3-Day South Coast Tour: Golden Circle, Ice Cave, Jokulsarlon & Waterfalls
What you'll experience
Highlights
•Waterfall Exploration: Visit four stunning waterfalls, including the majestic Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, known for their natural beauty and photo opportunities
•Black Sand Beach Adventure: Walk along the dramatic Reynisfjara black sand beach, famous for its volcanic landscape and unique rock formations
•Glacier Lagoon & Ice Cave: Experience the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and a thrilling blue ice glacier cave adventure, offering unparalleled views of Iceland's icy wonders
3 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Iceland’s Golden Circle with Stunning Natural Wonders
Your three-day tour starts with pickup in Reykjavík and a scenic drive, passing Mount Esja to reach Þingvellir National Park, where Viking chieftains once declared laws. Next, at the Haukadalur Geothermal Area, see Geysir and Strokkur, which spouts water 30 meters high. We continue to Gullfoss, the famous "Golden Waterfall," where sunlit days create sparkling rainbows. Finally, the day winds down in Hveragerði, the "Hot Springs Capital of Iceland," perfect for a peaceful evening.
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir is Iceland's most important historical site, where Viking chieftains declared laws and forged alliances for nearly a thousand years. It is home to the Alþingi, believed to be the world's first democratic parliament, and is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond its history, Þingvellir boasts a spectacular natural setting. Immense fissures in the Earth's crust mark the splitting of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a process ongoing for millions of years. Here, you can even stand with one foot on each continent at the same time!
Geysir & Haukadalur Geothermal Area
Our next stop is the Haukadalur Geothermal Area, where you'll find Geysir, the original hot-water spout after which all other geysers around the world are named. Nearby sits Strokkur, a reliable "old faithful" that sends cascades of super-heated water up to 30 meters into the sky every six or seven minutes in a dazzling display. Just remember to stand upwind to avoid a surprise shower! This area is also filled with hissing hotpots and bubbling streams, adding to the dramatic geothermal landscape.
Gullfoss - The Golden Waterfall
The Golden Circle is also home to Iceland's most famous waterfall, Gullfoss. Known as "The Golden Waterfall", it's a roaring double-drop waterfall, with millions of glacial gallons continuously cascading into a deep ravine. Sheets of spray hang in the air, and on sunlit days, sparkling rainbows make Gullfoss an unforgettable sight. Powered by meltwater from the nearby Langjökull glacier, you can view Gullfoss from several platforms at varying heights.
Kerid Volcanic Crater
As an added extra to the standard Golden Circle tour, you'll next see the colorful Kerið crater. Kerið is an unusual Icelandic volcano, streaked with red earth and green mosses. Combined with the blue-water caldera lake, this stunning mix of colors makes it a magnificent sight. It's even possible to walk down to the crater's bottom for a closer look.
Explore Hveragerði Geothermal Valley
After a day of exploration, you'll head to Hveragerði, a quiet town nestled in a geothermal valley. Known as the "Hot Springs Capital of Iceland," Hveragerði offers a more secluded experience where nature and relaxation blend together. While here, you can visit a scenic waterfall and stroll through the local botanical garden, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Gullfoss
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: stay in a cozy country hotel - 2
Day 2 — Discover Iceland’s South Coast Highlights
Starting from Hveragerði, we head east along Iceland's South Coast. First up is Seljalandsfoss, powered by Eyjafjallajökull's glacier melt, followed by nearby Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall tucked within a mossy grotto.
Next, we visit Skógafoss, a stunning 60-meter cascade known for its rainbows and iconic views, even featured in “Game of Thrones.”
Our day ends at Reynisfjara black sand beach, with towering Reynisdrangar rocks and basalt columns. From here, we journey to our remote eastern hotel, ready for tomorrow's ice cave adventure.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Our first stop on the South Coast section of the tour brings us to Seljalandsfoss, which will have been coming into view as we head eastwards. The waterfalls here are all fueled by Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano whose last major eruption in 2010 stopped air traffic for weeks, making Iceland famous worldwide. A few minutes away lies Seljalandsfoss itself, a much larger waterfall that gracefully plunges from a 60-meter high cliff-face into a deep pool. Seljalandsfoss has appeared in many films and music videos.
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
Next, we'll guide you to the "hidden" waterfall of Gljúfrabúi, which flows into a concealed cave often overlooked by other visitors. Being so close to a waterfall like this is a unique experience you definitely don't want to miss! To reach it, you'll navigate a narrow path through a canyon, stepping over stones and shallow streams. Once inside, the sight of the water cascading down into the moss-covered grotto is truly mesmerizing.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Skógafoss rivals Gullfoss as the most famous waterfall in Iceland. Probably one of the most recognized waterfalls in the world, Skógafoss is a sensational sight at any time of year. It has appeared in "Game of Thrones", several Hollywood films, and many music videos. Facing directly south, Skógafoss often displays rainbows arching over the 60-meter-high cascade. You can climb stairs up to the top to watch the Skóga river plunge into the pool below before flowing out toward the sea.
Black Beach of Reynisfjara
The last stop on this second day of our tour is the fabulous black sand beach at Reynisfjara. Here, dark volcanic sands stretch for miles, with powerful Atlantic waves crashing into the Reynisdrangar, a collection of towering rock formations just offshore. An astonishing cliffside stack of basalt columns, resembling a church organ, adds to the surreal beauty of the beach. You can also see the stone arches of Dyrhólaey far out to sea. Be cautious as you explore – the waves are often faster and stronger than they seem! From here, we head to our remote hotel in the far east, where, new day comes, the frozen world of ice caves awaits you!
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Skogafoss Waterfall
Reynisfjara Black Beach
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: stay in a cozy country hotel - 3
Day 3 — Venture Inside the Ice Cave & Discover Glacier Lagoon
We start at Diamond Beach, where glittering icebergs rest on vivid black sand like diamonds on velvet. After capturing amazing photos, we visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, famous for its enormous icebergs drifting out to sea and stunning wildlife.
Next is an unforgettable Blue Ice Cave tour, exploring natural ice formations deep within a glacier. We continue to Hofskirkja, a charming 19th-century turf church, before passing through the mossy Eldhraun Lava Field. Our final stop is Vík, where coastal views wrap up our day before heading back to Reykjavík.
Diamond Beach
First stop is the astounding Diamond Beach, where glittering fragments of icebergs are slowly sculpted into weird and wonderful shapes by the wind and waves. Lying on the vivid black sand like diamonds on a velvet cushion, the ice formations here are truly incredible. We'll bring you here first to ensure you capture the best photos, before heading to the source of these icebergs – the Glacier Lagoon at Jökulsárlón.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Just a few hundred yards inland lies the spectacular Glacier Lagoon of Jökulsárlón, featured in Batman and James Bond films. Here, enormous multi-colored icebergs break away from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and can spend up to five years slowly drifting out to sea, swaying back and forth as they continuously change in shape and size. Some icebergs are even striped with volcanic ash from ancient eruptions, offering a glimpse into geological time. Seals and seabirds also make their home here, so keep an eye out for them as they bask in the sun.
Blue Ice Cave Exploration
The highlight of our South Coast tour is a three-hour expedition to explore a unique natural blue ice cave. Hop aboard a Super Jeep to reach this rare phenomenon, nestled deep within a glacier – a sight that truly showcases the tremendous forces of Icelandic nature. Blue ice caves form naturally as fresh water freezes in plunging winter temperatures, with new caves created each year as glaciers freeze and melt into ever-changing shapes. It's a mesmerizing sight, filled with fantastic shapes in a range of colors. Our local guides will lead you to the most impressive blue ice caves in Vatnajökull National Park. Once you've been there, that blue ice cave may never exist again, making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Hofskirkja Church
Hofskirkja is thought to be among the last turf churches built in Iceland, dating back to the 19th century. Layers of green turf cover the roof of this storybook church, surrounded by moss-covered burial mounds, giving it the appearance of melting into the landscape. Rebuilt in the 1950s, it remains an active place of worship for locals, so this will be a quick stop for a photograph.
Eldhraun Lava Field
As we head back to the capital city, the landscape turns barren as we travel west through the Eldhraun lava field. This coastal area, shaped by the 1783 Laki eruption, is filled with rugged rock formations. Covered in a thick layer of moss, the lava field stretches far, showcasing Iceland's volcanic history and its powerful influence on the land.
VÍk Village
Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland and a popular resting spot for travelers along the Ring Road. There's a beautiful hilltop church here with fantastic views of the coast, including the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks. We'll stop here so you can capture some great photos from this vantage point. From Vík, we'll take you back to Reykjavík, where the tour concludes with convenient drop-offs.
Diamond Beach
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Ice Cave (Iceland)
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- Professional tour guided in English in a minibus
- Pick up and drop off within Reykjavik
- Accommodation for 2 nights in a double or a twin room with private bathroom and breakfast included
- Ice Caving Expeditions with all the safety equipment provided
- Entry fee to Kerid Volcanic Crater
- Free Wi-Fi on bus and USB chargers next to every seat
Not included
- Lunch & Dinner – we make scheduled stops so that guests can buy lunch or snacks during the tour
- Swimwear (optional for those wanting to use hot tubs). Towels are provided at the hotel
- Any personal expense
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–16 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 16 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 17–58 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 17 days to 58 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 59+ days before | 80% | Cancellation Made 59 or more days prior to departure, Refund 80% of total purchase amount |
Important info
Special notes
Pickup takes place between 08:30 – 09:00 – so please be ready from 8:30 at your pick up location.
Tour is operated under all weather conditions: please bring warm, wind & waterproof clothes.
Duration of the tour is 3 days and 2 night.
Estimated arrival time in Reykjavík on Day 3 is around 21:00 (Depending on weather and road conditions).
If you are a single traveler then a Single Room Supplement is mandatory.
If you wish to relax in geothermal waters at the end of Day 1 be sure to bring your swimwear! Towels are provided at no additional cost
Hiking boots are mandatory: Proper footwear when walking on uneven and slippery surfaces increases your safety and comfort. Please note, that you can be banned from participating in glacier activities when not wearing required shoes. If you do not own proper footwear (solid shoes reaching above your ankle) you can rent them during booking process
One small carry-on luggage is included per person: For your convenience and safety reasons, it is recommended that you pack lightly for this tour, in a small suitcase or backpack. If you have large luggage with you, please check with your accommodation if they offer luggage storage for your time on this tour. If that is not a possibility, you can pay a small fee per luggage and we will make sure we have space for it on the tour bus
[FAQs]
How does pickup and drop off work?
When you complete your booking, you'll be asked to choose a pick up and drop off location. Where possible, we will collect you directly from your hotel.
Some parts of the city have traffic restrictions, so you'll need to go to a designated bus stop for collection instead if your hotel is in that area.
This link will tell you which bus stop is closest to your accommodation.
There's a 30-minute window for collection while we pick up other passengers from their locations.
At the end of your tour, you'll be dropped off at the same place unless you choose to get off at another stop instead – that's your choice! Drop off can also take up to 30 minutes.
What should I wear on your tours and what to bring?
Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable, so you'll need to prepare appropriately, whatever the time of year for your tour.
That means choosing the right clothes (light layers), shoes (sturdy and waterproof) and coats (windproof & waterproof). And not wearing jeans, just in case it rains!
We've prepared a detailed guide for you to read, full of tips and tricks to help you know what to wear, what to bring and what to leave behind!
What is the luggage allowance?
If you're booking a multi-day tour of up to three days, the maximum "carry-on" bag size is 22 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm or 22 x 18 x 10 inches)
If your multi-day tour is longer than three days, then your ticket includes “carry-on” (see above) and 24 inch “checked” baggage sized no bigger than 60 x 41 x 23 cm (24 x 16.4 x 9.2 inches)
For shorter tours, you can choose to add "checked" baggage for an additional fee during the booking process.
If you want to guarantee bringing a larger bag on a shorter tour, it is best to book in advance. Oversized luggages can not be taken on board but need to be stored prior the tour at either our office or at one of the public luggage lockers dotted across Reykjavík (CHECK LOCATIONS & PRICES).
What hotels are used?
At Nicetravel, we choose our overnight accommodations with care to make the best use of your time in Iceland, with reasonable drive times between stops.
You'll enjoy a private room with en suite bathroom facilities and breakfast, WiFi, towels and, in most cases, a kettle for a morning brew.
Outside the capital, most Icelandic hotels are comfortable and unfussy, with friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable staff.
Enjoy the scenery while relaxing at the end of each day!
What are the room arrangements at our overnight accommodation?
For couples or groups traveling together, rooms will be assigned according to the number of people who have booked together.
Depending on availability at each location, you may request twin beds if that is your preference.
Larger groups will be accommodated in combinations of triple, double and twin rooms – three people in a triple room, four people in two doubles or twin rooms, five people in one triple and one double, and so on.
Are meals included and what kind of food is available on the tour?
Breakfast is included at each overnight location, featuring bread and butter, preserves, boiled eggs, cooked meats, fruits, yoghurts, tea, and coffee.
All other meals are at your own expense.
As the tour continues around the country, you can grab lunch and dinner at each of the scheduled stops, and we’ll offer recommendations if you want them!
Can the itinerary change due to the weather?
Yes. We monitor the weather and road conditions on the tour route to maximize your chance to see Iceland's attractions at their best.
That means we may change the order or timing of the stops to take advantage of the weather (avoiding rain or snow showers where possible) and "golden hour" photo opportunities.
If we receive a weather alert from the Icelandic Meteorological Office or roads are closed by the local authorities, we must cancel tours for your safety.
Iceland's weather is very changeable, meaning changes may occur quickly. If we have to cancel tours, we will send you an email notification immediately.
So please check your email inbox before heading out to the collection point, particularly if the weather looks bad in the city.
Sometimes the weather is worse outside the city, or vice versa!
How long will we be driving on the tour?
On average, we will cover 200-300 kilometers each day, with four to five hours of driving.
We schedule our tours as evenly as possible, with driving distances between each stop varying from 45 minutes to a couple of hours.
You'll have around 30 to 60 minutes to explore each location, with most attractions just a short walk from the parking lot.
As with everything in Iceland, the precise timings of the tour will depend on weather and road conditions on the day, as our priority is to keep you safe while exploring Iceland.
What happens if I want to bring my young children on the tour?
If you want to bring small children on our tours, we will provide booster seats to ensure their safety and comfort.
Important: bringing children younger than the minimum age stated for each trip is not permitted; please check carefully before submitting your booking.
When and where will I be dropped off?
After the final stop on the tour, we will return to the city. There is no specific time or drop off location – this can differ from the pick up spot.
You're free to ask the guide to drop you off in the city center, or back at your collection point, whichever is the most convenient for your evening plans.
You can expect to be dropped off within 30 minutes after the scheduled end of the tour.
In what languages tours are guided?
All our scheduled group tours are guided in English.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Price for Double Occupancy applies when two persons stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Child: 8-15 years old.
* Adult: 16+ years old.
* Children under 8 years of age are not permitted on this tour.
* Maximum room capacity: 2 people including adult and child/infant.
Tour operator
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NPR 1,45,006