South Coast, Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes & Reykjavik: Private Tour

Duration

8 Days

Availability

Oct - Apr

Difficulty

Easy

Minimum Age

None

Overview

Explore the highlights of Iceland in comfort on this 8-day privately guided tour. Discover the diverse wonders on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Golden Circle, and travel on the Ring Road in South Iceland, all the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Then, spend a day unraveling the secrets of Reykjavík.

This tour is perfect for families and other small groups looking to have a great time together in the land of ice and fire during the Northern Lights season.

See the beauty of Iceland in the wintertime with this 8-day privately guided tour!

Included

  • 7 nights of accommodation (different levels available; breakfast included for Comfort and Quality levels; more detailed info in accommodation tab)
  • Private Driver-Guide on a 4×4 Luxury Super-Jeep (days 2 to 6)
  • Private Airport Transfers (Arrival and departure)
  • Meet and greet with your guide on day 1
  • Detailed Itinerary with fun and practical information on the nature, history, and culture of Iceland
  • Hands-on travel agent to oversee your itinerary
  • Taxes

Not included

  • Flights to/from Iceland
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Meals & drinks (unless otherwise stated)
  • Any services not listed as “Included”

Itinerary

Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral in Reykjavik, Iceland, on a sunny winter day with a blue sky.

Day 1 – Arrival in Reykjavík

You will land at Keflavík International Airport. Once you’ve collected your bags and checked out the duty-free shop, a driver will be waiting in the arrival hall. Once you’ve checked into your Reykjavík hotel, you have some time to explore the city. Later, your private guide will meet you to go over the itinerary and answer any questions you might have.

Highlights:

  • Reykjanes Peninsula
  • Reykjavík
  • Meet and greet with your guide
  • 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.
Snow-covered Mt. Kirkjufell on Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Day 2 – The Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Now, your adventure on the road begins. Your private guide will pick you up in the morning and whisk you out of the city towards the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This is an area known for its diverse attractions, from jet-black churches and charming towns to dramatic cliffs and silvery waterfalls. You’ll spend the night at your accommodation here.

Highlights:

  • Búðakirkja Church
  • Djúpalónssandur Beach
  • Mt. Kirkjufell
  • Inside the Volcano: Descend into the magma chamber of a 4,000-year-old volcano. To get to the volcano, you must be able to hike for 45-50 on uneven surfaces. 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.
Strokkur geyser erupting on Iceland's Golden Circle route, pink skies.

Day 3 – The Golden Circle

After breakfast, you’ll hop aboard the SUV and head towards Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, where you’ll visit the birthplace of Iceland’s democracy at Þingvellir National Park, see geysers erupt at Geysir Geothermal Area, and feel the power of the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall.  You’ll end the day at accommodations in the area. Your guide will let you know if conditions are good to hunt for the Northern Lights.

Highlights:

  • Þingvellir National Park
  • Geysir Geothermal Area
  • Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Viðgelmir Lava Cave: One of the largest caves in Iceland. The tour includes an English-speaking guide and the use of caving equipment such as a helmet and headlamp. No age limit.
  • Snorkeling in Silfra: Swim between continents in crystal-clear water. Includes a tour with a certified PADI divemaster, all necessary snorkeling gear, Silfra admission fee, and hot chocolate to warm up afterward. The minimum age is 12 years, but participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or an adult guardian booked on the same tour.
Skógafoss Waterfall in South Iceland in the winter, blue sky and snowy cliffs.

Day 4 – South Iceland’s Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches

Now, it is time to explore the wonders of Iceland’s South Coast. As you travel between glittering waterfalls and hauntingly beautiful black sand beaches, you’ll be in the shadow of two mighty glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. You’ll end the day in or near the village of Vík on the South Coast of Iceland. As always, your guide will let you know if there are signs in the sky of the beautiful Auroras.

Highlights:

  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Skógafoss Waterfall
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
  • Snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier: 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 license. The age limit for passengers is 8 years. 
  • Glacier Hiking on Sólheimajökull Glacier: A fun and easy glacier hike. No previous experience is needed. The tour includes an English-speaking glacier guide, a helmet, crampons, an ice axe, and other necessary safety equipment. Minimum age is 8 years.
Green Northern lights above icebergs at Iceland's Diamond Beach.

Day 5 – Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

You’ll head further East on this day, towards Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. En route, you’ll drive through the dark wasteland of Mýrdalssandur outwash plain and Skaftafell, the country’s favorite wilderness area. Your destination today is the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach.  You’ll spend the night in the area.

Highlights:

  • Skaftafell Nature Reserve
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Diamond Beach
  • Glacier Hiking in Skaftafell Nature Reserve: Easy glacier hike, suitable for most people. No previous experience is needed. The tour includes an English-speaking glacier guide, a helmet, crampons, an ice axe, and other necessary safety equipment. Minimum age is 8 years. 
A man inside a blue ice cave in Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland.

Day 6 – South Coast’s Hidden Gems

Now, it is time to head back to the capital, Reykjavík. Along the way, you can ask your guide to stop at some of the sites you visited the days before if you wish to explore them in a new light. Your guide will also suggest a few stops, perhaps showing you some hidden gems only the locals know about.  You will be dropped off in Reykjavík in the evening, where you’ll bid farewell to your private guide.

Highlights:

  • Any stop you saw in South Iceland & Golden Circle
  • Eldhraun Lava Field
  • Kerið Crater
  • Ice Caving in Vatnajökull Glacier: 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.
Ducks and swans on Tjörnin Lake in the winter in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Day 7 – Free Day in Reykjavík

You have a free day to explore Reykjavík city today. There is a wealth of things to do in Iceland’s vibrant capital, from visiting museums and art galleries to shopping or taking a dip in a geothermal swimming pool. Your travel agent will be more than happy to provide you with suggestions should you need some.

Highlights:

  • Hallgrímskirkja Church
  • Harpa Concert Hall
  • Tjörnin Lake
  • Helicopter Tour over Reykjavík: Get a birds-eye view of the city. Included is a helicopter ride over Reykjavík and a landing on a nearby mountain. Minimum age is 12 years.
  • Whale Watching Tour in Reykjavík: See the whales in their natural habitat. By Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, you’ll board the boat and head to sea. Included are a 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.
  • 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.
A woman enjoying a soak in Iceland's Blue Lagoon spa.

Day 8 – Departure

Now it is time to bid farewell to Iceland and head back home with a heart full of memories and a social media account full of photos. When it is time to leave for the airport, a private driver will pick you up and take you across the lava fields of Reykjanes Peninsula. We hope to see you again soon!

Highlights:

  • Laugavegur Shopping Street
  • City Hall
  • Reykjavík Old Harbour
  • 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.

Accommodation

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

Please keep in mind that hotel quality in Iceland varies between regions and that not all locations offer quality-level accommodations

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. 

Transportation

Personalize your Icelandic adventure by selecting from our three transportation options: a minivan, a large SUV, or a rugged super jeep. See details for each option in the boxes below. These choices represent the most common vehicles used on privately guided tours. If you have special requests or specific needs, we’re here to cater to them, ensuring your journey is uniquely tailored to you.

Mini Van

For around 7-9 passengers, ideal for small groups and families. The comfortable minivans provide a smooth and intimate ride as you discover Iceland's wonders together.

Large 4WD

For 4-5 passengers seeking a spacious and versatile option. The large SUVs are equipped to handle diverse terrains while ensuring ample room for both passengers and gear.

Super-Jeep

For up to 19 passengers. Take your adventure to the next level with a rugged super jeep. Designed to conquer Iceland's challenging landscapes, these powerful vehicles provide an exhilarating ride for the more adventurous traveler.

Map

Good to know

  • Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, outside of Reykjavík, you will be staying at rural hotels, which increases your chances of seeing them when the weather allows.
  • Note that the itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.
  • The itinerary depends on road and weather conditions, so it may be altered if conditions are not favorable. This includes optional activities as well. If extreme weather affects your travel plans, you will be notified, and we will do our best to assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when applicable.
  • Some optional activities may need a valid driving license, or you may need to send additional information to your travel agent. For snorkeling, you will need to know how to swim and fill out an online medical document.

What to bring

  • Warm and waterproof clothes
  • Good winter shoes that have soles with a good grip or crampons
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Camera
  • More information on what to pack HERE

Or contact us +354 497 0800 - info@traveo.is

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