Reviewed · GOLDEN CIRCLE TOURS

6 Day Iceland With Reykjavik Blue Lagoon Golden Circle South Glacier Lagoon…..

★ 4.5 · 4 reviews 6 days (approx.) From $2,854 Operated by ARAGO TRAVELS · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Iceland packs volcanic geology, black beaches, glaciers, waterfalls, and hot water into a surprisingly small area. This six-day trip gives you a practical first look, from Thingvellir and Gullfoss to Reynisfjara and the Blue Lagoon.

I like the way the tour includes five hotel nights and daily breakfast, which removes much of the planning work. I also like the mix of scheduled outings and free time, especially the 24-hour Reykjavik bus pass. The main drawback is pace: several sightseeing days use short 30-minute stops, and hotel quality may be modest in exchange for the lower overall cost.

Key points

  • A six-day introduction to Iceland: See Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and the Blue Lagoon without arranging separate transport.
  • Five hotel nights and five breakfasts included: This keeps the price easier to understand and reduces daily planning.
  • Short but useful stops: Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara, and Sólheimajökull all appear on the route.
  • Free time in Reykjavik: Use the 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus to explore at your own speed.
  • A coach-based trip for groups of up to 50: Group discounts may help, but a full vehicle can make the tour feel less personal.
  • Good weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

A practical first look at Iceland in six days

6 Day Iceland With Reykjavik Blue Lagoon Golden Circle South Glacier Lagoon..... - A practical first look at Iceland in six days

At $2,854.27 per person, this is not a budget bus ride. It is a bundled Iceland trip with hotels, five breakfasts, airport transfers, sightseeing transport, and admission to the Blue Lagoon. The value depends on how much you would otherwise spend arranging rooms, transfers, and day tours separately.

I see this as a good choice if you want Iceland’s main sights without renting a car. You get a fixed route and a clear schedule, while still having time to explore Reykjavik on your own. You give up some flexibility, though. The sightseeing stops are structured, and a group of up to 50 people can mean slower loading and less individual attention.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. Most people can participate, and the route uses coach transport for the sightseeing days. Hotels are described in the tour information as part of the package, while direct feedback about the accommodation points to lower-end but cozy properties. That is useful context: expect practical lodging rather than a special hotel experience.

More Geothermal Spa Trips in Reykjavik

Day 1: A simple arrival in Keflavík

Your Iceland trip begins at Keflavík International Airport. An airport coach takes you toward a bus stop near your Reykjavik accommodation, with the transfer listed at about 30 minutes.

This is a helpful start after a flight. You do not need to work out a rental car, find a taxi, or figure out an unfamiliar bus system right away. The tradeoff is that the transfer takes you to a nearby stop rather than promising a private ride directly to your hotel door.

Once you settle in, you receive ideas for exploring Reykjavik independently. Keep this first evening flexible. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and a quiet walk through the capital may be just what you need after travel.

Day 2: Reykjavik with a 24-hour bus pass

6 Day Iceland With Reykjavik Blue Lagoon Golden Circle South Glacier Lagoon..... - Day 2: Reykjavik with a 24-hour bus pass

Your second day uses the City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus. The pass is valid for 24 hours, giving you a full day to move around Reykjavik without paying for separate local transport.

This arrangement works well for a first visit. Reykjavik is compact enough to explore on foot in parts, but the bus helps connect the main sights and lets you save your energy for the larger day trips. You can get off when something interests you, then continue later.

The tour gives you free time here instead of filling every hour with a guide. I like that balance. You can set your own pace, stop for food, browse shops, or spend more time at a sight that catches your attention.

Do not expect the bus pass to turn Reykjavik into a private city tour. It is a useful orientation tool, not a personal guide. The exact appeal of this day depends on how actively you use it. If you simply remain on board, you will see the city but gain less from your free day.

Day 3: Three major sights on the Golden Circle

6 Day Iceland With Reykjavik Blue Lagoon Golden Circle South Glacier Lagoon..... - Day 3: Three major sights on the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle day brings together Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. These are three of Iceland’s best-known stops, and each shows a different side of the country.

Other ways to see the Golden Circle from Reykjavik:

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir combines geology and Icelandic history. The area is important for its geological features, and the tour gives you about 30 minutes to look around.

That is enough for a first impression, but not enough for a long walk through the park. You will want comfortable shoes and a warm layer, since outdoor conditions can be brisk even when Reykjavik feels mild.

The value here is variety. You are not only looking at scenery. You are seeing a place where Iceland’s natural forces and national story meet. The short visit suits a broad overview, but anyone hoping for a serious hike will find the time limited.

Geysir and Strokkur

The Geysir geothermal area is home to steaming ground and spouting springs. Strokkur is the active geyser in the area, and the 30-minute stop gives you time to watch for an eruption and walk around the geothermal zone.

This is one of the easiest stops to enjoy without a guide at your side. You can see the main features quickly, but stay alert around marked paths and hot ground. The sight is most rewarding when you slow down enough to watch the steam, smell the minerals, and wait for Strokkur to erupt.

Gullfoss waterfall

At Gullfoss, large amounts of water thunder into a deep gorge. The stop gives you another 30 minutes, enough to reach viewing areas and take in the scale of the falls.

Rain and spray are part of the experience. A waterproof outer layer is a sensible choice, even if the forecast looks calm. Gullfoss is one of those places where photographs rarely show the full force of the water, so give yourself a moment without looking through a camera.

The Golden Circle is a strong day for first-time visitors because the route covers geology, geothermal activity, and a major waterfall in one outing. Its weakness is simply the schedule. You get a taste of each place, not a long, quiet visit.

Day 4: Waterfalls, glacier ice, and the black beach

6 Day Iceland With Reykjavik Blue Lagoon Golden Circle South Glacier Lagoon..... - Day 4: Waterfalls, glacier ice, and the black beach

The South Coast day is the most varied outing in the package. It includes Sólheimajökull, Reynisdrangar, Reynisfjara, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and the village of Vík.

The number of stops is impressive, but the day may feel full. Each listed visit is about 30 minutes, so you should be ready to leave when the coach schedule calls.

Sólheimajökull glacier

At Sólheimajökull, you walk toward a small lake formed in front of the retreating glacier. This is a good way to see how ice changes over time without signing up for a glacier hike.

The walk gives you a closer view than a roadside photograph, but the itinerary does not include glacier equipment or a guided ice walk. Think of it as a short approach to the glacier edge and its meltwater setting.

Reynisdrangar and Reynisfjara

Reynisdrangar are basalt sea stacks just offshore from Reynisfjara. The nearby black sand beach is also known for columnar basalt, giving the stop a stark, memorable look.

This is one place where safety matters more than getting the perfect photo. The sea can be dangerous, so keep well back from the water and follow the local guidance. Do not treat the beach like a calm swimming shore.

The 30-minute visit is enough to see the rock formations and basalt columns, but not enough for a long beach walk. Wind and spray can make the stop feel colder than expected, so bring a proper outer layer.

Skógafoss

Skógafoss is a powerful waterfall and the starting point for the Fimmvörðuháls hiking route toward Þórsmörk. The tour does not turn this into a hike, but the stop lets you see the falls at close range.

It has also appeared in films including Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. That film connection may add interest, but the waterfall itself is the reason to stop. Expect spray, noise, and a broad wall of falling water.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is famous because you can walk behind the falling water. If you want to take that path, bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket. Ordinary clothing can become wet quickly.

This stop rewards preparation. Waterproof shoes and a rain layer will make the short visit much more enjoyable. Conditions can affect how comfortable the rear path feels, so do not force it if the footing or weather is poor.

Vík

Vík is a small village with a population of about 300, surrounded by high bird cliffs. It gives you a brief change from waterfalls and beaches.

The stop is not presented as a long town visit. Instead, it is a useful pause within a full South Coast day and a chance to see a small Icelandic settlement in context.

Day 5: Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

6 Day Iceland With Reykjavik Blue Lagoon Golden Circle South Glacier Lagoon..... - Day 5: Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the package’s main paid attraction. You receive admission and about two hours in the warm geothermal water before returning to Reykjavik.

The setting combines lava and moss with modern facilities. A silica mask is part of the experience, giving you something more than a standard swimming pool visit. The lagoon is polished and purpose-built, so it feels very different from Iceland’s wilder outdoor stops.

Two hours is enough for a proper soak without making the entire day about the spa. I like this placement near the end of the trip. After several coach outings, warm water can feel like a welcome change of pace.

The Blue Lagoon is also one reason the package costs more than a basic sightseeing route. Admission is included, and arranging the visit independently can require careful timing with airport or city transport. You should still decide if this is your kind of experience. Some people love the combination of warm water and volcanic scenery, while others prefer less developed natural sites.

Hotels, meals, and the real value of the package

Five nights of hotel accommodation and five breakfasts are included. That makes the price easier to compare with a self-planned trip, since you are not adding a room every night after booking the day tours.

The accommodation is practical rather than luxurious. A guide named Haffy is specifically associated with a positive account of the trip, while the hotels were described as lower-end but cozy. That combination tells you what to expect: the tour puts more money into covering Iceland than into high-end rooms.

Breakfast each morning is another quiet benefit. You can start the coach days without searching for an open café, and the meal reduces small daily costs. Other meals, personal purchases, flights, insurance, visas, and personal items are not included.

How the group size affects the experience

6 Day Iceland With Reykjavik Blue Lagoon Golden Circle South Glacier Lagoon..... - How the group size affects the experience

The maximum group size is 50 people. That is a sizeable coach group, especially at popular waterfalls and beaches.

You gain a simpler price and organized transport, but you should not expect a private-tour feel. Short stops can become tighter when many people need to leave and return to the coach. If personal guiding and flexible photo time matter most to you, a smaller tour may suit you better.

The English-language format is straightforward. This trip is built for easy participation rather than specialist instruction. You receive an overview of Iceland’s history, culture, and geology while moving between the main sights.

Weather, clothing, and cancellation terms

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel a departure, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

Pack for wet and windy conditions. A waterproof jacket is especially useful at Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss, while sturdy shoes will help at the glacier approach and black beach. The supplied information does not specify luggage rules or exact hotel names, so confirm those details before paying if they affect your plans.

Who should book this Iceland trip?

I recommend it for a first visit when you want the major sights but do not want to drive. It suits couples, friends, and groups that value an organized route, included hotels, and a clear price.

It also works for anyone with only six days who wants to combine city time with nature. The free Reykjavik day gives you some independence, while the coach outings handle the harder transport links.

I would hesitate if you want long hikes, quiet time at each waterfall, luxury hotels, or a highly personal guide. The schedule is designed for coverage. You see a lot, but the short stops leave limited time for wandering.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if convenience matters and you want a broad Iceland introduction in six days. The strongest value comes from the combination of airport transfers, five hotel nights, breakfasts, coach sightseeing, Reykjavik transport, and Blue Lagoon admission.

Choose something else if you prefer to set your own route or spend half a day at one natural site. For a practical first pass through Iceland, though, this is a well-packed choice. Bring waterproof clothing, keep expectations modest about the hotels, and treat the short stops as an introduction rather than the final word on each place.

FAQ

How long does the Iceland tour last?

The experience lasts approximately six days and includes five nights of hotel accommodation.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Keflavík International Airport in Iceland.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point, with the final airport transfer included.

Is airport transportation included?

Yes. Coach transfers from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavik and back to the airport are included.

Are hotel stays included?

Yes. The package includes five nights in a hotel.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Five breakfasts are included, one for each hotel night.

Is the Reykjavik bus tour included?

Yes. A 24-hour City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus pass is included.

Which Golden Circle sights are included?

The Golden Circle outing includes Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Is Blue Lagoon admission included?

Yes. Blue Lagoon admission is included, with about two hours scheduled at the lagoon.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the activity, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

More geothermal spas near Reykjavik

More like this

Golden Circle Tours, compared.

The full Golden Circle Tours list →
Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 24,485 reviews· from $82

Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater

Read our review →
Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 6,009 reviews· from $132

Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour

Read our review →
Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 5,631 reviews· from $249

Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater

Read our review →
Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 5,195 reviews· from $73

Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik

Read our review →
Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, & Blue Lagoon Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 4,351 reviews· from $243

Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, & Blue Lagoon Tour

Read our review →
Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 2,826 reviews· from $85

Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik

Read our review →
Golden Circle Full Day Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 2,337 reviews· from $84

Golden Circle Full Day Tour

Read our review →
Small-group Golden Circle Classic Tour from Reykjavik
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,023 reviews· from $116

Small-group Golden Circle Classic Tour from Reykjavik

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Explore Iceland

Pick a glacier, a harbour or a hot spring.