Meals

2 breakfasts

Transport

On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that there are some long travel days and some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time. All our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi. Private minibus with free Wi-Fi

Accommodation

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin or multishare basis. Single travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. Twin-share, quad-share and multishare bunk accommodation may be used depending on the season and the make-up of the group. A single supplement is not available on this trip. Please also be aware that many guesthouses in Iceland offer shared bathrooms rather than ensuite facilities. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES: Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don’t provide kettles or fridges. Guesthouses & Farm Stays (4 nights)

Others

Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit South Coast - Dyrholaey Viewpoint South Coast - Black Sand Beach South Coast - Reynisfjara Rocks South Coast - Laki Lava Fields Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Vik - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Jokulsarlon - Diamond Beach

Guide

All Intrepid group trips in Iceland are accompanied by one of our group leaders, who will also be the driver. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Optional

Other activities and services not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Reykjavik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 Day 2: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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. This guesthouse is a leader in local responsible tourism and sustainability. The owners started a tree planting project on their land to contribute to lowering atmospheric carbon dioxide and counteract soil erosion. Tonight, you’ll have the option to join the effort and head out into the hills surrounding the property to plant trees yourself.
Day 3 Day 3: Myrdalsjokull / South Coast / Reynivellir
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 Day 4: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon / Vik / Reykjavik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 Day 5: Reykjavik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.

5 days tour

Iceland Express

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Iceland Express

Day 1: Reykjavik

Day 2: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area

Day 3: Myrdalsjokull / South Coast / Reynivellir

Day 4: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon / Vik / Reykjavik

Day 5: Reykjavik

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