Landscapes of Wild Iceland
8 days | 10 days with West Iceland & Reykjavik extension |
Special Event Spotlight
On August 12, 2026, parts of Iceland will experience a total solar eclipse. The itinerary for the tour departing August 6, 2026 may be modified to accommodate the event.
Explore a country still carving itself from fire and ice.
With its thundering waterfalls, moody black-sand beaches, and glacial lagoons painted every shade of blue, Iceland looks straight from a blockbuster movie. But it’s 100 percent real, and this week, it’s your own personal, pristine, playground. Begin your Iceland experience in the country’s green capital, Reykjavik. Then, venture beyond the city’s borders to the dramatic landscapes of the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Fjadrargljufur—known for its rippling rock walls and snaking freshwater river. Craving even more of Iceland’s untamed beauty? Opt to explore the stunning ice tunnels of the Langjokull on the extension to West Iceland.
Your tour package includes
- 6 nights in handpicked hotels
- 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners served with beer or wine
- 7 sightseeing tours—think iconic views, local neighborhoods, and hidden gems
- 1 expert Tour Director, your on-the-ground pro from start to finish
- 1 local guide who brings each stop to life with insider stories
- Private deluxe motor coach throughout your journey
Included highlights
- Wandering Reykjavik’s colorful streets and cozy cafes
- Feeling the thunderous power of Gullfoss in your chest
- Getting drenched in the mist at the base of Skogafoss
- Walking behind the shimmering curtain of Seljalandsfoss
- Crunching across moody, jet-black sands
- Gliding between massive icebergs on the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon
Itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day
Board an overnight flight to Reykjavik.
Reykjavik2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Reykjavik & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Welcome lunch
Welcome to Iceland! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome lunch, served with beer or wine. Then, get a feel for Reykjavik—often called the greenest city on Earth—during a walk with your Tour Director.
- Head to Midborg, the downtown neighborhood more simply known as the 101, and stop outside the Hallgrimskirkja. Reaching almost 245 feet into the sky at its peak, this church is one of the tallest buildings in the city—and with its breathtaking curved spire, it’s one of the most distinct, too.
- Stroll past the Leif Erikson statue—a tribute to the legendary Norse explorer placed right in front of the Hallgrimskirkja—and listen as your Tour Director regales you with tales of Iceland’s Viking heritage.
- Breathe in the beauty of Tjornin. Literally “the pond,” this beloved lake houses flocks of water birds, and depending on the season, you’ll find locals tossing them chunks of bread.
- Pass the Althingishusid, home of the national parliament, and the lakeside City Hall before continuing to the Old Harbour, where the shimmering glass facade of the Harpa concert hall evokes the basalt landscapes you’ll roam on tour.
Enjoy a free afternoon in Reykjavik, maybe lingering for a while in the Hljomskalagardurinn, Reykjavik’s principal green space. Alternatively, add an excursion—and what better way to decompress after an international flight than with a soak in the Blue Lagoon? The milky waters of this geothermal bath are prized for their restorative properties; go for a float and let them ease your post-travel tension.
Day 3: Free day in Reykjavik
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend a free day in Reykjavik exploring around your hotel or do as locals do: Unwind at a neighborhood geothermal pool or hot tub. If you’d like, we’ve planned an optional excursion to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula—“Iceland in miniature”—to see Snaefellsjokull National Park, Budir’s black church, and Arnarstapi’s basalt cliffs.
Selfoss1 night
Day 4: Selfoss via the Golden Circle
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tasting
Running for 190 miles across pristine landscapes, the Golden Circle encompasses some of Iceland’s most magnificent natural wonders. Today, you’ll board your bus and drive some of this famous route.
- Begin at the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, a 92-square-mile tract of volcanic rock and golden scrubland. You’ll see the original site of the Althing, an open-air governmental assembly that was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798.
- Tour the stables at Fridheimar Farm to learn about Icelandic horse breeding during a presentation served with coffee and tea.
- Sample tomatoes and sit down for lunch at Fridheimar, where the produce is grown fresh in a greenhouse heated by geothermal energy.
- Enter the Haukadalur, a valley teeming with geothermal activity, and explore the area surrounding the Great Geysir. You could say it’s the original Old Faithful: After all, the English word “geyser” is derived from its name. While it hasn’t erupted since 2016, its nearby cousin, Strokkur, hasn’t stopped, spouting into the air every 5-10 minutes.
- Marvel at Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall that ranks as one of the most powerful in all of Europe. Some say its name comes from the legend of a Viking who dumped his treasure into its churning waters—others, the way the light catches the mist steaming off the cascade. Either way, it’s a sight to behold.
Continue to Selfoss and enjoy a free evening. If you’re not tucking into your hotel to catch up on rest, head down to the banks of the Olfusa River. The walking path is especially lovely at night, and depending on the time of year, you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
South Coast Region2 nights
Day 5: Sightseeing tour of the South Coast
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Glimmering glaciers. Black-sand beaches. Thundering waterfalls. The dramatic lowlands of Iceland’s South Coast contrast with the Golden Circle’s pastoral landscapes, and today’s journey will show you the former’s sensational sights.
- Eye the Eyjafjallajokull, an ice cap sitting atop an active volcano, then continue to the area’s famous beaches. Colored a deep, metallic black, their sands are the byproduct of centuries of eruptions and erosion (and make for stellar photos).
- Park at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, skirt around the cascade, and walk into a small cave behind it for a misty view of the surrounding plains.
- View the Skogafoss waterfall and opt to join your Tour Director on a hike up a staircase to a scenic overlook.
- Marvel at the mighty Solheimajokull. Spanning the gap between two volcanoes, this glacier’s moody blue ice makes it a popular hiking destination.
- Enjoy free time for lunch in remote, seaside Vik. Here, in Iceland’s southernmost village, you’ll find yourself between glacier-topped mountains and stark black-sand beaches.
This evening, sit down for an included dinner with your group, served with beer or wine.
Please note: The order of today’s events may change due to your hotel’s location and the weather.
Day 6: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Included meal: Breakfast
The East Fjords region is home to some of Iceland’s most mesmerizing glacial landscapes, where massive ice formations meet the sea in a constantly shifting display of nature’s power. Today’s journey takes you across the pristine Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, offering a perspective you can only get from the water.
- Set off on cruise across Jokulsarlon, where electric-blue icebergs drift silently across mirror-like waters before washing up on the famous Diamond Beach—a stretch of black sand glittering with fragments of ancient ice.
- Glide between towering bergs, some centuries old, as you approach the massive Breidamerkurjokull glacier. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful seals that often pop up from the water, curious about their human visitors.
- Learn the fascinating story of how this lagoon came to be, carved out by a retreating glacier and growing larger each year as climate change continues to reshape this dynamic landscape.
This afternoon, make your way to the majestic and serpentine Fjadrargljufur canyon.
- Spend some free time at the Skaftafell Visitor Center, browsing bite-sized exhibits and grabbing trail tips from rangers before heading back into the wild.
- Set out on a walk to a canyon lookout for epic views: sheer, mossy walls dropping to a ribbon of blue‑green water that snakes through the valley below.
- Hear the canyon’s origin story—how glacial meltwater chiseled these curves over thousands of years—told with the kind of lava-and-ice fanfare only Iceland can deliver.
Please note: Warm layers—including a waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, scarves, and sturdy shoes—are recommended for today’s activities.
Reykjavik1 night
Day 7: Transfer to Reykjavik
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Return to Reykjavik this morning and enjoy free time to explore the city on your own.
Tonight, celebrate your trip with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine.
Flight Home
Day 8: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or stick around for the West Iceland extension. (It’s a hot spot for a reason!)
West Iceland & Reykjavik extension
Just when you think things can’t get any more impressive, the wonders of West Iceland come into view. With its lava fields, cascading waterfalls, and abundant animal life, the region is an out-of-this-world gem—and alongside your Tour Director, you’ll see it all on this extension.
West Iceland1 night
Day 8: West Iceland & Langjokull Glacier
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to West Iceland this morning, stopping en route to admire this geographically diverse wonderland that inspired Viking writers and continues to captivate travelers.
- Walk a one-mile loop and watch as Deildartunguhver—Europe’s most powerful hot spring—bubbles and flows without end. Water gushes out of the ground at a piping-hot 207 degrees and is used for heating in nearby towns.
- Behold two waterfalls, different in scale: Hraunfossar, with its kilometer-long series of gentle rivulets, and Barnafoss, a rapid cascade that lies at the heart of a dark local legend.
- Visit Reykholt, a historic village that was home to Snorri Sturluson, a 13th-century author and two-time lawspeaker of the Icelandic parliament.
- Make your way to the Langjokull. Literally the “long glacier,” it’s the island’s second-largest ice cap, and you’ll experience it from two angles. Start by climbing into a specially modified truck and driving across the frigid expanse, then descend into a manmade tunnel to marvel at its deep blues from within.
This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group, served with beer or wine.
Reykjavik1 night
Day 9: Transfer to Reykjavik
Included meal: Breakfast
Travel back to Reykjavik and enjoy free time for the rest of the day. Ask your Tour Director for a recommendation or keep it low-key with a stroll through Grandi, the city’s old harbor district. Spot street art and browse indie galleries with a coffee in hand—or, if you’re up for something more adventurous, join us for an optional excursion deep into the belly of a lava tube.
Flight Home
Day 10: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Start planning today
Have a quick question about tipping or what to pack? Give us a call at 1-800-590-1161, or talk to a Tour Consultant.
Reviews
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.

Reykjavik - Fosshotel Reykjavík
This modern hotel is located in the business district. Guests enjoy a beer garden, fitness center, and rooftop terrace.Nearby, you'll find Hallgrimskirkja, the Sun Voyager, and the Harpa Concert Hall.

Selfoss - Hotel Selfoss
This peaceful hotel is located in Selfoss on the banks of the Ölfusá river. Guests enjoy the spa, on-site restaurant, and library. Nearby you’ll find Selfoss Church, Paradisarhellir Cave, and the Icelandic Turf House.

South Coast Region - South Coast Hotel
This cozy hotel is located in Selfoss. Guests enjoy a wellness center, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center. Nearby, you'll find the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, the Skógafoss Waterfall, and the Black Sand Beach at...

Husafell - Hotel Hamar
This tranquil hotel is located in Húsafell, West Region. Guests enjoy a golf course, an on-site restaurant, and hot tubs. Nearby, you'll find the Hraunfossar Waterfalls, the Surtshellir Lava Cave, and the Lindin Swimming Pool.
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 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
- In order to enter Iceland, 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.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ICP.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Reykjavik.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
- When you arrive in Reykjavik, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
- Depending on the time of year, some travelers 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 tour.
Physical Activity Level
This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Two 1-night stays
- Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- All transportation by motor coach
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day—this includes city streets, dirt paths, stairs, and hills.
- Paths around waterfalls will be slippery.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.
Climate Considerations
- Travelers can expect cool, cloudy, and rainy days throughout the year, with high temperatures only in the high-50sF.
- Weather can change quickly and frequently in Iceland. Travelers should be prepared for sudden changes to the itinerary to accommodate unfavorable weather.
- Iceland experiences Midnight Sun, meaning it will be daylight for 21 hours at its peak in June.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- Most transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. Private motor coaches have steps required to board and often do not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- 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.
- It’s preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders. Entrance may be denied on this basis.
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single-use plastic waste.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using a hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- Iceland operates on 230 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
- 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 contact our Customer Experience Team.
- 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.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ICP.
- This tour includes 2 lunches and 2 dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- 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, which is somewhat similar to yogurt.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is 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 $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $4USD 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.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the Icelandic krona on tour.
- 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 and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- 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.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Iceland is one hour behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and four hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 4pm in Iceland.
- When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers or potable water is provided on the bus and/or hotel. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from tortoiseshell or meals such as shark fin soup.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.







































































