Iceland: The Golden Circle & Ring Road





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Immerse yourself in all the otherworldly beauty that Iceland has to offer.
Some of Earth’s most astounding and extreme landscapes can be found in Iceland, where every corner of the country offers something new. Learn about fascinating maritime history and taste traditional fare as you journey from the culturally rich capital to the most remote parts of the coast. Glacier-fed waterfalls, boiling mud pools, moss-covered cliffs—see it all on this small group Adventure Tour through the Land of Fire and Ice.
Your tour package includes
- 9 nights in handpicked hotels
- 9 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 4 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 liquor tasting
Included highlights
- Reykjavik
- Thingvellir National Park
- Gullfoss
- Skógafoss waterfall
- Reynisfjara beach

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itinerary
Board an overnight flight to Reykjavik.
Welcome to Iceland! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome lunch. Then, get a feel for Reykjavik, often called the greenest city on Earth, on a walking tour with your Tour Director.
- View Hallgrim’s Church and glimpse the artwork of Ásmundur Sveinsson and Einar Jónsson, both famous Icelandic artists
- Walk past the Leif Erikson statue to hear about Iceland’s Viking history
- See Tjörnin lake, the Parliament House, and the modern City Hall
- Head to the Old Harbour to see the Harpa concert hall
Enjoy a free afternoon in Reykjavik or add an excursion.

Blue Lagoon Spa Visit
From $189 per person
Leave the bustle of Reykjavik behind as you travel around the Golden Circle, a ring of some of Iceland’s most magnificent natural wonders.
- Stop at Thingvellir National Park to see the Althing, an open-air governmental assembly that was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798
- Tour the horse stables at Friðheimar to learn about Icelandic horse breeding during a presentation served with coffee and tea
- Sample tomatoes and sit down for lunch at Friðheimar Farm, where the produce is grown fresh in a greenhouse heated by geothermal energy
- Explore the Great Geysir geothermal area, located in the Haukadalur Valley
- Discover Gullfoss, or the “Golden Waterfall,” a natural wonder and one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe
Continue to Selfoss and enjoy a free evening.
Continue on to the South Coast, a lowland region of lush farmland, striking waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, and picturesque villages.
- Make a photo stop by the Eyjafjallajökull volcano to marvel at breathtaking views (weather permitting)
- View coastal mountain scenery as you travel to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall for a short walk behind the falls led by your Tour Director
- View Skógafoss waterfall and opt to join your Tour Director on a hike up a staircase to a viewpoint overlooking the top of the falls
- Marvel at the Sólheimajökull glacier and iconic black sands of Reynisfjara beach
- Enjoy free time for lunch in the remote, seaside village of Vik
- Pass Eldhraun lava field and Skaftafell National Park
This evening, sit down for an included dinner with your group.
Please note: The order of today's events may be changed due to hotel location and weather. Puffins are difficult to view and are seasonal in the area from April–August.
Travel to the East Fjords region, admiring the stunning landscape and stopping for an amphibious boat ride en route.
- Set off on a cruise through Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, whose pristine waters lap against a black-sand beach
- Try to spot wildlife as you pass between giant icebergs and head toward Breiðamerkurjökull glacier
- Listen along as your guide explains to your group how the glacier lagoon was created
- Board your coach again for a short drive to Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, whose surface is dotted with floating icebergs
- Spend an hour enjoying an easy walk along the lagoon, and up-close views of the lagoon and glacier
This afternoon, travelers can choose between returning to Reykjavik for free time, visiting Skaftafell National Park, or adding an excursion.
Sit down for an included dinner with your group this evening.
Please note: The order of today's events may change based on road conditions and weather.

Falljökull Glacier Hike
From $190 per person
Make your way through the East Fjords region to the town of Djúpivogur and explore with your Tour Director.
- Visit Langabúð, the oldest house in town which is now a heritage museum, and sample their homemade cakes
- Enjoy free time to explore the coastal town and admire the stunning views of Búlandstindur mountain
- View the Eggs of Merry Bay, an outdoor installation of 34 granite eggs that line the bay as a tribute to the area’s native birds
- Visit the world-renowned Bulandsnes Bird Sanctuary
- Take a scenic walk around the marshland, ponds, beaches, and dunes to see where shelducks, northern shovelers, and horned grebes breed
Continue along the scenic South Coast through the East Fjords region to Egilsstaðir, enjoying views of towering mountains plunging vertically into sea.
Make your way north toward the Akureyri region, stopping to admire breathtaking waterfalls and volcanic landscapes as you go.
- Stop at at the Dimmuborgir lava fields and walk among the towering lava formations scattered throughout the area
- Put on your bathing suit and relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a series of thermal pools heated by the area’s geothermal energy (Entrance includes access to changing rooms, lockers, showers, and a cafe.)
- Marvel at the beauty of Goðafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous cataracts, before ending the day in Akureyri
Please note: The order of today’s activities may change due to weather and road conditions.
Get to know more about Icelandic culture during a visit to town of Siglufjörður.
- Learn about the country’s maritime history as you follow a local guide through the Herring Era Museum
- Enjoy a tasting of herring, one of Iceland’s most important culinary staples, washed down with Brennivín schnapps
Spend a free afternoon in the Akureyri region or add an excursion.

Akureyri Fjord Whale Watching
From $189 per person
Drive through the landscapes of West Iceland to the Víðgelmir lava tube.
- Take a guided tour of this cave, which is the largest in Iceland, as you discover the unique geology
- Hear how the cave was formed over 1,000 years ago and learn about the humans who lived in the cave during the Viking Age
Later, arrive in Húsafell and sit down for an included dinner with your group.
Travel back to Reykjavik, making several stops en route.
- Drive in a specially modified snow truck on the Langjökull Glacier
- Walk through the interior ice tunnels of Iceland’s second-largest glacier
- Take a scenic walk to view the serene Hraunfossar and powerful Barnafoss waterfalls
- Walk along platforms over the Deildartunguhver hot springs, Europe’s largest and most powerful hot springs
- Stop in Reykholt and learn about Snorri Sturluson, a poet, writer, chieftain, and Iceland’s most renowned historian
Tonight, celebrate your trip with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Fly from Iceland to Bergen, Norway, called "the gateway to the fjords," where you'll enjoy a free evening to explore.
Join a local guide to discover historic sites in and around Bergen.
- Walk through the Hanseatic era alleyways and courtyards in the UNESCO-listed Bryggen harbor district
- Pass by Bergenhus Fortress and the bustling fish and flower market
- Admire views of the city center and harbor
- Take a cable car ride up Mount Ulriken for a hike along the mountain paths, which offer incredible views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords
Spend a free day in Bergen or add an excursion.
This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Scenic Norway: Fjord Hike & Boat Cruise
From $310 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
We make it easy with down payments as low as $99, fee-free rebooking, and more
Reviews
4.5 star rating
Overall rating 4.5 out of 5
5.0 star rating
5.0 star rating
Beautiful country and wonderful experience. Group size was manageable at about 18 people. Would recommend this trip highly.
5.0 star rating
Absolutely amazing. The land, sea, and people are wonderful 10-days is a perfect duration to see all of Iceland
Traveler photos



Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.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.This modern hotel is located in the Hlemmur neighborhood. Guests enjoy a spa, bar, and restaurant. Nearby you’ll find the Sun Voyager sculpture, Hallg...

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 ...

This sleek hotel is located in Hnappavellir on the South Coast. Guests enjoy a restaurant, fitness center, and on-site coffee house. Nearby, you’ll fi...
This wellness focused hotel is located in Hallormsstaður in the East Fjords region. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, sauna, and mountain bike rentals. N...

This modern hotel is located in Akureyri’s city center. Guests enjoy a geothermal pool, fireplace garden, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Hlíd...

This modern luxury hotel is located in Húsafell in Iceland’s central highlands. Guests enjoy a pool, restaurant, and bar and lounge. Nearby, you’ll fi...
This contemporary hotel is located in central Bergen. Guests enjoy live entertainment, bike rentals, and on-site restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Berge...
Flights
- 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
Print FAQ- In order to enter Iceland (and Norway on the tour extension), 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.
- Beginning in 2024, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
- Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2024, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- 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 IRT.
- You will walk for about 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including wet, slippery gravel and paved paths with some uphill climbs.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
- You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of boats, ferries, and trains.
- If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Reykjavik (or Bergen on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
- Depending on the time of year, some travelers not continuing on the tour extension to Norway 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 main tour.
- A glacier lagoon boat cruise is also included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension to Norway also includes a flight from Reykjavik to Bergen, train rides from Bergen to Voss and Myrdal to Bergen, a fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm, and a railway ride from Flåm to Myrdal.)
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
- Contact your airline for detailed information regarding baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
- One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 total inches (length + width + height).
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a warm jacket or rainwear.
- Please keep in mind that even summer temperatures in Iceland and Norway (on the tour extension) can get very cold, and warmer layers may be needed.
- 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.
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- 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.
- 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 call our Customer Experience Team.
- 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 IRT.
- 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_cheese.
- Norwegian cuisine is varied, offering something for every traveler. Lamb is the most traditional meat, but you’ll also find everything from goose to deer being served. Seafood lovers will enjoy the country’s array of smoked salmon, shellfish, pickled herring and scrod. Typical meals often incorporate grains, locally-produced cheeses, fresh produce, and wild berries.
- Iceland (and Norway on the tour extension) operates on 230 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
- The strength of the air conditioning in some European hotels may not be as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
- Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
- Iceland is one hour behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and four hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- Norway (on the tour extension) is one hour ahead of GMT and six hours ahead of EST.
- When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 4pm in Iceland and 6pm in Norway.
- The amount of daylight in Iceland greatly varies based on the season. Expect as much as ten hours of daylight in the summer and as little as 4.5 hours of daylight in the winter.
- You will use the Icelandic krona in Iceland (plus the Norwegian krone in Norway on the tour extension).
- 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/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks, as needed.
- You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour
- At the conclusion of your tour, it’s 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 $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD 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.
- Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
- Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
- Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
- Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.