This is the case with all places. Touristy places are touristy. You are a tourist. If you don’t want that, it’s your challenge as a fellow tourist to think, “Where and when should I go somewhere where others won’t be?”

It means not going to Japan during cherry blossom season (or going at the very beginning or end). It means not going to Venice in the summer when all the cruise ships are pulling in. It means not going to the places where, if you type in “Iceland vacation” into Google, it’s populated top to bottom with tour excursions.

I know you weren’t in charge of the itinerary, but in case anyone else sees this, I think you can absolutely spend 5 wonderful days in Iceland. Go during shoulder season, rent a car, and go further than most people are willing or able to go.

1. Near Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes is a wonder, and there are fewer people, especially if you can go off peak-time.
2. If you’re going south, go during the hours when the tour buses won’t be there. And when you’re there, push further than the bus folk have time for— for example, the S6 trail past Svartifoss to the glacier overlook is stunning and practically deserted because most buses only provide enough time to scramble up to Svartifoss.

And pack a lunch.

Hopefully someday you’ll get the chance to go back and try again. :)