Journey along Iceland's Golden Circle and venture further afield to remote glacier lagoons and otherworldly volcanic landscapes. This seven-day adventure reveals the best of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and dynamic culture.
Start - End: Reykjavik - Reykjavik
Total trip: 7 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 2
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As you wind your way through Iceland's Golden Circle and venture further afield to remote glacier lagoons and volcanic landscapes, you'll be amazed by the many landscapes you'll explore on our 7-day Classic Iceland Adventure. Starting in Reykjavik, you'll meet your fellow adventurers and expert local guides, before exploring the many natural wonders of Southern Iceland.
Many will recognize Gullfoss Waterfall and Skógafoss Waterfall, known for their raw power and magnificent ever-present rainbows. As you hike high on the sea cliffs of Ingólfshöfði headland, keep your eye out for puffins, Iceland's iconic bird. You'll get to explore Heinabergsjökull Lagoon, with its ancient ice gently floating along as icebergs. Throughout your week-long journey, you'll re-energize in hand-picked accommodations, enjoy hearty Icelandic food, and learn about Icelandic traditions, many of which are still present today. If a hiking adventure in Iceland has been waiting on your bucket list, you've come to the right place.
Eldfell Volcano Peak
To wild puffin (Lundi) colonies
Admire Famous Waterfalls
Þingvellir
Vatnajökull National Park
Reykjavík
Vestmannaeyjar Islands
Jökulsárlón Lagoon
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Your trip begins in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital and Iceland’s cultural hub. If you’ve flown in this morning, you’ll be free to make your own way from Keflavík International Airport to the city. Bear in mind you won’t be able to check in to your hotel until 2 pm, so we recommend unwinding after your flight at the famous Blue Lagoon hot pools that are on the way to Reykjavík - remember to keep your swimwear handy!
After dropping your bags at the hotel you’ll have some free time to take in the vibrant streets - grab some last-minute gear at the many outdoor clothing stores or explore the harbor. At 5.00pm, we’ll all meet at the hotel bar for a trip briefing and a welcome drink, where you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and guides before having a delicious meal in a local restaurant.
You might find your first evening a little strange, to be strolling around in daylight!
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum, Reykjavík
Meals: Dinner
Today the adventure really begins, as we head northeast to Þingvellir National Park, home to Iceland’s first National Assembly. We’ll stretch our legs at our first waterfall called Öxàrarfoss (‘foss’ is Icelandic for waterfall). As strange as it may sound, this is actually a human-made waterfall, as the water was diverted, back in the 9th Century, to provide members and visitors of the Icelandic parliament ‘Althingi’ with water. There is further fascinating folklore about this region that you’ll soon discover!
After enjoying a traditional Icelandic meat soup for lunch we’ll continue towards the highlands, with stops to learn about Iceland’s Laugarvatan cave people, and view the original Geysir Nature Reserve and the Gullfoss waterfall.
Accommodation: Hill Hótel, Flúðir
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: We'll explore the Nature Reserve, so do as much or as little as you like.
This morning we’ll journey south down the coast to board a ferry. Our scenic crossing takes us to the bustling fishing port of Haeimaey, the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. This tiny island hosts a recent, rich volcanic history that we’ll learn about at the world-class Eldheimar Exhibition.
After fueling up the body on your own, we’ll experience the lava fields with a volcanic hike to the Eldfell peak. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with views across to the mainland and a further appreciation for the 1973 eruption.
Accommodation: Hótel Vestmannaeyjar, Vestmannaeyjar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Eldfell Peak Hike: 1.2 miles (2 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent
Optional Hike: 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers), 0.5-1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent
After returning to the mainland we’ll take a hike to the top of Iceland’s most famous and spectacular waterfalls. First to Seljalandsfoss (where we can also walk behind the falls) and then to Skógafoss.
After lunch on your own, we’ll hunt for stone trolls along the wild and beautiful South Coast - these trolls occupy an immense portion of Icelandic folklore, described as big, stupid, and greedy, but sometimes kind and wise! Our journey continues alongside the soaring sea cliffs and moss-covered lava fields, where we’ll be able to see the infamous E15 ‘Eyjafjallajökull’ Volcano, Vatnajökull ice cap, and its outlet glaciers.
Tonight, we’ll relax in the wonderfully appointed Fosshótel, with impressive views down towards the coast.
Accommodation: Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon, Öraefi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Seljalandsfoss Hike: 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometers), 0.5-1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent
Skógafoss Hike: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 feet (90 meters) ascent, 300 feet (90 meters) descent
Pack your binoculars this morning as we’re looking for 'Lundi', also known as puffin, Iceland’s iconic and beloved bird. As we hike the high sea cliffs of the Ingólfshöfði headland we’ll also catch glimpses of guillemots and skuas. Please note, in September the puffins will have headed back out to sea. However, we will still enjoy the stunning hike.
After our hike and a bite to eat on your own, we’ll head off to view yet another waterfall, known as Svartifoss, where nearby there are views across Europe’s largest outlet glacier, Skeiðarárjökull. You can decide to hike on the glacier with specialist guides for extra fees. Afterward, we’ll regroup and head back to the Fosshótel, for another relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon, Öraefi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Ingólfshöfði Headland Hike: 1.9 miles (3 kilometers), 2.5-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent
Svartifoss Hike: 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 324 feet (100 meters) ascent, 324 feet (100 meters) descent
Optional Ice hike on Falljökull Glacier (extra fee applies): An alternative option to the afternoon's waterfall hike is to strap on crampons, pick up an ice axe and hike on the Falljökull glacier! Led by specialist glacier guides you’ll explore amazing ice formations checking out the crevasses, seracs, tunnels, and pools of glacial meltwater - no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. The ice hike is popular, so this option must be selected at the time of booking.
Jökulsárlón Lagoon is a photographer’s dream and a spot where you may see seals playing amongst the icebergs. After hiking the entire length of Iceland’s shortest river (blink and you’ll miss it), we’ll end up on the beach surrounded by stranded icebergs.
A short drive brings us to the hidden canyon Múlagljúfur where we'll hike along this magnificent canyon to waterfalls called Hangandifoss and Múlafoss, offering breathtaking views along the way.
We'll enjoy a picnic lunch before starting our scenic drive back to Reykjavik along the South Coast, stopping to visit beautiful sites along the way. Arriving in Reykjavik in the afternoon where we'll enjoy one last farewell dinner together.
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike: 3.6 miles (5.7 kilometers), 2.5-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,204 feet (367 meters) ascent
Iceland's shortest river Hike: 1.5 hours
This morning is yours to enjoy. Wander the city, indulge in a sleep-in, or pack in some last-minute souvenir shopping. If you’re staying on in Iceland be sure to ask us for advice about where to explore next!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
6 nights’ accommodation
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners
Our own highly experienced guides and leader, with you from start to finish
Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
All activities outlined in the itinerary
Delicious snacks to keep you fueled
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
Special "Wow!" moments you'll never forget
Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team — only a call, chat, or email away
You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
“My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure
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By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here.
On the first day of the trip, we'll meet you at the Hotel Reykjavik Centrum hotel bar in the evening for welcome drinks and a briefing at 5pm before dinner. Note that it takes about 1 hour from the airport to the hotel. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Reykjavik, though you must make your own way to the Hotel at the pre-designated time.
Your trip ends after breakfast and you're free to fly out any time. You'll need to organise your own transfer to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in time for your departing flight.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Reykjavik by 4pm. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, you can depart from Reykjavik at any time.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Iceland, though they are all of sleek Scandinavian design and well thought out.
While each of the hotels will have laundry services available, these will be very expensive and often not the same day service. We recommend bringing enough clothing for the entire duration of your trip.
Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.
We believe the best journeys don’t just take you places, they inspire you and ignite your spirit. Our unique and thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you'll experience the very best of each destination.
Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.
We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility. No matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.
Traveling solo, as a pair, or as part of a group? No worries, you'll be comfortable on our trips. Every trip is personalized with care by our team so everyone feels supported and free to enjoy their unforgettable adventure.
Imagine a vacation that's fully guided, and everything is taken care of and included in the trip price — all accommodations, activities, transport on-trip, most meals, and more! Effortless and value-packed.
