
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 GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking guides
- All accommodation2 nights in hotels and 2 nights in a cosy guesthouse
- MealsAll breakfasts are included
- TransfersAll transfers from the start point in Reykjavik, until the end point at Keflavik Airport or Reykjavik city (arrival airport transfer not included)
- PermitsAll permits and entry fees
- Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From…excluding flights
Highlights
Kayak the ethereal glacial lagoon of Sólheimajökull surrounded by towering icebergs, before clambering across the icy glacier itself
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 sea, 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
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Reykjavik
HotelTwin shareShow Day 1 detailHide 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 centre 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 cosy 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
Hiking2-3hrs · 6km · 340m up · 340m downKayaking2.5hrsDriving2hrsGuesthouseTwin shareBreakfast includedShow Day 2 detailHide 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 walk on Sólheimajökull
Hiking3-4hrs · 10km · 200m up · 200m downGuesthouseTwin shareBreakfast includedShow Day 3 detailHide 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
Hiking2-3hrs · 5km · 450m up · 450m downDriving1.5hrsHotelTwin shareBreakfast includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
This morning, head out on a short hike to the picturesque Kverna waterfall – a hidden gem which is one of Iceland's more secluded and peaceful spots – before hopping into the van to the awe-inspiring Seljalandsfoss waterfall. At over 60 metres 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 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 neighbour, Strokkur, steals the show with its regular eruptions. Your guide will choose from one of the many magnificent hikes either en route between sites today, or close to your guesthouse.
Day 5
Bathe in Iceland's geothermal Sky Lagoon
Hiking2hrs · 5km · 100m up · 100m downSauna2hrsDriving1.5hrsBreakfast includedShow Day 5 detailHide 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 14:00 (those extending their stay in Reykjavik will be dropped off at the BSI bus terminal).
Tales from the Trails
Real people, real adventures.
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 hiking across Sólheimajökull
- Guided hike to the waterfalls and geysirs of the South Coast
- Guided hike in Thingvellir National Park
- 2hr visit to the Sky Lagoon
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
- 2 nights in comfy hotels
- 2 nights in a cosy guesthouse
- All breakfasts
- All transfers from Reykjavik city centre 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 dry suit
- All permits and entry fees
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
This trip begins in central Reykjavik, so you'll need to make your own way there from the airport – see the 'Getting There' section for more information.
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (opens in new tab) (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield (opens in new tab), both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Where You'll Stay
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.

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 flavours with modern twists, focusing on hearty meal…
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
Upgrades
- 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.
This Trip is Graded Level 1
Ratings & Reviews
- 3 stars (0)
- 2 stars (0)
- 1 star (0)
Category rating
- Food
- 4.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 3.0
- Itinerary
- 4.0
Latest Reviews
Customer Photos
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Departure dates
Wednesday 17th June 2026
to Sunday 21st June 2026
Last minute - Host approval required
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Got a Group of 6 or More?
What to Pack

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
What is the Sky Lagoon?
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 stunning views across the sea.
What's plan B in case of bad weather?
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.
Can my dietary requirements be catered for on this adventure?
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 accommodation, 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, travellers with dietary requirements will find that accommodation providers and guides are generally accustomed to catering for a range of needs, especially on organised 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 favourite 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 favourite 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 Coeliac, 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 favourite 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 favourite 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 travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling 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.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
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.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that 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.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
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.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
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.
What's the weather like?
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, 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. During the summer, temperatures in Iceland typically range from 5-15°C/41-59°F but it's possible to experience extremes at either end of this range. Remember that in Iceland, summer means nearly 24 hours of daylight, so don’t forget your eye mask!
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
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.
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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