+1 (646) 972-4274  explore@socaislands.com
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From $4,199

Iceland Golden Circle

9 days, 8 nights Iceland
View departure dates
  • Tour code

    ISLADV02

  • Start

    Reykjavik

  • End

    Reykjavik

  • Min. age

    16 years old

  • Group size

    6-16 persons

  • Trip style

    Classic

  • Trip pace

    Active

  • Language

    English

Looking for a fast, jam-packed, but immersive visit around Iceland? This nine-day trip checks all the boxes. Pack those senses of adventure and head out into Iceland’s varied landscapes. Visit erupting geysers, glacier lagoons, and breathtaking waterfalls. Photograph black-sand beaches, soak in geothermal hot springs, and be prepared to fall more in love with a country with land you can sense shifting under your feet.

What you will see and do

Geysers, Glaciers & Waterfalls

Geysers, Glaciers & Waterfalls

Black-Sand Beaches & Volcanic Shores

Black-Sand Beaches & Volcanic Shores

Geothermal Hot Springs

Geothermal Hot Springs

What's included

All activities mentioned on the itinerary

Accommodations in double rooms

Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip

One farewell group lunch or dinner

Max 20 travellers per group

Arrival and departure airport transfers

Group transportation

Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you'd prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

Group itinerary

Arrive in Iceland at your convenience and settle into Reykjavik, the vibrant capital. Meet your group and trip leader during your Welcome Moment, and start getting excited for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, begin your scenic journey north to Akureyri, Iceland’s charming “Capital of the North.” Stroll through the picturesque old town, admire its quaint streets and colorful buildings, and enjoy lunch at a local café. Adventure seekers can opt for a whale-watching tour, spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Travel east toward the Mývatn region, stopping at Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Explore the otherworldly lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal wonders of Námaskarð. Take in the raw power of Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, before heading to the charming village of Bakkagerdi for an overnight stay in a cozy guesthouse.

Depart the serene village of Bakkagerdi and travel along Iceland’s stunning eastern fjords, keeping your camera ready for dramatic coastal vistas. Marvel at views of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and make plenty of stops for photos and exploration along the way before reaching Hofn for the evening

Visit the spectacular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs glisten like gems and seals often bask in the sun. Optional boat trips allow for an up-close encounter with the floating ice. Continue to Skaftafell National Park, with opportunities for hiking or an optional glacier trek with full equipment. In the evening, arrive in the small, picturesque town of Vik.

Start the day at Reynisfjara Beach, famous for its black sand and basalt columns. Then continue along the iconic Golden Circle, visiting Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss waterfalls, the erupting Geysir hot springs, and Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrive in Reykjavik in the early evening.

Enjoy an optional snorkeling experience in Silfra, swimming between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in crystal-clear glacial waters. Later, explore Reykjavik’s city center with your trip leader before unwinding at the Sky Lagoon, soaking in geothermal pools for your Wellness Moment.

Discover the dramatic landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the setting of Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Explore charming fishing villages, lava fields, volcanic craters, and coastal cliffs essentially a “Iceland in a nutshell” experience in one day.

Say farewell to Iceland and your fellow travelers after breakfast. Depart at any time, or extend your stay to explore more of Reykjavik or venture further across this incredible island.

Tour FAQS

Fly into and out of Keflavik airport (KEF).

Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.

While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

  1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
  2. Up-to-date medical advice:
    • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
    • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
    • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.

    We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.

    Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.

    Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.

    While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

    1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
    2. Up-to-date medical advice:
      • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
      • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
      • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

    3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.

    We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

    Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.

    Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.

    Would you like to learn more or customise our Iceland Golden Circle trip?

    Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.

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