5-Day Golden Circle, Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights with 4-Star Hotel Stay

After breakfast, the day begins with a journey into the Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most well-known routes, where natural forces and history meet in close reach of one another.

The first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can walk between the drifting edges of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and explore the site where Iceland’s first parliament, Alþingi, was established in 930 AD — a place still held in high regard today.

From there, the route continues to the Geysir geothermal area. Though the original Geysir is now mostly quiet, the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, sending columns of hot water into the air. The stop offers a chance to witness Iceland’s geothermal activity up close.

The final visit of the day is to Gullfoss, a two-tiered waterfall that drops into a narrow canyon, often with mist rising and rainbows forming in the afternoon light.

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Reykjavík. The evening is free — whether you’d prefer to rest at the hotel or take one last walk through the city’s streets, cafés, and coastal paths.

Pickup starts: 08:30

Day Highlights

• Geysir Geothermal Area
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Þingvellir National Park

Included

• Hotel breakfast
• Guided day tour of the Golden Circle
• Drop off back in Reykjavík
• One-night accommodation

The day begins early, with your guide meeting the group at the hotel at 07:45. Once everyone is on board, the journey heads southeast along Iceland’s south coast — a route known for its shifting landscapes and quiet power.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
The first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a 60-meter-high waterfall that falls from a cliff face carved by ancient glaciers. A walking path leads behind the cascade, offering a rare perspective — but waterproof layers are recommended, as the spray can be strong depending on conditions.

Skógafoss Waterfall
Further east, near the base of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, we visit Skógafoss — one of Iceland’s most recognisable waterfalls. Wide and steady, it drops 60 meters in a single sheet. A staircase leads to a viewpoint above, while the base offers a close-up view of the mist and movement. Skógafoss is also tied to local legend, with stories of hidden treasure said to lie behind its falls.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Next, we visit Reynisfjara, a black sand beach shaped by the force of the Atlantic. Basalt columns rise from the cliffs, and just offshore stand the sea stacks known as Reynisdrangar. The waves here are powerful and unpredictable — your guide will offer safety advice and share a bit of the folklore tied to this striking place.

Through Vík and Onward
The journey continues through the village of Vík, and further east along a stretch of road lined with black sand flats, moss-covered lava fields, and views of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. You’ll pass through the Skaftafell region and cross glacial rivers before arriving at the day’s accommodation.

Overnight in the Countryside
You’ll stay at a remote 4-star hotel — well away from city lights, offering good conditions for spotting the Northern Lights when skies are clear. If conditions allow, the aurora may be visible right from the property.

Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Day Highlights

• Seljalandsfoss
• Skógafoss waterfall
• Reynisfjara beach
• Vík í Mýrdal
• Northern Lights (weather permitting)

Included

• Hotel breakfast
• Morning pick up
• Guided visit of south coast highlights
• One-night accommodation
• Spa access with hot tubs, sauna, and gym at Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon

Today’s journey takes you into the realm of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. It’s a day shaped by shifting ice, black sands, and the steady guidance of experienced glacier guides.

The Crystal Ice Cave

Each winter, new ice caves form deep within the glacier — shaped by meltwater, compression, and the glacier’s constant movement. The Crystal Ice Cave is one of these natural formations, known for its vivid blue walls and intricate interior.

The day begins with a drive from the hotel to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, followed by an off-road journey in a specially modified super jeep toward Vatnajökull. Once there, you’ll be fitted with the necessary safety gear before entering the cave on foot, accompanied by local glacier guides. Inside, you’ll see crevasses, ice formations, and vertical shafts carved by meltwater known as moulins. The deep blue tones are created by tightly packed ice and low light — a sight unique to glacial interiors.

After about an hour in the cave, the group returns to Jökulsárlón.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

You’ll also have time to explore the lagoon itself — a 200-meter-deep glacial lake filled with icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull. The water is strikingly blue, and the floating ice shifts with the tide and wind, creating a constantly changing landscape.

Diamond Beach

Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, where fragments of ice wash ashore on the black volcanic sand. The contrast of blue ice and dark shoreline makes this one of Iceland’s most distinctive coastal views.

Return to Reykjavík

In the afternoon, the journey heads west, returning to Reykjavík by evening — with an estimated arrival between 20:00 and 21:00. The itinerary is flexible, and depending on road and weather conditions, your guide may adjust the schedule to ensure the best possible experience.

Day Highlights

• Blue ice cave
• Jökulsárlón
• Diamond beach

Included

• Hotel breakfast
• Guided visit to a Blue ice cave
• Certified Glacier Guide
• Specialized glacier gear
• Guided visit of south coast highlights
• Drop off in Reykjavík
• One-night accommodation

Your journey through Iceland comes to a close. After breakfast and checkout you can explore Reykjavík on your own or start heading to the airport for your flight. 

To make your departure as easy as possible we offer an optional private transfer during booking that takes you straight to Keflavík Airport.

*prices of optional services, including convenient airport transfer, are shown in the next step of the booking process.

Day Highlights

• Reykjavík, explore on your own

Included

• Hotel breakfast

Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so packing smart is key to making the most of your day, whatever the conditions.

Here are a few essentials to bring along:

• Warm layers - Places inland tend to be colder than Reykjavík especially at night
• Windproof layers - Nothing worse than being cold while hunting for the lights 
• Snacks and Drinks - The option to stop for snacks may not be available in the late evening
• Hiking boots - Sturdy shoes are better in these landscapes
• Fully charged Camera - And know the right settings for good photos

As we operate this tour only in winter we also recommend thermal layers, warm socks, and crampons, as trails can become icy.

During the booking process you can add:

• Private Door-to-Door Airport Shuttle 
• Shared Scheduled Airport Transfer

Booking Process

The booking engine calculates rates per room. Simply pick one double room for two people.

Pickup

On day two you meet your guide at the hotel lobby at 07:45.

Drop off

On day three the tour is scheduled to end around 20:00 - 21:00 at night with a hotel dropoff.

Hotel Stay in Reykjavík

You'll stay at a 4-star hotel in Reykjavík before and after the tour. To exclude hotel stay in Reykjavík please book the 2 Day South Coast Tour.