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We are also offering a five-day Iceland itinerary focused on the Golden Circle on Dec. 27–31, 2025 and April 1–5, 2026. The best opportunity to see the Northern Lights would be on the December program.

Hotels: Standard Class
07/09/2026 - 07/15/2026
Max Participants: 18
7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

If you’re looking for a fast but full visit around Iceland, this 7-day trip fits the bill perfectly. It’s got tons of hidden gems that you won’t find on any other trip and enough free time to experience highlights such as seeing erupting geysers, visiting glacier lagoons, and exploring breathtaking waterfalls and black sand beaches. Be sure to pack your sense of adventure and get ready to feel Iceland under your feet. Visit Iceland with us, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

What's Included:

Goðafoss Waterfall visit
Mývatn Lake viewpoint stop
Dimmuborgir, and Námaskarð stops
Námaskarð Geothermal Area vist
Dettifoss Waterfall visit
Vatnajökull glacier visit
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon visit
Reynisfjara Beach
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
The Golden Circle: Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs, and Þingvellir National Park
G Adventures tour leader throughout
6 breakfasts – allow $350-455 USD for meals not included
Standard hotel (5 nights), local guesthouse (1 night)
Transport between destinations and to/from included activities using private compact bus

What's Not Included:

International air travel
Incidentals
Travel health and cancellation insurance
Applicable visas
Tips or gratuities
Airport taxes
Beverages
Meals not mentioned in itinerary
Optional tours and admissions
Airport transfers
Single/Private Accommodation (add-on available)

Itinerary Download PDF

Day 1: Reykjavík Arrive in Reykjavík at any time. Meet your group for a welcome meeting around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.

Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until the Welcome Meeting in the evening. The tour begins and ends in Reykjavík, and the nearest airport is Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Consider arriving 1-2 days early to explore the city, adjust to the time zone, and buffer against flight delays. We can book extra hotel nights for you in Reykjavík before and/or after the trip. Worthwhile visits in and around Reykjavík include the Perlan Museum, Snorkeling in Silfra, and a lagoon, such as Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon. Hotel Check-in and Welcome Meeting Hotel check-in is normally between 2-3pm. Check with reception for the exact time and location of the group welcome meeting, typically between 6-7pm. Please make every effort to attend this meeting. If you're running late, send a message in the group WhatsApp or call the emergency number on your trip voucher so your tour leader can let you know where and when to meet the group. After the meeting, you might choose to get dinner at a nearby restaurant with your traveling companions and your tour leader to further get to know one another.

Joining Instructions
Airport Shuttle (Recommended): Flybus and Airport Direct operate from the arrivals hall, departing 35-45 minutes after each flight. Tickets cost 3,500–4,500 ISK ($27–35 USD) one-way and can be bought at the ticket counter. Book the hotel drop-off option for direct delivery to your accommodation—the shuttle takes you to BSÍ Bus Terminal (45 minutes), then transfers you to a minibus for drop-off at your hotel (adds ~30 minutes).
Taxi: Expect to pay $150-250 USD to get to central Reykjavik. Taxis wait outside the terminal exit and are metered based on distance and time.

Accommodation: Hotel Cabin (or similar) * For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher. **If staying at Hotel Cabin (Reykjavík), Standard rooms will be booked for Single occupancy (including My Own Room) and Superior rooms will be booked for Twin/Double occupancy, including pre/post nights.

Day 2: Reykjavík/Akureyri Drive to Akureyri. Stop for lunch at a local cantina. Explore the town. Opt to go for an evening whale-watching tour.

After breakfast, we drive to Akureyri, enjoying the beautiful landscape along the way and stopping for lunch at a local cantina. Akureyri, population 17,754, is an important port and fishing center. The area has a relatively warm climate due to geographical factors, and the town's ice-free harbor has played a significant role in its history. It still gets heated with geothermal water from Laugaland in Eyjafjörður. You have the option of heading out to sea to go whale watching off the coast (3-4 hrs). Among the species spotted near Akureyri in Eyjafjörður are bottlenose, minke, and humpback whales. Approximate travel time: 4.5 hrs in private vehicle Accommodation: Sveinbjarnargerdi Country Hotel (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Akureyri/Bakagerdi Stop at Goðafoss Waterfall en route to Mývatn Lake. Explore lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð. Visit Dettifoss Waterfall. Arrive in Bakagerdi for a night in a local guesthouse.

Today, we start by taking an excursion to one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, the Goðafoss Waterfall. Measuring 12 m high and 30 m 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 favorite for visitors because it's easily accessible by car. There are walking paths around the falls, making it easy to take fantastic photographs from different angles. Next, we will explore the beautiful scenery around Lake Mývatn. Formed during a volcanic eruption 2,300 years ago, the geothermal area is a haven for a massive number of birds. The nutrient rich water also attracts over 10 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. Next, we explore lava formations of Dimmuborgir. We will walk the marked pathways for roughly half an hour to spot arches and pillars or check out lava caves. Meaning "dark forts" in Icelandic, Dimmuborgir features black lava formations on display in dramatic fashion. Afterwards, we will 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. Please note: Be careful – the mud in this area is thick and sticky, and the residue from the steam can stain clothing. Our next stop is the Dettifoss Waterfall in northeast Iceland, thought to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe, with an average water flow of 193 m³/s. Take in the view of 45 m high, 100 m wide falls and shoot some photos to show off back home. The hike to Dettifoss is roughly a mile round trip, plus you will have the option to do additional walking to different viewpoints after you arrive. Our day ends when we reach Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður) in the East Fjords region for a night in a local guesthouse. Approximate travel time: 5 hrs by private vehicle Accommodation: Alfheimar Guesthouse (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4: Borgarfjörður/Höfn Leave Bakagerdi behind and travel down the coast driving through the eastern fjords. En route to Höfn, catch a glimpse of Vatnajokull glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe.

This morning, we leave beautiful Bakagerdi behind to travel down the coast, driving through the beautiful and majestic eastern fjords. We will stop for a view of the Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe, which covers over 8% of Iceland. There are multiple volcanoes underneath the glacier as well as over 30 outlet glaciers that stem from Vatnajökull. Our final destination today is the fishing town of Höfn, which is known as the lobster capital of Iceland. Approximate travel time: 4 hrs by private vehicle Accommodation: Hotel Smyrlabjorg (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Höfn/Vík í Mýrdal Visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach. Opt to check out the lagoon by boat. Continue to Skaftafell National Park and opt to take a glacier hike. Continue to Vík.

Today, we 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 toward the sea, often with seals sunbathing on the bright blue ice. The blocks of ice coming off the glacier are typically 30 m high, in dramatic shades of white and bright blue. You will have the option (roughly 5,700-9,800 ISK per person) to check out the lagoon by boat to get closer to the floating icebergs which sometimes have seal passengers. 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. A highlight of this trip for many is the optional Skaftafell National Park glacier hike (10,990 ISK per person), which you can pre-book with us. Suitable for most fitness levels, the hikers be equipped with crampons, ice axes, and helmets that will allow you to safely hike on a glacier. We will then continue on to the small town of Vík, where we will spend the night. Despite its small size (318 inhabitants as of 2016) it is the largest settlement for some 70 km (43 mi) around. Vík serves as the primary setting of Netflix's Icelandic original series Katla, which follows a group of the village's inhabitants as they struggle in the aftermath of the volcano's first eruption since 1918. Approximate travel time: 3.5 hrs by private vehicle Accommodation: Hotel Dyrholaey (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: Vík í Mýrdal/Reykjavík Visit Reynisfjara Beach. Continue along the Golden Circle to Drumbo. Stop at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Explore the Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs, and Þingvellir National Park. Arrive to Reykjavík in the early evening.

After breakfast, we visit Reynisfjara Beach, just outside of Vík. Its stretch of black basalt sand, one of the wettest places in Iceland, and the ominous rock formations offshore make for stunning photos. The cliffs west of the beach are home to many seabirds, most notably puffins that burrow into the shallow soils during the nesting season. Take some time to watch the foaming white waves crash over the black sand (but don’t get too close as 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. Then we visit Seljalandsfoss, a 60 m (196 ft) tall waterfall. Behind the flow of water is a path, allowing visitors to peek behind the curtain of water cascading over the rocks above. Expect about a half an hour of walking, but you can limit yourself to just ten minutes if you wish. From there, we travel along Iceland's famous Golden Circle. The Golden Circle takes in three popular attractions all within 100 km of the capital: Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir. Our first stop in the circle is Gullfoss, another amazing waterfall. 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 dark gray, depending on how much sediment gets pushed through the river. Expect 10 to 20 minutes of walking, depending on which view points you want to reach. You will then 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, however, erupts a spray of boiling hot water straight into the air about every ten minutes. Expect 10 to 30 minutes of walking, depending on how far into the park you wish to walk. We will then stop at Þingvellir (or "Thingvellir") National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see the 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 AD 930, and the park was later created to protect the remains of the open-air assembly grounds. One of the most-visited sights in Iceland, the park is an excellent spot for camping, hiking, and SCUBA diving between the tectonic plates. You should expect 20-30 minutes of walking. In the early evening, we arrive in Reykjavík for a final night in the bustling capital city. Approximate travel time: 5-6 hrs by private vehicle Accommodation: Hotel Cabin (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7: Reykjavík Depart Reykjavík at any time.

There are no planned activities today, so you may depart Reykjavík at any time. If you wish to extend your stay in Reykjavík, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is usually mid-morning, but luggage storage services are available at the reception desk. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO programs in the same school year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs per year). If you would like to extend your time abroad but don't see another GEEO program that interests you, let us know. We can work with you to find a trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Their tours are open to the general public and not designed specifically for educators, but we can still offer you and your travel companions a discounted educator price on any additional tours that you book. Meals included: Breakfast

*Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Details

Important

Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the program information on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that travelers who review the full trip details are happier with their experiences.

Terms and Conditions: Review GEEO's full Terms and Conditions before signing up for a GEEO program, especially information related to deposits, our cancellation policy, mandatory travel insurance, etc.
Confirmation Process: Understand GEEO's trip confirmation process.
FAQs: Find essential information that applies to all GEEO programs.
Browse Classroom Resources: Recommended Reading | Lesson Plans | Pinterest boards

Trip Notes & Expectations

ACCOMMODATION

Our program fees are based on double-occupancy accommodation (see "Single Travelers" below if you do not have a travel companion and would be interested in a private room). Our accommodations are chosen to provide a safe, conveniently located place to sleep. While you may be pleasantly surprised, please don't expect luxury, as we prioritize keeping our programs affordable. Private/Single Rooms: Single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms. Hotel Cabin (Reykjavík): If the start/end hotel for your program is Hotel Cabin, "Standard" will be booked for single occupancy requests (i.e., My Own Room) and "Superior" rooms will be booked for Twin/Double occupancy, including any pre/post night bookings.

ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE

This is an average-paced tour that is suitable for travelers with a good level of physical fitness. While it is not a strenuous hiking trip, the itinerary is packed with activities and covers a significant amount of ground. Please be prepared for significant daily walking. The trip also includes long drive days in the bus, as the itinerary moves quickly to show you the country's highlights. Optional activities, such as the glacier hike, are more physically demanding and may not be suitable for all participants. We recommend you read the specific activity descriptions to be prepared. We also suggest always carrying snacks, as meal times can sometimes be far apart due to the busy schedule.

GLACIER HIKE

The optional, pre-bookable Skaftafell National Park Glacier Hike requires no prior experience, but be aware that the hike is moderately challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness. The terrain can be uneven, and conditions on the glacier vary, so sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are essential. You will be provided with professional glacier equipment (crampons, ice axe) and accompanied by an expert guide for your safety.

BLUE LAGOON

If you wish to visit the Blue Lagoon, please know that this activity must be done before or after your tour. As this activity is very popular and limits admission, we recommend booking it online well in advance.

MONEY

Credit Cards (Mastercard and Visa only) or NFC mobile tap-to-pay are the preferred form of payment. You can use USD for tips. You don't really need to take out much Icelandic Krona as you can use your card or phone for nearly everything. Make sure your credit card does not charge an international transaction fee. If you do not have a card without international transaction fees, we recommend getting a new card. Capital One cards do not charge international transaction fees.

MEALS

Food and drinks in Iceland may be considerably more expensive than what you are used to. Meals can easily cost double or more what you might expect to pay in the United States. While our itinerary includes all breakfasts, you will be responsible lunches and dinners. We recommend that you budget accordingly, and consider bringing some non-perishable snacks from home to help manage costs. Your tour leader can also provide advice on the best value-for-money options.

WEATHER

The landscape of Iceland is unique and unlike most things you’ve seen. So is the weather. It is unpredictable and changeable, so be prepared to experience a variety of conditions during your time in Iceland. It’s not uncommon to experience rain, sun, wind, and snow all in the same visit, so please pack accordingly. An Icelandic summer is also not what most people consider as summer temperature, and in the highlands it can get quite cold.

ITINERARY FLEXIBILITY

Weather near the Arctic Circle can be variable. Occasionally this will mean that we need to amend our itinerary to keep you safe. We will always endeavor to deliver a tour as close to the itinerary described as possible and ensure you see as much as possible, despite any bad weather.

GROUP LEADER

All GEEO/G Adventures trips are led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), whose role is to take the hassle out of travel and help you get the most from your trip. They’ll share information about the places you visit, suggest activities and restaurants, and introduce you to our local friends. While not traditional guides, CEOs have broad knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and daily life. On some excursions, local guides are used for deeper insight—giving you the best of both worlds.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Single Travelers

Traveling solo? You’re in good company—about half of our participants do the same. Shared room by default. The program fee covers one person in a twin room. We’ll pair you with a roommate of the same gender if you don’t have a travel companion. Want a private room? Most trips offer a “My Own Room” (single-supplement) upgrade. Check the price in the Extra Services section, then email travel@geeo.org to reserve it. You pay the single-supplement only if you request it.

My Own Room Exception: Receive private accommodation every night except night 2 and night 3 at the guest house.

Emergency Contacts

If you need urgent help during your trip, call the local G Adventures office first. If no one answers, leave a detailed message with your name and contact information so they can return your call as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: G Adventures Berlin office: +44 185 837 8000 If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Packing List

See our blog post of staff recommended gear to help you pack for your upcoming travels. You must be able to carry your own luggage—up stairs, on and off of transport, and during 15 to 20 minute walks. Bring one small or medium backpack or rolling bag (22-30lb) and one daypack for daily items. Space is limited on transportation, so oversized bags cannot travel. As you prepare your packing list, we recommend checking average weather conditions for your destination on a site like Weather Spark for the time of year you will be traveling.

SuggestedOptionalDocuments

Rain coat or waterproof shell jacket
Warm fleece top
Personal clothing for cool weather in the 40’s-60’s F – we recommend packing 6 outfits as you can't do laundry.
Wool socks
Synthetic travel pants (jeans do not dry as quickly)
Very supportive, water-resistant walking shoes
Daypack
Sunblock
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Refillable water bottle (the water in Iceland is great!)
Toiletries
Camera (or use your phone)
Insect repellent
First-aid kit, including: lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
Snacks – packing a dozen granola/protein bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, but Iceland is pretty expensive.

Swimsuit
Eye mask (the hotels typically had really effective blackout curtains)
Waterproof pants for over regular pants (Not really necessary unless you want to get really close to the waterfalls
Wool hiking socks
High ankle top sturdy hiking boots for glacier hike (You can rent for glacier hike for $8.00)
Long john (thermal underwear) top for layering
Travel pillow
Light weight silk sleep sheet
Money belt
Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
AirTags or Tile trackers
Packing cubes
Shower cap - showerheads come straight down
Ziplock bag with a few plastic forks & spoons (numerous lunches grocery stores)
Earplugs
Towel for hair and lagoon - only 1 body and hand towel provided in hotels
Ziplock bags
Reading/writing material
Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
Hairdryer - not always available
Gloves for when you are on the glacier

Passport (with photocopies)
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Travel insurance ID card
Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
USD/EUR cash
Credit/debit card
G Adventures vouchers
GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure

*Laundry: We recommend bringing enough clothes so you don't have to do laundry during the trip. You won't be sweating much, so it should be pretty easy. Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You can also use a local laundromat, if necessary.

Passports and Visas

Travelers are responsible for securing all required travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for every country on their itinerary, including applicable transit/layover countries.

→ Read GEEO's Guidance for Europe (detailed instructions with official links and resources)

PASSPORT All travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip dates with enough blank pages for stamps. Need to apply or renew? Start here. ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS Visa rules change frequently—always verify the latest requirements on the U.S. State Department Country Information Pages. Non-U.S. passport holders should verify requirements with your country's official government resources. Use the tool below to see entry requirements for your specific itinerary. Entry information below is provided by Sherpa, a third-party service and trusted G Adventures partner. You must search each of your destination countries separately; “Add connection” solely searches transit visa requirements. Additional fees apply if you choose to purchase any services through Sherpa.

Money Exchange

Currency: The local currency in Iceland is the Icelandic krona (ISK). For current exchange rates, visit www.xe.com. Credit/Debit Cards: Credit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at many hotels, shops, and restaurants, but not everywhere. Some vendors may also charge an international transaction fee, so check with your bank before you travel. Cash: For small purchases, tipping, or places that don’t take cards, we recommend using ATMs to withdraw local currency while traveling. If you bring U.S. dollars to exchange, the bills must be new, unmarked, and in excellent condition—damaged or older notes are often rejected. Emergency Funds: Bring at least $200 USD (or the equivalent in local currency) in cash for emergencies in case of ATM or card issues. Always carry more rather than less to avoid feeling short of funds while traveling. See the Estimated Trip Costs section at the bottom of this page for budgeting guidance. For more advice, see our post, Smart Travel Finances: Your Guide to Money, ATMs, Fees, and Safety Abroad

Tipping

Tipping is optional but appreciated and goes a long way for the people who look after you on the trip. If you are happy with the service, use these ballpark amounts and adjust as you see fit: - Service providers/Waiters: 10% of the bill. - Local guides and drivers: €3-5 EUR (450-750 ISK) per person per day. - G Adventures tour leader (CEO): €30-40 EUR (4,500-6,000 ISK) per person per week. (We suggest pooling contributions in an envelope and presenting it as a group) Tipping Kitty: On some trips, your CEO may suggest a “tipping kitty” where everyone contributes at the start of the tour, and the CEO uses that pooled amount to tip service providers for the group as a whole (not including your CEO). If your CEO doesn’t mention it and you’d like to use a kitty, we recommend asking about it early in the trip. Your CEO will advise the suggested amount and preferred currency for the kitty.

Flights

Wait for official trip confirmation via email from GEEO before booking your flights. Prices tend to be lowest 90–120 days out, but that window varies by route and year. Neither GEEO nor G Adventures bear responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. This program begins and ends in Reykjavík. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Reykjavík. You may want to arrive in Iceland one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Reykjavík any time on the final day of the program, or stay later to see more of the city.

Plugs and Converters

Iceland uses Type C plugs and the voltage is 220-240V. To use your electronics safely, you’ll need to consider: 1. Adapter (plug shape) Adapts your U.S. plug to fit another type of socket. See our recommended all-in-one travel adapter in our Gear Recommendations post. 2. Converter / transformer (voltage) Steps the outlet voltage down to 120V for U.S. appliances that can’t handle higher voltage. How to know which you need: Look at the fine print on the plug or power brick. An “Input 100-240 V” means the device is dual-voltage and works worldwide with only an adapter—phones, laptops, and most camera chargers fall into this category. If the label shows “Input 120 V” (hair dryers, curling irons, some shavers), it could be damaged on high voltage. Pack both an adapter and a travel voltage converter. Converters are inexpensive and sold online or in the travel aisle of many stores.

Weather

The weather is cool during the day, mostly in the 50’s F or low 60s' and cold at night, mostly in the 40’s F. It does rain fairly often in Iceland. You will be so far north that the sun will stay above the horizon for around 19-22 hours a day.

Advice From Past Participants

Packing Tips / Clothing: Prepare to bring layers: T-shirts, a warm jacket, a rain jacket, and a fleece/hoodie. hey say if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 min., and that is so true! Gloves are only helpful on the glacier day, and they can be rented. Cost Expectations / Budgeting: Iceland is very very very expensive. Food and drinks are at least double the US price. Food prices in more isolated areas can cause sticker shock. Physical Activity: As an active person, I didn’t find the hiking strenuous, but… expect to walk around 20,000 to 25,000 steps each day. Accommodations & Comfort: Joining a local Iceland Facebook group was incredibly helpful—one great tip I picked up there was to pack a top sheet. Hotel rooms tend to be quite warm… having a lighter layer made sleeping much more comfortable. Not all hotels have sufficient black-out curtains. Eye masks were a necessity. Logistics / Itinerary: Be prepared for long days, with dinner coming before hotel stops. There is a free 2 hr city tour!

Extra Services & Costs

EXTRA SERVICES TO PRE-BOOK

Send us an email if you would like to pre-book any of the extra services listed below for your program. Space and availability are limited, and pricing is not guaranteed until booked. *Extra services are non-refundable within 30 days of your program's start date. *Costs will be added to your final balance. **My Own Room exceptions apply.

Private/Single Room	$699 (2 left)
Pre-trip Hotel (per night)	Hotel Cabin - Single: $150, Twin/Double: $230
Post-trip Hotel (per night)	Hotel Cabin - Single: $150, Twin/Double: $230
Airport Transfers	Airport transfers not available for this program. See itinerary Day 1 for transportation options.

ACTIVITIES TO PRE-BOOK

Optional activities for this program—like glacier hikes and snorkeling—often sell out due to high demand. To avoid missing out, we strongly recommend pre-booking them in advance whenever possible.

Whale watching from Akureyri: $87 per person Day 2 (July 10) Head out to sea to spot whales off the coast. Some of the species spotted near Akureyri in Eyjafjörður include Bottlenose, Minke, and Humpback whales. Skaftafell National Park Glacier Hike: $89 per person Day 5 (July 13) Follow an expert guide through the ice paths and crevasses along the Svínafellsjökull Glacier in Skaftafell National Park, famous throughout the country for its excellent weather and sunny summer days. This easy-to-moderate, yet exhilarating hike will allow you to take in the mind-blowing beauty of the rugged landscape crafted by rivers and volcanic activity. Total distance: 3.5 miles. Silfra Fissure snorkeling in Thingvellir National Park (from Reykjavik): $164 per person Day 7 (July 15) Located in the heart of Þingvellir National Park, with clear, narrow blue water channels, Silfra Fissure is one of Iceland’s most incredible spots for snorkeling. Float between the American and Eurasian continental plates and explore the incredible rock formations that make this spot regularly rated as one of the world's top ten dive sites. Activity includes roundtrip transportation from Reykjavík (about 35 mins each way). Travelers with certain medical conditions cannot participate in this activity, so please read the activity disclaimers to verify that you meet the activity requirements, as no refund can be issued if you are declined participation due to one of the conditions.

Optional On-Site Activities

Optional activities can be booked and paid for locally. Prices shown are the most recent figures from participants and G Adventures. Use them as budgeting estimates only—actual costs may vary.

REYKJAVIKAKUREYRIMYVATNSOUTHERN ICELAND

REYKJAVIK

Silfra Fissure Snorkeling in Thingvellir National Park (from Reykjavik): $164 USD per person

Located in the heart of Þingvellir National Park, with clear, narrow blue water channels, Silfra Fissure is one of Iceland’s most incredible spots for snorkeling. Float between the American and Eurasian continental plates and explore the incredible rock formations that make this spot regularly rated as one of world's top ten dive sites. Activity includes roundtrip transportation from Reykjavík (about 35 mins each way).

MEDICAL NOTICE: Travellers with certain medical conditions cannot participate in this activity and it is non-refundable. Please read the following document to verify you are able to meet the activity requirements, as no refund can be issued if you are declined participation due to one of these conditions: https://adventures.is/media/230104/arctic-adventures-snorkeling-silfra-guide.pdf.

Harpa Concert Hall: Free

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is one of Reykjavik's greatest and most distinguished landmarks. Situated by the old harbor, the award-winning building serves as a concert all and boasts a wide variety of hosted events where all musical genres play a part.

Whale Watching From Reykjavik Harbour: 10,990 ISK per person

Take a boat ride into Faxaflói bay to try and spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Each tour has an expert guide to maintain safety at sea and answer any questions you may have.

Blue Lagoon Ticket: 5,800 ISK per person (depends on the type of ticket purchased)

This geothermal spa is known for its bright blue waters and white silica mud. The warm, mineral-rich waters are said to have therapeutic benefits for the skin and are located in a lava field near the Reykjanes Peninsula, surrounded by a stunning landscape of black lava rocks and steam vents. Visitors can relax in the warm waters and apply the silica mud to their skin.

Hallgrímskirkja Tower: 700 ISK per person (the line can be long) – entrance to the ground (main) level of the church is free

Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran church that is one of Reykjavik's most recognizable landmarks, known for its towering height and distinctive architecture. The church was designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson and took 41 years to complete, finally being finished in 1986. The tower of Hallgrímskirkja is 244 feet tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in Iceland and offering visitors panoramic views of the city.

Saga Museum: 2,000 ISK per person

The Saga Museum provides visitors with an interactive and immersive experience of Iceland's Viking history and folklore. It features life-sized, realistic replicas of Viking-era scenes and characters, as well as audio and visual effects, to bring Viking history to life. The museum covers the period from the first settlement of Iceland in the 9th century to the end of the Viking Age in the late 12th century. Visitors can learn about the daily life, beliefs, and legends of the Vikings, as well as their voyages and adventures.

National Museum: 1,500 ISK per person

The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik covers a wide range of topics, from the first settlement of Iceland in the 9th century to the present day. It features exhibitions on the country's Viking history, the Sagas, folklore, and daily life in Iceland throughout the ages. Visitors can see artifacts and manuscripts from the early days of Iceland's settlement, as well as more recent historical items, such as clothing and tools. The museum also offers a comprehensive overview of Iceland's natural history, including its geology, flora, and fauna.

Reykjavík 871±2: The Settlement Exhibition: 1,300 ISK per person

This excavation site of a Viking-era longhouse was uncovered during construction work in the city center. It is named after the date of the settlement, 871 ± 2, determined through radiocarbon dating of the timber used in the longhouse's construction. The settlement is thought to have been inhabited by a wealthy Viking chieftain and his family.

AKUREYRI

Akureyri Museum: 2,500 ISK for Laufás old farm and museum

Whale Watching from Dalvik (3-4 hours): $80 USD

Head out to sea to spot whales off the coast. Some of the species spotted near Akureyri in Eyjafjörður include Bottlenose Whales, Mink, and Humpback Whales.

MYVATN

Nature Baths at Mývatn: 3,500 ISK

SOUTHERN ICELAND

Skaftafell National Park Glacier Hike: $96 USD

Follow an expert guide through the ice paths and crevasses along the Svínafellsjökull Glacier in Skaftafell National Park, famous throughout the country for its excellent weather and sunny summer days. This easy yet exhilarating hike will allow you to take in the mind-blowing beauty of the rugged landscape crafted by rivers and volcanic activity. Total distance: 3.5 miles.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride: 5,700-9,800 ISK

Opt to take a boat ride around the lagoon to get closer to the floating icebergs with their seal passengers. The lagoon can be appreciated from the shore, but joining an amphibian boat tour allows you to get up close to the beautiful and unusually colored icebergs floating in the water. This activity is offered from May 1 to October 30 and is subject to availability.

Estimated Trip Costs

Free-time activities aren’t included in the program fee. Use the prices below as ballpark figures to decide which options fit your budget.

Tour Company Fee: See our price in the top right corner
Optional Activities: $75-350 USD
International Airfare from the United States: Roughly $600-1,100 USD If you require assistance searching for international flights, we would be happy to help you.
Airport Transfers: Anywhere from $30 to $100; varies depending on whether you take public transport or taxis.
Insurance: $30-200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on.
Tipping: €30-40 EUR for your G Adventures tour leader, $30 for tipping local guides and your driver
Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary: $350-455 USD (*While this is the estimated range from the local team, past GEEO travelers have suggested the actual cost is much higher, closer to $500 - $800 depending on individual dining habits and choices.)
Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.: Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
Souvenirs: Variable. At your personal discretion.
Vaccines: Variable. Please consult with your primary care provider.
Non-Educator Donation: $100 USD (suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.