Follow the scenic Golden Circle, visiting geothermal springs, colourful geysers and the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss.
Drive along the island’s spectacular South Shore, past the Reynisdrangar Rocks and volcanic black sand beaches.
Wander around the arts and dining scene of Reykjavik – you'll walk around the city's centre, old harbour and the famous Hallgrimskirkja church of Iceland's capital with your leader. Then, maybe check out the music scene or hang out at the pub.
Head to Skaftafell National Park and get adventurous with a hike to Vatnajokull – Europe's largest glacier!
Try to spot the Aurora Borealis – the best light show on Earth! Stay up late to see the northern sky dance with green light (subject to weather conditions and activity), with a local leader by your side to help you get the best opportunities.
Gurgling hot springs, cascading waterfalls, extinct (and live) volcanoes and Europe’s biggest glacier – this is Iceland! On a six-day adventure, you’ll discover the raw natural beauty of this Nordic wonderland, getting up close to epic glacial sheaths, feeling the icy spray of the Gullfoss waterfall and becoming acquainted with the culture and cuisine of an Arctic island outpost unlike any other. Spend the days hiking, waterfall chasing and soaking in the gorgeous landscapes, and spend the nights searching for the Northern Lights – this is the north!
Highlights
Follow the scenic Golden Circle, visiting geothermal springs, colourful geysers and the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss.
Drive along the island’s spectacular South Shore, past the Reynisdrangar Rocks and volcanic black sand beaches.
Wander around the arts and dining scene of Reykjavik – you'll walk around the city's centre, old harbour and the famous Hallgrimskirkja church of Iceland's capital with your leader. Then, maybe check out the music scene or hang out at the pub.
Head to Skaftafell National Park and get adventurous with a hike to Vatnajokull – Europe's largest glacier!
Try to spot the Aurora Borealis – the best light show on Earth! Stay up late to see the northern sky dance with green light (subject to weather conditions and activity), with a local leader by your side to help you get the best opportunities.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Reykjavik Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in the world’s northernmost capital of Reykjavik, just below the Arctic Circle. The city sees around four hours of sunlight a day in winter and 22 hours or more in summer. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and crystalline ocean, the city boasts a vibrant arts and nightlife scene. It’s recommended you arrive early and head to the National Museum, which depicts the history of Iceland from the 9th century, when the first Vikings from mainland Scandinavia arrived and settled. You could also chill with the locals at the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool. Tonight, maybe head out to dinner and get to know your new fellow travellers.
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 2: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area Depart Reykjavik early this morning and follow the route of the Golden Circle. Visit Pingvellir National Park – the site of Iceland’s first parliament, founded in AD 930 and a geological wonder, where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. If you notice a big ridge of water in the landscape, you’re probably looking at the Silfra fissure! Next, head to Iceland’s Geysir geothermal area, where you’ll see the Strokkur geyser shoot water 30 m into the air. Witness the sheer power of the Gullfoss Waterfall (also known as Golden Falls) before continuing to the Hvolsvollur Valley, where you’ll spend the night on an Icelandic farm that’s been converted into a guesthouse. Far away from the city lights, the guesthouse is an ideal base to try and spot the Northern Lights. If the skies are clear tonight, why not take a stroll out into the snow and look skywards for the dancing green lights. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Guesthouse
Included Activities:
Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
Optional Activities:
Fludir - Secret Lagoon - 4200ISK
Day 3: South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Start the day with a trip to the Skogafoss waterfall – one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, Skogafoss is 25 m wide and drops 60 m. To get close, maybe climb the long, windy set of stairs up to the scenic viewpoint. On a sunny day, you should be able to spot a rainbow or two in the spray. Continue along Iceland’s South Shore to take in more of the country’s renowned natural wonders. From the stepping-stone rock formations of Reynisdrangar, the promontory of Dyrholaey, and the night black sand beach of Reynisfjara, this is one of the country’s most scenic regions. This afternoon, visit the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – a sea of floating icebergs whose blue contrast with the charcoal sands of the beach. Stop for the night at a farm stay on the South Coast. Weather permitting, there will be another opportunity to step outside and witness the natural wonders of the Northern Lights tonight. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Guesthouse
Included Activities:
Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon
Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
South Coast - Dyrholaey Viewpoint
Day 4: Vatnajokull Glacier / Vik Today, go for a hike on Europe’s biggest ice cap, Vatnajokull, which has around 30 glaciers flowing out of it. The glacier is retreating due to rising world temperatures, and in a few years, the glacier may be gone. Alternatively, you can just walk to the glacier’s tongue or return to the glacial lagoon at Jokulsarlon or Fjallsarlon. If you would prefer a more relaxing morning, you can explore the farm stay and head to the Thorbergur Centre. Later, journey to the black sand town of Vik. With the sea on one side and high cliffs on the other, this dramatically positioned village is Iceland’s most southerly mainland settlement. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Guesthouse
Day 5: Reykjavik Make your way to the beautiful waterfall of Seljalandsfoss, then it’s back to Reykjavik. When you arrive, take a short walk of the city, to the old harbour, the city centre and the famous Hallgrimskirkja Church. After, maybe browse some of the city’s great art galleries. If you haven’t seen the Northern Lights yet, you could head out of town to chase them again this evening, or head for a soak in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. Tonight, maybe gather your fellow adventurers and celebrate the end of the adventure with dinner. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Optional Activities:
Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition - 3000ISK
Reykjavik - Saga Museum - 3600ISK
Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum - 4300ISK
Reykjavik - Maritime Museum - 2450ISK
Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free -
Reykjavik - Perlan Museum - 5990ISK
Day 6: Reykjavik There are no further activities scheduled after breakfast today and it’s time to say ’sjaumst’. If you’d like to extend your stay and book yourself on a Silfra Fissure snorkelling adventure, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time. Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities:
Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik - 28490ISK
Nauthólsvík - Thermal Beach - Free -
Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour - 13900ISK
Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon inc return transfer - 23280ISK
Included Activities
Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon
Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
South Coast - Dyrholaey Viewpoint
Vatnajokull - Glacier Hike
Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
Physical preparation
This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day’s activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don’t want to participate.
Important information
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Iceland can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to outdoor activities, but especially in terms of eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on how to save money. In remote areas the only option for dinner will be at the guesthouse we are staying at. Stock up on food at a supermarket prior to arrival if you would like to opt out eating at the guesthouse’s restaurant. Please make sure you read the trip notes carefully in order to know what is and what isn’t included in the trip price.
