Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth

5 Days | Search for aurora and find glaciers, geysers and geothermal pools in Iceland’s Golden Circle

4.9 out of 5 based on 49 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $2,695

Pursue mother nature’s most spectacular show on a five-day winter adventure of Iceland’s southern coast. Experience the highlights of Iceland’s Golden Circle – soaking in the steamy geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon and marvelling at the eruptions of the Strokkur Geysir, before strapping on the crampons and hiking across the Solheimajokull Glacier and feeling the mist of pristine waterfalls on your face. Rug up in your finest thermals and search the night sky for dancing lights.

Trip overview

Map of Iceland's Classic Northern Lights 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 10 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
  • Make the most of Iceland’s long winter nights by tracking down the shimmering lights of the aurora borealis.
  • Explore one of Europe’s largest ice caps on an adventurous walk over the alien landscape of Solheimajokull Glacier, and bask in the spray of the spectacular Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss falls.
  • Get a taste for Iceland’s local flavours with a visit to a workshop where they use native ingredients to make herbal teas, jams and salts, all created by a family of sustainability champions.
  • 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.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about 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. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The northern lights are most visible during the colder months, when temperatures can reach -15 °C or below and snow is very likely. It's important to bring appropriate clothing such as a down jacket, thermals layers, gloves and suitable footwear.
  • While there is a strong chance of seeing the northern lights in all their colourful glory (thanks to the high latitude, time of year and itinerary), nature makes no guarantees. On the rare occasion that your leader must alter the itinerary due to adverse weather, alternative activities will be offered.
  • 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 ways to get the best value during your visit.

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

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

Itinerary

Map of Iceland's Classic Northern Lights including Iceland

Inclusions

Meals

4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Activities
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Herbal tea and salt workshop visit
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Gunnuhver hot springs
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Bridge between Continents
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Strandarkirkja
  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
  • Fludir - Secret Lagoon
  • Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
  • South Coast - Kvernufoss Waterfall Hike
  • South Coast - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • South Coast - Skogafoss Waterfall visit
  • South Coast - Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
  • Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
  • Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
Optional activities
  • Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik - ISK28490
  • Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour - ISK13900
  • Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition - ISK2900
  • Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK4300
  • Reykjavik - Saga Museum - ISK3600
  • Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
  • Reykjavik - Maritime Museum - ISK2350

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. This trip finishes in Reykjavik at approximately 2pm on Day 5. Please do not book any flights until after 6pm.

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 49 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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Dorothy · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 22 Oct 2024

Josephine · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 09 Oct 2024

Megan · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 16 Aug 2024

Courtney · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 11 Aug 2024

KRISTIN · Traveled July 2024
Review submitted 17 Jul 2024
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
From
USD $2,695