Ultimate Iceland
Get ready to immerse yourself in the dramatic yet stunning landscapes of Iceland on this once-in-a-lifetime Nordic adventure! From soaking in hot springs to walking on glaciers, volcanoes to towering waterfalls, we’ll witness Iceland’s raw natural beauty and warm hospitality firsthand. On this 6-day lower-impact journey, our local guide will travel with us to share insights into the Land of Fire and Ice as we experience authentic local cuisine and marvel at cold yet beautiful vistas.
All breakfasts and dinners are included along with city transfers, transfers to/from the airport to our hotels, park & activity fees, lodging and ALL the logistics/driving/planning are taken care of for a carefree experience. Let’s take this journey together and create lasting memories with new friends!
What You'll Love About This Trip
- Experience multiple waterfalls, hike on a glacier, and join a guided iceberg boat tour
- Premium Dining Experiences at Local Restaurants Every Night
- Local Gratuities Included
- Included Transfers to and from the airport
- Travel with Howard & Katelyn
- Several meals included (all breakfasts and dinners)
- 3-Star and 4-Star Accommodations throughout the trip
Welcome to Reykjavik! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle where you can get settled in and relax after your long journey.
Then come join us for a welcome meeting & drinks! The first round is on us as we kick off an amazing week ahead. It’s the perfect chance to meet everyone, swap stories, and just enjoy good company. And don’t forget to snag your welcome bag—it’s our little way of saying thanks for embarking on this journey with us. Can’t wait to clink glasses and share some laughs with you.
In the evening, our premium dinner experience will be at a local restaurant, just a quick walk from the hotel. It will feature a 2-course set menu with authentic Icelandic cuisine. Please note that drinks are not included and are at your own expense. Kindly be aware that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.
Special Information
Airport transfers are included on an individual basis. Tourist Visas are included for all USA-resident travelers. Flight information must be provided no later than 45 days from the start of the trip.
Hotel Klettur or similar.
Hotel Klettur is a modern 3-star hotel in central Reykjavík, Iceland, known for its comfortable rooms and convenient location near the main shopping street, Laugavegur. It features amenities like free Wi-Fi, a bar, a breakfast buffet, and a 24-hour front desk that can help with tour arrangements. The hotel is inspired by its name (“klettur” means rock in Icelandic) and incorporates a rock formation that runs through the first floor, while the interior design reflects Iceland’s natural colors.
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Today, we’ll start our adventure with an epic road trip in the Icelandic countryside and through the Golden Circle with spouting geysers, crashing waterfalls and breathtaking views.
Our first stop will be in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will be able to look down a volcanic rift and straddle two tectonic plates. Fun fact: This is the only place where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and can be seen on dry land! Thingvellir is recognized as the place in which Iceland’s identity as a nation began as it was the site the Viking settlers chose as their parliament back in the 10th century.
Next, we’ll travel to where the milky Hvita river drops into a volcanic fissure, forming one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, Gullfoss. You will have some time to walk around the area and take some epic photos.
After a stop for lunch, we will visit the spouting hot springs of the Great Geysir and Strokkur where you’ll be able to walk around the geothermal area. The lively Strokkur spouts water 100 feet into the air every few minutes, so have your camera ready and enjoy the show!
Take advantage of the healing and rejuvenating waters of the Secret Lagoon. This man made geothermal pool, built in 1891, is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. You’ll be surrounded by walkways and small steamy hotspots as you soak and relax at the end of your tour.
Included Activities
- Thingvellir National Park Tour
- Gullfoss Waterfall Visit
- The Great Geysir Viewing
- Soak in the Secret Lagoon
- Premium Dinner at a Local Restaurant
Hotel Fljótshlið or similar.
Hotel Fljotshlid is a country hotel in Iceland’s Fljótshlið region, located on the Smáratún farm, offering a tranquil retreat with activities like horseback riding and hiking. It features 14 rooms, a restaurant called The Barn Restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and is known for its stunning natural surroundings and proximity to attractions like Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Guests can also enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi and an onsite bar.
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The adventure continues with a road trip through Iceland’s spectacular South Coast, where the forces of nature continue to dramatically shape the island. Keep your camera ready to record the breathtaking scenery you’ll pass along the way.
Our first stop today is a short hike that will take you to the magnificent Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of the most popular sites in Iceland. The 200 foot cascade is fed from a volcanic glacier and thunders over steep granite walls. A pathway behind the falls will allow you to experience the power of the falling water. You will get wet from the mist created by the waterfall, so plan to bring suitable clothing.
We’ll continue on to explore the Skogafoss Waterfall, where your gradual uphill hike will take you upstream for about 5 miles. Hiking over emerald green landscapes, beside rugged canyons and countless waterfalls, you’ll be surrounded by giant rainbows as you approach Skogafoss. Keep your camera handy, this is said to be the most breathtaking hike of your visit.
After a local lunch stop, we will visit the mystical Reynisfjara black sand beach. The panorama of basalt caves, black beach sand and giant stacks of basalt rock overlooking the Atlantic Ocean could be mistaken for a completely different planet.
Our adventure for the day concludes with a short hike to the Fjadrargljufur Canyon, one of the most beautiful gorges in Iceland. This massive canyon is millions of years old and features the Fjarda River carving the way through its base to create a truly breathtaking landscape.
Included Activities
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Walk
- Skogafoss Waterfall Walk
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Visit
- Fjadrargljufur Canyon Visit
- Premium Dinner at the Hotel
Hotel Skaftafell or similar.
A family-run hotel located near Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland, Hotel Skaftafell offers a convenient base for exploring the area’s glaciers, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It provides comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant with local cuisine, a bar, and amenities like a free breakfast buffet and free parking. Key features include its proximity to the Svínafellsjökull glacier for easy access to hiking and a special Northern Lights wake-up service for guests.
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Start the day with a short drive to one of Iceland’s crown jewels, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where today’s adventure begins. Continuing on, you’ll board a boat with a guide and take a ride past the icebergs that float by, later strapping on crampons and hiking on the glacier itself.
The lagoon is formed naturally from melted glacial water and is exponentially growing from blocks of ice that crack away from the glacier and crash into the waters. Our boat tour will take you around the lagoon to float alongside the icebergs and watch the seals at play. Several lunch options are available at the lagoon for a quick meal with incredible views.
Refueled, we’ll board a purpose-built 4×4 vehicle to explore the Breidamerkurjokull section of the largest glacier in Iceland, Vatnajokull. With help from our guides, you’ll snap on a pair of crampons to explore the endless terrain of snow and ice as you hike atop the glacier and photograph the magnificent Crystal Ice Caves.
Included Activities
- Jokulsarlon Iceberg Boat Ride
- Breidamerkurjokull Glacier Hike
Hotel Skaftafell or similar.
A family-run hotel located near Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland, Hotel Skaftafell offers a convenient base for exploring the area’s glaciers, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It provides comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant with local cuisine, a bar, and amenities like a free breakfast buffet and free parking. Key features include its proximity to the Svínafellsjökull glacier for easy access to hiking and a special Northern Lights wake-up service for guests.
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It’s time to head back to Reykjavik, as your journey in the land of ice and fire comes to a close. But first, you’ll hike to one of the most popular areas in the park, the breathtaking Svartifoss Waterfall. A leisurely 2.5-mile hike through the Vatnajokull National Park will take you to the spectacular waterfall. At a towering 66 feet, the water cascades down massive basalt columns that are nestled in the lush green landscape.
Conclude your journey with a heartwarming farewell dinner. Share laughter and memories with newfound friends at a local restaurant. Savor the best of Icelandic cuisine, toast to your adventures, and bid farewell to an incredible trip. Dinner will feature a 2-course set menu of traditional cuisine.
Included Activities
- Svartifoss Waterfall Hike
- Premium dinner experience
Hotel Klettur or similar.
Hotel Klettur is a modern 3-star hotel in central Reykjavík, Iceland, known for its comfortable rooms and convenient location near the main shopping street, Laugavegur. It features amenities like free Wi-Fi, a bar, a breakfast buffet, and a 24-hour front desk that can help with tour arrangements. The hotel is inspired by its name (“klettur” means rock in Icelandic) and incorporates a rock formation that runs through the first floor, while the interior design reflects Iceland’s natural colors.
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All good things must come to an end! Transfers to the airport have been arranged based on the flight information you have provided.
Please note for flight purposes that the trip starts and ends in Reykjavik.
Special Information
Airport transfers are included on an individual basis. Flight information must be provided no later than 45 days from the start of the trip.
Inclusions and Exclusions
What's Included
- Airport Transfers - Airport Transfers are included on an Individual Basis (flight info must be provided no later than 45 days in advance)
- Free Visa - Free tourist visa on arrival
- Accommodations - 5 Nights in 3-Star & 4-Star Accommodations
- Guide - Local Language and English Speaking Guide
- Local Gratuities – Tips for hotel staff and waitstaff for included meals
- Transport - Air conditioned vehicles
- Select Meals - 5 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
- Guided Tours - Waterfalls, Boat Tour, Glacier Hike
- Our Private Community - Enjoy free access to our private community. You'll also have support throughout the trip planning process as well as multiple pre-trip Zoom calls to meet your fellow travelers
- Two Trip Hosts - Travel with Howard & Katelyn! We'll be with you every step of the way
What's Not Included
- International Flights - to Munich/from Vienna
- Additional Food & Drink (except as noted)
- Tips for our Main Guide & Driver
- Optional Activities
Our main operating partner is Intrepid Travel, who is a global leader in sustainable, small-group adventures, operating trips in over 100 countries. Known for its commitment to responsible tourism, Intrepid focuses on authentic, immersive experiences that connect travelers with local communities and cultures. With expert local guides and a dedication to reducing environmental impact, they make travel both meaningful and memorable. Their values and approach align perfectly with Newstate Adventures, making them our primary travel partner moving forward as we create meaningful, unforgettable journeys together.
This trip is rated as moderately active. Travelers should be comfortable walking several miles a day, often on uneven surfaces, sand, or rocky terrain, especially at sites like the glacier hike and waterfalls. Some experiences, such as optional hikes, climbing steps, or getting in and out of the 4×4 trucks, require basic balance and mobility. Participants should expect and be prepared for a fair amount of physical activity throughout the journey.
All packages are individually priced, and the package stipulates if it is a solo or double occupancy. Single Supplement is Compulsory.* If you are traveling with a partner, friend or family member in the same room and are booking together, please select two of the same package. If you are traveling with a friend, but booking separately, please indicate in the check out form who your travel companion will be. You will be able to indicate bed configuration (two Twins or one shared King/Queen) at the time of booking.
*We are unable to pair solo travelers. If you do not have a travel partner at the time of booking, please select the solo traveler booking option.
Packages are priced for double occupancy. If you are booking as a solo traveler, please select the solo occupancy option. Single supplement is compulsory for all single rooms and you will have your own room for the entire duration of the trip.
You can secure your spot on the on the Iceland Trip with a 25% deposit, and make interest-free payments at any time of any amount prior to 90 days before departure, when final payments are due.
We welcome payments for your trip either via ACH (electronic payments from a USA bank account) or all major Credit Cards.
To help us keep trip costs more affordable for you, surcharges for payments are not included in the trip package price, and you are encouraged to select the payment method that suits your needs. For example, if you receive international travel coverage insurance for purchasing with a specific credit card, then booking with a credit card may be the best option for you.
There is no surcharge for ACH electronic payments, while Credit Cards will add 2.9% to each transaction/automatic payment (3.9% for AMEX). All payments must be made through the WeTravel platform. We do not accept checks or alternative methods of payment.
Securing “cancel for any reason” travel insurance at the time of booking is strongly recommended for protection against unforeseen cancellations or accidents. If paying for your trip with a credit card (see payments payments above), check for coverage benefits that may apply for international travel.
We recommend using VisitorsCoverage (select from many different carriers and plans)
For travelers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory due to local regulations.
However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travelers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting (on day 1 of trip), recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.
Our cancellation policy is based on the days until the trip starts.
Once you have booked your spot, your initial trip deposit is non-refundable, but can be used for ANY future trip with Newstate Adventures. We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance that provides “cancel for any reason” or other coverage for non-refundable trip costs.
If you cancel when your spot is confirmed and outside of 120 days until departure, you can receive a trip credit for your down payment.
Any additional payments above and beyond the deposit are fully refundable until 120 days prior to the trip start date.
• Cancellation prior to 120 days; we will hold the deposit amount as a credit towards future trips with NNGT
• Cancellation between 119-55 days prior to departure will incur a 25% cancellation fee
• Cancellation 54 days or less prior to travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee
• No shows will be treated as a cancellation and will incur a 100% cancellation fee
Overall Trip Rating:
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Verified Purchase
By Michael W(United States (US))October 1, 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐This was a positive experience for my first group trip. I like that it wasn’t a larger group. Being in one van we all experienced the same things throughout the day. Iceland is a beautiful country and we packed a good amount of sightseeing in a relatively short amount of time. We arrived early and explored Reykjavik before the group trip started. I feel there wouldn’t have been enough time there otherwise. Our guide was entertaining and did a great job keeping us on track throughout the day and trip.Date of Experience: September 10, 2024
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Verified Purchase
By Megan B(United States (US))October 1, 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Thank you for thinking of so many things in advance that all I had to do was show up and enjoy. I had trust going into it and you exceeded my expectations. Will definitely find a way to do this again, plus try to meet up with you and our fellow travelers again in the future! Amazing humans!Date of Experience: September 10, 2024
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Verified Purchase
By Margalo M(United States (US))October 1, 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Katelyn and Howard are the ultimate trip hosts! They connected with everyone, brought us all together easily and made us each feel like we’ve known each other for well more than a day, let alone a week. We had so much fun because they were easy going, listened to what we wanted to do and kept us on time and moving along from excursion to excursion and from one incredible food experience to the next! I’ve been on other group tours before and this one was BY FAR the best! Thank you Newstates for all the fun and cool experiences and incredible food!! Can’t wait for the next trip!Date of Experience: September 10, 2024
