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Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth

5 Days | Discover glaciers, geysers and geothermal pools in Iceland’s Golden Circle.

5 out of 5 based on 32 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
CAD $2,606
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Experience the highlights of Iceland’s Golden Circle on a five-day loop from Reykjavik. When we say you’ll see the hotspots, we mean it – whether you’re soaking in the steamy geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon or marvelling at the eruptions of the Strokkur Geysir. But this is the land of not only fire, but ice too – and where better to experience the latter than Solheimajokull Glacier, and the south coast's series of pristine waterfalls? In between all these adventures – led by an expert local leader – you’ll stay on a sustainable working farm to learn what rural life is like on this majestic isle.

Trip overview

Map of Iceland's Golden Circle In Depth 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
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
BIKH
This trip generates 20.27 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
  • See the sights that make Iceland’s famous Golden Circle so celebrated, from Gulfoss Waterfall to Strokkur Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.
  • There are few things more quintessentially Icelandic than soaking in a geothermal pool – experience it for yourself during a visit to the lesser-known Secret Lagoon.
  • Spend a few nights at an eco-hotel that’s part of a sustainable, family-run farm and enjoy a planet-friendly, farm-to-table meal.
  • Stand in the spray of Iceland’s most iconic south coast cascades – from the thundering Skogafoss to the enchanting Seljalandsfoss.
  • Explore one of Europe’s largest ice caps on an adventurous walk over the alien landscape of Solheimajokull Glacier.

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.
  • 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 summer season, at night, and of course in winter. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. On the rare occasion where your leader must alter the itinerary due to the weather, an alternative will be offered.
  • For travellers who request double bedding, hotels in Iceland often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that have been pushed together. In some cases, bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Iceland's Golden Circle In Depth including Iceland

Inclusions

Meals

4 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Farmstay (3 nights)

Activities
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Gunnuhver hot springs
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Strandarkirkja
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Bridge between Continents
  • Hvolsvollur Valley - Farm to Table Dinner
  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
  • Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Fludir - Secret Lagoon
  • South Coast - Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
  • South Coast - Skogafoss Waterfall visit
  • South Coast - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • South Coast - Kvernufoss Waterfall Hike
  • Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
  • Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
Add on activities
  • Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip - ISK21900
  • Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour - ISK11400
  • Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition - ISK2500
  • Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK3400
  • Reykjavik - Saga Museum - ISK3000
  • Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
  • Reykjavik - Maritime Museum - ISK2050

Dates and availability

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Important notes

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, and finishes upon arrival in Reykjavik at approximately 2pm on Day 5. Please take this into consideration when booking your flights to and from Iceland.

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 32 reviews submitted.
While we try our best to display all reviews, removal may be due to the following: privacy concerns, profanity/inappropriate content or it is unrelated to this trip. We welcome honest feedback and will directly respond to negative reviews.

Filter by rating

roberta · Traveled August 2023
Our Intrepid trip to Iceland was one of the highlights of our lives, exposing us to Iceland's culture and environment in a way we could not have gotten any other way. Seeing Iceland through the eyes of a proud native Icelander was an experience I will never forget.
Review submitted 01 Sep 2023

Joan · Traveled August 2023
Iceland is like no other place, and you get a real glimpse of its great natural sites in a short time. Our guide Larus could not have been better.
Review submitted 24 Aug 2023

Marguerite · Traveled August 2023
Our trip to Iceland was short but deeply informative. The Viking history, and the beauty of the volcanoes, waterfalls, rural farms,-- the spirit of the residents was fantastic to get to experience.
Review submitted 26 Aug 2023

Nancy · Traveled July 2023
This was an excellent program - Well-paced itinerary that's as active or leisurely as you prefer; diverse group; and an excellent leader. Thank you, Arni! The small group size allowed us to connect in a short time. Staying put for 3 nights allowed for a comfortable time overall. Driving time was quite limited so more time was spent at the various locations. This was a pretty special trip. Iceland is gorgeous. Just go! I'll remember this for a very long time.
Review submitted 30 Jul 2023

Susie · Traveled June 2023
Iceland is an amazing place, but my group leader, Stefan Johannsson, made the trip an incredible experience. He was so knowledgeable and fun. It is the most beautiful country with the best leader! This should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Review submitted 26 Jun 2023
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
From
CAD $2,606