Compare Solo Travel: Iceland with Golden Circle & Northern Lights by Great Value Vacations vs Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 5 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 1,530 | $ 2,384 |
| Price Per Day | $ 306 | $ 477 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes | N/A |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A | N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Iceland is at your fingertips! Spend 4 nights in Reykjavik as you discover Iceland. You'll have two included tours during your trip. You'll take a full-day tour of the Golden Circle, with all of Iceland's incredible nature and geography on display! You'll also have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights on an evening tour! Spend the rest of your time as you please. You may wish to visit the Blue Lagoon, various museums depicting the Viking culture and history, or the Hallgrimskirkja church. Be sure to try Icelandic cuisine during your trip! |
Experience the highlights of Iceland’s Golden Circle on a five-day loop from Reykjavik. When we say you’ll see the hotspots, we mean it – whether you’re soaking in the steamy geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon or marvelling at the eruptions of the Strokkur Geysir. But this is the land of not only fire, but ice too – and where better to experience the latter than Solheimajokull Glacier, and the south coast's series of pristine waterfalls? |
Day 1 Welcome to Reykjavik!
Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival at Reykjavik/Keflavik Airport, you’ll take a Flybus transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik. (The transfer coaches are parked outside the arrival hall, and are marked “Flybus”). The remainder of the day is yours at leisure, to begin exploring this vibrant city! This evening, you’ll be picked up at your hotel for the Northern Lights tour. Watching the fantastic colors of the Northern Lights dance across the arctic sky is an unforgettable experience, and Iceland is one of the best places to see them. They are mostly observed on crisp, still evenings, and the tour heads away from the city lights to give you the best chance of witnessing this spectacular natural phenomenon. Please note: this tour is only operated under good weather conditions – so if it is canceled, or if you are not able to view the Northern Lights while on the tour, you can re-book again for the following evening (or the next), without any extra charge.
Day 2 Reykjavik
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a full-day, guided tour of Iceland’s most incredible “must-see” natural wonders and geological phenomena – the famed Golden Circle.
Day 3 Reykjavik
Enjoy a full free day at leisure. Although the city of Reykjavík is a metropolis in every sense, it's been carefully developed and crafted around a number of easily accessible recreational areas and country parks. With an extensive network of well-maintained footpaths and cycling routes winding through the city’s numerous parks and nature reserves, you won’t have to travel far to take a quick break from city life and explore nature. Don't forget to stop by the famous church; consider climbing up to the top for sweeping views of the city below!
Day 4 Reykjavik
Spend today exploring Reykjavik at leisure. Explore the culture house or one of the many art museums. Or perhaps you'd like to stroll through the colorful streets and shop the boutiques. Please note: At some point today, please ask the hotel staff for assistance with confirming your Flybus Plus transfer to the airport tomorrow.
Day 5 Depart Iceland
If your flight is in the afternoon, use your last moments to walk along the harbor seafront and breathe the fresh Atlantic breeze. Based on your pre-arranged time, you will be met by Flybus at your hotel, and transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Day 1 Reykjavik
Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital and an eclectic place full of charm. At 6 pm you’ll meet your local leader and travel companions at an important welcome meeting at your hotel. If you arrive in Reykjavik with time to spare, why not hit the streets and explore the city's quirky boutiques and cosy cafes. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head into town with the group and get to know each other over dinner.
Day 2 Reykjanes Peninsula - Hveragerdi
Wake up and take a moment to breathe in the fresh Icelandic air before heading out towards the Reykjanes Peninsula. Stop at family-run workshop where they use native Icelandic ingredients to make herbal teas, jams and salts. Tour their production area and learn more about their sustainability initiatives while sipping on a cup of their delicious tea. Next up you’ll see the Bridge between Continents, a footbridge that spans a fissure between the North American and Eurasian continental plates, and visit the eerie mud pools and steam vents of Gunnuhver, named for the angry ghost that is believed to have been trapped in the hot springs 400 years ago. A steaming bowl of lobster soup awaits you in the fishing village of Grindavik for lunch (vegetarian alternatives available), before you continue to Strandarkirkja, a Lutheran church that has been a landmark for seafaring travellers since the 12th century. After a busy day you’ll head for Hveragerdi, our base for the next three nights.
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 some 20-30 metres in the air. Marvel at the immense beauty and 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 for yourself, with a soak in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon. Fed by various hot springs in the surrounding area, this spot is the oldest pool in Iceland – though it’s had a facelift since first opening in 1894. Once you're fully destressed (or before your fingertips start to prune), return to Hveragerdi for the night.
Day 4 Hveragerdi / South Coast
Start the day by visiting the magical Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take a walk behind its cascade for a different perspective, followed by the powerful Skogafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's biggest at a width of 25 metres and a drop of 60 metres. From here embark on a short hike to another breathtaking waterfall, Kvernufoos, hidden in a nearby valley, and unbeknownst to most. The waterfall is framed by moss-coated cliffs of lava rock, adding to its otherworldly appearance. After you’ve had your fill of gorgeous waterfalls, prepare to 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 icy caves and crevasses safely.
Day 5 Thingvellir National Park - Reykjavik
It’s time to head back to Reykjavik. En route, 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 partly filled with fresh water and clearly visible. Once 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. Once this concludes, you will say your goodbyes and your adventure will come to an end.
