6 Day Iceland Tour: Reykjavik, Golden Circle, South Coast, and Blue Lagoon
If you’re planning a week in Iceland, this six-day tour offers a balanced mix of city life, natural wonders, and relaxing moments, all for around $2,223 per person. Starting from Reykjavik, you’ll visit iconic sites like Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, and the stunning South Coast waterfalls like Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Highlights include a soak in the Blue Lagoon, an experience many describe as unforgettable, and guided insights into Iceland’s geology and culture.
What we love most about this trip are two things: the small-group setting that allows for more personalized attention and the flexibility to explore on your own during Reykjavik’s hop-on-hop-off tour. Also, the carefully curated stops ensure you see both famous landmarks and less touristy spots, making the experience richer and more authentic.
A potential consideration is the pace of the trip, which covers a lot in six days—if you prefer slow, unhurried travel, this might feel a bit packed. However, for those eager to see Iceland’s highlights without the hassle of planning, this tour hits the sweet spot. It suits travelers who want a rundown with guidance, especially first-timers or those short on time.
Who should consider this tour? It’s perfect for travelers looking for an organized, all-in-one experience that combines sightseeing, cultural insights, and downtime. If you like having a guide to navigate logistics while leaving enough room for personal discoveries, you’ll find this tour very satisfying.
Key Points
- Comprehensive itinerary covers Reykjavik, Golden Circle, South Coast, and Blue Lagoon
- Small-group size enhances personalized attention and better interaction
- Includes hotel accommodations and breakfasts, simplifying logistics
- Expert guides provide insights into Iceland’s geology and culture
- Flexible Reykjavik sightseeing, with a hop-on-hop-off bus pass for a full day
- Well-priced for the breadth of experiences, blending iconic sights with relaxation
Exploring Iceland in Six Days: The Complete Experience
This Iceland tour is designed to balance sightseeing with comfort. Let’s walk through each day to understand what makes it worth considering, and also where it might fall short.
While in Reykjavik, here are other experiences we've covered
Day 1: Arrival and Getting Comfortable in Reykjavik
Your adventure begins with a pickup at Keflavík International Airport, a 30-minute transfer to Reykjavik. This smooth start sets the tone: no fussing about transportation or logistics. The tour provides ideas on how to explore Iceland’s capital on your own, which is useful if you want to stretch your legs or get your bearings.
Reykjavik is a city that manages to be modern and vibrant yet close to nature, and this tour wisely includes a 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus pass. We loved the flexibility it offers—whether you want to visit museums, cafes, or just enjoy the lively streets, you’re free to do so at your own pace.
Day 2: Reykjavik in a Day
This day is dedicated to exploring Reykjavik with a hop-on-hop-off service, giving you plenty of freedom. It’s a great way to see the city’s highlights without feeling rushed, and it’s especially convenient for those arriving late or with limited time.
The city offers a blend of trendy shops, cafes, and cultural sites all within easy reach of each bus stop. What stood out in reviews is how guides or locals often add value with tailored suggestions, which makes this city tour a warm-up before hitting the road.
Day 3: The Golden Circle
This is the classic Iceland itinerary—Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss—and they don’t disappoint. The geological marvels in Þingvellir, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, make for dramatic scenery and interesting stories.
The Geysir area is lively, with Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes, providing perfect photo opportunities. Gullfoss, with its roaring waters, is as powerful as you imagine. The reviews praise the guide’s knowledge here, making the stops both educational and awe-inspiring.
Day 4: South Coast Adventures
This day packs in some of Iceland’s most iconic sights. Starting at Solheimajokull Glacier, you might get a glimpse of the retreating ice and a small lake formed in front of the glacier—the kind of landscape that makes you feel like you’ve landed on another planet.
Reynisdrangar sea stacks and Reynisfjara’s black sand beach offer stunning, otherworldly views. Be cautious at Reynisfjara—guidelines advise staying away from the dangerous ocean waves, which is good advice given the powerful surf.
Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls are highlights for many travelers. Seljalandsfoss’s unique feature—being able to walk behind the cascade—is a hit, so bring waterproof gear if you want to get behind the water. One reviewer mentioned the waterfall’s use in films like Thor, adding a fun pop culture twist.
- Reykjavik Food Walk – Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
- Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates – meet on location
- Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour – by CityWalk
- Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
- Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik
- Enchanted Northern Lights: Hot chocolate & Photos – Small Group!
Day 5: Blue Lagoon and Relaxation
A major highlight—the Blue Lagoon—is included, giving you two hours to relax in its warm, mineral-rich waters. Visitors consistently describe it as an unforgettable experience, with the silica masks adding a spa-like touch. The scenery here, with lava and moss, is otherworldly, and many say it’s worth the trip just for this.
The Blue Lagoon’s facilities are top-notch, making it a perfect wind-down after days of sightseeing. Returning to Reykjavik afterward, you can reflect on the day’s adventures and maybe venture out into the city’s lively dining scene.
Day 6: Departure
Your tour concludes with a transfer back to Keflavík Airport, making for a smooth exit. The included time for airport transfer ensures you’re not rushing, and the entire experience wraps up conveniently.
What’s In the Price?
At $2,223 for six days, this tour offers a lot of value. It includes hotel stays, breakfasts, all major sightseeing stops, and transfers, which simplifies planning and reduces unexpected costs. The Blue Lagoon and major attractions are included, so you won’t have to worry about additional entry fees.
While the hotels are described as “lower end,” they are cozy and functional, according to reviews. This keeps the overall cost realistic for a comprehensive Iceland experience, especially considering the included excursions.
Authentic Experiences and Guided Insights
Many travelers appreciated guide Haffy’s friendly approach and knowledge, which adds depth to the visits. The small-group setup means fewer crowds and more interaction, making the learning experience more personal.
Potential Drawbacks
One thing to keep in mind is the pace of the trip—it covers many sites in a relatively short time. For some, this might feel brisk, especially with long days on the road. Also, the hotels might be more basic than some travelers prefer, but they are helpful in keeping costs manageable.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour suits those who prefer guided travel but still want some personal flexibility in a major city like Reykjavik. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want to see Iceland’s highlights without stress, or for travelers on a tight schedule who want to maximize their time.
If you enjoy a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural insights, and relaxation, and appreciate the company of a small group, this trip offers a solid introduction to Iceland’s natural beauty and unique culture.
FAQ
Is transportation included for the airport transfer?
Yes, the tour provides individual coach transfers from Keflavík Airport to the hotel near Reykjavik, and a return transfer at the end of the trip.
Are accommodations included?
Yes, you get five nights’ stay in hotel accommodations, along with breakfast each morning, which simplifies your planning.
What is the group size?
The tour typically has a maximum of 50 travelers, but reviews mention a small-group atmosphere, which means more personalized attention.
Can I explore Reykjavik on my own?
Absolutely. The included hop-on-hop-off bus pass gives you full freedom to explore the city at your own pace on Day 2.
What are the main attractions included?
Major stops include Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, Solheimajokull Glacier, Reynisfjara Beach, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and the Blue Lagoon.
Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, with good weather being a requirement. The tour is designed for a broad audience, but travelers should be prepared for some walking and outdoor exposure.
In summary, this six-day Iceland tour offers an efficient, well-organized way to see some of the country’s most iconic sights without the stress of planning every detail yourself. The combination of guided insights, flexible city exploration, and iconic natural wonders makes it a memorable, value-packed experience. It’s especially perfect for first-timers eager to get a rundown while enjoying the comforts of included accommodations and transport. If you’re looking for an adventurous yet manageable way to experience Iceland, this tour could be just what you need.
More 6-Day Experiences in Reykjavik
More Tour Reviews in Reykjavik
More Reykjavik experiences we've covered
- Reykjavik Helicopter Private Tour of Volcanoes
- Volcano Hike and Grindavík Visit from Reykjavik
- Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise
- Buggy ‘Lava Field Adventure’ from Reykjavik
- Puffin Travel choice – We decide where to go. Do it like locals
- Private Northern Lights Tour with Icelandic Treats and Liquor
- 4-Day Iceland: Golden Circle, South Coast, Volcano Hike & Northern Lights
- Snorkel the Silfra Fissure-Meet on Location (Free Photos & Cocoa)
- Private Food Walking Tour in Reykjavik
- 5-Day West Iceland, Ice Cave and South Iceland from Reykjavik
- South Coast. Private Day Tour from Reykjavik
- Golden Circle and Sky Lagoon Full-Day Tour