Tour Overview
Pursue Mother Nature’s most spectacular show on a five-day adventure of Iceland’s southern coast. Experience the highlights of Iceland’s Golden Circle – soaking in the steamy geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon and marvelling at the eruptions of the Strokkur Geysir, before strapping on the crampons and hiking across the Solheimajokull Glacier, feeling the mist of waterfalls on your face. If you're lucky, you might even experience the midnight sun! ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital and an eclectic place full of charm. At 6 pm you’ll meet your local leader and travel companions at an important welcome meeting at your hotel. If you arrive in Reykjavik with time to spare, why not hit the streets and explore the city's quirky boutiques and cosy cafes. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head into town with the group and get to know each other over dinner. ...more ...less
Day 2: Reykjanes Peninsula - Hveragerdi
Location: Reykjanes Peninsula
Accommodation Name: near Hveragerdi
Meals Included: Lunch
Wake up and take a moment to breathe in the fresh Icelandic air before heading out towards the Reykjanes Peninsula. Stop at family-run workshop where they use native Icelandic ingredients to make herbal teas, jams and salts. Tour their production area and learn more about their sustainability initiatives while sipping on a cup of their delicious tea. Next up you’ll see the Bridge between Continents, a footbridge that spans a fissure between the North American and Eurasian continental plates, and visit the eerie mud pools and steam vents of Gunnuhver, named after the angry ghost that is believed to have been trapped in the hot springs 400 years ago.Enjoy a delicious lunch in the harbor town of Keflavik, before you continue to Strandarkirkja, a Lutheran church that has been a landmark for seafaring travellers since the 12th century. After a busy day you’ll head for your accommodation near the town of Hveragerdi. This evening will be a good opportunity to turn your head to the skies in search of the Northern Lights.
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Day 3: Hveragerdi / Golden Circle
Location: Golden Circle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Today is all about exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Head to the geyser geothermal area to check out Strokkur and watch as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting some 20-30 metres in the air. Marvel at the immense beauty and sheer power of the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River. After witnessing these natural wonders, it’s time to reap the benefits of Iceland’s geothermal activity for yourself, with a soak in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon. Fed by various hot springs in the surrounding area, this spot is the oldest pool in Iceland – though it’s had a facelift since first opening in 1894. Once you're fully destressed (or before your fingertips start to prune), head back to your accommodation, and depending on the weather, rug up in warm clothing and head out in search of the northern lights.
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Day 4: Hveragerdi / South Coast
Location: South Coast
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Start the day by visiting the magical Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take a walk behind its cascade for a different perspective, followed by the powerful Skogafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's biggest at a width of 25 metres and a drop of 60 metres. From here embark on a short hike to another breathtaking waterfall, Kvernufoss, hidden in a nearby valley, and unbeknownst to most. The waterfall is framed by moss-coated cliffs of lava rock, adding to its otherworldly appearance. After you’ve had your fill of gorgeous waterfalls, prepare to take a walk on one of Europe's biggest ice caps – the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier. No experience is necessary to partake in the hike – your guide will brief you on all you need to know so you can explore the glacier safely. This evening you’ll enjoy a comforting dinner at your accommodation before looking to the skies in search of dancing lights.
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Day 5: Thingvellir National Park - Reykjavik
Location: Thingvellir National Park
It’s time to head back to Reykjavik. En route, stop at Thingvellir National Park to see the Parliament Plains, the site of Iceland’s first parliament. Thingvellir also contains the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart, the resulting gap partly filled with fresh water and clearly visible. Once you get back to Reykjavik, your leader will take you out on a walking tour to discover more of the history and culture of this fascinating city. Once this concludes, you will say your goodbyes and your adventure will come to an end.
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Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights) -
Meals
4 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 1 dinners -
Reykjanes Peninsula - Herbal tea and salt workshop visit
Visit a workshop on the Reykjanes Peninsula where native Icelandic ingredients are used to make herbal teas and salts.
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Reykjanes Peninsula - Gunnuhver hot springs
Explore the eerie mud pools and steam vents of Gunnuhver hot springs on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
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Reykjanes Peninsula - Bridge between Continents
Walk across the Bridge between Continents, a footbridge spanning a fissure between the North American and Eurasian continental plates.
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Reykjanes Peninsula - Strandarkirkja
Visit Strandarkirkja, a Lutheran church that has been a landmark for seafaring travelers since the 12th century.
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Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
Witness the Strokkur Geysir in the Golden Circle as it erupts and shoots water into the air.
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Fludir - Secret Lagoon
Soak in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon, the oldest pool in Iceland.
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Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
Marvel at the immense beauty and power of the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River.
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South Coast - Kvernufoss Waterfall Hike
Embark on a hike to the breathtaking Kvernufoss Waterfall, framed by moss-coated cliffs of lava rock.
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South Coast - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Visit the magical Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take a walk behind its cascade for a different perspective.
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South Coast - Skogafoss Waterfall visit
Experience the powerful Skogafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's biggest waterfalls.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
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International Travel
International travel to and from Iceland is not included in the tour package.
Transport
- On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that there are some long travel days and some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time. All our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
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 speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. This trip starts in Reykjavik on Day 1 at 6pm. This trip finishes in Reykjavik at approximately 2pm on Day 5. Please do not book any flights until after 6pm.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a private minibus allows access to off-the-beaten-path destinations and flexibility not possible with public transport. Expect long travel days and rough stretches on gravelly roads. Early departures optimize time, and all vehicles offer complimentary Wi-Fi.
Accommodation
Accommodation throughout the tour may vary, with alternative arrangements made if preferred options are unavailable. Rooms are requested to be ready upon arrival, but immediate check-in isn't always possible. Luggage storage or shared day rooms may be available until rooms are ready.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a private minibus, allowing access to off the beaten path destinations and providing flexibility not possible with public transport. The vehicles have complimentary Wi-Fi.
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Will there be opportunities to see the Northern Lights during the tour?
Yes, there are opportunities to search for the Northern Lights, particularly on the evenings of Day 2 and Day 3, weather permitting.
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What kind of activities are included in the Golden Circle exploration?
The Golden Circle exploration includes visiting the Strokkur Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. There is also a visit to the Secret Lagoon for a geothermal soak.
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Is there a chance to experience local Icelandic culture or products during the tour?
Yes, on Day 2, there is a visit to a family-run workshop on the Reykjanes Peninsula where native Icelandic ingredients are used to make herbal teas, jams, and salts.
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What kind of accommodation can be expected during the tour?
The style of accommodation is a guideline and may change due to availability. Alternative arrangements will be made to ensure a similar standard of accommodation.
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Are there any physical activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a hike on the Solheimajokull Glacier and a walk behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, as well as a hike to the Kvernufoss waterfall.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
5 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Reykjavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Golden Circle, South Coast, Thingvellir National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BIKH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Northern Lights, Wildlife Tours
