5-Day Winter Small Group Guided | Golden Circle and Glacier Lagoon

Overview

Embark on a trip of the Golden Circle and South Iceland during the Northern Lights season where your destination is the Blue Ice Cave in Vatnajökull Glacier.  Those looking to combine this Arctic island’s staggering beauty with adventure need to look no further. 

This 5-day small group guided tour will take you to some of the country’s most beautiful attractions such as the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. 

Along the way, you’ll hike up a glacier at Skaftafell Nature Reserve, and hop aboard a super jeep which will take you to the Blue Ice Cave in Vatnajökull Glacier.  You will also keep an eye on the sky each night in case the Northern Lights make an appearance. 

Accommodations, transportation and activities will be taken care of for you before your arrival, so all you have to do is relax. Should you wish to start or end your trip in Iceland with a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon, let us know during the booking process, and we’ll reserve a time slot for you. 

Experience Iceland in the wintertime with this 5-day Glacier Adventure Tour.

Included

Not included

Itinerary

Sun Voyager Sculpture on the coastline of Reykjavik

Welcome to Iceland!

You’ll arrive at Keflavík International Airport, located a short drive away from the country’s capital, Reykjavík. After collecting your bags, find a bus that will take you to the city. 

Located between the airport and the city is the famous Blue Lagoon Spa and if you arrive early enough, we can reserve a spot for you shortly after your flight. There is no better way to unwind after a long trip than in the geothermal, mineral-rich waters of the spa, surrounded by billows of white steam and a jet-black lava field. 

Once you’ve checked into your accommodations in Reykjavík, you have the rest of the day to explore the city. Close to you is the main shopping street, Laugavegur, which is filled with unique boutiques, quiet cafes, and friendly faces. 

Erupting Strokkur geyser at sunset

Today, you’ll meet your friendly guide who will take you on a trip across the country. They will pick you up in a small but comfortable minibus and whisk you away to your first stop, Þingvellir National Park.

Þingvellir

Þingvellir is known for both its rich history as well as unique geology. It is here where Iceland’s parliament was founded by Viking settlers in the year 930 AD. It is also located between two tectonic plates and you can see the eastern boundaries of one of them there. The tension between the plates tear cracks and fissures, visible throughout the region.

Kerið

You’ll then visit the beautiful crater lake, Kerið, where you can see the azure blue water against the fiery red walls of the crater. Your guide will tell you about Iceland’s volcanic history as you admire this stunning feature.

Geysir

Then it is off to Haukadalur Valley and visit the Geysir Geothermal Area. Here, you can find smaller hot springs and bubbling mud pools but the main attraction is the geyser Strokkur, which erupts every 5-10 minutes and creates a massive column of water each time. Make sure to keep your camera ready for when it goes off!

Gullfoss

Gullfoss Waterfall is next on the agenda, considered by many to be the highlight of the Golden Circle Route. You are sure to be spellbound by the immense beauty and sheer power of the cascade as it plummets down two steps into an ancient canyon.

Efstidalur Farm

You’ll then make a short, informative, and tasty stop at Efstidalur Farm. Here, you can learn about Icelandic farm life while tasting delicious, home-made ice cream.

At the end of the day, you’ll retire to your accommodations in the area. If the sky is clear of clouds, you can look for the Northern Lights in the evening. 

Skogafoss at the golden hour in the winter

Today will be characterised by glittering glaciers as you will drive past two massive ones and scale another. However, first you’ll do some sightseeing.

Start the day by visiting Seljalandsfoss, a narrow waterfall which has its origin in the infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier. It is a stunning waterfall but it looks even more beautiful in the low morning light when you’ll be there. 

From there, you’ll visit another stunning waterfall, Skógafoss. The cascade drops down onto the flat earth underneath, allowing you to walk right up to the falling water and feel Skógafoss’ immense power. 

Then drive to Skaftafell, a nature reserve located in the realm of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Here you’ll strap on crampons and, accompanied by a professional glacier guide, scale one of Vatnajökull’s glacier tongues. 

Your travel up the glacier takes you through Skaftafell’s glacier carved valley while your guide explains the unique features of your surroundings. You’ll then step onto the ice and ascend the ice giant, witness glacier moulins and deep creavasses while taking in the vast panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

End the day at your accommodations in South-West Iceland. Your guide will let you know if there is a chance the elusive green Northern Lights will make an appearance tonight.

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

Now it is time to head back to Reykjavík but first, you’re going to have an adventure or two. 

You’ll head to the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in the morning. Here, massive icebergs which have broken off a nearby glacier float on a serene, blue lake. Nearby is the Diamond Beach where smaller bergs from the lagoon have washed up on shore and glitter in the sun like gemstones against the black sand.

Then it is time for some adventure. From Jökulsárlón, you’ll board a large vehicle called a super jeep and take to the glacier. Once there, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step inside an authentic ice cave. The Blue Ice Cave is of breathtaking beauty and be sure to have your camera handy to capture the amazing way the light hits the frozen walls.

After your trip, you’ll board the bus again and make your way towards Reykjavík city. En-route, you’ll stop by the black sand beach Reynisfjara. There, you will see the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the hexagonal cliffs of Reynisfjall mountain, and the oddly shaped Dyrhólaey Peninsula. 

You’ll arrive in Reykjavík in the evening. 

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

Today is your last day in Iceland. When the time comes, you’ll board a bus that will take you to Keflavík International Airport so you can catch your departing flight. 

If your flight leaves in the afternoon or evening, you can explore Reykjavík a bit before you go. We recommend you explore Laugavegur Shopping Street. Aside from shops, cafés and restaurants, you can find interesting street art here which is bound to add colour to your social media account. 

Another option is to visit the Blue Lagoon, if you didn’t have time for it on your arrival day. Soaking in the warm, geothermal water is a great way to unwind after days on the road. 

Then it is time to bid farewell to this little Arctic island. We hope you had a great time and that you come back soon.

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 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.

 

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.
 
 
 
 
 

Secret Lagoon

Unwind in the warm, geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon. The natural hot springs are located only a short distance from Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, providing a relaxing respite for weary travellers. Swimsuit and towel can be rented onsite if you do not have your own. Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase.

 

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.