Iceland Express

5 Days | Your gateway to glaciers, geysers and geothermal hot spots

4.9 out of 5 based on 50 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $1,480
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Want a big adventure in a short amount of time? Travel to Iceland and explore the ancient land of Vikings and volcanoes on this five-day trip. Traverse the Golden Circle and marvel at the explosive power of the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gulfoss waterfall. Walk the black sand beaches of the Jokulsarlon lagoon and decide whether take an optional walk on the mighty Myrdalsjokull glacier. This fast-paced adventure focuses on the natural, untamed beauty of Iceland – taking you straight to the heart of the action with a local leader by your side.

Trip overview

Map of Iceland Express 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
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
BMRI
This trip generates 13 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
  • This five-day tour is perfect for those who are after an express jaunt around to Iceland’s hotspots. See the wonders including the Golden Circle, southern Vik, and Jokulsarlon’s glacial lagoon.
  • Explore Reynisfjara, the famous beach where black sand meets towering basalt columns and rocky cliffs where seabirds rest.
  • Spend time exploring Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, perhaps walking along nearby Diamond Beach where chunks of icebergs wash up on the black sand, or opting for a lagoon cruising experience.
  • Stand at the bottom of Skogafoss – a waterfall with a 60-metre cascade – then hike along a winding wooden staircase to the fall’s crest for views of the coastline.
  • Spend the night in a local guesthouse that is leading the way in sustainable Icelandic tourism, with the chance to give back to the environment by planting trees to combat deforestation and soil erosion.
  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The destinations visited on this trip can be cold throughout the year, especially between November and April. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. There may be the rare occasion where your leader has to alter the itinerary and activities due to the weather. In this case an alternative will be offered.
  • 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.
  • As accommodation on this trip is twin or multishare, single travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. Twin-share, quad-share and multishare bunk accommodation may be used depending on the season and the make-up of the group. A single supplement is not available on this trip. 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.

Itinerary

Map of Iceland Express including Iceland

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts

Transport

Private minibus with free wi-fi

Accommodation

Guesthouses & Farm Stays (4 nights)

Activities
  • Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
  • Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
  • South Coast - Dyrholaey Viewpoint
  • South Coast - Black Sand Beach
  • South Coast - Reynisfjara Rocks
  • South Coast - Laki Lava Fields
  • Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
  • Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon
  • Vik - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Jokulsarlon - Diamond Beach
Add on activities
  • Reykjavik - National Museum Reykjavik - ISK2500
  • Reykjavik - Laugardalslaug Pool - ISK1255
  • Hvolsvollur Valley - Responsible Travel Tree Planting Activity - ISK3100
  • Fludir - Secret Lagoon - ISK3300
  • South Coast - Skogar Folk Museum - ISK2500
  • South Coast - Solheimajokull Glacier Hike - ISK12000
  • Jokulsarlon - Boat Ride on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - ISK6300
  • Reykjavik - Saga Museum - ISK3600
  • Reykjavik - Maritime Museum - ISK2220
  • Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK3900
  • Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon inc return transfer - ISK18980
  • Reykjavik - Whale Watching - ISK12990
  • Nauthólsvík - Thermal Beach - Free
  • Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour - ISK11400
  • Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik - ISK22990

Dates and availability

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Important notes

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.

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

4.9 out of 5 based on 50 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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Catherine · Traveled September 2023
I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. Iceland is an extraordinary destination and the trip was well -planned, stress free and absolutely packed full of experiences, information and so so much beauty . Our leader, Stefan, was knowledgeable, engaged, helpful and good humoured and made a good trip even better.
Review submitted 20 Sep 2023

Glenn · Traveled September 2023
What an amazing trip of a lifetime. Stefan was fantastic! Could not recommend highly enough how good this trip was
Review submitted 17 Sep 2023

Alan · Traveled September 2023
This trip was a perfect way to see the major landmarks in Iceland. Would highly recommend.
Review submitted 18 Sep 2023

William · Traveled September 2023
A lot to pack into a short trip.All the major natural sites visited on the Golden Circle route.Our guide Ari was excellent.Above all the trip was fun.
Review submitted 13 Sep 2023

Chris · Traveled September 2023
A wonderful exploration of Southern Iceland . It’s a very busy and full 3 days with a good variation. It was good to have the opportunity to choose other activities if you wanted to. Ari was a fun, approachable and knowledgable guide
Review submitted 13 Sep 2023
Iceland Express
From
USD $1,480