Your itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavík
Transfer to your hotel and explore Reykjavík, depending on your flight time. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a welcome reception with appetizers and a drink. Later, head out of the city to search for the Northern Lights; viewing is not guaranteed.
Day 2
Day 2: Journey into the Golden Circle and on to Vik
Visit Þingvellir National Park, including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Parliament Plains, then see the Geysir hot springs and Gullfoss waterfall. Visit Friðheimar greenhouse and view Kerið crater before continuing along the South Coast to Vík and its black sand beach. The Vík Lava Show is an optional experience. Dinner is mentioned, but is not stated as included; the hotel may provide a Northern Lights wake-up call when viewing conditions are good.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Day 3: Exploring lava fields and Vatnajökull National Par
Travel east from Vík past the Eldhraun lava field and Skeiðarársandur black sand plains into Vatnajökull National Park. Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, with time for lunch; a boat experience is optional. Visit Diamond Beach and Skaftafell, then return to Vík. Dinner is at a restaurant of your choice and is not stated as included.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4
Day 4: Discover the breathtaking South coast
Travel west along the South Coast and visit Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, with views of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. At Bakkastofa Cultural Center in Eyrarbakki, meet Ásta Kristrún Ragnarsdóttir for a Be My Guest experience with Icelandic stories, poetry, tea and cake, and a meal. Visit Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant. Return to Reykjavík; a Northern Lights cruise is optional.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 5
Day 5: Rest and relax at the Blue Lagoon
Visit the Blue Lagoon and enjoy the included Comfort Package, with access to the sauna, steam room, colder lagoon and mud mask, plus a drink at the swim-up bar. Return to Reykjavík for a city orientation with your Travel Director. Enjoy free time for lunch and an afternoon at leisure, then gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 6
Day 6: Depart Reykjavík
Have breakfast at your hotel, check out and take an individual transfer to Keflavík Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Dining Summary
- 5 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner (D)
Iconic Experience
- Reykjavik: Witness one of nature’s most unforgettable displays as you travel into the Icelandic night in search of the Northern Lights. You’ll journey to areas with optimal viewing conditions for watching the aurora glow green, white and – if you’re extra lucky – pink and violet above the dark winter plains. As the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, sadly, experiencing their magic on your trip isn’t guaranteed. But with clear skies, a little luck and local knowledge, you may be in for a treat.
- Thingvellir National Park: In this UNESCO-listed national park you’ll see first-hand how the movements of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates have carved into the Earth’s crust, and explore the Parliament Plains, where Iceland’s early leaders gathered from 930 AD. The visit brings together volcanic scenery, cultural heritage and the stories that built the Icelandic nation.
- Gullfoss Falls: Marvel at the impressive beauty and magnitude of the ‘Golden Waterfall’ of Gullfoss, so called for the golden hue of its waters in the sunshine. You’ll learn about its history, including how it was saved at the turn of the last century by the tenacity of a farmer’s daughter, who threatened to throw herself into its depths if it was developed for hydroelectric power.
- Strokkur: Witness Iceland’s geothermal power at Strokkur, one of the country’s most active geysers. Watch as the earth bubbles, steams and suddenly erupts, sending a burst of hot water high into the air. Set in the Geysir hot spring area, this natural spectacle gives you a close-up look at the volcanic forces continually shaping Iceland’s landscapes.
- Fridheimar: Discover Icelandic ingenuity at Friðheimar, a family-run greenhouse where natural geothermal heat is harnessed to grow fresh produce year-round. Learn more about sustainable energy and clever growing techniques as you warm up in the greenhouse’s Mediterranean climate, and meet the elegant Icelandic horses bred on the estate.
- Vik: Journey to Iceland’s most famous crater, a striking volcanic caldera filled with vivid blue-green water. Formed thousands of years ago, its steep red slopes and moss-covered edges create one of the Golden Circle’s most colorful natural sights. You’ll walk around the rim for wide views across the surrounding landscape.
- Journey into your second UNESCO-listed national park: Vatnajokull, home to Europe’s largest glacier and some of Iceland’s most powerful scenery. See landscapes sculpted by ice, volcanic fire and shifting weather, from glacier tongues to sweeping black sand plains.
- Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Watch icebergs drift across the bright blue waters of Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most unforgettable natural sights. Broken from the nearby glacier, these floating sculptures shift and sparkle as they make their way towards the sea. Pause by the lagoon for wide-open views and a closer look at Iceland’s ever-changing glacial landscapes.
- Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Step onto a beach where fragments of glacier rest and sparkle on black volcanic sand. Washed ashore from nearby Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, these stunning pieces of ice create one of Iceland’s most unique views. Watch the waves shift the scene moment by moment as you take in this awe-inspiring coastline.
- Skogar: Stand before one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls as it plunges from the cliffs in a curtain of spray. Feel the force of the water, watch for rainbows in the mist and enjoy the wide-open scenery that surrounds it.
- Seljalandsfoss: Walk to one of Iceland’s most distinctive waterfalls, where water tumbles from the cliffs into the pool below. Take in the spray, sound and scale of Seljalandsfoss as it frames the wild volcanic scenery of the South Coast.
- Travel through landscapes watched over by Hekla and Eyjafjallajokull, two of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes. Admire their snow-dusted slopes from afar as you travel through an area known for stunning views that reveal the island’s powerful geology.
- Reykjavik: Explore the world’s northernmost capital in more detail with your Travel Director. You’ll learn about Icelandic culture, creativity and coastal life as you visit landmarks from The Sun Voyager sculpture on the waterfront and Harpa Concert Hall’s striking glass facade to the colorful Old Harbor. You’ll also enjoy the peace of Tjornin lake and the hilltop church Hallgrímskirkja, Perlan nature museum with its 360-degree panoramic views of the city, and the lively shopping street Laugavegur.
- Blue Lagoon: Soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most iconic geothermal spas. Surrounded by black lava fields and clouds of steam, you’ll experience the island’s volcanic energy in a deeply relaxing way. Let the milky-blue waters and striking scenery create a soothing final moment on your Icelandic journey.
How You'll Travel
- Deluxe coach travel
- Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
- Standard regional accommodation
Operated By
Trafalgar
Reykjavík Welcome Reception
Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers over appetisers and a drink at your Reykjavík hotel. Hear about the landscapes, local customs and experiences that shape this Icelandic journey.
The reception offers a relaxed introduction to the group and to Iceland’s capital, a coastal city known for its colourful streets and creative culture. It is a hosted gathering rather than a standard hotel meal.
Northern Lights Safari
Travel into the Icelandic night in search of the Northern Lights. Your group heads towards locations with promising viewing conditions, away from the brightest city lights, while learning about the science behind the aurora.
Charged particles interacting with Earth’s atmosphere can produce shifting bands of green, and occasionally other colours, across a dark sky. This is a natural phenomenon, so a sighting cannot be guaranteed; clear skies and local knowledge improve the chances.
Þingvellir National Park
Walk through UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, where fissures and cliffs mark the meeting of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Explore the Parliament Plains and take in the scale of this open, volcanic landscape.
Þingvellir is also central to Iceland’s national story: the Alþingi assembly was established here around 930 AD. Few places bring the island’s geological forces and centuries of human history together so visibly.
Geysir Hot Spring Area and Strokkur
Explore the Geysir hot spring area, where steam rises from the ground and geothermal water bubbles beneath the surface. Watch Strokkur erupt, sending a plume of hot water skywards at intervals.
This active landscape reveals the heat beneath Iceland’s volcanic terrain at close range. The area takes its name from the Great Geysir, whose name became the word used internationally for erupting hot springs.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Stand beside Gullfoss and feel the spray as the Hvítá River plunges in two stages into a rugged canyon. Paths and viewpoints reveal different perspectives on the waterfall’s powerful flow.
Known as the Golden Falls, Gullfoss is one of the landmarks of Iceland’s Golden Circle. Its preservation is closely associated with Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who campaigned against plans to harness the falls for hydroelectric power.
Friðheimar Greenhouse and Icelandic Horses
Visit the family-run Friðheimar greenhouse to discover how geothermal heat helps grow fresh produce through Iceland’s long winters. Step into its warm growing environment and learn about the techniques that make year-round cultivation possible.
The visit also introduces you to Icelandic horses bred on the estate. Together, the greenhouse and horses offer a close look at how local families work with Iceland’s climate, resources and traditions.
Kerið Volcanic Crater
Walk around the rim of Kerið, a volcanic crater whose red slopes and mossy edges surround a blue-green lake. Look across the crater to see how sharply its colours contrast with the surrounding terrain.
Formed thousands of years ago, Kerið is a striking example of the volcanic landscapes found along the Golden Circle. The rim walk offers a clear view of the crater’s shape and the water pooled far below.
Vík Black Sand Beach
Walk on Vík’s black sand beach and take in the meeting of dark volcanic shore, open Atlantic water and the South Coast’s steep landscape. It is a chance to experience the texture and scale of Iceland’s coastline on foot.
The sand owes its colour to volcanic rock broken down by the sea. The setting is beautiful but exposed, with powerful and unpredictable waves, making it important to keep a safe distance from the water.
Vatnajökull National Park and Skaftafell
Explore the scenery of UNESCO-listed Vatnajokull National Park, home to Iceland’s vast Vatnajokull ice cap. See glacier-shaped terrain and sweeping black sand plains, with views of glaciers and mountain peaks in the Skaftafell area.
The route also reveals the moss-covered Eldhraun lava field and the wide expanse of Skeiðarársandur. These contrasting landscapes show how eruptions, glacial rivers and ice have repeatedly reshaped Iceland’s south.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Watch icebergs drift across Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, their changing shapes and colours visible against the glacial water. At nearby Diamond Beach, look for pieces of ice washed onto black volcanic sand by the Atlantic.
The ice breaks from Breiðamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull, before moving through the lagoon towards the sea. Lagoon and beach offer two distinct views of the same constantly changing glacial process.
Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls
Feel the spray of Skógafoss, where a broad curtain of water drops from the South Coast cliffs. Visit Seljalandsfoss to see its narrower cascade fall into the misty landscape below.
Each waterfall has a different character: Skógafoss is known for its force and expansive setting, while Seljalandsfoss frames the surrounding cliffs and volcanic scenery. Together they reveal the abundance of water flowing from Iceland’s uplands towards the coast.
Bakkastofa Be My Guest Experience
Join local storyteller Ásta Kristrún Ragnarsdóttir at Bakkastofa Cultural Center in historic Eyrarbakki for a hosted Be My Guest experience. Hear Icelandic stories and poetry, and learn about her family history and the area’s heritage.
Local food, tea and cake accompany the conversation, making this a personal introduction to Icelandic hospitality rather than a standard meal stop. Eyrarbakki’s history as a coastal trading community adds another layer to the stories shared.
Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant
Visit Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant to learn how heat from beneath the ground is converted into electricity and heating for everyday use. Discover how superheated water and steam are brought to the surface and put to work.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience connects Iceland’s volcanic geology with its renewable-energy choices. The visit highlights both the ingenuity involved in using a natural resource and the country’s wider commitment to climate action.
Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa
Soak in the Blue Lagoon’s warm, mineral-rich waters amid black lava fields on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Steam rises from the milky-blue lagoon as you relax in one of Iceland’s best-known geothermal settings.
Your included Comfort Package adds access to the sauna, steam room and colder lagoon, plus a mud mask and a drink from the swim-up bar. The experience offers a distinctive way to feel the island’s geothermal energy rather than simply observe it.
Reykjavík City Orientation
Explore Reykjavík with your Travel Director and get to know the character of Iceland’s coastal capital. The orientation takes in city landmarks including the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall, alongside harbour views and colourful streets.
See how design, art and maritime life shape the city, from the Old Harbour to the striking form of Hallgrímskirkja. Your Travel Director adds local context to the places you encounter, making this more than an independent stroll.
Reykjavík Farewell Dinner
Gather with your fellow travellers for a hosted farewell dinner at a local Reykjavík restaurant. Share impressions of Iceland’s waterfalls, glaciers and volcanic landscapes over a meal together.
Dining in the capital offers a final opportunity to experience its restaurant scene and the social side of the journey. This organised group gathering is included as a farewell occasion; the itinerary does not specify a particular menu or venue.
The Vík Lava Show
Watch real molten lava up close at The Vík Lava Show, an indoor experience that brings Iceland’s volcanic activity into view. Hear local folklore as the glowing lava flows and cools before you.
The demonstration offers a controlled way to appreciate the heat, movement and texture of lava, complementing the volcanic landscapes seen across the South Coast. This Optional Experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Trip
Take a boat onto Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for a closer perspective on the icebergs floating across its waters. From the water, see their varied shapes, surfaces and shades of blue against the surrounding glacial landscape.
The ice has broken away from nearby Breiðamerkurjokull and continues to shift as it travels towards the sea. This boat trip is an Optional Experience at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Northern Lights Cruise
Set sail from Reykjavík in search of the Northern Lights, leaving the city’s brighter streets behind for a view of the night sky from the water. Watch for the aurora above the coastline while experiencing Iceland’s capital from a different perspective.
Visibility depends on cloud cover and solar activity, so a sighting is never guaranteed. The cruise is an Optional Experience at additional cost and bookable on tour.