South Iceland Camping on a Shoestring

5 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
100%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
For many travellers, Iceland can be difficult to reach not for its remoteness, but for its cost. We didn’t think it was fair that people working with tight budgets had to miss out on one of the world’s most fascinating places. Hence this short-and-sweet five-day adventure that goes deep into the island nation’s southern half without doing a deep dive into you...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Explore iceland's bustling capital city
    • Camp in thingvellir np
    • Visit skógafoss waterfall
    • Witness erupting hot springs
    • Check out reynisfjara beach

What's this trip about?

    For many travellers, Iceland can be difficult to reach not for its remoteness, but for its cost. We didn’t think it was fair that people working with tight budgets had to miss out on one of the world’s most fascinating places. Hence this short-and-sweet five-day adventure that goes deep into the island nation’s southern half without doing a deep dive into your wallet. You’ll hike across massive glaciers, wander volcanic black-sand beaches, discover hot springs and waterfalls, and explore the natural wonders of the fabled Golden Circle. And by forgoing hotels most nights in favour of camping, you get an appreciation for the stunning landscape while keeping your costs in check. See? Less really is more!

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityReykjavík
End CityReykjavík

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Iceland

Attractions

  • Bath
  • Gullfoss
  • Reykjavík
  • Thingvellir National park

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline

Trip includes

    • Golden Circle tour (including Gullfoss Waterfall
    • Geysir Hot Springs and Þingvellir National Park)
    • Skógafoss Waterfall visit
    • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall visit
    • Reynisfjara Beach
    • Camping equipment
    • including tent and sleeping mat (sleeping bags not included)
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Reykjavík

Arrive in Reykjavik. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Day 2 Reykjavík/Þingvellir

Drive to Thingvellir National Park and set up camp. Enjoy a Golden Circle tour including the ancient parliament side of Thingvellir, Gullfoss Waterfall and the erupting hot spring of Geysir. In the afternoon, opt for snorkelling, or rafting in a geothermal bath near b...

Day 3 Þingvellir/Skógafoss

Opt to hike the initial 2-5 km of the 25km long Fimmvörðuháls trail to see the cascading waterfalls above Skógafoss waterfall. On a clear day, end this hike by taking in the stunning the views of the whole coastline, surrounding mountains and glaciers. Or, try your ha...

Day 4 Skógafoss/Reykjavík

Visit Reynisfjara Beach. Stop at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and see Dyrhólaey Cape. Arrive to Reykjavík in the early evening for a final night in the bustling capital. Included Activities: Reynisfjara Beach Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (0.50 hour(s), 35km) Private Vehicle (0.75-1.00 hours, 61km) Private Vehicle (1.50-1.75 hours, 180km)

Day 5 Reykjavík

Your tour might be finished, but the adventure’s far from over. Pre-book one of the following activities to experience after your tour ends: Glacier Hiking on Sólheimajökull, Hot Spring Hiking Tour, Snorkelling in Þhingvellir National Park, Snowmobiling Tour on Langjö...

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,199
Price per day$240
Last Updated: 2/22/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with G Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

G Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
32,225
Great
10,081
Average
8
Disappointing
6
Terrible
28
Write a Review

Other G Adventures Reviews

S

Steve

Nov 2023

Written on

One of the Best Trips Taken to Europe!

We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimat...

K

Kim S.

Jun 2023

Written on

Great itinerary filled with variety of experiences & wonderful guide

Trip exceeded my expectations - not only did we have an excellent guide who was very personable, fun, and put extra attention to everyone's needs, but the country an...

C

Cara R

Jan 2023

Provided byG Adventures

I had the experience of a lifetime - the combination of the amazing country, our amazing tour guide and an amazing group made this the best trip imaginable.

I had the experience of a lifetime - the combination of the amazing country, o...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

G Adventures

preferred
View Profile

G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the planet's most awe-inspiring selection of affordable small-group tours, safaris and expeditions. Our award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travellers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife.

Adventure travel is more than a vacation. It’s a chance to get to know your world better by putting yourself on a first-name basis with the people, places, and things that make it worth exploring. This is your planet. Come and get it.

All G Adventures tours share a common love of adventure, but life-altering experiences come in a variety of flavors. Here are some of the Travel Styles we offer:

"Comfort": “Adventure travel” doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” Comfort tours offer the genuine experiences you want with more extras, frills, and upgrades.

"Classic": An unbeatable mix of uncommon experiences, insider access, cultural contact, and all the must-sees and -dos, Classic is adventure perfected.

"Active": Why just see the world when you could bike, hike, kayak, and multi-sport it? Why, indeed. Active tours keep travellers who like to move on the move.

"Yolo": You’re only young once. Make the most of it with Yolo tours, fun-filled and fast-moving adventures designed just for travellers aged 18 to 39.

"Family": Just because you settled down and had kids doesn’t mean your adventuring days are through. Family makes our big planet small enough for all.

"Local Living": Want to get under the skin of some of the most gorgeous and out-there places? Local Living tours grant access that even locals don't have.

"Private Groups": Got a group of eight or more and want to keep the fun to yourselves? Try a Private Group tour. You pick the who and where, we’ll handle the what.

No matter what kind of traveller you are, we’ve got a tour (or a dozen) that’ll fit you just right.

  • 100% Guaranteed Departures
  • Lifetime Deposits
  • 24/7 Service
  • Awards include one of National Geographic Traveler's Tours of a Lifetime and one of National Geographic Adventure's "Best Adventure Tour Outfitters." Several times named Canada's Favorite Adventure Tour Operator.

To speak with G Adventure Travel Specialist call 1-855-667-9514 

Why we love this operator
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
What they’re known for
Curated culturally immersive adventures for young adults and families that are tailored to a destination or specific theme.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Multi-share hostel (2 nts), participatory camping (2 nts).,Camping in Iceland is truly an adventure, taking you off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites along the trek route. The campsites have basic facilities such as toilets, showers, and drinking water. For the group, there is a big dining tent and sometimes an extra cooking tent. On the first day, you will be guided through setting up your personal tents, which should be easy to manage for the rest of the nights. As part of the experience, you may be required to help with cooking dinner/washing up. If you intend to use the showers or charge your electronics you will need to bring some coins with you. There are showers at all the campsites, however they cost 500 ISK for 5 minutes, payable only in coins. Bear in mind that early and late season tours may not have the luxury of showers or flush-toilets due to ground frost. The wardens can often charge some of your electronics for a fee of 500 ISK (The electrical current is 220V AC 50Hz. Most plugs are of the European two-pin type). Each campsite visited on this tour will include a tent and a sleeping mat for every traveller (travellers are responsible for their own sleeping bags). All of the campsites we use are equipped with western flush-toilets. Along the trail, we pass through two other campsites with similar toilet facilities, on the first and second days. During the early and late season trips, these plumbing facilities may be out of order due to ground frost, in which case, the replacement will be to use outhouses. Between campsites, the “call of nature” can be answered according to the leave-no-trace rules of wilderness travel. Toilet paper must be buried, burned, or carried out.

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle, walking.,Private van/mini-buses are used on this trip.

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle, walking. Private van/mini-buses are used on this trip.
Requirements
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information. Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire. The medical questionnaire can be found online at www.gadventures.com/medical-form. Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.,We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. All visitors to the EU (European Union) and EEC (European Economic Community) countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa to visit the Schengen area (see below), however they may not stay longer than three months in any 6-month period. For other nationalities, travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland) you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of your visa. There are limited border controls at Schengen borders, if any at all. Please note that the UK and Ireland are NOT part of the Schengen agreement. A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.
Health & Safety
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Meals Included
No meals included
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Important Notes

1. It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. 2. In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. 3. If you wish to visit the Blue Lagoon, please know that this activity must be done before or after your tour. As this activity is very popular, we recommend booking it in advance.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Trip ID
gadventure-24558

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!