Included: An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area 4-day adventure tour in Iceland (4 days of sightseeing and activities) Accommodation for 3 nights at countryside hotels (double occupancy) 3 breakfasts Transport by comfortable minibus during the tour Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik South Coast highlights Recently erupted volcano hike Glacier hike (October through April) and ice cave visit (April to September) Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room Equipment rental Not included: Flights to Iceland Lunches and dinners Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above Insurance — recommended, available at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this adventure tour, basic fitness is required and no technical experience is needed. Activities include short, easy hikes and guided cave/glacier walks , mainly on well-formed trails and glacier surfaces equipped for non-experts. Expect to be on your feet for several hours most days, with changing Icelandic weather and uneven ground adding to the challenge, but there are no long hikes or major elevation gains. This Golden Circle & South Coast tour is beginner-friendly, welcoming to all ages (minors above the age of 8 can join with an adult). If you have difficulties participating in any of the activities included in the tour, for example, a glacier activity, you are more than welcome to skip it. You can explore your surroundings in the meantime or wait elsewhere. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Iceland adventures here !

What do I need to bring?

You can bring a small backpack and one piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs). Gear: Day pack (25–40L) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L total) Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof) Waterproof jacket and pants Gloves and warm hat Sunglasses and sunscreen Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, etc.) Camera (optional but recommended) Clothing: Base layers (thermal top and bottom) Insulating mid-layers (fleece, sweater) Extra socks and underwear Warm jacket (down or synthetic) Other: Headlamp or flashlight Snacks for between meals (nuts, bars, etc.) Prescription medication (if needed) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Layers are best—avoid jeans.

How much driving is there per day?

The daily driving distance on this tour varies but generally ranges from about 2 to 5 hours on the bus per day, with sightseeing and activity stops along the way. Some days are longer due to activities and photo stops, but you’ll never be in the vehicle for extended straight stretches—the route is broken up with frequent visits to attractions and rest stops.

Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed?

<div class="font-claude-response relative leading-[1.65rem] [&_pre>div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> We can’t promise it—the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their appearance depends on the weather and solar activity. What we can promise is that we’ve stacked the odds in your favor: our countryside hotels are chosen specifically for their dark, remote locations, well away from city lights, and the whole trip runs during the best viewing window , September through April. On a clear night, conditions here are about as good as they get.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: For this adventure tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 18:1. It takes a minimum of 8 participants for this tour to run. The maximum group size is set at 18 participants . Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. This Golden Circle & South Coast tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18 , you’re good to go. Minors older than 8 may be permitted to join the adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this Golden Circle & South Coast tour is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Golden Circle and South Coast is Reykjavik . To get there, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF) . From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Reykjavik. You will meet your guide at 9 am in Reykjavik—pick-up locations are specified at checkout . It is recommended to arrive at least one day before the tour. If you’re flying in from the U.S. or will be landing early (4-6:30 am), you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e if the flight gets delayed) and could, therefore, miss out on the tour. This is, therefore, not recommended! Accommodation for the night prior to the tour is at your arrangement. The meeting location depends on the tour and which time you’re meeting with your guides. Options include the Reykjavik City Hall, Hallgrimskirkja, or the Reykjavik Campsite. Departure time is between 9 and 9:30 am.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Iceland

Golden Circle & South Coast Tour: 4-Day Adventure in Iceland

4 days | Easy | 5.00

From $1,390 ()

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Four days is enough to cover the very best of Iceland if you’re short on time. We start with the Golden Circle—Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss—then head down the South Coast to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the two names most people search for before they’ve even booked a flight. From there, we go further: a glacier hike into a natural ice cave, Jökulsárlón’s icebergs washing up on Diamond Beach, Reynisfjara’s black sand and basalt columns, and a hike near a freshly erupted volcano. Add a real shot at the northern lights in winter, and four days start to feel like the whole country.

Adventure Highlights

Iceland's headline sights in one trip: From Þingvellir and Gullfoss to Reynisfjara and Jökulsárlón, this tour covers nearly every attraction in the country without needing a rental car or a route to plan
All logistics sorted: Transport, accommodations, and activities are covered so you can focus on adventure and scenery, not planning
A built-in shot at the Northern Lights: Countryside hotels are chosen for their dark skies, giving real chances to catch the aurora between September and April

Duration

4 days

Season

September through April

Group size

Up to 18 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

This 4-day, 3-night guided tour circles South Iceland in a small group by minibus, starting and finishing in Reykjavík. Day one covers the Golden Circle before heading down the South Coast; day two visits Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and a guided glacier hike into a natural ice cave; day three continues along the coast to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Skógafoss; and the final day takes in a recently active volcanic site with a chance to hunt the Northern Lights on the way back. Three nights are spent at countryside hotels chosen for their dark skies, with breakfast included each morning.

Day 1: The famous Golden Circle route

We start with a morning pickup in Reykjavik, then head out on the golden circle route. First stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are pulling apart, and the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament in 930 AD. Next is the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes, followed by Gullfoss, a two-tier waterfall that turns gold in the light. We continue south to Seljalandsfoss, with views of Hekla volcano on clear days, then settle into a countryside hotel that also happens to be a solid spot for the northern lights in winter.

Accommodation: Adventure Hotel Geirland or similar

Day 2: Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and ice caving

After breakfast, we drive toward Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, passing lava fields and volcanic desert, with Breiðamerkurjökull—a tongue of the mighty Vatnajökull—coming into view. Icebergs drift across the lagoon and wash up on the black sand nearby, glittering like diamonds. From there, we head to Skaftafell Nature Reserve for a glacier hike into a natural ice cave. October through April, that’s Vatnajökull glacier; April through September, we visit Katla ice cave instead, the only one open year-round. The day’s conditions decide the exact cave. We spend the night at a countryside hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Adventure Hotel Geirland or similar

Day 3: South Coast sightseeing

Breakfast comes first, then we follow the south coast, with a possible detour to Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon if conditions allow. We stop at the Eldhraun lava field before reaching Reynisfjara black sand beach, where basalt columns rise from the cliffs and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks stand offshore—said in folklore to be trolls turned to stone. From there, it’s on to Skógafoss, a 196 ft (60 m) waterfall with a trail alongside it for sweeping views, with Eyjafjallajökull visible above on clear days. We return to Reykjavik in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Island, Reykjavik or similar

Day 4: Volcano site and Northern Lights

On the last day, we hike near the site of a recently erupted volcano—a rare and fascinating sight, since no two eruptions look alike, with some sending ash into the sky and others releasing rivers of molten rock from fissures. Eruptions are unpredictable by nature, so we can’t promise a view of fresh lava, but even with a quiet crater, the dramatic, lava-shaped landscape makes for a memorable hike. Our guide leads us through the most striking and safe areas to explore. In the evening, September through April, we set off to chase the northern lights, driving away from Reykjavik’s city lights toward dark-sky spots like Hvalfjörður, Þingvellir, or Reykjanes—the exact destination depends on where the skies are clearest that night. We return to Reykjavik between 12 am and 1 am.

Meals: Breakfast

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Photo gallery

SUnset Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland

Lodging

Comfortable hotels

After days packed with Iceland’s best sights, you’ll want somewhere truly relaxing to recharge. For the first two nights, we kick back at an inviting countryside hotel, surrounded by nature—ideal for unwinding, watching for the northern lights in season, or just resting up for tomorrow. Expect modern rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and hearty breakfasts to fuel the next adventure. On your final night, it’s a comfy hotel right in Reykjavik—within easy reach of city sites, if you want to squeeze in a bit more exploring before heading home.

Adventure, packed to go

Golden Circle & South Coast Tour: 4-Day Adventure in Iceland

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

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What others say about this adventure

5.00 (7 reviews)

Blr

Fabulous Iceland

Wendy was awesome! Amazing driver, guide and friend to be traveling with.

wendy k

Once in a life time experience

My trip to Iceland was truly unforgettable. I felt I was in another planet with dramatic landscapes,waterfalls, volcanoes,glacies, black-sand beaches and NORTHERN LIGHTS! I joined a group of 16 people. Hjalti was our guide for 4 days. He made our trip amazing! It is a once in lifetime scenery and experience. Weather was the only challenge I faced! It was too cold for someone who is too used to the weather in South-East Asia.

A K

Awesome tour

Lili was the best guide! We had an amazing time. This itinerary covered all the places I was hoping to see, we even got lucky for aurora. Lots of breaks for bathroom, buying snacks, lunch etc. Comfortable small bus. Highly recommend but be flexible!

Show all reviews

Blr

Fabulous Iceland

Wendy was awesome! Amazing driver, guide and friend to be traveling with.

wendy k

Once in a life time experience

A K

Awesome tour

Yeo P

Best time of my life!

G was a great guide who was meticulous with managing the itinerary and time. We hit all the spots with clear instructions and some local insight into the attractions. He was knowledgable, helpful, and overall very friendly and personable with some dry humour sprinkled in like a true Icelandic local. I had an amazing time and would recommend this tour for anyone. The glacier hike by Yvor(sp?) was one to remember, and the team paid such great care in gearing us up, I felt safe every step of the very icy way. It was also highly informative and highlighted an urgent need to protect these sensitive reservoirs. Yvor was very helpful especially to the slower members of the group (me) and took some very professional photos of us! Though we did not manage to see the northern lights on this tour, the guide was very nice, warm and kind, staying outside in the bitter cold while we sought shelter in the bus for warmth. He did not give up till the end, and while i was disappointed, i was also touched by the care he took of us.

Simone P

fantastic adventure

I had a wonderful experience of 4 days of tour around the Golden Circle and the south coast of Iceland. This is my first time ever in Iceland but I think without a doubt that I chose the best tour operator, I want to thank the guides for their preparation, organization and sympathy. I recommend you to my friends and if I come back I will choose Artic Adventures again.

Laura L

Great tour

My husband & I booked the 4 day Iceland tour and had an excellent time! We really lucked out because the weather was pretty rough for most of our trip (extreme winds and snow!), but our guide, Siggi, was able to navigate us out of Reykjavik & still showed us a wonderful time. He had to switch up some of the itinerary, but we felt so lucky to have an experienced native help us with this tour – we would not have been able to read road closures & weather & to pivot to other activities the way he did.

kemMaine

Excellent experience

We had a wonderful experience with these guides on a small van tour around parts of Iceland in mid-April 2024. They were very helpful with pre-trip questions, the tour guide was incredibly informative but not overwhelming, and we were able to see and appreciate much more than if we had rented a car and driven ourselves. This was my first pre-planned multi-day tour, and I was concerned about feeling rushed at each stop. However, we had plenty of time at each location and received valuable information from our guide. When we return to Iceland – and we definitely will – we will happily book with these guides again.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 4-day adventure tour in Iceland (4 days of sightseeing and activities)
  - Accommodation for 3 nights at countryside hotels (double occupancy)
  - 3 breakfasts
  - Transport by comfortable minibus during the tour
  - Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik
  - South Coast highlights
  - Recently erupted volcano hike
  - Glacier hike (October through April) and ice cave visit (April to September)
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
  - Equipment rental
Not included:
- - Flights to Iceland
  - Lunches and dinners
  - Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
In order to join this adventure tour, basic fitness is required and no technical experience is needed.

Activities include short, easy hikes and guided cave/glacier walks, mainly on well-formed trails and glacier surfaces equipped for non-experts. Expect to be on your feet for several hours most days, with changing Icelandic weather and uneven ground adding to the challenge, but there are no long hikes or major elevation gains.

This Golden Circle & South Coast tour is beginner-friendly, welcoming to all ages (minors above the age of 8 can join with an adult). If you have difficulties participating in any of the activities included in the tour, for example, a glacier activity, you are more than welcome to skip it. You can explore your surroundings in the meantime or wait elsewhere.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Iceland adventures here!
You can bring a small backpack and one piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs).

Gear:
- - Day pack (25–40L)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L total)
  - Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof)
  - Waterproof jacket and pants
  - Gloves and warm hat
  - Sunglasses and sunscreen
  - Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, etc.)
  - Camera (optional but recommended)
Clothing:
- - Base layers (thermal top and bottom)
  - Insulating mid-layers (fleece, sweater)
  - Extra socks and underwear
  - Warm jacket (down or synthetic)
Other:
- - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Snacks for between meals (nuts, bars, etc.)
  - Prescription medication (if needed)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Layers are best—avoid jeans.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
The daily driving distance on this tour varies but generally ranges from about 2 to 5 hours on the bus per day, with sightseeing and activity stops along the way. Some days are longer due to activities and photo stops, but you’ll never be in the vehicle for extended straight stretches—the route is broken up with frequent visits to attractions and rest stops.
We can’t promise it—the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their appearance depends on the weather and solar activity. What we can promise is that we’ve stacked the odds in your favor: our countryside hotels are chosen specifically for their dark, remote locations, well away from city lights, and the whole trip runs during the best viewing window, September through April. On a clear night, conditions here are about as good as they get.
Group sizes and pricing:
- - For this adventure tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 18:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 8 participants for this tour to run. The maximum group size is set at 18 participants.
  - Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
This Golden Circle & South Coast tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors older than 8 may be permitted to join the adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Golden Circle & South Coast tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The starting point of your Golden Circle and South Coast is Reykjavik. To get there, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Reykjavik. You will meet your guide at 9 am in Reykjavik—pick-up locations are specified at checkout.

It is recommended to arrive at least one day before the tour. If you’re flying in from the U.S. or will be landing early (4-6:30 am), you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e if the flight gets delayed) and could, therefore, miss out on the tour. This is, therefore, not recommended! Accommodation for the night prior to the tour is at your arrangement.

The meeting location depends on the tour and which time you’re meeting with your guides. Options include the Reykjavik City Hall, Hallgrimskirkja, or the Reykjavik Campsite. Departure time is between 9 and 9:30 am.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

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