18 to 35s Six Days in Iceland

Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm with your local leader and fellow travellers. 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.

Follow Iceland’s Golden Circle today with smooth, scenic drives to some of the region’s most recognisable sites. First, visit Thingvellir National Park and the Parliament Plains – this is the site of Europe's oldest parliament, founded in AD930. 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 drifting apart. Then check out the Strokkur Geyser – if you’re lucky, you might see it blast boiling water up to 40 m (131 ft) into the air. Finally, swing by the two-tiered Gullfoss 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. Built in 1891, this is Iceland’s oldest man-made pool. Fed by the Vadmalahver, Basahver and Litli Geysers, the pool’s water flows continuously, meaning it stays warm (38 to 40° C year-round), clean and rich in sulphur.

Today, you’ll drive along the south coast of Iceland – one of the most popular areas in the country due to the natural wonders dotting the rugged coastline. Begin with a visit to Gluggafoss, also known as Merkjarfoss, the most prominent waterfall in a series of falls running off the Merkja River. Continue to Skogafoss on the Skoga River and marvel at the cliffside drop – you can climb the stairs to the right of the falls and watch the birds dive in and out of the cliff face. If the season's right, head to Dyrholaey Nature Reserve and see the cliffs that jut out into the sea before visiting the famed black sands of Reynisdrangar (season permitting) – voted one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world. Next, continue east to the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, where sparkling icebergs wash up onto the black sand. Tonight, you’ll stay near Reynivellir.

Feeling like you could tackle Europe’s largest ice cap? This morning, you can embark on an optional walk on Vatnajokull – you don’t need any special experience to sign up for a glacier walk here, so don’t let the size intimidate you. Glaciers like Vatnajokull are sadly melting away due to rising global temperatures, so seriously consider this if it's on your bucket list, while it’s still possible. 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. 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 serpent-like canyon shaped by erosion over thousands of years. Later, arrive in the remote seafront village of Vik, where you’ll have a free night to explore.

Make your way back to Reykjavik, but not before chasin’ some more waterfalls! Today, you’ll visit mighty Seljalandsfoss. You can walk behind the falls to see the cascades from underneath (raincoat recommended). Just a short walk away is Gljufrabui (meaning Canyon Dweller). Bask in the cascades of this towering waterfall that’s a bit more off-the-beaten-track compared to some other tourist favourites. 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.

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. But your adventure doesn’t have to end here! If you’re extending your stay, why not spend today on a snorkelling day trip in the Silfra Fissure or visit Sky Lagoon's oceanside geothermal pools. If you’d like to organise additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.