Classic Iceland Adventure

  • 7 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Reykjavik
  • Trip End: Reykjavik
Essence of Iceland Adventure

In just one week, explore the best of Iceland's dramatic landscapes on our Classic Iceland Adventure.

As you wind your way through Iceland's Golden Circle and venture further afield to remote glacier lagoons and volcanic landscapes, you'll be amazed by the many landscapes you'll explore on our 7-day Classic Iceland Adventure. Starting in Reykjavik, you'll meet your fellow adventurers and expert local guides, before exploring the many natural wonders of Southern Iceland. Many will recognize Gullfoss Waterfall and Skógafoss Waterfall, known for their raw power and magnificent ever-present rainbows. As you hike high on the sea cliffs of Ingólfshöfði headland, keep your eye out for puffins, Iceland's iconic bird. You'll get to explore Heinabergsjökull Lagoon, with its ancient ice gently floating along as icebergs. Throughout your week-long journey, you'll re-energize in hand-picked accommodations, enjoy hearty Icelandic food, and learn about Icelandic traditions, many of which are still present today. If a hiking adventure in Iceland has been waiting on your bucket list, you've come to the right place.

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Classic Iceland Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Reykjavik Trip End: Reykjavik

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive in Reykjavík

  • Day 2Explore Þingvellir National Park

  • Day 3Visit the Vestmannaeyjar Islands

  • Day 4Hike and explore Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss Waterfalls

  • Day 5Hike the Ingólfshöfði headland, spotting ‘Lundi‘

  • Day 6Visit Jökulsárlón Lagoon, hike Múlagljúfur Canyon

  • Day 7Return home

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Reykjavík

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    Your trip begins in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital and Iceland’s cultural hub. If you’ve flown in this morning, you’ll be free to make your own way from Keflavík International Airport to the city. Bear in mind you won’t be able to check in to your hotel until 2 pm, so we recommend unwinding after your flight at the famous Blue Lagoon hot pools that are on the way to Reykjavík - remember to keep your swimwear handy!

    After dropping your bags at the hotel you’ll have some free time to take in the vibrant streets - grab some last-minute gear at the many outdoor clothing stores or explore the harbor. At 5.00pm, we’ll all meet at the hotel bar for a trip briefing and a welcome drink, where you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and guides before having a delicious meal in a local restaurant.

    You might find your first evening a little strange, to be strolling around in daylight!
    Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum, Reykjavík
    Meals: Dinner

  • Day 2

    Explore Þingvellir National Park

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    Today the adventure really begins, as we head northeast to Þingvellir National Park, home to Iceland’s first National Assembly. We’ll stretch our legs at our first waterfall called Öxàrarfoss (‘foss’ is Icelandic for waterfall). As strange as it may sound, this is actually a human-made waterfall, as the water was diverted, back in the 9th Century, to provide members and visitors of the Icelandic parliament ‘Althingi’ with water. There is further fascinating folklore about this region that you’ll soon discover!

    After enjoying a traditional Icelandic meat soup for lunch we’ll continue towards the highlands, with stops to learn about Iceland’s Laugarvatan cave people, and view the original Geysir Nature Reserve and the Gullfoss waterfall.
    Accommodation: Flúðir Hótel, Flúðir
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: We'll explore the Nature Reserve, so do as much or as little as you like.

     

  • Day 3

    Visit the Vestmannaeyjar Islands

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    This morning we’ll journey south down the coast to board a ferry. Our scenic crossing takes us to the bustling fishing port of Haeimaey, the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. This tiny island hosts a recent, rich volcanic history that we’ll learn about at the world-class Eldheimar Exhibition.

    After fueling up the body we’ll experience the lava fields with a volcanic hike to the Eldfell peak. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with views across to the mainland and a further appreciation for the 1973 eruption.
    Accommodation: Hótel Vestmannaeyjar, Vestmannaeyjar
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    Eldfell Peak Hike: 1.2 miles (2 kilometers), 2-3 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent

    Optional Hike: 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers), 0.5-1 hour
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent

  • Day 4

    Hike and explore Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss Waterfalls

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    After returning to the mainland we’ll take a hike to the top of Iceland’s most famous and spectacular waterfalls. First to Seljalandsfoss (where we can also walk behind the falls) and then to Skógafoss.

    After lunch we’ll hunt for stone trolls along the wild and beautiful South Coast - these trolls occupy an immense portion of Icelandic folklore, described as big, stupid, and greedy, but sometimes kind and wise! Our journey continues alongside the soaring sea cliffs and moss-covered lava fields, where we’ll be able to see the infamous E15 ‘Eyjafjallajökull’ Volcano, Vatnajökull ice cap, and its outlet glaciers.

    Tonight, we’ll relax in the wonderfully appointed Fosshótel, with impressive views down towards the coast.
    Accommodation: Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon, Öraefi
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    Seljalandsfoss Hike: 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometers), 0.5-1 hour
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent

    Skógafoss Hike: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 feet (90 meters) ascent, 300 feet (90 meters) descent

  • Day 5

    Hike the Ingólfshöfði headland, spotting ‘Lundi‘

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    Pack your binoculars this morning as we’re looking for 'Lundi', also known as puffin, Iceland’s iconic and beloved bird. As we hike the high sea cliffs of the Ingólfshöfði headland we’ll also catch glimpses of guillemots and skuas. Please note, in September the puffins will have headed back out to sea. However, we will still enjoy the stunning hike.

    After our hike and a bite to eat, we’ll head off to view yet another waterfall, known as Svartifoss, where nearby there are views across Europe’s largest outlet glacier, Skeiðarárjökull. You can decide to hike on the glacier with specialist guides for extra fees. Afterward, we’ll regroup and head back to the Fosshótel, for another relaxing evening.
    Accommodation: Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon, Öraefi
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    Ingólfshöfði Headland Hike: 1.9 miles (3 kilometers), 2.5-3 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent

    Svartifoss Hike: 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 324 feet (100 meters) ascent, 324 feet (100 meters) descent

    Optional Ice hike on Falljökull Glacier (extra fee applies): An alternative option to the afternoon's waterfall hike is to strap on crampons, pick up an ice axe and hike on the Falljökull glacier! Led by specialist glacier guides you’ll explore amazing ice formations checking out the crevasses, seracs, tunnels, and pools of glacial meltwater - no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. The ice hike is popular, so this option must be selected at the time of booking.

  • Day 6

    Visit Jökulsárlón Lagoon, hike Múlagljúfur Canyon

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    Jökulsárlón Lagoon is a photographer’s dream and a spot where you may see seals playing amongst the icebergs. After hiking the entire length of Iceland’s shortest river (blink and you’ll miss it), we’ll end up on the beach surrounded by stranded icebergs.

    A short drive brings us to the hidden canyon Múlagljúfur where we'll hike along this magnificent canyon to waterfalls called Hangandifoss and Múlafoss, offering breathtaking views along the way.

    We'll enjoy a picnic lunch before starting our scenic drive back to Reykjavik along the South Coast, stopping to visit beautiful sites along the way. Arriving in Reykjavik in the afternoon where we'll enjoy one last farewell dinner together.
    Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, Reykjavik
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike: 3.6 miles (5.7 kilometers), 3 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,204 feet (367 meters) ascent 

    Iceland's shortest river Hike: 2-3 hours

  • Day 7

    Return home

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    This morning is yours to enjoy. Wander the city, indulge in a sleep-in, or pack in some last-minute souvenir shopping. If you’re staying on in Iceland be sure to ask us for advice about where to explore next!
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals: Breakfast

Classic Iceland Adventure Departure Dates

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Included

  • Our own highly experienced guides and leader, with you from start to finish
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Flights as outlined in the itinerary
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities, including bikes (where bike rides are applicable)
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities
  • All park and other entry fees
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

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Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.

*Terms & conditions apply – read more here

 

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip, we'll meet you at the Hotel Reykjavik Centrum hotel bar in the evening for welcome drinks and a briefing at 5pm before dinner. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Reykjavik , though you must make your own way to the Hotel at the pre-designated time.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends after breakfast and you're free to fly out any time. You'll need to organise your own transfer to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in time for your departing flight.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Reykjavik by 4pm. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, you can depart from Reykjavik at any time.

Is tipping expected in Europe?

Tipping is not expected in Europe however you might want to tip a little extra if you feel someone gave really fantastic service, but it's not really necessary. Many of our people also choose to tip their Active Adventures Europe trip leaders and local guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per Trip Leader/guide. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of Europe.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Iceland, though they are all of sleek Scandinavian design and well thought out.

While each of the hotels will have laundry services available, these will be very expensive and often not the same day service. We recommend bringing enough clothing for the entire duration of your trip.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 44 pounds (20 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You'll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

Tell me about the optional activities on this trip?

You have the option to take an alternative adventure to the Svartifoss waterfall hike and strap on crampons, pick up an ice axe and hike on the Falljökull glacier! No prior experience is required, everything you need is supplied, and as long as you can hike, you can glacier hike!

The three hour excursion is led by specialist glacier guides, you’ll explore amazing ice formations checking out the crevasses, seracs, tunnels and pools of glacial meltwater - no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. The ice hike is popular, so we offer advance reservations with the guiding company.

At the time of booking, or up until one month before your trip, we can reserve a space for you, or you can leave your decision until the start of your trip and your guides will get you a spot, if it’s available. A good level of fitness is required and the following equipment is provided for you: glacier boots, socks, crampons, ice axe and a waterproof raincoat.

You’ll need to bring three warm upper body layers, leggings or lightweight trousers, waterproof trousers, sunglasses, sunscreen, some snacks and a small drink bottle. This is not a fast activity, as walking with a group and continually cutting steps in the ice can be time-consuming. This is however a unique experience.

NOTE: If you have (or have had) a heart condition or ACL Knee surgery then you may be refused this activity on arrival.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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