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Goðafoss Waterfall in North Iceland

Best of South & North Iceland - Winter

Golden Circle, South Coast & Lake Mývatn

(7 days / 6 nights)

4.8
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Highlights of the North & South

One of our 7-day Iceland tours, this break takes you to see some of the country’s most incredible highlights of north and south Iceland during the tranquil winter season. Enjoy an adventurous holiday visiting waterfalls, black sand beaches and geothermal wonders in the south, and lunar landscapes, soothing hot springs and fun optional activities in the north. This is a multi-day tour with planned activities and flights, which will cut down your travel time by car, giving you more time to enjoy the natural wonders of Iceland.

Are you looking to join like-minded travellers on a similar guided small group version of this tour?

4.8

7 days / 6 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 367587 ISK

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Quality and value for your money
  • Local experts in Iceland and trusted suppliers
  • Customisable and personal tour options
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Search for the majestic northern lights
  • Explore the famous Golden Circle route
  • Feel the power of the thundering waterfall Gullfoss
  • Marvel at eruptions at the Geysir geothermal region
  • Discover the volcanic Lake Mývatn and its beautiful surroundings
  • Visit the charming town of Akureyri in the north
  • Bathe in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon
  • Enjoy the cascading waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss
  • Photograph the jagged basalt columns & sweeping black sand beaches
  • Taste Icelandic cuisine with local, fresh ingredients

Travel style

Multi-Day Tours i

Interest

Active i, City Break i, Northern Lights i

Season

Sep - Mar

Departure

Daily

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík

    On arrival to Keflavik International Airport, you will be greeted by a professional driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Reykjavik. You can stroll the streets of the charming capital city, visit museums, and explore landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja and the Sun Voyager. For the evening, downtown Reykjavík offers numerous excellent restaurants, cafés, coffeehouses, and bars, for those who want to experience the renowned Reykjavík nightlife.

    Spend the night in Reykjavík.

    Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 2: Exploring the Golden Circle

    Today you visit some of Iceland’s most famous attractions with a small guided group tour of the classic “Golden Circle” route in South Iceland. You will start the day heading to Hveragerði where the bus will make a short stop before continuing on your journey.

    One of the many highlights you’ll see today is the impressive Kerið Crater. Other attractions include the magical two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall and the spouting hot springs of Geysir. While Geysir lies dormant, its neighbour Strokkur erupts every few minutes, gushing steam and water high into the air.

    The last stop of the day is Þingvellir National Park, a place of great historical and geological significance. It is also one of Iceland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Þingvellir is the site of the country’s first parliament and is located along the edge of the great rift between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates.

    Spend the night in Reykjavík.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 3: Journey to the North & hunting northern Lights

    The day begins with a short flight to Akureyri, where you will spend the next two nights. Akureyri, the unofficial capital of north Iceland, offers so much to do and see. You can take a stroll through the town centre and enjoy the variety of little shops, cafes and museums, as well as the botanical gardens and a thriving harbour. A visit to Akureyri‘s swimming pool is highly recommended, where you can relax in the heated pool and enjoy a soothing hot tub.

    In the evening, enjoy a guided northern lights tour, where a knowledgeable driver will search for the best places to view the aurora. Please note that northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

    Spend the night in Akureyri.

    Attractions Attractions
  • Day 4: Explore the wonders of Lake Mývatn

    From Akureyri, you will explore the surroundings of Mývatn. Along the way, you will stop at the mighty Goðafoss waterfall before exploring mud pools, pseudo-craters and lave fields. Another beautiful highlight is Dimmuborgir, an region of strewn lava rocks, small caves, volcanic rocks and cliffs. End the day with an included relaxing soak at the milky Mývatn Nature Baths, a pool of warm geothermal water drawn from depths of 2,500 metres.

    Spend the night in Akureyri.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 5: Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon

    Today you will fly back to Reykjavik and enjoy a tour to the Blue Lagoon after lunch. You can spend your time bathing in the heated geothermal pool, which is rich with silica and soothing for your skin. You can also enjoy a sauna or steambath and an array of spa services (which should be booked in advance). After relaxing in the water, you can choose to dine at the luxurious Lava Restaurant at the lagoon, before transfering back to Reykjavik.

    Spend the night in Reykjavik.

    Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 6: The South Coast - Glaciers and Black Sand Beaches

    Enjoy a guided group tour along the striking south coast of Iceland on another day of adventures. Start your journey with a stop at the picture-perfect, 60-metre-high (197-foot-high) Skógafoss waterfall. Next you’ll stop at Reynisfjara, a hauntingly beautiful black sand beach. You will then continue towards the town of Vík where you’ll make a photo stop at the local church, which offers expansive views of the landscape.

    Then it is time to head back along the south coast. You will stop at Sólheimajökull glacier where you will learn everything about glaciers and the area. The last highlight of the day is the picturesque Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is 40 metres (131 feet) high. Its main attraction, besides the scenery, is the pathway leading behind the waterfall, giving you a chance to admire the falls from all angles. Later, you’ll return to Reykjavík.

    Spend the night in Reykjavík.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 7: Departure from Reykjavík

    Depart to Keflavik International Airport via a semi-private transfer. If your flight is in the afternoon, you will have time to visit some of Reykjavik´s boutiques or museums. You may also opt to take an exciting optional activity (not included).

    See Activities for this day

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this multi-day tour in Iceland. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Iceland Travel Guide.

On a multi-day tour, Nordic Visitor books your accommodation and excursions for a self-guided travel experience. That means you’ll enjoy some free time to explore on your own as well as planned, guided day tours. 

Each activity is run by a different tour operator, so you’ll get to meet a few local guides throughout your trip. 

You can rest assured that Nordic Visitor only works with a small number of handpicked suppliers that meet our high standards. The activities you’ll participate in are all extremely well rated so you’re sure to have a memorable time.

During your tour, we’re with you every step of the way. On arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, map and detailed Iceland Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll always be able to reach us on your trip by calling our 24/7 helpline.

Yes, when you book your Iceland tour with Nordic Visitor, you always get airport transfers to and from Keflavík Airport included. This will be a private, shared or bus transfer, depending on your itinerary. Please check the details of your tour to confirm.

If you add extra nights to your stay before or after the scheduled trip, we’ll rearrange your transfers to fit your new itinerary.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your travel consultant if you have any specific requests about optional activities or services.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

Due to the nature of this tour and activities included, it’s not recommended for families with young children. That said, it is suitable for well-travelled, active children of 12 years or older. If in doubt, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

On your multi-day tour, you’ll stay in accommodation that’s been hand-picked by our local Iceland travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience.

During the booking process, you can choose from single, double or triple rooms. Please note that in Iceland room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

If you have anything specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline. 

During your tour, there will always be a Reykjavík-based travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

If you’re arriving from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Iceland. 

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Iceland on the website of Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration. If you do require a visa, they maintain a list of local embassies that can assist you with the process. 

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months from your departure from Iceland. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it. 

Read more about visas, airports and airlines in the getting to Iceland section of our travel guide.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

Only you can pick the best time to visit Iceland for your trip. It’ll depend on how much time you have to explore, what you want to see in Iceland and any events you might like to attend.

In summer, June to August, you’ll have milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, compared to the winter. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and sightseeing. 

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around then you could book your summer trip in May or September. These shoulder season months have more tour and attraction availability.

The winter months are also popular, but generally quieter, apart from the Christmas holiday season. This is the ideal time to try to spot the northern lights.

Find out what annual Icelandic events and festivals are on in our travel guide. Or read more about the best time to visit Iceland on our blog.

Because of its northerly location close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland has limited daylight in winter. 

Around Christmastime, from early December until late January, you can expect an average of 4–5 hours of daylight. These extended hours of darkness give you a higher chance of seeing the northern lights.

Find out what the daylight hours will be during the month of your visit in this guide to time and daylight in Iceland.

Yes! Wintertime is the right season to visit Iceland if you want to see the northern lights (or aurora borealis). You can experience the northern lights between October and March, with peak visibility from December through February. 

To improve your chances of seeing them, this package includes a northern lights excursion. This way you’ll go hunting for the aurora with your guide.

Please note that as the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed. It all depends on the conditions and cloud cover on the night.

Read our Iceland northern lights guide to learn more.

The winter climate in Iceland is generally mild compared to other Northern European countries. That said, the temperature can drop below freezing at times. And the Atlantic winds can make it feel colder than it is. 

You can expect average temperatures between 4°C (39°F) and -1°C (30°F). Throughout winter (October to April), the weather conditions are very changeable, so you could experience rain, snow, sun and cold winds. 

For more information on the local climate, read this guide to Iceland weather conditions

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. Your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit.

Your scheduled journey to the Blue Lagoon is by bus, with up to 70 travellers. When you arrive in Iceland, you’ll receive vouchers with all your transfer details.

Children must be at least 2 years old to visit the Blue Lagoon. And it’s mandatory for children aged 2 to 8 to wear inflatable armbands while in the lagoon. These are provided free of charge. 

Please note that only 2 children under the age of 10 can be admitted into the lagoon per guardian.

Iceland’s winters are chilly although not as cold as you may expect. As you’ll probably spend a lot of time outdoors, we recommend bringing plenty of layers to stay warm and dry.

Here is a recommended winter packing list for your trip to Iceland:

  • Durable insulated jacket, which should be waterproof
  • Robust walking boots with a good grip
  • Mid-layers such as a fleece or woollen jumper
  • A few pairs of warm hiking socks
  • Hat, gloves and scarf
  • Swimwear for visiting geothermal pools or spas
  • Backpack for daily adventures
  • Electronic equipment such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen for exploring in the snow or glacier excursions
  • And don’t forget your camera!
     

For more information, check out this Iceland packing list.

Breakfast at your Iceland accommodations is always included when you travel with Nordic Visitor.  For the rest of your meals, the amount of spending money you need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to. 

That said, we recommend budgeting between 2,000–3,000 ISK for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between 3,000–6,000 ISK. Meanwhile, at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay 7,000 ISK or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

You can get in touch with our Iceland travel experts ahead of your trip if you have any questions. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Iceland Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll email you copies of your travel documents.

When you arrive in Iceland, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Iceland Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Keflavík?

After picking up your luggage, you will be greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall. The driver will hand over your welcome package with hard copies of your travel documents. You’ll then be driven to your hotel in Reykjavík.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2 PM and 4 PM. 

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel so you can start exploring before check-in. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching your transfer to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Icelandic Króna (ISK), the official currency of Iceland. 

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate as issued by the Central Bank of Iceland. This means conversions from ISK to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Reviews

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Exceptional customer service

Customer service both before the trip and during was exceptional. We used Nordic Visitor to see Iceland, local tours out of Reykjavík and Akureyri and all providers were very professional and great tours.

Highly recommend Nordic Visitor

Nordic Visitor provided a great tour. They were easy to work with, always available for questions, both before and during our tour. We had a situation during our trip and they handled it quickly and efficiently. Highly recommend and we would use again.

Iceland was amazing

We couldn't have had a better trip to Iceland. Nordic Visitor organized great tours and accommodation and Simona went out of her way to make sure everything was ok. We were worried when the volcano erupted but we were reassured and everything turned out fine. Iceland was amazing. We highly recommend Nordic Visitor to any person wishing to visit Iceland.

Loved every minute

It was a pleasure to work with Marko. I started planning this trip with Marko's help in July of 2023. He was very easy to work with, quick to respond to emails, and kept us up to date every step along with way. When he was not available he made sure that someone would be available to help me out. The booking process and picking add-on adventures was easy. All information was provided well before we left and was updated when things changed, Everything from airport pickup to airport drop-off was wonderful. I planned the trip and brought my mother and daughter along and they absolutely loved every minute. I would highly recommend Nordic Visitor to anyone planning a trip to Iceland.

Very happy

All connections went like clockwork. We were very happy with the tours, and the guides were generally quite informative.

Good trip!

It was a good trip, planned well with good hotels and great tour leaders!

Accommodation

Relax in a top city hotel or guesthouse that is highly rated by visitors and handpicked by local travel experts.

Look forward to sleeping soundly in Iceland. The accommodation you’ll stay in is conveniently located in Reykjavík for pickups for your day trips. Rest assured that you’ll stay in one of the best possible properties, as we only choose accommodation that has received excellent reviews from previous customers.

Comfort Plus

In this category, you’ll stay in standard rooms in good quality 3-star hotels. Or, you'll spend the night in similar rooms in rura..

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Superior

With Superior accommodation, you’ll enjoy standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses. You might also stay in superior..

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Price per person from

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 367587 ISK

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