3-Day South Coast & Golden Circle Tour
Price per person from US$718

3-Day South Coast & Golden Circle Tour

From
US$718
Price per person
From
US$718
price per person

Description

About Tour

This small-group, 3-day tour is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience the very best of Iceland. From spectacular waterfalls and glacier hikes to an unforgettable ice cave adventure at Vatnajökull — Europe’s largest glacier — this journey showcases the country’s most iconic natural wonders.

You’ll spend your nights far from towns and city lights, giving you an excellent opportunity to witness the magical Northern Lights during winter.


Highlights

New Katla Ice Cave (summer season only)Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir)Geysir Hot SpringsGullfossSeljalandsfossSkógafossSkaftafell – Vatnajökull National ParkSvartifoss (summer only)Jökulsárlón Glacier LagoonDiamond BeachIce Cave VisitReynisfjara – Black Beach & Basalt ColumnsHekla – Volcano Views (weather permitting)Fjaðrárgljúfur (weather permitting)Eyjafjallajökull – Volcano/Glacier Views (weather permitting)


Itinerary

Over three incredible days, you’ll explore both the Golden Circle and the South Coast — no need to choose between Iceland’s most famous regions.

Your adventure begins along the renowned Golden Circle route. Visit the geothermal wonders of Geysir, where you can witness Strokkur’s powerful eruptions of boiling water. At Þingvellir National Park, walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates while exploring this historically significant site. Conclude the day at the magnificent Gullfoss, where glacial water thunders dramatically through a rugged canyon.

The journey continues along Iceland’s breathtaking South Coast. Experience the unique walk-behind perspective at Seljalandsfoss and admire the sheer power of Skógafoss. Visit the stunning Jökulsárlón, where icebergs drift peacefully across crystal-clear waters before washing ashore at Diamond Beach.

Depending on the season, you will either hike on a glacier within Vatnajökull National Park or explore the Katla Ice Cave. The itinerary also includes the dramatic black sands and basalt columns of Reynisfjara, along with scenic views of volcanoes such as Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull (weather permitting), and the picturesque Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon when conditions allow.

This well-rounded journey covers Iceland’s essential natural attractions while maximizing your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights during winter.


Practical Information

Return Time:We return to Reykjavík between 16:00–19:00 (4:00–7:00 PM), depending on weather and road conditions.

Pick-up Information:Pick-up is at 9:00 AM from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Reykjavík. Gathering all passengers may take up to 30 minutes, and your patience is greatly appreciated.

Available pick-up points: Arctic Adventures’ pick-up list.


Remember to Bring

Please pack warm outdoor clothing, including multiple layers, thermal underwear (top and bottom), a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear, scarves, and gloves.

Sturdy hiking boots are essential for glacier hiking, as ice crampons only fit proper hiking boots. Boots can be rented during the booking process or at the Glacier Guides Booking Center in Skaftafell. We strongly recommend booking rental gear in advance.


What if I Don’t Own These Items?

Proper hiking boots are mandatory for glacier hiking. If you don’t have suitable gear, you can rent hiking boots, waterproof jackets, and waterproof pants during the booking process. These items can also be rented at the Glacier Guides Booking Center for the glacier hike.

If you wish to rent gear for the entire tour, please add it to your booking at least 48 hours before your tour begins.


Please Note

Ice caves are natural formations that constantly change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that the appearance during your visit will exactly match photographs. Conditions such as season, time of day, lighting, and weather all influence how the ice cave looks at the time of your tour.

Visiting

Day 1 - The Famous Golden Circle Route
Day 1 - The Famous Golden Circle Route

Your 3-Day Golden Circle and South Coast tour begins with the famous Golden Circle:  Þingvellir (Thingvellir), Geysir and Gullfoss. Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the historic location of the Icelandic Parliament, the Alþingi. Established in 930 c.e., this is the oldest continuously operated Parliament in the world, situated in one of the most geologically fascinating places on the planet.Thingvellir is home to a rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Stand atop the Law Rock where the Law Speaker, the Parliament’s orator, would make speeches. The cliffs look out over Þingvallavatn, a very beautiful lake set within this incredible landscape.

Next, you’ll visit the geothermal wonder Geysir Geothermal Area. Geysir was once a magnificent geyser that lent its name to the English word geyser. Though now dormant, its neighbor Strokkur always delights. You won’t have to wait more than a few minutes to see Strokkur burst forth scalding water skywards, jumping up to 25 meters high.Finally, we stop at Gullfoss (the Golden Falls), the most-visited waterfall in Iceland. Witness the powerful Hvita (“White”) River roar down the two-tiered cliffs into the rugged canyon below. The force of the falls and the beauty of the surrounding golden mist are a sight to behold.After the Golden Circle, we drive southward. On a clear day, we’ll get great views of Mount Hekla on the way to Seljalandsfoss, one of the most unusual waterfalls in the world. You can walk behind these graceful falls to enjoy the view from both sides.Your hotel for the night will be in the South Iceland region, a fantastic base to catch the mesmerizing Northern Lights during the winter months (September to April) if conditions are right. A little luck is very useful when it comes to auroras!

Day Highlights

Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir)

Geysir hot spring area

Gullfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Hekla - Volcano Views (weather permitting)

Included

Guided Minibus Tour

The Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss and Þingvellir)

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Northern Lights (Sept–April, weather permitting)

One night at a hotel

Day 2 - Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Ice Caving
Day 2 - Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Ice Caving

In the morning, we head east towards the magnificent Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach. The lagoon is filled with icebergs of all shapes and sizes, as they glide in a dreamlike procession towards the salty waves of the Atlantic. The multifaceted colors are caused by a combination of factors, including ice compression.

Many of them are washed ashore at the Diamond Beach, where they glitter like diamonds on the black sand. There’s nothing quite like walking on the beach as sunlight illuminates the beach with bright blue tones of the icebergs. Ocean birds are abundant and, if you’re lucky, you might spot a playful seal. Your hotel for the night will be in the Skaftafell area, another great base to test your Northern Lights luck if you are traveling during September - April months!

From Jokulsarlon, we head to Skaftafell Nature Reserve for a new adventure. From October to April, we join our certified glacier guide and step into the mesmerizing world of the Vatnajokull Glacier. During our beautiful glacier hike, we’ll enter a natural ice cave where you’ll have some time to explore and take photos. Photographers will get the rare chance to capture mysterious blue light passing through glacial ice. On your walk, an expert guide will explain how these glacial ice formations came to be. In summer, we go to the only natural ice cave you can visit all year - the Katla Ice Cave tour near Vik.

The ice cave we visit will be chosen based on current conditions. Including both ice cave and glacier hike exploration, we’ll spend roughly 2 hours on the ice. This tour is suitable for people who are able to comfortably walk around 2 hours across easy outdoor terrain.

Ice cave temperatures hover well below freezing, so don’t forget to dress warmly.

Your accommodation for the night will be at the same hotel – Adventure Hotel Geirland.

Day Highlights

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The Diamond Beach

Glacier Hike & Natural Ice Cave (winter only)

Glacier Hike (winter only)

Vatnajokull Glacier

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Svartifoss Waterfall (summer only)

Included

Breakfast at the hotel

Guided Minibus Tour

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Guided ice cave and glacier hike tour

Hike to Svartifoss Waterfall (summer only)

Northern Lights (Sept–April, weather permitting)

One night in a hotel

Day 3 - South Coast Sightseeing
Day 3 - South Coast Sightseeing

After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll start our day slowly driving towards Reykjavik and making plenty of stops along the way. If the roads are clear, we’ll start the day off with a quick detour to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.

Next, we’ll have the chance to visit the iconic Eldhraun lava field before heading to Reynisfjara black beach. The powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean really show their force here. Watch as these roaring, white-tipped beauties crash onto the black beach. A word of warning – the waves here can be unpredictable! Always follow the advice of your tour guide.

You should pop into the black basalt cave before you leave the beach. Reynisfjara is famous for its basalt columns just off the shore, called the Reynisdrangar. Gazing up at these dramatic black pillars, you’ll get a good idea of where the legends of Icelandic troll folklore sprang from!

After Reynisfjara, our next stop will be a visit to Skógafoss, an impressive waterfall that drops 60 m into a tranquil pool below. There are 527 steps leading to the top, yet the steep climb is worth it for the panorama alone. The famous volcano, Eyjafjallajökull, lurks high above the waterfall, so if visibility is good you’ll get a glimpse of this magnificent mountain glacier.

After enjoying our final stop at Skógafoss, your 3-Day Iceland’s South Coast tour comes to an end. We’ll return to Reykjavík between 16:00 and 19:00, depending on the weather conditions.

Day Highlights

Eldhraun Lava Field

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (weather permitting)

Skógafoss Waterfall

Reynisfjara Black Beach

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano/Glacier Views (weather permitting)

Included

Breakfast at the hotel

Guided Minibus Tour/Return to Reykjavík

Meeting point

Airport Gate
Day 1: Reykjavik
Day 2: Reykjavik, Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Day 3: Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Reykjavik

Included

Pick-up & drop off from Reykjavík

Guided Minibus Tour

Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir & Þingvellir)

Highlights of the South Coast

Ice Cave Experience (with Glacier Hike in winter)

Certified Glacier Guide

English Speaking Tour Guide

All Necessary Glacier Equipment

All Required Safety Equipment

Hotel Room with Private Bathroom for 2 nights

Hotel Breakfasts on Days 2 & 3

Free WiFi on Board Your Bus

Warm outdoor clothing including layers

Thermal underwear (top and bottom)

Waterproof jacket and pants

Headwear

Scarves

Gloves

Sturdy hiking boots are essential for glacier hiking

Possible accommodations

1 accommodations

Remarks

Please note effective October 2020, any foreign tour booked, shall attract 5% TCS (which is 100% refundable on IT returns) This amount will be collected separately from individuals once the booking is made on the website. This has an overall 0 effect on the transaction. Effective 01 October 2023, TCS will be revised to 20% (which is 100% refundable on IT returns).                                                                                          


Please be advised that this is a quote based on the requirements, as multiple services are involved Flights+Hotels+Activities+Transfers, some of the services may be subject to a price change/ unavailability. The operations team will notify you of such changes if any post booking, and shall offer alternate arrangements or refund of the unavailable services if any.                                                                                                    


Please bear in mind that the standard check-in time as per international standards is 3:00 PM and 11:00 AM is the checkout. Early/ late check in & check out can be requested at the discretion of the hotels.


Hotel Reviews are only for references, and holiday has been made keeping the budget of the customer in mind. Please visit actual Hotel Website for more details with regards to quality and services.



Contact us