Arctic & Alaska

Best of Iceland: Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Peninsula

9 Days. Contact for pricing.
Small Guided Groups
Details

Overview

Looking for a fast, jam-packed, but immersive visit around Iceland? This nine-day trip checks all the boxes. Pack those senses of adventure and head out into Iceland’s varied landscapes. Visit erupting geysers, glacier lagoons, and breathtaking waterfalls. Photograph black-sand beaches, soak in geothermal hot springs, and be prepared to fall more in love with a country with land you can sense shifting under your feet.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Sleep in a local guesthouse in the eastern fjords region
  • Search for seals floating on icebergs in Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
  • Spend time soaking in the Sky Lagoon outside the city
  • Enjoy an immersive day tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Reykjavik
  • Day 2: Reykjavik/Akureyri
  • Day 3: Akureyri to Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður)
  • Day 4: Bakkagerdi/Hofn
  • Day 5: Hofn/Vik
  • Day 6: Vik/Reykjavik
  • Day 7: Reykjavik
  • Day 8: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • Day 9: Reykjavik

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Reykjavik

Arrive at any time.

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2: Reykjavik/Akureyri

Set off from Reykjavik after breakfast and enjoy the scenic journey to the Capital of the North, Akureyri. Explore Akureyri's old town. Enjoy optional lunch in one of the eateries in Akureyri and opt to go on a whale-watching tour.

Eyjafjörður is a scenic spot to enjoy the local wildlife and small villages in the area. Opt to go on a whale-watching excursion.

Breakfast included.

Day 3: Akureyri to Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður)

Stop at Goðafoss waterfall en route to Mývatn lake. Explore lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð. Visit Dettifoss waterfall before arriving in Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður) for a night in a local guesthouse.

Head to Mývatn lake, stopping en route at Goðafoss waterfall. In Mývatn, explore lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð.

Visit Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.

Reach Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður) in the East Fjords region for a night in a local guesthouse.

Breakfast included.

Day 4: Bakkagerdi/Hofn

Depart from the charming village of Bakkagerði and journey along the picturesque coastline through the majestic eastern fjords. As you travel toward Hofn, take in the stunning scenery and keep an eye out for breathtaking views of the Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. You will be making breathtaking stops along the way that will insure a memorable experience.

Breakfast included.

Day 5: Hofn/Vik

Visit the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach, with a chance to see seals sunbathing on the bright blue ice. Opt to check out the lagoon by boat. Continue on to Skaftafell National Park with time to explore the hiking trails or choose an optional glacier hike with glacier equipment before continuing on in the evening to the small town of Vík.

Marvel at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, with a chance to see seals sunbathing on the bright blue ice. The massive icebergs floating towards shore tower over visitors. Opt to check out the lagoon by boat. Stop by Diamond Beach, which gets its name from chunks of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that float to shore. As these blocks of glacier ice melt, they develop a crystal clear sheen, set against the black sand of the beach.

Continue on to Skaftafell National Park with time to explore before continuing on in the evening to the small town of Vík.

Breakfast included.

Day 6: Vik/Reykjavik

Visit Reynisfjara beach. Continue along the Golden Circle to Drumbo. Stop at the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss. Explore the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs and Þingvellir National Park. Arrive to Reykjavík in the early evening.

Breakfast included.

Day 7: Reykjavik

This morning join an optional snorkeling to the Thingvellir Silfra (where the tectonic plates meet). Later in the day join Your CEO for a short walking tour of Reyjavik center and some time at the beautiful Sky Lagoon for a warm soak.

Day 8: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Today explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Made famous by Jules Verne's Journey to the center of the Earth, the region is known to features many of Iceland's unique landscapes on one peninsula. Stop in small fishing towns and discover beautiful vistas along the way. Today you get Iceland in a nutshell.

Winter or summer, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is one of the most scenic destinations in Iceland. This place is magical and spellbinding with moss-covered lava fields, picturesque mountains, gorgeous black sand beaches, roaring ocean waves, charming little villages, and great vistas from sea cliffs. It's a long day, but well worth it.

Breakfast included.

Day 9: Reykjavik

Depart at any time.

Breakfast included.

DatesFromAdditional

** Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.

** Single supplements may apply

Suggested Accommodation
CityAccommodation
Reykjavik Hotel Cabin or similar
Akureyri Country Hotel Sveinbjarnargerdi or similar
Borgarfjordur Alfheimar Guesthouse or similar
Hofn Hotel Smyrlabjörg or similar
Vik Hotel Dyrholaey or similar

What's included?

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Wellness Moment: Sky Lagoon Geothermal Hot Springs, Reykjavik
  • Local guesthouse stay (Borgarfjörður)
  • Mývatn lake visit
  • Vatnajökull glacier visit
  • Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon visit
  • Reynisfjara beach
  • Seljalandsfoss waterfall
  • The Golden Circle: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs, and Þingvellir National Park
  • Enjoy a soak in Sky Lagoon just outside of the city
  • Day tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Accommodations: Standard hotel (6 nights), local guesthouse (2 nights).
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts
  • Transportation: Private minivan/bus, walking.
  • Staff & experts: CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

What's not?

  • Meals: Allow USD455-595 for meals not included.
  • Any items not mentioned as included.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Arctic

Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

Best of Iceland: Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Peninsula

9 Days. Contact for pricing.