Reviewed · GOLDEN CIRCLE TOURS

7 Day Iceland with Reykjavik Northern Light | Blue Lagoon | Golden Circle ……

★ 5.0 · 5 reviews 7 days (approx.) From $3,685 Operated by ARAGO TRAVELS · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Iceland packs a startling amount into a small country, and this seven-day coach tour gives you a broad first look without asking you to plan every road, hotel, and transfer yourself. You see Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, Snæfellsnes, and the Blue Lagoon, with a Northern Lights hunt added at night.

I especially like the wide range of scenery and the way the schedule leaves Reykjavik relatively open on Day 2. I also like the built-in flexibility for the Aurora hunt: if no lights appear, you can rebook that outing free of charge. The main caution is the hotel assignment. One stay was described as cramped, noisy, and short on comfort, so lodging expectations should be modest.

Key points to know before booking

7 Day Iceland with Reykjavik Northern Light | Blue Lagoon | Golden Circle ...... - Key points to know before booking

  • Northern Lights hunting includes a free rebooking option if the lights do not appear, but sightings depend on weather, darkness, and solar activity.
  • The route covers Iceland’s major first-time sights, from Geysir and Gullfoss to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Vík, Snæfellsnes, and the Blue Lagoon.
  • Six breakfasts, hotels, sightseeing, and coach transfers are included, which makes the high price easier to assess.
  • Reykjavik gets a full flexible day, thanks to a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass.
  • The group size needs clarification: the tour is presented as limited to 15, while the additional information gives a maximum of 50.
  • Bring waterproof clothing and warm layers, especially for the waterfalls and the late-night Northern Lights outing.

A broad Iceland sampler for seven days

7 Day Iceland with Reykjavik Northern Light | Blue Lagoon | Golden Circle ...... - A broad Iceland sampler for seven days

At $3,685.94 per person, this is not a budget trip. You are paying for six hotel nights, six breakfasts, sightseeing by coach, airport transfers, the Northern Lights tour, the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes, and a full day of Reykjavik transport.

That price can make sense if you value having the main pieces arranged in advance. You do not need to work out Iceland’s long driving distances, match hotels to daily routes, or arrange separate transport from Keflavík Airport. The package also includes several costly or awkward-to-organize highlights.

Still, the value depends heavily on the hotel. A past stay placed a passenger in one of three FossHotels in the area, in the oldest and least comfortable property. The room was described as having a very small shower, thin sound insulation, and poor sleep conditions. You will spend much of the week out seeing Iceland, but a quiet room matters after long coach days.

There is also a difference between the advertised small-group idea and the stated maximum. The experience is described as limited to 15 people, while the additional details allow up to 50 participants. I would confirm the expected group size before paying, since that changes the feel of the trip considerably.

More Golden Circle Tours in Reykjavik:

Day 1: Keflavík arrival and a first Northern Lights attempt

7 Day Iceland with Reykjavik Northern Light | Blue Lagoon | Golden Circle ...... - Day 1: Keflavík arrival and a first Northern Lights attempt

Your Iceland visit begins at Keflavík International Airport, about 30 minutes from the accommodation area by coach. Airport departures connect with arriving flights, and the bus leaves roughly 35 to 40 minutes after each flight arrival. The buses wait just outside the terminal, and a late arrival or delay is covered by the transfer arrangement.

You are taken to a bus stop near your Reykjavik accommodation rather than necessarily to the hotel door. That detail matters if you have heavy luggage or arrive in poor weather. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the organized touring portions, but you should pay attention to the exact instructions supplied for your accommodation.

The first night also includes a Northern Lights outing lasting about three hours. You travel out of Reykjavik in search of darker skies, but there is no promise of a sighting. Clouds, road conditions, aurora activity, and timing all matter.

Dress as if you will be standing outdoors for a long time. Warm layers, a hat, gloves, and waterproof outerwear are sensible. If the lights do not appear, you can rebook the Northern Lights tour free of charge, subject to the operator’s schedule. If the forecast is too poor for weather or aurora activity, the outing can be canceled and moved to another date.

This is a useful arrangement, but do not treat it as a guaranteed show. The Northern Lights are nature, not a scheduled performance.

Day 2: A flexible Reykjavik day by open-top bus

7 Day Iceland with Reykjavik Northern Light | Blue Lagoon | Golden Circle ...... - Day 2: A flexible Reykjavik day by open-top bus

A 24-hour City Sightseeing pass gives you a simple way to explore Reykjavik at your own pace. You can hop on and off at the designated stops, which is handy when you want a break from a fixed coach schedule.

Reykjavik is compact enough to explore without an enormous amount of planning, but the bus helps you get oriented quickly. You can use the day for a first look at the capital, return to a favorite area, or simply rest after the late-night Aurora hunt.

I like this pause in the schedule. Many guided Iceland tours rush from airport arrival straight into a full day of sightseeing. Here, you get time to adjust to the weather, walk around, and decide how much energy you want to spend before the longer road days begin.

The pass is valid for 24 hours, not just for one calendar day. Use it with that in mind. The tour information does not provide a detailed stop list or timetable, so check the current route details when you receive your local instructions.

Day 3: The Golden Circle in three classic stops

7 Day Iceland with Reykjavik Northern Light | Blue Lagoon | Golden Circle ...... - Day 3: The Golden Circle in three classic stops

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most familiar sightseeing route, and this day presents its essential trio: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

At Geysir, the main action comes from Strokkur, the area’s most active spouting spring. The stop is listed at about 30 minutes, enough to see the eruptions and walk around the geothermal ground, but not enough for a slow visit. Stay alert around the hot areas and follow marked paths.

Gullfoss gives you a different kind of drama. Large volumes of water thunder into a deep, winding gorge, and the viewing area places you close to the spray. Rain gear is useful here even when the sky looks reasonable. The official stop is also about 30 minutes, so expect a focused visit rather than a long walk.

Thingvellir adds geological and historical importance to the day. You see exposed geological features and a setting tied to Iceland’s past. The listed stop lasts about 30 minutes, which gives you an introduction but leaves little room for an extended hike.

The Golden Circle works well on a first visit because the sights are varied and easy to compare. The tradeoff is time. You will see the headline places, but the short stops may feel brisk if you prefer long walks or photography.

Day 4: Waterfalls, black beaches, and Vík

7 Day Iceland with Reykjavik Northern Light | Blue Lagoon | Golden Circle ...... - Day 4: Waterfalls, black beaches, and Vík

Day 4 shifts toward the South Coast, beginning with Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall is famous because a path leads behind the falling water. That is the sort of Iceland experience that feels more personal than simply viewing a waterfall from a lookout.

You should bring a raincoat or waterproof coat if you plan to walk behind it. Spray can make the path wet, and the stop is scheduled for only about 30 minutes. Wear shoes that can handle damp ground, although the tour information does not specify footwear requirements.

Skógafoss is another major waterfall, with water dropping in a broad curtain. It is also linked to the Fimmvörðuháls hiking route toward Þórsmörk and has appeared in films including Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Again, the listed visit is about 30 minutes, so you get time for the main view rather than a full hike.

The day includes Vík, a small village with a population of about 300, surrounded by high bird cliffs. The supplied schedule also lists black sand beaches, the Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach among the included sights, though the day-by-day details do not assign separate durations to those stops. Confirm the exact South Coast route before departure so you know which locations are guaranteed on your dates.

This is one of the most rewarding parts of the week for scenery, but it is also a long coach day. Wind and rain can make the brief outdoor stops feel demanding. Pack your waterproof layer where you can reach it, not at the bottom of your suitcase.

Day 5: Ten hours on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

7 Day Iceland with Reykjavik Northern Light | Blue Lagoon | Golden Circle ...... - Day 5: Ten hours on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Snæfellsnes is given a full 10-hour outing, and that length is justified. The peninsula gathers many of Iceland’s signature sights in one region: black beaches, mountains, volcanic craters, caves, birdlife, cliffs, and the Snæfellsjökull glacier.

The route includes Arnarstapi, a small fishing village that offers a look at Iceland’s coastal character. You also get views of Kirkjufell, one of the country’s most recognizable mountains. At Djúpalónssandur, dark cliffs and black sand create strong photo opportunities, though the shore is shaped by the open Atlantic and should be treated with care.

Snæfellsjökull is the area’s great landmark. The glacier has inspired writers and explorers, including Jules Verne, who used it as the starting point for Journey to the Centre of the Earth. You receive repeated views of the glacier from different points along the peninsula, weather permitting.

I like this day because it goes beyond the most obvious Reykjavik-area attractions. You get a broader sense of Iceland’s volcanic coast and rural communities. The drawback is the time spent on the road. Ten hours is a serious commitment, and the day may feel tiring if you prefer short excursions.

Bring food and water only if your tour instructions advise it, since the supplied details do not specify meal arrangements beyond the six included breakfasts. Do not assume that every meal during the road days is covered.

Day 6: The Blue Lagoon as a warm finish

The Blue Lagoon comes near the end of the trip, with about two hours in the water and facilities. After several outdoor sightseeing days, the timing is welcome. The warm water, lava and moss surroundings, and included silica masks give you a slower experience than the waterfall and geothermal stops.

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions, and this tour includes admission. That removes one of the bigger planning steps, though the tour details do not state which entry package or additional services are included. If you want extras beyond the listed visit, check before booking.

Two hours is enough for a proper soak without turning the day into a full spa visit. You return to Reykjavik afterward, so keep your schedule light. This is not the best day for another major activity unless you know your transfer timing and energy level.

I see the lagoon as a pleasant contrast to the road-heavy middle of the tour. It is also a stop where personal taste matters. Some people consider it essential, while others prefer natural hot pools or more time in small towns and on walking trails. Since it is already included, you can decide its value for yourself without paying another admission fee.

Day 7: A simple airport departure

The final day includes a roughly 30-minute coach transfer to Keflavík International Airport. The airport service is designed around departing flights, but confirm your pickup time carefully because Icelandic road and weather conditions can affect the journey.

The airport is not in central Reykjavik, so do not leave the transfer planning until the last morning. Keep your passport, flight details, and any essential items in your day bag. The included transfer is convenient, especially after a week of moving between different parts of the country.

Hotels, meals, and transport deserve close attention

Six nights of hotel accommodation and six breakfasts are included. That is helpful in a country where accommodation and food costs can rise quickly, but the package does not give you a choice of hotel category.

The strongest practical warning concerns room comfort. A previous placement had a shower so tight that even moving your elbows was difficult, and noise traveled easily through the walls. You may spend limited time in the room, but poor sleep can affect every coach day that follows.

Breakfast is included each morning, while other meals are not listed. Budget for lunches, dinners, snacks, and personal purchases. The same applies to flights, visa costs, insurance, and items of a personal nature, all of which are excluded.

Coach transport takes care of the major distances. That is a real benefit if you do not want to drive in changing Icelandic weather or learn the roads yourself. The cost is less appealing if you are comfortable renting a car and choosing simpler accommodation, but the package buys convenience and a fixed route.

Who will get the most from this trip?

This tour suits you if you want to see many of Iceland’s well-known sights in one week and prefer someone else to arrange the transport. It is especially useful for a first Iceland visit, a solo trip where you want an organized structure, or a short holiday when you do not want to spend hours comparing routes.

You should be comfortable with long coach days, short sightseeing windows, and weather-dependent plans. Snæfellsnes takes about 10 hours, the Northern Lights outing runs late, and the South Coast can feel full even before the additional listed stops are counted.

This is less suited to you if you want long hikes, quiet time in villages, carefully chosen boutique hotels, or complete control over each day. The route is broad rather than slow.

The experience is offered in English. Most people can participate, but the supplied information does not give detailed mobility guidance. Ask the provider directly if you have specific access needs.

Booking details and the cancellation rule

Pickup from accommodation begins about 30 minutes before each departure. Airport buses leave 35 to 40 minutes after arriving flights, and a bus is expected even if your flight arrives late or is delayed.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted. Poor weather can cause a cancellation, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund.

Because the tour requires good weather, keep some flexibility around the Northern Lights and outdoor sightseeing. The Aurora outing can also be moved when forecasts are unsuitable.

Should you book this seven-day Iceland tour?

Book it if your priority is coverage and convenience. You will see an impressive cross-section of Iceland, including Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, Vík, Snæfellsnes, the Blue Lagoon, and the Northern Lights, without arranging the transport yourself.

Think twice if hotel comfort is central to your trip or if you want a genuinely tiny group. Before booking, ask two direct questions: which hotel will you receive, and will your departure run with 15 people or closer to the stated maximum of 50?

At $3,685.94, the trip is best judged as a packaged introduction rather than a low-cost way to see Iceland. The included transfers, breakfasts, admission to the Blue Lagoon, organized sightseeing, and free Northern Lights rebooking add real value. Just keep your expectations realistic: the weather controls the outdoor experience, the road days are long, and the hotel assignment may be the weakest part of an otherwise well-planned week.

FAQ

Is the Northern Lights sighting guaranteed?

No. The tour depends on weather, aurora activity, and visibility, so sightings are not guaranteed. If you do not see the lights, you can rebook the Northern Lights outing free of charge.

What happens if the Northern Lights tour is canceled?

If the weather or aurora forecast is not promising, the tour may be canceled. You can change the booking to another date, and a weather-related cancellation may also result in a full refund or a different date.

Is airport pickup included?

Yes. A coach transfer from Keflavík International Airport to a bus stop near your Reykjavik accommodation is included on arrival, and an airport transfer is included on Day 7. Buses depart about 35 to 40 minutes after arriving flights.

Are meals included?

Six breakfasts are included. Flights, insurance, visa costs, personal items, and other meals are not included in the stated package.

How large is the tour group?

The tour is presented as a small-group experience limited to 15 people, but the additional information states that the activity can have a maximum of 50 travelers. Confirm the expected group size with the provider before booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.

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 →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore Iceland

Pick an ice cap, a coastline or a hot pool.