10-Day Winter Small Group Guided Tour of Iceland

Overview

Put on your knitwear and wrap up warm for this 10-Day Winter Package around Iceland. Travel around the Golden Circle, see the waterfalls of the South Coast, visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the town of Akureyri before discovering hidden wonders on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

With this package, a professional guide will lead you in a small but comfortable minibus around the island, showing you the most popular regions as well as a few hidden gems. Included in this adventure is a glacier hiking excursion and a visit to an authentic ice cave.

Furthermore, you can add some additional adventures such as unwinding at the Blue Lagoon or the Vök Baths, step into an 8,000 year-old lava cave, and ride the Icelandic horse.

You´ll spend the nights on the road in a lovely countryside hotel, perfect for viewing the Northern Lights in the evening.

Explore the best of Iceland this winter with this 10-Day Guided Package Tour. Book now to secure your spot on this popular excursion.

Included

Not included

Itinerary

Erupting Strokkur geyser at sunset

Now it is time to begin your journey around Iceland. You will be picked up in the morning by your friendly guide who will show you around this beautiful island over the next eight days.

You will begin by travelling the Golden Circle route, stopping first at Þingvellir National Park, the birthplace of Iceland’s democracy. It is here where the Viking settlers would gather over a thousand years ago to lay the laws of the land. The park also has interesting geology as it is the meeting point of two tectonic plates.

From there, you’ll head to the Geysir Geothermal Area where you’ll see bubbling mud pools, steam rising from the earth, and, most importantly, erupting geysers. The most active of which is Strokkur which goes off every 5-10 minutes, shooting bolts of hot water 15-20 metres into the air.

Lastly, you’ll visit Gullfoss Waterfall where a thundering noise and mist will greet you. This is a wide and powerful waterfall which will surely amaze you. The river Hvítá rushes forth from a nearby glacier before plunging, in two steps, down 32 metres into an ancient canyon. It is quite the spectacle so make sure you have a camera with you.

At the end of the day, you’ll head to your accommodations in the Golden Circle area. If it is not a cloudy night, make sure to check the sky for signs of the elusive Northern Lights before heading to bed.

Skogafoss at the golden hour in the winter

You will head out to explore South Iceland with all its attractions. Your first stop today will be at two vastly different but equally beautiful waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

The former falls down 60 metres in a narrow stream into a basin of water. In the winter, when the mornings are still very dark, it is illuminated by large spotlights which make the cascade look like it was plucked right out of a fantasy novel.

Skógafoss, on the other hand, is much wider and falls straight down onto the flat land underneath, allowing you to walk right up to its base. However, if you get too close, you will get drenched in the mist which clouds the bottom of the cascade.

On your journey today, you will pass two glaciers, the mighty Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano and the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. Today, you´ll learn more about glaciers and even scale one yourself on a glacier hiking tour. Armed with a pick axe and strapped in crampons, you’ll ascend the ice giant where you’ll get to look into ice crevasses and glacial moulins.

You will then visit the beach of Reynisfjara where you can see the stark contrasts of the rolling white waves as they hit the jet-black sand. By the beach are the geometric lava pillars which make up the cliffside and in the distance is the strangely shaped rock arch, Dyrhólaey.

You will spend the night near the little village of Vík.

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

Today’s destination is the stunning glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón. It is a gorgeous body of water, filled with blue and white icebergs which have broken off a nearby glacier. These bergs get caught up in a stream and are gently swept out into the N-Atlantic Ocean.

A few of the smaller icebergs get tossed back onto a beautiful black sand beach, where the contrasting colours and textures make for a great photo. As the ice glistens in the low sunlight, it is reminiscent of precious stones which is how it earned its nickname; The Diamond Beach.

Today you’ll have a unique adventure: visiting an authentic ice cave. If you are travelling between November and March, you will board a large vehicle at Jökulsárlón which will take you up to the Blue Ice Cave in Vatnajökull glacier. If, however, you are visiting outside of these months, you will begin your day with a visit to the Hidden Ice Cave in Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Both caves have their unique charm and are sure to leave you mesmerised.

At the end of the day, you will head to your accommodations in the area. If conditions are favourable for Northern Lights hunting, your friendly guide will let you know.

Vestrahorn mountain in the east of Iceland in the winter

Now it is time to head out to one of the most stunning but least visited places of the country, the Eastfjords of Iceland. Your view today will be characterised by tall mountains on one side and the open ocean on the other.

East-Iceland is the only place in the country where you can see hoards of wild reindeer, so keep your eyes peeled as you zigzag these frozen fjords.

There are no scheduled stops today but that doesn’t mean you will be sitting in the minibus all day. Your guide knows this area very well and even knows a few secret spots here. They will take you to some of their favourite places in the area where you can marvel at the remote but stunning landscape of the Eastfjords.

If you’d like to spice up your day with an adventure there are two to choose from. The first one is a horse riding tour, and the second one is a dip in the geothermal Vök Baths.

Before you head to your accommodations, you will travel through the forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur, one of the few wooded areas in this mostly treeless country. Here, you will see the lake Lagarfljót, known as the home of the great wyrm-monster, Lagarfljótsormurinn, Iceland’s answer to the Loch Ness monster. Keep a camera ready, you never know if it will show up.

Hverfjall volcano crater in the region of Myvatn in northern Iceland covered with snow under a blue sky

After breakfast, you’ll hop on the bus and head to the Mývatn area in North Iceland, to a region which has been coloured by volcanic and geothermal activity.

Your first stop is the Mars-like area of Námaskarð, where the ground has a reddish hue and fumaroles spew steam into the air. You will also find here grey and blue mud pools which bubble ferociously. It is hard to believe you are still on planet Earth when visiting this site.

From there, you’ll walk amongst the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir. The tall, volcanic rock formations create a sort of natural labyrinth in which you can wander around and look for trolls and elves.

Before going to your accommodations in the town of Akureyri, you will visit the waterfall Goðafoss. This crescent shaped cascade is known in English as “The Waterfall of the Gods” for both its beauty as well as history relating to the Christianization of Iceland, which your guide will tell you all about.

Tail of a humpback whale coming out of the water

Today, you’ll explore North Iceland a bit further, starting with a visit to the little village of Hauganes.

Here you’ll have free time to wander around the town, seeing its beautiful black sand beach and charming harbour area which are both surrounded by beautiful, blue mountains. You can also have a few unique adventures today.

In the small town of Hauganes, you´ll have an excursion where you’ll set out to the sea in search of whales. Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is an experience you will surely not forget.

After an eventful day, you’ll return to your accommodations.

Kirkjufell-under-the-snow-on-Sneafellsnes-itinerary

You’ll continue your journey around Iceland and make your way west today. The day starts with a trip through the mountainous region of Skagafjörður and although the route is long, it is very scenic.

You’ll head to Gerðuberg, a large cliff made out of columns of geometric patterns. The place might look like a mediaeval fortress, however, it is all natural created by volcanic activity thousands of years ago.

The next stop is Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach. In order to get to it, you have to walk through a natural maze of lava pillars. Once at the beach, you’ll see pieces of iron scattered amongst the smooth black pebbles. These are the remains of a British trawler shipwrecked by the shore in the 1940s.

Looking over you today is the mighty Snæfellsjökull glacier. In 1864, Jules Verne published a novel where the main protagonists journey to the centre of the Earth through tunnels inside Snæfellsjökull. Today, you can have your own subterranean journey with a visit to the cave Vatnshellir.

This 8000-year-old lava tube is 200 metres long and lies 35 metres below ground. Although it is unlikely you’ll find prehistoric creatures like the characters of the famous sci-fi novel, you will see amazing colours, lava formations and sparkling walls. You can reserve your spot on this underground adventure during the booking process.

No visit to Snæfellsnes can be complete without a visit to the famous Kirkjufell mountain. It is believed that the feature is the most photographed mountain in Iceland and its popularity has only increased after it was featured in the HBO series, Game of Thrones.

You will then make your way to your accommodation in the area. As always, your guide will let you know if the sky looks like it might be filled with Northern Lights tonight.

Hraunfossar waterfall with turquoise glacial water from Langjökull forming the Hvítá river

Today is the last day of your circle trip but it will be packed with wonderful sights and adventure.

You will make a stop at Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. Before you arrive, you’ll see the white billows of steam rising upwards into the air from far away. As you near the hot spring, you’ll see it bubble vigorously and splash boiling water around. Don’t worry, there are rails which will keep you at a safe distance from the scalding water.

From there, you’ll visit the historical place Reykholt where you can learn about the historian, lawmaker and poet, Snorri Sturluson, and a violent period in Iceland’s history known as Sturlungaöld.

Then it is off to see two waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. The former is quite unique. Water which travels underground through holes in the surrounding lava fields emerges at the top of this waterfall in a series of small rivulets. The process makes it look like the waterfall appears from nowhere.

Barnafoss, on the other hand, is vastly different. The river Hvítá rushes fiercely down a narrow gorge. Over time, the power of the water has broken through the surrounding rock face and sculpted it into arches.

At the end of the day, you’ll return to Reykjavík city where you can unwind at your accommodation after 8 fun-filled days on the road.

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

It is now time to bid farewell to the land of ice and fire. If you have an afternoon or an evening flight, you can squeeze in some sightseeing in Reykjavík before you leave.

You can visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and after seeing the view of the city from the top, walk across the street to admire, for free, the art at the Einar Jónson Museum’s sculpture garden.

After that, you can check out the shops on Skólavörðustígur street. This stretch of road has recently earned the nickname “Rainbow Street” because of the rainbow which has been painted on the pavement. It is a great spot to take photos of the majestic Hallgrímskirkja church.

If you are looking for some pampering today, you can book a visit to the Blue Lagoon on this day instead of your arrival day. It is a sure way to arrive at the airport rested and relaxed.

Then it is time to head to the airport to catch your flight home. We hope to see you again here soon, or as we would say in Icelandic: “Sjáumst seinna!”.

Accommodation

You’ll have a choice of three accommodations levels. See details about each one in the boxes below. Accommodations in Reykjavík have been hand-picked by our local travel experts.

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.

For this tour, the levels reflect the choice of accommodations in Reykjavík. Accommodations outside of the capital cannot be upgraded and therefore the levels below do not apply. The accommodations outside of Reykjavík all include a private bathroom and breakfast. We do our best to accommodate special requests, but additional costs may incur.

Budget

Nice and comfortable rooms with shared bathroom facilities and shower located in farmhouses, guesthouses or hostels, in good locations with breakfast included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Kex Hostel. 

Comfort

Comfortable rooms in three-star hotels or quality guesthouses, centrally located, very close to popular attractions. Private bathroom and breakfast included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Fosshotel Rauðará. 

Quality

Rooms in four-star hotels or superior rooms in quality three-star hotels at fantastic locations near popular attractions. Private bathroom and breakfast is included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Icelandair Hotel Marina. 

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 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. 
 
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.
 
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.
Tail of a humpback whale coming out of the water
Hauganes Whale Watching tour
See the whales in their natural habitat. Includes professionally guided tour and warm, floatable overalls for your safety and comfort. Also included is a second try in case of no sightings. No age limit.
 
Bathing is beer is possible in Iceland
Beer Spa
Soak in hops and yeast at the Beer Spa! Single and double tubs available. Bathwater is undrinkable, so there is no age limit but 16 years or younger must be accompanied by adults. Beer on draught at every tub for anybody over the age of 20.
Inside Vatnshellir lava cave on the snaefellsnes peninsula with stairs going down the cave
Vatnshellir Cave
Visit an 8,000-year-old lava tube created in a volcanic eruption.  This is a 45 minute guided tour to Vatnshellir cave. It is easily accessible, but you need to be reasonably fit to participate; i.e. be able to walk up 2-3 stories and walk on uneven surface. Bring warm clothes, good shoes and gloves. Minimum age is 5 years.
Person floating in the Myvatn Nature baths in the winter
Myvatn Nature Baths
Unwind in geothermal water just South of the Arctic Circle.  Please bring a swimsuit and a towel. However, you can also rent a towel if you don’t have one with you. Alcoholic beverages available to purchase for those over 20 years of age.

Good to know

What to bring

Cancellation Insurance

Need to cancel your tour? Don’t worry, with our Cancellation Insurance you can cancel your package up to 48 hours before the tour start date and receive a full refund — minus the insurance cost, of course. 

The price for the insurance is based on the length of your package. The base price is 5,000 ISK per person, and it applies to all packages with a duration of five days or less. An additional 1,000 ISK per person will be added to the base price for each day after the first five. 

With our Cancellation Insurance, you will be reimbursed for your package, whether you broke your ankle, got called to jury duty, or there is a global pandemic. Just let us know at [email protected] before 4 PM (GMT) to cancel your booking and claim your refund.

Other tours you might be interested in

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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.