3-Day Winter Tour of the Golden Circle and South Coast with Ice Caving and Glacier Hike

On your second day, you’ll journey along Iceland’s South Coast, renowned for its striking natural landmarks and ever-changing landscapes. From cascading waterfalls to glistening glaciers, the scenery will captivate you at every turn.

Your first stops will be at two iconic waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Seljalandsfoss offers the unique opportunity to walk behind its cascading curtain of water, while Skógafoss impresses with its thunderous power and a shimmering rainbow on sunny days. Between these stops, you’ll spot Eyjafjallajökull, the sub-glacial volcano that made headlines worldwide in 2010 by grounding European air traffic and challenging the pronunciation skills of news anchors everywhere.

Next, you’ll embark on an unforgettable glacier hike at either Skaftafell, near Vatnajokull Glacier, or the famous Solheimajokull Glacier. After a safety briefing and gearing up with crampons and ice axes, you’ll ascend the icy surface. The experience will immerse you in the glacier’s breathtaking beauty, with shimmering blue ice, intricate crevasses, and expansive views stretching across the horizon. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into the glacier's history and geology, making the experience both thrilling and educational.

As the day concludes, you’ll arrive at your hotel in southeast Iceland. After settling in, your guide will let you know if the conditions are right for a northern lights display. With luck, you’ll step outside to marvel at the night sky illuminated by ribbons of green, purple, and white—a perfect way to end your day of adventure.

On your third day, you'll arrive at the beautiful Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. In the soft light, the icebergs sparkle with golden hues, creating a magical view. When a new iceberg tumbles into the water, you can see its deep blue underside, shaped by thousands of years of compressed oxygen bubbles. Known as the crown jewel of Iceland’s nature, the glacier lagoon is a peaceful lake filled with large floating icebergs. These icebergs eventually drift out to the nearby shore, known as Diamond Beach, where they create a sparkling, icy display.

After enjoying the sights of the glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, you’ll head to the Vatnajokull glacier to explore one of its incredible ice caves. Some of the best caves this season include the Eastern Ice Cave, celebrated for its large, open spaces, and the Western Ice Cave, known for its bright blue walls and clear ice formations. Your guide will choose the cave that offers the most amazing experience on the day, taking into account weather, visibility, safety conditions, and photo opportunities.

Next, you’ll stop for lunch before visiting the amazing Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. This beach is famous for its black sand, tall basalt columns, and the striking Reynisdrangar sea stacks standing in the ocean. You’ll also pass wide black sand plains, created by a huge volcanic eruption.

After spending time at the beach, you’ll head back to Reykjavik. During the drive, your guide will highlight places you might have missed earlier and share more about Iceland’s history and nature.

You’ll arrive in Reykjavik in time for a late dinner. Enjoy your evening by exploring the city’s nightlife, with many restaurants and bars to choose from. It’s a good idea not to plan a flight on the same night, just in case of any delays. Take your time to relax and enjoy the charms of Iceland’s capital.

This unforgettable journey through Iceland’s stunning landscapes—featuring majestic glaciers, serene lagoons, and otherworldly ice caves—will leave you with cherished memories of the land of fire and ice.