6 Days • 5 Nights
Iceland South Coast & Glaciers: Waterfalls, Ice Caves & Lagoons
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- A guided glacier hike across blue ice and crevasses is a thrilling highlight. Nothing brings you closer to Iceland's icy heart than walking on a glacier itself. With an expert glacier guide, you strap on crampons, take up an ice axe and rope up for a guided hike across a glacier tongue such as Solheimajokull or Falljokull, crunching over blue-white ice, skirting deep crevasses and moulins, and gazing up at seracs and ridges of ancient ice, all with full equipment and training. The scale, colour and adventure are exhilarating. Strapping on crampons for a guided glacier hike across a glacier tongue.
- The waterfalls and black-sand beaches of the South Coast are a spectacular highlight. The South Coast is Iceland at its most cinematic. You walk behind the shimmering curtain of Seljalandsfoss, feel the spray and thunder of the broad, powerful Skogafoss, and stand on the black volcanic sands of Reynisfjara beneath towering basalt columns, sea caves and offshore stacks, where Atlantic breakers crash near the pretty village of Vik. Waterfalls tumble from former sea cliffs and glaciers gleam above. The drama and beauty are astonishing. Following the spectacular South Coast past the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss and the black volcanic sands of Reynisfjara.
- The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach are a magical highlight. At the foot of Europe's largest glacier, you reach the sublime Jokulsarlon lagoon, where luminous blue-and-white icebergs, calved from the glacier, drift slowly across the still water towards the sea, often with seals among them. You cruise by boat among the towering bergs and walk the neighbouring Diamond Beach, where crystal-clear ice glitters like jewels against the black volcanic sand. The colours and otherworldly stillness are magical. Cruising the sublime Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon among its drifting blue icebergs and seals, and walking the glittering Diamond Beach beneath the glacier.
- Venturing into a shimmering glacier ice cave is a breathtaking highlight. Beneath Iceland's glaciers, meltwater sculpts shimmering caves of crystal and blue, and stepping inside one is unforgettable. With an expert guide you venture beneath the vast Vatnajokull ice cap into a natural ice cave (a blue ice cave in winter, or a striking ice tunnel or glacier cave in other seasons), its walls glowing in extraordinary shades of blue, polished by water and time. The light, colour and silence deep within the ice are otherworldly. Venturing beneath the glacier with an expert guide into a shimmering ice cave.
- The Skaftafell reserve, wildlife and geothermal warmth enrich this journey. Beyond the headline wonders, the South Coast rewards the curious. In the beautiful Skaftafell nature reserve you can walk to the black basalt-columned Svartifoss waterfall beneath the glaciers, and along the coast you keep watch for seals hauled out near the icebergs, and for the seabirds, including summer puffins, that throng the cliffs at Dyrholaey. After active days, you soak in geothermal warmth beneath the volcanoes. The variety and wild life are wonderful. Exploring the Skaftafell nature reserve and its Svartifoss waterfall, watching for seals and puffins along the coast.
- Above all, this journey takes you into the icy heart of Iceland's fire-and-ice landscapes. The South Coast and its glaciers are Iceland at its most spectacular, and this journey immerses you in them with real, hands-on adventure. Over six days you follow the coast of thundering waterfalls and black beaches, hike across a glacier, venture into a shimmering ice cave, and cruise the sublime Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon among drifting icebergs, all guided by expert glacier and driving guides. The combination of waterfalls, black beaches, blue ice, drifting icebergs and volcanic drama is extraordinary.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your South Coast and glaciers adventure begins as your flight lands at Keflavik International Airport, where you are met and transferred across the moss-covered lava fields to colourful Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital. Iceland is one of the most extraordinary countries on earth, and the fresh air and dramatic light make an immediate impression. Settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the capital at an easy pace, strolling the lively main street and old harbour, climbing the tower of Hallgrimskirkja church for a view over the brightly painted rooftops, or relaxing in a geothermal pool to shake off the journey. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to Iceland's fresh cuisine and to the spectacular, active journey ahead along the South Coast. Rest well, ready for waterfalls and black beaches tomorrow.
Today you follow the cinematic South Coast to the village of Vik. You walk behind the shimmering curtain of Seljalandsfoss, then feel the spray and thunder of the broad, powerful Skogafoss, tumbling from a former sea cliff, perhaps climbing the staircase beside it for a view from the top. You pass beneath glaciers spilling from the highlands and reach the black volcanic sands of Reynisfjara, with its towering basalt columns, sea caves and offshore stacks, where Atlantic breakers crash (your guide will show you where to stand safely back from the powerful sneaker waves). You take in the dramatic Dyrholaey promontory and the pretty village of Vik beneath its green cliffs. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel near Vik. This evening, enjoy a seafood dinner, and watch for the aurora in season. Rest well amid the drama of the coast.
Today you enjoy real glacier adventure from your base near Vik. With an expert glacier guide you drive to a glacier tongue such as Solheimajokull, strap on crampons, take up an ice axe and rope up for a guided hike across the ice, crunching over blue-white glacier, skirting deep crevasses and moulins and gazing up at ridges and seracs of ancient ice, with full equipment and training provided, an exhilarating and safe adventure. Afterwards you have time to explore more of the beautiful area, returning to the black sands and basalt columns of Reynisfjara in changing light, or visiting the interactive Lava Centre to understand the volcanoes above. As the day ends, you return to your hotel near Vik. This evening, savour a hearty dinner and, in season, watch for the Northern Lights over the black coast. Rest well after an active day.
Today you journey east into the heart of Iceland's glacier country. You travel beneath the vast Vatnajokull ice cap, Europe's largest glacier, to the beautiful Skaftafell nature reserve, where you can walk to the black basalt-columned Svartifoss waterfall beneath the ice. With an expert guide you venture into a shimmering glacier ice cave, its walls glowing blue and crystal, an otherworldly experience deep within the ancient ice. You continue to the sublime Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, cruising by boat among luminous blue icebergs drifting towards the sea, often with seals nearby, and walk the glittering Diamond Beach, where crystal ice strews the black sand. As the day ends, you continue to the harbour town of Hofn, famous for its langoustine. This evening, savour fresh seafood beneath the glaciers. Rest well in the far southeast of Iceland.
Today you journey back west along the spectacular South Coast towards Reykjavik, savouring the fire-and-ice landscapes once more in changing light. You retrace the route beneath the great Vatnajokull ice cap and its shimmering glacier tongues, perhaps returning to the Jokulsarlon lagoon or a black-sand beach you loved, pausing for photographs of the waterfalls and volcanoes, and keeping watch for seals and seabirds along the coast. It is a long but breathtaking drive through some of Iceland's finest scenery, with glaciers on one side and the wild Atlantic on the other. As the day ends, you arrive back in colourful Reykjavik and settle into your hotel. This evening, celebrate your glacier adventures with dinner in one of the capital's excellent restaurants, and watch the skies for the aurora in season. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final Icelandic breakfast, perhaps a last stroll along the harbour or some souvenir shopping, you are transferred back across the lava fields of Reykjanes to Keflavik International Airport for your onward departure. You leave having journeyed into the icy heart of Iceland's most spectacular landscapes, walking behind waterfalls and across black-sand beaches, hiking roped up over a blue glacier, venturing into a shimmering ice cave, and cruising the sublime Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon among drifting icebergs beside the glittering Diamond Beach. The images stay vivid long after you land, the thundering waterfalls, the blue glacier ice underfoot, the glowing ice cave and the luminous icebergs drifting to the sea. Iceland's South Coast offers fire-and-ice adventure and beauty in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the land of glaciers and volcanoes.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation in carefully chosen hotels and country lodges, a welcome dinner and a seafood dinner
- Daily breakfast
- All private airport and land transfers as per itinerary
- Touring, sightseeing and activities with expert English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees, national park permits and geothermal spa entries as per itinerary
- private and small-group touring with expert driving and glacier guides, a South Coast waterfalls and Reynisfjara tour, a guided glacier hike with equipment, a guided ice cave and glacier excursion, a Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon boat trip, and all activities and entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional snowmobiling and gratuities
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Iceland is in the Schengen Area, so many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders) may enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; the ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors, and a passport valid for the length of stay is required. Rules can change, so we confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and assist with ETIAS or a Schengen visa where needed
- Currency: The currency is the Icelandic Krona (ISK), and Iceland is one of the most cashless countries on earth; cards (including contactless) are accepted virtually everywhere, from fuel stations and country cafes to remote guesthouses, so you rarely need cash at all. ATMs are available in towns; tipping is not expected as service is included, though rounding up for exceptional service is always welcome
- Best time to visit: Iceland is a year-round destination with two very different personalities. Summer (June to August) brings the midnight sun, green landscapes, open highland roads, puffins and whales, and endless daylight for touring; winter (late September to March) brings the Northern Lights, ice caves, snow-dusted waterfalls and cosy geothermal pools. Late May, September and October offer a beautiful balance of lighter crowds, autumn colour and early aurora
- Language & etiquette: Icelandic is the language, but English is spoken fluently almost everywhere, so communication is effortless. Icelanders are relaxed, egalitarian and welcoming, first names are used for everyone, and a strong respect for nature runs deep. A key custom at geothermal pools and the Blue Lagoon: you must shower thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering the water, a point of hygiene taken seriously and worth knowing in advance
- Getting around: The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the whole island and links most highlights on good sealed roads; we combine private driver-guides and small-group touring with optional self-drive where you want independence. Distances are large and weather changes fast, so we build in realistic drive times. Highland F-roads (to Landmannalaugar and the interior) are gravel, river-crossing routes open only in summer and require suitable 4x4 vehicles
- Health & safety: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with negligible crime, excellent healthcare and clean tap water that is delicious straight from the cold tap. The real hazards are natural: sudden weather, strong winds, icy paths, sneaker waves at Reynisfjara black-sand beach, and unfenced geothermal areas where you must stay on marked paths as the ground and water can be scaldingly hot. We monitor conditions closely and follow official guidance
- Food & culture: Iceland's cuisine is fresh and surprising, built on superb lamb, langoustine and Arctic char, creamy skyr, rye bread baked in geothermal heat, and the beloved Icelandic hot dog. Reykjavik has a lively cafe, music and design scene, geothermal bakeries and craft breweries, while the countryside serves hearty farm-to-table fare. Alcohol is expensive and sold in state Vinbudin shops and licensed bars; we recommend the best tables at every stage
- Weather & packing: The Icelandic saying goes, if you do not like the weather, wait five minutes; conditions shift quickly in every season, so layers are essential year-round, along with a waterproof, windproof jacket, warm mid-layers, a hat and gloves, and sturdy waterproof walking shoes. Power is 230V with European type C and F two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter. Mobile coverage and wifi are excellent across populated areas and along the Ring Road
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience for the glacier hike and ice cave?
No prior experience is needed. The guided glacier hike and ice cave are led by expert, certified glacier guides who provide all technical equipment, crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness, and full training and briefing before you set out; the routes are chosen to suit the group and are safe and manageable for anyone in reasonable health. You do need a basic level of fitness and mobility for walking on ice, and warm, waterproof layers and sturdy footwear (which we advise on). We tailor the difficulty and can arrange gentler or more challenging options.
Do the glaciers and ice caves change with the season?
Yes. Glacier hikes run year-round on the glacier tongues, though the surface and access change with the seasons. Natural blue ice caves within the glacier form in winter (roughly November to March), when we visit those glowing sapphire caverns; outside that window we visit striking man-made ice tunnels or glacier caves and other ice features so the experience is spectacular year-round. Jokulsarlon glows with icebergs in every season. We always match the specific glacier and ice experiences to the time of your visit and confirm the details when you book.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, usually a generous spread of skyr, breads, cheese, cold cuts, fruit and good coffee, along with any meals named in the itinerary (often a welcome dinner and special experiences such as a seafood dinner in a harbour town or a farm meal in the countryside). We usually leave other meals free so you can explore Iceland's excellent restaurants, seafood shacks and geothermal bakeries, and we are delighted to recommend and reserve the best tables at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert driver-guide or private transfers and a pace tailored entirely to you, giving real depth, flexibility and comfort; small-group and self-drive options can be arranged if you prefer. Iceland's knowledgeable guides bring the geology, sagas, folklore and natural wonders vividly to life, reading the weather and light to find the best of the Northern Lights, waterfalls, glaciers and wildlife at exactly the right moment.
Do I need a visa for Iceland?
Iceland is in the Schengen Area, so many nationalities may visit visa-free for up to 90 days, with the new ETIAS travel authorisation being introduced for visa-exempt travellers; others require a Schengen visa. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on ETIAS or visa applications, and ensure your passport validity and documents are in order, so entry is smooth and stress-free from the moment you land at Keflavik.
Is Iceland safe to visit?
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with negligible crime, excellent infrastructure and healthcare, and superb tap water. The real considerations are natural rather than human: fast-changing weather, strong winds, icy winter paths, powerful sneaker waves at black-sand beaches, and hot geothermal ground where you must stay on marked paths. Our experienced guides monitor forecasts and road and safety conditions constantly, follow official guidance, and adjust plans so you can relax and enjoy.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on what you wish to see. Summer (June to August) brings the midnight sun, lush green landscapes, open highland roads, puffins and whales, and endless daylight for touring; winter (late September to March) brings the Northern Lights, blue ice caves, frozen waterfalls and steaming geothermal pools under snow. Late May, September and October offer a lovely balance of fewer crowds, autumn colour and the return of the aurora. We advise on the best timing for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point. We can adjust the balance of Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Ring Road, the Snaefellsnes peninsula, the Westfjords and the highlands, add a glacier hike, an ice cave, a helicopter flight, whale watching or extra spa time, chase the Northern Lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer, and tailor the pace, comfort level and focus entirely to you. Just tell us your dreams and we will craft them.
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