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Spectacular South & Glacial Lagoon

Iceland Cultural Walking Tour

6 DaysStarting at $6,895
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Overview

Iceland is rich with more cinematic landscapes and incredible experiences per square inch than anywhere. Game of Thrones doesn’t even do it justice! Think waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches and lava fields covered with insanely green spongy moss. For every ice cave, there's a geothermal pool. The Northern Lights curtain the night sky. Activities range from tectonic snorkeling to horseback riding, spectacular coastal and countryside walks to puffin watching. And true to Classic Journeys style of travel, your guides are dyed-in-the-wool native Icelanders, descended from shark fishermen and 9th century Vikings! So, you get true connections to local culture…not to mention the expertise that assures you’ll get away from the crowds to experience Iceland at its very best. On several days we offer you a choice of activities — think of it as “choose your own Iceland adventure tour” — all at no extra cost. And at the end of every day in this amazing land, you’ll nestle into some of the country’s finest luxury hotels, and refuel with world-class Atlantic-and-farm-to-table cuisine. If you love adventure travel, join us on our Iceland tour.

I had visited Iceland. But I never experienced Iceland until I explored it with Classic Journeys.”
Rachael Roth, Editor, Fodor’s

Itinerary Highlights

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  • Start a nightly ritual of enjoying the midnight sun in the summer months and checking the pitch-black skies for the Northern Lights the rest of the year.
  • Choose your adventure — hiking boots or flippers — and either slip into an insulated wet suit (also called a 'dry suit') to snorkel in the waters between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates or follow a lava flow for a technicolor hike to a Viking meeting place dating to the year 930.
  • Join expert glacier guides for a hike on the tongue of a glacier to explore the caves and crevices carved into the ancient aquamarine ice, before you stop for a once-in-a-lifetime glacier picnic.
  • Saddle up to ride the short, sturdy, shaggy Icelandic horses to a hidden waterfall or enjoy an incredible coastal walk from black sand beaches along a cape to a headland where you'll find Viking ruins.
  • Explore a farm that's been owned by the same family for seven generations and join your hosts for a walk on scenic trails to the sheep barn where you'll often find lambs.
  • Strike out for a walk along Glacier Lagoon, punctuated by marooned icebergs that look like diamonds.
  • See firsthand how mythology and legend combine with geology to create Icelandic culture as you walk in a setting straight out of Games of Thrones along a black sand beach with views to Reynisdrangar, three sharp black pillars that burst from the waves offshore.
  • Steam (and chill out) in the famed Blue Lagoon, a steaming lake filled with almost 2.5 million gallons of neon blue geothermal water.
  • Hike up the tongue of a magnificent lava flow to the rim of a volcano, where you can see more than 20 other volcanos in the landscape around you.

 

Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    Reykjavik – 9:00 am – Lobby of the Alda Hotel

  • Ending Point:

    Reykjavik – 9:00 am – Lobby of the Alda Hotel
Itinerary Map

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Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-7 miles

  • Route Notes:

    The terrain on this trip includes a mix of paved streets in Reykjavik, black sand beach paths, trails on lava flows and spongy moss, compressed dirt, elevated boardwalks, and even on a glacial tongue. Generally, the paths are mostly level, although in limited instances such as on the glacier, there will be some elevation gain and loss.
To See Mileage Daily, Download Full Itinerary

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have and the lower your price. Secure your spot with a deposit of just $500 per person at the time of reservation. Plus, you can always change your mind — there’s no fee to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Hotels

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Remote beauty and contemporary comfort are what this hotel is all about. Situated between two massive glaciers, the property’s rooms have big windows that keep you close to the stark beauty. The fine dining restaurant reflects the modern aesthetic.

Skalakot Manor Hotel

With gables that echo the nearby mountains, this family-owned manor hotel is a cozy and luxurious retreat. Rooms are decorated in true Icelandic style. The exceptional restaurant features local specialties from Arctic char to homemade bread.

Alda Hotel

Situated right on Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street, this cool hotel is in the heart of the action. Rooms are decorated in clean Scandinavian style. There’s a fitness center, views of mountains and sea, and even a chocolate shop.

Hotel Ranga

Built in log-cabin style, this upscale hotel was named ‘Best Hotel in Iceland’ and ‘Best Resort Hotel in Europe’. Featuring an acclaimed riverside restaurant and outdoor geothermal hot tubs, enjoy relaxing in this enchanting atmosphere.

Ion Adventure Hotel

With a backdrop of mountainous lava fields, the Ion Adventure Hotel is an upscale oasis. A member of Design Hotels, this beautiful property has modern decor, an award-winning Northern Lights bar, and a warm outdoor pool to soak in the scenic views.

Geysir Hotel

Hotel Geysir is an upscale family-run hotel located in the heart of the geothermal area of Haukadalur Valley. Offering charming accommodations and warm hospitality, enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes for an unforgettable stay.

What’s Included

  • Meals: All breakfasts, two lunches, and five dinners.
  • Hotels: Award-winning boutique properties, thoughtfully selected for their exceptional location, design, history, and regional character.
  • Tour Leader(s): Expert guides who are your well-connected local friends and provide you access to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own.
  • Supplemental Experts: Additional regional guides and specialists on select tours.
  • Transportation: All land transportation as listed in the daily itinerary, including fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel.
  • Equipment: Premium gear and expert guides for kayaking, rafting, glacial hiking, and snorkeling as outlined in the daily itinerary on select tours.
  • Privileged Access Events: One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places, and experiences arranged just for you, as noted in the daily itinerary.
  • Admissions & Entry Fees: Entry to tastings, historic sites, and other scheduled activities listed in the daily itinerary.
  • Baggage Transfers: Upon arrival, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.
  • Gratuities: All gratuities at hotels, restaurants, and for baggage handling.
  • Dedicated Guest Services Coordinator: Your pre-trip concierge and tour expert, available to answer questions and ensure you’re fully ready to get the most out of your tour.
Not Included: Tour Leader gratuities, travel to and from your trip’s start and end points, and any meals or activities taken independently.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, “Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.” Here’s what that access means for you.
  • Experience Iceland on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths on the island, including hidden valleys that lead to jaw-dropping waterfalls, black sand beaches to Viking gravesites, and on glaciers to gourmet picnics.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who are descended from 9th-century Vikings and become your well-connected friends. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, sharing their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of Iceland.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special ‘only with Classic Journeys’ access to experiences that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in some of the finest and most distinctive accommodations in Iceland, including perfectly-sited hotels that provide unrivaled access to your explorations and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of Iceland. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know Iceland more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the glaciers, waterfalls, ice caves, lagoons, villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Regenerative Travel that supports the history, culture, people and places you’re visiting with us in Iceland. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

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FAQs

Which is the best tour for Iceland?
The best tour of Iceland is the Iceland Cultural Walking Tour with Classic Journeys. You’ll travel in small groups with expert guides who are your well‑connected friends. Expect glacier walks, steamy hot springs, black sand beaches, and time with local storytellers who share Iceland’s sagas. It’s a rare blend of cinematic landscapes and cultural encounters you simply couldn’t arrange on your own.
What is the average cost of a trip to Iceland?
Costs vary, but on a Classic Journeys Iceland tour you enjoy exceptional value—boutique stays, guided walks, most meals, and even choose‑your‑own‑adventure days included. With no hidden fees, you know exactly what you’re getting: a seamless luxury experience that gives you more than you’d expect for the investment.
How many days in Iceland is enough?
About six days is the sweet spot. On Classic Journeys’ handcrafted Iceland itinerary, every day offers something unforgettable: walks to thundering waterfalls, black sand beaches, geysers, lagoons, and volcanic landscapes—all balanced with comfort, culture, and time to savor it all.
Do US cell phones work in Iceland?
Yes, most US cell phones work in Iceland with an international plan or a local SIM. Before you go, Classic Journeys makes sure you know your best options for staying connected. Plus, Wi‑Fi is common along the way—though many guests tell us they love unplugging and letting Iceland’s landscapes be their screen.
Do they speak English in Iceland?
Yes—English is spoken almost everywhere in Iceland. And with your expert local Classic Journeys guide by your side, every conversation becomes a bridge to local culture and connections. It’s effortless, warm, and part of the joy of traveling here.
What currency is used in Iceland?
Iceland’s currency is the króna (ISK). Credit cards are welcome almost everywhere, but you can also get local cash from ATMs or banks if you’d like some coins in your pocket for small shops and cafés.
Which tour company is best for Iceland?
For the most authentic way to experience Iceland, Classic Journeys is the best choice. You walk with small groups in cinematic landscapes, soak in hot springs, and meet local makers and storytellers. It’s the balance of luxury and discovery you couldn’t experience on your own.
Do you tip tour guides in Iceland?
Tipping isn’t required in Iceland. But if your guide or driver makes your journey extra memorable, a thank‑you is always appreciated. Your Classic Journeys team is glad to share tipping guidance if you’d like.