Iceland Discovery

8 Days | Move on to greener pastures full of geothermal springs, glaciers and geysers

4.9 out of 5 based on 175 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
AUD $4,920
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Travel to Iceland and delve into the ancient tales of Vikings and volcanoes on this eight-day adventure to its heartlands. Marvel at geothermal hot springs, witness the steamy eruptions of a giant geyser, touch the tongue of Europe's biggest glacier at Vatnajokull and cruise the Jokulsarlong Glacial Lagoon, see lava that's still warm after decades and witness the giant Skogafoss and Detifoss waterfalls in all their splendour. Travel through Iceland's isolated corners and the land of the famous Blue Lagoon – so mysterious and ethereal that they have inspired artists, poets and musicians for centuries. Plus, with a local leader on hand to answer any questions and get you from place to place, you’ll be cruising around this icy isle in no time.

Trip overview

Map of Iceland Discovery including Iceland
Start
Reykjavik, Iceland
Finish
Reykjavik, Iceland
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Iceland
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
BMSI
This trip generates 20.81 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • There's a lot more to Iceland than ice (and Bjork). Ford the fjords, glaciers, volcanoes and black sand beaches, and consider adding on a visit to the renowned Blue Lagoon for a soak in the geothermal springs.
  • Spend the evening at the quirky farm town of Modrudalur – an isolated settlement and the highest inhabited place in Iceland and enjoy a home-cooked dinner at our guesthouse at Snaefellsnes.
  • Walk to the mottled blue, grey and black tongue of Vatnajokull glacier – an ice cap so large it covers eight per cent of the country – and discover the incredible Skogafoss Waterfall.
  • Glide past blue-white icebergs on an included boat tour of Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and soak up the silence of the surrounding grey sand desert..
  • Experience the unearthly scenery at Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain and take a walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir.

Is this trip right for you?
  • A remote location and high-performing currency are just two reasons Iceland can be an expensive destination. This affects things like museum entrance fees and outdoor activities, but is especially noticeable when eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on how to save money, but in remote areas the only option for dinner will be at the guesthouse we are staying at. Please stock up on food at a supermarket prior to arrival if you would like to opt out eating at the guesthouse's restaurant.
  • The extremity of the weather makes for incredible scenery, but it also means Iceland can be very cold, especially at the start and end of the season and at night. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. On the rare occasions your leader must alter the itinerary due to the weather which can cause roads being blocked, sites closure etc. Your leader will discuss the necessary changes and alternatives where possible.
  • In order to access what’s off the beaten track, a few long drives are in order. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know the other members of your group.
  • The facilities will be shared in some of the guest houses that you stay on this trip.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight between 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Itinerary

Map of Iceland Discovery including Iceland

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private minibus with free Wi-Fi

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Guest house & Farm stay with shared facilities (3 nights)

Activities
  • Seljalandsfoss - Waterfall Visit
  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
  • Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
  • Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
  • South Coast - Rocks of Reynisfjara
  • Vik - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • East Fjords - Scenic Drive with Stops at Djupivogur & Egilsstadir
  • Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
  • Myvatn - Namaskard Boiling Mud Pools, Dimmuborgir & Skutustadir Crater Group
  • Dettifoss - Waterfall Visit
  • Myvatn - Lake Myvatn
  • Godafoss - Waterfall Visit
  • Akureyri - Walking Tour
  • Snaefellsnes - Home-cooked dinner
  • Snaefellsnes National Park
Add on activities
  • Fludir - Secret Lagoon - ISK3300
  • Hvolsvollur - Lava Center - ISK4390
  • Vatnajokull - Glacier Hike - ISK13900
  • Akureyri - Forest Lagoon - ISK5990
  • Lysuholl - Lysuholslaug Thermal Pool (seasonal) - ISK1500
  • Reykjavik - Whale Watching - ISK12490
  • Reykjavik - Maritime Museum - ISK2050
  • Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
  • Nauthólsvík - Thermal Beach - Free
  • Reykjavik - Perlan Museum - ISK4990
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon - ISK18980
  • Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition - ISK2500
  • Reykjavik - Saga Museum - ISK3000
  • Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK3400
  • Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip - ISK21900
  • Reykjavik - Fly-Over Iceland - ISK5490
  • Sky Lagoon - ISK9990

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 175 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Evan · Traveled September 2023
We had an amazing trip to Iceland through Intrepid. They accommodated everything we wanted to do and we didn't need to worry about navigating or stress about where to eat/ where to go. Although the trip was expensive we learned, saw and experienced so much more than we would have on our own, and it was worth every cent. This was our first experience with Intrepid and we intend to book our next trip with them as well.
Review submitted 10 Sep 2023

Amy · Traveled August 2023
This was my first group tour and trip with Intrepid and it far exceeded my expectations. Joseph was a wonderful and caring guide and went out of his way to make sure this was a good trip for all. The accommodations and included meals exceeded my expectations as well as the itinerary. I would not have been able to have planned a trip like this on my own. I definitely recommend this tour.
Review submitted 10 Sep 2023

John · Traveled August 2023
Iceland is a spectacularly beautiful country with an abundance of wonderful natural phenomenawaterfalls, geysers and glaciers. If you delight in admiring the wonders and power of nature then this trip is for you.
Review submitted 30 Aug 2023

Anne · Traveled August 2023
See the highlights with a local. The experiences are unlike anything I have ever done. I climbed Europes biggest glacier! This trip was well worth it and the home stays were fantastic!
Review submitted 01 Sep 2023

John · Traveled August 2023
Good way to get an overview of Iceland without renting your own vehicle. Less expensive alternative. Recommend adding at least two days at the end for Reykjavik, and an additional day at the beginning in case of flight delays.
Review submitted 02 Sep 2023
Iceland Discovery
From
AUD $4,920