Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1626
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: BIKH
Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland
Finishes: Thingvellir National Park - Reykjavik, Iceland
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (4), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,240 ($648 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital and an eclectic place full of charm. At 6 pm you’ll meet your local leader and travel companions at an important welcome meeting at your hotel. If you arrive in Reykjavik with time to spare, why not hit the streets and explore the city's quirky boutiques and cosy cafes. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head into town with the group and get to know each other over dinner.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up and take a moment to breathe in the fresh Icelandic air before heading out towards the Reykjanes Peninsula. Stop at family-run workshop where they use native Icelandic ingredients to make herbal teas, jams and salts. Tour their production area and learn more about their sustainability initiatives while sipping on a cup of their delicious tea. Next up you’ll see the Bridge between Continents, a footbridge that spans a fissure between the North American and Eurasian continental plates, and visit the eerie mud pools and steam vents of Gunnuhver, named after the angry ghost that is believed to have been trapped in the hot springs 400 years ago.Enjoy a delicious lunch in the harbor town of Keflavik, before you continue to Strandarkirkja, a Lutheran church that has been a landmark for seafaring travellers since the 12th century. After a busy day you’ll head for your accommodation near the town of Hveragerdi. This evening will be a good opportunity to turn your head to the skies in search of the Northern Lights.
Included Activities:
- Reykjanes Peninsula - Herbal tea and salt workshop visit
- Reykjanes Peninsula - Gunnuhver hot springs
- Reykjanes Peninsula - Bridge between Continents
- Reykjanes Peninsula - Strandarkirkja
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is all about exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Head to the geyser geothermal area to check out Strokkur and watch as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting some 20-30 metres in the air. Marvel at the immense beauty and sheer power of the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River. After witnessing these natural wonders, it’s time to reap the benefits of Iceland’s geothermal activity for yourself, with a soak in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon. Fed by various hot springs in the surrounding area, this spot is the oldest pool in Iceland – though it’s had a facelift since first opening in 1894. Once you're fully destressed (or before your fingertips start to prune), head back to your accommodation, and depending on the weather, rug up in warm clothing and head out in search of the northern lights.
Included Activities:
- Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
- Fludir - Secret Lagoon
- Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day by visiting the magical Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take a walk behind its cascade for a different perspective, followed by the powerful Skogafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's biggest at a width of 25 metres and a drop of 60 metres. From here embark on a short hike to another breathtaking waterfall, Kvernufoss, hidden in a nearby valley, and unbeknownst to most. The waterfall is framed by moss-coated cliffs of lava rock, adding to its otherworldly appearance. After you’ve had your fill of gorgeous waterfalls, prepare to take a walk on one of Europe's biggest ice caps – the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier. No experience is necessary to partake in the hike – your guide will brief you on all you need to know so you can explore the glacier safely. This evening you’ll enjoy a comforting dinner at your accommodation before looking to the skies in search of dancing lights.
Included Activities:
- South Coast - Kvernufoss Waterfall Hike
- South Coast - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- South Coast - Skogafoss Waterfall visit
- South Coast - Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
It’s time to head back to Reykjavik. En route, stop at Thingvellir National Park to see the Parliament Plains, the site of Iceland’s first parliament. Thingvellir also contains the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart, the resulting gap partly filled with fresh water and clearly visible. Once you get back to Reykjavik, your leader will take you out on a walking tour to discover more of the history and culture of this fascinating city. Once this concludes, you will say your goodbyes and your adventure will come to an end.
Included Activities:
- Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
- Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
Optional Activities:
- Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik (28490 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour (13900 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition (2900 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum (4300 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Saga Museum (3600 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
- Reykjavik - Maritime Museum (2350 ISK)
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Daniel - Traveled, October 2023
A brief but good exposure to southeast Iceland highlighted by a moderate glacier hike. Friendly, knowledgeable tour leader and a good group of traveling companions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Marguerite - Traveled, August 2023
The Iceland Golden Circle tour is perfect if you want to unwind, meet some great people and see some amazing waterfalls, glaciers and volcanoes. Some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/24/2023
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2023
Sara - Traveled, June 2023
This was my first time with Intrepid and I will definitely travel with Intrepid again. Our trip leader Stefan was amazing! He was friendly, knowledgeable and took time to help us see all the places we requested! Stefan went above and beyond to make our Iceland experience the best ever!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2023
Karen - Traveled, June 2023
This was the best family trip we have been on. Our children (ages 21 and 18 agree). Our tour guide was phenomenal and gave us an experience that will last a lifetime!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2023
Eugene - Traveled, May 2023
It was our second Intrepid trip and my first trip to Iceland. So far that we found was the Intrepid tour guides were good and competent. We love seeing how the local actually live in a safe environment and Intrepid can certainly provide that.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2023
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2023
Katy - Traveled, May 2023
If you want to do a whistle stop tour of the Golden Circle this is the trip for you! It was good to be in a small group (11 in our case) with a guide,, staying at a Farm Stay for a couple of nights and Reykjavik for a couple of nights. Enjoying visiting the waterfalls, glacier, geysers. Each day was at a good pace, with time to relax each evening at the Farmstay enjoying the views and eating local produce. Our guide Gisli was knowledgeable, kind and well organised. The weather (pouring rain, sleet and high winds) made it quite hard going at times, not that I expected tropical sunshine! but he kept our spirits up for the whole trip! Thank you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2023
Kristi - Traveled, May 2023
Amazing trip. Highlights were the glacier walk and the lava field. Our group leader was excellent! Very knowledgable and kind.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2023
Natashya - Traveled, October 2022
The country was so beautiful, the experiences were amazing and the tour guide was excellent. She was very knowledgeable. I loved her stories and she went out of her way to ensure we got to do the glacier trip which I really appreciated.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2022
Derwin - Traveled, September 2022
Great guide, - knowledgeable and flexible. Fascinating itinerary sights. Food, accommodation and travel van ( a new vehicle with WIFI and USB chargers) were excellent. We really liked that the group size was limited to 12, rather than being in a full sized bus tour. Appreciated that all participants had to be vaccinated when we made our bookings. It was great to stay three nights in one place so we didn’t have to pack up every day. Highlight for me was the glacier walk where the guide was so informative, provided great instruction to us rookies and had great equipment for us to use.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2022
David - Traveled, August 2022
A well organized tour to the places we most wanted to see with a team focussed on safety and sustainability. Very knowledgeable guides who fostered cameraderie with a very enjoyable group. Will always remember this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/28/2022
Ethan - Traveled, July 2022
This is a great tour if you have a 7 day layover in Iceland. It covers a lot of ground and the natural wonders we experienced were incredible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/31/2022
Natasha - Traveled, September 2023
We experienced incredible beauty of this country. Our tour guide was incredible, itinerary was packed and the weather cooperated. There is so much to see in Iceland and this short trip does offer a light glimpse into what the country has to offer. We were not big fans of food at the farm, we honestly preferred to eat out and pay. Pack variety of clothes and good hiking shoes, you will be hiking a tad towards a few waterfalls (the hikes are not strenuous at all)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023
Alisha - Traveled, September 2023
We had the trip of a LIFETIME with Intrepid, thanks in large part to our amazing tour guide. Gisli was knowledgeable, friendly, and extremely well organized. We crossed paths with some other Intrepid tour groups as well and could see that the guides are very flexible and adept at modifying the tour schedule to accommodate Iceland's unpredictable weather so that all activities can still be completed. We feel lucky that we had such an amazing guide on this trip and will think back fondly on memories with him and our tour group for years to come!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
Neil - Traveled, September 2023
Very fun trip, our guide was amazing, she really elevated our trip to the next level
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2023
James - Traveled, September 2023
Intrepid Travel tour golden circle Iceland is a great tour, so interesting and local tour guide Erla is brilliant highly recommended
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2023
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