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Guided Small Group Tours

5-Day Winter Highlights & Northern Lights Tour

Experience the very best of Iceland's winter magic on this intensive 5-day small group tour designed for travelers who want to see the country's most spectacular sights in a shorter timeframe. This carefully crafted itinerary combines Iceland's must-see attractions with unique winter experiences, including ice cave exploration and northern lights hunting. From the dramatic waterfalls and black sand beaches of the South Coast to the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the iconic Golden Circle, you'll discover why Iceland captivates travelers from around the world. With two nights spent at a remote South Coast location far from light pollution, you'll have excellent opportunities to witness the aurora borealis dancing across the Arctic sky while enjoying the comfort of small group travel and expert local guidance. This tour is operated by a trusted partner of Iceland Unlimited.

Price from 2107 EUR per person

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TOUR CODE
NL-05
SEASON
Winter
travel style
Guided Small Group Tours
Duration
5 Days
Location
South Coast, Golden Circle
accessibility
Not Recommended

The Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Discovering Reykjavík

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Upon landing at Keflavík International Airport, you'll be greeted by your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in central Reykjavík. After checking in and freshening up, the remainder of the day is yours to explore Iceland's colorful capital city at your leisure. Walk along Laugavegur, the main shopping street lined with Icelandic design shops, art galleries, and inviting cafes where you can experience the city's renowned coffee culture. With numerous museums, restaurants serving innovative Nordic cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere, Reykjavík offers plenty to discover before your adventure begins. Overnight: Fosshótel Reykjavík or similar

Attractions of the day
Reykjavík City
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Laugavegur Shopping Street
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Hallgrímskirkja Church
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Harpa - Music Hall
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Sun Voyager - The Solfar Sculpture
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Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls and Black Sand Beaches

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After an early breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin your South Coast adventure. Your first stops are two of Iceland's most magnificent waterfalls. At Seljalandsfoss, you'll have the unique opportunity to walk behind the cascading water on a footpath that circles the falls, offering an unforgettable perspective. Continue to Skógafoss, where a powerful 60-meter waterfall creates a mesmerizing wall of water and mist that often produces beautiful rainbows in the sunlight. As you travel along the coast, you'll pass the stunning Eyjafjöll mountain range, including the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano with its ice-covered summit. Near the village of Vík, you'll visit Reynisfjara, one of Iceland's most photographed black sand beaches. Marvel at the dramatic Reynisdrangar basalt columns rising from the ocean and the impressive basalt cave formations along the shore. If you're traveling in September or October, you'll join an ice cave tour today to experience the ethereal blue beauty beneath a real glacier. For tours between November and March, this ice cave adventure will take place tomorrow. Later, you'll arrive at your accommodation, strategically located away from city lights to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights. After dinner with your group, spend the evening watching the sky for the aurora borealis. Overnight: Magma Hotel or similar

Attractions of the day
Seljalandsfoss
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Skógafoss
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Reynisfjara - Black Sand Beach
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Vík
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Northern Lights
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Day 3: Glacier Lagoon, Ice Caves, and Northern Lights

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Start your day early for a full schedule of incredible winter experiences. If you're traveling between November and March, you'll begin with an ice cave and glacier walking tour on Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. This unforgettable experience takes you into the heart of a glacier where you'll see stunning blue ice formations and learn about glacial geology from your expert guide. Next, you'll visit the spectacular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs in shades of brilliant white and deep blue float peacefully in the glacial waters. The sight of these ancient ice sculptures drifting in the lagoon is truly breathtaking. Nearby, you'll explore Diamond Beach, where ice chunks from the lagoon wash up on the black volcanic sand, creating a striking contrast that resembles scattered diamonds on the shore. After a day filled with glacial wonders, you'll return to your South Coast accommodation for another night. Enjoy a local dinner before spending the evening at leisure. If weather conditions are favorable, bundle up and head outside to search for the dancing lights of the aurora borealis in the dark Arctic sky. Overnight: Magma Hotel or similar

Attractions of the day
Vatnajökull glacier
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Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
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The Diamond Beach
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Northern Lights
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Day 4: The Classic Golden Circle

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Today you'll explore Iceland's world-famous Golden Circle, a route that showcases some of the country's most iconic natural attractions. Your first stop is Gullfoss, the "Golden Waterfall," where you can watch the powerful Hvítá River plunge into a dramatic canyon in two magnificent tiers. The spray from the falls often creates rainbows, and in winter, ice formations add extra magic to the scene. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, home to bubbling mud pots and the active Strokkur geyser. Strokkur erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water and steam up to 30 meters into the air. Your guide will share fascinating stories about this geothermal wonderland and explain why it's such a favorite among both locals and international visitors. Your final stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds tremendous historical and geological significance. This is where Iceland's parliament was established over a thousand years ago, making it one of the world's oldest democratic meeting places. The park also straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where you can actually walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in the dramatic Almannagjá rift valley. After your Golden Circle adventure, you'll return to Reykjavík for your final night in Iceland. Overnight: Fosshótel Reykjavík or similar

Attractions of the day
Gullfoss Waterfall
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Geysir
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Þingvellir National Park
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Reykjavík City
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Day 5: Departure from Iceland

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Your Icelandic winter adventure comes to an end today. A shuttle bus will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Keflavík International Airport in time for your departure flight. If your flight leaves in the afternoon, consider adding a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on your way to the airport. Relaxing in the warm, mineral-rich waters is a perfect way to conclude your time in Iceland before heading home.

Attractions of the day
Reykjavík City
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What's included in the tour

Included

  • Private meet and greet airport transfer from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík
  • 4 nights accommodation in carefully selected hotels
  • Continental breakfast buffet daily at your accommodation
  • 2 dinners at your accommodation (Days 2 and 3)
  • Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour
  • Comfortable transportation in a modern vehicle
  • Ice cave tour (timing depends on travel dates: September/October on Day 2, November-March on Day 3)
  • Glacier walking experience (for November-March departures)
  • Northern lights hunting opportunities
  • Shuttle transfer to Keflavík International Airport on departure
  • All taxes and fees

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Not included

  • International flights to and from Iceland
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Lunches throughout the tour
  • Dinners on Days 1, 4, and 5
  • Optional Blue Lagoon visit (available as upgrade on arrival or departure day)
  • Personal expenses

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Discover local activities and adventures

Let your personal travel consultant know what other activities catch your eye and we’ll add them to your custom-made trip itinerary.

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Unwind in the perfect accommodations

We handpick accommodations to ensure memorable stays for every type of traveler.

Comfort

Experience a higher level of comfort with our carefully selected comfort accommodations, each offering private facilities including a shower and toilet for your convenience and privacy. These lodges fall under the 3-star hotel category, providing a perfect blend of quality and value. Most properties boast an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of meals without needing to venture far. In Reykjavik, all comfort accommodations are ideally situated in central locations, giving you easy access to the city’s main attractions, shopping districts, and vibrant cultural spots. This category represents a significant upgrade in both comfort and service compared to budget options, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a cozy yet affordable stay. To make your mornings hassle-free, a delicious breakfast is included with your stay.

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Quality

Our quality accommodations feature spacious private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, offering the choice of a relaxing bath or a refreshing shower, along with a private toilet to ensure maximum comfort and privacy. These rooms represent the best available lodging options, found within prestigious 4-star hotels or the finest, highest-quality lodges across each region. In Reykjavik, all quality accommodations are centrally located, placing you within easy reach of the city’s key attractions, shopping areas, and vibrant dining and cultural scenes. These accommodations provide an elevated experience with superior comfort, thoughtful amenities, and attentive service designed to make your stay truly memorable. To enhance your visit, a complimentary breakfast is included each morning, helping you start your day well-nourished and ready to explore.

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Luxury

Our luxury accommodations feature exquisite suites and premium rooms within top-tier lodges and resorts, offering an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. Designed with refined decor and upscale touches, these accommodations provide a seamless blend of style, comfort, and exclusivity. Personalized services cater to your every need, ensuring a truly indulgent and tailored experience. In Reykjavik, all luxury accommodations are centrally located, placing you at the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural scene, fine dining, shopping, and key attractions. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an immersive urban experience, these upscale lodgings deliver the perfect base. Classy, elegant, and supremely comfortable, our luxury options strive to provide a first-class stay marked by exceptional amenities, impeccable service, and attention to detail. Every aspect is carefully crafted to make your visit not just memorable, but extraordinary.

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Good to know

Prepare for your adventure with these essential tips and information for a smooth journey.

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Can I travel on this tour with my children?

This tour isn't recommended for families with young children due to the nature of the activities included. However, it's well-suited for active, well-traveled children ages 12 and older who can handle the physical demands and pace of the itinerary. If you're unsure whether this tour is right for your family, we're happy to discuss it with you and help find the perfect fit.

When is the best time to take this winter tour?

This tour operates during Iceland's winter season, typically from September through April. These months offer the best chances to see the northern lights due to longer periods of darkness. September and early October provide milder temperatures, while November through March offer the quintessential winter experience with snow-covered landscapes. The ice cave experience is included year-round, though the specific cave location and tour duration may vary depending on natural conditions and your travel dates.

How physically demanding is the ice cave tour?

The ice cave and glacier walking tour is suitable for most people who can walk on uneven surfaces. You'll be provided with all necessary safety equipment including helmets, crampons, and ice axes. The tour involves walking on glacier ice and potentially climbing a few steps, but you don't need any prior experience. Your guides are trained professionals who will ensure your safety throughout the experience. If you have specific concerns about mobility or fitness level, contact us before booking.

What should I wear for this winter tour?

Layering is essential for Iceland's winter weather. Bring a waterproof and windproof outer jacket, waterproof pants, warm mid-layers (fleece or wool), thermal base layers, a warm hat, waterproof gloves, and sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and traction. For the ice cave tour, you'll want particularly warm layers as temperatures inside glaciers are significantly colder. Dress warmly for northern lights viewing, as you may be standing outside for extended periods.

Are northern lights sightings guaranteed?

The northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, this tour is designed to maximize your chances by including two nights at a remote South Coast location far from light pollution, where viewing conditions are excellent. Your guide will monitor aurora forecasts and advise the group on the best times to look for the lights. Weather conditions and solar activity both play important roles in visibility.

What is the group size for this tour?

This is a small group tour, which provides a more intimate and personalized experience compared to large bus tours. Small groups allow for better interaction with your guide, more flexibility in the schedule, and easier access to attractions. The exact maximum group size may vary, but small group tours typically accommodate fewer than 20 participants, ensuring everyone receives attention and can fully enjoy each experience.

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