3-Day Ice Cave, South Coast, Golden Circle and Northern Lights

Explore Iceland’s Natural Wonders in Just Three Days

This 3-day Iceland tour from Reykjavik offers an immersive experience of some of the country’s most iconic sights, all for $1,041.55 per person. With a high rating of 5.0/5 based on 568 reviews, it stands out as a popular choice, recommended by 98% of travelers. The tour covers the Golden Circle, South Coast glaciers and waterfalls, and spectacular ice caves, providing a comprehensive look at Iceland’s diverse landscapes. It operates with a maximum group size of 19 travelers, ensuring a balance between comfort and small-group intimacy.

Designed for those with limited time, this tour includes hotel pickup, breakfast, accommodation, and transportation between sights—making it a hassle-free way to see Iceland’s natural treasures. While the tour features guided hikes, ice caves, and scenic stops, it’s worth noting that luggage space is limited, and additional costs apply for rental gear and optional activities. The opportunity to see the Northern Lights adds a magical touch, though their appearance depends on weather conditions.

Key Points

• High customer satisfaction with a perfect 5.0/5 rating from over 500 reviews
• Includes hotel stays and breakfasts, simplifying your trip planning
• Visits Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, glacier lagoons, and ice caves
• Guided glacier hike with included safety equipment
• Northern Lights viewing opportunities, weather permitting
• Pickup from Reykjavik and transportation between stops are included

The Golden Circle: Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir

The first day of this tour revolves around the Golden Circle, a classic route that highlights Iceland’s geological and historical marvels. The tour begins at Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart. The park also hosts Iceland’s historic parliament site dating back to 930 AD and the largest natural lake in Iceland, home to various fish and bird species.

Next, the group visits Gullfoss waterfall, where glacial meltwater from Langjökull glacier plunges into a deep canyon, creating a powerful cascade. On sunny days, visitors can often see rainbows in the mist, making this stop particularly photogenic. The third highlight is Geysir geothermal area, featuring hot springs and geysers. While Geysir erupts infrequently, Strokkur erupts every 5 minutes, shooting water up to 40 meters into the air, adding lively activity to the geothermal landscape.

Day Two: South Coast Waterfalls and Glacier Hike

Day two takes travelers along the South Coast, starting with the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This waterfall is famous for its walk-behind path, allowing visitors to experience the power of falling water close up. The short hike behind the falls offers spectacular views and the chance to capture striking photos.

The journey continues to Skogafoss, with its 60-meter cascade tucked into a lush gorge. Visitors can climb a staircase to a viewpoint above the falls, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. After the waterfalls, the tour heads to Skaftafell National Park, where an ice hike on an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull takes place. Equipped with helmets, harnesses, crampons, and ice axes, participants explore the glittering ice formations for about an hour and a half—an experience praised for its spectacle and educational value. The training and safety gear are included, ensuring safety during this moderate activity.

Day Three: Glacial Lagoons and Black Sand Beaches

The third day begins at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where massive icebergs float in a 200-meter-deep lagoon fed by Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The silent, majestic landscape invites quiet walks along the shore and photographs of ice formations in various shades of white and blue. Before returning, visitors enjoy a super jeep tour into a blue ice cave—a natural phenomenon formed within the glacier, accessible only during winter.

On the return route, the tour stops at Fellsfjara, where icebergs wash ashore on a black sand beach, creating a sparkling contrast between white and blue ice and dark volcanic sand. Nearby Reynisfjara Beach features massive basalt columns towering above the surf, along with rock pillars in the sea and views of Dýrhólaey cliffs. This area also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities during the summer months, especially for puffins and other seabirds.

Logistics and Practicalities of the Tour

The tour departs from Reykjavik with a start time of 8:00 am. Pickup is included from designated bus stops, with the exact locations available through the provider. The small-group size of up to 19 travelers ensures a comfortable and personalized experience. WiFi on board keeps travelers connected during transfers, and English-speaking guides lead the way, offering insightful commentary about each site.

Included in the package are two nights of accommodation and breakfasts at the hotels. Optional extras like hiking boots and weatherproof gear can be rented at additional costs. The luggage limit is 24 suitcases per person, and travelers should plan accordingly. Please note that ice caves are only accessible in winter, and their formations may change yearly due to the natural environment.

Highlights of the Guided Experience and Customer Praise

The guides on this tour receive consistent praise for their knowledgeability, friendliness, and professionalism. Multiple reviews mention guides like Oskar, Thor, and Petur, who share stories, explain geological features, and adapt the itinerary based on weather conditions. This flexibility is especially appreciated during unpredictable winter weather.

Travelers also emphasize the quality of the stops, with waterfalls, glaciers, and geysers all described as breathtaking. The ice cave visit, in particular, gets high marks as a unique highlight of the trip. The accommodations are described as comfortable and well-situated, with some reviews noting the view of the river and mountains at the first hotel.

Northern Lights and Weather Considerations

The Northern Lights add a magical element to the tour, with hotels in prime locations to maximize chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis. However, since the lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings are not guaranteed and depend on weather and solar activity. The tour remains flexible and will adjust plans if weather prevents sightings, offering alternative activities or different dates.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This 3-day Iceland tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive yet manageable way to explore the country’s most famous sights. It caters well to those who prefer guided excursions with included logistics, comfortable accommodations, and a variety of activities—from waterfalls and glaciers to ice caves and black sand beaches. The tour’s moderate physical activity—such as glacier hikes—suits those in average to good shape, but no prior experience is necessary.

While the itinerary is packed, the small group size and expert guides ensure a smooth flow and personalized attention. This tour is not suitable for travelers with large luggage or those who prefer more independent exploration. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want to cover a lot of ground.

Final Thoughts on the 3-Day Iceland Adventure

This tour offers a stellar introduction to Iceland’s natural beauty, combining stunning landscapes with informative guides and well-organized logistics. Its price includes accommodation, breakfast, transport, and guided activities, providing good value for money.

The availability of ice caves in winter and the hopeful Northern Lights sightings make this a special trip that captures the essence of Iceland’s dramatic environment. While weather can impact some experiences, the tour’s flexibility and expert planning help ensure a memorable journey.

This small-group, all-in-one package suits adventure-minded travelers eager to see glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes in just three days, creating memories that will last long after the trip ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The glacier hike is rated moderate and requires average fitness. No prior experience is needed, but participants should be comfortable walking on ice and climbing small crevices.

Are meals included during the tour?
Only breakfasts are included. Lunch and dinner are not included, so travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase meals during stops.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
The tour offers prime hotel locations for Northern Lights viewing, but sightings depend on weather and solar activity. The operator cannot guarantee seeing the Aurora Borealis.

What gear should I bring?
It’s recommended to bring hiking boots with slip-resistant soles (gear available for rent), warm clothing, and weatherproof gear if visiting in winter. Some optional gear, like waterproof jackets and pants, can be rented at additional costs.

What happens if the weather prevents certain activities?
The tour adapts to weather conditions. If a specific activity, like the ice cave visit, is canceled due to poor weather, alternative plans or dates are offered. The tour maintains flexibility to ensure safety and enjoyment.

How far in advance should I book this trip?
Most travelers book about 62 days in advance, reflecting its popularity and limited availability during peak times. Early booking helps secure preferred dates and accommodations.