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Best of Iceland: Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Peninsula

9 Days
From CAD $4,356 Was CAD $5,249

Best Rate
Guarantee

Trip Type
Small Group

Activity Level
Average

Rating

(20 reviews)

Experience Overview

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.

Best of Iceland: Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Peninsula

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Trip Details

Product Code: 2327

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Budget

Transport: Private minivan/bus, walking.

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: Classic

Supplier Code: ELBS

Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland

Finishes: Reykjavik, Iceland

Duration: 9 days

Departures: Guaranteed

Physical rating: Average

Includes

Activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Wellness Moment: Sky Lagoon Geothermal Hot Springs, Reykjavik
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

Accommodation

Standard hotel (6 nights), local guesthouse (2 nights).

7 breakfasts

Transport

Private minivan/bus, walking.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4356 (CAD $484 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavik

Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hotel Cabin

Day 2: Reykjavik/Akureyri

Set off from Reykjavik after breakfast and enjoy the scenic journey to the Capital of the North, Akureyri. Explore Akureyri's old town. Enjoy optional lunch in one of the eateries in Akureyri and opt to go on a whale-watching tour.
Eyjafjörður is a scenic spot to enjoy the local wildlife and small villages in the area. Opt to go on a whale-watching excursion.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Take some time to roam around this quaint town.Accommodation - Sveinbjarnargerdi Country Hotel

Day 3: Akureyri to Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður)

Stop at Goðafoss waterfall en route to Mývatn lake. Explore lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð. Visit Dettifoss waterfall before arriving in Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður) for a night in a local guesthouse.
Head to Mývatn lake, stopping en route at Goðafoss waterfall. In Mývatn, explore lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð.

Visit Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.

Reach Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður) in the East Fjords region for a night in a local guesthouse.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take an excursion to one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, the Goðafoss waterfall. Measuring 12m high and 30m wide, the waterfall is a must-see and a short drive from Akureyri. While Iceland is famous for its many spectacular waterfalls, Goðafoss is a favourite for visitors because it's easily accessible by car. There are also walking paths all around the falls making it easy to take fantastic photographs from different angles.Activity - Explore the beautiful scenery around Lake Mývatn. Formed during a volcanic eruption 2,300 yrs ago, the geothermal area is a haven for a massive number of birds. The nutrient rich water also attracts over ten species of migrating ducks to the area. Atlantic salmon and brown trout thrive in the river, feeding on the healthy midge fly population that swarm over the waters in the summer. Activity - Walk the marked pathways to spot arches and pillars or check out lava caves. Meaning 'dark forts' in Icelandic, Dimmuborgir is an area of lava fields with black lava formations on display in dramatic fashion. Activity - Stop at Námaskarð to see the bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles. There are some wooden pathways around the area but most visitors prefer to get up close to look at the pools, but be careful, the mud in this area is thick and sticky and the residue from the steam can stain clothing. Activity - Stop at the Detiifoss Waterfall in northeast Iceland, rumored to be the most powerful in Europe, with an average water flow of 193 m3/s. Take in the view of 45m high and 100m wide falls and take some photos to show off back home.Accommodation - Alfheimar Guesthouse

Day 4: Bakkagerdi/Hofn

Depart from the charming village of Bakkagerði and journey along the picturesque coastline through the majestic eastern fjords. As you travel toward Hofn, take in the stunning scenery and keep an eye out for breathtaking views of the Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest ice cap. You will be making breathtaking stops along the way that will insure a memorable experience.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Smyrlabjorg

Day 5: Hofn/Vik

Visit the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach, with a chance to see seals sunbathing on the bright blue ice. Opt to check out the lagoon by boat. Continue on to Skaftafell National Park with time to explore the hiking trails or choose an optional glacier hike with glacier equipment before continuing on in the evening to the small town of Vík.
Marvel at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, with a chance to see seals sunbathing on the bright blue ice. The massive icebergs floating towards shore tower over visitors. Opt to check out the lagoon by boat. Stop by Diamond Beach, which gets its name from chunks of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that float to shore. As these blocks of glacier ice melt, they develop a crystal clear sheen, set against the black sand of the beach.

Continue on to Skaftafell National Park with time to explore before continuing on in the evening to the small town of Vík.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with views of the ice cap. The lake is the lowest point in the country and filled with icebergs drifting towards the sea, often with seals lounging on top. The blocks of ice coming off the glacier are typically 30m high, in dramatic shades of white and bright blue. Stop by Diamond Beach, which gets its name from chunks of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that float down to the coast's black sand shores. Total distance: 3km.Accommodation - Hotel Dyrholaey

Day 6: Vik/Reykjavik

Visit Reynisfjara beach. Continue along the Golden Circle to Drumbo. Stop at the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss. Explore the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs and Þingvellir National Park. Arrive to Reykjavík in the early evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit Reynisfjara Beach, just outside of Vík. Its black sand and ominous rock formations offshore make for stunning photos. Take some time to watch the foaming white waves crash over the black sand (but don’t get too close, the waves here can be extremely powerful), explore the shallow cave if weather and time permits, and get a photo of the basalt sea stacks. Activity - Seljalandsfoss is a 60m (196 ft) tall waterfall located along the popular ring road. Behind the flow of water is a path, allowing visitors to peek behind the curtain of water cascading over the rocks above.Activity - Discover one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, Gullfoss, and complete the circuit known as the Golden Circle. This massive waterfall cascades over three “steps” before spilling into a large crevice. Fed by a glacier lake, the water passing through the falls can be a dark grey depending on how much sediment gets pushed through the river.Activity - See a variety of geothermal pools and the erupting hot spring Strokkur. Geysir is one of the oldest geysers recorded in the world, but is most often dormant. Strokkur erupts a spray of boiling hot water straight into the air about every ten minutes.Activity - Stop at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, to see the tectonic faults created by North American and Eurasian tectonic plates shifting apart. The Oxara river cuts through the largest rift in the valley, Almannagja, and leads to the Oxarafoss waterfall. Iceland’s parliament was also established in the area in 930. The park was later created to protect the remains of the open-air assembly grounds.Accommodation - Hotel Cabin

Day 7: Reykjavik

This morning join an optional snorkeling to the Thingvellir Silfra (where the tectonic plates meet). Later in the day join Your CEO for a short walking tour of Reyjavik center and some time at the beautiful Sky Lagoon for a warm soak.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy free time to further explore Reykjavik on your own. Maybe opt to float between the tectonic plates.Activity - Take a tour of the city, learning more about its history, architecture, people and culture.Activity - Enjoy a uniquely Icelandic experience, a warm geo thermal bath overlooking the water near the city.Accommodation - Hotel Cabin

Day 8: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Today explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Made famous by Jules Verne's Journey to the center of the Earth, the region is known to features many of Iceland's unique landscapes on one peninsula. Stop in small fishing towns and discover beautiful vistas along the way. Today you get Iceland in a nutshell.
Winter or summer, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is one of the most scenic destinations in Iceland. This place is magical and spellbinding with moss-covered lava fields, picturesque mountains, gorgeous black sand beaches, roaring ocean waves, charming little villages, and great vistas from sea cliffs. It's a long day, but well worth it.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, visiting places such as Kirkjufell, or 'Church Mountain', on the north shore, Ólafsvík and Arnarstapi villages, and Djúpalónssandur pebble beach.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Cabin

Day 9: Reykjavik

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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Reviews

Regina K. - Traveled, October 2023

Good tours as usually well organiced

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023

Raquel G. - Traveled, October 2023

I called, complained about my hotel room and it went unheard. No one contacted me after, no one helped me at the location, it was horrible.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023

Christelle D. - Traveled, October 2023

Well organized trips allowing flexibility for additional activities

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023

Chelsea C. - Traveled, September 2023

I can see why some people might like a heavily packed tour that involves a lot of sitting on a bus, but that much sitting and driving with very little down time wasn't my cup of tea. I also didn't love that our guide treated us like children.. Telling us when we could stand, that we had to wait on the bus when he stepped out vs letting us get up/out to stretch our legs and get fresh air.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023

Helen S. - Traveled, September 2023

I did not have a good experience.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023

Dana G. - Traveled, September 2023

I always enjoy travelling with like-minded people, and the CEO are always amazing and fun

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023

Laura K. - Traveled, September 2023

It is nice to be on a guided tour if you don't want to plan your own trip. But it is easy to come around by yourself in a rented car.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023

Susan E. - Traveled, September 2023

The trip was basically two shorter trips and the time could have been better managed, we did a lot of driving in and out of Reykjavik on the last two days.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023

Kelly Q. - Traveled, September 2023

Generally trips cover a lot of what folks would like to see and prices are usually reasonable.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023

Isobel S. - Traveled, September 2023

The trip was fantastic but it wasn't as advertised on the website. This was advertised as a 9 day tour implying we have a guide everyday and instead it was a 5 day tour joining onto a 3 day tour and on the cross over day we didn't have a guide and there were no activities planned other than an optional activity. On other days when other optional activities were happening there was nothing planned for those who hadn't opted in to the activity. It an activity is optional it implies something else is happening while you are on that excursion.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023

Thomas F. - Traveled, September 2023

The iceland trip was different to other G trips because of the use of subcontractors and different guides

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023

Kelly Q. - Traveled, September 2023

Generally trips cover a lot of what folks would like to see and prices are usually reasonable.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023

Jenna K. - Traveled, September 2023

The tour was just what I wanted it to be and it was really fun and adventurous and Krzysztof was an amazing tour guide who made sure everything was taken care of.