- Duration
- 8
- Activity Level
- Moderate
- Group Size
- 152
Reykjavík
Begin your adventure in Iceland’s vibrant capital city rich with timeless traditions, intriguing history and colorful culture. Discover the area’s Viking and maritime heritage during museum visits, and immerse yourself in the tranquil geothermal waters of the area's iconic lagoons.
Itinerary
Day +1: En Route from U.S.
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Day +2: Arrive in Keflavík, Iceland | Reykjavík
Friday, August 7, 2026
Upon arriving to Keflavík International Airport transfer to the Blue Lagoon for a unique geothermal spa experience.
The Blue Lagoon is a man-made spa that harnesses geothermal activity from deep within the earth. This otherworldly oasis of milky-blue waters enveloped in a blanket of warm steam is surrounded by rugged black lava rock terrain creating a surreal science fiction-like backdrop.
During your soak in the mineral-rich waters, make sure to visit a swim-up station for a complimentary silica mud mask—an indulgent treatment that cleanses and revitalizes the skin.
Continue to Hallgrímskirkja, one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, for an inside visit. This towering Lutheran church is renowned for its unique architectural design, which was inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava flows. Marvel at the magnificent pipe organ, designed by the German organ builder Johannes Klais, standing 49 feet tall with an impressive 5,275 pipes.
Late afternoon, check into the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Iceland Parliament Hotel
Day +3: Reykjavík
Saturday, August 8, 2026
After breakfast at the hotel meet a local guide for a comprehensive panoramic city tour.
Then venture inside Perlan, a natural history museum with exhibits showcasing Iceland's natural phenomena including volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal energy. Walking through the Glacier Exhibition—a man-made cave designed using more than 350 tons of snow and ice—feel the chilly atmosphere while gaining insight into the formation, history and future of Iceland’s glaciers. Stop into the 360° Planetarium Show to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights. And visit Perlan's observation deck for vast views over Reykjavík's skyline.
Continue to the National Museum of Iceland, a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that chronicle Iceland's rich and complex history from the Viking Age to modern times. The museum provides a comprehensive look at how Icelandic society has evolved over the centuries, providing an enlightening journey through time.
Conclude touring with an inside visit to Harpa, Reykjavík's stunning glass concert hall and cultural center. Designed by Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson, Harpa’s exterior is made of thousands of glass panels arranged in a honeycomb pattern that reflect the sky and water. The resulting kaleidoscope of colors change with the weather and time of day. The interior itself is a work of art, with geometric patterns and sweeping views of the sea.
Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore independently.
Overnight: Iceland Parliament Hotel (B)
Day +4: Reykjavík | Golden Circle | Main Program Begins
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Following breakfast and check-out depart for a full-day Golden Circle excursion. This scenic route takes you through some of the country’s most iconic natural and historical landmarks including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Thingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds a special place in Icelandic history as the location of the Althing, one of the world’s oldest parliaments—established in AD 930. Also geologically significant, it lies in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, meaning visitors can literally walk between continents.
Next stop by Fridheimar Farm for lunch. This family-owned farm actively operated by a husband and wife team plus their five children grows tomatoes and cucumbers all year round in geothermally-powered greenhouses.
Continue to Geysir Geothermal Area—home to Strokkur, one of the world’s most famous active geysers that erupts every 5–10 minutes. Although the area's original namesake, Geysir, is now mostly dormant, it's still an impressive geothermal landscape with steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pots and mineral-rich pools.
Gullfoss (or Golden Falls) is one of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls with two cascading tiers dropping into a deep canyon. The waterfall was named due to the golden hue that sometimes appears in its mist, particularly when sunlight shines through. The powerful flow of water, sourced from the Hvítá River, plunges nearly 105 feet in a spectacular display. Enjoy various perspectives of the falls from several viewing platforms—each a prime spot for incredible photos and an awe-inspiring reminder of Iceland’s raw natural beauty.
Late today return to Reykjavík to join guests arriving for the main program. (B,L)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch
Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.
This pre-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.
Activity Level: 3
Moderate
Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.
Accommodations
Iceland Parliament Hotel
August 7 - August 8
Enjoy first-class comforts and amenities at this ideally situated hotel located within a few minutes walk of Reykjavík's highlights.
Room Amenities: Individual climate control, complimentary Wi-Fi, LCD TV, coffee maker, safe, mini fridge, bathrobes and slippers, iron and ironing board, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.
Pre-Tour Rate**
*Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Unless noted otherwise, airfare not included.
What's Included
- 2 nights hotel accommodations
- 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch
- Guided city and Golden Circle touring
- Entrance fees to Perlan Museum, National Museum and Harpa concert hall
- Luggage porterage
- Guiding services of an Orbridge Travel Director
- Gratuities to Orbridge Travel Director, local guide, driver and porters
- Airport transfers for guests departing during the suggested times