Magical 3-Day South Coast and Golden Circle Winter Tour with Blue Ice Caving from Reykjavik

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Geysir geothermal area is one of the top attraction in the Golden Circle.

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Description

Summary

Tour starts

Reykjavík, Iceland

Starting time

at 08:30

Duration

3 days

Ending place

Reykjavík, Iceland

Languages

English

Difficulty

Easy

Available

Oct. - Apr.

Minimum age

8 years old

3,123 reviews

Description

Discover the incomparable beauty of Iceland in winter in this guided tour of the South Coast and Golden Circle. Travelers who want to experience blue ice caving and see diverse natural attractions, from waterfalls to a glacier lagoon, should join this multi-day tour now.

This small group tour includes a pick-up from your hotel in Reykjavik, where you will meet your English-speaking guide. To make your three-day adventure on the South Coast more convenient, you will ride a comfortable minibus with excellent amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and USB chargers. You can bring one piece of hand luggage with you, such as a backpack.

You will spend two nights of your tour in different countryside accommodations with complimentary breakfast. During these nights, you will have the opportunity to see the spectacular northern lights. Although there is no assurance of seeing them, Iceland is one of the best places to see the aurora borealis.

The Golden Circle, which encompasses three of the most popular attractions in Iceland, is the highlight of your first day. The geological wonders of Thingvellir National Park, the power of Geysir hot spring, and the beauty of Gullfoss waterfall will all provide a breathtaking sightseeing experience. To cap off a fantastic day of beautiful sights, you will also visit the Kerid volcanic crater.

Day two of the winter tour will take you deeper into the South Coast. Visits to the famous Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, cascading at 200 feet (60 meters), are the highlights of this day. Likewise, you will also explore the lesser-known but equally beautiful waterfalls of Gljufrabui and Irafoss.

Your adventure will also provide a great vantage point to see the frozen wonderland of Solheimajokull glacier. Meanwhile, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, with its impressive volcanic sands and unique basalt columns, completes this exciting day.

The last day of the Icelandic tour will bring you to the top attractions of Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland’s biggest glacier. In particular, you will explore its frozen wilderness, culminating with a three-hour expedition to a natural blue ice cave.

This winter season, two main ice caves in the Vatnajokull glacier are available for exploration: the Western Ice Cave and the Eastern Ice Cave. On this amazing trip, you will get to visit the best available ice cave, which is carefully chosen based on weather and visibility conditions of the day to ensure the ultimate experience.

Exploring a natural ice cave deep within the Vatnajokull ice cap will surely be the highlight of your multi-day tour in Iceland. These captivating caves, with their mesmerizing shapes and vibrant blue hues, are truly a sight to behold.

Following this unforgettable adventure through the frozen landscape, visit the breathtaking Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. At the lagoon, icebergs of all shapes, sizes, and colors drift gracefully in the icy waters. With a bit of luck, you might even spot playful seals swimming nearby.

As the trip ends and you make your way back to Reykjavik, the excursion will make quick stops at Hofskirkja church and Vik village for more photo opportunities and souvenir shopping.

Experience the winter wonders of the South Coast on this small-group guided tour featuring the season’s best crystal blue ice cave, the breathtaking Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and the mesmerizing northern lights. Check availability now by choosing a date!

Included

Minibus transfer from Reykjavik

Free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports on board

Two-day accommodation in a double or a twin room with private bathroom

Breakfast for two days

Ice caving safety equipment

Super jeep to Vatnajokull ice cave

Entrance fee for Kerid volcanic crater

Small group tour (maximum of 19)

Space for one piece of hand luggage

Activities

Super Jeep

Sightseeing

Ice Caving

Map

Attractions

The Golden Circle

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Vatnajokull Glacier

Skogafoss

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Geysir

Gullfoss Waterfall

Thingvellir National Park

Solheimajokull Glacier

Hveragerði

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Vik

Kerid Crater

Gljufrabui

South Coast

Diamond Beach

Hofskirkja Turf Church

Irafoss Waterfall

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - The Golden Circle

Day one of your small group tour on the South Coast of Iceland starts with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation or a designated bus stop in Reykjavik. Here, you will meet your friendly tour guide, who will be your source of information and assistance for the next three days.

Onboard a minibus fit for the winter terrain, you will venture into some of the best tourist spots in Iceland for an unforgettable sightseeing experience.

The highlight of your first day is an exploration of the three main attractions of the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle is a tourist route loop covering 190 miles (300 kilometers). Its proximity to Iceland’s capital makes it one of the most visited areas in the land of fire and ice.

The first attraction on this route is the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful landscapes and historical significance to Icelanders. Thingvellir is home to the Nordic country’s first parliament, which is also one of the oldest surviving legislatures in the world.

Just 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Thingvellir is the Geysir geothermal area, your next stop for the day. Strokkur geyser in the Geysir area can be your introduction to how powerful Iceland’s nature is, with its superheated waters spouting into the sky every few minutes. Make sure to take out your camera here to capture the spectacular moment.

The last site on the Golden Circle is the crown jewel of all waterfalls in Iceland, Gullfoss. Gullfoss waterfall, also known as “Golden Falls,” is a two-tiered waterfall cascading from a cliff of 105 feet (32 meters). Some parts of the massive attraction become semi-frozen during winter, creating a unique view of glistening ice that you will never forget.

Before settling for the night into a cozy accommodation in Hveragerdi town, you will make a quick stop at the nearby colorful volcanic crater of Kerid.

Day 2

Day 2 - South Coast Waterfalls and Reynisfjara Beach

The second day of your Icelandic winter tour will let you marvel at four waterfalls, an outlet glacier, and the scenic coastline of the region. Before continuing this journey into the South Coast, you will first enjoy a complimentary breakfast from your accommodation.

A trip to the land of fire and ice wouldn’t be complete without chasing a few of its 10,000 waterfalls. Fortunately, this winter tour will bring you to four of its most beautiful and famous waterfalls.

Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are the most visited waterfalls in Iceland after the Gullfoss waterfall. Both with a towering cliff of 200 feet (60 meters), these attractions offer the best viewpoints of their cascading waters. While you can fully encircle Seljalandsfoss waterfall, you can explore and take fantastic photos of the Skogafoss waterfall at its base or top.

Meanwhile, Gljufrabui and Irafoss waterfalls are hidden gems of the region. These attractions may be lesser known, but you will enjoy exploring their peaceful surroundings.

After spending most of your day with waterfalls, this tour will take you for quick viewing of the Solheimajokull glacier. Although you won’t hike and explore its diverse terrain, your guide will take you to a great viewing deck to see its immense beauty.

The last area you’ll visit is the Reynisfjara black sand beach. The scenic coast is a long stretch of volcanic sands pounded by immense waves of the Atlantic. On the beach, you can also get panoramic views of the nearby Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the Dyrholaey peninsula.

To end the exciting day on a high note, you will spend the night at a countryside hotel where you will have an excellent chance to see the northern lights. If the weather conditions are right, you might be able to see these colorful lights dancing above the skies.

Day 3

Day 3 - Blue Ice Cave and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

After a good night’s rest and a savory meal, the adventure will take you into the icy wonders of the Vatnajokull National Park. On this day, you will finally experience the highlight of the winter tour in Iceland.

Before going deep into the Icelandic glacier, you will first have a back-to-back tour at the Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. These are two unique tourist spots where icebergs are the main attractions.

Be amazed by the glistening ice chunks scattered on the black sands of Breidamerkursandur, more popularly known as Diamond Beach. The entire stretch of the beach is a bizarre sight that both foreign and local tourists enjoy exploring and capturing.

Near the beach is the deepest lake in Iceland, and the icebergs come from there, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. The beautiful glacier lagoon features freshwater and seawater because it hails from the meltwater of a nearby glacier and connects to the Atlantic Ocean. The icebergs floating in its calm waters are scenes you will never forget.

Soon after, the adventure will take you to its highlight to explore one of Icelandic winter’s main events, a beautiful natural ice cave. Aboard a super jeep fit for the rugged and icy terrain, you will go deep into the Vatnajokull glacier to find the most impressive blue ice cave. Your tour guide will also provide you with all the safety equipment you need for a safer ice-caving experience.

You may see different ice formations inside as you explore the otherworldly beauty of the glacier cave. The most stunning feature of this natural attraction is the deep blue tone of its ice walls, which can sometimes have translucent ceilings.

After a magical ice-caving tour, you will slowly make your way back to Reykjavik with extra stops in Vik village and Hofskirkja church.

What to bring

Warm and waterproof clothing with layers

Sturdy hiking shoes (can be rented upon booking)

Winter gloves, hat, and scarf

Camera

Good to know

- The minimum age to join is eight years.

- Solo or single travelers will be given a Single Room Supplement for accommodation.

- Tour joiners are encouraged to pack lightly for the adventure (small suitcase or backpack). Large luggage can be stored in Reykjavik for a small fee.

- Pick-up from Reykjavik is between 08:30 – 09:00 a.m.

- The ice caving tour is dependent on weather and safety conditions. Should the activity be canceled, the tour operator will find other activities for your group and refund the price difference.