Experience Iceland’s most breathtaking highlights on this 5-day small group tour along the South Coast, where glowing, long summer days and the magical Midnight Sun create unforgettable moments. Explore the famous Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, the erupting Strokkur geyser, and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, with a stop at Friðheimar Greenhouse to see sustainable farming in action.
Continue east to the dazzling Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach, where glittering icebergs wash ashore, and hike the trails of Skaftafell Nature Reserve in Vatnajökull National Park. Admire dramatic black sand beaches, towering waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and join optional activities such as an Amphibian Boat Tour among the icebergs. Conclude your adventure by relaxing in the world-famous Blue Lagoon before returning to Reykjavík.
Why Choose This Tour with Snæland Travel?
Tour Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Iceland – Welcome to Reykjavík
Arrive at Keflavík International Airport and make your way to your hotel in Reykjavík, Iceland’s lively capital. For added convenience, we can help arrange a Flybus transfer or organise a private door-to-door transfer. Once checked in, take time to relax after your journey and enjoy your first impressions of Iceland. Stroll through the colourful streets, visit the harbour area, or simply unwind at your hotel. Your adventure along Iceland’s spectacular South Coast begins tomorrow, with days filled with dramatic landscapes, natural wonders, and long summer evenings.
Day 2: The Golden Circle – Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss & Friðheimar
Today you begin your adventure along Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, the Golden Circle, home to some of the country’s most celebrated natural and cultural landmarks. Your first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart, creating a dramatic rift valley. This area is also historically significant, as it was the site of Iceland’s first parliament, established more than 1,000 years ago.
Next, continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where bubbling mud pools and steaming vents cover the landscape. The highlight is Strokkur geyser, which erupts sky-high every few minutes, thrilling visitors with its power and frequency. From there, you’ll marvel at the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, known as the “Golden Falls,” where glacial water plunges into a deep canyon in two spectacular stages.
The day concludes with a visit to Friðheimar Greenhouse, where geothermal energy sustains year-round tomato cultivation. Here you’ll learn about Iceland’s sustainable farming practices and see how innovation allows fresh produce to flourish in this northern climate.
After a full day of sightseeing, continue south to the Vík area, where you’ll stay in a countryside hotel surrounded by open landscapes, perfect for enjoying Iceland’s long summer evenings.
Day 3: White Glaciers & Black Sands – Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach & Skaftafell
Your journey continues east along the dramatic South Coast of Iceland, heading towards one of the country’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Fed by the retreating Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, this vast lagoon is filled with icebergs that drift gently through the blue water before making their way out to sea. The ice formations appear in dazzling shades of white and bright blue, depending on how sunlight reflects off the compacted crystals. For an even closer perspective, you have the option to take an Amphibian Boat Tour (extra cost), which glides among the floating icebergs for an unforgettable experience.
Just across the road lies the extraordinary Diamond Beach, where these glittering blocks of ice wash ashore on jet-black volcanic sands, creating a breathtaking natural contrast. This ever-changing shoreline provides some of the most memorable photo opportunities in Iceland.
Later in the day, explore Vatnajökull National Park, focusing on the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Known for its stunning mix of glaciers, waterfalls, and lush valleys, Skaftafell is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. A highlight is the walk to Svartifoss waterfall, framed by dark basalt columns. After a day of exploration, return to your countryside hotel in the Vík area for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Volcanoes, Waterfalls & The Blue Lagoon
On your final day of touring, travel back along Iceland’s spectacular South Coast, taking in sweeping views of rugged volcanic landscapes, glacier tongues stretching down from ice caps, and picturesque farmlands. One of the highlights is a stop at the dramatic Reynisfjara black sand beach, where the roaring Atlantic Ocean meets towering basalt columns and sea stacks. Known for its wild beauty, Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most photographed natural wonders. This area is also a great spot to see Atlantic puffins nesting on the nearby cliffs (mid-April to mid-August).
The adventure continues with visits to two of the country’s most iconic waterfalls. First, the mighty Skógafoss, which thunders 60 metres into a mist-filled gorge, often creating rainbows in its spray. Then, the elegant Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where a footpath allows you to walk behind the cascade for a unique perspective — just be prepared for a refreshing mist.
In the afternoon, relax at the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa. Here you can soak in the warm, mineral-rich, milky-blue waters, apply a rejuvenating silica mud mask, and take in the surreal lava field surroundings (this is an optional extra). This is the perfect way to end your adventure before returning to Reykjavík for your final overnight stay.
Day 5: Farewell Iceland – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy free time (depending on flight schedule) before your transfer from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport. We can assist with booking a Flybus shuttle or arrange a private transfer for convenience. As your adventure concludes, take with you unforgettable memories of your 5-day Glacier Lagoon, Puffins & Black Sand Beaches tour, having experienced some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders.
A: Keflavik International Airport
B: Blue Lagoon
C: Thingvellir National Park
D: Gullfoss and Geysir
E: Reynisfjara Beach
F: Glacier Lagoon
G: Reykjavík
Prices
If you would like to book this tour, please do so here
If you are a travel agent, please contact us at sales@snaeland.is for pricing information or request access to our agent site
Languages: English & German
Departures: Thursdays & Sundays
Travel Period: April - August
Difficulty: Easy
Min Age: 5 Years
Included
Excluded
What to Bring
Optional Add-Ons