The Essential South Iceland 3 Day Tour was put together for people with limited time in Iceland but who still want to immerse themselves in Iceland’s unbelievable nature, experience the most celebrated sights and go a little off the beaten path. Iceberg filled lagoons, adventurous glaciers, uncountable waterfalls, erupting geysers, shimmering black sand beaches and of course unforgettable food. This short trip has it all!
You’ll explore the entire south coast of Iceland, hike on an outlet glacier within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vatnajökull National Park, which holds Europe’s largest glacier. Marvel as icebergs float around the enormous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and wash up on the black sand shores of the Diamond Beach. We will also bathe in the Blue Lagoon natural hot pool in the Golden Circle area, watch geysers erupt and thunderous waterfalls flow and much more. Your secluded accommodation is perfect for basking the midnight sun during summer. All this within the space of three action packed days!
This 3 day trip is designed to work well between April and October, but we offer another winter version with an ice cave tour between November and March, as all the locations are just as breathtaking in each season.
ESSENTIAL SOUTH ICELAND | 3 DAY PRIVATE TOUR
Tour Summary
Day 1: Explore the entire south coast of Iceland
Day 2: Adventure day with glacier hike tour and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Day 3: Golden Circle with Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse Lunch and Blue Lagoon
Please Note: Arrival day, departure day and additional days are not part of the proposed itinerary but will be planned by our Trip Planners for you in your first quote. We also recommend having at least one full day in Reykjavík before or after your tour.
Kristi Winterfeldt at Jökulsárlón with Seals. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
Day 1 | Explore The Entire South Coast
On our first two days we travel the entire south coast of Iceland, giving you the time to take in some of Iceland’s most iconic sights. First up we have the impressive Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. The power and beauty of these very different but equally awe inspiring waterfalls ensure they are always a fan favourite. Cascading falls of glacial and snow melt dropping down 60 metres, landing only meters away, makes for some stunning photographs.
Seljalandsfoss at Sunset by Danny Mcgee. Hidden Iceland
Skógafoss Waterfall | Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour | Hidden Iceland | Photo by Norris Niman. Skogafoss.
Next up is the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach with its unique hexagonal basalt columns. The raw power of waves from the North Atlantic ocean pounding onto the black sand shores is a great spectacle. In summer, this is an ideal Atlantic puffin nesting ground.
Later, you will explore the endless moss covered Eldhraun lava field from the devastating Laki eruption and stand in awe on the feather like ridges of the incredible Fjaðrárgljúfur gorge.
On our way to our accommodation for the night we pass through Skaftafell, taking in the spectacular views of the glaciers and Iceland’s highest peaks in Vatnajökull National Park. Our accommodation options are perfectly located to take in all the beauty of south east Iceland.
Where do we stay?
We stay at the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon on our first night of the tour (or equivalent)
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach & Reynisfjall by Danny Mcgee.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Gorge by Norris Niman
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Norris Niman. Feature
Day 2 | Vatnajökull National Park
Our second day packs in even more action and stunning sights.
To start the day, you’ll be mesmerised by the giant icebergs floating around the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. If you’re lucky, you can spot some curious seals swimming around the lagoon, as well as large blocks of ice washed up on the nearby Diamond Beach, sparkling on the black sand.
In the afternoon, you’ll get up close and personal to the astonishingly beautiful ice formations of an outlet glacier of the enormous Vatnajökull Icecap for our customisable glacier hike (designed for first timers), getting unbeatable views of the ice fall.
After the breathtaking hike on the Falljökull glacier we head back west, staying overnight at one of our favourite south coast hotels, perfectly placed to venture into the Golden Circle area on the third day of the tour! Read more about our glacier hike here.
Where do we stay?
We have plenty to choose from in this area from the quaint Hotel VOS guesthouse to the Skálakot Luxury Manor or the pristine Hotel UMI (or equivalent). All great options based on your budget and preference.
Diamond Beach. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Emily Sillett
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour by Paul Fencaros
Hike up to the icefall on Falljökull Glacier by Amy Robinson. Feature
Day 3 | Golden Circle
On the final day, we commence our tour through the Golden Circle. This day is a little easier after an adventurous few days.
After breakfast, we get to witness the force of Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. On sunny days, rainbows appear in the mist of this glacial flow waterfall. From there, it is only a short drive to see the wonders of the geothermal area of Geysir, the original exploding geyser, and its surrounding steam vents.
Afterwards, we will refuel with a unique lunch inside the tomato greenhouse farm Friðheimar. There, they produce over two tonnes of tomatoes each day. Having lunch amongst all the tomato plants in the greenhouse is something we are sure you will never forget. We will be able to try their famous tomato soup, ravioli pasta or grilled tortilla pizza, homemade bread, as well as hot beverages. An all inclusive lunch (except alcohol) is included in the price of this tour.
After all this we drive to the famous Þingvellir National Park. This National Park holds historical and geological significance and Þingvellir is the site of the first known parliament in the world, where many of Iceland’s most important decisions were made. It is also a place of incredible beauty, sitting in the rift valley of the separating North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
To end the day we either head past the city to the Blue Lagoon to end the trip with a bang or simply return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon for a chance to explore the city. The choice is yours.
Where do we stay?
Your guide will drop you off either at the luxurious Silica by Blue Lagoon or the 5 star Retreat by Blue Lagoon for a unique treat to wrap up your stay in Iceland. Both these hotels give you access to their own secluded pools as well as access to the Blue Lagoon itself. If you are on a budget you can always opt to stay at the nearby Northern Lights Inn once you’ve finished bathing in the lagoon. Alternatively, we can head back to Reykjavík.
Thingvellir National Park on our Golden Circle Platinum Tour. Photo by Daniel Guindo Amezcua. Þingvellir.
Gullfoss in summer by Daniel Guindo
An erupting geyser in the Golden Circle. Photo taken by Dennis Stever.
Dining in the greenhouse. Photo courtesy of Friðheimar Tomato Farm.
Tomatoes ready for picking at Friðheimar Tomato Farm. Photo courtesy of Friðheimar Tomato Farm.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
General Information
OPERATES1st Apr to 31st Oct |
DURATIONMinimum 3 days |
MINIMUM AGENo minimum age(10 y.o. for some activities,glacier hike tour) |
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTYEasy to moderate(glacier hike is moderate) |
STARTING POINTReykjavík,can be customised |
END POINT
|
Inclusions
Depending on availability we will stay at a combination of Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (or equivalent), luxurious Hotel UMI, unique Skálakot Luxury Manor or the more comfort level Hotel VOS. All hotel choices are modern, spacious and comfortable with private bathrooms, and include breakfast. Private glacier hike with all necessary safety equipment provided. Lunch at Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse (all inclusive except from alcoholic drinks) and entrance to the Blue Lagoon geothermal pool. Private transportation in a modern and comfortable vehicle and one of our wonderful English speaking guides for the duration of the three days.
Exclusions
Flights to and from Iceland, meals unless otherwise specified. Reykjavík based activities and accommodation.
Extensions / Add-ons
We can include Reykjavík based accommodation and activities upon request
This trip can be extended to 4 or more days upon request
Additional or replacement activities can be requested (see form below)
Ready to make this your dream trip?
Please try to give us as much information as you can, like the fields below, so that we can come up with the best private trip for you as quickly as possible. We will always do our best to respond to all messages within 3 business days, excluding weekends.
