Iceland Express
Experience 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 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1635
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private minibus with free wi-fi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: BMRI
Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland
Finishes: Reykjavik, Iceland
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (2),Accommodation: Guesthouses & Cottage Farm Stays (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,735 ($347 /day)
Itinerary
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 (2500 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Laugardalslaug Pool (1330 ISK)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (3600 ISK)
Accommodation:
- Cottage (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (2750 ISK)
- South Coast - Solheimajokull Glacier Hike (min. 3 participants) (12600 ISK)
Accommodation:
- Cottage (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (6700 ISK)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (3600 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Maritime Museum (2350 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum (4300 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
- Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon inc return transfer (22480 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Whale Watching (13990 ISK)
- Nauthólsvík - Thermal Beach - Free
- Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour (13900 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik (28490 ISK)
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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
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Glenn - Traveled, September 2023
What an amazing trip of a lifetime. Stefan was fantastic! Could not recommend highly enough how good this trip was
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
Alan - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was a perfect way to see the major landmarks in Iceland. Would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
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
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Trevor - Traveled, August 2023
Short trip to Iceland but you see all kinds of places in the amount of time on the trip. Our guide, Stefan, was amazing and made the trip even better
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Ryan - Traveled, August 2023
If you are looking for a great adventure in a short window of time. This is the perfect trip for you. I am also a photographer and easily one of the best countries I photographed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Athena - Traveled, August 2023
My group was filled with super nice and caring travellers, whom came from all over the world. We had tons of fun together to see the beautiful Iceland. Our leader, Stefan, was fantastic. The trip was short, but full of wonderful memories. It exceeded my expectations. Strongly recommend to anyone who want to see the beauty of Iceland.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Brittany - Traveled, August 2023
This trip was fantastic. Great excursions, stunning scenery, and a slew of relevant knowledge about what we were seeing. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2023
Peter - Traveled, August 2023
I had a great trip, got a to see all the amazing places listed on the itinerary. Didn’t quite realise how big Iceland is, and managed to see a some of its best places, but there more places yet to see. Our tour guide Tomi was the best and allowed some flexibility to see some of the sites when conditioning and lighting were awesome.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Victoria - Traveled, August 2023
This is an action packed, fast paced trip! 3 days of driving, visiting waterfalls, glaciers, geysirs, black sand beaches and some really nice farm stays with beautiful scenery. Loved this trip, only wish I had more time to spend in Iceland!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/24/2023
Derek - Traveled, August 2023
Iceland, the land of fire and ice. Breathtaking views everywhere you look. Intrepid did a great job with this tour, we packed in as much activities as we could in our short time. Our guide Tomi was incredible and is excellent at his job. I would recommend Iceland and intrepid to anyone asking!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Abbey - Traveled, July 2023
The trip is actually 3 days, rather than the 5 days that are advertised. It just includes accomodation the day before and after the trip - but there are no planned activities on these days. I’d recommend booking your own activities for these days such as blue/sky lagoon, whale watching, etc. No meals are included so do a big supermarket shop beforehand. All accomodation include kitchens for cooking. Food in Iceland is very expensive. Overall it’s a good introduction tour to Iceland but I would definitely suggest booking things to do the day before and after on your own to maximise your time in Iceland.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/04/2023
Catherine - Traveled, July 2023
Hillmar was the most amazing leader on our trip with intripid. He explained every detail about the geology and nature around us in amazing detail. He had a great sense of humour and was most kind to all our group Thankyou Hillmar.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Shannon - Traveled, June 2023
Enlightening, healing, life-affirming, and soul-awakening. Intrepid was the friend I needed. Take the plunge, go for the ride. You will be glad you did.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2023
Michelle - Traveled, June 2023
Amazing! We saw so much and LOVED our guide Larus - would absolutely recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2023
Chandler - Traveled, June 2023
Larus made our entire trip phenomenal. The destinations were beautiful, the bus rides were entertaining and informative. I can’t recommend this trip to others more!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2023
Mark - Traveled, July 2023
The tour that Intrepid provided was personal, engaging and first rate. Being in a small group allowed plenty of interaction amongst all, including Jura our excellent tour leader. If you want a great experience....do this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2023
Steven - Traveled, July 2023
This trip is action packed. You see so much in four days, and get to stay in some very nice accommodations. This was my first time traveling with Intrepid, but it won't be my last. If you have a short time to vacation, this would be a great trip for you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Wroxy - Traveled, July 2023
A fantastic whistle-stop tour of Icelands hot spots, taking in geysers, glaciers, hot springs and more waterfalls than you can shake a puffin at! I couldn't recommend this tour highly enough and feel like I have a great sense of the Island and its inhabitants.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
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