Explore Iceland: Golden Circle & Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. This city sees around hours of sunlight per day in winter and 22 hours summer! Surrounded by volcanic peaks and clear ocean, this city boasts a vibrant arts and nightlife scene. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not head to the National Museum or join locals in the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

After your welcome meeting, maybe head into town with the group and get to know each other over dinner.

Today is all about exploring Iceland’s well-known Golden Circle. First stop is at Thingvellir National Park where you’ll see the Parliament Plains – the site of Iceland’s first parliament. As you walk around the national park, be sure to look out for the Silfra fissure – a geological site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart. Then, head to Iceland's geothermal area to check out Stokkur and watch as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting roughly 20 to 30 m into the air. Then continue to Gullfoss Waterfall and take in the sheer power of its double-tiered cascade on the Hvita River. Whether shimmering with glistening ice in winter or sending up misty spray that catches the sun to form rainbows, the waterfall is an amazing sight in every season.

Tonight, you’ll stay in Hvolsvollur. (B)

Set out to explore the scenic Snaefellsness Peninsula in West Iceland – renowned for its diverse landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, lava fields, geothermal areas and rugged coastlines. First, visit the Hraunfossar and Barnafossar Waterfalls and take in the scenic views of clear blue waters and lava rock formations. Next, stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, before continuing to the Reykholt historic site – once home to medieval writer, Snorri Sturluson.

In the afternoon, visit the Viogelmir Lava Cave – Iceland’s longest lava tube cave located underneath Hallmundarhraun Lava Field. Learn about the volcanic eruption that created the cave as you walk underneath stalactites and among ancient lava formations.

This evening, maybe unwind at the Krauma Geothermal Baths before heading back to your accommodation on an authentic Icelandic farm in Snaefellsness. (B)

Continue exploring the Snaefellsness Peninsula today, beginning at the Budir Church – a solitary black wooden chapel set against white sands and lava fields. Then, continue to Djupalonssandur, also known as the Black Lava Pearl Beach. Have your camera ready as you approach the dramatic black sand and pebbled shoreline, scattered with shipwreck remains and lava formations. Your last stop today is the Kirkjufell Mountain, where you can walk among the sharp peaks and cascading waterfalls featured in Game of Thrones.

In the afternoon, head back to Reykjavik for your last night in Iceland and maybe go to dinner with your group to celebrate an epic trip. (B)

Your trip comes to an end today. As there are no activities planned, you are welcome to leave at any time. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)