A long weekend in Iceland, including Golden Circle, South Coast, Glacier walk, and Secret Lagoon
This incredible tour will go through the highlights of the two most popular routes in Iceland: Golden Circle and South Coast. That makes a great choice for anyone looking to visit the essential places in Iceland during a long weekend trip. And bathing at the Blue Lagoon on departure day will be a good addition to your program. During the tour you will have a check of your Icelandic bucket: explore waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, black sand beaches, and much more!
Highlights
- This tour is a great introduction for your first-time visit to Iceland
- Visit the most popular sights of the Golden Circle and South Coast
- Explore Iceland’s attractions at your own pace with a private guide
| Travel Style | Privately Guided Multi-day Tour |
| Availability | All Seasons, Daily |
| Tour Duration | 4 Days / 3 Nights. Driving distance 640 km / 400 miles |
| Brief Itinerary | Day 1. Arrive at Keflavik Airport. Explore downtown and stay in Reykjavik Day 2. Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon | Overnight stay in Hella Day 3. Waterfalls and black sand beaches of South Coast | Return to Reykjavik Day 4. Morning in Reykjavik. Blue Lagoon and Departure |
| Transportation | SUV or Minivan for a group of 1-6 people. Minibus for 6-15 people |
What´s Included
- Two private transfers KEF Airport — Reykjavík
- Accommodation (comfort/quality) for 3 nights
- Daily breakfast at accommodation places
- Private transportation with your driver-guide
Not included
- Flights to/from Iceland
- Personal travel insurance
- Food and drinks
- Any services not listed as “Included”
Optional Extras
- Private excursion in Reykjavik (2-3 hours)
- Entrance fee to the Secret Lagoon (1-1,5 hours)
- Glacier hike at Solheimajokull (all year) or Ice Cave tour (Oct.-May) (3-4 hours)
- Visiting the Blue Lagoon and entrance fee (2-3 hours)
Tour Pricing
The indicated price per person based on four adults together on the tour sharing two double rooms (comfort grade) during the low tourist season. To clarify the price for your group, please send us a tour request.
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Day 2. Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon
The first stop on the way from Reykjavik will at the Thingvellir National Park. The park is famous for its beauty and also widely known for being the first parliament in the world, founded by the locals in the 10th century.
The next stop will be at the Haukadalur geothermal area, where you find the Strokkur, the biggest active geyser in Iceland that shoots hot water every 5-10 minutes at the heaight of 20-30 meters (65-100ft). To cool down, we continue the trip to Gullfoss waterfall, the second largest waterfall in Iceland. If you stand close enough to the falls, you can even feel fresh mist touching your face.
At this point, we are done with three main attractions of the famous Golden Circle route. However, our tour is not finished yet, as we are going to visit Fridheimar to taste fresh tomato-based dishes in the cozy greenhouse. After the lunch break, we keep moving and make a stop at the Secret Lagoon, where you have a chance to soak in the pool filled with the water from natural hot springs.
Duration: 9-10 hours. Driving distance 220 km / 137 miles. Overnight stay in Hella or the surrounding area.
Day 3. Waterfalls and black sand beaches of South Coast
The South Coast reveals many secret spaces and shows both the green and the icy side of Iceland. On this day, we discover the magical Seljalandsfoss waterfall (63m/210ft) and are able to walk behind without getting completely wet. In the same area, we also visit Glufrabui, a beautiful waterfall hidden in the gorge.
After enjoying these two amazing waterfalls, we shall head to another beautiful and mighty waterfall, Skogafoss (60m/195ft) high. Even from the distance, you will feel the power of it. And for observing Skogafoss from above, we shall climb up the long stairs to the observation deck on top, to enjoy the view from different perspectives.
Our next area on the day is the most picturesque and unique to Iceland – the Dyrholaey south cape, and the mysterious Reynisfjara black sand beach with basalt columns and Reynisdrangar rock stack over the water in front of the beach.
On the way back to Reykjavik, we shall stop at Solheimajokull glacier, the outlet of Myrdalsjokull glacier. Where we do a short hike on the path from the parking lot to the glacier that is partly covered with ash from the Eyjafjallajokull eruption in 2010. After this stop, we get back to Reykjavik for an overnight stay there.
Duration: 9-10 hours. Driving distance 300 km / 250 miles. Overnight stay in Reykjavik.
Day 4. Blue Lagoon and Departure
Today is a time for your Iceland adventure to end. Check out from your hotel in Reykjavik and enjoy a private transfer to Keflavik Airport. If you’re flying in the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to relax in the warm mineral waters before continuing to the airport (optional, not included).
The Blue Lagoon is recognized as one of National Geographic’s 25 “wonders of the world” and is a unique source of geothermal seawater. The temperature of the water in Blue Lagoon stays the same all year, around 38°-40°C (100°-104°F). Afterward, head to the airport to board your flight back home after some wonderful days in Iceland and memories you’ll never forget. Goodbye for now!
Duration: 1 hour. Driving distance 50 km / 32 miles.
Please note: The itinerary could be altered according to weather and road conditions
Accommodation is included in the tour package. The cost of accommodation and the price of the tour depending on the chosen category (comfort or quality), as well as the time of year you visit Iceland (low/shoulder/high tourist season). The price per person specified in the tour description is calculated when four adults together accommodate in two double comfort rooms during the low tourist season or shoulder season if a tour is not provided during the low season. Please note that accommodation can be changed at your request to rooms of a higher category. If you plan to stay in Iceland longer than the duration of the tour, for example, to add a day before or after the tour, please notice that in the application form.
Hotels in Reykjavik and around Iceland
Reykjavik is a convenient place to stay during the trip, as it is the capital and a very lively and hospitable city. In the city center, there are many small hotels 3*-4* and guesthouses, which are conveniently located for evening walks and visiting local restaurants. For multi-day tours, we recommend staying at hotels fitted to the route. That allows to minimize road overlapping and extend traveling area outside of Reykjavik. It is less choice of lodging places in the countryside and most of the hotels are three-star. It is better to book accommodation in advance, especially for the summertime, otherwise, it will be difficult to find conveniently located hotels at an affordable price.
Tourist seasons
High season: June 1 — August 31; December 30 — January 2
Shoulder season: May 1 — May 31; September 1 — October 31
Low season: November 1 — December 29; January 3 — April 30
The high tourist season in Iceland is quite short, from June to the end of August. Most tourists visit the country in the summer months, and the maximum load for hotels, rental companies, tour operators reaches in July and August. Lodging and rental prices at this time are almost doubling compared to the low season, and availability may be limited. Therefore, we recommend booking a summer tour a few months before the trip.
Accommodation Type
Comfort: Standard rooms with separate bathroom and shower (or bath) in a three-star hotel or comfortable guesthouse. Breakfast is included.
Quality: High-quality rooms with separate bathroom and shower (or bath). A superior room in a three-star hotel or a standard room in a four-star hotel. Breakfast is included
In all tour package with a level of comfort or higher, you will have a separate bathroom in the booked rooms. Breakfast is always on.
Rooms
Double rooms in most Icelandic hotels are rooms with two single beds. In most cases, two single beds can be put into a double bed. However, this can vary between hotels/guesthouses. Triple rooms are in most cases double rooms with an extra bed, so when you install an extra bed, space can be limited. You can choose a combination of rooms when booking.
Children
Children under 2 years old get free accommodation if they live in the same room as their parents. Families with one child are advised to book 3 persons in a double room. This room can accommodate an extra bed or mattress if the available room is too small to accommodate an extra bed. Two adults and two children book two double rooms. Children living in a separate room pay the full cost. When one adult travels with one child, the full cost of a double room is charged.
Chek-In time and early arrival
Check-in time for accommodation in Iceland is usually from 14:00 to 16:00. Some hotels offer early check-in for a minimum fee. However, it depends on the hotel and room availability. The only way to ensure an early check-in is to also book the night before. However, if the room is ready, you can check-in sooner.
Hotel booking changes
If you want to change the hotel, we will do everything possible to change your stay in the hotel. Please note that due to low availability and high demand in summer we cannot guarantee some hotels. If you want to book a particular hotel, we will naturally do our best to provide it to you, but keep in mind that there may be an additional charge.
WI-FI and Internet connection in hotels
Most hotels and guest houses in Iceland provide free access to wi-fi internet. Some hotels and guesthouses may charge a small fee for internet access.
Assuming that before ordering a tour or when you prepare for the trip, you may have questions that we want to answer in advance to provide you with complete information about the tour and make it comfortable as possible. If you have any other questions, please contact us.
How long in advance should we book the tour?
In general — the sooner the better, considering the fact that most of our tours are privately guided, availability on certain dates might be limited.
How do we pay for the tour?
We require a 15% deposit at the time of booking. Full payment is due 4 weeks before arrival.
Payments are collected online while booking. We accept major credit cards. If you have any problems with using a credit card, please contact us. If another way of payment is preferable, please contact us through e-mail at info@topicelandtours.com
How do I book and what is the process?
Once you are confident about your trip selection proceed to press the Tour Request tab. Here you will fill in the required information and proceed through the tour request.
After agreeing on the details of the tour and price, we require a 15% deposit at the time of booking. Full payment is due 4 weeks before arrival date.
Once a booking is made an automatic e-mail is sent informing you that the order has been placed and is currently being processed by the Top Iceland team. You will then be contacted by one of our trusted travel agents with further details.
What the tour price depends on?
Several factors determine the tour price:
- Time of the year you plan on visiting (high, low, and shoulder seasons)
- Accommodation type (we offer comfort and quality grades, you can choose one or a mixture of both)
- Number of people traveling together (up to 15 people in a group)
- Type of vehicle for transportation (SUV, Minivan, or Minibus)
- Optional Activities (Various optional activities are available with each trip)
Where do you pick up from?
Pick-ups are included in the tour price and provided from Keflavik airport upon your flight arrival, your driver-guide will await you at the arrival hall holding a tag with the lead traveler name. Pick-up and drop off on other days will be from hotels reserved according to the tour itinerary.
We are arriving very early. What is the check-in time?
Check-in time for accommodation in Iceland is usually between 14:00-16:00. The only way to secure an early check-in is to book the night before as well. However, if a room is ready you should be able to check-in early.
Do hotels and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi internet connection?
Most hotels and guesthouses in Iceland provide free access to Wi-Fi Internet. Some hotels and guesthouses might charge a small fee for access to the internet.
What to bring for tours? Which clothes are recommended?
Solid, warm & waterproof shoes, as well as warm rain & windproof outdoor clothing, is recommended for all the tours. (Please see the question below about weather and temperature).
What is the weather like in Iceland? How cold is it?
Here below, a table with average temperatures, precipitation, and daylights by months in Iceland:
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Rainfall | Avg. Sunlight |
| January | 36°F (2°C) | 28°F (-2°C) | 4 inches | 5 hours |
| February | 36°F (2°C) | 28°F (-2°C) | 4.3 inches | 8 hours |
| March | 38°F (3°C) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches | 12 hours |
| April | 43°F (6°C) | 34°F (1°C) | 2.9 inches | 16 hours |
| May | 48°F (9°C) | 40°F (4°C) | 2.3 inches | 18 hours |
| June | 54°F (12°C) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.1 inches | 21 hours |
| July | 57°F (14°C) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.7 inches | 19 hours |
| August | 55°F (13°C) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.5 inches | 16 hours |
| September | 50°F (10°C) | 42°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches | 13 hours |
| October | 44°F (7°C) | 36°F (2°C) | 4.5 inches | 9 hours |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 30°F (-1°C) | 4.2 inches | 6 hours |
| December | 36°F (2°C) | 29°F (-2°C) | 4.1 inches | 4 hours |
Please remember, that weather in Iceland changes rapidly and you cannot count on long-term forecasts. Two most reliable sources of the weather forecast: https://www.vedur.is/ and https://www.yr.no/
How about the daylight? Is it completely dark in winter?
Fortunately not, even on the shortest days of the year, there are several hours of daylight every day – between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you wish to check a specific time of a year we recommend to use https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/iceland/reykjavik
Is it obligatory to have child seats/boosters?
Yes, it is requested by Icelandic law to have child seats/boosters. Some families are already traveling on their own, but if you would like us to provide child seats and/or boosters on the tour, please send us an e-mail at info@topicelandtours.com
What about food on tours?
We arrange refreshment stops at cafés or restaurants on every day tour, where you can purchase your lunch and snacks. Therefore, you do not need to bring your food for the tours, however, if you prefer to bring some snacks or drinks, that is accepted. Please note that food is not included in the price of the tour.
Can I get vegetarian meals on tours?
Nearly all restaurants in Iceland offer some vegetarian food. There is no problem with purchasing vegetarian meals on tours.
How many bathroom stops are on the tours?
The bathrooms are available at visitor centers at many stops on popular routes such as Golden Circle and South Coast. Some bathroom stops are available on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour. Your driver-guide will inform you about available places for bathroom stops on the route.
How about tipping in Iceland?
Tipping in Iceland is not required but always appreciated.
Can we cancel or change our reservation? What are the cancellation fees?
Cancellation policy for multiday tours and accommodations:
All cancellations should be made in writing and be notified as soon as possible.
- For changes made 15 days or more before arrival date: 20% cancellation fee
- For changes made 14-8 days before arrival date: 50% cancellation fee
- For changes made 7-4 days before arrival date: 75% cancellation fee
- For changes made 3 days or less before arrival date: 100% cancellation fee
Please note: Activities (Optional Extras) are individual products provided by other local operators that can have different cancellation policies. For full information about cancellation policies please check the page Terms & Conditions.
What is the refund policy?
Refunds of tours canceled before departure by Top Iceland Tours:
When the tour is prepaid, a full refund will be issued in case a customer does not wish an alternative date of the tour or an alternative tour. When a tour is purchased through a third party (tourist office/booking agency or a hotel), please take your voucher back to the third party and they will issue the full refund after reconfirming with Top Iceland Tours that the tour was canceled.
Refunds of delayed, altered, or shortened tours after the departure:
When a tour is delayed due to weather, unsafe travel conditions, or unforeseen circumstances, no refunds are provided if the tour still operates. When the tour is altered or shortened after the departure due to weather, any unsafe travel conditions, or unforeseen circumstances, a partial refund is provided. The percentage of the refund is calculated according to how much of the initial itinerary has been completed.
Cancellations or change of multiday tours and accommodations by customers:
All cancellations should be made in writing and be notified as soon as possible.
- For changes made 15 days or more before arrival date: 20% cancellation fee
- For changes made 14-8 days before arrival date: 50% cancellation fee
- For changes made 7-4 days before arrival date: 75% cancellation fee
- For changes made 3 days or less before arrival date: 100% cancellation fee
This cancellation policy may apply also when booked through a third party.
No Show
When passengers are not present at the pickup place at the appointed time, we try to contact the lead traveler through the hotel staff or by phone. If we can’t contact the lead traveler, and there are no passengers are shown during an hour, this is considered as “No Show” and no refund will be made.
