Private 3-Day Sightseeing Tour of the South Coast and Golden Circle

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Private 3-Day Sightseeing Tour of the South Coast and Golden Circle

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Description

Summary

Tour starts

Reykjavík, Iceland

Starting time

Flexible

Duration

3 days

Ending place

Reykjavík, Iceland

Languages

English

Difficulty

Easy

Available

Sept. - Apr.

Minimum age

8 years old

3,123 reviews

Description

Discover the beautiful natural sights of the Golden Circle and South Coast of Iceland when you book this incredible three-day excursion. Those eager to see some of Iceland's most prominent natural features and find the northern lights should book this private tour now.

This private tour takes you to some unique places along the coast. You'll spend your days exploring natural attractions and the evenings hunting for the northern lights, a natural phenomenon seen in Iceland during the winter months.

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, illuminate the night sky with vibrant, dancing colors. Caused by solar particles colliding with the earth's atmosphere, the lights appear in various green, pink, and purple hues, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.

This excursion is a private tour with an expert guide, meaning it will be just you and your group. You can customize the tour to your needs and have plenty of opportunities to ask your guide any questions.

The Golden Circle is first up on the tour, consisting of Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall. These three sights are among Iceland's most famous and must-see attractions, especially if it's your first time in the country.

You'll also get to visit the Secret Lagoon geothermal spa. The Secret Lagoon in Fludir is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil and authentic geothermal bathing experience. It's a natural hot spring surrounded by geothermal steam and lush greenery.

Unlike its more famous counterpart, the Blue Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon provides a more rustic and untouched atmosphere. Naturally heated by geothermal activity, the mineral-rich waters offer a soothing and rejuvenating soak.

Wooden walkways and changing facilities blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Visitors can relax, soak, and revel in the serene ambiance while enjoying the enchanting beauty of Iceland's geothermal wonders in a secluded and intimate setting.

On the second day of the tour, it's time to explore the sights of the South Coast. These include magnificent waterfalls, spectacular mountains, and incredible glaciers.

You'll visit the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon on the third and final day. This natural sight was formed by the melting ice from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, creating a lagoon dotted with floating icebergs of various shapes and sizes.

The crystal-clear, blue waters reflect the surrounding snowy peaks and create a magical atmosphere. Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is beautiful and a haven for wildlife, as you often spot seals lounging on the icebergs.

You'll also get the chance to visit some natural ice caves with your guide. Exploring the bright crevices is an unforgettable experience, so make sure you have your camera.

At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off back at your accommodation in Reykjavik with fantastic memories of Iceland's most impressive natural attractions.

Take advantage of this immersive three-day experience exploring the sights along the South Coast of Iceland and hunting for the aurora borealis each night. Check availability now by choosing a date.

Included

Transfer from your accommodation in Reykjavik

Hotel or guesthouse accommodation with a private bathroom

Breakfast each morning

Lunch on the first day

Entrance for all sights and activities

Expert, English-speaking tour guide

Private tour experience

Activities

Sightseeing

Northern lights hunting

Hot Spring Bathing

Private Tour

Map

Attractions

The Golden Circle

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Skogafoss

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Geysir

Gullfoss Waterfall

Thingvellir National Park

Strokkur

Solheimajokull Glacier

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Vik

Svartifoss

Reynisdrangar

Öxarárfoss

Skaftafellsjökull

Friðheimar

Secret Lagoon

Diamond Beach

Breiðamerkursandur

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - Golden Circle Sightseeing and Northern Lights Hunting

On the first day of this private South Coast sightseeing tour, you'll discover the Golden Circle and hunt for the northern lights.

At the beginning of the tour, your expert guide will collect you from your accommodation in Reykjavik. As this is a private tour, waiting for other guests is unnecessary, so you can set off as soon as you're ready.

The first stop of the tour is Thingvellir National Park. This national park is a place of immense historical and geological significance. It is home to the Althingi, Iceland's ancient parliament, and showcases the rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.

Visitors can explore stunning landscapes, walk through historic sites, and witness the awe-inspiring natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Next, you'll see the Geysir geothermal area. The Geysir geothermal area is home to the famous geyser that gives all others its name. It's not very active nowadays, but the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts with hot water every few minutes, reaching up to 98 feet (30 meters).

The area also features bubbling hot springs, colorful mineral deposits, and steaming fumaroles, creating a captivating display of the earth's geothermal power. Visitors can witness the spectacular eruptions, marvel at the geothermal features, and learn about the forces shaping Iceland's unique geology.

You'll finish the Golden Circle part of the tour at the Gullfoss waterfall. The waterfall cascades down in two tiers, creating a dramatic spectacle that captivates visitors. The sheer power and beauty of the waterfall, surrounded by rugged cliffs and misty rainbows, make it one of Iceland's most iconic and awe-inspiring sights.

After the Golden Circle, you'll visit the Fridheimar greenhouse and farm, where you'll get to sample their homegrown tomatoes for lunch and meet some Icelandic horses.

The last stop of the day is at the Secret Lagoon, a natural geothermal bath where you can relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

If you're visiting in winter, you'll now spend the evening hunting for the northern lights. As the aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon, there's no guarantee that you'll see them, but your guide will know the best places to give you the best chance of catching them.

Tonight, you'll stay overnight in a guesthouse or hotel near Hvolsvollur. You'll have a comfortable room with a private bathroom.

Day 2

Day 2 - South Coast Sightseeing

On the second day of your private sightseeing tour, you'll visit some of the spectacular natural sights Iceland's South Coast is famous for, including waterfalls and glaciers.

The first stop on day two is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This waterfall is around 197 feet (60 meters) high and provides a unique experience, as you can walk behind its cascade to see it from a different angle. Breathtaking landscapes surround it, and you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the views.

Next, it's time to head to the second waterfall of the day, the Skogafoss waterfall. The waterfall plunges down a 197-foot (60-meter) cliff, creating a stunning display of mist and thundering water. Its immense power and picturesque surroundings, including a staircase leading to panoramic views, make it a truly unforgettable attraction.

As you leave flowing water behind, you'll visit the Solheimajokull glacier. This outlet glacier flows from the Myrdalsjokull ice cap, under which is Katla, the famous volcano.

The Reynisfjara black-sand beach is next up on the itinerary for the second day. Its volcanic sands, towering basalt columns, and roaring waves create a surreal atmosphere. Visitors can marvel at the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and witness the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the shore.

The day's last stop is the coastal village of Vik i Myrdal. Vik is a picturesque destination with a stunning landscape and a pretty church building. The settlement also offers charming accommodations, local shops, and a tranquil atmosphere, providing a delightful experience for travelers exploring the beauty of South Iceland.

If you didn't manage to catch the northern lights on the first night of the tour, don't worry — you'll have the chance to see them again tonight.

After a busy day of sightseeing, you'll head to a comfortable hotel or guesthouse near Kirkjubaejarklaustur for a good night's sleep.

Day 3

Day 3 - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

On the third day of your private sightseeing tour of the South Coast of Iceland, you'll visit Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, and have the opportunity to explore a natural ice cave or a glacier, depending on the time of year.

The first stop of day three of your tour is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. This glacial lake was formed by the melting Vatnajokull glacier, creating a stunning landscape of icebergs floating in serene blue waters. The lagoon's epic look has made it a popular movie filming location.

Just in front of the lagoon is Breidamerkursandur black-sand beach, more often referred to as the Diamond Beach. Its striking black sand, created by volcanic activity, provides an incredible contrast against the icy blue waters and white icebergs that have drifted over from the nearby glacier.

If you stay in winter (November to April), the next part of the tour will be exploring fantastic natural ice caves. These caves are ever-changing, so all experiences are different. If you do the tour in summer, you'll visit the Svartifoss waterfall and the Skaftafell National Park instead.

Skaftafell National Park is a vast wilderness encompassing glaciers, mountains, and verdant valleys, which offers an unparalleled outdoor experience. Hiking trails wind through breathtaking landscapes, leading to panoramic viewpoints, cascading waterfalls, and hidden ice caves.

The park is dominated by the massive Vatnajokull glacier, one of Europe's largest ice caps, which provides a dramatic backdrop to the surroundings. Skaftafell National Park is also home to diverse wildlife, including reindeer and several bird species.

You'll take a beautiful hike through the park to Svartifoss waterfall. Its name, which means "Black Falls," derives from the surrounding hexagonal basalt columns — they look a bit like organ pipes. The dramatic contrast between the black columns and the sparkling white water creates a mesmerizing sight.

At the end of the tour, you'll be driven back to your accommodation in Reykjavik. You can continue your adventures in Iceland or head to the airport to go home.

What to bring

Your luggage

Warm, waterproof clothing

Swimsuit and towel

Fully charged camera

Good hiking shoes

Snacks

Reusable water bottle

Good to know

The northern lights are only visible in Iceland in the winter. If you're participating in this tour during the summer months (May to October), you won't see the northern lights.

Please note also that summer tours visit the Skaftafell Nature Reserve instead of the ice caves on the final day.