7-Day Winter Private Guided Tour of Iceland | West, South and the Golden Circle

Overview

Avoid crowded buses and discover the unique beauty of Iceland with a private guide on this 7-day winter tour.  Those looking for comfort and solitude on their travels should book this tour now.

You will get a private transfer to and from the airport and then meet your guide later in the evening. The next day, your adventure on the road will begin when your guide picks you up and whisk you away to the snow-covered countryside.

You will see Gullfoss Waterfall and geysers on the Golden Circle Route, watch waves crash upon a black sand beach, and admire icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.  Each night, you’ll keep an eye on the sky in hopes to see the elusive Northern Lights. 

Should you wish to add some adrenaline-inducing adventures along the way, you can do so during the booking process. You could ride an Icelandic horse, snorkel between continents, unwind at the Blue Lagoon, visit an ice cave, and even descend into a volcano. 

Explore the beauty of Iceland in luxury with a private tour around the country.  Book now to secure your spot. 

Included

Not included

Itinerary

Sun Voyager Sculpture on the coastline of Reykjavik

Welcome to Iceland!

You’ll land at Keflavík International Airport and once you’ve collected your bags and checked out the duty-free, you’ll step out into the arrival area where a driver will be waiting for you. 

You’ll be taken to Reykjavík city, unless you reserved tickets to the Blue Lagoon during the booking process. In that case, your guide will take you to the luxurious spa where you can soak all your jet-lag away in the mineral-rich water. 

Once in Reykjavík, you’ll check into your hotel. In the evening, you will meet your private guide who will go over the itinerary with you and tell you more about the adventures awaiting you. After that, you will have free time to either explore the city a bit or just unwind at your hotel room.

What you will see:

  • Reykjavík city – Iceland’s vibrant capital

Optional Activities:

  • Relaxing at the Blue Lagoon

Lóndrangar rock formation on the Snaefellsnes peninsula

Your adventure on the road begins after breakfast. Your guide will pick you up and whisk you out of the city and towards the farmlands of West Iceland. Your destination today is the legendary Snæfellsnes Peninsula, home of black pebble beaches, lava fields, majestic mountains and a glacier.

If you are visiting in September or October, you could opt for an adventure before you head out. Into the Volcano tour offers visitors to step inside the now empty magma chamber of a volcano. Via a large lift, you’ll be transported to the bottom of the volcano where you can see strange lava formations and the vibrant colours of the crater’s walls. 

After exploring the many attractions of Snæfellsnes, you will retire at your accommodations in the area. If the skies are clear of clouds, your professional driver will take you out hunting for the elusive Northern Lights. 

What you will see:

  • Gerðuberg Cliffs – a wall of basalt columns forming geometric patterns
  • Búðir Church – A jet-black church which is often photographed with the white Snæfellsjökull glacier in the background
  • Djúpalónssandur Black Pebble Beach – A stunning, arch-shaped bay surrounded by dark cliffs.
  • Kirkjufell Mountain – A distinctly shaped mountain featured in HBO’s Game of Thrones

Optional Activities:

  • Stepping inside the empty chamber of a Volcano

Erupting Strokkur geyser at sunset

Now it is time to head South and visit Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route, the Golden Circle. 

As you make your way through West Iceland, you will have the opportunity to have an underground adventure today. Víðgelmir is one of the largest lava tubes in the world and features spectacular colours and lava formations. You can reserve a spot on a tour during the booking process.

Alternatively, you can join a snorkelling tour in Silfra, is a fissure located between two continental plates. The water in Silfra is very clear which provides snorkellers with unparalleled visibility. 

After exploring the sites of the Golden Circle, your guide will take you to your accommodations in the area. You’ll be away from all major light pollution, making this a great site to try to spot the Northern Lights. 

What you will see:

  • Þingvellir National Park – Birthplace of Iceland’s democracy and a meeting point of two tectonic plates.
  • Öxarárfoss Waterfall – A beautiful waterfall in Þingvellir National Park.
  • Geysir Geothermal Area – Home of bubbling mud pools, fumaroles and geysers.
  • Strokkur – A geyser at Geysir Geothermal Area which erupts every 5-10 minutes.
  • Gullfoss Waterfall – A large waterfall which falls in two steps into an ancient canyon.

Optional Activities:

  • Exploring Víðgelmir, Iceland’s largest lava cave
  • Snorkelling between continents at Silfra Fissure

Skogafoss at the golden hour in the winter

Today, you’ll explore South Iceland, travelling along the coastline to the little village of Vík. Along the way, you’ll stop to explore glittering waterfalls and a black sand beach. You’ll also be in the shadow of two mighty glaciers today, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. 

You can get to know glaciers better today by partaking in one of two excursions available during the booking process. The former is a snowmobiling tour on top of Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier. There is no feeling more exhilarating than rushing across the ancient ice and feeling the adrenaline surge through your veins.

The second option is a glacier hike on top of one of Mýrdalsjökull’s glacier tongues. After passing a small glacier lagoon, you’ll begin the descend up the ice giant. You’ll learn all about glaciers and witness blue crevasses, strange ice sculptures and deep moulins. 

At the end of the day, your guide will take you to your accommodations in or near the little village of Vík. 

What your will see:

  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – A narrow waterfall which falls over 60-metre cliffs
  • Skógafoss Waterfall – A much wider and more powerful waterfall with a staircase next to it which leads to a viewing platform.
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – Iceland’s famous volcanic beach

Optional Activities:

  • Racing across Langjökull Glacier on a snowmobile
  • Glacier Hiking on top of Sólheimajökull Glacier

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

You’ll continue your journey East today, travelling through the black sand deserts of Mýrdalssandur on the way. Your destination is the glittering Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the stunning Diamond Beach. 

After travelling for a while, you’ll arrive at Skaftafell which will appear as an oasis after driving through this desolate landscape. Here, you’ll have the option of joining a glacier hike. The stunning view on the hike is the curtaisy of Iceland’s tallest peaks and Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. 

After a fun-filled day, you’ll retire to your accommodations in the realm of Vatnajökull. As always, your guide will let you know if the chances of seeing the green, white and pink colours of the Northern Lights are good. 

What you will see:

  • Mýrdalssandur Desert – a black sand desert created by glacial erosion
  • Skaftafell Nature Reserve – A scenic area filled with many hiking trails and paths
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – A calm, blue lake filled with enormous icebergs which have fallen off a nearby glacier
  • The Diamond Beach – a black sand beach where icebergs have washed up on shore and glitter in the low sunlight

Optional Activities:

  • Hiking up a glacier in Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Crystal blue ice cave under a glacier

Today it is time to head back to Reykjavík city. Along the way, you’ll stop at some new locations on the South Coast you haven’t seen before. That is, unless, you want to see some places you’ve already visited in a new light. Just let your guide know what you want to do.

Before you leave South-East Iceland, you have the option of adding a trip to an authentic ice cave if you are visiting between November and March. At Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you’ll board a large vehicle known as a super jeep which will take you up Vatnajökull glacier. There, you’ll strap on crampons and enter a shiny blue ice cave where you’ll be given plenty of time to explore and take photos. 

Around dinnertime, you’ll return to your accommodations in Reykjavík where you’ll have free time to explore the city.

What you can see:

  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in a new light
  • Eldhraun – a lava field created in one of the biggest eruptions in history
  • Skálholt – A beautiful church site with a history that spans over a thousand years

Optional Activities:

  • Visiting the Blue Ice Cave in Vatnajökull Glacier – Available between November and March

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

Now it is time to bid farewell to the land of ice and fire. When it is time to head to the airport, a driver will pick you up and take you through the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to Keflavík International Airport. 

If your flight leaves in the afternoon or evening, you will have free time to explore Reykjavík city. You could visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church, the architectural wonder of Harpa Concert Hall or walk down Laugavegur Shopping Street in search for souvenirs.

If you didn’t have time on your arrival day, you could use this time to visit the Blue Lagoon. There you can unwind and recharge after days of travelling and arrive at the airport feeling relaxed and refreshed. 

What you can see:

  • Hallgrímskirkja Church – the largest church in Iceland
  • Harpa Concert Hall – a stunning building which has been voted as one of the best designed buildings in the world. 
  • Laugavegur – A shopping street filled with cute cafés, unique boutiques and lovely restaurants. 

Optional activities:

  • Unwinding at 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.
 
View from inside the crater of a volcano in iceland
Inside the Volcano
Descend into the magma chamber of a 4,000 year old volcano. To get to the volcano, you have to be able to hike for 45-50 on uneven surface. All safety gear is provided as well as Icelandic meat soup to warm you up after the trip (vegetarian options available). Minimum age is 12 years. NOTE: Only available in September & October.

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. 
 
 
 
Viðgelmir Lava Cave
One of the largest caves in Iceland. Tour includes an English speaking guide and use of caving equipment such as a helmet and headlamp. No age limit.
 
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.
 
 
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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Good to know: In high season, the average cost of a Self-Drive tour is around $250 per person per day
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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.