Iceland Winter Activity Tour For 9 Days

Iceland is world renowned for its northern lights holidays and for a good reason. Experience Iceland in winter and be your own boss on an unforgettable self-drive tour. This tour is for adventurous people who not only want to explore the beautiful nature of Iceland but also to enjoy exciting activities every day such as whale watching, a snowmobiling tour on a glacier and a tour in a lava cave. This Iceland winter self drive tour is the perfect combination of unforgettable tours during the day and magical northern lights in the evening.

Price from 2490 EUR per person

TOUR CODE
NL-03
SEASON
Oct - Apr
travel style
Self-Drive Tours
Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Location
South Iceland, West Iceland
accessibility
Not Recommended

The itinerary

This itinerary can be offered throughout the year (some adjustments might be required depending on travel dates).

Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavík

dAY STARTS IN
DAY ENDS IN
DRIVING DISTANCE
About your day

Welcome to your Iceland Northern Lights holidays! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the heart of Reykjavík. In the afternoon we recommend visiting the Northern Lights Center where you can learn something about the science behind this amazing phenomenon and can read about Northern Lights legends all around the world. In the evening you can have a relaxed time in one of the restaurants or you join an optional Northern Lights boat tour where you can see the aurora borealis out on the Atlantic Ocean with the city lights in the background. Overnight in the heart of Reykjavík.

Day 2: Snæfellsnes & Vatnshellir Lava Cave

dAY STARTS IN
DAY ENDS IN
DRIVING DISTANCE
~212 km/132 miles
About your day

After having received your rental car in the morning you are ready to hit the road. You will start your adventure discovering Snæfellsnes peninsula and visit Vatnshellir lava cave. There are several stunning natural attractions along the way to Vatnshellir like Arnarstapi, the small church in Búðir and Eldborg crater. Vatnshellir is in the Snæfellsjökull National Park and is 8000 years old. On the lava cave tour, you follow a lava path about 200 meters into the cave and then approximately 35 meters below the surface to see stunning colours and lava formations. Search for the Northern Lights in the evening and overnight on the peninsula. You will find your accommodation in this area.

Day 3: Winter Whale Watching

dAY STARTS IN
Snæfellsnes
DAY ENDS IN
Borgarfjörður
DRIVING DISTANCE
~240 km/ 150 miles
About your day

Another adventure is on the schedule for today, a winter whale watching tour, departing from the town Grundarfjörður (only available from December to April). This is one of the best places in the world to see orcas (also called killer whales). It truly is the perfect opportunity to watch these gigantic mammals in their natural environment. In between, you have the chance to see some groups of dolphins. After having spent some time sailing in the fresh ocean breeze you will hit the road again and drive west back to the west of Iceland. If the weather allows you should check out Hraunfossar waterfalls coming from underneath the lava and Deildartunguhver, Europe´s most powerful hot spring on the way back (optional). You will stay the night around Borgarfjörður fjord.

Day 4: Golden Circle with Gullfoss & Geysir

dAY STARTS IN
Borgarfjörður
DAY ENDS IN
Selfoss area
DRIVING DISTANCE
~286 km / 178 miles
About your day

After breakfast, start by driving to Þingvellir National Park, via the underwater tunnel and visit one of the most important historical sites in Iceland where you´ll find unique geology and natural beauty. Continue towards Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring. In the afternoon you can relax in either Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir with a chance of seeing the northern lights in the late evening. Afterwards, you will drive to the area of Selfoss where you´ll stay overnight and if you are lucky some northern lights might light up the sky.

Day 5: South Coast & Black Beach Buggy Tour

dAY STARTS IN
Selfoss area
DAY ENDS IN
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
DRIVING DISTANCE
~205 km/127 miles
About your day

Today we have another exciting activity waiting for you. Start your day by leaving the Golden Circle area behind and continue driving towards Mýrdalsjökull glacier. On the way there you can stop at Seljalandsfoss and experience a waterfall that you can walk behind but be prepared to get a little light drizzle on you. A little closer to Mýrdalsjökull you´ll find a small road #222 and there you´ll find the glacier base camp, where your 1 hour-long Black Beach Buggy ride tour begins. You will navigate through small rivers and streams and admire the expansive black coastline extending to Dyrhólaey. After your buggy adventure, make your way towards the town Vík, where you´ll find beautiful black beaches. Overnight around Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Day 6: Glacier Walk in Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

dAY STARTS IN
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
DAY ENDS IN
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
DRIVING DISTANCE
~245 km/152 miles
About your day

Yet another exciting activity waits for you today. Leave Kirkjubæjarklaustur and drive towards Skaftafell; an oasis between the black desert and the magnificent Vatnajökull glacier. On the way you will find several interesting attractions, such as the church floor – columnar basalt that looks like tiles (exit at Geirland) and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, which is often overseen by visitors. When you reach Skaftafell you will meet up with your tour guides and they will take you on a 3-hour long glacier walk on Svínafellsjökull, which is a breathtaking outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull glacier. After your guided glacier walk, you will continue driving east towards Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and explore the area, before heading back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur where you will stay for the second night.

Day 7: Horse Back Riding Tour

dAY STARTS IN
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
DAY ENDS IN
Hvolsvöllur area
DRIVING DISTANCE
~180 km/112 miles
About your day

Your Iceland Northern Lights holidays continue with a horseback riding tour today. On your way back along the South Coast you can make a photo stop at Skógafoss. Just after you have reached the small town Hella, you will find a nice horse farm where you will enjoy a one-hour long horseback riding tour where you will meet the Icelandic horse. This is the only breed of horse in Iceland, and it displays two gaits in addition to the typically walk, trot, and canter/gallop commonly displayed by other breeds. You will stay for the night in this area.

Attractions of the day

Day 8: Reykjanes Peninsula & the Blue Lagoon

dAY STARTS IN
Hvolsvöllur area
DAY ENDS IN
Reykjavík
DRIVING DISTANCE
~208 km/ 130 miles
About your day

Today you will discover the geothermal wonders of Reykjanes peninsula with its endless lava fields and black beaches. You will find several geothermal areas around, and you should visit the Krýsuvík area and the Gunnuhver area. Both geothermal fields are situated in the middle of the fissure zone in the mid-Atlantic ridge which traverses Iceland. Make a stop at the Blue Lagoon and relax after the last couple of days of travelling before driving back to Reykjavík where you drop off your rental car and stay overnight for your last night in Iceland.

Day 9: Departure

dAY STARTS IN
DAY ENDS IN
DRIVING DISTANCE
About your day

Sadly, your vacation in Iceland is coming to an end. We hope you had a wonderful time experiencing the Icelandic winter. You will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to Keflavík International Airport in time for your departing flight. We wish you a nice journey back home and hope you will leave our island with fond memories of Iceland and its inhabitants.

Attractions of the day

What's included in the tour

Included

  • 8 nights accommodation (Comfort, Quality or Luxury) with breakfast included
  • Rental car of your choice for 7 days with unlimited mileage, CDW & VAT
  • WiFi hotspot in your rental car for easy internet access
  • One additional registered driver for each rental car
  • 2x private airport transfer
  • Optional private information meeting with our travel consultant in Reykjavík before your tour starts
  • 1 hour Black Beach Buggy tour
  • 3 hours glacier walk
  • 1 hour horseback riding tour
  • 1 hour lava cave tour
  • 3 hours winter whale watching
  • Entrance to the Blue Lagoon (Comfort or Premium package)
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • Taxes & service fee

Not included

  • Flights to/from Iceland
  • Meals, drinks at restaurants and entrance fees (unless otherwise agreed upon)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gasoline

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.

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.

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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