SHORTLIST

Iceland Discovery

Travel to Iceland and delve into the ancient tales of Vikings and volcans 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 – so ethereal, they’ve inspired artists, pts and musicians for centuries. Plus, with a local leader on hand to answer any questions and get you from place to place, you’ll be cruising around this icy isle in no time!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. Iceland can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to outdoor activities, but especially in terms of eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on how to save money. In remote areas the only option for dinner will be at the guesthouse we are staying at. Stock up on food at a supermarket prior to arrival if you would like to opt out eating at the guesthouse's restaurant. Please make sure you read the trip notes carefully in order to know what is and what isn't included in the trip price.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$6,180
Number of Days
8
Start Location
Reykjavik, Iceland
End Location
Reykjavik, Iceland
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 12
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Adventure
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: Reykjavik
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.
Day 2: Hvolsvollur
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.
Day 3: Skaftafell National Park
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.
Day 4: Modrudalur Valley
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.
Day 5: Myvatn to Akureyri
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.
Day 6: Akureyri to Snaefellsnes
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.
Day 7: Snaefellsnes to Reykjavik
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.
Day 8: Reykjavik
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.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner.
  • Transport: Private minibus with free Wi-Fi.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights), Guest house & Farm stay with shared facilities (3 nights).
  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir.
  • Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall.
  • Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park.
  • Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit.
  • South Coast - Rocks of Reynisfjara.
  • Vik - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
  • Seljalandsfoss - Waterfall Visit.
  • East Fjords - Scenic Drive with Stops at Djupivogur & Egilsstadir.
  • Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour.
  • Myvatn - Namaskard Boiling Mud Pools, Dimmuborgir & Skutustadir Crater Group.
  • Dettifoss - Waterfall Visit.
  • Myvatn - Lake Myvatn.
  • Godafoss - Waterfall Visit.
  • Akureyri - Walking Tour.
  • Snaefellsnes - Home-cooked dinner.
  • Snaefellsnes National Park.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
18 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026 4 $6,285
20 Apr 2026 27 Apr 2026 12 $6,285
22 Apr 2026 29 Apr 2026 12 $6,285
27 Apr 2026 04 May 2026 10 $6,180
29 Apr 2026 06 May 2026 9 $6,180
01 May 2026 08 May 2026 12 $6,285
04 May 2026 11 May 2026 11 $6,285
06 May 2026 13 May 2026 9 $6,285
09 May 2026 16 May 2026 10 $6,285
11 May 2026 18 May 2026 5 $6,525
13 May 2026 20 May 2026 10 $6,285
15 May 2026 22 May 2026 10 $6,285
18 May 2026 25 May 2026 11 $6,285
20 May 2026 27 May 2026 10 $6,285
23 May 2026 30 May 2026 8 $6,475
25 May 2026 01 Jun 2026 12 $6,475
30 May 2026 06 Jun 2026 10 $6,475
01 Jun 2026 08 Jun 2026 7 $6,475
03 Jun 2026 10 Jun 2026 12 $6,660
05 Jun 2026 12 Jun 2026 12 $6,660
06 Jun 2026 13 Jun 2026 6 $6,960
08 Jun 2026 15 Jun 2026 8 $6,785
10 Jun 2026 17 Jun 2026 7 $6,920
12 Jun 2026 19 Jun 2026 12 $6,785
13 Jun 2026 20 Jun 2026 11 $6,785
15 Jun 2026 22 Jun 2026 11 $6,785
17 Jun 2026 24 Jun 2026 9 $6,785
19 Jun 2026 26 Jun 2026 9 $6,785
20 Jun 2026 27 Jun 2026 4 $7,240
22 Jun 2026 29 Jun 2026 12 $6,660
24 Jun 2026 01 Jul 2026 10 $6,660
26 Jun 2026 03 Jul 2026 12 $6,660
27 Jun 2026 04 Jul 2026 12 $6,475
29 Jun 2026 06 Jul 2026 12 $6,475
01 Jul 2026 08 Jul 2026 12 $6,475
03 Jul 2026 10 Jul 2026 12 $6,475
06 Jul 2026 13 Jul 2026 12 $6,475
08 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026 12 $6,475
10 Jul 2026 17 Jul 2026 12 $6,475
13 Jul 2026 20 Jul 2026 11 $6,475
15 Jul 2026 22 Jul 2026 12 $6,475
17 Jul 2026 24 Jul 2026 11 $6,475
20 Jul 2026 27 Jul 2026 12 $6,475
24 Jul 2026 31 Jul 2026 9 $6,475
27 Jul 2026 03 Aug 2026 12 $6,475
29 Jul 2026 05 Aug 2026 8 $6,475
31 Jul 2026 07 Aug 2026 12 $6,660
03 Aug 2026 10 Aug 2026 12 $6,660
05 Aug 2026 12 Aug 2026 10 $6,660
07 Aug 2026 14 Aug 2026 12 $6,660
08 Aug 2026 15 Aug 2026 12 $6,660
10 Aug 2026 17 Aug 2026 9 $6,660
12 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 11 $6,660
14 Aug 2026 21 Aug 2026 12 $6,660
15 Aug 2026 22 Aug 2026 12 $6,785
17 Aug 2026 24 Aug 2026 9 $6,785
19 Aug 2026 26 Aug 2026 12 $6,785
21 Aug 2026 28 Aug 2026 12 $6,785
24 Aug 2026 31 Aug 2026 12 $6,785
26 Aug 2026 02 Sep 2026 12 $6,785
28 Aug 2026 04 Sep 2026 12 $6,785
29 Aug 2026 05 Sep 2026 12 $6,785
31 Aug 2026 07 Sep 2026 11 $6,785
02 Sep 2026 09 Sep 2026 12 $6,785
04 Sep 2026 11 Sep 2026 10 $6,785
07 Sep 2026 14 Sep 2026 12 $6,785
09 Sep 2026 16 Sep 2026 12 $6,785
11 Sep 2026 18 Sep 2026 12 $6,785
12 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026 8 $6,845
14 Sep 2026 21 Sep 2026 12 $6,660
16 Sep 2026 23 Sep 2026 12 $6,660
18 Sep 2026 25 Sep 2026 8 $6,825
19 Sep 2026 26 Sep 2026 12 $6,660
21 Sep 2026 28 Sep 2026 10 $6,660
23 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 10 $6,660
24 Sep 2026 01 Oct 2026 9 $6,660
26 Sep 2026 03 Oct 2026 12 $6,475
28 Sep 2026 05 Oct 2026 12 $6,475
30 Sep 2026 07 Oct 2026 9 $6,595
01 Oct 2026 08 Oct 2026 11 $6,475
02 Oct 2026 09 Oct 2026 12 $6,285
03 Oct 2026 10 Oct 2026 12 $6,285
05 Oct 2026 12 Oct 2026 12 $6,285
07 Oct 2026 14 Oct 2026 12 $6,285
08 Oct 2026 15 Oct 2026 10 $6,285
09 Oct 2026 16 Oct 2026 12 $6,285
10 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026 12 $6,285
12 Oct 2026 19 Oct 2026 10 $6,285
17 Apr 2027 24 Apr 2027 12 $6,600
19 Apr 2027 26 Apr 2027 12 $6,600
21 Apr 2027 28 Apr 2027 12 $6,600
26 Apr 2027 03 May 2027 12 $6,600
28 Apr 2027 05 May 2027 12 $6,600
03 May 2027 10 May 2027 12 $6,600
05 May 2027 12 May 2027 12 $6,600
08 May 2027 15 May 2027 12 $6,600
10 May 2027 17 May 2027 12 $6,600
12 May 2027 19 May 2027 12 $6,600
17 May 2027 24 May 2027 12 $6,600
19 May 2027 26 May 2027 12 $6,600
22 May 2027 29 May 2027 12 $6,800
24 May 2027 31 May 2027 12 $6,800
29 May 2027 05 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
31 May 2027 07 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
02 Jun 2027 09 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
05 Jun 2027 12 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
07 Jun 2027 14 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
09 Jun 2027 16 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
12 Jun 2027 19 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
14 Jun 2027 21 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
16 Jun 2027 23 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
18 Jun 2027 25 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
19 Jun 2027 26 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
21 Jun 2027 28 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
23 Jun 2027 30 Jun 2027 12 $6,800
25 Jun 2027 02 Jul 2027 12 $6,800
26 Jun 2027 03 Jul 2027 12 $6,800
28 Jun 2027 05 Jul 2027 12 $6,800
30 Jun 2027 07 Jul 2027 12 $6,800
02 Jul 2027 09 Jul 2027 12 $6,995
05 Jul 2027 12 Jul 2027 12 $6,995
07 Jul 2027 14 Jul 2027 12 $6,995
10 Jul 2027 17 Jul 2027 12 $6,995
12 Jul 2027 19 Jul 2027 12 $6,995
14 Jul 2027 21 Jul 2027 12 $6,995
17 Jul 2027 24 Jul 2027 12 $6,995
19 Jul 2027 26 Jul 2027 12 $6,995
21 Jul 2027 28 Jul 2027 12 $6,995
24 Jul 2027 31 Jul 2027 12 $6,995
26 Jul 2027 02 Aug 2027 10 $6,995
28 Jul 2027 04 Aug 2027 12 $6,995
31 Jul 2027 07 Aug 2027 12 $6,995
02 Aug 2027 09 Aug 2027 12 $6,995
04 Aug 2027 11 Aug 2027 12 $6,995
07 Aug 2027 14 Aug 2027 12 $7,125
09 Aug 2027 16 Aug 2027 12 $7,125
11 Aug 2027 18 Aug 2027 12 $7,125
14 Aug 2027 21 Aug 2027 12 $7,125
16 Aug 2027 23 Aug 2027 12 $7,125
18 Aug 2027 25 Aug 2027 12 $7,125
20 Aug 2027 27 Aug 2027 12 $7,125
21 Aug 2027 28 Aug 2027 12 $7,125
23 Aug 2027 30 Aug 2027 12 $7,125
25 Aug 2027 01 Sep 2027 12 $7,125
27 Aug 2027 03 Sep 2027 12 $7,125
28 Aug 2027 04 Sep 2027 12 $7,125
30 Aug 2027 06 Sep 2027 12 $7,125
01 Sep 2027 08 Sep 2027 12 $7,125
04 Sep 2027 11 Sep 2027 12 $7,125
06 Sep 2027 13 Sep 2027 12 $7,125
08 Sep 2027 15 Sep 2027 12 $7,125
11 Sep 2027 18 Sep 2027 12 $7,125
13 Sep 2027 20 Sep 2027 12 $7,125
15 Sep 2027 22 Sep 2027 12 $7,125
18 Sep 2027 25 Sep 2027 12 $7,125
20 Sep 2027 27 Sep 2027 12 $6,995
22 Sep 2027 29 Sep 2027 12 $6,995
23 Sep 2027 30 Sep 2027 12 $6,995
25 Sep 2027 02 Oct 2027 11 $6,995
27 Sep 2027 04 Oct 2027 12 $6,800
29 Sep 2027 06 Oct 2027 12 $6,800
30 Sep 2027 07 Oct 2027 12 $6,800
01 Oct 2027 08 Oct 2027 12 $6,800
02 Oct 2027 09 Oct 2027 12 $6,600
04 Oct 2027 11 Oct 2027 12 $6,600
06 Oct 2027 13 Oct 2027 12 $6,600
07 Oct 2027 14 Oct 2027 12 $6,600
08 Oct 2027 15 Oct 2027 12 $6,600
09 Oct 2027 16 Oct 2027 12 $6,600
11 Oct 2027 18 Oct 2027 12 $6,600