Private Tour package Iceland 5 day itinerary | Summer

On our second day, we will start with a pick-up from your accommodation and a scenic drive along the Ring Road through the fertile farmlands of the South Coast. We’ll pass through Selfoss, before taking a short break at Hvolsvollur. On one side of the road, you’ll be able to see the Atlantic Ocean and the Westman Islands on clear days. At the same time, inland you’ll have breathtaking views of mountains like Hekla and glaciers too. Soon, directly ahead down the road, you’ll see our next stop –

Seljalandsfoss & Gljufrabui Waterfalls

Here we will take you first to the “hidden” waterfall of Gljufrabui, which tumbles down into a concealed cave that many other visitors miss altogether. It’s a special feeling to be standing so close to a waterfall in this way. The glacial meltwaters here are running down off the side of Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano whose last eruption stopped air traffic for weeks in 2010, making Iceland famous all over the world. A few minutes away lies Seljalandsfoss, a much larger waterfall that gracefully plunges from a 60-meter-high face into a deep-green pool. Seljalandsfoss has been featured in films and music videos, including one for Justin Bieber.

Skogafoss & Irafoss Waterfalls

Just a few minutes’ drive away from Seljalandsfoss, the cliffs of Eyjafjallajokull offer yet more waterfalls at Irafoss and Arjanurfoss. These are more “hidden” waterfalls, often missed by other visitors to the South Coast, but we will show you how to find them. The next stage of our tour brings us to Skogafoss. This is one of the most recognized waterfalls in the world, featured in “Game of Thrones”, feature films, and music videos. Because it is south-facing, rainbows are a frequent sight here, as the 60-meter cascade of water produces a lot of mist and spray! Skogafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in the country, and it’s possible to climb a flight of stairs to the top of the falls to see it from there too. There is also a café here if you want to grab a snack.

Solheimajokull Glacier Hike

After leaving Skogafoss, we will make our way to Solheimajokull, which translates as “Sun’s Home Glacier”. The Solheimajokull glacier is part of a much larger ice sheet in the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, and this is a tremendous opportunity to get a closer look at this natural marvel, crisscrossed with crevasses, ice tunnels, and fascinating glacial formations. You will have the opportunity of taking a hike on a blue-ice glacier for a 1.5-hour trip, accompanied by a qualified guide and with all the necessary safety equipment provided, including ropes, crampons, and helmets. If you don’t wish to take the glacier hike, you can relax and enjoy a leisurely look at the glacier and the surrounding area from a viewing point.

Black Sand Beach of Reynisfjara

Accommodation in the south: Countryside hotel

Our third day of the tour will be extra special as we venture further east into the Vatnajokull National Park. Get ready for breathtaking views of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Fjadrargljufur Canyon, and the Hofskirkja turf church.

Diamond Beach Iceland

First up is Diamond Beach. This stunning location gets its name from the glistening icebergs that wash up on its shores. The ice fragments are shaped by the wind and waves into incredible formations, providing you with fantastic photo opportunities. Diamond Beach is a stunningly beautiful location in Iceland, known for its glittering icebergs that have broken off from the nearby Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and washed up on the beach. The ice fragments on the beach look like sparkling diamonds in the sunlight, hence the name Diamond Beach. The fragments come in various shapes and sizes, and the sight of them against the black sand beach is breathtaking. The powerful Atlantic waves and the relentless wind sculpt these fragments into incredible shapes, making them a photographer’s dream location. If you want to experience the beauty of nature in its purest form, Diamond Beach is a must-visit destination in Iceland.

The Jökulsárslón Glacier Lagoon Iceland

Then, we’ll head to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where giant multi-colored icebergs break off from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier and float in a 25-square-kilometer lake before they head out to sea. This place is so amazing that it has even been featured in James Bond and Batman movies. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is an awe-inspiring natural wonder located in southeastern Iceland, near Vatnajökull National Park. The lagoon is a result of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier slowly receding and creating a 25-square-kilometer lake filled with multi-colored icebergs that break away and float in the water. It’s a breathtaking sight to behold, and visitors can witness the constant transformation of the lagoon as the wind and tides move the icebergs around. The lagoon is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals and seabirds. It’s no wonder that Jökulsárlón has been featured in movies such as James Bond and Batman and is a must-see destination for visitors to Iceland.

While you’re here, you can choose to take a 45-minute boat tour on the glacier lagoon, getting up close to the icebergs and spotting seals as they swim or lounge on the beach.

Hofskirkja Turf Church

Next on the list is Hofskirkja turf church, which is the last turf church to be built in Iceland. The church has a timber skeleton and is covered in thick layers of turf, making it blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. It’s still used as a church today and has moss-covered burial mounds nearby. Though we can’t go inside, we’ll stop for a quick photo stop. Hofskirkja Turf Church is a charming and unique church located in the Vatnajökull region of Iceland. It is thought to be the last turf church built in Iceland, dating back to 1884. The roof of the church is covered with thick layers of turf, and it is surrounded by moss-covered burial mounds, adding to its old-world charm. Despite being restored in the 1950s, it still retains its historic charm and is still in use as a practicing church to this day. Made of a timber skeleton and stone slabs, the church appears to merge seamlessly with the landscape around it. It is a rare sight in Iceland, as very few turf churches have survived, making it a popular stop for tourists seeking a glimpse into Iceland’s rich history and culture. Although not open to the public, visitors can take a quick stop for a photograph or two before continuing on their journey.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjadrargljufur Canyon is a stunning natural wonder in Iceland, boasting winding canyons that are about a hundred meters deep and nearly two kilometers long. Made famous by being featured in a Justin Bieber music video, this breathtaking location is now a popular destination for visitors. The canyon is covered in fragile moss and vegetation, making it an extraordinarily beautiful and fertile place. Formed during a glacial period a few thousand years ago, the snaking river that runs through the canyon adds to its incredible spectacle. We will take you to this magical place for just under an hour, giving you ample time to marvel at its beauty and capture some unforgettable photos.

Finally, we’ll visit the magnificent Fjadrargljufur Canyon. This stunning winding canyon is almost two kilometers long and about a hundred meters deep and covered in delicate moss and vegetation. It was formed during a glacial period thousands of years ago, leaving behind this incredible spectacle that’s now famous for featuring in a Justin Bieber music video.

After this fantastic day, we’ll bring you back to the hotel near Reykjavík.

Accommodation in Reykjavik: Hotel in the south or close to Reykjavík

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, get ready for an unforgettable adventure exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle. The tour will start with a short drive from the city to Thingvellir National Park, where you’ll witness the dramatic rift valley and the American and Eurasian tectonic plates pulling apart from each other along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, allowing you to stand on two continents simultaneously.

Þingvellir National Park

The first stop of the day is Þingvellir National Park, where you will have a chance to see Thingvellir Lake, the second biggest in Iceland, and walk in a rift where North American and Euro-Asian tectonic plates meet.

It is also known as the site of Althing, the first parliament in the world that was established year 930 AD. That’s actually where the name of the park Þingvellir (e. Fields of the Parliament) originates from. If you are not in any rush our guide will walk with you over to the Öxarárfoss Waterfall which falls into the rift and merges with Thingvellir Lake.

Laugarvant Fontana Spa

This is a quick but interesting stop to explore how traditional, geothermal steamed bread is made. A tasting activity is not included in the tour price. But can be arranged on request.

Efstidalur Dairy Farm

The next stop is Efstidalur farm where we will see Icelandic cattle and locally made yummy ice cream. This farm has been run by the same family since 1750. If you like ice cream, it is on us. Choose whatever flavor you want 🙂

Haukdalur/ Geysir Geothermal Area

Within 10 10-minute ride, we will reach the Haukdalur/ Geysir geothermal area. Here we will explore some of the most geothermally active areas in Iceland. At the park, you will find the most active geyser in Iceland “Strokkur” which shoots hot water as high as 20-30 meters (65-98ft), at approximately 5-10 minutes intervals. Then we have Litli Geysir (“the small one”) which looks like a boiling pot and around 20 other dormant ones that can wake up at any time. Watch out for getting too close to it, its water temperature is about 100°C (212°F).

Gullfoss Waterfall

We continue with of journey to Gullfoss waterfall, the second-largest waterfall in Iceland. It is only 5min. walking from the parking lot to the viewpoint of the waterfall.

In the summertime, for those who are fine with hiking, we can walk with you to the side of the waterfall where you will have an opportunity to feel the vibration and the fresh breeze from the waterfall cascades.

At this point, we have covered all three main attractions of the famous Golden Circle route. But it is not over yet, we like to show you more.

Fridheimar Tomato Cultivation Farm

Now we will start driving south to visit Fridheimar tomato cultivation farm, where you get a chance to taste various meals and desserts made with tomato as the main ingredient. Some people say that this place offers the best Bloody Mary cocktail in the world. We will only make a short stop there to see the interior of the greenhouse (yes, you can see how things are grown there), and perhaps fancy yourself with a drink or soup from the bar. Please inform us if you’d like to have a proper lunch stop there, we might need to adjust the itinerary a bit to fit it into your schedule.

Kerid crater

Last but not least, we will stop at Kerid to see a beautiful view of this beautiful crater, which is approx. 5000 years old. Our private tour is fully customizable to your needs. Our driver can adjust the itinerary and take a lunch break at your requested time and place. The Kerid crater which was created by an explosive eruption, four thousand years ago. In the middle of the crater, you will find a beautiful lagoon.

As the tour comes to a close, there’s one more extraordinary experience to come. Icelanders love to bathe in geothermal hotpots, and now you can do the same at the Sky Lagoon. This brand-new spa experience, located just outside Reykjavik, features an immense 250-foot-long heated infinity pool, a swim-up bar, and oceanfront views. The Sky Lagoon is included in your tour, and you’ll enjoy two heavenly hours lapping up the luxury here – the perfect way to end your Golden Circle experience.

This tour is your chance to experience Iceland at its best, rich in fascinating history and magnificent sights. Nowhere else can you see so many natural marvels in one day!

Highlights: 

• Þingvellir National Park
• Geysir
• Gullfoss waterfalls
• Kerid crater
• Friðheimar farm
• Efstidalur farm
• Sky Lagoon Spa

Duration: 10-11 hours

Accommodation in Reykjavik: 4 stars hotel in Reykjavík