Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth

Intrepid Travel · 5 days
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
5 Days
From AUD $3405
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(19 reviews)

Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth

Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth

Intrepid Travel · 5 days
Duration

5 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Experience the midnight sun on this five-day summer adventure of Iceland’s southern coast.

Highlights

  • Make the most of Iceland at night during the midnight sun, a period in summer when the sun doesn't set for almost 24 hours!
  • 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.
  • Visit a local art workshop and chat with the artists in a rugged, off the beaten path harbour town.
  • 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.

Trip Details

Duration

5 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Reykjavik, Iceland

Finishes

Thingvellir National Park - Reykjavik, Iceland

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Reykjavik
Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins in Reykjavik – the world’s northernmost capital. Your adventure officiaqlly begins at your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not hit the streets and explore the city's boutiques and cosy cafes. After your meeting, you might like to head into town with the group and get to know each other over dinner.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Reykjanes Peninsula - Hveragerdi
Take a moment to breathe in the fresh Icelandic air before heading out to the Reykjanes Peninsula, stopping at the Bridge between Continents along the way – this footbridge spans the fissure between the North American and Eurasian continental plates. Visit the eerie mud pools and steam vents of Gunnuhver, named after the angry ghost that’s said to have been trapped in the hot springs 400 years ago. Then, check out Hafnarfjordur and a local artist’s community. You’ll see their space on a guided tour where you’ll meet the artists and learn about the history of the building and the community. Have lunch in the harbor town of Keflavik then continue through the geothermal areas of Krisuvik and Seltun. Your final stop today will be Strandarkirkja – a Lutheran church that’s 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 and settle in for the night.

Included Activities:

  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Gunnuhver hot springs
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Bridge between Continents
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Strandarkirkja
  • Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
  • Hafnarfjordur - Local artist community visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Hveragerdi / Golden Circle
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 20 to 30 m into the air. Take in the sheer power of the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River, then, after witnessing these natural wonders, it’s time to reap the benefits of Iceland’s geothermal activity yourself. Your group will head out for a summer soak in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon – fed by various hot springs, this spot is the oldest pool in Iceland. When you're fully destressed (or before your fingers start to prune), head back to your accommodation, where you can relax for the night.

Included Activities:

  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
  • Fludir - Secret Lagoon
  • Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Hveragerdi / South Coast
Start the day by visiting the mighty Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and take a walk behind its cascade for a different perspective. Continue chasing waterfalls at the powerful Skogafoss – one of Iceland's biggest falls at 25 m wide and with a drop of 60 m. From here, embark on a short hike to Kvernufoss Waterfall, hidden in a nearby valley. These falls are framed by moss-coated cliffs of lava rock, adding to its otherworldly appearance. After you’ve had your fill of falls, 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 – if you’re travelling during the time of the midnight sun, why not go out for a late walk and soak in the strange atmosphere of nighttime sunshine.

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)
5
Day 5: Thingvellir National Park - Reykjavik
It’s time to head back to Reykjavik. On the way, 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 is partly filled with fresh water and is clearly visible. When 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. After, your trip comes to an end and there are no further activities planned. If you’d like to extend your stay in the city, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.

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 (3000 ISK)
  • Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum (4300 ISK)
  • Reykjavik - Saga Museum (3600 ISK)
  • Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
  • Reykjavik - Maritime Museum (2450 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 $3,405
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 5 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Experience the midnight sun on this five-day summer adventure of Iceland’s southern coast.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Apr 2026

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
5.0
Daniel
Traveled, October 2023

10/13/2023

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.

4.5
Marguerite
Traveled, August 2023

09/08/2023

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.

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