Cascading Skógafoss waterfall in Iceland
4.6

The Ultimate Adventure in Iceland

  • Iceland
  • 4 nights

Explore Iceland's epic natural wonders as you trek across glaciers, kayak icy lagoons, and hike to waterfalls in the Golden Circle

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified Guides

    All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking guides
  • All Lodging

    2 nights in hotels and 2 nights in a cozy guesthouse
  • Meals

    All breakfasts are included
  • Transfers

    All transfers from the start point in Reykjavik to the end point at Keflavik Airport or Reykjavik city (arrival airport transfer not included)
  • Permits

    All permits and entry fees
  • Small Like-minded Groups

    Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From
excluding flights

What's it like?

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Tales from the trails

Real people, real adventures.

Kayak the ethereal glacial lagoon of Sólheimajökull surrounded by towering icebergs, then clamber across the icy glacier

Hike to the cascades of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, the hidden waterfalls of Gljúfrabúi and Nauthúsagil, and marvel at thundering Gullfoss

Kick back in natural hot rivers and geothermal pools by the ocean, and wander along striking black sand beaches

Witness the earth’s raw power as Strokkur geyser shoots plumes of water high into the air, and walk among the tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park

Amy R.(September 2025)
My first group trip but definitely not my last!
My first group trip but definitely not my last!
My first group trip but definitely not my last!
My first group trip but definitely not my last!
My first group trip but definitely not my last!
My first group trip but definitely not my last!
My first group trip but definitely not my last!

This was my first time doing something like this so I was super nervous to meet a group of strangers in a new place but it was super easy & we all became fast friends! I met the most amazing people & now have new travel buddies & friends for life!

As someone who has a lot of flexible time off work it’s difficult for me to find people to adventure with regularly & these trips have opened a new door for me to travel & make friends at the same time without the stress of going completely solo.

There was good communication before & during the trip & our guide Thora was amazing & so knowledgeable, making our trip run smoothly even when the weather got in the way!

I would thoroughly recommend these trips to solo travellers or anyone that wants to travel stress free & meet new friends, I’m already planning my next one!

Mario B.(July 2025)
Overall, the trip was really

Overall, the trip was really good. I arrived later at night. Getting to the hotel was easy enough. The hotel on the first night itself was decent enough. The room was pretty small with few outlets for recharging electronics. The food at breakfast was pretty typical contindntal breakfast. The first hike and dip in the outdoors spring was nice enough. The hike was very easy. The hot spring was a nice relief on a somewhat cold and rainy day. The stay at the hostel was horrible. The rooms had paper thin walls, the rooms were very small and hot, and the food at breakfast was pretty sparse. The outings on the following days were very good with the exception of the airplane crash site. That was a long, dull walk with no payoff. I would replace this a hike elsewhere. The guide was also very pleasant and informative.

Shruti S.(June 2025)
Unforgettable Experiences

This trip was outstanding. It was a perfect combination of adventure as well as sightseeing. Very well planned and easy paced activities. Our guide Palli did a great job in organising everything and making sure our trip was as smooth as possible. He is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful.

The accomodations were very clean and very comfortable, food was great on this trip, although some stops did not have a lot of vegetarian options. Neverthless it was only a minor inconvenience and did not take anything away from this experience.

Jenny(June 2025)
First time in Iceland

Iceland is beautiful and this trip was a great introduction to the country. Our local guide was amazing, super friendly and helpful. It definitely sparked the desire for me to go back to Iceland next year and explore more.

Christa(June 2025)
Southern Iceland short adventure
Southern Iceland short adventure
Southern Iceland short adventure
Southern Iceland short adventure
Southern Iceland short adventure
Southern Iceland short adventure
Southern Iceland short adventure

This trip is a nice introduction to Iceland in 4-5 days. The days are filled with good day hikes and other noteworthy adventures. Iceland is a beautiful country in its raw natural state. If you like to leave the city behind and enjoy nature at its best, then this trip may be for you! I learned a lot about this north European country, and I truly appreciate having a local guide who knows and loves this country, eager to share his part of the world with us.

Libby P.(June 2025)
A fabulous adventure
A fabulous adventure

I enjoyed this much but a couple of tweaks could have made it even better. Day one was basically us finding a hotel and checking in, not really part of a 5 day adventure. . would have been great for a meet and great that night. Our tour leader Paulli was amazing, absolutely great. The American plane wreck was a bit rubbish, would have preferred more icelandic stuff to be honest but apart for that. . . great stuff

Libby B.(June 2025)
5 day adventure in Iceland
5 day adventure in Iceland
5 day adventure in Iceland
5 day adventure in Iceland
5 day adventure in Iceland
5 day adventure in Iceland
5 day adventure in Iceland

It was a fantastic trip! It’s not 5 days as 1st day you arrive; no one meets you and you make your own way to the bus stop in the morning; described as day 2. Once you get going; fabulous! Great long days, thank you. Little explanation for the next day; questions asked were answered but had to ask them; from do we take or wear swimming costumes etc…? Do we need our rucksacks or is it a short walk?…. Leader was super knowledgeable, great local knowledge thanks Palli! Was shocked that to retrieve a lost towel would cost 3x more than the towel! Felt the last day was a lot of driving; especially if didn’t want the airport. The visit to the plane crash was unnecessary; would’ve loved a walk in the hills. Loved the combo of walk; dip in river, beach and water falls. Stand out was glacier, be it kayaks or walking. Something to remember is cater for all if booking meals. Loved the use of supermarkets to keep costs down. Great group size.

Jade L.(June 2025)
Great itinerary to see wonderful

Great itinerary to see wonderful scenery. Active but not too demanding - an excellent short trip to see the highlights.

Dineo D.(June 2025)
Better than i expected
Better than i expected

This was a much-needed solo trip but it was full of amazing surprises, absolutely amazing, and made a great connection with everyone in the group. The local guide was fabulous i highly recommend the 5-day Ultimate adventure in Iceland for first timers.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Welcome to Reykjavik

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Show Day 1 detail

    Welcome to the land of fire and ice! Make your way from the airport to your hotel (see Getting There for more info) – your adventure begins in downtown Reykjavik. After settling into your city center hotel, you may wish to head into town with your fellow adventurers to discover the vibrant capital's food scene – you'll find everything from cozy eateries serving up classic Icelandic dishes, to trendy spots offering inventive fusion cuisine.

    Day 2

    Hike to natural hot springs and kayak a glacial lagoon

    Hiking
    2-3hrs · 4mi · 1115ft up · 1115ft down
    Kayaking
    2.5hrs
    Driving
    2hrs
    Guesthouse
    Twin share
    Breakfast included
    Show Day 2 detail

    After a delicious Icelandic breakfast, meet your guide for a welcome briefing before setting off to explore some of Iceland's most stunning natural wonders. First stop is the town of Hveragerði, surrounded by lush greenery and bubbling geothermal activity. Thanks to its unique location near the mid-Atlantic ridge Hveragerði is known as the 'hot spring town', with steam rising from the ground. In the town's backyard lies the Reykjadalur Valley, where you’ll hike past steaming springs and bubbling mud pools before stopping at a hot river, where you can jump in for a relaxing dip. Hop back into the van and head towards Sólheimajökull by the southern coast, a glacier tongue extending from the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You’ll meet with your expert kayaking guide to get equipped with dry suits and briefed on technique, before navigating your way through the pristine glacial waters dotted with a labyrinth of majestic icebergs.

    Day 3

    Glacier hike on Sólheimajökull

    Hiking
    3-4hrs · 6mi · 656ft up · 656ft down
    Guesthouse
    Twin share
    Breakfast included
    Show Day 3 detail

    Set off early this morning to explore the black sand beach at Sólheimasandur. In 1973, an American DC plane crash-landed on this desolate stretch of coastline and the stark contrast of the white plane against the black sand creates a surreal, science fiction-like scene. Next, you’ll head to Reynisfjara, where the Atlantic Ocean crashes against towering basalt columns. In the afternoon, you'll hike across the glacier of Sólheimajökull. Led by experienced guides, you’ll step onto the icy expanse kitted out with crampons and with ice axes. This glacier is constantly changing and evolving, making each hike unique. As the day draws to a close, make your way to one of Iceland's largest waterfalls: the majestic Skógafoss. According to Icelandic folklore, there is Viking treasure behind the cascading waters of Skógafoss, hidden over a thousand years ago.

    Day 4

    Explore Iceland's wild waterfalls

    Hiking
    2-3hrs · 3mi · 1476ft up · 1476ft down
    Driving
    1.5hrs
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast included
    Show Day 4 detail

    This morning, head out on a short hike to the picturesque Kverna waterfall—a hidden gem that is one of Iceland's more secluded and peaceful spots—before hopping into the van to the awe-inspiring Seljalandsfoss waterfall. At over 195 feet tall, it’s one of Iceland's most iconic natural highlights as you can walk behind the powerful cascade of water. Next, you’ll head to the nearby waterfalls of Gljúfrabúi—hidden within a narrow gorge—and Nauthúsagil, tucked away in a steep and secluded canyon. A brief drive takes you to your next hike up Vördufell for magnificent views, before moving on to two of Iceland’s most renowned sights: the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the captivating Geysir hot spring area. Gullfoss, the 'golden falls,' is a powerful two-tiered waterfall that plunges into a rugged canyon, and the iconic Geysir is the geyser after which all are named. While Geysir itself is now largely dormant, its neighbor, Strokkur, steals the show with its regular eruptions.

    Day 5

    Bathe in Iceland's geothermal Sky Lagoon

    Hiking
    2hrs · 3mi · 328ft up · 328ft down
    Sauna
    2hrs
    Driving
    1.5hrs
    Breakfast included
    Show Day 5 detail

    This morning, you’ll drive to Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are gradually moving apart, creating a rift valley where you can hike along the faults and fissures. Thingvellir was also where the world's first parliament, the Althing, was established by the early Icelandic settlers. The Althing served as a gathering place for Icelanders to discuss laws and important decisions, making it one of the oldest democratic institutions in the world. Later, you’ll drive on to the Sky Lagoon, a geothermal spa located in Kópavogur with oceanside hot springs, cold plunges, saunas, and steam. After a couple of hours, it's time to say your goodbyes: you'll be dropped off at Keflavik International Airport at 2:00 PM (those extending their stay in Reykjavik will be dropped off at the BSI bus terminal).

Getting There

Nearest airport
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Pick up
Your hotel in Reykjavik
Arrive any time on Day 1
Drop off
Reykjavik City Centre or Keflavik Airport
14:00 on Day 5

What is and isn't included?

What's included

  • Guided hike in Hveragerði and the Reykjadalur Valley
  • Kayaking on the Sólheimajökull glacial lagoon
  • Glacier hike across Sólheimajökull
  • Guided hike to the waterfalls and geysers of the South Coast
  • Guided hike in Thingvellir National Park
  • 2-hour visit to the Sky Lagoon

  • Expert, local, English-speaking guides

  • 2 nights in comfy hotels
  • 2 nights in a cozy guesthouse

  • All breakfasts

  • All transfers from Reykjavik city center on Day 2
  • Group departure transfer to Keflavik Airport on Day 5
  • Option to be dropped in Reykjavik city on Day 5, if preferred

  • All the equipment you'll need for glacier hiking
  • All the equipment you'll need for kayaking, including a drysuit

  • All permits and entry fees

Where you'll stay

Clean, white bedroom with twin beds and a picture on the wall

Hotels and Guesthouses

What you'll eat

All your breakfasts will be included during the trip, but at lunch and dinner times, you'll be free to explore Icelandic cuisine at a variety of local restaurants. Traditional cuisine blends Nordic flavors with modern twists, focusing on hearty meals…

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DEPARTURE DATES

  • Wednesday 20th May 2026

    to Sunday 24th May 2026

    Last minute - Host approval required

    Last Minute Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off

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Optional Extras

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation

Double/Twin Room in Reykjavik: Prices starting from...
…/per night
Single Room in Reykjavik: Prices starting from...
…/per night

Single Occupancy

Private Room Upgrade

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge. See Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).


To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Illustration of a group of people kayaking

GOT A GROUP OF 6 OR MORE?

Book the whole trip privately. We sort the details, you split the cost. Pure adventure, zero faff.

What to pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

FAQs

The Sky Lagoon is a unique geothermal spa with springs naturally warmed by geothermal activity. You'll be able to enjoy the mineral-rich baths before unwinding in the Icelandic saunas and steam rooms – and for those brave enough, there's a cold plunge pool. The highlight of the Sky Lagoon is its infinity pool, with breathtaking views across the sea.

The elements can be unpredictable and occasionally your host may need to revert to a 'Plan B' if it is not safe to follow the scheduled itinerary. The kayaking is particularly dependant on the conditions and may not be possible in strong winds for safety reasons. An alternative excursion will be offered in place of any missed activities and will be chosen based on the specific conditions encountered and the availability of services. Your guide will discuss the options with you if this becomes necessary.

At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location, and lodging, and in some places, options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.

Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.

BACKGROUND

Icelandic cuisine is shaped by a subarctic climate, volcanic landscape, and centuries of isolation, resulting in simple, resourceful dishes built around lamb, fish, dairy, and preserved ingredients, with limited fresh produce historically available. Today, travelers with dietary requirements will find that lodging providers and guides are generally accustomed to catering for a range of needs, especially on organized trips, though options can still be narrower in rural areas. It helps to plan ahead and communicate clearly, as meals may be pre-arranged, with your guide able to coordinate and manage requirements throughout the trip.

SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian Vegetarian diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. Please consider bringing your favorite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.

Vegan Vegan diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. Please consider bringing your favorite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.

Kosher Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

Halal Certified Halal supply varies by destination and may not always be possible. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

INTOLERANCES

Gluten Free (for Celiac, please see Allergies section below) Gluten-free diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. Please consider bringing your favorite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.

Lactose-free Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Please do consider bringing your favorite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.

ALLERGIES

Our host has confirmed that they are able to accommodate mild allergies to the 14 allergens identified by the UK Food Standards Agency, where these are disclosed in advance. However, if you have a severe or life-threatening food allergy, please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip. This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip, and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority.

Please note that when traveling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods, and labeling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

As the old Iceland saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” Icelandic weather is famously fickle, so you’ll need to prepare for anything—from balmy all-day sunshine in the mid-70s, to wind, rain, and everything in between! This is all part of the adventure, but be sure to pack good waterproofs in case the rain gods come calling. Remember that in Iceland, summer means nearly 24 hours of daylight, so don’t forget your eye mask!

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 108kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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