The Essential 3-Day South Iceland tour is perfect for the shorter days of the Icelandic winter, when it can be difficult to fit all you want to see and experience within a short holiday. With the help of a private guide, your winter getaway will be a fun and safe experience, including the most celebrated sights while going a little off the beaten path and hopefully seeing the Northern Lights!
This 3 day winter private tour takes you across the entire south coast of Iceland and includes an ice cave tour in the Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel as icebergs float around on the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and wash up on the shores of the famous Diamond Beach. We will also witness the power of numerous waterfalls, bathe in a geothermal hot pool, watch as geysers erupt within the Golden Circle area. With some luck, we’ll see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky while staying in one of the seclude hotels on the south coast of Iceland. All this within the space of 3 action packed days!
The proposed itinerary spans a total of three days, but can be extended depending on your timeframe and activities chosen. Arrival and departure days, as well as any additional days, will be meticulously planned by our Travel Experts to ensure a seamless experience. We also recommend allocating at least one full day in Reykjavík before or after your tour to explore the vibrant city and its surroundings.
Your Winter Expedition
Similar to our Essential South Iceland Summer itinerary, this 3-day tour offers you to travel the entire south coast without rush, allowing you to have the added flexibility while exploring locations during winter conditions.
3-Day South Iceland Tour
Winter Itinerary
Day 1 | Explore The Entire South Coast
This private tour begins as your private guide picks you up from your accommodation, and together you’ll explore the entire south coast of Iceland, starting with the most iconic sights along the south coast. First up, we visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the Skógafoss waterfall, the perfect picture locations. Both standing at roughly 60 metres high, there are plenty of chances to get a great picture and to get a little wet. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. This is all before taking a walk on the black beach of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. The unique rock formations and powerful waves ensures this stop is always a favourite.
We continue our drive further east, where we’ll soon start to see the spectacular glaciers and Iceland’s highest mountains. Pending daylight, you’ll explore more south coast wonders before coming into our accommodation for the night. The hotels in the south-east corner of Iceland are ideally located away from any light pollution. This means that on clear nights and favourable conditions, you’ll be able to stargaze or see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky from right outside your room, an unforgettable experience.
During your private tour, while staying outside the city, your guide will lead you on a northern lights hunt on one evening. By monitoring the forecast and conditions, they will choose the best night for this magical experience. Depending on the conditions, you may drive to an optimal viewing spot or simply step outside your hotel to witness the aurora. Your guide will provide expert tips on how to spot this natural wonder.
Where do we stay?
We stay at the wonderful Hótel Glacier Lagoon, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (or equivalent).
Day 2 | Vatnajökull National Park & Ice Caves
After a good night’s rest, we set off on another incredible day. We start at one of our all-time favourite locations in Iceland, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here we take some time to explore this enormous glacier lagoon and the icebergs which float around here, glistening in the winter sun. Seals can often be spotted swimming among the icebergs. From there we make our way over to the Diamond Beach, where the icebergs from the lagoon wash up on the shores of this black sand beach.
It’s here we meet with our partners who get us to a remote part of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier in their remarkable super jeeps, so we can access one of the blue ice caves in the region. From where their rugged super jeeps take us, it is only a short walk to witness the blues and textures of these natural works of art. To learn more about what the ice cave hike entails, read our Glacier & Ice Cave Guide.
Afterwards, we’ll head back west, stopping along the way. We head to our secluded hotel for the night, where we’ll have dinner in their restaurant once you have settled into your room. All hotel options today are perfect for spotting the Northern Lights on a clear night!
Looking to customise this day?
Alternatively, to the ice cave tour we can join our helicopter partners who are based in the south-east who will fly us to more remote ice caves in the area, such as the Blue Dragon Ice Cave. From the helicopter landing spot, there is just a short walk to the cave entrance to the massive opening of the enormous Blue Dragon Ice Cave.
Where do we stay?
Choose from various options in the area, including Skálakot Luxury Manor or the pristine Hotel UMI (or equivalent).
Day 3 | Golden Circle Marvels
After breakfast, we’ll head towards the geothermal area of Geysir, the original exploding geyser, and it’s bubbling hot springs. Next we are to be awed by the force of Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. Gullfoss is equally stunning on sunny days, in the midst of a rainbow, as it is on a more moody afternoon when you really appreciate its glacier origins.
Next, we’ll visit the tomato greenhouse farm Friðheimar to refuel with a unique lunch inside the geothermal greenhouse among all the tomato plants. You can taste their famous tomato soup with homemade bread, ravioli, or grilled tortilla pizza, as well as hot beverages, as a part of your included lunch.
Finally, we head onto the UNESCO Heritage Site and National Park Þingvellir. This National Park holds a special place for Icelanders due to its historical and geological significance. It is also a place of astounding contrasts and beauty, sitting in the rift valley of the separating North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. To conclude the tour, we either head past the city to the Blue Lagoon to finish the trip on a high note, or simply return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon for a chance to explore the city. The choice is yours.
Where do we stay?
Tonight, the choice is yours: journey onward to the renowned Blue Lagoon for a luxurious stay at the 4-star Silica Lagoon or the 5-star The Retreat. Alternatively, opt for an evening of exploration in Reykjavík, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and culinary delights of Iceland’s capital city.
Winter South Iceland Tour Highlights
|
OPERATES |
DURATION 3 days, 2 nights exclusive of arrival & departure days |
MINIMUM AGE 10-years old This can be modified |
| LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY Moderate This can be modified |
STARTING POINT Reykjavík, this can be customised |
END POINT |
| Inclusions • Accommodation with breakfast all mornings • Activities as listed in the proposed itinerary • Private transportation with Wi-Fi • Led by one of our guides for the duration of the tour |
Exclusions • International flights • Meals unless otherwise specified |
Accommodation options
Premium: Primarily 4-star hotels, offering high-quality amenities and services, comfortable and stylish rooms, and excellent locations with easy access to attractions.
Luxury: Combination of 4-star and 5-star hotels and lodges, providing superior amenities and exceptional service, elegant and spacious rooms, and often feature on-site fine dining and wellness facilities.
Exclusive accommodation & private lodges: Exclusively 5-star hotels and private lodges, offering unmatched luxury and personalised service, luxurious suites and private accommodations, with top-tier amenities including private pools, spas, and gourmet dining options.
Ready to make this South Iceland tour your dream trip this winter?
