3-Day Golden Circle, Ice Cave and Glacier Lagoon Small-Group Tour
Overview
Available languages
72 hours
Mobile ticket
Embark on a breathtaking 3-day journey through Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle and South Coast, capped by an unforgettable ice cave adventure. Experience the raw beauty of thundering waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the otherworldly Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. With a knowledgeable guide at the wheel and a small group for a more intimate experience, you'll uncover hidden gems and dramatic landscapes along the way. This immersive tour blends comfort, adventure, and Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders into one unforgettable escape.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What to bring: Warm outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket and pants, head wear, and gloves. Good hiking shoes are recommended.
The order of the itinerary might change due to weather conditions. Your guide will have full power to make amendments to the itinerary when necessary.
Minimum age is 8 years old
This tour has the flexibility to make the most of the seasonal changes such as changes in weather and conditions. During the summer Iceland is characterized by energizing bright nights and midnight sun. Between August and May, if the forecast is suitable, you might even be able to spot the magical show put on by the Northern Lights. It is important to note that a guided Northern Lights hunt is however not included in the tour. Other wonderful and interesting possibilities can also come up during your south coast tour with us as Iceland is full of surprises.
We use a couple of different ice caves for our 3 Day Golden Circle & South Coast tour. Ice caves are ever-changing and unpredictable natural phenomena. We usually visit the Crystal Cave at Breiðmerkurjökull during this tour but when the Crystal Cave is inaccessible we will most likely visit Katla Ice Cave. Which ice cave is chosen will however always depend upon the conditions and safety considerations on the day, sometimes a different ice cave will be visited. If conditions do not allow us to visit an ice cave a glacier hike will be offered as an alternative.
Solo travelers who do not select the single supplement will be accommodated in a shared twin room with another participant of the same gender.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
The Famous Golden Circle Route
Accommodations
One night at a hotel near Vík.
Thingvellir
Explore Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk between the diverging North American and Eurasian tectonic plates beneath towering cliffs. This remarkable site is also home to the world’s oldest still-functioning parliament, established in 930 CE, offering a powerful blend of natural wonder and historic significance.
Geysir
Next, explore the Geysir Geothermal Area, the namesake of all geysers. While the original Geysir is now dormant, nearby Strokkur puts on a spectacular show, erupting every few minutes and shooting boiling water up to 25 meters into the air. This geothermal hotspot is a true highlight of Iceland’s volcanic landscape.
Gullfoss Falls
Finally, visit Gullfoss—“the Golden Falls”—one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls. Here, the mighty Hvítá River plunges in two dramatic stages into a rugged canyon, creating a thunderous roar and a mist that often catches the sunlight in golden hues. It's a breathtaking display of nature’s raw power and beauty.
Kirkjubaejarklaustur
After exploring the Golden Circle, you'll travel south to your hotel near the quaint town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. This peaceful location is an ideal spot to look out for the mesmerizing Northern Lights—if the skies are clear and luck is on your side. Be sure to keep watch; you might just catch nature’s most magical light show.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Ice Caving
Accommodations
Your accommodation for the night will be at the same hotel – Adventure Hotel Geirland.
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Glacier Lagoon
In the morning, you’ll head east to the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach. At the lagoon, icebergs of all shapes and sizes drift gracefully toward the Atlantic Ocean, creating a surreal and ever-changing landscape. Their striking colors—ranging from deep blue to crystal white—are the result of compressed glacial ice and natural light refraction.
Fellsfjara
At Diamond Beach, you'll see icebergs that have washed ashore, sparkling like diamonds against the black volcanic sand. As sunlight hits the ice, it creates a dazzling display of bright blue tones that make for an unforgettable walk along the coast. Keep an eye out for ocean birds—and with a bit of luck, you might even spot a curious seal playing in the waves.
Skaftafell National Park
From Jökulsárlón, head to Skaftafell Nature Reserve for a glacier hike led by a certified guide on Vatnajökull Glacier. Then, explore a natural ice cave, where you can photograph the stunning blue light filtering through the ice. Your guide will explain how these formations are created. The cave visited depends on conditions, with about two hours spent on the glacier and cave combined. This tour suits those comfortable walking on easy terrain. Remember to dress warmly, as temperatures inside the cave are well below freezing.
South Coast Sightseeing
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Fjadrargljufur Canyon
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin a relaxed drive back toward Reykjavik with several stops along the way. If road conditions allow, the day starts with a quick detour to the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.
Eldhraun Lava Field
You’ll first explore the iconic Eldhraun lava field, a vast and dramatic landscape formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Then, continue on to the striking Reynisfjara black sand beach, known for its powerful waves and basalt columns.
Reynisfjara Beach
The powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash dramatically onto the black sand beach, creating a stunning and unforgettable sight. Be cautious—these waves can be unpredictable, so always follow your tour guide’s safety instructions.
Skogafoss
Skógafoss is a stunning waterfall that plunges 60 meters into a peaceful pool below. Climb the 527 steps to the top for breathtaking panoramic views. On clear days, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano towering above the falls.
Volcano Hekla
On clear days, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Mount Hekla as you travel toward Seljalandsfoss. This iconic volcano adds a dramatic backdrop to the scenic journey ahead.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
This waterfall is one of the most unique in the world, offering the rare opportunity to walk behind the cascading water. Experience breathtaking views from both behind and in front of the falls.
Reykjavik
After your final visit to Seljalandsfoss, your 3-day South Coast tour concludes as you travel back to Reykjavík. You’ll arrive between 16:00 and 19:00 depending on road and weather conditions.
What‘s Included
Visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and a natural ice cave
WiFi on board
Pick-up and drop off from select locations in Reykjavik
Visit to Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Transportation by comfortable mini bus
Small-group experience
Guided 3-day tour of the Golden Circle and South Coast
Accommodation for 2 nights
Visit to Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfalls
Lunch & Dinner
Please note that if you are a solo traveler and do not choose the single supplement you will be paired in a twin room with another participant of the same gender
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Shared room option
This option includes a shared room. Please note that if you are a solo traveler and do not choose the single room option then you will be sharing a room with a participant of the same gender.
Pickup included
Reviews
303 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful Tour
Sunshine10348695824,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have nothing but great things to say about this tour! Our guide (Linas) was wonderful, and it was such an honor to have him show us around his country. Highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see a lot of Iceland in a short amount of time.
3-Day Tour of the Golden Circle & South Coast with Arctic Adventures
F8207HIrichc,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the very first communication with the team at Arctic Adventures (even though it was a last-minute booking over the holidays), I knew I was in good hands. They responded to all my inquiries within 24 hours, ensuring a smooth and hassle free booking experience. Our tour began with our fantastic driver/guide, Sigurður (Diddi) Magnússon. Having traveled extensively across 20+ countries, I can confidently say this was one of the best tour experiences I’ve ever had. Diddi made the journey unforgettable, not just with his vast knowledge of Iceland’s history and culture, but also with his humor, safety tips, and incredible driving skills. Even with two days of "bad" weather, Diddi managed the strong winds like a true professional, keeping us safe and comfortable at all times. A special thank you to Diddi and the team for going above and beyond when our Glacier walk had to be canceled on day two due to heavy winds. Instead of leaving us disappointed, they quickly adapted the itinerary and arranged for us to visit an Ice Cave the next day, which was a truly breathtaking experience! I left Iceland with memories I’ll cherish forever and a strong desire to return one day. A tip for fellow travelers: definitely pack extra layers and 100% waterproof clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable. Diddi, thank you again for the amazing memories. I highly recommend Arctic Adventures to anyone looking to explore Iceland in an unforgettable way.
Unforgettable
michaellK330OX,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00W loved the Northern lights tour by Arctic Adventures. Everything that was advertised in the brochrues was fulfilled. Our guide/driver was really informative during the tour. He also had a good sense of humour. Thank you Artic Adventures for providing an unforgettable experience!
Great tour, even better tour guide.
jasondQ1100XA,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Diddi and Artic Adventures did a great job of working around the weather to make sure we got the most out of our tour. Diddi was an amazing guide, shared so much history, geology and mythology about Iceland. He also was very helpful during a medical emergency we had during the trip. We miss him and Iceland already!
A memorable experience
waiyeechristinal,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with this 3 days golden circle and south coast trip. Our tour guide Lili is professional and informative.
Lucky Days in Iceland
leir2026,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Quite lucky these three days here.We almost see all the sights on the lists with the good weather. And also we have a great guide Lili, thanks for her efforts these days.
A good trip, Lili guide to take us on a drive-through, everyone is also very punctual haha 😄
Climber15246284174,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good, see a lot of attractions, guide and driver little sister is amazing, introduced a lot of relevant content, the weather in Iceland is volatile, everyone must pay attention to keep warm + wind + waterproof!!!
Very good.
斌 吴,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guide lily is very good, an excellent guide, warm, professional, beautiful, very good experience for us considering everything, the journey was extremely pleasant, blue ice cave like, everything else was good
You won’t regret it!
amandaaB5156RK,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend the 3-day South Iceland tour for anyone who wants to see a lot of the beauty of Iceland in a relatively short amount of time. Each stop was breathtaking and had some chances to be physically active (optional hikes to get better views). Our guide, Siggi, did a fantastic job at introducing us to some history of Iceland and was happy to answer all our questions. He was not only hospitable, but made sure we were safe as we arrived at any locations where safety measures needed to be taken (e.g. Black Sand Beach). The glacier hike was guided by a different team who work for Arctic Adventures. Our guide for this was Lucy. She was a great teacher and took extra care to make sure everyone had assistance when needed. I couldn't be more impressed with our overall experience!
Memories for life
Belladonna999,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great 3 days tour with our very knowledgeable guide Bjorn. Very well organized and punctual, everything always explained clearly and ran smoothly. The highlight for me was the glacier hike, with our Mr. Guide, Guillaume, who explained everything to keep us safe. He is a very personable and knowledgeable guide who made this trip memorable. I highly recommend this tour.
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Operated by Arctic Adventures