G Adventures
Best of Iceland: Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Best of Iceland: Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Looking for a fast, jam-packed, but immersive visit around Iceland? This nine-day trip checks all the boxes. Pack those senses of adventure and head out into Iceland’s varied landscapes. Visit erupting geysers, glacier lagoons, and breathtaking waterfalls. Photograph black-sand beaches, soak in geothermal hot springs, and be prepared to fall more in love with a country with land you can sense shifting under your feet.
Highlights
Sleep in a local guesthouse in the eastern fjords region, Search for seals floating on icebergs in Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Spend time soaking in the Sky Lagoon outside the city, Enjoy an immersive day tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Accommodation
Standard hotel (6 nights), local guesthouse (2 nights).
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Group Size Notes
Max 18, Avg 14.
Meals Included
7 breakfasts
What’s Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment – Meet Your CEO and Group. Local guesthouse stay (Borgarfjörður). Mývatn lake visit. Vatnajökull glacier visit. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon visit. Reynisfjara beach. Seljalandsfoss waterfall. The Golden Circle: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs, and Þingvellir National Park. Enjoy a soak in Sky Lagoon just outside of the city. Day tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
| Day 1 |
On coastal Iceland, the globe's northernmost capital, Reykjavík, invites visitors to discover its unique charms. Iceland is rife with natural wonders: geysers, geothermic spas, waterfalls and the spectacular Northern Lights. Reykjavik, dating back to 870 AD, offers world-class museums, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Reykjavík is a popular destination for tourists, with attractions including the towering cathedral Hallgrimskirkja, the steel boat sculpture Sun Voyager, the bustling cafe district Laufavegur, and Perlan, a combination restaurant/planetarium/observatory. You might time your visit to New Year's Eve, when the city is in party mode and the sky is alight with fireworks. |
| Day 2 |
On coastal Iceland, the globe's northernmost capital, Reykjavík, invites visitors to discover its unique charms. Iceland is rife with natural wonders: geysers, geothermic spas, waterfalls and the spectacular Northern Lights. Reykjavik, dating back to 870 AD, offers world-class museums, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Reykjavík is a popular destination for tourists, with attractions including the towering cathedral Hallgrimskirkja, the steel boat sculpture Sun Voyager, the bustling cafe district Laufavegur, and Perlan, a combination restaurant/planetarium/observatory. You might time your visit to New Year's Eve, when the city is in party mode and the sky is alight with fireworks. |
| Day 3 |
Borgarfjörður, nestled in the heart of West Iceland, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The fjord, surrounded by dramatic mountains and lush green landscapes, provides a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. One of the highlights of the area is the magnificent Hraunfossar waterfalls, where crystal-clear water cascades over lava fields into the Hvítá River, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Nearby, the Barnafoss, or “Children’s Falls,” presents a striking contrast with its turbulent waters rushing through a narrow canyon. Borgarfjörður is also rich in Icelandic sagas and folklore. The nearby Reykholt area was once the home of Snorri Sturluson, a medieval historian, poet, and politician who authored the famous "Prose Edda" (Icelandic Saga). Visitors can explore Snorri's residence, a fascinating historical site that offers insights into Iceland’s literary heritage. For those interested in geothermal wonders, the Deildartunguhver hot spring, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, provides a unique opportunity to witness nature's raw energy. A fun fact about Borgarfjörður is its close proximity to the serene Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is only about an hour’s drive away. Þingvellir is renowned not only for its geological significance as the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates but also as the site of Iceland’s historic Althing, one of the world’s oldest parliaments. This makes Borgarfjörður an excellent base for exploring both natural wonders and cultural landmarks in Iceland. The best time to visit Borgarfjörður is during the summer months of June to August when the days are long and the weather is milder. However, for those interested in seeing the Northern Lights, visiting between September and March provides the chance to witness this stunning natural phenomenon. Whether you are exploring its waterfalls, soaking in its hot springs, or delving into its rich history, Borgarfjörður offers a memorable Icelandic experience. |
| Day 4 |
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| Day 5 |
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| Day 6 |
On coastal Iceland, the globe's northernmost capital, Reykjavík, invites visitors to discover its unique charms. Iceland is rife with natural wonders: geysers, geothermic spas, waterfalls and the spectacular Northern Lights. Reykjavik, dating back to 870 AD, offers world-class museums, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Reykjavík is a popular destination for tourists, with attractions including the towering cathedral Hallgrimskirkja, the steel boat sculpture Sun Voyager, the bustling cafe district Laufavegur, and Perlan, a combination restaurant/planetarium/observatory. You might time your visit to New Year's Eve, when the city is in party mode and the sky is alight with fireworks. |
| Day 7 |
On coastal Iceland, the globe's northernmost capital, Reykjavík, invites visitors to discover its unique charms. Iceland is rife with natural wonders: geysers, geothermic spas, waterfalls and the spectacular Northern Lights. Reykjavik, dating back to 870 AD, offers world-class museums, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Reykjavík is a popular destination for tourists, with attractions including the towering cathedral Hallgrimskirkja, the steel boat sculpture Sun Voyager, the bustling cafe district Laufavegur, and Perlan, a combination restaurant/planetarium/observatory. You might time your visit to New Year's Eve, when the city is in party mode and the sky is alight with fireworks. |
| Day 8 |
The Snæfellsnes peninsula in western Iceland is sometimes referred to as "Iceland in Miniature" thanks to the many national sights found in the nearby area. The diverse landscape includes fascinating vistas of glistening fjords, dramatic volcanoes, and rugged seascapes. |
| Day 9 |
On coastal Iceland, the globe's northernmost capital, Reykjavík, invites visitors to discover its unique charms. Iceland is rife with natural wonders: geysers, geothermic spas, waterfalls and the spectacular Northern Lights. Reykjavik, dating back to 870 AD, offers world-class museums, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Reykjavík is a popular destination for tourists, with attractions including the towering cathedral Hallgrimskirkja, the steel boat sculpture Sun Voyager, the bustling cafe district Laufavegur, and Perlan, a combination restaurant/planetarium/observatory. You might time your visit to New Year's Eve, when the city is in party mode and the sky is alight with fireworks. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
04/19/25 - 04/27/25 |
Starting At $3,999 |
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|
04/26/25 - 05/03/25 |
Starting At $3,199 |
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|
05/17/25 - 05/25/25 |
Starting At $3,999 |
Get A Quote | |
|
06/07/25 - 06/21/25 |
Starting At $4,199 |
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|
07/05/25 - 07/19/25 |
Starting At $4,399 |
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|
07/26/25 - 08/02/25 |
Starting At $3,739 |
Get A Quote | |
|
08/09/25 - 08/30/25 |
Starting At $4,399 |
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|
09/13/25 - 09/27/25 |
Starting At $4,199 |
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|
10/04/25 - 10/12/25 |
Starting At $4,049 |
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|
04/11/26 - 05/30/26 |
Starting At $4,199 |
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|
06/06/26 - 06/27/26 |
Starting At $4,399 |
Get A Quote | |
|
07/04/26 - 08/29/26 |
Starting At $4,599 |
Get A Quote | |
|
09/05/26 - 09/26/26 |
Starting At $4,399 |
Get A Quote | |
|
10/03/26 - 10/11/26 |
Starting At $4,249 |
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Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
