Iceland

A Long Weekend in Iceland: From Reykjavik to the Golden Circle

Program No. 22981RJ
Think you don’t have time to discover the natural wonders of Iceland? Think again! Experience the best of Iceland as you explore from Reykjavik to the countryside.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

There’s more than enough time to discover the natural beauty of this incredible island during this exciting learning adventure! Beginning in Reykjavik, soak in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon — Iceland’s most famous geothermal gem. Then, venture into the countryside to explore the Golden Circle, home to the historic Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall and active Strokkur geyser. Walk along the black sand beach below the Myrdalsjokull glacier, and learn about the creation of Iceland at the Lava Centre. Depending on the time of year, search for the magical northern lights or enjoy the calming stillness of a late night sunset in the countryside.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to two miles on uneven, hilly terrain.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn about Iceland's past and present, from the legends of Iceland's ancient parliament to the refreshing waters of the Blue Lagoon.
  • Savor a greenhouse-fresh lunch while learning how geothermal energy is used to grow vegetables in Iceland's short summer season.
  • Marvel at the many natural wonders of Iceland, including a geyser, glacier and waterfalls.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Sigrún Jónsdóttir
Sigrún Jónsdóttir has been working as a professional leader since 1986. Born and raised in Iceland, she has a degree in anthropology, which has served her well in her long career. She has traveled all over Iceland, indulging in her love of nature and her keen interest in Icelandic folklore, especially tales of elves. She takes great pleasure in sharing her knowledge of Icelandic culture, history and nature. Sigrún lives in Reykjavík with her family and cats. She practices yoga and is an active environmentalist.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Sigrún Jónsdóttir
Sigrún Jónsdóttir View biography
Sigrún Jónsdóttir has been working as a professional leader since 1986. Born and raised in Iceland, she has a degree in anthropology, which has served her well in her long career. She has traveled all over Iceland, indulging in her love of nature and her keen interest in Icelandic folklore, especially tales of elves. She takes great pleasure in sharing her knowledge of Icelandic culture, history and nature. Sigrún lives in Reykjavík with her family and cats. She practices yoga and is an active environmentalist.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Print All
Map details are not available for this location.
6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5 B 4 L 3 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Iceland, Blue Lagoon, Check-in, Orientation
Hella
B,L,D
Hotel Laekur

Activity note: Walking from the airport terminal with luggage to the coach to driving 10 minutes to the Park Inn by Radisson. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 15 miles to Blue Lagoon, approximately 50 minutes; about 35 miles to hotel, approximately 1 hour. If you wish to swim in the Blue Lagoon, please remember to pack your bathing suit in your luggage where it is easily accessible. Towels will be provided. Slippers, bathrobes and spa treatments are available at an additional cost.

Breakfast: At Park Inn by Radisson. If you plan to meet at Park Inn and eat breakfast with the group, please allow enough time to sit down and eat before the group departs.

Morning: After meeting our group at Park Inn by Radisson, we will depart via motorcoach to the Bridge Between Continents to see where Europe and North America meet.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will board a motorcoach and continue our Icelandic adventure with a soak in the mineral-rich, geothermally heated waters of the Blue Lagoon. (Entrance fee and towels included at Blue Lagoon; slippers and bathrobes available at additional cost.) There are other “blue lagoons” but this one is truly unique. The stark volcanic terrain that surrounds it creates an otherworldly feeling. The lava field is surely natural, but in fact the lagoon owes its existence to a geothermal power station built in 1975. Superheated water from a nearby lava flow feeds into the power plant system and finally flows into the lagoon, where the temperature stays between 98°-104°F (36°-40° C). Minerals from the underground geological layers account for the coloration. Not only is lounging in the waters delightfully comfortable, the minerals and white silica mud are reputed to provide benefits for skin conditions. After, we'll continue our transfer to Hella to check into our hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free time to relax before meeting the group for our Orientation meeting followed by dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Meals will feature local cuisine. Water is included with all meals. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. The remainder of the evening is free to continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars.

DAY
3
South Coast, Lava Centre
Hella
B,L,D
Hotel Laekur

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Boarding our motorcoach, we’ll set out for a field trip along the scenic south coast of Iceland. We will start the day with a visit to the new Lava Centre, a high-tech interactive exhibit depicting volcanic activities, earthquakes, and the creation of Iceland over millions of years. We will then continue riding along the coast, stopping by the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and glimpsing the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano on our way.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: En route to the Skógar Museum, we will stop to see the impressive Skógafoss Waterfall, one of the largest in Iceland that drops 200 feet (60 meters) and is nearly 50 feet (15 meters) wide. On sunny days, there is a good chance of catching a rainbow thanks to the spray. The Skógá River and its waterfalls play a central role in local folk stories of magic and hidden treasure, about which we’ll learn more. The Skógar Museum focuses on three areas of Icelandic history and culture. The folk museum displays a large collection of artifacts representing aspects of agriculture, fishing, and natural history — some dating back to the Viking age. There is also a technical area that traces the country’s development in the 19th and 20th centuries, and an open-air museum with rebuilt turf houses representing how Icelanders lived centuries ago. Returning to the hotel, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that cosmic conditions will permit us to see the magical northern lights in the quiet and remote location of our hotel. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
4
The Golden Circle of Landscape & History
Reykjavik
B,L
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 185 miles, approximately 4 hours aboard motorcoach. Walking distances up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach for a field trip around the Golden Circle. Our field trip will begin with a visit to Gullfoss — golden falls — the most famous waterfall in Iceland. Water from the Langjökull glacier flows into the Hvítá (White) River. When it reaches the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon, it falls in two stages more than 100 feet (32 meters). We’ll experience the stillness and beauty of the wintry countryside and the frozen waterfall. We’ll then continue our ride to Geysir, where the active Strokkur geyser bursts forth every few minutes in a cloud of steam. Next, we’ll ride to the Friðheimar tomato farm and learn about greenhouse horticulture.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Moving on, we’ll reach the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, site of the original parliament, which is known as the most sacred place in Iceland due to its geological and historical significance. The Althing, or General Assembly, was established here in 930 CE and is the world’s oldest existing parliament. Not only historically significant, the site is located on the meeting point of the American and European continental plates. We'll then continue on to Reykjavik for check-in.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant, Reykjavik
Reykjavik
B,L,D
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain and paved city sidewalks.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Aboard our motorcoach we'll head to the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant. The largest in Iceland, it’s the second largest in the world, situated in the Hengill volcano area. We’ll learn about this renewable resource and how geothermal energy is used in Iceland.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll set out by motorcoach and see highlights of the city including Hofdi house, Lake Tjornin, City Hall, and the old Parliament as we ride. We’ll also have an expert-led field trip to the National Museum of Iceland. In addition to a permanent exhibition on the making of a nation, there are special exhibits on a variety of history and culture topics.

Dinner: At a local restaurant to enjoy a farewell meal. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure tomorrow.

DAY
6
Program Concludes, In Transit from Program
In Flight
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Staggered transfers to Keflavík International Airport based on final flight times. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






Recommended For You

loading spinner