MAGIC OF ICELAND
EXPLORE ICELAND'S STUNNING SOUTH COAST
SEE THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, BLACK SAND BEACHES, HOT SPRINGS & THE GLACIER LAGOON
Trip Highlights
Our local Icelandic guide who knows all of Iceland’s hidden lore
Countryside hotels with incredible stargazing
Waterfalls, glaciers, hotsprings, lagoons & stunning landscapes
A tomato farm lunch - a highlight of the trip!
Learn about renewable energy & sustainability throughout
This 8-day small Iceland route takes you along the South Coast and Golden Circle to see black sand beaches, take an awe inspiring glacier hike, soak in geothermal hot pools, and visit waterfalls. We start with iconic sites like the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls as well as the black sands of Reynisfjara beach. We continue further east for the Fjaðrárgljúfur gorge and glacier hiking at Vatnajökull National Park on Falljökull glacier. Further in we hit our favorite hidden gems, including the Secret Lagoon and a tomato farm with arguably the most delicious lunch on the island. And it's not just about Iceland's landscape wonders, but its people and culture. Taste homemade skyr at a dairy farm, take and optional horse through the countryside, and learn about how the local startup community is transforming the fishing industry and keeping it sustainable for generations to come.
Book our 8-day Iceland Custom Dates for an 8-day Iceland self-drive itinerary. Book October-April for a Thorsmörk Highland Tour in Jeep 4x4s and a chance at seeing the Northern Lights. Or opt for May-August to include the Westman Islands and the possibility of seeing puffins in the spring. Prices start at $4695 per person. See all inclusions, itinerary details and complete pricing in the drop downs below.
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STARTING AT $4695 per person
Fully planned & booked 8-day self-guided Iceland itinerary
Self-drive with included car rental
Trip Inclusions
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7 nights boutique 3-star B&Bs, hotels and local guesthouses with a 4- or 5-star upgrade for the final night
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Car rental (Skoda Octavia Combo or equivalent) with upgrade option (Toyota Highlander)
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South Coast highlights including Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfall
Time to explore Reykjavik and surrounding area
Falljökull glacier hike with gear and guide
Thorsmörk Highland Tour in Jeep 4x4s with hiking and packed lunch (Oct-April)
Westman Islands with round-trip ferry, 1 hour group boat tour, and entrance to Eldheimar Museum (May-August)
Opportunities for short or long hikes
Stops at picturesque coastal towns including Vík
Creamery farm tour
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aily breakfasts at our accommodations
1 packed lunch on group excursion day (fall/winter)
Tomato Farm lunch reservation (food cost not included)
Farm-to-table, traditional Icelandic meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients
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ALL TRIPS:
Visit to our local social enterprise partners
Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
GROUP TRIP:
Dedicated Icelandic-native guide throughout
Social Enterprise visit to learn about ocean sustainability plus support to their organization
SELF GUIDED:
Detailed Iceland travel itinerary with complete self-guided instructions, local recommendations, and cultural tips
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Icelandic horse stable visit and 1-hour Icelandic horse ride
Entry with towel to the Secret Lagoon
Zodiac boat tour at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
Entry to the Lava Show in Vík
Sky Lagoon geothermal pool entry
Blue Lagoon spa entry
Day 8 upgrades:
4-star Upgrade: Silica Hotel Mountain Deluxe room, includes Blue Lagoon entry
5-star Upgrade: The Retreat Moss Junior Suite, includes Blue Lagoon entry
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International airfare
Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed
Fuel costs (for self-drive)
Alcohol, unless specified
Required travel insurance
Testimonials
DAILY ITINERARY
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Arrive at the Keflavík Airport in Reykjavík (KEF) any time today where you’ll be greeted and taken to your boutique hotel in the heart of the city. If you’re doing the self-guided tour, you’ll pick up your rental vehicle at the airport. Many international flights arrive early in the morning, so you’ll be able to leave your bags with the concierge and explore the city until your room is ready in the early afternoon. Settle in, meet your roommate and get ready for an adventure!
We’ve left the evening free for you to explore the city. We have many restaurants to recommend in this happening little city!
If you decide to arrive a night early or very early in the morning, take advantage of the time for an Icelandic horseback riding experience! You’ll drive to a stable visit at a local horse farm. This farm is blessed with an abundance of geothermal heat as well as stunning views - an amazing spot for wonderful horse ride in the tranquil fields of Husafell. You'll also get to taste rye bread that is baked in the ground right outside the stables.
You can also opt for an afternoon excursion to soak in the geothermal pools of the Sky Lagoon.
Meals: none
Optional Add-ons: Horseback riding, Sky Lagoon geothermal pools
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This morning group trip participants will be greeted by our fabulous local guide, and all itineraries will start by heading along the South Coast. First up is a visit to the powerful Seljalandsfoss waterfall which can be walked behind for the ultimate view. Next is Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic locations. From here you’ll head to the black sands of Reynisfjara beach where you can take a nice walk. Midday you’ll stop in the beautiful coastal town of Vík, a good place for lunch or to stock up on supplies.
Continue to drive further east where you’ll soon start to see the spectacular glaciers and Iceland’s highest mountains. We’ll have about a 1-hour hike (guided for group trip; on own for self-guided) along the ridges of the gorge with the impossible name Fjaðrárgljúfur (don’t worry, we’ll teach you how to pronounce it!) and incredible views. We'll then rest easy for two nights at our lagoon hotel, taking advantage of their sauna and hot tubs. Dinner options at the hotel and considered some of the best in the south of Iceland!
Meals: none
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After breakfast, take a short drive to join our partners for a glacier hike in Vatnajökull National Park on Falljökull glacier. You will be transported in their specialized super jeeps that take you down the glacier valley to the front of the glacier. You are headed to Falljökull glacier, and you’ll hike up to the astonishing ice fall of the glacier exploring the glacier textures and features. It's truly a unique experience. All of your glacier hiking gear will be provided.
Afterwards, you'll take the short drive to visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and watch the giant icebergs float around and wash up on the black sand shores of Diamond Beach. You can hike more in the area or join an optional short boat tour on a zodiac boat to really explore the glacier lagoon and see the icebergs up close, as well as the calving glacier face.
Afterwards, head back to your cozy accommodations.
Meals: B
Guided activities for both group and Self-Guided: Glacier hike
Optional add-on: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon zodiac boat tour
Hiking Notes: Total hiking is approximately 4 hours across 5-6 miles of mixed terrain walking at a moderate pace with plenty of breaks and a picnic lunch break. You’ll be provided with crampons (spikes for feet) and other safety gear. Physical training or technical skills are not required as there is no climbing or rope work; however, you should have full mobility of knees and ankles and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Anyone that does not want to hike can let us know in advance and there will be an option to stay back.
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You will take it easy today as you drive back west today and recover from yesterday's adventures. You will stop off at the historic Eldhraun lava field, covered in thick moss where we learn all about the Laki eruption in 1783. In the early afternoon, upon arriving in the picturesque town of Vík, you can opt to see the world's only indoor lava show (with real re-melted lava) and meet the great grandson of one of the survivors of the Katla volcano eruptions in 1918. This harrowing story is really brought to life with the 1200 Celsius lava pouring just meters from where you are sitting. For those not taking part in the show, there is ample time to walk along the black sand beach, take in the views and do a spot of shopping. Before leaving this little town, be sure to stop into the renovated school bus for south Iceland's best coffee and hot chocolate. You’ll have a local farmhouse stay for the evening.
Meals: B
Optional Activity Add-on: Icelandic Lava Show (general entry)
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Today you truly go off the beaten track going into Þórsmörk, a lushly vegetated mountain valley. You’ll meet up with our partners for a small group day excursion. You’ll ride in an off road 4×4 Super Jeep that enables you to cross deep glacial rivers and handle nearly any terrain. On the way, you’ll head all the way up to Gígjökull, one of the outlet glaciers of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Here, you will get an idea of the forces that were at play during the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull.
Next stop, you will explore Stakkholtsgjá canyon, a beautiful natural wonder. Walking to the end of the canyon is one of the most rewarding short hikes in Iceland. Next, make your way deep into Thórsmörk, a nature reserve in the southern Icelandic Highlands, nestled between the Myrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull and Tindfjallajökull glaciers. After the day’s excursion, you’ll be taken back to your car to head back to your hotel for the evening.
Meals: B, L
Guided activities for Self-Guided: Full day Thórsmörk highland jeep tour
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After breakfast head to Landeyjahöfn Harbour and take the short ferry ride to the volcanic chain of islands known as the Westman Islands. The entire island is a must see in our opinion. The main island was almost destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1973. Eat lunch at one of our favorite restaurants in Iceland, GOTT, which uses all local ingredients. After lunch, visit the Eldheimar Museum before walking to the top of the still warm volcano Eldfell that destroyed hundreds of homes. It is often referred to as the “Pompeii of the North.” On a clear day you will see fantastic views of the mainland volcanoes and catch a glimpse of the newest of the Westman Islands, the pristine UNESCO Heritage Site Surtsey. Drive to the southern point of the island to admire the sea cliffs and search for puffins. After this, head back to the town to get some dinner before taking the ferry back to the mainland.
Meals: B
Guided activities for Self-Guided: Round-trip ferry to the Westman Islands, entrance to Eldheimar Museum
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After breakfast you have an option to relax in the warmth of the natural hot springs of the Secret Lagoon, the perfect way to start the day. This is Iceland's oldest natural swimming pool, opening its doors back in 1891.
Afterwards, enjoy a unique lunch inside the tomato greenhouse farm Friðheimar. Having lunch amongst all the tomato plants in the greenhouse is something we are sure you will never forget.
Next, witness the force of Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls and then it is only a short drive to see the wonders of the geothermal area of Geysir, the original exploding geyser, and its surrounding steam vents. After all this, drive to the famous Þingvellir National Park which holds historical and geological significance being the site of the first known parliament in the world. It is also located in the rift valley of the separating North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. You’ll then head to your accommodations for the evening and be sure to save time to enjoy their sauna.
Meals: B, lunch reservation (cost of food not included for self guided)
Optional Add-on: Secret Lagoon entry and towel hire
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Today is all about farm life. After a lazy morning take a short drive to Erpstaðir Creamery and meet the husband and wife team who will delight in showing you around the farm. A mix of tradition and new technology makes this quite the special treat to learn about Icelandic dairy farming. Make sure to try the ice-cream, skyr and Icelandic cheese!
In the afternoon, make your way back to Reykjavik for the afternoon. Consider a visit the lighthouse of Reykjanesviti and take a short hike down to see Gunnuhver, the largest hot spring in Iceland.
We will finish off the itinerary at our cute B&B near the airport. You can add on a Blue Lagoon general entry or opt to upgrade your accommodations to the luxurious Silica by Blue Lagoon or the 5 star Retreat by Blue Lagoon for a unique treat to cap off your stay in Iceland. Both these hotels give you access to their own secluded pools as well as access to the Blue Lagoon itself.
Dinner is available at the B&B or you could choose to have dinner in the excellent LAVA Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon. Let us know as reservations need to be made in advance. For the group trip, a taxi can be arranged for transit back to the hotel if not staying at the Blue Lagoon.
Meals: B
Optional Add-ons: Blue Lagoon spa general entry, LAVA Restaurant reservation
4-star Upgrade: Silica Hotel Mountain Deluxe room, includes Blue Lagoon entry
5-star Upgrade: The Retreat Moss Junior Suite, includes Blue Lagoon entry
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Leave any time today. You will return their vehicle at the Keflavik Airport in Reykjavík (KEF) before your departure flight.
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Minimum 2 people per itinerary. Due to the dynamic nature of pricing in Iceland, the final trip cost will be determined at the time of confirmation, reflecting hotel availability, time of year, and vehicle price. June-July-August are generally the highest season for prices.
Starting at $4695 per person
High Season Surcharge: June-July-August approx. +$200 per person, final cost on booking
Holiday Surcharge: If your dates fall +/- 5 days around US Thanksgiving, December 25th, or January 1st there will be a holiday surcharge of $200 per person.
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Due to the dynamic nature of pricing in Iceland, the final add-on price will be determined at the time of confirmation, reflecting time of year and exchange rate fluctuations.
ALL TRIPS
+$125 Sky Lagoon Day 1 - Afternoon excursion to the Sky Lagoon geothermal spa. Includes transit and entry. Requires an early arrival (before 10 a.m.) or an extra night before arrival day
+$135 stable visit & 1-hour country horse ride Day 1 - On an Icelandic horse + stable visit, includes transit. Requires an early arrival (before 7 a.m.) or an extra night before arrival day
+$135 Zodiac boat tour Day 3 - at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
+$60 Lava Show Day 4 - in Vik, a truly unique experience!
+$40 Entrance to the Secret Lagoon Day 6 - Thermal pool, with towel
+$85 + transit cost Blue Lagoon Day 8 - Entrance, towel, 1 drink, 1 mud mask. Transit cost will vary by number of participants
Extra Night - Starting at +$250 per person (double occupancy) or +$495 (single occupancy)
Helicopter Ride: Starting at $350, inquire for customized option
HOTEL UPGRADES
Starting at +$495 4-star Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel upgrade Day 8, price per room
Starting at +$1595 5-star Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel upgrade Day 8, price per room
+$1495 Toyota Landcruiser upgrade for self-drive (price subject to change according to current rates)
Faqs
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October through March is generally the best time as the skies are dark during winter skies. That said, the Northern Lights are never a guarantee and will greatly depend on atmospheric conditions.
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Our itineraries in Iceland contain a fair bit of hiking from shorter half hour hikes to 2-3 hour ones. and that's also how you get to see some of the sites like waterfalls, hot springs and glaciers. That said, if you're tired or not feeling up for it there are generally options to hang back from the excursion.
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We know, Iceland is not cheap! There are many reasons for that, including standard of living, the fact that it's an island, and sustainability. Check out our blog to learn more! Why is Iceland so Expensive?
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It all depends on what you want to do! Spring is puffin and lambing season. Summer has the most dependable weather but is also the busiest and most expensive. Fall can be temperamental weather-wise but also can be great for better prices and catching the Northern Lights. And winter will give you the true Nordic experience with very short days!
Terms & Conditions
Please refer to your Registration Packet for complete Terms & Conditions, which can also be obtained by submitting a request to hello@traversejourneys.com
Deposit
A $250-500 non-refundable deposit is required for each traveler to secure the booking (varies by trip). 50% remainder due 30 days from booking. Balance due 60 days prior to trip start. Refer to the Flexible Booking Policy for cases in which the deposit may be transferrable.
Payment
Payments can be made either by 1) full payment on booking 2) Deposit on booking + payment schedule below. Payments will be invoiced via e-mail for credit card or Paypal payment online.
Cancellations Policy
Cancellations, less the trip deposit, are refundable up to 90 days prior to the trip start date unless otherwise specified.
Flexible Booking Policy Specific to COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, Traverse has implemented a flexible booking policy that allows for deposits and payments to be transferrable to the greatest extent possible to new trip dates should a recurrence of COVID-19 render travel impossible due to border closures and related travel restrictions.
Travel Insurance
The trip price does not include travel insurance. Trip protection-style travel insurance that includes travel medical coverage is required for all trips with Traverse. The coverage must have a minimum $150,000 of medical coverage and include injury, medical, evacuation, and repatriation. See more info at https://traversejourneys.com/insurance
Documents, Personal Identification, Vaccinations
Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for all required travel documents including passport, visas, entry or exit fees, and vaccinations. Traveler is also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. Traverse does not cover the cost or assist in obtaining any of the above, and reserves the right to collect information on all.