Iceland: Waterfalls, Hot Springs & Hiking Volcanic Landscapes

8 Days
From CAD $5,949 Was CAD $6,999
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(3 reviews)

Experience Overview

From immense glaciers to volcanoes, hot springs, and cascading waterfalls, Iceland's dramatic geography has sparked myths and shaped the culture of this small island nation. Embark on an unforgettable eight-day journey where you'll encounter some of the country's most breathtaking wonders, including the iconic Geysir and Gulfoss along the "Golden Circle" route, as well as captivating landscapes to explore on foot, traversing lava fields and encountering majestic waterfalls. Experience the crunch of ice beneath your feet as you delve into the depths of Langjokull Glacier's tunnels, immersing yourself in nature's unspoiled magic. Add on the country's delectable cuisine and warm hospitality, and it's no wonder Iceland leaves its mark on all those who visit.

Highlights

  • Walk behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Visit Gulfoss and Geysir along the Golden Circle
  • Learn all about volcanoes and how Iceland was formed at the interactive exhibits of the Lava Centre
  • Hike along the boundary of two of earth's tectonic plates from Thingvellir to Öxarárfoss Waterfall
  • Venture into the ice tunnels at Langjokull Glacier

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 5656

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: Private vehicle, walking.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Luxury

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: ELHG

StartStarts: Reykjavik, Iceland

FinishFinishes: Reykjavik, Iceland

DurationDuration: 8 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Average

Includes

Activities

  • Your Foodie Moment: Geothermal Bakery, Laugarvatn Your OMG Day: Choice of Hikes from Húsafell, Húsafell
  • Complimentary shared arrival shuttle, Welcome dinner
  • Gjáin Valley hike
  • Hjálparfoss visit
  • Secret Lagoon Hot Spings
  • Skõgafoss Waterfall Hike
  • Visit the Lava Centre
  • Geothermal Bakery visit
  • See Gulfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir along the Golder Circle Route
  • Oxararfoss Waterfall hike
  • Expedition into Langjokull Glacier
  • Exursion within Vidgelmir Lava Cave
  • Farewell Dinner
  • All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hotels (7 nts).
  • 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

  • Private vehicle, walking.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5949 (CAD $744 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Hella: Welcomed by Waterfalls

Prepare to be transported into a world of dramatic landscapes that have inspired local lore of trolls and fairies. Dream of majestic waterfalls, glistening glaciers and hiking the volcanic landscapes as you head off into the countryside. We welcome you to Iceland, and invite you to ignite your imagination as you immerse yourself into the land of fire and ice.
Travel from Hella to the trailhead with a lunch stop along the way. See the beautiful Gljúfrabúi Waterfall before heading on foot to Seljalandsfoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland with a small cave you can visit behind the falls. Continue on to your OMG Stay for a welcome dinner in the evening.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Gljúfrabúi (or Canyon Dweller) is a beautiful waterfall. After a few metres of travelling through a narrow valley, a small space opens up, and here, Gljúfrabúi tumbles before a great boulder, which is easily climbable for some great photos. From there, walk to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall which is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. One of the interesting things about this waterfall is that visitors can walk behind it into a small cave. Elevation gain: 120 metersTransport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle en route to your OMG Stay in Hella.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of your private vehicle to Gljufrabui with stops along the way.Accommodation - Landhotel Hella

2

Day 2: Hella: Gjáin Valley Hike and the Secret Lagoon

Volcanic landscapes and waterfalls abound as you hike in the hidden gem of the Gjáin Valley. Witness the meeting of two rivers at Hjálparfoss and soak in a geothermal pool with a spouting geyser. This is Iceland in all it's glory.
Drive to the Gjáin Valley for a hike to the waterfall before continuing on to Hjálparfoss. After lunch in Flúðir, visit the Secret Lagoon geothermal hot springs for a swim before returning to the hotel for a free evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - A lush oasis nestled between barren, volcanic rocks, Gjáin’s cascading waterfalls and vibrant foliage will take your breath away. As you meander around Rauðá river, fed by the majestic Gjárfoss Waterfall and its smaller companions, imagine the life of the Vikings who once thrived in these ancient lands before the Hekla volcano’s eruption in 1104.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Hjálparfoss is an incredible display of nature, marking where the rivers Fossá and Þjórsá meet. Both of these are known as some of Iceland’s best and most accessible fishing rivers, while Þjórsá also takes the title of being the country’s longest. The two rivers fall from a lava field at about a 45 degree angle from each other, from about the same height, and their cascades merge as they tumble into a serene pool.Activity - The Secret Lagoon natural hot springs are the Golden Circle's best kept secret. The pool's natural surroundings and steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. Warm water stays at 38-40 celsius all year. There are several geothermal spots and a little Geysir which erupts every 5 minutes. Swimsuit and towel rentals are available.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Landhotel Hella

3

Day 3: Hella: Hike to Skógafoss

Discover more of Iceland's stunning natural beauty as you hike to Skõgarfoss, arguably one of the most mesmerising waterfalls in the country. Featured in films from Thor to The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, you may be familiar with this landmark already. Take in all of the spectacular scenery and learn about the volcanic origins of Iceland's powerful natural formation at the place where two continental plates meet.
Transfer to Fimmvorduhals Trailhead where you'll begin the hike to Skõgarfoss Waterfall. After lunch, continue to the Lava Centre before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit Skógafoss, one of the largest and most recognizable waterfalls in Iceland. The 60m (200 ft) high falls forms a constant mist that floats in the air. If viewed in the sunlight, the mist can create rainbows. The sound and view of the thundering water cutting through the green hills make the falls a must-see on any trip to Iceland. Set off on the moderately challenging hike to become acquainted with the magical landscape here.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit this stunning interactive exhibition to learn about all aspects of Iceland's unique geography, including volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal activity.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Landhotel Hella

4

Day 4: Húsafell: The Golden Circle

Keep your camera handy today as you visit the highlights along the famed Golden Circle route where you'll see majestic waterfalls and a geyser that spouts water high up into the sky. You'll also taste bread that was baked underground with Iceland's ever-present geothermal energy. Stay active by hiking to another stunning waterfall from Thingvellir National Park.
Transfer from Hella to the Golden Circle route, with stops at Gullfoss Falls, Geysir and a geothermal bakery on the way. Continue to Thingvellir where you'll begin a short hike to the Öxarárfoss Waterfall. Arrive at the hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.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 - Watch first hand as bakers dig out a pot of fresh bread from steaming black sand. Taste the bread, served hot from the ground, with some butter and take home the recipe for Iceland's famous rye bread.Activity - Öxarárfoss Waterfall gushes out of the mighty cliffs of Almannagjo Gorge in southwest Iceland. Small in size but big in presence, the 13 m (44 ft) high waterfall is located inside Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Öxarárfoss Waterfall is famed for being a film location in the hit TV series Game of Thrones, but is also known for its special geology. The human-made waterfall sits on the edge of the boundary line between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Elevation gain: 230 metersTransport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Husafell Reykholt

5

Day 5: Húsafell: Into a Glacier

Pristine and untouched natural beauty is the theme today as you set off to explore Langjokull, the second-largest glacier in the whole of Iceland. Travel up the snowy white slopes before immersing yourself in man-made ice tunnels, surrounded by ice in the heart of the glacier.
Hop into a modified glacier vehicle built specifically to explore this unique environment, and drive up to the ice cap. Your local guide will provide information about the glacier while leading you through man-made tunnels into the core. Enjoy an included lunch before a free afternoon. Opt to take part in a local hike or relax at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enter the raw beauty of Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjokull. Set off in modified glacier vehicles to the Klaki Basecamp and the glacier entrance where you'll go into man-made ice tunnels toward the heart of the glacier. Learn all about ice and geology along the way and gain a new perspective on these massive features that have shaped the planet.Free_time - Spend the afternoon free and try some of the optional activities in the area. Opt for a scenic hike or relax at the hotel.Accommodation - Hotel Husafell Reykholt

6

Day 6: Húsafell: Your OMG Day

Immerse yourself further into Iceland's stunning landscapes as you explore by foot, with the choice of either a more challenging or moderate hike. Traverse the canyon and view interesting rock formations and sculptures by the artist Páll Guõmundsson, a Húsafell native, or follow in the footsteps of past travellers who blazed the trail between different regions of Iceland along natural water springs.
Choose between a moderate or a more challenging hike before spending the rest of the day at leisure to relax at the hotel and enjoy the facilities.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Option 1: A more challenging walk will take you 5 km (3.1 mi) along both sides of the canyon up to a scenic view point with a trail register. Interesting formations can be seen at Bæjargil as well as sculptures at various points by the artist Páll Guðmundsson from Húsafell. Elevation gain: 300 metres Option 2: A beautiful woodland 5 km (3.1 mi) walk along the clear springs of Oddalindir and the banks of the river Hvítá. Gentle terrain, lush greenery, and refreshing waters make this an easy and peaceful hike. Elevation gain: 10 metresAccommodation - Hotel Husafell Reykholt

7

Day 7: Reykjavik: Lava Tube Cave Exploration

Leaving Húsafell behind, you'll head to Vidgelmir cave where you'll see first hand the impact of volcanic activity. Wander into the depths of this magical underworld, where the incredible colours and unique geologic formations once sealed away in darkness are now accessible for you to see and enjoy.
Take a morning drive to Vidgelmir Cave where you'll explore with a local guide. From there, return to Reykjavik for some free time before gathering together again in the evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery back to Reykjavik, from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take a tour into the depths of the ear at the Víðgelmir Cave. Don helmets and headlamps as you explore this subterranean wonderland that showcases the raw power of Iceland's geological forces. Stroll along the walkways and admire the features and colours of this underground natural wonder.Free_time - Enjoy free time in Reykjavik. Perhaps visit the Perlan Museum before your farewell dinner.Accommodation - Hotel Reykjavik Grand

8

Day 8: Reykjavik

Today your adventure comes to an end and you can depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

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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

Reviews

 

Bennett   -  Traveled, August 2024

Perfect mix of events and sites.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/12/2024

 

James   -  Traveled, July 2024

Our guide knew the area well and took us on some amazing hikes. Our guide was flexible and appropriately changed the itinerary to accommodate the weather forecasts. Communication through WhatsApp worked well. I appreciated being able to see ahead of time maps of the hikes with distances and elevations. The vehicle used to transport our group had mechanical issues and at times felt unsafe. Meals were tasty but used most of the same ingredients all week. All in all, a good experience with no regrets.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/23/2024

 

Einstein   -  Traveled, August 2024

We had an awesome time in Iceland! Our tour guide, Herdis, was very kind and helpful! The tour allowed us to visit national parks, rural farms, craters, explore lava caves, see the beaches, visit waterfalls and more! We learned a lot about Iceland, got to explore the city of Reykjavík, and met great people. Herdis taught us about the culture and history of Iceland and gave us opportunities to try local bakeries, restaurants, and smaller markets to try Icelandic foods and cuisine. We were even lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights on our last day there! Loved it, can't wait to go back!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/11/2024

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