Perfect 10-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package to Iceland with Glacier Ice Caving

Discover the most popular sights in Iceland with a guided tour of the Golden Circle, with stops at Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall.

After breakfast in Reykjavik, you'll meet the expert local guide taking you around the country for the next eight days. After introductions, you'll board the bus and will drive into nature to let you discover your first attraction of the day — Thingvellir National Park.

Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a fascinating history and geography. It's located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It's one of the best places in the world to see the plates, as they're usually below sea level. 

You'll have some time to explore the landscapes of this national park, seeing waterfalls, lakes, forests, and lava fields. Your guide will also tell you the area's history — it's where Iceland's parliament was first formed in 930 A.D., meaning this is a place of immense cultural significance for Iceland.

After strolling through the park's walkways, you'll continue to the Golden Circle's second major attraction, the Geysir geothermal area. Geysir is the hot spring that gave all other geysers their names, but it rarely erupts today. Instead, you'll see its neighbor, Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes.

Once you've marveled at the geothermal forces of the Haukadalur Valley, you'll continue to the day's final attraction, the Gullfoss waterfall. The word "Gullfoss" means "golden falls," and this is where the Golden Circle gets its name.

Water cascades down almost 100 feet (about 30 meters) tall across two tiers in a magnificent display. You'll quickly see why this is one of the most photographed natural attractions in the country. Your guide will give you plenty of time to enjoy the view before you go.

When your day's adventure is complete, your guide will take you to a comfortable hotel or guesthouse in a countryside village near the waterfall. 

Don't forget to watch out for the northern lights if the skies are clear.

Explore the beauty of Iceland's South Coast on day three of this 10-day vacation.

After breakfast at your accommodation, you'll board the bus and start your journey along this incredible stretch of coastline. The first major landmark you'll encounter is the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Though narrow and gentle, it's still a breathtaking site — it falls from 197 feet (roughly 60 meters) and has a large cavern behind it, carved by Mother Nature.

Next, you'll stop at another waterfall, Skogafoss. It's about the same height as Seljalandsfoss but much broader and more powerful. It thunders to the ground with impressive force, throwing great clouds of spray.

From here, you'll have the chance to embark on a glacier hiking tour. You'll travel to the Solheimajokull glacier (an outlet glacier of the larger Myrdalsjokull ice cap). After receiving the necessary safety gear, you'll start your adventure on the ice.

Glacier hiking is a fantastic way to marvel over the phenomenon of the ice caps. Glaciers cover over ten percent of Iceland's surface. The crevasses, formations, vivid colors, and ice walls are spectacular to admire up close, and if the weather is clear, you'll also enjoy some marvelous ocean views.

Following this unforgettable experience, you'll continue along the Ring Road until you reach more magnificent coastal attractions. The Dyrholaey headland provides a dramatic ocean view — look down at the volcanic sands below as you take in the coastal panorama.

You'll also visit Iceland's most famous beach, the Reynisfjara black-sand beach. The area is hauntingly beautiful, especially in winter when the ice and snow contrast with the dark sands. Walk along the beach and enjoy the view of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

When you've finished exploring the beach, you'll head up to Vik, the southernmost settlement in mainland Iceland. 

You'll spend the evening in a picturesque fishing village in South Iceland. Remember to watch out for the aurora borealis if there's no cloud coverage.

Visit the "crown jewel of Iceland" with a trip to the spectacular Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon on the fourth day of your winter vacation. 

After a delicious breakfast at your accommodation, you'll travel east across lava plains and enjoy views of the Vatnajokull glacier, one of Europe's most giant ice caps. It's a beautiful journey along the South Coast to reach the Vatnajokull National Park and the glacier lagoon.

The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is Iceland's deepest lake — but that's not what makes it so special. Hundreds of icebergs float in its waters, some towering meters above the surface in gleaming white and electric blue. It's a stunning view, made even more special in winter by the presence of seals swimming and playing in the waters.

You'll have time to take in the fantastic views of the lake as you walk along Diamond Beach, a stretch of black sands dotted with icebergs that have washed up from the lake's waters. The volcanic sands, gleaming ice, and foaming waves create a beautiful contrast you'll remember for years.

You might think this must be the end of a fantastic day, but the fun is only just starting. You'll now board a Super Jeep and drive up onto a glacier for a tour of a sapphire ice cave. Your guide will give you the necessary safety gear, and you'll make your way over the ice to descend into a mesmerizing frozen cavern.

The crystal ice caves have vivid shades of blue and white, with twisted ice creating unique formations and textures. You'll stand in awe as you admire the icy structure — it feels like something from a fantasy novel or a different planet. 

You'll have time to take photos and enjoy the views with your group. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won't want to miss.

If traveling outside of midwinter, you'll visit the ice caves under Katla at the start of the day instead of after the Jokulsarlon lagoon. Both experiences are highly rated and provide unforgettable memories of your time in Iceland.

At the end of an exciting day, you'll head to your accommodation in Southeast Iceland.

Admire the beauty of Iceland's remote East Fjords region, home to dramatic coastlines and spectacular mountains. 

After breakfast, you'll leave your accommodation and start the journey eastward. The East Fjords region is on the opposite side of the country to Reykjavik — in the off-peak season, few tourists make it this far from the capital, so the day's sights and attractions will be peaceful and serene. 

As you drive, you'll first come to two mountains that are starkly different from other peaks in Iceland: Vestrahorn and Eystrahorn. Composed of an unusual type of rock, they stand out for their dark coloration and jagged peaks. Snap a few photos and enjoy the view.

Continuing along the Ring Road, the beauty of the East Fjords will begin to unfold. The plunging bays, glistening seas, majestic mountains, and glacial views will make this drive one to remember. You'll also see picturesque fishing villages, such as Djupivogur — a gorgeous settlement home to coastal hot pools and striking public art.

The East Fjords region is also home to an abundance of wildlife. It's the only area of Iceland where wild reindeer roam the country, so keep your eye out and see if you can spot any. 

It's also home to many seabirds that fly above the clifftops on the coast. Your guide will make plenty of stops at viewpoints to let you take photos and look for birds. You might even spot whales or dolphins swimming in the sea below. 

Your destination today is the town of Egilsstadir, East Iceland's largest settlement. To get here, you'll also pass the Hallormsstadaskogur forest and the Lagarfljot lake. Ask your guide about the mythical creature said to live in its waters!

There are two optional tours today. 

You can enjoy a horseback-riding tour on an Icelandic horse — they're friendly animals known for their curiosity and intelligence. The tours are suitable for riders of all levels, including complete beginners. 

Alternatively, you can relax in the Vok geothermal baths and enjoy a view of the Lagarfljot lake. 

After a fun day exploring, you'll spend the night in a comfortable property in East Iceland.

Head into the remote North Iceland countryside on day six of your vacation package with a trip to the gorgeous Lake Myvatn.

Before boarding the bus, you'll start the day with a tasty breakfast at your accommodation in Egilsstadir. Your driver will now take your group out of the East Fjords into North Iceland, where you'll immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Myvatn and the geothermal zones around it.

The lake is particularly spectacular in winter when snow and ice surround it. You'll have time to soak in the views of the lake and the geological features surrounding it. One of the most impressive features in the area is the lava fortress of Dimmuborgir.

Said to be home to the Icelandic Yule Lads (13 festive creatures who leave gifts for good children but eat anyone naughty), Dimmuborgir is a must-see in the area. Its twisted lava structures are bizarre and unique, providing a fascinating insight into the power of lava.

Your guide will also take you to the Namaskard Pass geothermal area. You'll see steam vents, bubbling hot springs, and fumaroles.

After marveling over the gorgeous sites of Myvatn, you'll head to the Godafoss waterfall, otherwise known as the Waterfall of the Gods. It's a spectacular sight, with water roaring down a magnificent river surrounded by dramatic terrain.

Godafoss waterfall also played an essential role in Iceland's religious history. It's where the Norse Gods were symbolically abandoned — a newly converted Christian priest threw his idols into the waterfall.

At the end of the day, you'll reach the largest town in North Iceland, Akureyri. 

After checking into your hotel, feel free to explore to get more of a taste of Iceland's culture. Often referred to as "the capital of the north," Akureyri has plenty of attractions to keep you busy. Wander the streets and admire the beautiful architecture, visit the botanical gardens, or go for a swim at the geothermal swimming pool.

Explore more of North Iceland and head out to sea on a whale-watching excursion on day seven of your winter vacation package.

You'll start your day in Akureyri with breakfast at your accommodation. You'll now go to the harbor to venture out to sea for an exciting whale-watching excursion.

The waters around Iceland are rich in aquatic life, with white-beaked dolphins, orcas, harbor porpoises, minke whales, and humpback whales swimming and living around the island. The best time to participate in a whale-watching tour is the summer, but you still have a good chance of spotting some during winter in North Iceland.

You'll go out into the beautiful waters north of Akureyri. The trip is gorgeous, as you'll be surrounded by imposing mountains as you sail. 

With luck, you'll see some gentle giants swimming from your boat. The guide can tell you about the animals you see as you take photos.

Following your tour, you'll board the bus and continue your journey around the Ring Road. Your guide will take you through quaint villages and past dramatic landscapes. You'll make several stops today, including at the Vatnsnes Peninsula — an area with beautiful geology and striking coastal views.

This underrated corner of Iceland is home to the massive natural fortress of Borgarvirki and the dramatic coastal monolith of Hvitserkur, which many compare to a drinking elephant. It's also one of the best places in Iceland to find large seal colonies, so make sure your camera still has charge!

You'll end the day in the coastal settlement of Borgarnes in West Iceland. It's a fantastic place to stay up and watch the northern lights, so ensure you have enough energy to witness them after dinner if the aurora forecast is promising.

The accommodation in West Iceland will be your home for the next two nights, so you can take this opportunity to unpack your things and enjoy a comfortable night.

Discover Iceland in miniature with a trip around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland on day eight of your 10-day vacation package.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called "Iceland in miniature" due to the wealth of natural attractions here. It has all the features Iceland is known for, including waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and lava fields. There's something for everyone!

You'll drive out of Borgarnes and onto the peninsula, following its southern shore. You'll see geological marvels like the hexagonal basalt columns of the Berduberg cliffs and the striking beauty of the Raudfeldsgja gorge.

Your guide will also take you to the Ytri-Tunga beach, a place with golden sands rather than the typical volcanic black sands Iceland is known for. The beach is a popular place for seal watching, as many call this stretch of beach home. You'll also see the Londrangar basalt cliffs and the dramatic coastal views from their top.

There are plenty of charming fishing villages around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and you'll have time to stretch your legs as you explore them. However, the highlight of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the Snaefellsjokull volcano and glacier.

The two peaks of Snaefellsjokull dominate much of the scenery in the area — on a clear day, it's visible from Reykjavik. Its snowy peak has attracted artists and novelists for centuries, and it's probably best known as the entrance to the underworld in the Jules Verne novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. You'll have time to explore the Snaefellsjokull National Park before you travel along the peninsula's northern coastline.

Before you arrive back in Borgarnes, you'll make a final stop at the Kirkjufell mountain. It's one of the most photographed places in Iceland, with an unusual cone shape that makes it quite distinctive. You might even recognize it from Game of Thrones.

There's also an optional tour available today, which is ideal for travelers who want to learn more about Iceland's volcanic activity. You'll be able to descend into the Vidgelmir lava cave and marvel at the underground world created by molten lava.

You'll end the day at the same accommodation in West Iceland for another good night's sleep. Watch out for the northern lights as you head back to the hotel.

Spend your penultimate day in Iceland touring the sights of West Iceland, including beautiful waterfalls and a hot spring.

You'll wake up in Borgarnes, one of the first places in Iceland to be settled. You can visit the Settlement Center museum in the morning or enjoy the town's gorgeous coastal panorama. It's on the edge of the Borgarfjordur fjord, so there are both fjord and sea views.

From here, your group will travel through the countryside to visit the twin waterfalls of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar. They're only a minute's walk apart, but their differences are starkly apparent. Barnafoss is narrow, rapid, and dramatic, while Hraunfossar is in a lava plateau and pours in gentle rivulets.

Your guide will also take you to the Deildartunguhver, the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe. It's a spectacular natural phenomenon and a great place to learn more about geothermal energy in Iceland. You might also have time to visit the nearby Krauma spa, whose pools contain water from the geothermal spring.

Another stop today is the idyllic village of Reykholt. It has a fascinating history, which you can learn about at the Snorrastofa Museum if you like. The town was home to Snorri Sturluson, one of medieval Iceland's most influential writers, historians, and chieftains.

Choosing a vacation package means you can visit lesser-known sites like this and get a great insight into Iceland's history. Your guide can answer any questions and tell you more about the area as you travel to each destination.

After a full day of exploration, you'll continue your journey to Reykjavik, where you'll say goodbye to your tour group and guide. 

You'll spend the last evening enjoying everything the city offers — see a few more sights or make the most of the excellent nightlife. There are fantastic pubs, lively bars, and world-class restaurants on the Laugavegur shopping street in the city center.

Your accommodation for the final night is in downtown Reykjavik.

Say goodbye to Iceland on the final day of your 10-day vacation package.

Depending on your flight's departure time, you might be able to enjoy a bit more sightseeing before you go. You could visit another museum or gallery, such as the Whales of Iceland Museum or the National Gallery of Iceland.

You may also want to visit the Blue Lagoon today if you haven't done so yet. 

Your travel agent will book your ticket for your vacation's first or last day. A relaxing soak in the milky-blue geothermal waters is a fantastic way to say goodbye to Iceland. You can enjoy the view of the mossy lava field as you reflect on your adventure.

Whatever you do today, a pre-arranged shuttle bus will take you to the airport in time to check in and board your plane. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope to see you in Iceland again soon!