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Iceland Express

Iceland Express

From $ 1,920 AUD

Description

Want a big adventure in a short amount of time? Travel to Iceland and explore the ancient land of Vikings and volcanoes. 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.

Trip Name
Iceland Express
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
5
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • This 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.

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
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.
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-05-202505-05-2025AUD $ 1,920-
15-05-202519-05-2025AUD $ 1,920-
05-06-202509-06-2025AUD $ 1,920-
12-06-202516-06-2025AUD $ 1,995-
19-06-202523-06-2025AUD $ 1,995-
26-06-202530-06-2025AUD $ 2,140-
03-07-202507-07-2025AUD $ 1,995-
10-07-202514-07-2025AUD $ 1,995-
24-07-202528-07-2025AUD $ 2,150-
31-07-202504-08-2025AUD $ 2,075-
04-08-202508-08-2025AUD $ 2,075-
07-08-202511-08-2025AUD $ 2,075-
14-08-202518-08-2025AUD $ 2,075-
18-08-202522-08-2025AUD $ 2,075-
21-08-202525-08-2025AUD $ 2,075-
25-08-202529-08-2025AUD $ 2,075-
28-08-202501-09-2025AUD $ 2,080-
04-09-202508-09-2025AUD $ 1,995-
11-09-202515-09-2025AUD $ 1,995-
18-09-202522-09-2025AUD $ 1,920-
25-09-202529-09-2025AUD $ 1,920-
29-09-202503-10-2025AUD $ 1,940-
30-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 2,015-
14-05-202618-05-2026AUD $ 2,015-
21-05-202625-05-2026AUD $ 1,920-
28-05-202601-06-2026AUD $ 2,015-
04-06-202608-06-2026AUD $ 2,015-
11-06-202615-06-2026AUD $ 2,015-
18-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 2,095-
25-06-202629-06-2026AUD $ 2,095-
02-07-202606-07-2026AUD $ 2,095-
09-07-202613-07-2026AUD $ 2,095-
16-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 2,095-
20-07-202624-07-2026AUD $ 1,920-
23-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 2,180-
30-07-202603-08-2026AUD $ 2,180-
06-08-202610-08-2026AUD $ 2,180-
13-08-202617-08-2026AUD $ 2,180-
17-08-202621-08-2026AUD $ 2,180-
20-08-202624-08-2026AUD $ 2,180-
24-08-202628-08-2026AUD $ 2,180-
27-08-202631-08-2026AUD $ 2,095-
03-09-202607-09-2026AUD $ 2,095-
10-09-202614-09-2026AUD $ 2,095-
17-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 2,015-
24-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 2,015-
28-09-202602-10-2026AUD $ 2,015-

Accommodation

Guesthouses & Cottage Farm Stays (4 nights)

Transport

Private minibus with free wi-fi

Map