Iceland Highlights - 6 Days
6 Days
Reykjavik
Reykjavik
***
Trafalgar Tours
6-Day Iceland Sightseeing Tour to Reykjavík and the Golden Circle
Feel Iceland’s power on a journey through volcanic landscapes, Viking heritage and geothermal wonders. Watch geysers erupt in the Golden Circle, soak in an Icelandic lagoon and explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula’s coast. See where tectonic plates divide in Þingvellir National Park and share stories with locals over a Be My Guest experience. From Reykjavík to Reykjanes, every day reveals another side to this captivating island...
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavík
Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 18:00
Your epic journey through lush lava fields and the windswept landscapes of Iceland begins in the quirky capital of Reykjavík. The northernmost capital of the world seems infused with vivid colour, from the bustling byway of Laugavegur to the enthusiasm of the city's friendly locals. Spend time exploring Iceland's Viking heritage, pay tribute to the sun and snap a selfie in front of The Sun Voyager or stroll around the lively Old Harbour, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a drink and Canapes to kick-start your love affair with Iceland. This evening, you’ll check into the Grand Hotel Reykjavík, our Stays With Stories accommodation, where nods to local mythology and nature provide the perfect introduction to a city that celebrates art around every turn. Admire the dramatic glass artwork by local artist Leifur Breiðfjörð, on proud display in the lobby as you check in for your first night in mystical Iceland.
Day 2: Journey to Akranes and on to Borgarnes
Explore the small capital city of Reykjavík on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director this morning. View all the city's major attractions including the Parliament, the Harpa Concert Hall, and the city's main landmark, the Hallgrímskirkja Church, perched at the top of a hill in the heart of the city. Leave the city behind and travel through the undersea tunnel Hvalfjörðr to Akranes, whose local Folk Museum you'll visit. View Deildartunguhver, Europe’s highest-flowing hot spring. Nature takes centre stage this afternoon, when you view Hraunfoss and nearby Barnafoss, both beautiful waterfalls in their own right and a soul-stirring way to end your day.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Puffin Express - EUR 69 pp
Sail out from the old harbour in Reykjavik to reach the island of Akurey, otherwise known as puffin island. One of the World's best places to get close to these colourful birds so iconic for Iceland. Your expert guide will tell you all the facts and fun stories about the cute puffins and other wildlife that might be seen on your adventure. Available May to Mid-August only, due to the migration of the Puffins. Optional is based on availability.
Day 3: A Day to Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Bundle up warmly as you make your way to the wild, sea-swept landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You’ll soon discover why it’s fondly called ‘Iceland in miniature’, revealing glaciers, waterfalls, lava fields and volcanic peaks all along this compact stretch of coast. Watch for seals basking on black sand beaches and admire the fairy-tale mountain of Kirkjufell that rises like a spire beside the sea. Return to Borgarnes for a relaxed evening at leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience meeting local Icelandic horses or take a stroll along the town’s peaceful waterfront promenade. You could also visit the Settlement Centre to uncover Viking history or simply unwind with a hot drink while soaking up views of the fjord.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Meet Icelandic Horses - EUR 49 pp
Meet Halldóra and her family for a warm introduction to Iceland’s beloved horses. Hear about their lives, characters and deep connection to local culture, then watch a riding demonstration showcasing the breed’s distinctive gaits. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of why these horses are such a treasured part of Icelandic life for generations.
Traditional Icelandic Dinner & Settlement Exhibition - EUR 109 pp
Based in one of the oldest houses in Borgarnes, we'll enjoy dinner tonight at The Settlement Centre which, while honouring the past, provides a relaxed atmosphere for your evening and is home to an exhibition telling the story of The Settlement Era in Iceland.
Day 4: Onwards through Thingvellir National Park to Gullfoss, Geysir and Selfoss
As you travel around Iceland’s 'Golden Circle’, Mother Nature’s magic touch can be seen around every turn. Visit the 'Golden Waterfall' of Gullfoss, saved at the turn of the last century by the tenacity of a farmer's daughter who threatened to throw herself into its depths if it was developed for hydroelectric power. Then, head to the world-famous hot spring area of Geysir and see Strokkur shoot a spectacular plume of water and steam high into the air. You’ll see first-hand how the movements of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates have carved into the Earth's crust, in the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. This evening, Connect With Locals with a local storyteller and her songwriter husband, and delve into their colourful family history, then join them for dinner at an exclusive Be My Guest experience. Continue to Selfoss later, where you'll stay overnight.
Day 5: Admire Reykjanes and Icelandic Lagoon and Return to Reykjavík
Start the day with a visit to Iceland's newest geothermal heat and electric power station in Hellisheiði, the second largest of its kind in the world. During this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience learn why Hellisheiðarvirkjun is a world leader in the utilisation of geothermal energy. You can almost feel the Earth simmering under the surface as you journey across Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark. This is the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level. View Strandarkikja and let some of its legendary powers bring you good luck. Then, watch as sulphurous steam emerges from the lunar landscapes surrounding Lake Kleifarvatn. Dive into Culture with a dip in a natural lagoon (please remember to pack your swimwear), where the steaming waters are said to have healing powers. This evening, reminisce over the myths and legends you've encountered along the way, during dinner with newfound friends and your Travel Director.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Iceland’s Only Live Lava Encounter - EUR 75 pp
Learn about Iceland’s volcanic landscape at the immersive Lava Show in Reykjavik. After an introduction and short film, watch molten lava flow into the room from a purpose-built furnace, reaching temperatures over 1100°C. This indoor experience offers a safe way to understand the scale and impact of eruptions. This Optional Experience is subject to availability.
Day 6: Farewell Iceland
For now, it's time to say a fond farewell to Iceland after an unforgettable trip. You can, of course, extend your stay.
Includes
- 5 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can i book flights through you?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.
When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements.
You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?
Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below. You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.
Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53
United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests
Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests
Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests
Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests
Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests
Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests
How much walking will be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?
Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:
Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-
We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:
- Reclining seats
- An on-board restroom
- Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
- WiFi
- Air-conditioning
Africa & Asia trips:-
Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in).
In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.