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Gullfoss on the Golden Circle

Golden Circle & Glaciers

Example 3 Day Tour
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Spend three days exploring the Golden Circle and South Iceland coast in fall, spring, or winter on this short Iceland adventure. First visit the Golden Circle Route including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss. Continue south where you stop to visit Jökulsárlón Lagoon with its many icebergs and Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest ice cap in Iceland. Wander the many black beaches and spend the night in a country hotel as you spend time hunting for the Northern Lights. In winter months, hike inside the Crystal Caves, or glacier caves for a look at the inside of a glacier. This three-day Iceland tour is a perfect addition to any Arctic cruise or Iceland hiking tour for those wanting to see the main sites of the South Coast.
Admiring an ice cave in Skaftafell GlacierHiking under the Northern LightsCharming coastal town of VikStanding at the fissure in ThingvellirThe vast Jokulsarlon LagoonThe stunning Seljalandsfoss in IcelandGullfoss on the Golden Circle
Highlights
  • Visit Thingvellir National Park and the fissure between two tectonic plates
  • Tour Geysir, Gulfoss Waterfall, and main attractions of the Golden Circle
  • Hunt for the Northern Lights if here in shoulder seasons or winter months
  • Admire the stunning Jökulsárlón Lagoon and Vatnajökull ice cap
Activities
Places Visited
  • Arctic
  • Europe
  • Iceland
  • Reykjavik
  • Gullfoss Falls
  • Jökulsárlón
  • Reynisfjara Beach
  • Seljalandsfoss
  • Skógafoss
  • Strokkur Hot Spring
  • Vik
  • Þingvellir National Park
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Golden Circle Route

Be ready in the lobby of your Reykjavik hotel this morning. You are picked up and start out on the Golden Circle Route, stopping first at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Thingvellir National Park. This location sits atop the rifting between two tectonic plates. Walk along the fissures in the crust and learn about the historic significance of the site. Continue on to nearby Geysir geothermal area and watch the spouting Strokkur geyser which erupts almost every 8 minutes. Visit the majestic Gullfoss waterfall which lies in the canyon of the Hvita River. This afternoon drive your way further south towards the coast to your country hotel for the next two nights. Spend some time tonight hunting for the Northern Lights!

Day 2: Glaciers & Ice

Drive further east along the coast today towards Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Stop first at Jökulsárlón lagoon, which sits in between the Breiðamerkurjökull outlet glacier and the sea and is filled with large floating icebergs that have calved off its feeder glacier. Explore the area before continuing on to your afternoon adventure, touring the crystal ice caves! Explore these fascinating man-made caves inside the glacier for an insider's look at glaciology*. Return to your hotel for dinner and spend time looking for the northern lights tonight if weather permits.

*This excursion can be substituted with another excursion in the area for tours in the summer months.

Day 3: South Coast & Waterfalls

  • 1 Breakfast
Start the journey back towards Reykjavik today, traveling west along the South Coast of Iceland. Take time to stop and admire highlights along the way, including the black beaches of Vik and Reynsfjara Beach, and the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Stop as well for a chance to walk on the Sólheimajökull glacier before returning by late afternoon. Continue on with the rest of your Iceland travels, or return home.

Accommodations

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Standard Room
Dining area at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Exterior seating

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Iceland Cruises & Tours.

Notes

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Rates based on small group departure with maximum 16 people.
Private Departures available, starting at $2095 based on a Group of 4.
Rates are based on the current exchange rate with the Iceland Krona and may fluctuate.

Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches
  • 2 Nights Accommodations
  • 3 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Arrival Transfer - Pick-up in Reykjavik
  • Departure Transfer - Drop-off in Reykjavik
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Meals not listed
  • International Flights

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge

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