Iceland Express

5 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik

Visiting: Reykjavik, Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area, Myrdalsjokull / South Coast / Reynivellir, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon / Vik / Reykjavik

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

BMRI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Beach Tours

From: $1445

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Want a big adventure in a short amount of time? Travel to Iceland and explore the ancient land of Vikings and volcanoes. 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.

Highlights

  • 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.

  • This 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.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Reykjavik

rebeccas_boston

Location: Reykjavik

Accommodation: Guesthouse (multi-share)

Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. The world's northernmost capital of Reykjavik lies just below the Arctic Circle. The city sees around four hours of sunlight a day in winter and 22 hours or more in summer. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and crystalline ocean, and boasting a vibrant arts and nightlife scene, Reykjavik's contrasts are utterly beguiling. Why not arrive early and head to the National Museum, which depicts the history of Iceland from the ninth century (when the first Vikings from mainland Scandinavia arrived and settled) to the present day, or join locals who gossip and chatter in the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Optional Activities:
-Reykjavik - National Museum Reykjavik
-Reykjavik - Laugardalslaug Pool

Day 2: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area

Location: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area

Accommodation: Cottage (multi-share)

Meals Included: breaksfast

Head out of town early this morning to follow the Golden Circle driving route towards Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir was the location of Iceland's first parliament, founded in AD930, and is also the site of the Silfra Fissure, where tectonic plates are pulling apart and exposing some pretty wild rock shelves. Continue on to the Geysir Geothermal Area and check out the Strokkur Geyser – it swells with blue water before erupting and shooting a spout some 20–30 metres in the air. Finally, witness the sheer power of the Gullfoss (Golden) Waterfall on the Hvita River. You'll even get a chance to stop by Secret Lagoon, a natural hot pool that will beckon you to take a dip, on your way to tonight's accommodation. After your Golden Circle tour, head to your stay in the Hvolsvollur region for the evening.

Included Activities:
-Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
-Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
-Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall

Optional Activities:
-Fludir - Secret Lagoon

Day 3: Myrdalsjokull / South Coast / Reynivellir

Location: Myrdalsjokull / South Coast / Reynivellir

Accommodation: Cottage

Begin the day with a visit to the breathtaking Skogafoss – a giant waterfall, 25-metres wide and dropping 60 metres. Get up close and feel its power, then climb a long and windy set of stairs to a stunning viewpoint. Next up is one of Europe's biggest ice caps – Myrdalsjokull – which covers the active volcano Katla. Choose whether to join an optional hike over the glacier tongue – no experience is necessary. It’s sobering to think that the glacier is retreating due to rising world temperatures and may soon be gone. If you don't want to take the glacier walk, perhaps explore the area around the glacier tongue. Alternatively, Skogafoss waterfall has a number of walking trails, or you can visit the Skogar folk museum. Along today's drive you'll get to check out the Laki Lava fields as you continue along Iceland's South Shore, spotting bird colonies on the promontory of Dyrholaey, Iceland's southernmost point. You’ll also see the amazing stepping-stone rock formations of Reynisdrangar and its black sand beach, Reynisfjara. Continue to your overnight stop in the countryside near Reynivellir.

Included Activities:
-Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
-South Coast - Dyrholaey Viewpoint
-South Coast - Black Sand Beach
-South Coast - Reynisfjara Rocks
-South Coast - Laki Lava Fields

Optional Activities:
-South Coast - Skogar Folk Museum
-South Coast - Solheimajokull Glacier Hike (min. 3 participants)

Day 4: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon / Vik / Reykjavik

Location: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon / Vik / Reykjavik

Accommodation: Guesthouse (multi-share)

This morning, visit one of Iceland's undisputed highlights: the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Consider jumping on an optional cruise among the icebergs, or just take a walk along the shore down to Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the lagoon wash up on its black sands. Later today, head to Vik for lunch. With the sea on one side and high cliffs on the other, this dramatically positioned small village is Iceland's most southern mainland settlement. In the afternoon, complete your southerly loop by heading back to Reykjavik with a quick stop at Seljalandsfoss on your way. On arrival in Reykjavik, join your local leader for a short guided walk of the capital to visit the old harbour, city centre and snap some photos of Hallgrimskirkja church. The evening is free for you to enjoy all the capital has to offer, so why not get your group together for dinner! Perhaps, stop in Reykjavik`s most famous hot dog stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur on the main square or head over to one of the many bars in town serving Icelandic craft beers.

Included Activities:
-Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
-Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon
-Vik - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
-Jokulsarlon - Diamond Beach

Optional Activities:
-Jokulsarlon - Boat Ride on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Day 5: Reykjavik

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Location: Reykjavik

Meals Included: breaksfast

With no activities planned for today, it’s time to say 'sjaumst' to your group leader and fellow travellers. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you’d like to spend more time in Reykjavik and surrounds, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability). What happens next is up to you – maybe a snorkelling adventure in the Silfra Fissure or a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon.

Optional Activities:
-Reykjavik - Saga Museum
-Reykjavik - Maritime Museum
-Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum
-Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
-Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon inc return transfer
-Reykjavik - Whale Watching
-Nauthólsvík - Thermal Beach - Free
-Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour
-Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Guesthouses & Cottage Farm Stays (4 nights)

  • 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

show more

What's Not Included

  • International Travel

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Included Activities

  • Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
  • Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
  • South Coast - Dyrholaey & Reynisfjara Rocks
  • Reykjavik - Walking Tour
  • Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon

Transport

  • On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that there are some long travel days and some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time. All our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.

Accommodation

  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin or multishare basis. 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.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • FACILITIES
  • Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Important Information

  • 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.

Mode of Transport

  • On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that there are some long travel days and some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time. All our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Iceland 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 and 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. 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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