8 Day Iceland Discovery

Fully Guided Adventure Small Group

Our Price From 2,946 Per Person

Exclusive Savings 1,348 Per Person

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Trip Length

8 Days

Trip Starts

Reykjavik

Trip Finishes

Reykjavik

8 Day Iceland Discovery Itinerary (Intrepid)

Countries Explored: Iceland

Trip Operator

Intrepid Travel

149 Reviews

Trip Style

Original

Departures

Jun 2025 to Oct 2027

Budget

Affordable

Max. Group Size

Pace

Leisurely

Guide Level

Fully Guided

Trip Code

BMSI

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 8 Day Iceland Discovery. Travel to Iceland and delve into the ancient tales of Vikings and volcanoes on this eight-day adventure to its heartlands. Marvel at geothermal hot springs, witness the steamy eruptions of a giant geyser, touch the tongue of Europe's biggest glacier at Vatnajokull and cruise the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, see lava that's still warm after decades and witness the giant Skogafoss and Detifoss waterfalls in all their splendour.

Travel through Iceland's isolated corners and the land of the famous Blue Lagoon...read more

Itinerary

Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, which 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, this city boasts a vibrant arts and nightlife scene. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your accommodation tonight. If you arrive early, why not 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 in the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Make an early start to beat the crowds on the Golden Circle route. Head to Thingvellir National Park, home to the Parliament Plains and location of Iceland’s first parliament. Thingvellir also contains the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. The resulting gap is partly filled with fresh water and is clearly visible. From here, head to the Geysir geothermal area, checking out Strokkur and watching as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting 20 to 30 m in the air. See the immense beauty and sheer power of the Gullfoss (Golden) double waterfall on the Hvita River, before proceeding to a remote farm in the Hvolsvollur region – your home for the night. (B)

You’ll start the day at the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls – you can feel the power of Skogafoss up close at the viewpoint, with a strenuous walk up a windy set of stairs. The black sands and bizarre, rectangular rock formations of Reynisfjara are up next. The last stop of the day is the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Make sure you head down to Diamond Beach, where some of the icebergs wash up onto the black sand. Maybe book the optional walk along the face of one of Europe's largest glaciers – the epic ice cap of Vatnajokull. (B)

Return to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon this morning to cruise between the jagged icebergs on a boat tour. Then, take a scenic drive along the rugged coast of the East Fjords. Enjoy the spectacular views of high mountains, deep fjords, waterfalls, glaciers and fishing villages. Make stops along the way at small but notable towns like Djupivogur, which became a member of the cittaslow movement in 2013 and is aiming to be the Happiest Town in Iceland. Drop by Egilsstadir – home to the mythic Lagarfljot Wyrm – then continue along mountain roads to the farm village of Modrudalur. At 469 m (1539 ft) above sea level, Modrudalur is the highest inhabited place in Iceland, and snow can be seen almost year-round. Stretch your legs with a walk to the farm's church, built in 1949 by farmer Jon Adalsteinn Stefansson in memory of his wife, then settle in for the night. (B)

Set off for Dettifoss – Europe's mightiest waterfall at 100-m wide and with a 45-m drop into the craggy shores of Jokulsargljufur canyon below. It’s so powerful that it’s vibrations can be felt underfoot! Continue to volcanic Lake Myvatn, then Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain. Walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir, then see the massive pseudo craters of Skutustadir. Continue to the crescent shaped Godafoss waterfall, where legend says a lawmaker priest threw the idols of the Norse gods when Christianity became Iceland’s official religion in AD 1000. Travel on to Akureyri and settle into your accommodation for the evening. (B)

Situated at the head of Iceland's longest fjord, Akureyri is the nation's second-largest city. This morning, embark on a short walking tour of the town, taking in the striking church and other local sights. Later, continue to Snaefellsnes Peninsula – home to the magnificent Snaefellsjokull Glacier, which played a starring role in Jules Verne's 1864 novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Next up is Lysuholslaug, where you can bathe in thermal pools (depending on the season) or check out the Icelandic horses grazing in the fields. Tonight, you’ll join your group and hosts for a delicious home-cooked dinner. (B/D)

Continue exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning with the white beach at Budir, then go on to Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs exposes you to rich bird life. Continue on to the basaltic pebble beach Djupalonssandur. In the afternoon, head back to Reykjavik to complete your circuit of Iceland. You may wish to book an optional whale watching tour for later this afternoon if you’re here between May and December. The rest of the evening is yours to maybe head out to dinner with your fellow travellers and toast with a glass of Brennivin (a savoury schnapps) to a wonderful adventure. (B)

Today, your adventure comes to an end and it’s time to say sjaumst (see you soon)! If you'd like to extend your stay and browse some of the city's great art galleries or take on a Silfra Fissure snorkelling adventure, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

Discover there’s a lot more to Iceland than ice (and Bjork). Ford the fjords, glaciers, volcanoes and black sand beaches, and maybe consider adding on a visit to the renowned Blue Lagoon for a soak in the geothermal springs.
Spend the evening in the farm town of Modrudalur – an isolated settlement and the highest inhabited place in Iceland – and enjoy a home-cooked dinner at your guesthouse at Snaefellsnes.
Walk to the mottled blue, grey and black tongue of Vatnajokull glacier – an ice cap so large it covers eight per cent of the country – and discover the incredible Skogafoss Waterfall.
Glide past blue-white icebergs on an included boat tour of Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and soak up the silence of the surrounding grey sand desert.
Experience the unearthly scenery at Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain, and take a walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir.

Hotel (4 nights)
Guest house & Farm stay with shared facilities (3 nights)

7 Breakfasts included
1 Dinners included

Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.

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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.

Iceland Discovery

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Reykjavik

Day 2: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Valley

Day 3: South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Day 4: East Fjords / Modrudalur Valley

Day 5: Lake Myvatn / Akureyri

Day 6: Akureyri / Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Day 7: Snaefellsnes Peninsula / Reykjavik

Day 8: Reykjavik

Trip Inclusions Expand All

Sightseeing Highlights

Accommodation

Included Meals

Trip Notes

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Intrepid Europe & Middle East (2024-25)

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