7-Day Privately Guided Tour: West & South Iceland in the Winter
Duration
7 Days
Availability
???
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum Age
None???
Overview
Avoid crowded buses and discover the unique beauty of Iceland with a private guide on this 7-day winter tour. Visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, and the South Coast, and hunt for the Northern Lights each night. Those looking for comfort and solitude on their travels should book this tour now.
Explore the beauty of Iceland in luxury with a private tour around the country. Book now to secure your spot.
- Experience a personalized tour of Iceland with a private guide, ensuring comfort and solitude throughout your journey.
- Indulge in luxury accommodations and services, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience.
- Customize your adventure by adding exhilarating activities such as horseback riding, snorkeling, visiting ice caves, and exploring volcanoes.
- Have the opportunity to witness the magical Northern Lights during your stay.
Included
- 6 nights of accommodation (different levels available; breakfast included; more detailed info in accommodation tab)
- Private Driver-Guide on a 4×4 Luxury Super-Jeep (days 2 to 6)
- Private Airport Transfers (Arrival and departure)
- Meet and greet with your guide on day 1
- Detailed Itinerary with fun and practical information on the nature, history, and culture of Iceland
- Hands-on travel agent to oversee your itinerary
- Taxes
Not included
- Flights to/from Iceland
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals & drinks (unless otherwise stated)
- Any services not listed as “Included”
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Reykjavík
You’ll land at Keflavík International Airport, where a driver will be waiting for you. Once in Reykjavík, check into your hotel. In the evening, you will meet your private guide, who will go over the itinerary with you and tell you more about the adventures awaiting you. After that, you will have free time to either explore the city or just unwind in your hotel room.
Highlights:
- Reykjanes Peninsula
- Reykjavík
- Meet and greet with your guide
Optional Activities
- Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, and 1st drink of your choice.
- Blue Lagoon Premium Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe, table reservation at Lava Restaurant, and sparkling wine if dining.
Day 2 – The Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Your adventure on the road begins after breakfast. Your guide will pick you up and whisk you out of the city and towards the farmlands of West Iceland. Today’s destination is the legendary Snæfellsnes Peninsula, home of black pebble beaches, lava fields, majestic mountains, and glaciers.
Highlights:
- Gerðuberg Cliffs
- Djúpalónssandur Beach
- Mt. Kirkjufell
Optional Activities
- Inside the Volcano: Descend into the magma chamber of a 4,000-year-old volcano. To get to the volcano, you must be able to hike for 45-50 on uneven surfaces. All safety gear is provided, as well as Icelandic meat soup to warm you up after the trip (vegetarian options available). Minimum age is 12 years. NOTE: Only available in September & October.
Day 3 – The Golden Circle
Now, it is time to head South and visit Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route, the Golden Circle. After exploring waterfalls, historical places, and geysers, your guide will take you to your accommodations in the area. You’ll be away from all major light pollution, making this a great site to try to spot the Northern Lights.
Highlights:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
Optional Activities
- Viðgelmir Lava Cave: One of the largest caves in Iceland. The tour includes an English-speaking guide and the use of caving equipment such as a helmet and headlamp. No age limit.
- Snorkeling in Silfra: Swim between continents in crystal-clear water. Includes a tour with a certified PADI divemaster, all necessary snorkeling gear, Silfra admission fee, and hot chocolate to warm up afterward. The minimum age is 12 years, but participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or an adult guardian booked on the same tour.
Day 4 – South Iceland’s Waterfalls
Today, you’ll explore South Iceland, traveling along the coastline to the little village of Vík. Along the way, you’ll stop to explore glittering waterfalls and a black sand beach. You’ll also be in the shadow of two mighty glaciers today, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.
Highlights:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Optional Activities
- Snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier: An exhilarating tour on top of a glacier, no previous riding experience needed. Included is a one-hour snowmobile ride with a guide and use of overalls. Two people share a snowmobile, and the driver needs to bring their driving license. The age limit for passengers is 8 years.
- Glacier Hiking on Sólheimajökull Glacier: A fun and easy glacier hike. No previous experience is needed. The tour includes an English-speaking glacier guide, a helmet, crampons, an ice axe, and other necessary safety equipment. Minimum age is 8 years.
Day 5 – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
You’ll continue your journey East today, traveling through the black sand deserts of Mýrdalssandur on the way. Your destination is the glittering Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the stunning Diamond Beach.
Highlights:
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
Optional Activities
- Glacier Hiking in Skaftafell Nature Reserve: This easy glacier hike is suitable for most people. No previous experience is needed. The tour includes an English-speaking glacier guide, the use of a helmet, crampons, an ice axe, and other necessary safety equipment. Minimum age is 8 years.
Day 6 – South Iceland’s Hidden Gems
Today, it is time to head back to Reykjavík city. Along the way, you’ll stop at some new locations on the South Coast you haven’t seen before. That is, unless you want to see some places you’ve already visited in a new light. Just let your guide know what you want to do.
Highlights:
- Eldhraun Lava Field
- Hjörleifshöfði Cave
- Kerið Crater
Optional Activities
- Ice Caving in Vatnajökull Glacier: Explore a cave in Europe’s largest glacier. Includes a tour with a certified glacier guide and all necessary glacier gear such as crampons and helmets. Minimum age is 8 years.
Day 7 – Departure
Now, it is time to bid farewell to the land of ice and fire. When it is time to head to the airport, a driver will pick you up and take you through the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to Keflavík International Airport.
Highlights:
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Sun Voyager
Optional Activities
- Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, and 1st drink of your choice.
- Blue Lagoon Premium Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe, table reservation at Lava Restaurant, and sparkling wine if dining.
Accommodation
You’ll have a choice of three accommodation levels. See details about each one in the boxes below. All accommodations for this tour have been hand-picked by our local travel experts.
Please keep in mind that hotel quality in Iceland varies between regions and that not all locations offer quality-level accommodations
Budget
Nice and comfortable rooms with shared bathroom facilities and shower located in farmhouses, guesthouses or hostels, in good locations with breakfast included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Kex Hostel.
Comfort
Comfortable rooms in three-star hotels or quality guesthouses, centrally located, very close to popular attractions. Private bathroom and breakfast included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Fosshotel Rauðará.
Quality
Rooms in four-star hotels or superior rooms in quality three-star hotels at fantastic locations near popular attractions. Private bathroom and breakfast is included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Icelandair Hotel Marina.
Transportation
Personalize your Icelandic adventure by selecting from our three transportation options: a minivan, a large SUV, or a rugged super jeep. See details for each option in the boxes below. These choices represent the most common vehicles used on privately guided tours. If you have special requests or specific needs, we’re here to cater to them, ensuring your journey is uniquely tailored to you.
Mini Van
For around 7-9 passengers, ideal for small groups and families. The comfortable minivans provide a smooth and intimate ride as you discover Iceland's wonders together.
Large 4WD
For 4-5 passengers seeking a spacious and versatile option. The large SUVs are equipped to handle diverse terrains while ensuring ample room for both passengers and gear.
Super-Jeep
For up to 19 passengers. Take your adventure to the next level with a rugged super jeep. Designed to conquer Iceland's challenging landscapes, these powerful vehicles provide an exhilarating ride for the more adventurous traveler.
Map
Good to know
- Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, outside of Reykjavík, you will be staying at rural hotels, which increases your chances of seeing them when the weather allows.
- Note that the itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.
- The itinerary depends on road and weather conditions, so it may be altered if conditions are not favorable. This includes optional activities as well. If extreme weather affects your travel plans, you will be notified, and we will do our best to assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when applicable.
- Some optional activities may need a valid driving license, or you may need to send additional information to your travel agent. For snorkeling, you will need to know how to swim and fill out an online medical document.
What to bring
- Warm and waterproof clothes
- Good winter shoes that have soles with a good grip or crampons
- Swimsuit and towel
- Camera
- More information on what to pack HERE