Set off from Reykjavik for a South Coast escape over five days – finishing at Keflavik International Airport – that packs Iceland’s big hitters. Trace the Golden Circle to Þingvellir, erupting Strokkur and thunderous Gullfoss, with a greenhouse stop to see geothermal growing. Continue to Vik for sweeping black sand beaches and, further east, Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the sparkling Diamond Beach – add a boat tour for close up icebergs. Expect to see Vatnajökull’s peaks, hike to Svartifoss, and call in at Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Round things off with a soak at the Blue Lagoon before returning to the capital.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Reykjavik
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport and make your way to your hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland's lively capital. For a smooth start, we can arrange a Flybus transfer or organize a private door-to-door transfer. Once checked in, take time to relax after your journey and enjoy your first impressions of Iceland - you could stroll the colorful streets, visit the harbor, or simply unwind at your hotel. Your adventure along the spectacular South Coast begins tomorrow, with days filled with dramatic landscapes, natural wonders and long summer evenings.
Overnight: Reykjavik
We set off from Reykjavik to explore the Golden Circle, home to some of Iceland's most celebrated natural and cultural landmarks. Our first stop is Þingvellir National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart, forming a dramatic rift valley. Þingvellir is also where Iceland's first parliament was established more than 1,000 years ago.
We continue to the Geysir geothermal area, a landscape of steaming vents and bubbling pools. Here, Strokkur erupts every few minutes - a thrilling display of geothermal power. From there, we visit Gullfoss, the Golden Falls, where glacial water plunges in two stages into a deep canyon.
We round off the day at Friðheimar Greenhouse to see how geothermal energy supports year round tomato cultivation and to learn about Iceland's innovative approach to sustainable farming.
After a full day of sights, we travel south to the Vik area for an overnight stay in a countryside hotel - surrounded by open landscapes and long summer light.
We continue east along Iceland's dramatic South Coast to Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs calve from the retreating Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift through luminous blue waters towards the sea. For a closer look, you can choose to join an amphibian boat tour - at extra cost - to glide among the floating ice. Just across the road, we visit Diamond Beach, where glittering ice fragments wash ashore on jet‑black volcanic sand for striking, ever‑changing photo opportunities.
In the afternoon, we explore Vatnajökull National Park, focusing on the Skaftafell area. A highlight is the walk to Svartifoss, a graceful cascade framed by dark basalt columns. After a rewarding day outdoors, we return to our countryside hotel in the Vik area for the night.
Reykjavik
Today we travel back along Iceland's South Coast towards Reykjavik, with sweeping views of volcanic landscapes, glacier tongues and open farmland. We stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach to see its striking basalt columns and sea stacks - a dramatic meeting of ocean and rock. From mid April to mid August this is also a good place to look for Atlantic puffins on the nearby cliffs. We then continue to two of the country's most iconic waterfalls: Skogafoss, dropping 60 meters into a misty gorge where rainbows often appear, and Seljalandsfoss, where a footpath leads behind the cascade for a different perspective - be prepared for a refreshing spray.
In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the Blue Lagoon, Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, to soak in warm, mineral rich, milky blue waters and apply a silica mud mask amid the surrounding lava fields. We then return to Reykjavik for your final overnight stay.
Overnight: Reykjavik
Reykjavik
After breakfast, you'll have free time - depending on your flight - before travelling from Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport. If you'd like assistance, we can book a Flybus shuttle or organize a private transfer for convenience. As your adventure concludes, take home lasting memories of your 5-day Glacier Lagoon, Puffins & Black Sand Beaches tour and the iconic natural wonders you've explored.
At a Glance
On our Handpicked range we bring you the most iconic experiences in destinations where you’ll join travellers from other travel brands on your tour, safari or sailing holiday. Collaborating with our carefully handpicked portfolio of local partners, these holidays represent exceptional value and there’ll be plenty of cultural experiences shared with other like-minded travellers.
Group sizes and accommodation standards vary by destination where typical group size is 28 travellers and hotels, boats and safari lodges are of a 3-4 star standard.
Iceland Group Tours
Our Iceland and Northern Lights trips are escorted by expert English-speaking Icelandic guides, with the services of specialist guides at some sights providing unrivalled knowledge. Our selection of touring itineraries take in many of Iceland’s popular highlights as well as some lesser-known sites. You'll stay in a range of accommodation from simple guest houses to 4 star hotels and spend your days out and about with free time in the evenings when, if you're lucky, you'll witness the spectacular Northern Lights!