Iceland Express

Intrepid Travel · 5 days

4.3

20 Reviews

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Duration

5 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

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.

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.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary in the Westman Islands. Donations help them in their work with rescuing local puffins as well as rehabilitation of these and two rescued beluga whales, which were previously performing in captivity in an aquarium in Shanghai. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Trip Details

Duration

5 days

Transportation

Private minibus with free wi-fi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Reykjavik, Iceland

Finishes

Reykjavik, Iceland

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavik

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)

Day 2: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area

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 (4200 ISK)

Accommodation:

Cottage (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Myrdalsjokull / South Coast / Reynivellir

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)

Day 4: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon / Vik / Reykjavik

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)

Day 5: Reykjavik

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 (2450 ISK)
Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum (4300 ISK)
Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon inc return transfer (23280 ISK)
Reykjavik - Whale Watching (13990 ISK)
Nautholsvík - Thermal Beach - Free
Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour (13900 ISK)
Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik (28490 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 $2,015

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 5 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 25 Sep 2025

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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

Catherine

Traveled, September 2023

09/20/2023

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.

4.5

Glenn

Traveled, September 2023

09/17/2023

What an amazing trip of a lifetime. Stefan was fantastic! Could not recommend highly enough how good this trip was

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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