Your itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Reykjavik
Welcome to Iceland, home to the world’s most swoon-worthy sights. You’ll soon be heading home with a camera roll filled with epic vistas and a head full of cherished memories with a group of 27 to 35s. But first thing’s first, it’s time to get acquainted with the quirky and colourful buildings of Reykjavik (this captivating capital is cool in more ways than one). After checking into your hostel and having time to unwind, we’ll bond over a tasty dinner, feeling the frisson of excitement about the fine days that lay ahead of us.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Day 2: Reykjavik to Midgard via Þingvellir and Geysir
Say goodbye to Reykjavik and get ready to swap city streets for Iceland’s greatest hits on the Golden Circle. Today we’re tackling three of the Golden Circle’s star-studded spots: first up Þingvellir National Park (where the world’s oldest parliament once met by Iceland’s largest lake!). Then a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Efstidalur farm for a taste of fresh local ice cream and a peek at Icelandic cattle. After that it’s on to Strokkur in the Geysir geothermal area to watch it erupt, followed by the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Tonight we roll into Midgard Base Camp, where you can dial it down in the rooftop sauna and hot tub and let the day’s “how is this place real?” moments sink in.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Day 3: Midgard to Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Rise and shine! After breakfast we’re headed across the astonishingly beautiful south shore. It’s time for more spectacular waterfalls, the famous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. After gawping at their thundering beauty, we’re headed past the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier to Reynisfjara beach. Take a walk along the uniquely black sands, admire the crazy rock formations and remind yourself you’re still on planet earth.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 4
Day 4: Kirkjubaejarklaustur to Vik via Skaftafell
This morning, we’re off to Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe’s largest ice cap (and the biggest national park in Western Europe). Get your cameras ready as we check out Svinafellsjökull, one of the standout glacier outlets flowing from Vatnajökull. You’ll also have the option to sign up for a glacier adventure. Next up is Skaftafell, a lush green oasis in southern Vatnajökull National Park surrounded by glaciers and volcanoes — proper fire-and-ice territory. We’ll also stop at the jaw-dropping Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to see its still waters and floating icebergs, then visit the nearby beach where the lagoon meets the Atlantic for snaps with washed-up ice chunks. This area is also a top spot to join an optional guided glacier hike on Vatnajökull and see up close how the ice has shaped Iceland. Finally, we’ll roll into Vík after a day of fresh air and big sights, ready to wind down after a long day of one breathtaking scene after another.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5
Day 5: Vik to Reykjavik via Blue Lagoon
After breakfast we hit the road and head towards the Reykjanes Peninsula (this is where Iceland starts flexing with lava landscapes and wild coastal views). Next up, the Blue Lagoon. Naturally heated, mineral-rich water surrounded by black lava fields — it’s the kinda place you sink into and instantly forget what day it is. You’ll have time to soak, float, and properly recharge. Back on dry land, we’ll see more of Reykjanes with geothermal sites, dramatic coastlines, and small villages. Then we’ll roll into Reykjavik for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6
Day 6: Reykjavik
Pack your bags back in pretty Reykjavik and try to stay on the high induced by all the wonders we’ve taken in. We’ll say our farewells as the trip wraps up, leaving us with a deep appreciation for this special country.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Age Range
Age 27-35 (2027)
Dining Summary
- 3 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
FAQs
- London: Your Trip Manager will advise you on who you’ll share your room with. On this trip, you’ll stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.
- Reykjavik: The climate in this region is unpredictable due to its geographical location. In shoulder season (May, September, and October) you can expect temperatures to vary between single digits and warm sunny days, while from June until September temperatures can reach up to 25 C (77 F) during the day with July being the warmest month. During summer, Iceland also regularly experiences 24 hours of daylight, so you can truly make the most of your sightseeing!
- Reykjavik: It is always a good idea to bring a warm windproof jacket. No matter which time of year you decide to travel, it can get quite cool at night especially outside of the cities, so we recommend that you bring a warm jacket or fleece. It is also recommended to bring along comfortable walking shoes, waterproof jacket & pants, sunscreen and a hat.
- Reykjavik: Your trip offers an optional glacier hike and with the varied weather conditions of Iceland its essential you dress for the occasion. Please pack the following: Hiking boots (if you do not have these, you are able to hire them from the Mountain Guides) Waterproof jacket Warm socks Hat and gloves Warm trousers/pants (pack a waterproof outer layer if you have it)
- Reykjavik: The Northern Lights are more common during the winter months, when it gets darker earlier and the sky is clear and free of light pollution. The Northern Lights (AKA the Aurora Borealis) are a natural display of coloured lights in the night sky of the northern hemisphere. They’re a natural phenomenon, so it can never be guaranteed. But you’ll have a higher chance of seeing them the further up north you go. (Fingers crossed…)
- Reykjavik: The currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). ATMs are readily available, and most places accept credit/debit cards.
Included Experience
- Reykjavik: Dine on a delicious dinner with your new found friends and toast the beginning of a wonderful adventure – the possibilities are endless!!
- Midgard: Stay at this wonderful camp, decked out with a sauna. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights from while you’re warming up in the hot tub here! There’s also a cosy communal area with board games.
- Geysir: Get your camera ready for this jumping geothermal wonder as we explore the heart of Iceland, Thingvellir National Park. And if you miss the photo op don’t worry. It’ll happen again in five minutes. Luckily!
- Midgard: After visiting the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, we’ll swing by a local dairy farm for a sweet little pit stop and the chance to try their freshly made ice cream. It’s a fun way to see a slice of Icelandic farm life (and why the dairy here is such a big deal).
- Skaftafell: Get your camera reel a-ready for some of the weirdest and most wonderful waterfalls you’ll have ever seen in your life!
- Skaftafell: Walk the black sands on the world-famous Reynisfjara Beach and look out for the basalt pillars and unique rock formations on the coast.
- Skaftafell: Marvel at canyons, volcanoes & glaciers on a drive through Kirkjubaejarklaustur, a beautiful rural town of just 500 people.
- Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: We ain’t joking when we tell you that this lagoon will absolutely blow your mind. You have some time to take in the glacial scenery & check out the world-famous Diamond Beach.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Visit Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to watch glittering blue icebergs drift from Breiðamerkurjokull toward the sea, sometimes accompanied by curious seals. Cross to nearby Diamond Beach, where crystal-like ice shards sparkle over black volcanic sand.
Discover how retreating glaciers formed this deep lagoon and how tides tug ice between calm waters and surf. The setting is cinematic and contemplative—ideal for slow wandering and atmospheric photography.
Skaftafell & Svínafellsjökull Viewpoints, Vatnajökull National Park
Explore Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park, a green oasis framed by glaciers and volcanic peaks. Follow easy trails to viewpoints over the serrated tongue of the Svínafellsjokull outlet glacier, where ash-streaked ice creaks in slow motion beneath dramatic ridgelines.
Learn how Europe’s largest ice cap carved birch woods, moraines, and sweeping plains—and why filmmakers prize this otherworldly terrain. Expect crisp mountain air, expansive vistas, and time to linger at scenic lookouts.
Reykjanes Peninsula Geothermal Sites & Atlantic Cliffs
Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula’s raw edge, a UNESCO Global Geopark where steaming earth meets the ocean. Feel the heat at the Gunnuhver geothermal area and scan sea cliffs by the historic Reykjanesviti lighthouse, watching waves detonate against ancient lava headlands.
Trace the Mid-Atlantic Ridge on land at the Bridge Between Continents and glimpse young lava fields when accessible. This compact circuit blends accessible geology with wild, salt-sprayed viewpoints.
Reykjavík Welcome Dinner
Settle into the capital and share a welcome dinner in a cosy Reykjavík bistro, sampling seasonal Icelandic dishes such as tender lamb, Arctic char, and skyr-bright desserts—and raise a glass to the journey with your like-minded travel crew.
Learn how geothermal greenhouses and North Atlantic fisheries shape New Nordic flavors, from crisp vegetables to ocean-fresh seafood. A warm, sociable start that pairs bold tastes with easy conversation.
Blue Lagoon Geothermal Bath (Optional)
Soak in the Blue Lagoon, easing into warm, silica-rich waters framed by black lava fields and steam rising in soft clouds. Smooth on a mineral mud mask and let muscles unwind in this Icelandic spa ritual.
Fed by the Svartsengi geothermal plant’s mineral-heavy outflow, the lagoon combines modern comfort with lunar landscapes. This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour and subject to timed entry.
Vatnajökull Glacier Hike with Certified Guides (Optional)
Join a guided glacier hike with certified experts on a safe tongue of the Vatnajokull ice cap, learning to move with crampons and ice axes across blue ice, snow bridges, and wind-carved ridges.
Hear how crevasses, moulins, and ash layers record centuries of climate and eruptions. This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour; all technical gear and a full safety briefing are provided.
Reykjanes Peninsula Farewell Dinner (Optional)
Gather on the lava-sculpted coast for a farewell dinner, savoring line-caught North Atlantic fish, tender Icelandic lamb, and vibrant vegetarian plates paired with local craft beer or crisp aquavit.
Framed by a rugged seascape shaped by fire and ocean, this convivial meal offers a fitting close to your adventure. This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.
South Coast Waterfalls & Reynisfjara Black-Sand Beach
Chase South Coast icons on a day of contrasts. Stand before the veil-like cascades of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, where mist throws rainbows across the gorge. Walk the inky sands of Reynisfjara black-sand beach to the basalt columns and feel the Atlantic roar along the cliffs.
Unpack the folklore behind the basalt sea stacks of Reynisdrangar and the volcano-glacier forces that sculpted this coast. Expect photogenic stops, brisk sea air, and optional short walks on well-trodden paths.
Golden Circle: Þingvellir, Geysir & Gullfoss with Farm Tasting
Explore Iceland’s essentials as you join a guided Golden Circle tour to Þingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American plates pull apart beside Lake Þingvallavatn. Watch the Strokkur geyser erupt and feel the spray from the tiered Gullfoss waterfall. Stop at family-run Efstidalur farm to taste fresh, creamy ice cream made on site.
Hear how the Alþingi, the world’s oldest parliament, first met at Þingvellir over a millennium ago. This compact circuit fuses raw geology with rural flavor, mixing easy walks and broad viewpoints across classic volcanic landscapes.
Operated By
Contiki
