Places you'll visit
ReykjavikReykjavik
South West CoastSouth West Coast.
Golden CircleThingvellir
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ReykjavikReykjavik
South West CoastSouth West Coast.
Golden CircleThingvellir
Iceland trip: Golden Circle and South-West Coast
Stand beside smoking craters, trace fresh lava flows, and sink into geothermal pools on this volcano's journey, designed for adventurous Iceland trips. This express route through the Golden Circle and the South West Coast pairs volcanic ridgelines with raw black sand shores, letting you feel Iceland’s energy underfoot.
For travelers seeking authentic, tailor-made experiences, start now by requesting a custom itinerary and securing your dates, so every stop, walk, and soak fits your pace and interests.
Golden Circle and South-West Coast trip highlights
- Golden Circle's geothermal wonders: Stand before Gullfoss and Geysir's steam, guided by locals.
- Volcano explorations and lava fields: Walk ancient lava flows and recent eruptions with expert guides.
- South-West Coast's dramatic shores: Explore black sand beaches, sea stacks, and roaring waterfalls.
- Glacier views and hidden ice caves: Peer into blue ice and panoramic glaciers with small-group flexibility.
- Local storytelling and tailor-made moments: Connect with Icelandic guides, sample local cuisine, and shape each day to your interests.
| Day | Location | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden Circle | • Thingvellir rift valley • Geysir area and Strokkur • Gullfoss waterfall viewpoints • Kerid volcanic crater lake • Hveragerdi hot spring stop | Golden Circle |
| 2 | Golden Circle | • Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana soak • Lava cave exploration • Glacier snowmobiling with a driver • Horse riding • Inside the Volcano or Silfra snorkeling | Golden Circle |
| 3 | South Coast | • Seljalandsfoss with walk behind the falls • Skogafoss waterfall • Reynisfjara black sand beach, Reynisdrangar sea stacks • Dyrholaey cliffs | South West Coast |
| 4 | South Coast/ Reykjavik | • Thakgil valley • Solheimasandur black sand plain and plane wreck • Hveragerdi geothermal town stop • Reykjavik stroll | Reykjavik |
| 5 | Departure day | • Unhurried breakfast • Final loop around the Old Harbour, waterfront, or Tjornin • Return to the hotel, collect luggage, and drive to the airport |
Day01
Golden Circle
Begin your Iceland travel adventure with the Golden Circle, where Iceland’s most iconic landscapes set the tone from the very first day. Walk through Thingvellir National Park’s rift valley between two tectonic plates, then head to the Geysir geothermal area to watch Strokkur erupt every 8 to 10 minutes.
Continue to Gullfoss for thunderous waterfall views, add the vivid Kerid volcanic crater lake, and finish in Hveragerdi for a relaxing hot spring stop.
Day02
Golden Circle exploration
Enhance your Iceland itinerary with Golden Circle experiences tailored to your interests. Choose from a geothermal bakery tour, a soak at the Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana, lava cave exploration, glacier snowmobiling with a driver, horse riding, Inside the Volcano, or Silfra snorkeling.
Many activities run year-round and suit families, with expert guides and flexible scheduling to match your pace.
Day03
South Coast waterfalls and black sand beaches
South Coast highlights include walking behind Seljalandsfoss, photographing Skogafoss as mist and rainbows rise from the falls, and visiting Reynisfjara for the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and striking basalt columns.
Continue to Dyrholaey for dramatic cliffs, the stone arch, and possible puffin sightings in season, with wide views toward Eyjafjallajokull, Hekla, and Katla. For extra cultural context, add an optional stop at the Skogar Folk Museum.
Day04
Drive back along the South Coast to Reykjavik
Return west along the South Coast with time for scenic detours that rank among the best places to visit in Iceland. Stop in the beautiful Thakgil valley, visit Solheimasandur’s black sand plain and the famous plane wreck, and unwind in the geothermal town of Hveragerdi. Choose a rewarding hike, explore lava-shaped landscapes, or add small museums and local activity providers for tailored experiences.
End in Reykjavik with a relaxed city stroll, from the towering Hallgrimskirkja and lively Laugavegur to peaceful Tjornin, plus Harpa Concert Hall and the Solfar Sun Voyager sculpture on the waterfront.
Day05
Departure day
Start departure day slowly and keep the schedule simple. Enjoy an unhurried breakfast, then take a final loop through Reykjavik, perhaps along the Old Harbour and the waterfront, or around Tjornin if you want something quieter. If you have time, stop by a bakery or a favorite café and pick up a few easy souvenirs such as local chocolate, sea salt, or a small design piece from Laugavegur.
Afterward, return to your hotel, collect your luggage, and set off for the airport with a comfortable buffer. On the drive, let it be a calm final chapter rather than another rush of sights, so you arrive relaxed and ready for your flight.
