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3-Day South Coast & Golden Circle Adventure Exploration
From
Min Age
Duration
Overview
This short 3-day tour is perfect if you’re short on time but still want to experience the best of Iceland. We’ll take you to see some of the most stunning sights, like breathtaking waterfalls, thrilling glacier hikes, and the incredible ice caves at Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. At night, you’ll get to enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of towns, giving you the best opportunity to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Northern Lights during the winter months.
Highlights Of The Tour
✓ New Katla Ice Cave (summer season only)
✓ Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir)
✓ Geysir Hot Springs
✓ Gullfoss Waterfall
✓ Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
✓ Skógafoss Waterfall
✓ Skaftafell – Vatnajökull National Park
✓ Svartifoss Waterfall (summer only)
✓ Jökulsarlón Glacier Lagoon
✓ Diamond Beach
✓ Ice Cave Visit
✓ Reynisfjara – Black Beach & Basalt Columns
✓ Hekla – Volcano Views (weather permitting)
✓ Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (weather permitting)
✓ Eyjafjallajökull – Volcano / Glacier Views (weather permitting)
Included/Exclude
- Pick-up & drop off from Reykjavík
- Guided Minibus Tour
- Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir & Þingvellir)
- Highlights of the South Coast
- Ice Cave Visit and Glacier Hiking
- 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
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
About the Tour
During this 3-day tour, you won’t have to make a tough decision between exploring the Golden Circle or the South Coast. You’ll get to experience both, allowing you to discover all the amazing sights these regions have to offer!
DAY 1 – THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
The Golden Circle boasts three incredible natural wonders that you simply can’t miss on your trip to Iceland. At the Geysir Geothermal Area, you’ll be amazed by Strokkur, the most active hot spring in Iceland, shooting boiling water up to 25 meters high every 5 to 10 minutes!
Next, in Thingvellir National Park, you’ll have the unique opportunity to stand between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, framed by a striking cliff face. This is where Iceland’s historic parliament was established back in 930 CE, making it the oldest ongoing parliament in the world. Thingvellir is proudly recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Lastly, prepare to be awed at Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Falls, where you’ll witness misty golden sprays against rugged cliffs as powerful waters cascade through the canyon.
Afterwards, we’ll embark on a scenic drive along the Ring Road to the South Coast, stopping by Seljalandsfoss, one of the world’s most unique waterfalls. You’ll spend the night at a cozy country hotel, and if the weather forecast is favorable, keep an eye out for the enchanting Northern Lights between September and April.
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 Hunting (During September-April in good conditions)
- One night at a hotel
Accommodation
Adventure Hotel Geirland
or similar
DAY 2 – JÖKULSÁRLON GLACIER LAGOON AND ICE CAVING
Our journey takes us to the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, renowned as one of the most stunning glacier lagoons worldwide, before we continue to the picturesque Skaftafell Nature Reserve. If you’re traveling with us during the winter months (October to April), get ready for an unforgettable glacier hike led by a certified guide.
You’ll delve into the fascinating world of the glacier, learning about its constant changes and the intricate network of crevasses and moulins hidden beneath the surface. Your guide will illuminate the extraordinary features of the massive ice tongue and its captivating hues of white, blue, and black. In the summer, we’ll explore the Katla Ice Cave near Vik, the sole natural ice cave accessible during the warmer months.
Wrap up your day at a cozy hotel along the South Coast of Iceland, where you’ll have another fantastic opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights between September and April.
Day Highlights
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- The Diamond Beach
- Natural Ice Cave
- Glacier Hike (winter only)
- Vatnajokull Glacier
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Svartifoss Waterfall
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 Hunting (During September-April in good conditions)
- One night in a hotel
Accommodation
Adventure Hotel Geirland
or similar
DAY 3- SOUTH COAST SIGHTSEEING
The following day promises an adventure-packed exploration of the top highlights along the South Coast. Weather permitting, we’ll kick off with a brief detour to the enchanting Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Then, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the iconic Eldhraun lava field before making our way to Reynisfjara black beach. Prepare to be mesmerized by the striking basalt Reynisdrangar sea stacks emerging from the coastline.
Our tour will culminate with a visit to the iconic Skogafoss Waterfall, a majestic cascade standing at an impressive 60 meters tall on the Skógará (the Forest River), fed by the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
If the weather permits and skies are clear, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the volcano mountain, Hekla, as we journey to the unique Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Here, you’ll have the thrilling opportunity to walk behind the powerful cascade, provided the path is free of ice.
For more details about the daily schedule and additional information on Iceland’s South Coast tour, please refer to the itinerary. This trip promises to be the highlight of your three-day guided tour of South Iceland!
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
Practical Information
Return Time: We anticipate returning to Reykjavík sometime between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., depending on the prevailing conditions.
Pick-up Details: We’ll be picking you up from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Reykjavík at 9:00 a.m. Please be patient as the pick-up process may take up to 30 minutes. You can find a list of available pick-up points on Arctic Adventures’s website.
What to Bring: Be sure to dress warmly with layers, including thermal underwear, a waterproof jacket and pants, and don’t forget your headwear, scarves, and gloves. For glacier hiking, sturdy hiking boots are essential as they’re the only footwear suitable for ice crampons. You can rent hiking boots during the booking process or at the Glacier Guides Booking Center in Skaftafell. It’s advisable to arrange rentals in advance.
Don’t have all the necessary clothing items? No problem! You can rent sturdy hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and pants during the booking process. If you need additional items like hiking boots, waterproof jacket, and pants for the glacier hike, they can be rented at the Glacier Guides Booking Center on location. However, if you want to rent extras for the entire duration of the tour, please ensure you add this to your booking at least 48 hours before the tour begins.
What To Bring
- 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
Cancellation Policy
More than 14 days’ notice 100% refund
Less than 14 days’ notice 50% refund
Less than 48 hours notice No refund
Cancellations or amendments with more than 14 days’ notice before trip departure:
You will be refunded 100% of the total tour price.
Cancellations or amendments with less than 14 days’ notice before trip departure:
You will be refunded 50% of your total tour price. 50% is non-refundable, as this represents our direct cost of canceling any arrangements made for your tour.
Cancellations or amendments with less than 48-hours’ notice before trip departure:
No refund will be given if tours are canceled or if amendments are made with less than 48 hours’ notice, as Tourism Iceland will be charged for all costs such as guides, transport, etc.
Extras and rental gear, booked as part of a multi-day tour fall under the terms as stated here above.
Offered by Arctic Adventures, a partner vendor