Day 1 : Reykjavik Arrival
Welcome to Iceland! Today you arrive in Reykjavik and settle into your hotel in the heart of the Old Town. After settling in at your hotel in Reykjavík, make the most of your proximity to the vibrant city centre by exploring the abundance of museums, galleries, restaurants, and bars.
Included :
- Activities : Arrival (At your own expense); Free time
- Accommodation : Boutique hotel
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Day 2 : Golden Circle
This morning we will hit the road and start our journey along the Golden Circle; Iceland’s famous loop which includes some of its most famous must-see sites. We’ll stop by the National Park of Thingvellir where you can straddle two continents at once, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Our guide has vast knowledge of the area and will take us to a secret spot where we can touch both continents at the same time! This park also has a historical importance as it is where the Vikings established the world’s first democratic parliament more than 1,000 years ago.
Next up is the geothermal valley of Haukadalur, filled with hot springs, mud pools and steam vents and where you can see the geyser Strokkur. This geyser is very active, erupting every 10 minutes or so to heights of over 20 m (66 ft).
Finally, you’ll reach the mighty Gullfoss Falls. A pathway takes you right to the river’s edge, where you can get a real sense of the enormous, natural power of the water.
Included :
- Activities : Golden Circle loop; Thingvellir National Park; Gullfoss Waterfall; Strokkur Geysers
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Boutique hotel
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Day 3 : Southern Coast
This morning we’ll be on our way to see two waterfalls; first up is Seljalandsfoss, where it is possible to walk behind the waterfall which is a very unique experience. There is also another waterfall that is only 650 feet away but is hidden so most travelers miss it. You must walk through a small slit in between the rocks and then hop from one stepping stone to the next to get to this waterfall. Going to this waterfall makes you feel like you are setting foot into a secret portal that has been lost in time.
Next we will go to Skógafoss, which according to legend, a Viking named Thrasi hid his gold under. You can climb all the way up and get amazing views of the waterfall. Onwards, we will head to a mountain covered in glacial ice and we will take a short walk around and check out the unique glacial formations against the backdrop of black volcanic rocks.
Afterwards, we will visit the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara with its unique rock formations that are synonymous with Iceland and lastly to Dyrhólaey which has an amazing view of a rock formation in the form of an arch.
Included :
- Activities : Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfalls; Myrdalshreppur walk; Dyrhólaey promontory ; Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Boutique hotel
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Day 4 : Vatnajökull & Iceberg Lagoon
Today we will make our way to the National Park of Vatnajökull. Vatnajökull is the largest and most voluminous ice cap in Iceland and covers approximately 8% of the country. Skaftafell is the main area of the National Park and here you will have lots of great trails we can walk along that lead to a giant glacier. After we will head to Fjallsarlon iceberg lagoon. This lagoon does not get as many visitors as the neighboring Jökulsárlón iceberg lagoon so when we hop on our zodiac to get up close to the glacier we will be the only ones in the lagoon. When you get close to the glacier you can see and here the ice falling into the lagoon!
After, we will visit the Jökulsárlón iceberg lagoon where beautiful icebergs break from a glacier and sail out to the ocean. Take a short walk from the lagoon to Diamond Beach, where these icebergs wash upon the black sand shore like glittering jewels.
Included :
- Activities : Vatnajökull & Skaftafell national parks; Fjallsarlon iceberg lagoon boat tour; Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon; Diamond Beach
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 5 : East Fjords
Continue your drive eastward today, and begin a breathtaking, meandering route along the East Fjords, passing by tranquil fishing villages and sweeping coastal landscapes all along the way.
You’ll see rugged mountains and stunning bays in a very rural, historical part of Iceland, full of unspoilt landscape. Our hotel is in one of these delightful villages called Fáskrúðsfjörður.
The hotel we are staying at was a historic building built in 1903 and was previously used as a hospital for French fishermen. There is a museum in what was the the old hospital in the main building and underneath the hotel has a reenactment of what life was like on these ships along with eerily realistic mannequins making for a bit of a spooky experience.
Included :
- Activities : East fjords
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 6 : The Highland Plains
The Central Highlands of Iceland is the largest and most remote region in Iceland. It is also one of the largest uninhabited areas in Europe and can only be crossed during the Icelandic summer. The Highlands are characterized by some of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring, beautiful and “otherworldly” landscapes.
Today, our travels will lead us to Dettifoss, said to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe, some aptly call it The Beast! Krafla Volcano is also worth the stop as it has given life to many of the sites to be seen in the area, including the Námafjall hot springs and Lake Mývatn. You will have the option later this afternoon of relaxing in the Mývatn natural pools and springs.
Included :
- Activities : Dettifoss waterfall; Krafla volcano; Lake Mývatn; Mývatn natural pools visit (Optional & at your own expense); Free time
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 7 : Northern Iceland & Arctic Ocean
Today we’ll visit another regal waterfall by the name of Goðafoss, or “waterfall of the gods” with a fascinating history. As we continue onward north, we’ll end the day in Akureyri, the capital of the north.
Although a city with only around 19,000 residents, Akureyri offers a number of great attractions, restaurants and shops to be discovered so we can spend the afternoon and evening at leisure in this town.
Included :
- Activities : Goðafoss waterfall; Free time in Akureyri
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 8 : Highland Passes
On our last day of traveling, we will begin by exploring one of Iceland’s most beautiful villages, Siglufjörður. You’ll love this charming fishing village that is snugly situated among the cliff walls of the fjord. As we head south, we’ll take three mountain passes with some super secret, surprise stops along the way….think outdoor hot bath and beer spa!
Included :
- Activities : Siglufjörður village; Beer spa & hot tub
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 9 : Reykjavik
Today we will explore the historic area of Reykholt which holds quite a few gems : the cascades of Hraunfossar and Barnafossar that come out from the porous lava rock as well as some remarkable lava fields. We will then be on our way back to Reykjavik, but will make a stop at the Blue Lagoon where you can take a dip at Iceland’s most iconic geothermal spa. A luxurious bath in the steamy, sulfuric pools will be a perfect spot to relax after our journey across the island. Upon return to Reykjavik, you will have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to check out more of the city or relax at the hotel.
Included :
- Activities : Hraunfossar and Barnafossar cascades; Blue Lagoon; Free time
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Boutique hotel
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Day 10 : Reykjavik
You have today at your leisure. Get in some R&R at the hotel or head out to explore this charming capital city.
Included :
- Activities : Free time (Optional activities at your own expense)
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Boutique hotel
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Day 11 : Reykjavik Departure
Depending on your flight time, you will have free time on your own in Reykjavik before catching your flight back home.
Included :
- Activities : Free time; Departure (At your own expense)
- Meals : Breakfast
*Itinerary is subject to change.
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Iceland 9-Day Trip
$4,449 – Trip cost (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)
I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?
If you would like a single room throughout the tour, you can purchase the “single supplement”. The single supplement fee for this trip is $800. If you would like your own room, you can purchase the additional supplement at check-out. We have made the single supplement fee as affordable as possible so that those traveling solo are not discouraged from traveling with us because of a costly single supplement fee.
If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like to be paired with someone on the trip to avoid paying the single supplement, we can arrange this for you. If there is no other traveler with whom to pair you, you WILL have to pay the single supplement. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.
What is included :
- 10 nights accommodation (Double occupancy, breakfast included)
- Local guide throughout
- Private ground transportation in private 4×4 mini-bus
- Most activities (As noted in itinerary)
- Blue Lagoon visit
- All breakfasts
What is not included :
- Most dinners & lunches
- Optional activities
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs
- Airport pick-up & drop-off
- International flight
- Supplementary insurance
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Each group consists of 4 – 12 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into a society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.
A small group number also means that tour group members will receive more personal treatment by the tour guide who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small tour groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route. If the group discovers a special event or festival that they would like to attend, and it is not covered in the original tour itinerary, it is possible to change the itinerary.
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Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.
We like to think of our trips as get-togethers at amazing destinations. Past travelers have told us that the group dynamic and the friends they made were one of the highlights of the trip.
Check out the pictures from our last trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.
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While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time which the guide can recommend and/or help arrange any activity that might interest you. Most of the activities can be arranged with little to no notice. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and will be paid at your own expense. Any optional activity can be paid for by credit card.
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The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK).
We strongly recommend that you use ATMs while in Iceland as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to pull money out from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you upon arrival in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.
You can find ATMs at almost all bank branches, as well as at most large supermarkets, some petrol stations, in shopping malls, airports, and some post offices.
It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Ireland. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned of your travel plans.
Cash is NOT KING here, Credit card is! Everywhere in Iceland, even the public bathrooms take credit/debit cards (most bathrooms are free but there will be 1 or 2 during your trip you must pay for). The only time you will need cash is for tipping guides.
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As most activities of your tour have been prepaid, you will only need money for lunches and dinners and any optional activity you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.
We suggest having access to $1,200 – $1,600 USD either in cash or by credit/debit card.
Iceland is an expensive country and most meals could cost upwards of $70 for one person. We will do multiple stops at grocery stores for snacks and alcoholic beverages (see packing list for more information). Most nights we will eat dinner at the hotel as we are not in a city but surrounded completely by nature. You will need to plan to spend $40 – $80 for dinner. On a positive note, past travelers have said they have never had such delicious food as they did in Iceland!
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When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Iceland, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls and texts in that country. See the example below :
Welcome to Iceland! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts and data. Otherwise, all hotels we will be staying at will offer free wifi and most restaurants and other public places will offer it as well.
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Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet. Plug facilities have 2-prong outlets with two round prongs in line, which look like this:
In Iceland, the power plugs and sockets are of type C, E and F. Type C are also known as the standard “Euro” plug. This socket also works with plug E and F.
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Visiting Iceland in August offers incredible wildlife-viewing opportunities (puffins migration are at their peak), a myriad of festivals & cultural events, and absolutely beautiful weather. August marks the end of the summer, and therefore is one of the most temperate months to travel to Iceland with pleasant temperatures, little rainfall, and opportunities to experience both the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights.
August marks the last official month of Summer in Iceland, and is one of the warmest months of the year (second only to July). There isn’t much rainfall and the average temperature is very pleasant at 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-60 degrees F) in the daytime and 6-12 degrees Celsius (43-53 degrees F) at nighttime.
Iceland’s longest days of the year are in the summer (the longest being at the end of June / beginning of July) so be prepared for 16+ hours of daylight! At the start of August, the sun often sets close to midnight – a phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun! And as the end of August approaches and the nights get darker, clearer, and crisper the Northern Lights start to make their appearance.
You’re likely to hear the famous saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Iceland, just wait 5 minutes.” The climate is constantly changing, and it can rain at a moment’s notice—as it often does. Rain gear is extremely important, otherwise you’ll be cold, and miserable. A raincoat, waterproof hiking pants, and water resistant boots are all items you’ll want to bring.
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The short answer is yes!
However, August is technically out of the main “Northern Lights season” which is from September-April. Still, the Northern Lights are seen every year in August.
August is a relatively bright month with 16 hours of daylight each day. And you can’t see the Northern Lights unless it is dark. But with each day in August, it get’s darker and your odds of seeing the Northern Lights increase as the month progresses.
- Don’t plan your whole trip around seeing the Northern Lights. But you can follow this Northern Lights forecast – and IF the lights are active during your stay and you get so lucky to see the aurora borealis then it will be a bonus!
Iceland is an awe inspiring country and if we went in the coldest months specifically to see the lights the weather would detract from your enjoyment as most activities are outside and the snow would makes roads impassable. Also, there is no guarantee that you would see the lights, unless we went in the dead of winter. If you would like to go on a trip specifically to see the Northern Lights check out our Finland Lapland trip in March 2022 where the probability is very high to see the lights and the trip is centered around this.
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Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable :
- Hiking shoes/boots (water resistant or water proof)
- Wool or waterproof socks (recommended but not needed)
- Hiking pants (water resistant or water proof)
- Jacket (water resistant or water proof)
- Leggings (fleece lined)
- Long sleeve and short sleeve shirts
- Sweater and/or light jacket
- Bathing suit
- Sunscreen (biodegradable, if possible)
- Sunglasses
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Flip flops (for the hot springs)
- Swim cap (the lagoons have high levels of silica)
- Snacks (food is expensive in Iceland and good to have for the road)
- Sleep mask (it will be sunny when you go to bed)
- Portable charger/battery pack for phone
When it comes to packing clothes, think layers, layers, layers. The unpredictable weather in Iceland can be difficult to dress for but layers are the solution. Long sleeves, short sleeves, fleeces, and water and wind resistant jackets are the way to go.When packing clothes for Iceland, waterproof is key. Having water proof or water resistant boots are 100% essential to have. Even if there is little rain in August the mist of the waterfalls will get you pretty wet so a waterproof jacket and pants are also must haves. We will be in the same minibus for the duration of the trip so you can leave extra layers on the bus and put on when needed.
Jeans are not recommended but if you want to change for dinner then they are nice to have but not for daily sight-seeing.
Our last trip we went at the beginning of October so it was much colder (you can see this based on the past trip pictures on the website). Judging from the last trip we had, most wore the same thing everyday of the trip.
All of our hotels will have a hair dryer in the room so you do not need to bring one with you.
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Iceland does not have a strong tipping culture but many dining and drinking establishments will add a service fee to the bill. In restaurants, taxis and for personal services, all tips are at your discretion and if you do decide to tip, around 10% of the total bill is recommended.
Tipping your tour guide : If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip anywhere from $5 – $15 a day.
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A few of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services, if needed. We change hotels almost daily on this trip so we suggest bringing enough of everything with the expectation you will not have time to do laundry.
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Iceland offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip although options might be limited.
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Yes, we offer private tours to Iceland for groups of 4 or more people. The itinerary can be entirely tailored to your needs while you will enjoy a personalized experience with our guides and your friends and family.
Please contact us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
Visa
Nationals of Australia, Canada and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after the date you plan to exit Iceland.
If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Iceland.
Flights
Your arrival and departure city is Reykjavik (RKV).
Please do not book any flights until you receive a confirmation from us.
Along with July, August is the warmest month of the year in Iceland. The average temperature in August in Iceland lurks around 10-15°C (50-59 F) with the occasional “super-warm” summer days when the temperature can shoot to a whopping 20°C (68 F)!
But of course, Iceland is still Iceland. You should always expect to encounter some rain here and there plus the arctic wind might be lingering around, but still, August is normally not a very wet month.
The minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic is reflected in most of the properties we stay at. Think clean lines, minimal decor, and amazing views.
Reykjavik – Old Town
This stylish boutique hotel is located in the very heart of Reykjavik´s most prestigious shopping, entertainment, and cultural district. The historical building formerly housed the pharmacy Reykjavikur Apotek and is widely considered to be one of the most remarkable buildings in Reykjavik.
Guðjón Samúelsson, the former State Architect of Iceland, designed the building in 1917. Guðjón built some of Iceland´s most renowned buildings such as the National Theater building, Hotel Borg, Akureyrarkirkja church, and Hallgrímskirkja church.
They have a wonderful and very popular restaurant along with a hip bar offering pharmaceutical-themed cocktails.
Hella
There are great views of the surrounding countryside as well as barrel-shaped saunas and hot tubs on the property so don’t forget your swimsuit!
Meðallandsvegur
The view from the hotel is spectacular, over green pastures, moors, mountains and glaciers.
Höfn
Offering panoramic views of the Vatnajökull glacier, this remote hotel offers mountain or glacier views from every room on the property.
Fáskrúðsfjörður
The hotel was renovated in 2016 and is in a historic building built in 1903 and previously used as a hospital for French fishermen.
There is a museum devoted to the French fishermen next to the lobby and an underground tunnel that connected the hospital to the doctor’s house that has now been converted into a museum depicting a sailor’s life in the 1900s…and you guessed it, it was hard. They have mannequins in the museum that are eerily realistic and a bit scary!
Hotel guests get free admission to the museum and you can eat in the hotel’s French restaurant afterward!!
Myvatn
Overlooking Lake Mývatn, this rural, contemporary hotel is set in a wood building with a grass roof. It’s 4 km from Grjótagjá, an ancient lava cave, and 9 km from Hverfjall volcano.
Akureyri
This hotel is only a 5-minute walk into downtown with many restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops. The rooms are small at this hotel but the location makes up for it.
Reykholt
Set on the historic farm site, this stylish hotel is a 1-minute walk from Snorralaug, Sturluson’s original stone hot spring bath.
Insurance
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex, which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
Vaccinations
Below is information from the CDC and its recommendations regarding vaccinations for travel to Iceland.
CDC Iceland
