Iceland Express

Intrepid Travel Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4.6 . Excellent
94%
Travel Style: Array Mixed
Physical Level: Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. Easy
Lodging Level: You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping. Basic (2*)
5 days
From: $ 1,540 $ 308 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • This five-day 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.

Short Description

Want a big adventure in a short amount of time? Travel to Iceland and explore the ancient land of Vikings and volcanoes on this five-day trip. Traverse the Golden Circle and marvel at the explosive power of the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gulfoss waterfall. Walk the black sand beaches of the Jokulsarlon lagoon and decide whether take an optional walk on the mighty Myrdalsjokull glacier. This fast-paced adventure focuses on the natural, untamed beauty of Iceland – taking you straight to the heart of the action with a local leader by your side.

Style Small group tour
Off the beaten track trips will stretch your comfort zone. They don't always feature tourist highlights, but dive deeper into local life and culture.
Itinerary Focus Off the Beaten Path
You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Lodging Level Basic (2*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Reykjavik
End City Reykjavik

Destinations

Iceland

Attractions & Cities Visited

Blue Lagoon Geysir Jokulsarlon Skogafoss

Activities & Interests

N/A

Age Requirement

15-99

No single supplement
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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.

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. This guesthouse is a leader in local responsible tourism and sustainability. The owners started a tree planting project on their land to contribute to lowering atmospheric carbon dioxide and counteract soil erosion. Tonight, you’ll have the option to join the effort and head out into the hills surrounding the property to plant trees yourself.

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.

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.

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.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 1,540
Price Per Day: $ 308 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceAvailability 
Jun-08-2023Jun-12-2023$ 1,690Sold Out Reserve
Jun-22-2023Jun-26-2023$ 1,6294 spots left Reserve
Jun-29-2023Jul-03-2023$ 1,760Sold Out Reserve
Jul-06-2023Jul-10-2023$ 1,760Sold Out Reserve
Jul-13-2023Jul-17-2023$ 1,780Sold Out Reserve
Jul-20-2023Jul-24-2023$ 1,7806 spots left Reserve
Jul-27-2023Jul-31-2023$ 1,8253 spots left Reserve
Aug-03-2023Aug-07-2023$ 1,7653 spots left Reserve
Aug-10-2023Aug-14-2023$ 1,7002 spots left Reserve
Aug-17-2023Aug-21-2023$ 1,6402 spots left Reserve
Aug-24-2023Aug-28-2023$ 1,6404 spots left Reserve
Aug-31-2023Sep-04-2023$ 1,5402 spots left Reserve
Sep-07-2023Sep-11-2023$ 1,5655 spots left Reserve
Sep-14-2023Sep-18-2023$ 1,6351 spots left Reserve
Sep-21-2023Sep-25-2023$ 1,5953 spots left Reserve
May-16-2024May-20-2024$ 1,56515 spots left Reserve
May-23-2024May-27-2024$ 1,56516 spots left Reserve
Jun-06-2024Jun-10-2024$ 1,56516 spots left Reserve
Jun-20-2024Jun-24-2024$ 1,62516 spots left Reserve
Jun-27-2024Jul-01-2024$ 1,62516 spots left Reserve
Jul-04-2024Jul-08-2024$ 1,62516 spots left Reserve
Jul-11-2024Jul-15-2024$ 1,68516 spots left Reserve
Jul-18-2024Jul-22-2024$ 1,68516 spots left Reserve
Jul-25-2024Jul-29-2024$ 1,68516 spots left Reserve
Aug-01-2024Aug-05-2024$ 1,68516 spots left Reserve
Aug-08-2024Aug-12-2024$ 1,68516 spots left Reserve
Aug-15-2024Aug-19-2024$ 1,68516 spots left Reserve
Aug-22-2024Aug-26-2024$ 1,62516 spots left Reserve
Aug-29-2024Sep-02-2024$ 1,62516 spots left Reserve
Sep-05-2024Sep-09-2024$ 1,62516 spots left Reserve
Sep-12-2024Sep-16-2024$ 1,56516 spots left Reserve
Sep-19-2024Sep-23-2024$ 1,56516 spots left Reserve
Sep-26-2024Sep-30-2024$ 1,56516 spots left Reserve
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4,325 Intrepid Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings

94%
4.6 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 3,265
Great 678
Average 136
Disappointing 71
Terrible 175
Value
4.6
Guide
4.6
Activities
4.6
Lodging
4.6
Transportation
4.6
Meals
4.6

Iceland Express

Avoid at All Costs- Unacceptable Transport and much of Itinerary not covered

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide2.0
Activities3.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation1.0
Meals2.0
$1750 for 3 days of touring and 4 nights accommodation. What a rip off, especially considering only 2 breakfasts were included and 16 adults plus a driver were squeezed into a Ford Transit minibus. I spent a whole day sitting twisted with one leg up 30+cm on the wheel which took up my leg room- still receiving treatment for inflamed muscles. Bus steamed up and aircon didn't work so only people in front seats could see the landscape or hear what the tour guide had to say. We were given 1 squeegee to share to try and clear the windows which was useless. Luggage put in a rusty trailer at the back that leaked so my feather down coat was saturated and stinky at the end of the first day. Tour Guide showed us the trailer from his last tour, which apparently was blown off by the wind and still lay on the side of the road. We were recommended to go on the Glacier Walk, which was a significant extra cost and booked in for 3pm. We only got to the glacier at sunset, which seemed an accident waiting to happen with poor light. 5 mins into the glacier walk and a 70+year old lady fell over, split her lip and broke her wrist. Mission aborted and a long walk back to the bus, including walking on loose planks over a river using phone torches to find our way. No walking tour of Reykjavik, no opportunity to do the Iceberg Boat Tour, no tree planting, no spotting bird colonies, no Skogar folk museum, even though all these were part of the itinerary. We were even told we didn't have time to climb the long windy set of stairs up to a stunning viewpoint at Skogafoss. Iceland is magnificent but this is the worst way to see the sites.
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My review would be five stars plus except for the poison apples

4.0
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First Intrepid Madagascar tour of 2023--and it was fantastic! Wonderful guide (Bruno), lots of lemurs and hiking and incredible landscapes. Started on the beach with sailing in a pirogue (and starfish diving), baobab arboretums, plus a hike through rice fields, lunches hosted by local villagers, visit to silk weavers and paper-making workshop and aluminum casters and marquetry crafters.... what didn't we do in 2 weeks?! Eye-opening experiences, in one of the last pristinely natural places on earth.
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At first they forgot to pick me up at…

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
At first they forgot to pick me up at the airport do I have to call my phone provider to help me how to get hold of the contact number in Mexico.
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Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport Private minibus with free wi-fi

Group Size

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum Number of People in Group: 16

Accommodations

Guesthouses & Farm Stays (4 nights)

Guides

All Intrepid group trips in Iceland are accompanied by one of our group leaders, who will also be the driver. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Age Notes :

Min. Age: 15

Max Age: 99

Additional Information

Finish point

  • Guesthouse Aurora
  • Freyjugata 24
  • Reykjavik
  • ICELAND
  • Phone: +354 8991773

Trip ID#:

intrepid-BMRI

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