fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Iceland’s Golden Circle in Depth

Iceland’s Golden Circle in Depth

From $ 3,585 AUD

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print
,

Description

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.

Trip Name
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
Last Updated
2024-08-14
Days
5
Capacity
12
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.
  • Get a taste for Iceland’s local flavours with a visit to a workshop where they use native ingredients to make herbal teas, jams and salts, all created by a family of sustainability champions.
  • 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.

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. 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 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 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.
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), head back to your accommodation, and depending on the weather, rug up in warm clothing and head out in search of the northern lights.
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. This evening you’ll enjoy a comforting dinner at your accommodation before looking to the skies in search of dancing lights.
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
24-04-202528-04-2025AUD $ 3,585-
08-05-202512-05-2025AUD $ 3,835-
22-05-202526-05-2025AUD $ 3,730-
29-05-202502-06-2025AUD $ 3,730-
05-06-202509-06-2025AUD $ 3,730-
12-06-202516-06-2025AUD $ 3,730-
19-06-202523-06-2025AUD $ 3,990-
26-06-202530-06-2025AUD $ 3,730-
03-07-202507-07-2025AUD $ 3,870-
10-07-202514-07-2025AUD $ 3,870-
24-07-202528-07-2025AUD $ 3,870-
31-07-202504-08-2025AUD $ 3,870-
07-08-202511-08-2025AUD $ 3,890-
14-08-202518-08-2025AUD $ 3,870-
21-08-202525-08-2025AUD $ 3,870-
28-08-202501-09-2025AUD $ 3,870-
04-09-202508-09-2025AUD $ 3,730-
11-09-202515-09-2025AUD $ 3,730-
18-09-202522-09-2025AUD $ 3,585-
25-09-202529-09-2025AUD $ 3,585-
02-10-202506-10-2025AUD $ 3,585-
09-10-202513-10-2025AUD $ 3,585-
23-04-202627-04-2026AUD $ 3,765-
30-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 3,765-
07-05-202611-05-2026AUD $ 3,765-
21-05-202625-05-2026AUD $ 3,765-
28-05-202601-06-2026AUD $ 3,765-
04-06-202608-06-2026AUD $ 3,915-
11-06-202615-06-2026AUD $ 3,915-
18-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 3,915-
25-06-202629-06-2026AUD $ 3,915-
02-07-202606-07-2026AUD $ 4,065-
09-07-202613-07-2026AUD $ 4,065-
23-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 4,065-
30-07-202603-08-2026AUD $ 4,065-
06-08-202610-08-2026AUD $ 4,065-
13-08-202617-08-2026AUD $ 4,065-
20-08-202624-08-2026AUD $ 4,065-
27-08-202631-08-2026AUD $ 4,065-
03-09-202607-09-2026AUD $ 3,915-
10-09-202614-09-2026AUD $ 3,915-
17-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 3,915-
24-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 3,765-
01-10-202605-10-2026AUD $ 3,765-
08-10-202612-10-2026AUD $ 3,765-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Iceland Intrepid
More of activity:
Walking & Trekking