Golden Circle, South Coast, Ice Cave & Jökulsárlón – 3 Days
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- Duration
- 3 days
- Guiding Style
- Fully Guided
- Hotel Rating
- B&B Standard
- Start / End
- Reykjavík → Reykjavík
- Group Size
- Min 1 / Max 18
- Physical Rating
- Easy Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Highlights
This action-packed 3-day fully guided tour from Reykjavík takes you through Iceland's most spectacular natural wonders — from the legendary Golden Circle and the dramatic South Coast, to the ethereal floating icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the extraordinary underground world of a natural ice cave.
With small groups of maximum 18 travelers, an expert English-speaking guide, and a certified glacier guide accompanying you throughout, this is Iceland at its most breathtaking — in every season.
- Explore Thingvellir National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland's first parliament was established in 930 AD, set dramatically between two tectonic plates
- Watch Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes at the Geysir geothermal area, shooting hot water up to 25 metres into the air
- Marvel at Gullfoss (the Golden Falls) – a powerful two-tier waterfall where the Hvítá River crashes into a canyon, creating stunning views and mist
- Walk behind the cascading curtain of Seljalandsfoss waterfall on the South Coast – one of Iceland's most unique experiences
- Overnight in South Iceland with a chance to witness the magical Northern Lights in winter, if conditions allow
- Visit the legendary Reynisdrangar sea stacks at the coastal village of Vík and the iconic black basalt columns tied to Icelandic folklore
- Explore the shoreline of the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, watching enormous icebergs drift silently across the water
- Photograph the Crystal Beach – where translucent ice chunks wash ashore against the black sand for truly unforgettable images
- Experience a natural ice cave – a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with a certified glacier guide: a Glacier Hike and Ice Cave in Skaftafell in winter, or the Katla Ice Cave in summer
- Discover Reynisfjara black sand beach with its powerful Atlantic waves, dramatic basalt cave, and the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks
- Stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and the otherworldly Eldhraun lava field, and climb Skógafoss waterfall for sweeping panoramic views
- Small group tour of maximum 18 travelers with a fully guided minibus, free WiFi on board, and pick-up & drop-off from the Reykjavík meeting point
3-Day Golden Circle, South Coast, Ice Cave & Jökulsárlón Tour Itinerary
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Day 1
The Famous Golden Circle Route
Your 3-day Golden Circle and South Coast tour starts with Iceland's top sights: Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland's first parliament began in 930 AD. It lies between two tectonic plates, creating a unique landscape with dramatic cliffs and a beautiful lake.
Next is the Geysir geothermal area. While Geysir itself is inactive, Strokkur erupts every few minutes, shooting hot water up to 25 metres into the air.
Then visit Gullfoss (the Golden Falls), a powerful two-tier waterfall where the Hvítá ("White") River crashes into a canyon, creating stunning views and mist. Afterward, head south. On clear days, you may see Mount Hekla. Stop at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can walk behind.
Overnight in South Iceland, with a chance to see the Northern Lights in winter if conditions are good.
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Day 2
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Ice Caving
After breakfast and check-out, we head east. Our first stop is the coastal village of Vík, where we view the Reynisdrangar sea stacks from a new angle. From there, we enjoy a scenic drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. At the lagoon, we explore the shoreline and see icebergs floating across the water. We also visit the nearby black sand Crystal Beach, where clear ice chunks wash ashore — perfect for unforgettable photos.
Next, we visit a natural ice cave — a true highlight and once-in-a-lifetime experience. The exact cave depends on weather and safety conditions, as ice caves constantly change. In winter, we go on a Glacier Hike and Ice Cave in Skaftafell. In summer, we visit the Katla Ice Cave. The ice cave visited is always selected based on the day's conditions and safety, and an alternative cave may be chosen if necessary.
We end the day by heading to our hotel for the night.
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Day 3
South Coast Sightseeing
After breakfast, we head toward Reykjavík with scenic stops along the way. If conditions allow, we'll visit Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, then the Eldhraun lava field. Next is Reynisfjara black sand beach, where powerful Atlantic waves crash along the shore — stay alert and follow your guide's safety advice. Explore the nearby basalt cave and admire the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, iconic pillars tied to Icelandic legend.
Our final stop is Skógafoss waterfall, where you can climb for panoramic views. We then return to Reykjavík, arriving between 16:00–19:00 depending on weather conditions.
What's Included
Accommodation
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with private bathroom (B&B standard)
Guide & Activities
- English-speaking tour guide throughout
- Certified glacier guide for the ice cave experience
- Golden Circle – Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir
- Highlights of the South Coast
- Ice cave experience (with glacier hike in winter)
Transport
- Guided minibus tour throughout
- Pick-up and drop-off from the meeting point in Reykjavík
- Free WiFi on board the bus
Meals
- Hotel breakfasts on Days 2 and 3
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Pre & post tour accommodation
- Optional experiences
- Any item, product or service not specifically listed under Included
Additional Information
- You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
- The tour returns to Reykjavík on Day 3 between 16:00 and 19:00, depending on weather conditions.
- The ice cave visited is selected based on the day's conditions and safety — an alternative cave may be chosen if necessary. Ice caves are a natural phenomenon that undergoes constant change; their appearance may vary depending on the season, time of day, lighting, and other factors.
- In winter, the ice cave experience includes a Glacier Hike and Ice Cave in Skaftafell. In summer, the Katla Ice Cave is visited.
- Northern Lights sightings during the overnight stay in South Iceland (Day 1) are possible in winter but cannot be guaranteed.
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon on Day 3 is visited subject to conditions.
- What to bring: Warm outdoor clothing including layers, thermal underwear (top and bottom), a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear, scarves, and gloves. Sturdy hiking boots are essential for glacier hiking as they are the only footwear that fit ice crampons.
- The sequence of the tour may change depending on the departure date.
- Tour reference code: 347385
Dates & Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes 2 nights hotel accommodation with private bathroom, hotel breakfasts on Days 2 and 3, a guided minibus tour with an English-speaking tour guide and a certified glacier guide, the Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir), highlights of the South Coast, an ice cave experience (with glacier hike in winter), pick-up and drop-off from the meeting point in Reykjavík, and free WiFi on board the bus.
The tour starts and ends in Reykjavík. Pick-up and drop-off are provided from the meeting point in Reykjavík. The tour returns to Reykjavík on Day 3 between 16:00 and 19:00 depending on weather conditions.
The Golden Circle covers three of Iceland's most iconic sites: Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland's first parliament was established in 930 AD and which sits between two tectonic plates; the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes shooting hot water up to 25 metres; and Gullfoss (the Golden Falls), a powerful two-tier waterfall where the Hvítá River crashes into a canyon.
The ice cave experience is a once-in-a-lifetime highlight of the tour. In winter, the tour includes a Glacier Hike and Ice Cave in Skaftafell. In summer, the Katla Ice Cave is visited. The exact cave is always selected based on the day's conditions and safety, and an alternative cave may be chosen if necessary. A certified glacier guide accompanies this experience throughout.
At Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you'll explore the shoreline and witness icebergs floating across the water. You'll also visit the nearby Crystal Beach — a black sand beach where clear ice chunks wash ashore, creating extraordinary photo opportunities.
Day 3 returns toward Reykjavík with stops at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (conditions permitting), the Eldhraun lava field, Reynisfjara black sand beach with its basalt cave and the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and Skógafoss waterfall, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views.
There is a chance to see the Northern Lights during the overnight stay in South Iceland on Day 1, in winter, if conditions are good. Northern Lights sightings are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.
Warm outdoor clothing is essential, including layers, thermal underwear (top and bottom), a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear, scarves, and gloves. Sturdy hiking boots are essential for glacier hiking as they are the only footwear that fit ice crampons.
The tour starts from US $1,408 per person, reduced from the standard price of US $2,200 — a saving of 36%. Price varies by departure date.