Six Days in Iceland

6 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik

Visiting: Reykjavik, Golden Circle, South Coast, Jokulsarlon / Vik, Vik / Reykjavik

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

BIYS

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $1456 $1310 Operator discount: -$146

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

There's a lot more to Iceland than ice! Across six days, you’ll find fjords, glaciers, volcanoes, black sands and thermal springs in the world's far north. Discover all the bucket list highlights with some lesser-known secrets you may not have chosen alone. Stay up with the midnight sun in summer or chase the Northern Lights in winter – this trip operates all year round, meaning no matter when you set off, you’re sure to find something incredible. Drive the Golden Circle and discover Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Geothermal Area, then discover waterfalls and scenic hotspots off the tourist track. Sample hot dogs in Reykjavik, find some quirky bars to spend your evenings in and see some of the best natural views you’ve maybe ever seen!

Highlights

  • Embark on a journey to Iceland and experience its magic in any season – whether that’s soaking up the midnight sun or searching for the Northern Lights!

  • Chase waterfalls in a country known for its flowing cascades. Visit popular sites like Gullfoss and Geysir in the Golden Circle and then head off-the-beaten-track to sites like Gljufrabui and Gluggafoss.

  • Explore Southern Iceland – a world of striking contrasts – with a local leader who knows all the secret spots. Walk past blue-white icebergs at the Jokulsarlon Glacier, ford the fjords and soak up the silence of the surrounding grey sand desert.

  • Visit Thingvellir National Park – the Eurasian and American tectonic plates may now be pulling apart, but over a thousand years ago, this was the site where Iceland's first parliament came together.

  • Choose your own adventure in Reykjavik with loads of free time – whether that’s soaking in geothermal seawater at the famed Blue Lagoon or snorkelling at Silfra Fissure.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Reykjavik

Location: Reykjavik

Accommodation: Guesthouse (Multi-share)

Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. Being so far north, Reykjavik’s daylight can change dramatically between seasons – 4 hours in winter and up to 22 in summer – which means you’ll either have a lot of time to party or a lot of time to nap in the sun. After the meeting, maybe head out to dinner or check out the craft beer scene with the group (your leader always has the best recommendations) and explore the nightlife (or late-day life?) in this coastal capital.

Day 2: Golden Circle

Location: Golden Circle

Accommodation: Cottage (multi-share)

Meals Included: breaksfast

Follow Iceland’s Golden Circle today with a few smooth, scenic drives. First, visit Thingvellir National Park and the Parliament Plains – this is the site of Europe's oldest parliament, founded in AD 930. If you notice a big ridge of water in the landscape, you’re probably looking at the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly ripping apart. Then check out the Strokkur Geyser and if you’re lucky, maybe see it blast water through the air. Finally, swing by the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River to witness the impressive cascades. On the way to your accommodation, there’s the option to stop at Secret Lagoon in Fludir for some steamy hot springs action – this is Iceland’s oldest natural pool! Fed by the Vaomalahver, Basahver and Litli Geysers, the pool’s water flows continuously, meaning it stays warm (38 to 40 degrees Celsius year-round), clean and rich in sulphur.

Included Activities:
-Golden Circle - Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfalll
-Þingvellir National Park - Parliament Plains

Optional Activities:
-Fludir - Secret Lagoon

Day 3: South Coast

Location: South Coast

Accommodation: Cottage (multi-share)

Today, you’ll drive along the south coast of Iceland – one of the most popular areas in the country due to the natural beauty dotting the coast. You’ll visit Gljufrabui (Canyon Dweller) and bask in the cascades of this towering waterfall that’s a bit more off-the-beaten-track as some other tourist favourites. Then, it’s on to another waterfall – Gluggafoss. Also known as Merkjarfoss, this waterfall is the most prominent in the series of falls that run off Merkja River. If the season’s right, you may also visit the famed black sands of Reynisdrangar – voted one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world. After exploring the basalt stacks and sweeping panoramas, head on to Dyrholaey Nature Reserve and see the cliffs that jut out into the sea (season permitting). Tonight, you’ll stay near the famous Glacier Lagoon.

Included Activities:
-Gljufrabui - Waterfall Visit
-Gluggafoss - Waterfall Visit

Day 4: Jokulsarlon / Vik

Location: Jokulsarlon / Vik

Accommodation: Hostel (Multi-share)

Feeling like you could tackle Europe’s largest icecap? This morning, you can embark on an optional walk on Vatnajokull – you don’t really need any special experience to sign up for a glacier walk here, so don’t let the size scare you. Glaciers like Vatnajokull are sadly melting away due to rising global temperatures, so seriously consider this if it is on your bucket list, as it might not be here in a few years’ time. In summer, you can also take an optional boat ride and glide through the waters for a different perspective. After, continue exploring Vatnajokull National Park – a wilderness area known for its huge glaciers, mountain trails and Svartifoss waterfall – which you’ll take a short hike to and witness the cascades tumbling down over black basalt columns. Today is not a day to forget your camera! If the season’s right, you might also make a pitstop at Fjadrargljufur – a unique serpent-like canyon that was only discovered by visitors a few years ago. Later, arrive in the remote seafront village of Vik, where you’ll have a free night to explore.

Included Activities:
-Vatnajokull - National Park
-Svartifoss - Waterfall Visit

Optional Activities:
-Vatnajokull - Glacier Hike
-Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride (seasonal)

Day 5: Vik / Reykjavik

Location: Vik / Reykjavik

Accommodation: Guesthouse (Multi-share)

Make your way back to Reykjavik, but not before chasin’ some more waterfalls! Today, you’ll visit mighty Seljalandsfoss – you can actually walk behind the falls and see the cascades from underneath (raincoat recommended). Then, head to Skogafoss on the Skoga River and marvel at the cliffside drop – here, you can climb the stairs to the right of the falls and watch the birds dive in and out of the cliff face. Cap off your waterfall tour with a visit to Urridafoss – on Iceland’s longest river, this is the most voluminous waterfall in the country. Arrive in Reykjavik in the afternoon and head out on an orientation walk with your leader. Icelandic locals have a special relationship with hot dogs, so you’ll have the option to stop by a hot dog stand and see what all the fuss is about – it’s said that you haven’t really tasted a proper hot dog until you’ve had one of these! Tonight, maybe go shopping for a few souvenirs, or grab your group for a few drinks at one of Reykjavik’s quirky bars to celebrate the last night of your adventure.

Included Activities:
-Seljalandsfoss - Waterfall Visit
-Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
-Urridarfoss - Waterfall Visit
-Reykjavik - Orientation Walk

Day 6: Reykjavik

Location: Reykjavik

Meals Included: breaksfast

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. But your adventure doesn’t have to end! If you’re staying on, why not spend today on a snorkelling day trip in Silfra Fissure or visit Sky Lagoon's oceanside geothermal hot pools. If you’d like to extend your stay backdropped by mountains, just speak to your booking agent.

Optional Activities:
-Reykjavik - Saga Museum
-Reykjavik - Whale Watching (Seasonal)
-Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon inc return transfer
-Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
-Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum
-Reykjavik - Maritime Museum
-Reykjavik - Perlan Museum
-Nauthólsvík - Thermal Beach - Free
-Laugarvatn - Fontana Geothermal Baths
-Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik
-Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition
-Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour
-Reykjavik - Sky Lagoon

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Guesthouse (Multi-share) (2 nights), Cottage (multi-share) (2 nights), Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)

  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfalll

  • Þingvellir National Park - Parliament Plains

  • Gljufrabui - Waterfall Visit

  • Gluggafoss - Waterfall Visit

  • Skaftafell - National Park

  • Svartifoss - Waterfall Visit

  • Seljalandsfoss - Waterfall Visit

  • Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit

  • Urridarfoss - Waterfall Visit

  • Reykjavik - Orientation Walk

show more

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

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

  • Guesthouse (Multi-share) (2 nights), Cottage (multi-share) (2 nights), Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)

Important Information

  • 1. Iceland can be an expensive destination, especially in terms of eating out. 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 onsite restaurant. Please make sure you read the itinerary carefully in order to know what is and what isn't included in the trip price. Your leader will be able to advise on how to save money.
  • 2. A single supplement is not available on this trip.

Mode of 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.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    As accommodation on this trip is multishare, you will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. This means travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to the single gender rooms. Triple-share, quad-share and multi-share bunk accommodation may be used depending on the season and the make-up of the group. Please also be aware that many guesthouses in Iceland offer shared bathrooms rather than ensuite facilities. Rooms in Iceland can be small, and at times you may be accommodated a short walk away from the main building.

    Iceland can be cold throughout the year, especially at night. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. There may be occasions where your leader has to alter the itinerary and activities due to the weather. In Winter months, this itinerary may run in a different order, although inclusions will remain the same.

    Due to the remote locations we visit, there are a few long drives on this trip. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know the other members of your group. On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus with complimentary wi-fi.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

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26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

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Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

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13-Aug-2024

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1 Select your preferred date

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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