Iceland Discovery

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

4.9 out of 5 based on 262 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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USD $3,975
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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 Jokulsarlon 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 16 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.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

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
  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
  • Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
  • Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
  • South Coast - Rocks of Reynisfjara
  • Vik - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Seljalandsfoss - Waterfall Visit
  • 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 - ISK3600
  • Hvolsvollur - Lava Center - ISK6900
  • Vatnajokull - Glacier Hike - ISK14500
  • Akureyri - Forest Lagoon - ISK6590
  • Lysuholl - Lysuholslaug Thermal Pool (seasonal) - ISK1600
  • Reykjavik - Whale Watching - ISK13990
  • Reykjavik - Maritime Museum - ISK2350
  • Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
  • Nauthólsvík - Thermal Beach - Free
  • Reykjavik - Perlan Museum - ISK5390
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon inc return transfer - ISK18980
  • Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition - ISK2900
  • Reykjavik - Saga Museum - ISK3600
  • Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK4300
  • Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik - ISK28490
  • Reykjavik - Fly-Over Iceland - ISK5950
  • Reykjavik - Sky Lagoon - ISK12990

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 262 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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Kimberly · Traveled September 2024
Had such a fantastic time on this trip. Cannot recommend it enough. Such a wonderful introduction to such an incredible country. Got so lucky with such a great group and guide. Our guide Stefan was born and raised here and made it so special for us visitors. Can’t say enough positive things. Went during September. I highly recommend “shoulder season.” Also, this is such a great opportunity for solo travelers who want to make some amazing international pals. As a woman who doesn’t prefer traveling alone for safety reasons, this felt empowering and was such an amazing alternative. Can’t recommend it enough! Cheers!
Review submitted 15 Sep 2024

Michaela · Traveled September 2024
Amazing, well organised trip to see highlights of Iceland! Will have you wanting more. Great leader and a fun group, 10/10 would recommend
Review submitted 16 Sep 2024

Rujan · Traveled September 2024
The iteniery, this country, and our guide Stefan Johansson's storytelling, knowledge of the history of Iceland + care for us made it one of my best travel experiences. This was my first traveling with intrepid and it has set the bar really high for any future trips I do. Thank you intrepid + Stefan for this trip, I'll never forget it!
Review submitted 17 Sep 2024

Nicolette · Traveled September 2024
An absolutely incredible trip, with amazing people, food and scenery. I definitely felt like a traveller and got a little family for a week. Couldn’t have asked for a better guide or an incredible country to be shown around. My bucket list item of seeing the northern lights was fulfilled and I’ll definitely be back with intrepid!
Review submitted 17 Sep 2024

John · Traveled September 2024
The trip was superb and exceeded my high expectations. Iceland is a beautiful country and we got to experience it with a great group and an excellent guide in Margret.
Review submitted 14 Sep 2024
Iceland Discovery
From
USD $3,975