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Volcanoes & the Golden Circle

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4 days

YEAR-ROUND TOUR: Enjoy a volcano hike at the site of Iceland's most recent eruption near Grindavik on this 4-day group tour. You will also take in the country's most iconic sites at the Golden Circle, hike on a glacier in Vatnajokull National Park and explore inside a natural ice cave. See the icebergs at Jokulsarlon Lagoon, walk behind the cascading waterfall of Seljalandsfoss and admire dramatic Fjadrargljufur Canyon, where Justin Bieber filmed a music video! If travelling in winter, end your trip with a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

4 days

Starts

Reykjavik

Ends

Reykjavik

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide/driver

Group Size

Min 1 / Max 18

Minimum age

12 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Daily (with some exceptions), year round

Hotel Rating

2-3-star hotels

Countries

Iceland

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 3
1
of 2 pages
Per person from
AUD$2,324.00
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Total From
$5,810.00
AUD$4,648.00
Deposit From
Final payment
AUD$1,000.00
$4,148.00

Tour Highlights

Golden Circle - Visit Geysir geothermal fields, Gulfoss Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site
Seljalandsfoss - Marvel at this famous waterfall, see the nearby cascade of Skogafoss and walk behind the iconic natural wonders
Reynisfjara - Walk along the dramatic black sand of this lava beach and admire the towering basalt rock formations at the coast
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - See mighty icebergs floating on the lagoon and calving from the surrounding glaciers
Vatnajokull National Park - Hike on a glacier and explore a natural ice cave in the famous Vatnajokull Glacier, accompanied by a qualified guide
Volcano Eruption Site - Explore a volcanic landscape transformed by recent eruptions, witness raw natural power, and see the fresh lava flows up close
Northern Lights - Gaze skywards as you search for the Northern Lights each evening of your tour (winter departures from September - March)

Included

3 breakfasts
3 nights 2-3-star accommodation
Pick up and drop off from a central pick-up location in Reykjavik
Escorted by an English-speaking driver/guide (you may have multiple different guides during your trip and the group may change on different days and for different activities)
Transportation in a heated minibus with complimentary Wi-Fi
Sightseeing at the Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir, Thingvellir), Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara, Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Vatnajokull & Skogafoss
Guided glacier hike with certified local guide
Guided Ice Cave Tour
Recently Erupted Volcano Hike
Northern Lights tour (During Winter Season)
This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International Flights and Visas
Arrival & departure transfers
Tips for your guide - this is an entirely personal gesture
Pre and post-tour accommodation in Reykjavik

Itinerary

Day 1 - The Golden Circle

Reykjavik - Thingvellir National Park - Geysir - Gullfoss - Seljalandsfoss - Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Pick-up is at 09:00 am at the meeting point in Reykjavik (see the tour Trip Notes and your booking documentation for information about the pick up point). Our first stops are the three renowned attractions of the Golden Circle, the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park holds a special place in the heart of every Icelander. Established in 930 AD, the Icelandic parliament is the oldest continuously operating parliament in the world. Here, you will see Thingvallavatn, which houses the Silfra fissure that lies between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The cliff of the Rift Valley runs directly through the National Park the only land visible land border between two continents.

Next, our tour takes you to the geothermally active hot spring area of Geysir. Although the Great Geysir, which lent its name to all geysers, is now inactive, Strokkur, a nearby hot spring, erupts spectacularly every 5 to 10 minutes. The final Golden Circle stop is Gullfoss waterfall, where you can witness the powerful falls thundering through a rugged canyon, dropping 32 metres in two stages.

Following the Golden Circle, we embark on a scenic drive along the beautiful south coast, making a stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Here, you have the unique opportunity to walk behind the elegantly cascading falls and truly feel the power of nature. Then we’ll head to our countryside hotel, an ideal spot to witness the flickering colours of the Northern Lights if travelling in winter (September - March).

Please note: This tour is modular, meaning it is made up of separate excursions and activities. You will have different guides and will be joined by different groups for each section of the itinerary. All of the tour inclusions remain the same.

Overnight: Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Day 2 - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Glacier Hike & Ice Caving

Jokulsarlon - Skaftafell - Vatnajokull - Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Our day begins with a hearty Icelandic breakfast before we set off towards the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach, passing through moss-covered lava fields and some spectacular rock formations that vividly remind us of past volcanic eruptions. By this point, we’ll catch sight of the majestic Breidamerkurjokull Glacier, which stretches like a tongue from Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe.

In its shadow lies the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, famous for the glittering icebergs that drift across its icy-blue surface. Many of these icebergs wash up on the nearby Diamond Beach, where they gleam like beautiful diamonds against the black sands.

After Jokulsarlon, we head to Skaftafell Nature Reserve for yet another adventure. Here, we’ll meet our certified glacier guide, who will take us to the Vatnajokull Glacier. All safety equipment and crampons will be provided before we embark on an exhilarating glacier hike. During our glacier hike, our guide will explain how these incredible ice formations came to be. And the memorable experiences aren't over, as we then delve into the icy depths of the glacier by entering a natural ice cave.

Iceland’s ice caves typically form during the winter months when the summer melt waters freeze, creating vast pockets and stunning patterns within the sapphire-blue ice. These tours are highly weather-dependent, so the ice cave we visit will be chosen based on the day’s conditions. Since temperatures inside the ice cave are below freezing, don’t forget to dress warmly.

Overnight: Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - South Coast Sightseeing

Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Skogafoss - Reykavik. After breakfast, we’ll begin our tour along the South Coast. If road conditions permit, we’ll take a slight detour to Fjadrargljufur Canyon, famously known as the "Bieber Canyon" after the singer filmed his music video here.

Next, we’ll visit the Eldhraun lava field before heading to the iconic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Here, we’ll witness the striking contrast of the white-crested waves of the Atlantic Ocean as they crash against the jet-black sands. Rising from the cliffside is a cluster of basalt sea stacks, reminiscent of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. We’ll also view the Reynisdrangar basalt pillars, which jut out from the sea like jagged peaks. According to folklore, these were once a trio of trolls turned to stone by the sun as they attempted to drag a boat back to shore.

We’ll also stop at the equally impressive Skogafoss Waterfall, where a wide cascade tumbles 60 metres into a pool below. We’ll climb the meandering path beside the falls for a spectacular view over the entire area. Skogafoss also features prominently in Icelandic mythology, and our guide will point out the two unusual rock formations believed to be trolls petrified by the dawn. Some locals believe a Viking settler hid a treasure chest somewhere beneath the falls, promising fabulous wealth to whoever finds it.

The famous Eyjafjallajokull stands above Skogafoss. With good visibility, we can catch a glimpse of this magnificent mountain before returning to Reykjavik for the night.

Overnight: Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Volcano Hike & The Northern Lights

Reykjavik - Grindavik - Reykjavik. You probably saw on the news in early 2024 that a volcanic eruption took place near the town of Grindavik, forcing its evacuation. Although safe now, this area is still relatively active, and today you will join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to hike and visit the newly erupted volcano site!

Volcanic eruptions are rare and inherently hostile events. Their rarity, sheer power, and potentially destructive forces make them utterly fascinating. Not all eruptions are the same some spew ash high into the sky, while others release molten magma.

After our hike, and if you are travelling during the winter months (September - March), we’ll drive out to hunt for the magical Northern Lights. Our Northern Lights tour begins with the thrill of the chase. Once our guide picks us up from back in Reykjavik, we’ll embark on the hunt, driving into the unparalleled beauty of a starry night.

As the forecast changes daily, we can’t tell you in advance exactly where our quest for the Aurora Borealis will take us. But one thing is certain, we will take you far away from the city lights! We might head to Hvalfjordur, Thingvellir, Reykjanes, or another rural area in South Iceland to escape light pollution. Travelling by minibus allows us to reach offbeat locations that the big buses can’t access. After our Northern Lights tour, we return to Reykjavik and our tour ends at around midnight - 1:00. There is no accommodation included tonight, so you will need to book post-tour accommodation independently.

Please note: The Northern Lights chase is available only during the winter season, from September to March. If travelling during the summer months then our tour will end back in Reykjavik after the volcano hike, during the mid-afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

suitcase iceland

Luggage Storage

On this tour you are allowed to bring a small backpack and 1 piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs). The combined dimensions of each bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in).

$45

per passenger
Walking Boots

Hiking Boots Rental

$45

per passenger
Windproofs

Waterproof Jacket Rental

$45

per passenger
iceland hiking 2

Waterproof Pants/Trousers Rental

$45

per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Adventure Hotel Geirland
Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Adventure Hotel Geirland is set just outside the quiet village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. All rooms offer tea/coffee facilities and views of the surrounding mountain ridge. Some of Geirland’s cosy rooms are set in individual cottages in the garden. Free Wi-Fi and a TV are available in the main building. Guests can enjoy an onsite restaurant and bar. Lunch packs can be made on request. Skaftafell National Park is 60 minutes’ drive from Adventure Hotel Geirland.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hotel Island Spa & Wellness Hotel
Reykjavik

Housed in a contemporary building on the eastern side of Reykjavik, this casual hotel is close to shops, bars and restaurants. The bright, relaxed rooms come with satellite TV, minifridges, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a complimentary full breakfast served in a stylish restaurant, as well as a cosy lobby bar, a spa, and a gym. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, free parking, accessibility features, and an indoor pool. And as Iceland's first dedicated health and wellness spa, guests are welcome to book pampering treatments at their leisure.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. ROOM SHARE OPTION: If you are a solo traveller and happy to share of room then you can pay the ‘Twin Share’ price and we will pair you up with another solo traveller of the same gender.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
22 Nov - 25 Nov
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23 Nov - 26 Nov
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24 Nov - 27 Nov
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$2,905$2,324
$3,665$2,932
25 Nov - 28 Nov
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$2,905$2,324
$3,665$2,932
26 Nov - 29 Nov
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27 Nov - 30 Nov
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$2,905$2,324
$3,665$2,932
28 Nov - 1 Dec
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29 Nov - 2 Dec
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$2,905$2,324
$3,665$2,932
2025
Twin/Double
Single
1 Jan - 4 Jan
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$2,905$2,324
$3,665$2,932
2 Jan - 5 Jan
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$2,905$2,324
$3,665$2,932
3 Jan - 6 Jan
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$2,905$2,324
$3,665$2,932
4 Jan - 7 Jan
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Sold Out
5 Jan - 8 Jan
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$2,905$2,324
$3,665$2,932
6 Jan - 9 Jan
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$2,905$2,324
$3,665$2,932
7 Jan - 10 Jan
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$2,905$2,324
$3,665$2,932
8 Jan - 11 Jan
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$2,905$2,324
$3,665$2,932

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