience.
One more thing: at Sto Gran Tour, we choose not to use hostels with dorm rooms or low-standard B&Bs, because we want to protect the quality of the trip. One last thing: depending on availability and any changes on site, alternatives to the proposed accommodations may be used. A double room can never be guaranteed 100%. We’ve created a dedicated FAQ just below.
Luggage and equipment
🍌 You will be allowed one carry-on bag and a small backpack. 🍌 You will find the baggage size and weight limits in your personal area. 🍌 Checked baggage is not included. However, if it is not included in your airfare, you can add it in your personal area. 🍌 You will find the list of equipment to bring for the trip in your personal area. 🍌 No special technical clothing is required. Yuppie!
Extra Activities
Extra activities are experiences that are not included in the itinerary, but that you can choose to add to personalize your trip. They’re amazing experiences, but they may not be for everyone. And that’s totally fine! This way, instead of being stuck with an “all-inclusive” package and paying for things you don’t enjoy, you have the freedom to choose.
🍌 You can book them during sign-up or later in your personal area. 🍌 If you decide not to join the extra activities, there’s always a free alternative listed in the dedicated extra activities section. 🍌 Whenever specific equipment is needed for an activity, it will be clearly indicated.
If you feel excited about any extra activities, we recommend booking them as soon as possible. Especially if you’re traveling during high season, they tend to sell out very quickly. We don’t control ticket sales, so if spots are no longer available, unfortunately there’s nothing we can do!
There’s also a dedicated FAQ in the section “You might have questions — we’ve definitely got answers.” Take a look!
Meals
🍌 Each day includes meals at typical local eateries with reasonable prices (by Icelandic standards!) and small packed lunches to make the logistics of some days easier. 🍌 On some evenings, we’ll cook in the cottage after doing a small grocery shop! So if you have specific needs, you can buy whatever you need. 🍌 Are you intolerant to anything? 🍌 Do you have any food allergies? 🍌 Are you vegetarian? Vegan? Pastafarian?! Do you only eat things that start with Z?!?
Nooo problem! Food should never be a limit on your trip. There’s always a solution, whether at a restaurant or at the supermarket.
Requirements for entering the country
🍌 Before signing up for the trip, we recommend checking any entry requirements requested by the country. You can do so here by consulting the Viaggiare Sicuri website: https://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/find-country/country/ISL 🍌 It will be your responsibility (yes, it’s on you!) to make sure you meet all entry requirements for the destination country or countries. Sto Gran Tour declines all responsibility in the event of refusal of entry to the country. If you have any questions at this point, ask us anything and we’ll be happy to answer! 🍌 Any visa or government fee will be at your own expense.
What's included, and what's not
Included in the trip price
Not included in the trip price
Common fund
How does it work? No one likes traveling with stacks of cash in the local currency and doing the math with a calculator every evening. So, we’ll spare you that stress: traveling with us is much simpler. Each participant, taking turns, pays the shared expenses and logs them in the SplitUp app, which at the end of the trip splits them equally among the whole group. We estimate that for this trip the total shared expenses will be between €160 and €240 per person, depending on the number of participants.
🍌 Fuel for the vehicles and parking. This is the main expense. 🍌 Full comprehensive damage insurance for the vehicles, which costs €69. 🍌 Team Leader expenses.
Pick your extra activities
Customize your itinerary!
Great idea, with us you can. You can tweak every itinerary by adding the extra activities you want to do on the trip. We've tested and approved every single one. So instead of putting up with an "all inclusive" and paying for stuff you don't like, you're free to choose.
145 €
Ice Caves
Inside Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, together with local guides, we go in search of the famous deep-blue ice caves. We enter tunnels carved out by meltwater. Every winter they are different, and every winter the guides map them again from scratch: the one you see, no one else has ever seen quite like that.
🍌 Duration: 2/3 hours 🍌 Difficulty: easy! Crampons are provided, but it is suitable for everyone 🍌 Alternative: a walk around the glacier
Please note: This activity is only available during certain times of the year, when the caves have formed!
189 €
Quad biking in the lava desert
Do you get a thrill from riding a quad bike through the desert, across sand and rivers? We set off from Sólheimasandur, a vast expanse of black volcanic sand where nothing grows and there’s no one around. We cross glacial streams and ride all the way to the wreck of the crashed plane. Suit, helmet, and gloves are provided, and you can ride solo or as a pair.
(2-seater ATV, drivers can switch) 🍌 Duration: 2h 🍌 Difficulty: easy — great fun even as a passenger! A valid driver’s license is required to drive.
🍌 Alternative: we reach the plane on foot, or head to the base of the Solheimajokull glacier
125 €
Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s most famous hot springs, with geothermal water at around 39°C: pure bliss, pure joy! White silica on the bottom, and all around you a field of black lava. We’ll kick back and celebrate the end of the trip with our bums soaking in the water, a mud mask on our faces, and a drink in hand at the bar inside the lagoon. Towels and a welcome drink are included.
🍌 Duration: 2–3 hours – Towels and welcome drink included. 🍌 Difficulty: the hardest part will be getting out of the water and leaving.
🍌 Alternative: a stroll around the area! Or a coffee in Grindavík.
You might have questions, we definitely have answers
Deposit, balance and insurance
Here’s how payments work:
🍌 A deposit is due when you sign up to confirm your participation.
🍌 The remaining balance must be paid 45 days before departure, directly from your personal area.
🍌 You can pay by bank transfer, card, or in installments. Choose whichever option is most convenient for you.
🍌 The final trip price, including any extras you select, will be shown during the sign-up process, in your confirmation email, and in your personal area.
🍌 Before departure, you can take out trip cancellation insurance to cover the cancellation of your trip, provided the reason for cancellation falls within the covered cases listed in the insurance PDF. You can view and download this PDF during the sign-up process, before confirming your trip.
🍌 Purchasing the cancellation insurance we offer is not mandatory. If you feel it does not meet your needs, you are free to arrange your own policy and we’ll still be happy travel buddies.
🍌 Sto Gran Tour accepts no responsibility if the participant’s reason for cancelling the trip does not fall within the cases covered by the insurance policy.
🍌 Medical and baggage insurance, on the other hand, is always included in the trip price.
How air travel works
🍌 With us, your airfare is always included in the trip price, departing from Milan or Rome depending on the departure date.
🍌 For an additional fee, you can choose a different departure airport.
🍌 The group may have different flight schedules, depending on airline availability and the order in which participants book.
🍌 We’ll share your flight times in your personal area as soon as they are available.
🍌 Booking for two people does not guarantee seats together on the plane, as seat selection comes at an extra cost. However, you can request it and we’ll quote it separately.
🍌 Unless otherwise specified, the flight booking does not include checked baggage. If you really, really want to add it, fair enough! Just write to us at hello@stograntour.com and we’ll see what we can do.
🍌 If you are absent at the airport on the day of departure due to personal unforeseen circumstances, delays or cancellations of connecting flights, or other means of transport, you will need to reach the destination independently with another flight at your own expense. We’ll help you find a new flight, provided you buy the first round of beers when you catch up with us.
Flight-free option
If you’d prefer to arrange your own flights, no problem! You can select the “without flights” option when you sign up. We’ll deduct the flight cost from the trip price, and that’s it. Please note:
🍌 With the “without flights” option, airport transfers and any internal flights are not included, unless otherwise stated.
🍌 With the “without flights” option, we cannot directly assist or protect you in the event of delays or cancellations.
🍌 With the “without flights” option, we ask you to let us know the flight times you would like to book, so we can confirm whether they are compatible with the rest of the group.
🍌 With the “without flights” option, before purchasing your flights you must wait until the trip is confirmed. If you buy them before confirmation, we will not reimburse the airfare portion.
Self-drive
How annoying is it when, on your trip, you have to rely on buses and drivers with standard working hours? And have you ever seen a backpacking adventurer cruising around in a 50-seat coach with a private driver? Nah. On our trips, we prefer the self-drive formula. That means you hop into the driver’s seat and drive, experiencing the road firsthand. You’re the one behind the wheel, if you want to be. And if you don’t, that’s fine too. You’ll always need someone to navigate in the middle of the desert, put on the perfect playlist, and notice that “guys, I think that explosion might have been our tire… hang on.”
🍌 Can we take turns driving?
Yes. This Great Trip is organized to keep driving flexible: anyone in the group can take the wheel, as long as it’s communicated in the personal area before departure.
🍌 Insurance and what it covers
You’ll find all the information in the “vehicle insurance” FAQ. Easy!
🍌 Vehicle pick-up
To pick up the vehicle, Sto Gran Tour provides its own credit card, so even travelers who don’t have one can still join the trip (you’re welcome).
🍌 Route and flexibility
We created the itinerary ourselves, after experiencing it firsthand. It’s designed to cover the coolest stops, with the right timing and sensible breaks. But it’s not set in stone: if we want to stay longer, change route, and explore a place, we decide it together as a group. That’s the beauty of self-drive!
🍌 What happens if we damage the car or have a breakdown?
We won’t get arrested or end up behind bars. The vehicle is covered by insurance (see the “vehicle insurance” FAQ). In any case, the Team Leader will handle the process by contacting the company or local partner for assistance. And the Sto Gran Tour staff will always be connected remotely alongside the Team Leader, 24/7. Seriously: day and night, every single day.
Vehicle insurance
In the true spirit of adventure and to enjoy an authentic journey, the group will drive the rental vehicles in self-drive mode.
🍌 An extra convenience for those traveling with us: Sto Gran Tour provides its own credit card as the guarantee for the vehicle rental, taking on the deposit required by the rental company, including any potential damages or additional costs. This means that even travelers who do not have a credit card can still drive, and the vehicle pick-up process is easier for the whole group.
🍌 Each vehicle will be covered by full Kasko insurance. The cost (a small amount), shared among the participants, is included in the common expenses. You can pay your share directly in your personal area before departure. We believe this is the best way to avoid significant expenses if anything happens and to ensure that all responsibility does not fall on the volunteer drivers.
🍌 If you prefer not to pay the small Kasko fee, you may choose to rent the vehicle using your own personal credit card, or to pay the rental excess/deposit required by the rental company. You will be able to select this option in your personal area.
At the time of pick-up, all participants (not only the drivers) are responsible for checking that the insurance is in place and for taking photos of the vehicle, to help avoid any unpleasant surprises when returning it.
Types of accommodation
Accommodation arrangements are indicated in the “Accommodation and transport” tab, in the “Boring but important things to know” section you’ll find on this page. Depending on the departure date and the trip, the room setup shown on the website may differ from what is described. For this reason, you will never see it stated that a specific room type (whether double, triple, or quadruple) is 100% guaranteed. This is simply because we often do not have full control over our suppliers’ availability. Please also keep in mind that, on a group trip, sharing is a core part of the travel experience: besides sharing an amazing adventure, you may also end up sharing rooms and bathrooms. Every traveler for themselves? Come on, not really. If having a double room is absolutely essential for you (like, truly non-negotiable), please write to us before departure! That way we can avoid problems, misunderstandings, and unnecessary hassle for both of us. Sounds fair?
Lead Guide of this Grand Tour
When you travel with Sto Gran Tour, you’ll always be accompanied by a Tour Leader.
We don’t work with polished influencers who turn travel into something just for social media, and we don’t collaborate with people who only want a free trip. Our Tour Leaders are certified guides: experienced, passionate women and men, as well as qualified tour escorts.
The Tour Leader supports the group throughout the trip, handling logistics and technical matters. From choosing the right tire pressure in Namibia to giving advice on tuk-tuks in Sri Lanka. From declaring the winner of an axe-throwing contest in Iceland to calculating the right amount of supplies before heading into the desert. The Tour Leader coordinates the schedule and is always in touch with the office staff and local partners.
Usually, a Sto Gran Tour Leader is a young, good-looking, friendly, and fun human being. And we are absolutely not biased at all.
Group confirmation
Almost all of our trips are confirmed. For groups that are still awaiting confirmation, we will send you regular updates through your personal area. If we do not reach the minimum number of participants (generally 3), you may change your date free of charge to the closest available departure, either for the same destination or another one, or receive a full refund. For trips with only one departure date, the "Trip Status" is shown.
Group and travel companions
Groups usually consist of 3 to 17 people, plus a Trip Leader. The exact number varies depending on the trip. The average age on our trips is generally between 25 and 45, with a few exceptions.
Our groups usually include people from all over Italy, and they’re open-minded travelers who love new experiences. You don’t need to be an experienced traveler, and you don’t need to have joined a group trip before. It also doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling solo, with your girlfriend, or with your dad. What really matters is the spirit you bring: the желание and curiosity to come explore and experience the world. It’ll be what you imagine — only more so.
About one month before departure, we’ll open the Wazzzzup group, where you can start getting to know the other participants. You’ll find the Sto Gran Gruppo link in your personal area.
We confirm and activate the trip once we have at least 4 to 6 participants. If we don’t reach the minimum number, you can change your date free of charge to the closest available departure, either for the same destination or a different one. Or you can request a full refund. So when will you know whether the trip is confirmed or not? About one month before departure, when we total up the number of participants.
P.S.
Are you cursing us out because you’d love to travel with us, but think you’re over the age limit? Write to us — we might still be able to travel together. And in the worst-case scenario, at least you can insult us in person.
How extra activities work
You can customize your trip with extra activities, which you can choose either when booking or later on. Please note:
🍌 If an activity is canceled by the provider, you will be refunded.
🍌 Any special equipment required for each activity will be provided on site.
🍌 You can also choose activities after booking and add them from your personal area for an additional €5.
🍌 We cannot guarantee activity availability if you add them close to the departure date.
🍌 During peak seasons, such as New Year’s and summer, we cannot guarantee activity availability unless you book them well in advance.
🍌 Activity prices may increase at the providers’ discretion.
One more thing: the activities are organized by local providers, so we at Sto Gran Tour are not responsible for changes, availability, or cancellations.
Travel itinerary and changes
In Iceland, nature is in charge: the weather changes quickly, and roads may be closed بسبب strong winds or snowfall. Unexpected events can happen, and if you are looking for a “standard” trip, Iceland may not be the right destination for you. We want you to have the best trip of your life, so we want to make it clear that:
🍌 The itinerary, as well as the order of the days, may change depending on weather conditions. We will decide, with safety as our priority, how to reorganize the week in case of weather-related disruptions.
🍌 Nature is in charge. We do not provide refunds of the amount paid if there are program changes related to weather conditions.
🍌 If travel days or activities are canceled due to bad weather, we will try to reschedule them if the group agrees to the new travel arrangement and only if the tour leader considers it feasible.
🍌 Accommodation and means of transport may differ from what is indicated in the travel program due to local availability at the time of the trip. In any case, we guarantee the expected standard (we’re definitely not going to make you sleep in a dump!)
Got questions buzzing around your head? Write to us
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Just don't send us voice messages, life is hard enough as it is. Other than that, we reply Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Imagine being snug and warm inside a wooden cottage in the Icelandic countryside. The windows are fogged up, someone has lit two candles, and outside the landscape has turned into a deep blue expanse. It’s been a beautiful day. One of those long, full days when you drove along roads that seemed to lead nowhere and stopped every ten minutes because “wait, wait, pull over for a second.” You hung your trousers over the hot radiator to dry. They’re still wet because of that waterfall where “no, come on, I’m not getting too close”… yeah, right. Next to them are your hiking boots too, giving off a smell we’d rather not comment on. We’ve cooked dinner, and it’s ready: piping hot soup. Someone sliced the bread, someone else set the table as best they could, and the kitchen smells like home even though home is a few thousand kilometers away. Outside it’s around zero degrees, and every now and then the wind knocks against the wood as if to remind you where you are. You crack open a beer with your travel companions, who were strangers just a few days ago and now already know how you take your coffee. There’s laughter, you scroll through the day’s photos, and you take turns keeping watch at the window. Will the aurora come tonight? We hope so. The sky is clear, the apps say yes, but it kind of does whatever it wants. And in the meantime you think, “damn, I’m living something that can’t really be explained.”
This Great Iceland is everything you imagine—and then some.
Our documentaries
Episode 1: Iceland
This is the story of a journey through Iceland. We travel across the island from one end to the other with a clear mission: to chase the Northern Lights. Among volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls, we discover a land where nature rules and the night sky can turn into a spectacle.
The first stop on our Icelandic journey in our series "Slow Travel", every Sunday on Kilimangiaro on Rai 3.
In the previous episode, our tour of Iceland began. Today the hunt continues: we follow the forecast, scan the sky, and move along the coast, hoping the aurora will decide to reveal itself. Meanwhile, the landscape changes with every kilometer.
The second chapter of the Icelandic journey in the series "Slow Travel," every Sunday on Kilimangiaro on Rai 3.
It is the final episode of the Icelandic adventure. After crossing expanses of lava, black sand beaches, and glacial lagoons, we complete the circle around the island. And at last, the sky rewards us for the wait.
The Icelandic journey of the series "Slow Travel" comes to an end here, airing every Sunday on Kilimangiaro on Rai 3.
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Chats with adventurers and loose thoughts on travel while we wait for the spin cycle to finish. Sometimes you even find a forgotten discount in your pocket.
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The best trip I've ever taken. Not only for the place, which is breathtaking, but for the group and our guide, Roberta, Bibi to her friends. Yes, friends, because on this trip a fantastic synergy is created, thanks not only to the personality of each participant but also to Bibi's ability to involve everyone. Bibi was an amazing guide, she looked into everything, from the restaurant to every single grain of lava, so that we could experience Iceland to the fullest, passing on her enthusiasm and sensing, in every single moment, the mood of the group and the needs of each of us.
Mariateresa Vigilante
March 2026
Lapland, hunting for the northern lights
I did the trip to Lapland organized by Sto Gran Tour (Dec–Jan) and the experience was excellent from every point of view. The itinerary was carefully planned: well-spread activities, zero downtime and the chance to truly live the essence of Lapland. From the northern lights to the husky excursions, every moment was handled with professionalism and care. Federico, our coordinator, was very knowledgeable, helpful and always ready to share fun facts about the area. I also really appreciated the punctuality and clarity of the organization: transfers, excursions and equipment always perfect. It's a trip I'd recommend to anyone who wants to experience Lapland without stress, with the reassurance of a serious organization and a level of care that really makes the difference. Sto Gran Tour passes with flying colors: an unforgettable experience.
Antonio
May 2026
Sta Gran Cappadocia 🇹🇷
I'm writing this review just back from a fantastic trip to Turkey (Istanbul + Cappadocia), what can I say, I couldn't have asked for better! It wasn't my first time with SGT and, as I'd already seen in the past, the trip definitely lived up to my expectations. A special thanks to our super team leader Marco Rotunno, who made us experience these magical places at their best ✨🫶🏼
Letizia Callegari
January 2026
Fantastic trip to Vietnam
Back from a fantastic trip to Vietnam with Chiara, a flawless tour leader, always present and ready to talk things through with the group for any decision to be made. Wonderful places, between the chaos of the cities and the quietest, most magical green of nature. This is my third group trip and the first with Sto Gran Tour: really well done, with excellent organization.
Fabio Niero
April 2026
Thank you Sto Gran Tour!
My experience in Vietnam with Sto Gran Tour turned out to be magical. I loved every second of our trip and appreciated the organization and the attention to detail. The difference was certainly also made by Giulia, our team leader, from whom I learned so much: right from the start she proved very professional and knowledgeable. I'd do it again a thousand times. Thank you Sto Gran Tour!
Valeria Maresca
January 2026
My first group trip
It was my first group trip, and I was really satisfied with the organization and with how the trip was structured! Fantastic group, and what can I say about the guide: fantastic and super active! She showed us wonderful places and told us about Iceland from the heart!
Mirco Pieralisi
July 2026
Ring Road in Iceland
The itinerary let us discover incredible and very different landscapes, alternating waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, black beaches, small villages and scenery that seems to belong to another planet. The added value was the group and our coordinator Nicola Ferrucci, a real expert and in love with Iceland. Thanks to him we had unforgettable experiences and visited places off the most touristy spots… he told us legends, curiosities and anecdotes that only someone passionate who knows the place perfectly can know.
Chiara Giammaroli
July 2026
Staff always on the ball
The staff was always available and quick to answer my questions. I had to change my departure date and didn't have the slightest problem. Our tour leader was wonderful, took us to every stop and even more. The travel group was a great mix and we had a blast!
Bruna Musu
December 2025
Iceland with Nic
A fantastic experience! The trip was beautiful, well organized and with a great variety and diversity of experiences. All made even more exciting thanks to Nic, his contagious enthusiasm for adventure and his ability to keep the group together.
Mariangela Viceconte
November 2025
A truly memorable first trip to Japan
I joined the trip with my partner and it was our first time in Asia. The experience went beyond expectations. The itinerary was carefully planned, and credit also goes to our tour leader, Michele, who enriched every stop with clear explanations and his enthusiasm for Japanese culture. The route offered a really pleasant balance between cultural visits, discovering the local food and moments immersed in nature. The group we shared the trip with was a nice surprise too: curious, engaged people with a genuine desire to enjoy every moment. All in all, an experience I'd absolutely recommend to anyone who wants a first introduction to Japan that's well structured and engaging at the same time!
Fabio Rosato
January 2026
Trip to Morocco 🇲🇦
My first trip with Stograntour couldn't have gone better! I was lucky enough to live a very intimate experience, traveling with a tiny group of wonderful people. Morocco is marvelous and gave us intense emotions. The itinerary was well structured: we went from snowy mountains to the desert, crossed hills of argan trees to reach the immense ocean, and then ended up in the chaos, but also the chill, among the rooftops and gardens of Marrakech. Along the way we met fantastic people. In particular, I won't forget Jawad's welcome and generosity and the beautiful experience at his home. We were guided flawlessly by Rob, a perfect team leader: professional and passionate, but above all a true travel companion. Always smiling and helpful, sensitive and attentive. Thanks to everyone, and see you on the next adventure!
Cristina F.
January 2026
Unforgettable Lapland
A perfect experience from every point of view! A trip lived 100% that met all my expectations! Visiting Lapland means putting yourself to the test, and I can say that without the organization, but above all without the involvement of our leader Alberto, I would have backed out. Alberto balanced every phase of our trip, staying serious while bringing a great spirit of involvement. His presence made all the difference! Every phase of our trip went smoothly, with no issues in timing, transfers or organization. Even for the little hiccups a quick and effective solution was found. I'd choose Sto Gran Tour again for my next trip with my eyes closed.
Rosita Pavone
January 2026
Hakuna Matata!!!
Exciting trip to Kenya! Andrea made us live the "safari" to the fullest, cheerfully carting us from one animal to the next (he even knew the exact number of hairs on their bu...). Almost everything worked and even the hiccups were handled like a pro. Fantastic group, as only happens on unforgettable trips.
Amerigo degli Atti
April 2026
Japan on the rails
This had been my dream trip since I was a child, so I left with high expectations… but it still managed to exceed them. I chose StoGranTour because it seemed the tour most in line with my way of traveling, and it turned out to be the right choice. The organization was excellent: every day had a well-structured program, with the chance to make small changes based on the group's needs. Plus, at the end of the activities, we always had some free time to explore on our own. The itinerary was carefully planned, but the real added value was our guide, Michele. With his passion and enthusiasm for Japanese culture, he made every visit interesting and never heavy. His explanations were clear and full of fun facts, some tied to the world of anime and video games, creating original connections with what we were seeing. We also really appreciated his choice of restaurants: he had us try excellent food in authentic places we would hardly have found on our own. Another thing that struck me positively was the group: on these trips you never know who you'll end up sharing the experience with, but I got along really well, which made everything even more enjoyable.
Maurizio Minetti
November 2025
10 fantastic days in India
This was my fourth experience with Sto Gran Tour and once again I came back truly enthusiastic. A special thanks goes to our guide Chiara, a precise young woman, attentive to everyone's needs, reliable and always available, who accompanied us with professionalism, great passion and friendliness. The tour was organized impeccably: well-studied itineraries, perfect timing and a management of the trip that let us enjoy every moment without worries. I warmly recommend Sto Gran Tour to anyone looking for a serious, competent organization that brings out the best of every stop thanks to the professionalism of its guides. An experience to remember!!
Nicolò Verando
March 2026
Trip to the Lofoten
It was my first group trip and it far exceeded my expectations. Besides the breathtaking landscapes, I have to say everything was organized down to the smallest detail, from the very nice and comfortable accommodation where we stayed to the itinerary and the activities chosen. Our team leader Nic was very well prepared and patient, ready to solve any hiccup and always offering us alternatives on what to do. With a group made up only of women, he managed to create a unique harmony. I recommend everyone travel with StoGranTour! See you on the next trip together ❤️
Giulia Ottaviani
March 2026
If you're thinking about it, do it!
A wonderful experience, cleverly divided into daily goals; I never imagined I could visit so many spectacular places in a single day despite the distances. Our guide Sara was marvelous, super prepared and ready to solve any problem. I recommend this experience to those traveling solo too. The places we rested in were excellent as well, both for comfort and for their position to see the aurora.
Serena
March 2026
Trip to Morocco
I left for Morocco at the end of March for my second trip with Stograntour and once again it was an all-round positive experience. The real added value for me is the organization, flawless and never trite in an itinerary that always goes a bit beyond expectations, and the skill of the team leaders: Ilaria was perfect! The group worked really well too, I'm taking home a great memory and I'm already thinking about the next trip!
Eleonora Tronconi
January 2026
Unique experiences
I've traveled with StoGranTour three times, visiting South Africa, Iceland and Morocco. On all three trips I met extremely well-prepared and knowledgeable guides, with a truly impeccable wealth of knowledge about the land, the flora and the local cultures. I warmly recommend traveling with them to anyone who wants to live a unique experience, thanks to itineraries and experiences planned down to the smallest detail and to fantastic tour leaders.
Chiara Nordera
February 2026
Sta Gran Lapland
Second trip with Sto Gran Tour and once again my expectations weren't let down! Thanks to a great group, a great team leader (Alberto) and an enchanted Lapland, even the -30° and the little mishaps turned into memories and stories to laugh about. The experiences on offer were all authentic and completely out of the comfort zone, which in my opinion is what you look for in a trip like this, a trip I'll always carry in my heart while waiting for the next one 💝
Cristina Intrieri
November 2025
Fuerteventura in November with Bibi!!!
The tour was absolutely positive and well organized, the itinerary complete and balanced, also taking winds and tides into account. Every day had something special: a sunset, a hidden spot, a fun fact about the place... Our team leader Bibi was simply fantastic. The fact that she has lived in Fuerte for a while was certainly a big plus: it let us experience the island authentically, with a few surprising unplanned moments too. At the same time she was very professional despite being "at home", which is not a given and was much appreciated. We felt Fuerteventura a little more ours thanks to her too, as she took us by the hand to every place with sensitivity and friendliness.
Francesca Stanco
November 2025
An exceptional first experience
An unforgettable experience in Vietnam: even though I left on my own, I immediately felt at ease with all the other participants (18 people). Very beautiful places, excellent organization, even considering that three days had to be rescheduled because of a typhoon that hit the central part of the country. Several bus transfers, some of them hours long, due to the shape of Vietnam itself, but we knew about it before departure. Team leader Roberto: a great person and an excellent professional. Happy I took part, I'd leave again tomorrow.
Matteo Monteverdi
August 2026
Madeira with Marco
It's my second trip with StoGranTour and once again I was satisfied. I found the organization punctual and well structured, with clear directions and the peace of mind of being able to rely on the people in charge. My compliments go to our team leader, Marco Rotunno, who contributed a lot to the success of these eight days. He was engaging but never intrusive, kind, funny and always available, attentive to everyone's needs. An experience I recommend to those who love trekking and active holidays and, above all, to those who want to let themselves be surprised by a landscape, the beauty of a sunrise or a starry sky.
Simona Giordanengo
April 2026
Namibia with Federica :)
I joined a trip to Namibia with Federica at the end of April 2026; besides her flawless organization, I want to praise her excellent preparation and her passion, which made this trip unforgettable. Very happy with the group of people I had the pleasure of meeting too! It was a rich trip in many ways, and what can I say about Namibia, it's undoubtedly a wonderful place!
Alessia
November 2025
Sta Gran Review
The assistance and support I received from the organization before departure were excellent and allowed me to arrive prepared on the first day of this adventure. (Even with a few refunds, everything was clear and simple.) During the trip, the skills and practical abilities of our team leader proved to be the key to making us enjoy the experience to the fullest: from handling the unexpected to organizing the downtime, from helping build the bond between travel companions to supporting each member's individual needs. I'm coming home from this trip very satisfied and sure that, if in the future I choose to take on another similar adventure, "Sto Gran Tour" will definitely be the first travel company I'll consider.
Marco Milan
February 2026
Best experience ever
One of the best experiences of my life! I've done plenty of group trips, but this one beat them in every way! A team leader (Cate) full of enthusiasm and passion, perfect organization and better accommodation than many others! Not to mention all the extras. Thank you, Sto Gran Tour really is a great blast, but thanks above all to our Great Team Leader 🍌
Miriam Forte
August 2026
Scotland tour, August '26
It lets you drive all over Scotland and its gorgeous islands, focusing on its natural wonders, which you enjoy through scenic treks: the right balance between effort and views, doable for everyone. Yes, it will rain and it will be fantastic. Our tour leader Alberto was attentive to everyone's needs, balancing the sights of the towns we visited, Edinburgh above all, with the beauty of the land and the right dose of lightness, alternating effort and breaks to recharge.
Dario Conti
October 2025
Sto Gran Kenya
My first solo trip, and I couldn't have had a better guide! The legendary Cruz in the Bush took me among lions, giant animals, breathtaking sunsets and ocean waves. He knows every corner of Kenya, almost as if it were his home. If you need someone to rely on, trust him. There's never a shortage of laughs, but I won't spoil anything else: meet him in person and you won't regret it.
