3-Day South Coast Iceland Tour: Golden Circle + Two Waterfalls + Black Sand Beach + Glacier Hike & Ice Cave Adventure + Glacier Lagoon (English-Speaking Minibus Tour, Max. 18 People)

Itinerary details

Depart Reykjavík in the morning to explore the Golden Circle. 【Þingvellir National Park】 is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Icelandic mainland and the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament. At the 【Geysir Geothermal Area】, the Great Geysir was once a powerful geyser, and the English word “geyser” derives from its name. Although it is now dormant, you can watch its neighbor Strokkur erupt every few minutes, sending a column of boiling water up to 25 meters into the sky. At 【Gullfoss】, sunlight refracts through the waterfall’s spray to create a rainbow and a golden shimmer, giving the waterfall its name. After exploring the Golden Circle, we’ll head south to 【Seljalandsfoss】, where you can walk behind the curtain of water and admire the falls from both sides. That evening, we’ll stay at a hotel in southern Iceland. *In winter, your guide will check the official aurora forecast and let you know when you are most likely to see the Northern Lights. If the sky is clear and the aurora forecast is favorable, you may be able to see the Northern Lights directly from the countryside hotel we arrange for you. No guide information is provided for this tour. Please refer to your confirmation voucher for the meeting time and location.

Important notes

Please note: Iceland’s unique geographical location means its scenery is spectacular and unusual, and the weather can change quickly. For safety, our experienced senior guides may adjust the itinerary at any time based on actual weather conditions. In extreme weather, attractions may be canceled to ensure guest safety. Thank you for your understanding.

Meals

Breakfast: at your own expense Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Accommodation

Example hotel: Hótel Geirland or similar

Attraction details

Site of Iceland’s ancient parliament (open-air assembly)

Site of Iceland’s ancient parliament (open-air assembly)

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Located about 40 km east of Reykjavík, this is one of the world’s oldest democratic parliamentary sites, established in 930 AD. It is also a landmark wonder at the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Geyser

Geyser

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The Geysir hot spring is located in the Haukadalur Valley, near Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. The entire area is a geothermal field with around 50 geysers. Geysir is particularly prominent: its eruptions reach higher than those of any other spring or geyser in Iceland, making it one of the world’s most famous geysers. Strokkur is also located here, about 50 meters (160 feet) to the south. Geysir was the first geyser recorded in history and the first discovered by Europeans. The English word “geyser” comes from this place name. Geysir can shoot boiling water up to 70 meters (230 feet) into the air, although its eruptions can sometimes become infrequent. Records show that it has stopped erupting altogether for as long as a year.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall

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This is Iceland’s second-largest waterfall. It was given the name “Golden” not only because the river water has a slight yellow tint, but also because at dusk the setting sun bathes the entire waterfall in gold, creating a precious, golden spectacle.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

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Also known as Pasture Waterfall, it is named after a nearby sheep pasture. The waterfall is 63 meters high, and its water comes from a glacial spring and is safe to drink. Behind the waterfall, at the foot of the cliff, there is a path that visitors can walk through. Exploring and taking photos there is a highlight, and countless photographers have been captivated by its beauty, capturing many stunning images from different angles.

Itinerary details

After breakfast, drive east to visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Icebergs of different shapes and sizes float on the lagoon, slowly drifting toward the Atlantic Ocean and creating a dreamlike scene. Some icebergs are washed onto nearby Diamond Beach, where they sparkle against the black sand like enormous diamonds. Then continue to the magnificent Vatnajökull Glacier, where we’ll begin a new adventure— *From October through April, join a glacier hike and visit a natural ice cave, led by a professional glacier guide. During the hike, your guide will explain how these layers of glacial ice formed. *In summer, we’ll visit the only natural ice cave open to visitors year-round: Katla Ice Cave, near Vík. *In winter, your guide will check the official aurora forecast and let you know when you are most likely to see the Northern Lights. If the sky is clear and the aurora forecast is favorable, you may be able to see the Northern Lights directly from the countryside hotel we arrange for you. Your guide may adjust the itinerary depending on the weather and other conditions on the day. ***Come explore the glacier! We provide all the essential safety equipment for glacier hiking, including crampons, ice axes, helmets, and safety ropes. You’ll need to bring your own hiking boots and waterproof clothing. You can also rent hiking boots and waterproof clothing from us for an additional fee. ***Please note that the ice cave on this tour is not the traditional blue ice cave (Crystal Ice Cave). The winter glacier hike and ice cave exploration focus on the glacier hike, with a small natural ice cave along the way.

Important notes

***Please note: We will select a suitable ice cave based on the conditions. The ice cave visit and glacier hike together will take about 2 hours on the ice. This tour is suitable for travelers who can comfortably walk for about 2 hours over gentle outdoor terrain.

Meals

Breakfast: at the hotel Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Accommodation

Example hotel: Hótel Geirland or similar

Attraction details

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

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The formation of Jökulsárlón Lagoon is quite unusual. Vatnajökull has an opening here, creating the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. At the glacier’s end lies a lake about 100 meters deep. Huge chunks of ice continually break off the glacier and float on the lake. Shaped by wind, rain, and currents, these icebergs become natural sculptures. Taking a boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a wonderful experience.

Vatnajökull Glacier

Vatnajökull Glacier

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Vatnajökull is the world’s third-largest glacier, covering 8,300 square kilometers. It is surpassed in size only by the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, and is also a vast glacier that can be visited without professional training.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach

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Giant icebergs on Vatnajökull Glacier constantly break off and melt into small pieces of ice that flow into Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The Atlantic Ocean then washes them onto the black beach opposite the lagoon. These ice fragments are somewhat transparent and sparkle in the sunlight, contrasting sharply with the black sand like glittering diamonds. Hence the name Diamond Beach.

Itinerary details

After breakfast, drive west back to Reykjavík. If road conditions permit, you’ll also have the chance to visit an extra surprise: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. We’ll head to the dramatic black sands of Reynisfjara, where powerful Atlantic waves roar and crash against the shore. Before leaving the beach, don’t miss the black basalt sea stacks of Reynisdrangar. Next is our final stop, Skógafoss, where a rushing waterfall plunges 60 meters from a cliff into a tranquil pool below, creating an unforgettable sight. Return to Reykjavík between 16:00 and 19:00, depending on the weather and road conditions. End of tour.

Important notes

Note: Black sand beaches are among Iceland’s most dangerous beaches. Please take care while visiting and never turn your back on the waves. In winter, do not enter the cave behind the columnar basalt. Note: All times shown on this webpage are for reference only. Actual arrival times may be delayed due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather, traffic congestion, traffic accidents, festivals or sporting events, civil unrest, or strikes. We appreciate your understanding. If you have onward travel plans involving other transportation to another city, we strongly recommend allowing at least 3 hours of extra time to avoid inconvenience caused by delays. Our company accepts no responsibility for losses arising from travel arrangements you make yourself without allowing sufficient extra time. Thank you for your understanding.

Meals

Breakfast: at the hotel Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Accommodation

None

Attraction details

Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach

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The black sand beach was formed from obsidian that cooled after a volcanic eruption and was weathered over time. Its naturally deep, translucent black sands leave the seawater crystal clear and undisturbed, shimmering with a faint golden glow in the sunlight. There are two entrances to the black sand beach. One is to drive to Vik and turn off onto Reynishverfisvegur, where you can see the entire stretch of black sand beach and a long row of basalt rock formations.

Skógafoss

Skógafoss

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Also known as Forest Waterfall, it is named after a forest on a nearby hillside. The waterfall originates from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, whose volcano erupted in 2010. On sunny days, one or even two rainbows appear over the waterfall.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

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This is a breathtaking place: a winding canyon about 100 meters deep and two kilometers long. Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You” music video was filmed here.