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Iceland: The Golden Circle & Ring Road

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Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Iceland: The Golden Circle & Ring Road

with Norwegian Fjords extension

Duration: 10 or 13 days
Group size: 15-32
Reviews: 30

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Immerse yourself in all the otherworldly beauty that Iceland has to offer.

Some of Earth’s most astounding and extreme landscapes can be found in Iceland, where every corner of the country offers something new. Learn about fascinating maritime history and taste traditional fare as you journey from the culturally rich capital to the most remote parts of the coast. Glacier-fed waterfalls, boiling mud pools, moss-covered cliffs—see it all on this whirlwind journey through “The Land of Fire and Ice.”

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
2 lunches
4 dinners with beer or wine
1 schnapps tasting

Included highlights

Reykjavik
the Golden Waterfall
Reynisfjara beach
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Lake Mývatn

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board an overnight flight to Reykjavik.

Reykjavik2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Reykjavik

Included meal: Welcome lunch

Welcome to Iceland! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome lunch. Then, get a feel for Reykjavik, often called "the greenest city on Earth," with your Tour Director leading the way.

Soak in views of the city from the Perlan Observation Deck
See the iconic Höfði House and the presidential residence at Bessastadir
Visit Hallgrim’s Church and the University District
Pass the Old Town Center, Parliament House, and modern City Hall
Glimpse the artwork of Ásmundur Sveinsson and Einar Jónsson, both famous Icelandic artists

Enjoy a free afternoon in Reykjavik or add an excursion.

Blue Lagoon Spa Visit

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 3: The Golden Circle

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Leave the bustle of Reykjavik behind as you travel around the Golden Circle, a ring of some of Iceland’s most magnificent natural wonders.

Stop at Thingvellir National Park to see the Althing, an open-air governmental assembly that was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798
Sit down for lunch at Fridheimar Farm, where the produce is grown fresh in a greenhouse heated by geothermal energy
Explore the Great Geysir geothermal area, located in the Haukadalur Valley
Discover Gullfoss, or the “Golden Waterfall,” a natural wonder and one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe

South Coast Region1 night

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of the South Coast

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue on to the South Coast, a lowland region of lush farmland, striking waterfalls, beaches, glaciers and picturesque villages.

Make a photo stop by the Eyjafjallajökull volcano to marvel at breathtaking views (weather permitting)
View coastal mountain scenery as you travel to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall for a short walk behind the falls
Enter the Skogar Museum to learn more about Iceland’s cultural heritage
Marvel at the Sólheimajökull glacier and iconic black sands of Reynisfjara beach

This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Please note: The order of today's events may be changed due to hotel location and weather.

Egilsstadir1 night

Day 5: Egilsstaðir via the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel east toward the town of Egilsstaðir, admiring the stunning landscape and stopping for a boat cruise en route.

Pass the Eldhraun lava field and Skaftafell National Park
Cruise through the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, keeping your eyes open for seals (seasonal, mid-May–September)
Pass through the East Fjords region as you continue on to Egilsstadir, stopping for photos and short walks along the way

Sit down to an included dinner with your group this evening.

Please note: The order of today's events may be changed due to hotel location and weather.

Akureyri Region2 nights

Day 6: Akureyri Region via Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way north toward the Akureyri region, stopping to admire breathtaking waterfalls and volcanic landscapes as you go.

Travel through Mödrudalsöræfi desert plateau on your way to Dettifoss for a short walk around the rim of the waterfall (Please note: The road to Dettifoss is closed in bad weather.)
Stop at Lake Mývatn to learn about the boiling mud pools and geothermal activity of the Námaskard sulfur field
Marvel at the beauty of Goðafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous cataracts, before ending the day in Akureyri

Day 7: Siglufjörður

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know more about Icelandic culture during a visit to town of Siglufjörður.

Learn about the country’s maritime history as you follow a local guide through the Herring Era Museum
Enjoy a tasting of herring, one of Iceland’s most important culinary staples, washed down with Brennivín schnapps

Spend a free afternoon in the Akureyri region or add an excursion.

Akureyri Fjord Whale Watching

Excursion (additional cost)

West Iceland1 night

Day 8: Transfer to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive through the landscapes of West Iceland to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Along the way, stop to visit an Icelandic horse farm and learn about the animals that live there.

Later, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Reykjavik1 night

Day 9: Reykjavik via Snæfellsjökull National Park

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Continue exploring the sites of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with your Tour Director before returning to Reykjavik.

Pay a visit to rural Arnarstapi, a breathtaking fishing village that was once an important trading post
Set off to explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, which has a natural landscape dominated by the massive Snæfellsjökull Glacier

Tonight, say goodbye to your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Extension to Norwegian Fjords

There's one word you could use to describe seeing the midnight sun during summer nights, or coasting through fjords flanked by hundred-foot-high cliffs. It's "wow." Fly to Bergen and tour Norway's prettiest places to see what we mean.

Bergen3 nights

Day 10: Flight to Bergen

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly from Iceland to Bergen, Norway, called "the gateway to the fjords," where you'll enjoy a free evening to explore.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Bergen

Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide to discover historic sites in and around Bergen.

Drive to Fana and enter the wooden, medieval-style Fantoft Stave Church
Pass by Bergenhus Fortress and the bustling fish and flower market
Admire views of the city center and harbor from Custom House Pier
Walk through the Hanseatic era alleyways and courtyards in the UNESCO-listed Bryggen harbor district

Day 12: Norwegian fjords

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend the day journeying through Norway’s fjord country, a region of otherworldly natural beauty.

Take a scenic train ride from Bergen to Voss, where you’ll continue on to the village of Gudvangen
Embark on a cruise through the country’s steep cliffs and narrow waterways
Disembark in the village of Flåm, overlooking Aurlandsfjord
Take a scenic train ride along one of the steepest rails in the world

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Flight Home

Day 13: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.3 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Incredible Iceland

11/13/2019 by 2nd time traveler Anita C.

One of the most awe inspiring trips I have ever taken. Everyone must put this country on their list of places to go...

A New Adventure

10/28/2019 by 7th time traveler Jean H.

Wow!! What an experience! Iceland is a unique country with amazing and at the same time strange geography. We never expected the strong winds that we encountered but didn't let it hold us back from exploring all of the stops on the itinerary. Our tour manager, Trausti, was an expert on every lev...

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Iceland is so much more than just Reykjavik and the Golden Circle

10/28/2019 by 28th time traveler Kathy M.

I had been wanting to go to Iceland for quite a long time, but being there for only a few days did not appeal to me. When Go Ahead began offering the 10 day Golden Circle and Ring Road tour, I registered almost immediately. Iceland is a fantastic country what with its amazing dynamic landscape, hi...

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Very lovely place to visit.

09/29/2019 by 3rd time traveler Martha A.

We enjoyed the trip very much even though it was rainy and windy at time. Anyone going needs to take rain/wind pants, scarf, gloves, knit hat, warm coat or layers and very good walking shoes. Beautiful country with many waterfalls. Loved seeing all the water flowing down the mountains and streams...

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09/29/2019 by 2nd time traveler Sue D.

Iceland is an experience everyone should have at least once in their life. There is excitement at every turn of the road. The only way to go is the complete ring road to really feel the people,traditions, and country.

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Fosshotel Reykjavík

This modern hotel is located in the business district. Guests enjoy a beer garden, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find downtown’s shop...

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Hotel Zander K

This modern hotel is located in the Sentrum neighborhood. Guests enjoy a foodbar, gym, and free bicycle rentals. Nearby, you’ll find the Bergen Storse...

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Icelandair Akureyri

This modern hotel is located in Akureyri’s city center. Guests enjoy a geothermal pool, fireplace garden, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Hlíd...

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Center Hotels Midgardur Reykjavik

This modern hotel is located in the Hlemmur neighborhood. Guests enjoy a spa, bar, and restaurant. Nearby you’ll find the Sun Voyager sculpture, Hallg...

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Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

This sleek hotel is located in Hnappavellir. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Skaftafel...

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Icelandair Herad

This boutique hotel is located in the town of Egilsstaðir. Guests enjoy a terrace bar, restaurant, and satellite TV. Nearby, you’ll find the East Icel...

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Icelandair Hotel Hamar

This eco-friendly hotel is located outside of Borgarnes. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and golf course. Nearby you’ll find the town of Borgarnes.

Clarion Admiral

This contemporary hotel is located in central Bergen. Guests enjoy Wi-Fi, room service, and laundry services. Nearby, you'll find Bergenhaus Cathedral...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Iceland (and Norway on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including wet, slippery gravel and paved paths with some uphill climbs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of boats, ferries, and trains.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Reykjavik (or Bergen on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Depending on the time of year, some travelers not continuing on the tour extension to Norway may be required to spend an extra night in the U.S. before boarding their connecting flight home. In these cases, Go Ahead Tours will reserve your hotel and you'll arrive home one day after the last day of the main tour.
A glacier lagoon boat cruise is also included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension to Norway also includes a flight from Reykjavik to Bergen, train rides from Bergen to Voss and Myrdal to Bergen, a fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm, and a railway ride from Flåm to Myrdal.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for detailed information regarding baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 total inches (length + width + height).
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a warm jacket or rainwear.
Please keep in mind that even summer temperatures in Iceland and Norway (on the tour extension) can get very cold, and warmer layers may be needed.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Iceland.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Icelandic cuisine relies on traditional, locally sourced ingredients from the Atlantic ocean and the surrounding mountains. Both fresh and dried fish, including herring, cod, and shark, are important culinary staples. Other must-tries include Icelandic lamb, which is considered to be some of the best in the world, as well as pylsa (hot dogs), and _skyr_cheese.
Norwegian cuisine is varied, offering something for every traveler. Lamb is the most traditional meat, but you’ll also find everything from goose to deer being served. Seafood lovers will enjoy the country’s array of smoked salmon, shellfish, pickled herring and scrod. Typical meals often incorporate grains, locally-produced cheeses, fresh produce, and wild berries.

Electricity & air conditioning

Iceland (and Norway on the tour extension) operates on 230 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in some European hotels may not be as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Iceland is one hour behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and four hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
Norway (on the tour extension) is one hour ahead of GMT and six hours ahead of EST.
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 4pm in Iceland and 6pm in Norway.
The amount of daylight in Iceland greatly varies based on the season. Expect as much as ten hours of daylight in the summer and as little as 4.5 hours of daylight in the winter.

Currency

You will use the Icelandic krona in Iceland (plus the Norwegian krone in Norway on the tour extension).
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks, as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

Dates & prices

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