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Iceland’s Golden Circle in Depth

Iceland’s Golden Circle in Depth

From $ 4,030 AUD

Description

Experience the midnight sun on this five-day adventure of Iceland’s southern coast. Visit all the highlights of the country’s iconic Golden Circle – soaking in the steamy geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon and marvelling at the eruptions of the Strokkur Geysir, before strapping on the crampons and hiking across the Solheimajokull Glacier, feeling the mist of waterfalls on your face. If you’re lucky, you might even see a whisp of the Northern Lights!

Trip Name
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
5
Capacity
12
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!
  • Revel in an I’m-so-far-from-home moment as you explore one of Europe’s largest ice caps on an adventurous walk over the 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-track harbour town.
  • See the sights that make Iceland’s famous Golden Circle so celebrated, from Gulfoss Waterfall to Strokkur Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.
  • Soak in a geothermal pool at the lesser-known Secret Lagoon – is there anything more quintessentially Icelandic?

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Reykjavik
Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins in Reykjavik – the world’s northernmost capital. You’ll have a 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.
Day 2 - Reykjavik to Hvolsvollur
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 tectonic 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 artists’ 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 at a local restaurant, 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 to your accommodation near the town of Hveragerdi and settle in for the night.
Day 3 - Hvolsvollur
Today is all about exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Head to Thingvellir National Park to see the Parliament Plains – the site where Iceland’s first parliament was founded in AD930. You’ll also see the Silfra fissure where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. Then, you’ll visit the geyser geothermal area to check out Strokkur and watch as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting 15 to 20 m into the air. Next, take in the sheer power of the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River. 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 soak in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon – fed by various hot springs, this spot is the oldest man-made pool in Iceland. When you've had your dose of relaxation (or before your fingers start to prune), head back to your accommodation, where you can relax for the night.
Day 4 - Hvolsvollur
Start the day with a scenic drive to one of Europe’s largest ice caps – the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier. Then, visit the 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 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 their otherworldly appearance. 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 experience the surreal phenomenon of sunshine at night?
Day 5 - Hvolsvollur to Reykjavik
It’s time to head back to Reykjavik. When you arrive, 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 to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-05-202618-05-2026AUD $ 4,030-
21-05-202625-05-2026AUD $ 4,030-
28-05-202601-06-2026AUD $ 4,030-
11-06-202615-06-2026AUD $ 4,660-
25-06-202629-06-2026AUD $ 4,260-
02-07-202606-07-2026AUD $ 4,160-
09-07-202613-07-2026AUD $ 4,360-
23-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 4,290-
06-08-202610-08-2026AUD $ 4,360-
13-08-202617-08-2026AUD $ 4,890-
17-08-202621-08-2026AUD $ 4,530-
20-08-202624-08-2026AUD $ 4,730-
27-08-202631-08-2026AUD $ 4,490-
03-09-202607-09-2026AUD $ 4,290-
17-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 4,290-
01-10-202605-10-2026AUD $ 4,030-
22-04-202726-04-2027AUD $ 4,185-
06-05-202710-05-2027AUD $ 4,185-
13-05-202717-05-2027AUD $ 4,185-
27-05-202731-05-2027AUD $ 4,310-
03-06-202707-06-2027AUD $ 4,310-
17-06-202721-06-2027AUD $ 4,310-
24-06-202728-06-2027AUD $ 4,310-
01-07-202705-07-2027AUD $ 4,435-
08-07-202712-07-2027AUD $ 4,435-
22-07-202726-07-2027AUD $ 4,435-
29-07-202702-08-2027AUD $ 4,520-
05-08-202709-08-2027AUD $ 4,520-
12-08-202716-08-2027AUD $ 4,520-
16-08-202720-08-2027AUD $ 4,520-
19-08-202723-08-2027AUD $ 4,520-
26-08-202730-08-2027AUD $ 4,520-
02-09-202706-09-2027AUD $ 4,435-
09-09-202713-09-2027AUD $ 4,435-
16-09-202720-09-2027AUD $ 4,435-
23-09-202727-09-2027AUD $ 4,310-
30-09-202704-10-2027AUD $ 4,185-
07-10-202711-10-2027AUD $ 4,185-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map