Winter 5-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s South Coast with Ice Caving

Arrive in Iceland and enjoy some free time in Reykjavik on the first day of your winter tour.

When you've landed and collected your luggage from the carousel, a driver will be waiting to collect you at the arrivals lounge. You can go directly into Reykjavik to explore Iceland's cosmopolitan capital or visit the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

A trip to the Blue Lagoon is the perfect way to settle into Iceland. You can relax in the milky-blue waters and enjoy a soothing, silica-rich face mask to rejuvenate your skin after your flight. 

If you prefer, you can save the Blue Lagoon visit until the last day of your winter vacation in Iceland to unwind after a busy few days of sightseeing and adventure. After booking, talk to your travel agent to organize your trip how you like it. 

After relaxing in the healing geothermal water and enjoying the views of the mossy lava fields, your driver will take you to Reykjavik, where you can check into your accommodation for the first night. 

You can spend the rest of the day exploring the world's northernmost capital city, with all its cafes, museums, restaurants, galleries, and theaters. Visit the Hallgrimskirkja church and climb its tower to admire a sweeping view of the cityscape below, or head to the striking Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center to see some modern architecture. 

Stroll through the Old Harbor and look out to sea, then dine in one of the city's best restaurants to try some traditional Icelandic food. You can even take a complimentary northern lights tour if it's a clear night. You can choose between a bus tour or a boat trip to take you away from the city's lights to increase your chances of spotting the aurora borealis.

At the end of a busy day, head to your city center hotel for a good night's sleep before the next day's adventure begins.

Today, you'll start a two-day guided tour of Iceland's majestic South Coast.

At certain times of the year, you can start your day with an awe-inspiring helicopter journey over the volcanic eruption at Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Those seeking to start their day with a life-changing experience should not miss this chance. 

You'll lift off from Reykjavik's domestic airport and marvel over the capital's features and nature from above before crossing the Reykjanes Peninsula to the beautiful, primordial eruption site. After circling it a few times, you'll even make a landing to admire it from a new angle.

When you're back in central Reykjavik, you'll board a minibus to take you on your South Coast adventure. Your driver and expert local guide will stop off at the stunning Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and the awe-inspiring Reynisfjara black-sand beach.

Next, you'll head into Vatnajokull National Park to admire the landscapes of the Skaftafell nature reserve. Your guide will tell you about the area's history as you travel onward to the spectacular Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the "crown jewel" of Iceland.

This enormous glacial lake is one of Iceland's most beautiful natural attractions. You'll have plenty of time to admire the spectacular views of the icebergs floating in the icy waters. You might even spot a few seals, as many live in the lake's waters. 

You'll also visit Diamond Beach on the lake's shore during your trip to the lagoon. The jet-black sands are dotted with icebergs that have drifted ashore. It's an incredible opportunity to see the size and beauty of the icebergs up close. You're sure to get some fantastic photos.

When you've finished at the lagoon, you'll get back on the minibus and go to your accommodation for the night, a country hotel in Southeast Iceland. If conditions are favorable, your guide will help you spot the northern lights.

Spend day three of your Icelandic vacation exploring a magnificent ice cave within a glacier.

Your day begins with breakfast at your hotel. You'll then board the minibus with the rest of your group and travel to the foot of a glacier. Here, you'll board a super jeep, an exciting four-wheel drive vehicle modified to allow for icy conditions.

Enjoy an exciting off-roading experience as you travel up the glacier to the ice cave. These glacier caves change yearly as the ice melts and refreezes, meaning no two visits are the same. Your guide will choose a perfect cave to ensure a safe trip in a mesmerizing frozen environment. 

The guide will provide your group with crampons and a helmet, but you must wear sturdy hiking boots and warm clothing. You might also want to bring sunglasses, as the ice can be very bright in sunny conditions. 

Your group will trek over some of the glacier ice and head into the spectacular environment of the ice cave. You can take gorgeous photos of the bright blue and white ice and admire the unusual shapes. The guide will also take pictures of you within the cave, so you'll have a brilliant souvenir to show off to friends and family back home.

You'll spend about 45 minutes inside the cave before you head back down the glacier. From here, you'll return to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon to admire the views in the afternoon daylight before you start the journey back to Reykjavik. 

Driving along Iceland's South Coast on a winter evening is another excellent opportunity to look out for the northern lights. Your driver will stop the bus so you can admire the beautiful green and yellow lights if they appear above you on the way back.

When you arrive in Reykjavik, you'll check into a new hotel and can spend your evening exploring the city or enjoying a delicious meal.

Today, you'll discover the highlights of the Golden Circle, Iceland's most famous sightseeing route.

Start the day by collecting your rental car. You'll get a four-wheel drive vehicle to help you stay safe in wintery conditions.

From here, you can set off onto the Golden Circle route or start your adventure with a thrilling helicopter tour over the Geldingadalur volcanic eruption site. Departing from Reykjavik domestic airport, you'll fly over the city and see how volcanic activity can change an area's landscape. This tour even includes a short landing at the site to get up close to the volcanic rock.

Now, it's time to start driving around the Golden Circle. Most people first stop at the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in culture, history, and beauty. The park is situated between two tectonic plates that are drifting apart.

You can add a snorkeling tour to your journey to visit the spectacular Silfra fissure during your time here. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity lets you swim between the tectonic plates and see the geological features up close. Snorkeling participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

After finishing at Thingvellir National Park, you'll continue your Golden Circle drive and stop at the Geysir geothermal area. You'll find bubbling hot pots and a fantastic geyser, Strokkur, which erupts every five or ten minutes. The great Geysir, which gave its name to all others worldwide, is no longer active, but Strokkur's exciting eruptions make up for it!

Your third stop on the Golden Circle is the Gullfoss waterfall, known in English as the "Golden Falls." It gives its name to the sightseeing route. The mighty waterfall cascades down in two tiers into an impressive gorge. It's one of Iceland's most iconic sights, so you won't want to miss it.

Other optional tours today include a snowmobiling adventure on the nearby Langjokull glacier. You'll park at Gullfoss and join a super jeep tour to take you onto the ice before spending an hour whizzing over the snowy glacier. 

By now, it'll be time to start making your way back to Reykjavik. On the way, you can stop at the Kerid crater, a stunning volcanic crater with a blue lake at its base. There's a small entrance fee here, so make the most of it and walk around the whole thing. 

Return to Reykjavik in the evening for a good night's sleep at your hotel.

Spend the final day of your winter trip to Iceland exploring Reykjavik or visiting the Blue Lagoon before your flight. 

After checking out of your accommodation in Reykjavik, you can use your rental car to drive to Keflavik International Airport in time for your flight. If you have enough time before your flight's departure, you can go sightseeing in the city or buy some souvenirs to take home.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene by visiting the captivating National Museum of Iceland, where you can learn about Iceland's rich history and heritage.

If you're in the mood for a tranquil retreat, stroll in the lush Oskjuhlid Hill, which houses the picturesque Perlan, a modern glass dome offering panoramic city views.

For a bit of relaxation before your journey home, you might consider soaking in the serene surroundings of the Nautholsvik geothermal beach. You can enjoy a warm dip amidst the crisp Icelandic air in this golden-sand haven.

Don't forget to swing by Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, to pick up some last-minute gifts or souvenirs, including unique Icelandic designs and handicrafts.

If you didn't visit the Blue Lagoon on your first day, you can drive there on your way to the airport. Relaxing in the soothing waters before your flight home is a fantastic way to end your adventure. 

If you have time, you can explore more of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The nearby Krysuvik geothermal area has fascinating hot springs and bubbling mud pots worth visiting. Alternatively, you can see the small towns of Grindavik and Keflavik. 

When it's time to go, you can drop your car off at the airport and prepare for your flight. We wish you a safe journey home and hope to see you again in Iceland soon!