Incredible 5 Day Guided Tour of Iceland’s South Coast, the Golden Circle & Snaefellsnes
Description
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Description
See all of Iceland's National Parks in one sweep with this fantastic 5-day tour, delving into some of Iceland's most fantastic natural attractions. This tour is perfect for those travellers to Iceland who don't want to miss a single attraction during their holiday.
During this tour you will discover the true magic of Iceland, visiting the three main National Parks of the country; Vatnajökull National Park, Þingvellir National Park and Snæfellsjökull National Park
On the first day, your journey heads for the famous Golden Circle sightseeing route. You will visit the classic destinations Þingvellir National Park, the site of the old Icelandic parliament and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the legendary Geysir geothermal valley, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. To add even more to your experience on this fun-filled day, you will also visit the volcanic crater, Kerið.
For the next two days, you drive along Iceland's south coast to discover the stunning glaciers, lava fields, volcanoes, strong rivers and waterfalls. You will also see an amazing black shoreline, Diamond Beach, scattered with icebergs, next to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
The stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is where huge icebergs float in ice-cold water and seals swim around them. The highlight here is, undoubtedly, a visit deep inside of an ice cave in Vatnajökull.
The last part is a fairy-tale adventure around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Less than 3 hours from Reykjavik, this area combines all the wonders of Iceland in one place: the sea crashing upon the sandy shores, jagged lava fields, waterfalls, imposing cliffs for hiking and photography, and small fishing villages for those who are curious about the culture Iceland. A visit to the Viðgelmir Lave cave is included in the tour.
Join this 5-day adventure for a truly unforgettable experience travelling across Iceland. Check availability by choosing a date.
Included
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - The Golden Circle & Kerið Volcanic Crater
On the first this tour day takes you to the world-famous Golden Circle.
You will visit Geysir geothermal valley, Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park. Your guides want to add something unique to your experience and that's why you will also visit the volcanic crater, Kerið.
First on the agenda is a visit to Þingvellir National Park. It lies within the belt of volcanic activity and fissures which pass across Iceland, a part of the mid-Atlantic ridge, the junction of the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is a nice feeling to stand with your right foot in Europe and the left one in America. This amazing place is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is shrouded in the history of Iceland and the Vikings of the past.
Next stop is the Haukadalur, home to Strokkur and Geysir, which gives the others geysers around the world their name. Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, throwing a column of water into the air to a height of 20 to 30 meters. Here you can also buy some refreshments or lunch and take some great photographs.
From Haukadalur, you'll go to Gullfoss. Known as the Golden Waterfall, this is one of the most amazing waterfalls in Iceland, powerful and beautiful as it rushes down from two tiers into an ancient valley. This will definitely be one of the most memorable stops on your visit.
Last on the agenda is a visit to the volcanic crater Kerið. The crater is 270 m wide and more than 55 m deep. There is a lake in the bottom of the crater which gives it a magical and colourful appearance. After enjoying this fantastic creation of nature, you spend the night in the country guesthouse on the Icelandic South Coast where you will be ale to admire colorful aurora dancing on the sky (if the weather conditions are favorable).
Day 2 - South coast, waterfalls and black beach Reynisfjara
On the second day you will drive along route 1, passing through small towns and enjoying the beauty of the Icelandic countryside. Your first stop will be at the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall, located beneath the Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Remember to ask your tour guide all about the colossal eruption back in 2010. Close by is the beautiful but less known waterfall, Gljufrabui.
Next up is the stunning Skógafoss, a drop of 60 m (200 ft) of natural raw power that must be seen to be believed. You will then have the additional pleasure of visiting the secret waterfall of Írafoss.
Then it is onto Reynisfjara, a black sand beach nestling under Mt. Reynisfjall - seasonal home to numerous puffins that dive from its cliffs out to sea. Black basalt has been shaped into amazing different formations, most notably the famous Reynisdrangar stacks. Beware the might of the Atlantic Ocean, here, however, which looms with its powerful waves.
At the end of the day, your accommodation awaits in Southern part of Iceland. On the way there, and during the night, you will keep your eyes peeled, looking out for the Northern Lights above.
Day 3 - Glacier lagoon and the incredible Blue Ice cave
Today, you set off in the morning for a totally unique experience; a visit to a naturally stunning Blue Ice cave. This will likely be the highlight of your trip.
You start by driving to the Jökulsárlón, a famous lagoon filled with huge chunks of ice that have cracked off Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and now float slowly out to sea. Some icebergs wash up on Diamond Beach, shining like diamonds on the vivid black sand. After your time here is done, it is time to explore an Icelandic ice cave.
Ice Caves only form in the winter once the glacial water freezes, creating a truly unique natural phenomenon. Each season, the local glacier experts find the best caves to visit in an enjoyable and safe way, ensuring a unique experience each new season.
From the glacier lagoon, they drive you through the best of Icelandic highlands in a special Super Jeep to the ice cave. There you will have about an hour to explore and enjoy the magical blue caves. Please do not forget to bring your camera!
After this unforgettable adventure, you drive back to the Jökulsárlón where you join the bus again. From there, you drive to the Skaftafell Nature Reserve where the amazing views will take your breath away!
On the way back to Reykjavík where you will stay just for the night, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful nature of the South Coast and to make a quick stop in Vík village for some refreshments, while keeping an eye out for the Northern lights if conditions are right.
Day 4 - The Magic of Snæfellsjokull National Park: Seals, Black Beach, Kirkjufell Mountain and more!
The day begins with a drive along the west coast through the town of Borgarnes all the way to the beach in Ytri Tunga which is a well-known seal colony. The seals are friendly and curious and will climb up on the rocks near the sandy beach. The next stop is the fishing hamlet Arnarstapi and then Hellnar where you will have time to walk along the cliffs for half an hour; the view to the sea from this hike is breathtaking. In Djúpalónssandur you will discover incredible rock formations. The beaches are covered with small black stones which are unique. You will hike to one of the most impressive formations called Lóndrangar, which are a pair of rock pinnacles made of basalt approximately 70 m high. By the end of this day you will also stop next to the majestic Kirkjufell mountain, which is one of the most popular photo stops in Iceland. If you have not used your camera before on the tour then this one is a must! At the end of the day, you will finish with a drive through three small fishing villages on the way to your accommodation in Western part of Iceland. The rooms are cozy and comfortable with private bathrooms.
Day 5 - Vidgelmir Lava Cave, Hot spring & Waterfalls
After a refreshing rest and having breakfast at the accommodation, you will drive towards the historic Borgarfjordur area. First you will stop at Grabrok Volcanic Craters located in Bifröst. There you will have an opportunity to admire three craters – Stora (Big) Grabrok, Grabrokarfell and Litla (Small) Grabrok that formed approximately 3.400 years ago during massive eruption shaping the landscape around. Solid, wooden stairs lead up to the top of Stora Grabrok from where you can admire other colorful craters, lava fields and lake Hredavatn. Next you will see the great Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming over a distance of about 900 m (almost 300 ft!) across the Hallmundarhraun lava field, which flow from an eruption of one of the volcanoes lying under the glacier Langjökull. The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá River from ledges created by less porous rock in the lava. Literally a stone’s throw upstream from Hraunfossar, you will visit another waterfall called Barnafoss. Its name, “the waterfall of the children,” comes from an accident which is said to have taken place here in a previous century. There was a natural stone bridge over the waterfall, and two children from a nearby farm fell to their deaths crossing the river on the bridge. Afterwards, the grief-stricken mother had the bridge destroyed.
After enjoying the many amazing sites above ground level it is now time to journey towards the Center of the Earth! You will go caving in the Vidgelmir lave cave where you can see the tumult of the volcanic landscape up close. During this 1,5 hour long expedition you will have a chance to see one of the largest lava caves in Iceland with its stunning lava stalactites and stalagmites. The area surrounding the entrance to the cave will allow you to realize how powerful eruptions of volcano can be.
Finally, take in the sights at Deildartunguhver, the highest-flow hot spring in Europe, providing 180 liters pr second of 100 C hot water! Thread the path carefully while watching and hearing the powerful energy of the hot spring at work.
After this adventure exploring the Wild West of Iceland for two unforgettable days, you set off back to Reykjavik arriving there in time to enjoy the rest of your night while reflecting on the beauty of the Icelandic nature.
What to bring
Good to know
This tour typically returns to Reykjavik on Day 5 around 19:30 / 07:30 pm. If you are a single traveler then a Single Room Supplement of 7.500 ISK is mandatory.
Only small carry on luggage such as backpacks are possible. Please check with your hotel if they can store your luggage during the tour if you are staying again at the same hotel after the tour. Otherwise, you can use luggage lockers that are located in the centre Reykjavík. We can also offer you to store your luggage for free at NiceTravel office. Click 'Inquire about this tour for more information.
IMPORTANT: It can happen that the ice caving tour is cancelled because of weather and/or safety reasons. Then we will find other activities when possible and refund the price difference. We reserve the right to change the order of the activities and sightseeing of the itinerary.
