Golden Circle of Iceland Summer
Golden Circle of Iceland Summer
Golden Circle of Iceland Summer
5 Days Starting in Reykjavik, Iceland and ending in Geysir, Iceland
Visiting: Reykjavik, Vik, Golden Circle Area
Tour operator:
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Iceland's stunning landscapes with the "Golden Circle of Iceland Summer" tour. This adventure begins in Reykjavik, where you'll pick up your rental car and explore the unique geology of the Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO GeoPark. Drive along the scenic South Shore, marvel at the majestic Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and visit the dramatic black lava arch of Dyrholaey near Vik. Discover the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal wonders of Geysir. Wander through Thingvellir National Park, a site of historical and geological significance, and explore the beautiful Borgarfjordur region. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and daily buffet breakfasts as you immerse yourself in Iceland's natural beauty and rich history.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik (Arrival)
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Reykjavik
Welcome to Iceland! Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Reykjavik. Reykjanes is a great introduction to Icelands unique geology and volcanoes and the site of two of Icelands most recent volcanic eruptions in 2021 and 2022 in the Fagridalur area. Youll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. You can even walk on a bridge that divides Europe and North America. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away. Reykjanes is also home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. We can help you with that!
Overnight in Reykjavik
Day 2: Reykjavik/Hveragerdi – Vik (B/-/-)
Location: Vik
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Vik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive along the scenic South Shore and the area near the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano. This is the volcano whose massive 2010 eruption caused air traffic around the world to be canceled We recommend a stop at the interactive LAVA Centre where youll learn about the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that shaped both Iceland and Earth. The center has interesting exhibits for all age groups. Your journey takes you by the beautiful Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls (each one worth visiting) and Myrdalsjokull glacier. You can opt for a fun snowmobiling trip on the glacier and (if the weather is clear) a splendid view over southern Iceland. Stop by the seafront village of Vik to explore a dramatic stretch of coastline poised between glacier-topped mountains, rugged sea cliffs and black-sand beaches. Dyrholaey* is a rocky headland famous in photos for its black lava arch. During the summer, thousands of sea birds and puffins nest here (puffins are generally in Iceland between mid-May and early August)
Overnight in the Vik area
*Important: Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.
Day 3: Vik – Thjorsardalur – Gullfoss – Geysir (B/-/-)
Location: Golden Circle Area
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Golden Circle Area
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore colorful Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. Youll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. During the summer you can visit the excavated site of a Viking-age farm that was covered by lava from one of Heklas eruptions. A replica shows you how the longhouse looked (admission not included). Continue to the amazing sites of Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Icelands most beautiful waterfall. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser. If you enjoy adventure, you might try snorkeling in clear waters between two continents or (during the summer) rafting in a river with water from Gullfoss. A wonderful way to relax after an exciting day is to visit either the Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Fludir. Both places are a part of the areas history and popular with both Icelanders and visitors.
Overnight in the Golden Circle Area
Day 4: Geysir – Thingvellir – Borgarfjordur – Reykjavik (B/-/-)
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and European continents. Several walking trails take visitors to historical points of interest. Then travel via either along scenic Hvalfjordur fjord or the vast Kaldidalur wilderness track (Open June-August, 4WD car needed). Your journey continues to the beautiful Borgarfjordur region and Reykholt, home of the colorful 13th-century chieftain and Saga author Snorri Sturluson. While in the area you might visit the colorful Vidgelmir lava cave or take an exciting ride up Langjokull glacier in a special truck to view a unique ice tunnel and ice cave and see a glacier from the inside out. Within the area are also two scenic, impressive waterfalls. Hraunfossar, the Lava Falls, appears as though glacial water is bursting through lava formations. The nearby Barnafoss Falls has brilliantly blue waters. Visit Deildartunguhver, the most powerful and fastest hot springs in Europe. You cant bathe in these springs, but the nearby Krauma natural geothermal baths use water from Deildartunguhver combined with cool mountain springs to create the ideal temperature for relaxation. If you prefer a more nature-influenced hot spring experience, we recommend the new Hvammsvik Nature Area in the Whale Fjord region. You can relax in a series of stone-lined seaside pools with beautiful views over the sea and Icelandic nature. Though modern, this hot spring areas design reflects the rustic charm of hot pools of Icelands old-fashioned days. Head to Reykjavik in the afternoon for your last night in Iceland
Overnight in Reykjavik
Day 5: Reykjavik (B/-/-)
Location: Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure. If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city on your first day but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-21/2 hours extra so youll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall. Another hot pool experience you might consider is the Sky Lagoon located just outside Reykjavik. This seaside spa offers a wonderfully relaxing Seven-Step Ritual that combines modern and historical spa experiences.
What's Included
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04 Nights accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar
Enjoy comfortable accommodation for four nights on a twin-sharing basis at the listed hotels or similar.
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Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
Start your day with a daily buffet breakfast at the hotel.
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Pick up and drop off at Keflavik International Airport
Convenient pick-up and drop-off services at Keflavik International Airport.
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Rental car type: Manual transmission (Toyota Yaris or similar)
A rental car with manual transmission (Toyota Yaris or similar) is included for your convenience.
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Unlimited mileage
Drive as much as you want with unlimited mileage included.
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Theft Protection
Theft protection is included, though unwaivable charges may apply.
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Collision Damage Waiver Reduction (CDW)
Collision Damage Waiver Reduction (CDW) is included, though unwaivable charges may apply.
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All local applicable taxes
All local applicable taxes are included in the package.
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities
Expenses of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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Gas, tolls, and parking fees
Costs for gas, tolls, and parking fees are not included.
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Any item not mentioned as included
Any item not specifically mentioned as included in the package is excluded.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with a rental car (manual transmission, Toyota Yaris or similar) including unlimited mileage, theft protection, and collision damage waiver reduction.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights of comfortable accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, with daily buffet breakfast included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of rental car is included in the tour package?
The tour package includes a rental car with a manual transmission, specifically a Toyota Yaris or a similar vehicle. The rental car comes with unlimited mileage, theft protection, and collision damage waiver reduction.
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Are there any specific activities recommended on the first day of the tour?
Yes, on the first day, it is recommended to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO GeoPark site. You can see unique geological features, craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge. You can also visit the Gunnuhver area to view mud pools and steam vents, and relax in the Blue Lagoon, though admission needs to be booked in advance.
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What can I expect to see along the South Shore near the Eyjafjallajokull volcano?
Along the South Shore near the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, you can visit the interactive LAVA Centre, the beautiful Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and the Myrdalsjokull glacier. You can also explore the seafront village of Vik and the famous black lava arch at Dyrholaey, which is a nesting site for sea birds and puffins during the summer.
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What are some of the highlights of the Thjorsardalur valley?
In the Thjorsardalur valley, you can explore landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. You will also see Mt. Hekla volcano and can visit the excavated site of a Viking-age farm. The valley is also home to the Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area, including the famous Strokkur geyser.
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What activities are available in the Borgarfjordur region?
In the Borgarfjordur region, you can visit the historical site of Reykholt, explore the Vidgelmir lava cave, and take a ride up Langjokull glacier to view an ice tunnel and ice cave. You can also visit the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and the Deildartunguhver hot springs. For relaxation, you can visit the Krauma natural geothermal baths or the Hvammsvik Nature Area.
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What should I do on the last day before heading to the airport?
On the last day, it is recommended to drive back to Keflavik International Airport, departing your hotel in Reykjavik at least 3 hours before your flight. If you have extra time, you can visit the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon for a relaxing hot pool experience before heading to the airport.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.