5-Day Winter Private Guided Tour of Iceland | Golden Circle, Black Sand Beach & Glacier Lagoon

Overview

Experience Iceland your own way with a privately guided tour of the Golden Circle and South Iceland. Travel in comfort and style around Iceland’s most beautiful attractions, including Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, while the Northern Lights dance in the sky above.

You’ll be picked up by a private guide after you land at Keflavík Airport and taken to Reykjavík city. There, you will meet your local guide who will go over the itinerary and answer any and all questions you might have. The next day, your adventure will begin. Transportation in a luxury vehicle and all accommodations will be taken care of before you arrive so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

You can customize your tour during the booking process by adding an adventure or two. These include visiting the Blue Lagoon, riding the Icelandic horse, snowmobiling on a glacier, and visiting an ice cave.

Book now for a trip of a lifetime. See further information and detailed descriptions of the days under the “itinerary” tab.

Included

Not included

Itinerary

Sun Voyager Sculpture on the coastline of Reykjavik

You’ll arrive at Keflavík International Airport, which is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 40 minute’s drive from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. After you’ve collected your bags, you will meet a private driver in the arrival halls who will take you to the city.

If you arrive in the morning or early afternoon, you can begin your adventures in Iceland right away by taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon. This famous spa, located in the middle of a lava field, has soothing, mineral-rich water and will provide you with a nourishing silica mask — a sure way to cure you of any jet lag.

Once in Reykjavík, you’ll check into your hotel. There, your local, private guide will meet you to go over the itinerary with you and answer any questions you might have. You will then have free time to spend in the city where you can explore the downtown area’s colourful houses and quirky cafés.

Highlights Today:

  • Reykjanes Peninsula
  • Reykjavík City

Optional Activities:

  • Visiting the Blue Lagoon

Erupting Strokkur geyser at sunset

Your guide will pick you up after breakfast in a powerful but comfortable truck which is specially equipped to handle Iceland’s snowy roads. You’ll be taken out of the city and into the wintry countryside.

Your first stop will be at the historical Þingvellir National Park. A thousand years ago, Viking settlers would gather here to settle disputes and lay the laws of the land. The area is also geographically interesting: it is situated between two tectonic plates. The unique location provides you with an unparalleled view of lava fields, gorges, and Iceland’s largest lake, Þingvallavatn.

On the northern side of the lake is a fissure called Silfra. It is filled with meltwater from the nearby Langjökull glacier, which makes the water incredibly pure and crystal-clear. Here, you can go on a once-in-a-lifetime snorkelling tour where you’ll actually be swimming between the North American and European continents. Just make a reservation during the booking process, and you’ll be off on an adventure of a lifetime.

From Þingvellir you’ll visit Geysir Geothermal Area where you’ll find bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and erupting geysers. The most active one is Strokkur, which erupts every 5-10 minutes, reaching heights of over 15-20 metres. It is quite the spectacle, so make sure to keep your camera ready for when it goes off.

Last on the Golden Circle route is Gullfoss waterfall. Born in the river Hvítá, this majestic cascade with its raw energy and power will surely leave you breathless. Here you can opt for a snowmobiling tour on Langjökull, the glacier which feeds the Hvítá river. Whizzing through the white plain on a snowmobile is a surefire way to get your blood pumping.

If you’d like a more slower-paced tour which is equally exciting, you could, instead, opt for a horseback riding excursion. The Icelandic horse is a small breed but also very friendly and intelligent, making it the perfect companion for both expert and novice riders alike.

You will end the day at a countryside hotel in the area. Your guide will let you know if conditions are favourable for Northern Lights spotting in the evening.

Highlights Today:

  • Þingvellir National Park
  • Lake Þingvallavatn
  • Geysir Geothermal Area
  • Strokkur Geyser
  • Gullfoss Waterfall

Optional Activities:

  • Snorkelling in Silfra Fissure
  • Snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier
  • Horseback riding

Skogafoss waterfall Iceland

Today, you’ll explore the diverse attractions on South Iceland’s coast. First off is a stunning waterfall called Seljalandsfoss. The cascade is narrow but very high. In the low winter light, it is illuminated with spotlights, giving it a majestic glow.

The next stop is at another waterfall, Skógafoss, a much wider and powerful cascade than its neighbour. The land underneath Skógafoss is very flat, which allows visitors to walk right up to the falling spring water for some unique photographs.

You’ll be in the shadow of two majestic glaciers today, the infamous Eyjafjallajökull and the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. If you wish to spice up your journey today with an icy adventure, you’ll have three choices:

First up is the Katla ice cave tour. On this tour, you’ll visit an authentic ice cave on Mýrdalsjökull, a glacier which covers the volcano Katla. It really doesn’t get any more Icelandic than this. The cave is sometimes bright blue but sometimes translucent and streaked with ash from past volcanic eruptions. 

Alternatively, you can go glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier of the larger Mýrdalsjökull. Accompanied by a professional glacier guide, you’ll trek up the ice cap and see strange ice formations and deep crevasses.

Your last option is a snowmobiling tour on Sólheimajökull. An excellent choice if you missed your chance on Langjökull glacier yesterday. Racing across a glacier, adrenaline surging through your veins, is an experience you will soon not forget. 

You’ll then make a stop at the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Here, you’ll see the grey, geometric cliffs, jet-black sand, and white waves of the N-Atlantic ocean. After taking a few photos here, you’ll hop back into the car, and the driver will take you to your accommodations near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. If you still have daylight, you might make a stop there. However, there will be plenty of time tomorrow to explore this beautiful lagoon.

Highlights Today:

  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Skógafoss Waterfall
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Optional Activities:

  • Katla ice cave tour in Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
  • Glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull Glacier
  • Snowmobiling on Sólheimajökull Glacier

Diamond beach with glacier ice blocks on black sand close to Jökulsárlon in Iceland.

You’ll start today with a visit to the beautiful Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a calm body of water filled with enormous icebergs. You can sometimes see seals swimming between the bergs and the lagoon is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. You can easily lose all track of time looking at this mesmerising landscape. 

The icebergs from the lagoon make their way towards the ocean but sometimes wash up on a nearby black sand beach where they glisten in the sunlight. The official name of the beach is Breiðamerkursandur. However, due to the ice, the beach has earned a more easily ponuncable nickname: Diamond Beach.  

You can opt for an ice cave tour on Vatnajökull glacier today. At Jökulsárlón, you’ll hop aboard another large vehicle and head up the glacier where you’ll find the majestic Blue Ice Cave. The shimmering ice and intense blue colours of the cave is bound to take your breath away.

Alternatively, you can opt for a glacier hike today as you travel back towards the capital. Skaftafell is a stunning nature reserve known for its many hiking tracks and paths. You can walk around some of them on your own but if you want to hike up a glacier, you’ll need a glacier guide. On a trip up the ice cap, you’ll get a fantastic view of south and east Iceland and the country’s highest peaks.

You’ll then travel the south coast towards Reykjavík. If you wish to explore some of the places further you saw in the previous days, just let your private guide know. Alternatively, you can ask him for recommendations of something new. The local guide is sure to know of some great spots away from all the crowds. 

Once in Reykjavík, you’ll be dropped off by your hotel where you can bid farewell to your guide. You will then have the evening free to explore the city or unwind at your hotel room. 

Highlights Today:

  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Diamond Beach
  • Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Optional Activities:

  • Ice cave tour in Vatnajökull Glacier
  • Glacier hiking in Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Women in the silky blue waters of the blue lagoon in Iceland with smoke in the background

Now it is time to pack your bags and say ‘goodbye’ to Iceland. If your flight leaves in the afternoon or evening, you can store your bags at the hotel and explore downtown Reykjavík.

We highly recommend that you take a walk down Laugavegur shopping street and explore the colourful houses and street art. We also recommend a walk up to Hallgrímskirkja Church, the iconic landmark building of Iceland, and to the architectural wonder of Harpa Concert Hall. 

When it is time to head to the airport, a personal driver will pick you up and take you across the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the airport. If you didn’t have time on your arrival day, you could add a trip to the Blue Lagoon on this day. You’d arrive at the airport relaxed and rested after a dip in the spa’s geothermal water. 

We hope you had a fantastic time and come back soon!

Highlights Today:

  • Hallgrímskirkja Church
  • Harpa Concert Hall
  • Reykjanes Peninsula

Optional Activities:

  • Visiting the Blue Lagoon

Accommodation

You’ll have a choice of two accommodations levels. See details about each one in the boxes below. All accommodations for this tour have been hand-picked by our local travel experts.

Single rooms will be allocated to bookings for one person.  Shared twin/double or triple room(s) will be arranged for two or more people. Groups with an odd number of participants will be allotted a single room in quality-level. Children and teenagers will be arranged in the same room as their parents. Additional cost may occur if additional room(s) is needed.

Please keep in mind that hotel quality in Iceland varies between regions and that not all locations offer quality-level accommodations. At those particular locations, comfort level accommodations will be arranged, which has already been calculated in the upgraded price. We do our best to accommodate special requests, but additional costs may incur. 

Map

Optional Activities

Women in the silky blue waters of the blue lagoon in Iceland with smoke in the background
Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance
Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel and 1st drink of your choice.
 
Blue Lagoon Premium Entrance
Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe, table reservation at Lava Restaurant, and sparkling wine if dining.

2 snorkelers holding hands in Silfra

Snorkeling in Silfra
Snorkeling between continents in crystal-clear water. Includes a tour with a certified PADI divemaster, all necessary snorkelling gear, Silfra admission fee, and hot chocolate to warm up after the dive. Minimum age 12 years. 
 
snowmobiles under the sun on Langjokull glacier in Iceland
Snowmobiling on Langjökull
An exhilarating tour on top of a glacier, no previous riding experience needed. Included is a one-hour snowmobile ride with a guide and use of overalls. Two people share a snowmobile and the driver needs to bring their driving licence. Age limit for passenger is 8 years.
 
 
2 Hour Horse Riding Tour
Meet the friendly Icelandic Horse. Includes 1-1.5 hour guided horseback ride with a specially trained guide. Use of riding helmets, boots & rain wear. Minimum age is 8 years. 
 
The Katla Ice Cave with a departure from the town of Vik is available all year around
Ice Cave Tour in Mýrdalsjökull
Visit an authentic ice cave in a glacier that covers an active volcano! Don’t worry, all volcanoes in Iceland are monitored so this is perfectly safe. Includes a tour with a certified glacier guide and use of all necessary glacier gear such as crampons and helmets. Minimum age is 6 years.
 
 
Snowmobiling on Sólheimajökull Glacier
Race across a glacier on a snowmobile. No prior experience needed and all you have to bring are warm clothes and good shoes. Use of overalls, helmets and balaclavas are included. Two people share a snowmobile, and the driver needs to bring their driving licence. Age limit for passenger is 5 years.
 
Glacier Hiking on Solheimajökull
A fun and easy glacier hike. No previous experience needed. Tour includes an English speaking glacier guide, use of helmet, crampons, ice axe and other necessary safety equipment. Minimum age is 8 years.
Glacier hiking in Skaftafell national park is a must do when visiting the area
Glacier Hike in Skaftafell
Easy glacier hike, suitable for most people. No previous experience needed. Tour includes an English speaking glacier guide, use of helmet, crampons, ice axe and other necessary safety equipment. Minimum age is 8 years. 
 
Crystal blue ice cave under a glacier
Ice Caving in Vatnajökull
Explore a cave in Europe’s largest glacier. Includes a tour with a certified glacier guide and all necessary glacier gear such as crampons and helmets. Minimum age is 8 years.

Good to know

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Terms of Service

For further information, please see our Terms and Conditions.

  • More than 24 hours before scheduled tour departure time: 100% refund. Some day tours might have a different cancellation policy, in which case it will be clearly mentioned in the “Good to know” section of the tour.
  • Less than 24 hours before scheduled tour departure time: 100% cancellation fee. Some day tours might have a different cancellation policy, in which case it will be clearly mentioned in the “Good to know” section of the tour.
  • More than 7 days before scheduled tour arrival date: 15% cancellation fee
  • Less than 7 days before scheduled tour departure date: 75% cancellation fee
  • Less than 72 hours before scheduled tour departure date: 100% cancellation fee
  • 45-30 days before scheduled tour arrival date: 50% cancellation fee
  • 29-15 days before scheduled tour arrival date: 75% cancellation fee
  • 14 days before scheduled tour arrival date: 100% cancellation fee

Scheduled international and domestic flights are non-refundable, be they a part of a package, multi-day tour, or any other service purchasable on the Traveo website, unless the Cancellation insurance is purchased. If a cancellation insurance is purchased, a full refund is given.

If flights are a part of a tour listed as a Day-Tour, standard terms of cancellations of day tours apply to a full refund. For cancelling and refunding of private flights (flights specifically arranged and scheduled for you personally or your group in specific), please contact your service agent.

If your tour is cancelled by the tour provider due to weather conditions or any other environmental circumstances you will always receive a full refund. Exempt from this are any rescheduled second tries of tours which already have been serviced as a first departure. In the case of a volcanic eruption taking place on Icelandic soil stopping you from getting to Iceland, you will also receive a full refund on all products booked on Traveo.

All booking change requests must be made via email by the person who submitted the original booking request.

Changing the number of people in a booking to a smaller number is considered cancellation for the change in number of participants.

  • Packages: 

For multi-day tours and packages, all requests for changes must be made minimum 7 days in advance. Please note that we might not be able to fulfil your changed requirements due to lack of availability, though we will always do our best, and do offer alternative options.

Depending on how far in advance a tour package has been booked and when changes to a booking are requested, an administrative fee of 5000 ISK may be charged each day/night of the itinerary that is modified. Additional supplier costs may still apply depending on the changes requested.

For bookings made within 60 days of arrival, changes can be made without incurring the administrative fee until services have been confirmed and the travel documents have been issued. However, for bookings made 30 days or less before arrival, the administrative fee and any applicable supplier fees may be charged due to the short processing time.

  • Day tours and activities: 

Day tours and activities booked on the Traveo.is that are serviced by independent operators can be changed up to 24 hours before departure.

  • Transfer of bookings: 

A booking may be transferred from one party to another, provided that the new party upholds the terms and conditions of the booking. An administrative fee of 5000 ISK will be charged for the transfer, and both parties must assume joint liability for this fee and any other costs that may be incurred by changes to the booking.

  • Parties travelling together: 

Should two parties wish to book separately but travel together, they should inform travel agents of this prior to booking. If a co-travel request is sent after the booking process has been finished, the change to a package is counted as a tailoring and is subject to a 5000 isk service fee.

  • Significant changes to packages: 

If a package is significantly changed from the original package setup/route as offered on the site, the product will be considered to be a tailored tour and might be subject to a 15% service fee of the total price of the package. This does not apply to added nights at the end or at the beginning of a package as this does not change the original package setup/route.

For budget-level, single rooms will be allocated to bookings for one person.  Shared twin/double or triple room(s) will be arranged for two or more people. Groups with an odd number of participants will be allotted a single room in quality-level. Children and teenagers will be arranged in the same room as their parents. Additional cost may occur if additional room(s) is needed.

During the booking process you will be able to choose a pickup location and starting time. If you do not show up for the scheduled pickup time and location stated on your booking, your reservation is non-refundable.

If you do not know your pickup location at the time of booking, you can choose to update your pickup location later, up to 24 hours before tour departure. Please call the number listed on your voucher if you do not receive a confirmation of your pickup location.

Traveo cannot be liable to any loss, damage, accidents, injuries, death or sickness during your tour. The same applies for any changes in tour schedule due to weather, strikes or any other force majeure. Tour operators reserve the right to change routes, schedules and itineraries if needed because of weather, road conditions or should the necessity arise because of unforeseen reasons or circumstances.

We advise all travellers to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance to minimize possible losses due to unforeseeable situations during your travel. Traveo does not offer any travel insurance, so please contact your preferred private travel insurance company.

If you have a complaint about any of our partners please contact us at [email protected] and we will protect your rights.