Experience Overview
Pursue mother nature’s most spectacular show on a five-day winter adventure of Iceland’s southern coast. Experience the highlights of Iceland’s 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 and feeling the mist of pristine waterfalls on your face. Rug up in your finest thermals and search the night sky for dancing lights.
Highlights
- Make the most of Iceland’s long winter nights by tracking down the shimmering lights of the aurora borealis.
- 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 harbor 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.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1627
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: BIKW
Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland
Finishes: Thingvellir National Park - Reykjavik, Iceland
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (4), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2452 (CAD 490 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up and take a moment to breathe the fresh Icelandic air before heading out towards the Reykjanes Peninsula. Stop at the Bridge between Continents, a footbridge that spans a fissure between the North American and Eurasian continental plates. Visit the eerie mud pools and steam vents of Gunnuhver, named after the angry ghost believed to have been trapped in the hot springs 400 years ago. Later, you will get to check out Hafnarfjordur and enjoy a visit to a local artist community. Visit their space on a guided tour where you will learn about the history of the building and the community and you will get to meet some of the local artists. Continue through the geothermal area of Krisuvik and Seltun. Final stop in Strandarkirkja, a Lutheran church that has 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. This evening will be a good opportunity to turn your head to the skies in search of the Northern Lights.
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:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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), head back to your accommodation, and depending on the weather, rug up in warm clothing and head out in search of the northern lights.
Included Activities:
- Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
- Fludir - Secret Lagoon
- Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
- Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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, Kvernufoss, 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 glacier safely. This evening you’ll enjoy a comforting dinner at your accommodation before looking to the skies in search of dancing lights.
Included Activities:
- South Coast - Kvernufoss Waterfall Hike
- South Coast - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- South Coast - Skogafoss Waterfall visit
- South Coast - Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
- Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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 (2900 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum (4300 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Saga Museum (3600 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
- Reykjavik - Maritime Museum (2350 ISK)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
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
Reviews
Georgios - Traveled, March 2024
Great experience, the most that I like with intrepid is that in 5 days I saw things that probably I would have missed if I was there just by myself. the knowledgable local tour leader makes the difference, Thanks Siggi.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Douglas - Traveled, February 2024
Feel free to use any comments I have entered on this survey
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Linda - Traveled, February 2024
Thanks to our guide Jura, the visit to Iceland was incredible! I never would have gotten so much educational value by traveling solo, and made so many new friends during this trip. We got so lucky seeing the Aurora Borealis and experienced such good food and saw so many beautiful Southwestern Icelandic Landmarks. Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Sólheimajökull were particularly stunning and visiting all the little towns were so incredibly cool. Thank you again for such a lovely time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/09/2024
Farah - Traveled, February 2024
The weather was not good at all but everything else was excellent, our tour leader, our group and scenery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2024
Alice - Traveled, February 2024
This trip exceeded my expectations. We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on two nights! Jura, our Guide, was amazing. So knowledgeable of Iceland's history, culture and lifestyle, and also told us really entertaining stories of trolls and other folklore. The group got on so well and bonded from the get go. Hotels we stayed at were great too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Nancy - Traveled, February 2024
This was a trip that I always dreamed of and more. Saw Northern Lights twice and got outstanding scenery as a bonus.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
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