Classic South Coast Iceland trip

Start your Iceland travel on the Golden Circle. Explore Thingvellir National Park and its tectonic rift valley, watch Strokkur erupt at the Geysir geothermal area, and feel the spray from powerful Gullfoss.

Round out the day with a stop at the vivid Kerid volcanic crater lake and time in Hveragerdi, a hot springs town known for its geothermal energy.

Continue your Iceland itinerary with a Thórsmörk tour and add authentic geothermal and cultural experiences along the way. Slow down with a geothermal bakery visit, a soak in the Secret Lagoon, or time at Laugarvatn Fontana spa. Relax in natural hot springs and taste rye bread baked with geothermal heat.

For a more active day, choose a lava cave tour, snowmobiling with a driver, horseback riding, the Inside the Volcano tour (May to October), or snorkeling in Silfra.

Explore Thórsmörk Nature Reserve, where panoramic hikes open up views of Tindfjallajökull, Eyjafjallajökull, and Mýrdalsjökull, along with the dramatic gorges of Goðaland.

Reach the valley by rugged 4x4 with thrilling river crossings, then wander trails through one of Iceland’s largest birch forests.

Explore Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, with time to walk behind Seljalandsfoss and photograph Skogafoss as misty rainbows often appear in the spray. Continue to Reynisfjara to stroll volcanic black sands lined with basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, then visit the Dyrhólaey cliffs for sweeping coastal views and puffin sightings in season.

On clear days, look out for Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, and Katla in the distance, a lineup that marks some of the best places to visit in Iceland.

Explore Vatnajökull’s ice carved landscapes, from Skaftafell with an easy walk toward the glacier tongue and a short hike to Svartifoss waterfall, to the ancient Fjadrargljufur canyon. Continue to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and nearby Breidamerkurfjara, the black sand “Diamond Beach,” then add quieter stops at Fjallsarlon, Heinabergslon, or Hoffellsjokull for a more peaceful glacier experience.

Choose activities to match your pace, from puffin watching and super jeep glacier tours to crystal ice caves, zodiac or amphibious lagoon boat rides, glacier hikes, kayaking, or ice climbing.

Drive back along the South Coast with time for lesser-known stops, from the enchanting Thakgil valley to the Solheimasandur black sand plain and its iconic plane wreck, then continue to the geothermal town of Hveragerdi. Shape the day with a hike, a guided glacier walk, or small local museums and activities along the way.

Arrive in Reykjavik for an easy evening in the city. Visit Hallgrimskirkja, stroll Laugavegur, and unwind by Tjornin and the waterfront at Harpa and the Solfar Sun Voyager sculpture, with an optional stop at Perlan for panoramic views. Finish with galleries, cozy cafes, and top restaurants for a curated urban finale.

On departure day, enjoy a final taste of Reykjavik with tailor-made experiences timed around your flight. Choose a short guided walking tour or food walk for local culture, or opt for a quick whale watching or puffin boat trip to end your Iceland trip with wildlife on the water. If your schedule allows, a helicopter flight adds unforgettable panoramic views, and in season, you can swap in a Northern Lights cruise for a memorable farewell.

For a relaxed finish before heading to the airport, unwind at Sky Lagoon geothermal spa.