Iceland: Exploring the Land of Ice and Fire in 4 Days

  • Day 1: Reykjavik City Tour
    0 minutes (0 miles) from Reykjavik

    Start your trip with a tour of the capital city, Reykjavik. Visit the Hallgrimskirkja Church, the largest church in Iceland and climb to the top for panoramic views. Walk through the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre for a glimpse of the contemporary architecture. Spend the afternoon in Laugardalur Valley for a relaxing bath in one of several swimming pools or visit the Perlan - an iconic landmark offering 360-degree views of the city.

  • Day 2: Golden Circle Tour
    2 hours (114 km) from Reykjavik

    Embark on a tour of the Golden Circle, visiting the Thingvellir National Park, the site of the ancient assembly grounds of Iceland, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area with its spouting hot springs.

  • Day 3: Glacier Adventure
    4.5 hours (257 km) from Reykjavik

    Discover the icy terrain of the South Coast of Iceland. Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Skaftafell National Park and hike to the Svinafellsjokull Glacier or take a glacier hike to experience the ice formations up close.

  • Day 4: Blue Lagoon Escape
    50 minutes (49 km) from Reykjavik

    Spend the last day of your trip relaxing in the Blue Lagoon, an iconic geothermal spa for a soothing experience. The milky-blue waters of the lagoon are rich in minerals believed to have therapeutic properties and offer a heavenly way to take in Iceland’s natural surroundings.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hallgrimskirkja Church (1 hour, $0)
  • Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre (30 minutes, $0)
  • Laugardalur Valley (3 hours, $8 for entrance fee)
  • Perlan (2 hours, $25 for entrance fee)
  • Thingvellir National Park (2 hours, $0)
  • Gullfoss Waterfall (1.5 hours, $0)
  • Geysir Geothermal Area (1 hour, $0)
  • Skaftafell National Park (3 hours, $16 for entrance fee)
  • Svinafellsjokull Glacier Hike (4 hours, $120 for guided hike)
  • Blue Lagoon (4 hours, $90 for entrance fee)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $259

Transportation

Public transportation is available throughout Reykjavik, but a rental car is recommended for exploring the countryside. The total cost of a rental car for 4 days can range from $200-$400 depending on the rental location and car size. Gas prices are high in Iceland, with an average cost of around $7 per gallon. Plan for travel time between your destinations, as the winding roads made take longer than expected to navigate.

Useful Tips

Consider adding an extra day to your trip to visit Reykjanes Peninsula & Iceland's Blue Diamond. Alternatively, for a shorter trip, skip the Golden Circle tour and visit the Reykjanes Peninsula or the Westman Islands instead.

Airports

The international airport in Reykjavik is called Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and is located 50 km from the city center. Buses and taxis are available for transportation from the airport to Reykjavik.

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