Iceland Express: Reykjavik and the Golden Circle
The trip in a nutshell
Self-driven tour
Between May and September only this is a self-driven tour - it isn’t compulsory to drive, however if you are willing to, then please tick the box when booking your trip. Between October and April there will be a minibus and a driver.
Experience Iceland in just 5 days with our Express tour! This captivating island offers a multitude of wonders that will leave you spellbound. At every turn, the landscape transforms, treating your eyes to the breathtaking beauty of nature at its finest. Known as the island of ice and fire, Iceland lives up to its name as the chilly winds persist, while the earth beneath is in constant motion. Vast glaciers stretch endlessly, and the dormant volcanoes silently await their chance to paint the land with fiery red lava.
During our adventure in Iceland, we'll explore Reykjavik, the capital city. One of our highlights is the Golden Circle, a route that leads us to remarkable destinations. Marvel at the stunning Thingvellir National Park, where you can traverse from Europe to North America within minutes. Witness the awe-inspiring Geysir, the world's first geyser ever discovered, and experience the raw power of the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Along the way, we'll also encounter other lesser-known waterfalls, each vying for the title of the most beautiful. Additionally, we'll explore extraordinary places such as the geothermal region of the Reykjanes peninsula and the captivating Fagradalsfjall volcano. And to top it all off, we'll indulge in the rejuvenating warmth of the Sky Lagoon's azure waters. Embark on this unforgettable journey and let Iceland's natural wonders sweep you off your feet. With our Express tour, you'll discover the diverse facets of this extraordinary island in just 5 days.
Trip type
Express: jam-packed itinerary to make the most of the few days of holiday allowance you have.
Physical rating
MODERATE - this itinerary may involve hiking or other activities that require a moderate amount of physical effort. Be prepared for some potential long transfers and early wake up calls!
Entry requirements
Please visit your country's official government website to find out the necessary requirements for entering the country of destination.
Arrival and departure
This trip will begin and end in Reykjavik. Aim to arrive on the first day by 5pm - on the last day you are free to leave whenever!
What's included
4 nights accommodation in shared rooms
From May to September:
- Car rental from day 2 to day 5
From October to April:
- Minibus & driver
Entrance to Hvammsvik hot springs
Visit Thingvellir National Park
Visit the iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
Travel coordinator services
Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
Itinerary
Welcome to Iceland
Check-in: our adventure starts in Reykjavik
Roundtrip flights or transportation to reach the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide from where and when you want to leave! This gives you complete freedom of choice to adjust your travel itinerary to your needs.
Hotel check-in and meet your travel coordinator. Ready to start this trip the best way possible? We’re talking about food, obviously. Tonight we’ll have dinner all together and we’ll get the chance to have a first taste of the local cuisine - they say that fish and beer are pretty good here. Should we try them out?
Included: overnight stay at Loft Hostel or similar
Not included: airport transfer, food and drinks
Golden Circle: Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss
Between Europe and North America
We rise early and eagerly begin our adventure. We set off towards the Golden Circle, a region near the capital that showcases some of Iceland's most renowned natural wonders. As we arrive at Thingvellir National Park, a sense of pure immersion in the island's captivating nature overwhelms us. The landscapes, characterised by a harmonious blend of ice and fire, stretch endlessly before our eyes.
Within the park, we stumble upon a unique location that grants us an extraordinary opportunity. Here, we can choose to part ways: some of us opt to remain in Europe, while others embark on a journey to the Americas! This remarkable occurrence is made possible by the presence of the rift between two continental plates—the European and the American. With a simple step, we can effortlessly transition from one continent to another, traversing this geological boundary in a matter of moments. It's a truly awe-inspiring experience, allowing us to straddle two continents and relish in the wonder of such a rare natural phenomenon.
Geysers and waterfalls!
After enjoying a delightful packed lunch, our journey takes us to two more magnificent destinations where nature showcases its unparalleled beauty. Our first stop is Geysir, the oldest known geyser that has lent its name to this mesmerizing phenomenon. Geysirs are abundant in this area, and although Geysir itself is currently inactive, we won't be disappointed as Strokkur, situated nearby, promises a thrilling spectacle. With eruptions occurring every 4 to 8 minutes, we eagerly await the next thrilling burst of water and steam.
Continuing on, we make our way to Gullfoss, a truly awe-inspiring waterfall that stands as one of Iceland's most remarkable natural wonders. With a towering height of 31 meters and an awe-inspiring volume of water cascading down, Gullfoss commands our attention and leaves us in awe of its sheer power. Like many places in Iceland, Gullfoss is steeped in legend and folklore. It is said that the farmer Gygur's treasure may still lie buried beneath its cascading waters, adding a sense of mystery and intrigue to this already captivating site.
Included: overnight stay at Loft Hostel or similar, car rental/minibus transfers
Money Pot: petrol and parking, any entrance fees
Not included: food and drinks
Discovering the waterfalls and the black beach of Reynisfjara
The most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland
Embarking on our excursion to the captivating south coast of Iceland, we bid farewell to Reykjavik. Our first destination is the remarkable Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Have you ever experienced the enchantment of standing behind a waterfall? Well, here's our chance! A cave lies nestled behind the majestic curtain of water, offering us the opportunity to witness the cascading beauty from within. Let's be prepared with our waterproof gear because emerging dry is not an option!
After our exhilarating encounter, we continue our journey toward our second waterfall of the day. As we venture through a landscape reminiscent of the mesmerising settings from the world of "Lord of the Rings," we encounter Skógafoss. This majestic waterfall stands tall at an impressive height of 62 meters and is undoubtedly a true gem of the southern part of the island. Legends say that those who take a refreshing dip in its invigorating waters may discover a long-lost and sought-after object. So, why not seize the opportunity and give it a try?
The black beach of Reynisfjara
Our journey takes us to the charming village of Vik, where we make a delightful stop for lunch, replenishing our energy for the adventures ahead.
Next, we ascend to the breathtaking Dyrholaey viewpoint. Perched upon a rocky plateau, this vantage point offers an awe-inspiring sight—a massive stone arch that rises majestically near the coastline. From here, we have the privilege of beholding its stunning beauty in all its glory.
Descending from the viewpoint, we embark on a remarkable barefoot stroll (for the daring among us) along the ebony shores of Reynisfjara. Walking upon this vast expanse of black sand is an almost otherworldly experience. The imposing darkness of the beach seems to engulf its visitors, creating an atmosphere that is both mystical and captivating. Here, the only sounds that reach our ears are the howling of the ever-present strong winds and the relentless crashing of waves upon the shore. It is a truly immersive encounter with nature, where the untamed forces of wind and sea create a symphony that resonates deep within our souls.
Included: overnight stay at Loft Hostel or similar, car rental/minibus transfers
Money Pot: petrol and parking, any entrance fees
Not included: food and drinks
From the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to the natural pools of Hvammsvik
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Today we venture towards the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which, according to Jules Verne, was the entrance to the center of the Earth - have you read his novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth"?
The peninsula is home to the Snæfellsjökull glacier, which has inspired many mystical tales over the centuries, and the crater of a volcano, Eldborg, where you can go trekking. From a naturalistic perspective, this peninsula encapsulates all the geological and environmental features of the various parts of Iceland: stopping here is like having the opportunity to see a bit of the entire island.
Relaxing in the beautiful Hvammsvik
In the afternoon, we head towards Reykjavik for an evening together, but before reaching the city, we have one last stop: the hot springs of Hvammsvik, another unmissable and still relatively unknown destination on a tour of Iceland. We find ourselves in a lunar landscape (as is often the case in Iceland), overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by spectacular mountains. The proximity to the ocean means that the temperature and water level in the pools change with the tides, and of course, the geothermal water is also salty. We will take our time to soak in this hot water and recover from all the kilometers traveled in recent days: any fatigue will soon be forgotten.
Included: overnight stay at Loft Hostel or similar, car rental/minibus transfers, admission to Hvammsvik hot springs
Money Pot: petrol and parking, any entrance fees
Not included: food and drinks
Goodbye Iceland
Check-out and goodbyes
Time to go back home: see you again on your next WeRoad adventure!
Not included: airport transfer, food and drinks
End of services. The itinerary may undergo some variations that differ from what is stated above. These variations may not be predictable nor depend on WeRoad’s will, i.e. climate conditions, national holidays, strikes, etc.

The travel coordinators
Our travel coordinators are chosen because they are people like you. Not only are they the best travel buddy you could hope for, but they're trained professionals guaranteed to show you a travel experience like never before
Info to know
Staff
Our trips are led by a Travel Coordinator who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Travel Coordinator.
Luggage
Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.
Available dates
Travel coordinator
Joseph
Group
4 WeRoaders
Travel coordinator
Joseph
Group
4 WeRoaders
Group
1 WeRoader
Group
1 WeRoader
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Round-trip flights are not included in any of our trips because we like to give you autonomy and flexibility: you can choose the airline you want to fly with, the departure airport that suits you best, and how many and which stops you want to make.
Since flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: if possible, you can arrive at your destination a few days earlier or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
This is the question of all questions, and here’s the answer, broken down into points!
The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all tour participants and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
It is used to streamline paymentsfor extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do and to guarantee flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
You’ll find the amount of the money pot on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the money pot’ – how do you get there? Look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money pot? Click here’, and you’ll find the details.
The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
It is used exclusively for group expenses that ALL participants decide to take part in.
It is estimated based on the experiences of other groups but can vary depending on the needs of the group itself. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
If not all of the money pot is used, the difference will be returned to all participants at the end of the trip in equal amounts.
The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the money pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
If you pay in advance part of the money pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded in case of trip cancellation.
We offer several payment methods to meet all needs:
1. Credit or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
2. Installment payments for certain countries only
If you choose the deposit and balance option, you can pay the balance from your MyWeRoad Personal Area via bank transfer.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
In general, we always choose local accommodations, avoiding large hotel chains, because we love to experience the culture of the place and, whenever possible, contribute to the local economy. Typically, our accommodations are hotels, apartments, guesthouses, and hostels run by local entrepreneurs, with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
For our Collection trips, which are our premium category, the accommodations are always 4 or 5-star or carefully selected boutique hotels.
The list of accommodations for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator between 5 and 3 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
If you're wondering why WeRoad trips have a money pot, we’re assuming you already know what it is. If not, or if you have any doubts, we invite you to read all the information here!
Let’s quickly recap: The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all tour participants and managed by your Travel Coordinator. It’s used to speed up payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do and to guarantee flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
But let’s get to the point: why the money pot? First of all: it gives us a lot of flexibility. In all WeRoad trips you will have a bunch of Must See/Must Do activities already included - these are experiences, places or activities that simply cannot be missed! Any extra activities is decided by the group, why? Because each group is unique and may have particular wants or desires and the Money Pot allows each group to customise their trip to make it perfect for their requirements!
It also helps us speed up payments – imagine being in the subway in New York City, one by one purchasing the ticket...a nightmare right? Thanks to the Money Pot, the Travel Coordinator can simply purchase the tickets for everyone making the entire processes smoother! Any leftover money will be returned at the end of the trip and split equally amongst all participants.
In some destinations, buying goods or services on site is more economical as you are able to negotiate the price - places like Morocco, or South East Asia, bargaining is part of the culture. As such, our Travel Coordinators will be able to secure the best deal for all participants.
The amount of the money pot is specified in each trip – look for this button
which will take you to a detailed breakdown for each trip, like this:
WeRoad is not authorised to provide this information due to privacy reasons.
However, there is a solution - you can connect with your travel buddies by joining our Facebook group. Look for a post related to your trip, or ask the group admins for help in connecting with your future travel companions!
If a Travel Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you're interested in, you can easily find their introduction post in the group via the website: in the tour list, click on 'Ask the coordinator', or in the trip details page, in the coordinator section, click on 'Ask [coordinator's name] for information on this trip in our Facebook group'. For both cases, see the screenshots below!
Tour List
Trip details page
In all our groups, the Travel Coordinator and participants speak English – knowing how to speak and understand English is therefore a fundamental requirement to participate in our trips.
On average the groups are made up of 6-15 people, with a minimum of 3/4 participants and a maximum of 15.
All our travellers are in theirs 20s, 30s and 40s. If you're very curios to know the age range of the group for a tour you're interested in, you can contact us by WhatsApp at +447716573700
Regarding the male-female ratio, this is not guaranteed and varies trip by trip.
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller and will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will be available for any eventuality and will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary (transports, timings, accommodations, meeting points, etc.), so you can enjoy the trip without any worries!
You will have the chance to get to know them when the WhatsApp group is created approximately 2 weeks before departure - this will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking – their details will be specified in the schedule or on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your Personal Area, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, in all our trips you will share a room with other same-sex travellers, and the bathroom will either be private or shared only with fellow participants of the trip. The rooms we select can be doubles, triples, quadruples, or multi-bed (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
There are never dorms with people outside the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodations like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
During the booking process, you can also choose to opt for a mixed room: in this case, if needed, only those who have agreed to this option may share a room with travellers of a different sex. If you are booking for multiple people together and select this option, the room will not be exclusive to your group but may be shared with other travellers in the group.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'Once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you, even if you no longer travel with us.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. We can also meet up for a dinner or a trek together at one of the events organised by our coordinators around the world!