Small-Group 3-Day Golden Circle and South Coast Tour with Glacier Hiking and Ice Caving

Day two of your small-group trip in Iceland takes you to Vatnajokull National Park, home to glaciers, ice caves, and stunning coastal scenery. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you'll head eastward to begin an action-packed day.

Your first destination is Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a unique and ever-changing glacial lake. Thousands of icebergs of different sizes, shapes, and colors drift across its serene waters, towering above the surface like floating fortresses. The lagoon continues to expand each year as the nearby Breidamerkurjokull Glacier retreats.

Some of these ice chunks float into the Atlantic Ocean, while others wash ashore at Diamond Beach. This black sand beach is dotted with glistening ice chunks that stand out against the dark shoreline. Be sure to snap some pictures and take in the scenery before continuing your journey.

Your next adventure will depend on the season in which you visit. During summer, you'll venture into Iceland’s only year-round ice cave, located within the glacier above Katla Volcano. These caves are sculpted by the volcano’s geothermal heat, creating tunnels of blue ice striped with black ash.

In winter, you'll continue east for a glacier hike and ice caving at Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of Vatnajokull National Park. Sheltered by massive ice caps and filled with diverse landscapes, the drive to the glacier offers breathtaking views.

At the foot of the glacier, your guide will provide you with all the gear needed for a safe and thrilling ascent. Walking up the slopes, you’ll see spectacular ice formations, deep crevasses, and rugged terrain. Your guide will explain these unique features and answer any questions you have.

You'll come to a magical crystal-blue ice cave at the end of your trail. It can only be accessed in winter and provides a fairytale experience, featuring shimmering corridors and chambers.

After an incredible day of glaciers, ice caves, and breathtaking landscapes, you’ll head back to your hotel in Southeast Iceland. There, you can rest and recharge before your next day of exploration.

On the last day of your tour, you’ll make your way back to Reykjavik, but the adventure isn’t over yet. As you travel along the South Coast, you’ll visit more of the region’s breathtaking attractions.

In summer, your first stop is the Fjadrargljufur Canyon, a stunning gorge shaped by glacial meltwater. With vivid blue rivers, lush greenery, and dramatic cliffs, it’s one of Iceland’s most scenic wonders and remains something of a hidden gem.

If you're visiting in winter, you'll stop at Eldhraun, one of the world’s largest lava fields. This seemingly endless stretch of moss-covered volcanic rock was created by one of the most powerful eruptions in history, leaving behind a surreal landscape.

Next, you'll visit Reynisfjara Beach, the most popular black-sand beach in Iceland. Its jet-black volcanic sands and striking basalt columns make for fabulous vacation photos, but be sure to keep a safe distance from the water because the current is strong and the waves unpredictable.

As you continue west, Eyjafjallajokull comes into view. This glacier-capped volcano erupted in 2010, grounding flights across Europe. On clear days, you can see its ice-covered peak looming over the surrounding farmland.

The next stops are Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, two of South Iceland’s best-known waterfalls. Both stand at 200 feet (60 meters), yet offer completely different experiences.

Skogafoss thunders down with incredible force, and its mist fills the air. In contrast, Seljalandsfoss lets you walk behind the cascade for a unique view of the falls.

There will be stops along the way for refreshments and photos. If you’re traveling in winter, your guide will keep an eye on the sky in case the northern lights make an appearance during the final stretch of the journey.

By the evening, you’ll arrive back in Reykjavik, where your guide will drop you off at your accommodations. This marks the end of your unforgettable three-day tour in Iceland. We hope to see you again soon!