Iceland Discovery

Intrepid Travel · 8 days

4.2

20 Reviews

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Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Travel to Iceland and delve into the ancient tales of Vikings and volcanoes on this eight-day adventure to its heartlands.

Highlights

Discover there’s a lot more to Iceland than ice (and Bjork). Ford the fjords, glaciers, volcanoes and black sand beaches, and maybe consider adding on a visit to the renowned Blue Lagoon for a soak in the geothermal springs.
Spend the evening in the farm town of Modrudalur – an isolated settlement and the highest inhabited place in Iceland – and enjoy a home-cooked dinner at your guesthouse at Snaefellsnes.
Walk to the mottled blue, grey and black tongue of Vatnajokull glacier – an ice cap so large it covers eight per cent of the country – and discover the incredible Skogafoss Waterfall.
Glide past blue-white icebergs on an included boat tour of Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and soak up the silence of the surrounding grey sand desert.
Experience the unearthly scenery at Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain, and take a walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private minibus with free Wi-Fi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Reykjavik, Iceland

Finishes

Reykjavik, Iceland

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavik

Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, which 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, this city boasts a vibrant arts and nightlife scene. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your accommodation tonight. If you arrive early, why not 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 in the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Valley

Make an early start to beat the crowds on the Golden Circle route. Head to Thingvellir National Park, home to the Parliament Plains and location 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 is partly filled with fresh water and is clearly visible. From here, head to the Geysir geothermal area, checking out Strokkur and watching as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting 20 to 30 m in the air. See the immense beauty and sheer power of the Gullfoss (Golden) double waterfall on the Hvita River, before proceeding to a remote farm in the Hvolsvollur region – your home for the night.

Included Activities:

Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park

Optional Activities:

Fludir - Secret Lagoon (4200 ISK)
Hvolsvollur - Lava Center (6900 ISK)

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

You’ll start the day at the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls – you can feel the power of Skogafoss up close at the viewpoint, with a strenuous walk up a windy set of stairs. The black sands and bizarre, rectangular rock formations of Reynisfjara are up next. The last stop of the day is the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Make sure you head down to Diamond Beach, where some of the icebergs wash up onto the black sand. Maybe book the optional walk along the face of one of Europe's largest glaciers – the epic ice cap of Vatnajokull.

Included Activities:

Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
South Coast - Rocks of Reynisfjara
Vik - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss - Waterfall Visit

Optional Activities:

Vatnajokull - Glacier Hike (14500 ISK)

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: East Fjords / Modrudalur Valley

Return to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon this morning to cruise between the jagged icebergs on a boat tour. Then, take a scenic drive along the rugged coast of the East Fjords. Enjoy the spectacular views of high mountains, deep fjords, waterfalls, glaciers and fishing villages. Make stops along the way at small but notable towns like Djupivogur, which became a member of the cittaslow movement in 2013 and is aiming to be the Happiest Town in Iceland. Drop by Egilsstadir – home to the mythic Lagarfljot Wyrm – then continue along mountain roads to the farm village of Modrudalur. At 469 m (1539 ft) above sea level, Modrudalur is the highest inhabited place in Iceland, and snow can be seen almost year-round. Stretch your legs with a walk to the farm's church, built in 1949 by farmer Jon Adalsteinn Stefansson in memory of his wife, then settle in for the night.

Included Activities:

East Fjords - Scenic Drive with Stops at Djupivogur & Egilsstadir
Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Lake Myvatn / Akureyri

Set off for Dettifoss – Europe's mightiest waterfall at 100-m wide and with a 45-m drop into the craggy shores of Jokulsargljufur canyon below. It’s so powerful that it’s vibrations can be felt underfoot! Continue to volcanic Lake Myvatn, then Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain. Walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir, then see the massive pseudo craters of Skutustadir. Continue to the crescent shaped Godafoss waterfall, where legend says a lawmaker priest threw the idols of the Norse gods when Christianity became Iceland’s official religion in AD 1000. Travel on to Akureyri and settle into your accommodation for the evening.

Included Activities:

Myvatn - Namaskard Boiling Mud Pools, Dimmuborgir & Skutustadir Crater Group
Dettifoss - Waterfall Visit
Myvatn - Lake Myvatn
Godafoss - Waterfall Visit

Optional Activities:

Akureyri - Forest Lagoon (6900 ISK)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Akureyri / Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Situated at the head of Iceland's longest fjord, Akureyri is the nation's second-largest city. This morning, embark on a short walking tour of the town, taking in the striking church and other local sights. Later, continue to Snaefellsnes Peninsula – home to the magnificent Snaefellsjokull Glacier, which played a starring role in Jules Verne's 1864 novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Next up is Lysuholslaug, where you can bathe in thermal pools (depending on the season) or check out the Icelandic horses grazing in the fields. Tonight, you’ll join your group and hosts for a delicious home-cooked dinner.

Included Activities:

Akureyri - Walking Tour
Snaefellsnes - Home-cooked dinner

Optional Activities:

Lysuholl - Lysuholslaug Thermal Pool (seasonal) (1600 ISK)

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Snaefellsnes Peninsula / Reykjavik

Continue exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning with the white beach at Budir, then go on to Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs exposes you to rich bird life. Continue on to the basaltic pebble beach Djupalonssandur. In the afternoon, head back to Reykjavik to complete your circuit of Iceland. You may wish to book an optional whale watching tour for later this afternoon if you’re here between May and December. The rest of the evening is yours to maybe head out to dinner with your fellow travellers and toast with a glass of Brennivin (a savoury schnapps) to a wonderful adventure.

Included Activities:

Snaefellsnes National Park

Optional Activities:

Reykjavik - Whale Watching (13990 ISK)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Reykjavik

Today, your adventure comes to an end and it’s time to say sjaumst (see you soon)! If you'd like to extend your stay and browse some of the city's great art galleries or take on a Silfra Fissure snorkelling adventure, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

Reykjavik - Maritime Museum (2450 ISK)
Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
Nautholsvík - Thermal Beach - Free
Reykjavik - Perlan Museum (5990 ISK)
Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon inc return transfer (23280 ISK)
Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition (3000 ISK)
Reykjavik - Saga Museum (3600 ISK)
Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum (4300 ISK)
Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik (28490 ISK)
Reykjavik - Fly-Over Iceland (5950 ISK)
Reykjavik - Sky Lagoon (12990 ISK)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $5,305

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Travel to Iceland and delve into the ancient tales of Vikings and volcanoes on this eight-day adventure to its heartlands.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Apr 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Claudia

Traveled, October 2023

10/18/2023

Iceland was stunning, my trip was well organized & have a great insight into the coin & it’s history, a fabulous week of travel.

4.0

Lucy

Traveled, October 2023

10/22/2023

Iceland is the most incredible country you will ever visit. The geography of the area is breath taking and you get to experience so many different elements by going the entire way around the country (not just the southern areas like most tourists do!).

Tour Operator

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

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