4 Days Fire and Ice: Golden Circle, South Coast, Ice Caves & Volcanoes
Set off on a four-day journey to explore Iceland like never before. Witness stunning landscapes as you visit the iconic Golden Circle, walk along the dramatic black sands of Reynisfjara, marvel at a volcanic eruption site, and take in the shimmering beauty of Diamond Beach. This unforgettable adventure is your chance to experience Iceland’s most extraordinary sights all in one incredible trip.
Details
Highlights
- Golden Circle Route
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Geysir Hot Springs
- Thingvellir National Park
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- Recent Volcano Eruption Site
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Vatnajokull National Park
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Natural Ice Cave
- Glacier Hike
- Northern Lights (Sept - April)
Included
- Pick-up & drop off in Reykjavik
- Guided Group Tour in a Minibus
- Hotel Room with Private Bathroom for 3 nights
- Hotel Breakfasts on Days 2, 3 & 4
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Hotel Accommodation
- Private Bathroom
- Breakfast
- South Coast Highlights
- Guided Ice Cave Tour
- Recently Erupted Volcano Hike
- Northern Lights tour (Sept-Spril)
- Free Wifi on Board Your Bus
Your adventure begins with a pickup in Reykjavik, where your guide will meet you at a convenient location in a comfortable minibus. On the first day, we’ll journey along the world-famous Golden Circle, a route featuring three of Iceland’s most celebrated attractions.
Our first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its geological and historical significance. It’s the original site of Althingi, Iceland’s parliament established in 930 AD, making it one of the oldest legislatures in the world. The park also features a seismic rift valley that marks the growing divide between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates—a visible land border between two continents and truly a one-of-a-kind destination.
Next, we’ll visit the Geysir Geothermal Area, renowned for its bubbling geysers. While the Great Geysir, which gave all geysers their name, is now dormant, Strokkur steals the show. This active geyser erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water as high as 98 feet (30 meters) into the air. It’s a mesmerizing display of the geothermal forces that have shaped Iceland, offering a close-up look at the raw power beneath its surface.
The final stop on the Golden Circle route is Gullfoss, or “the Golden Falls,” a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall. Its name comes from the golden hue the water takes as it flows over the dark brown rock. Below the falls lies a lush emerald valley, often adorned with rainbows that add to its magical beauty.
From the Golden Circle, we’ll continue south to visit Seljalandsfoss, one of the world’s most remarkable waterfalls. On clear days, we might even catch a glimpse of the majestic Hekla Volcano along the way.
After an exciting day of exploration, we’ll make our way to a cozy countryside hotel. During the winter months, this peaceful location offers an excellent chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights dancing across the sky.
Day Highlights
- Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir Hot Spring area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Hekla Volcano Views
Included
- Guided minibus tour
- The Golden Circle
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- One night hotel accommodation
We’ll start the day with a hearty Icelandic breakfast before setting off towards the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach. Along the way, we’ll pass moss-covered lava fields, volcanic deserts, and striking rock formations—each telling a story of Iceland’s dramatic volcanic history. As we approach, you’ll catch sight of the stunning Breidamerkurjokull Glacier, a massive ice flow stretching out from Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier.
At Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, you’ll marvel at the glittering icebergs drifting across its serene, icy-blue waters. Nearby, the Diamond Beach offers a striking contrast, with these icy gems sparkling against the black sand. Both locations are absolutely breathtaking and will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Next, we’ll visit Skaftafell Nature Reserve for another incredible adventure. From October to April, a certified glacier guide will lead us to the Vatnajokull Glacier for a thrilling glacier hike. You’ll even explore the glacier’s icy depths by stepping into a natural ice cave.
From April to September, the journey takes us to the Katla Ice Cave, located beneath a volcano. This unique natural ice cave is accessible year-round, showcasing the beauty of Iceland’s icy wonders.
Iceland’s ice caves typically form during winter when summer’s meltwaters freeze, creating stunning pockets and patterns within the vivid sapphire ice. During the hike, your guide will explain how these remarkable formations come to life.
Since ice cave tours depend heavily on weather conditions, our destination will be chosen based on the day’s conditions. Remember to dress warmly, as temperatures inside the caves are always below freezing.
After the day’s adventures, we’ll settle into a cozy countryside hotel. If you’re visiting between September and April, it’s the perfect spot to catch the enchanting Northern Lights shimmering across the night sky.
Day Highlights
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- The Diamond Beach
- Natural ice cave
- Glacier hike (winter only)
- Vatnajokull Glacier
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Svartifoss Waterfall
Included
- Breakfast at hotel
- Guided sightseeing
- Diamond Beach
- Guided glacier hike and ice cave tour
- One night hotel accommodation
After enjoying a nutritious breakfast, we’ll head out to explore the stunning South Coast. If road conditions permit, we’ll make a quick detour to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, famously known as the “Bieber Canyon” after the singer filmed a music video there.
Our journey continues to the Eldhraun lava field before we arrive at the iconic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Here, we’ll witness the dramatic contrast between the Atlantic’s white-crested waves and the jet-black sands of the beach. Rising from the cliffs are striking basalt sea stacks, resembling the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. We’ll also marvel at the Reynisdrangar basalt pillars, jagged peaks said in Icelandic folklore to be trolls turned to stone by the sunlight while attempting to haul a ship to shore.
Next, we’ll visit the majestic Skogafoss Waterfall, where a wide cascade plunges 196 feet (60 meters) into a tranquil pool below. A winding path beside the falls offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Skogafoss is steeped in Icelandic legends, and our guide will share fascinating stories about its mythical significance.
Towering above Skogafoss is the famous Eyjafjallajökull, and on a clear day, we may catch a glimpse of this magnificent mountain.
As the day winds down, we’ll return to Reykjavik to rest and prepare for the next adventure.
Day Highlights
- Fjaðrargljúfur Canyon (weather permitting)
- Eldhraun lava field
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- Views of Eyjafjallajökul (weather permitting)
Included
- Hotel breakfast
- Guided sightseeing
- One night hotel accommodation
On your final day, prepare for an incredible adventure as we hike near the site of a recently erupted volcano!
Iceland has had several volcanic eruptions in recent years, each one a unique and captivating event. While no two eruptions are alike, some send ash clouds into the sky, while others produce glowing rivers of molten rock. Though we cannot guarantee a view of fresh lava due to volcanoes' unpredictable nature, the dramatic landscapes shaped by previous eruptions are equally captivating.
Even though the main crater was quiet during our visit, the lava fields' unique terrain provided an unforgettable experience. Our expert guide will lead you through the most breathtaking and secure areas, making this journey as fascinating as it is memorable.
During the winter (September to April), we'll also go on a magical hunt for the Northern Lights. The excitement begins when your guide picks you up and takes you into the peaceful beauty of a starry night.
Because aurora forecasts change daily, the exact location will be a surprise, but we'll take you far away from city lights for the best viewing opportunity. Possible locations include Hvalfjörður, Þingvellir, Reykjanes, or other rural areas in South Iceland with minimal light pollution. Traveling by minibus allows us to access off-the-beaten-path locations that larger buses simply cannot reach, making the hunt for the aurora borealis even more special.
Day Highlights
- Recently erupted volcano site
- Northern Lights experience (weather permitting, September-April)
Included
- Hotel breakfast
- Guided volcano tour
- Guided Northern Lights tour (Sept-April)
- Drop-off in Reykjavik
