Winter Vacation in Reykjavík: Northern Lights, Golden Circle & South Coast
On this winter day-tripper tour, you'll base yourself in Reykjavík for 5 days and join daily excursions by comfortable bus, experiencing Iceland's geothermal might on a tour of the Golden Circle, chasing down the Northern Lights, and visiting dramatic waterfalls on the spectacular south coast. This multi-day package takes the stress out of winter travel, with all driving and navigation handled by expert guides while you simply enjoy the views.
As well as all that, you have a whole day to spend however you like, giving you genuine flexibility. If you're an adventure-seeker, you could join an expedition to explore an ancient lava cave or venture inside a glowing blue ice cave beneath a glacier. If spectacular scenery is more your thing, opt for a day trip to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called 'Iceland in Miniature,' where diverse landscapes await. Alternatively, you could simply spend more time exploring the buzzing capital of Reykjavík, discovering its museums, galleries, shops, and excellent restaurant scene at your own pace.
Hunt down the Northern Lights by bus, super jeep, or boat on guided evening excursions that take you to optimal viewing locations away from city lights. See the well-loved sights of the Golden Circle route, including erupting geysers and powerful waterfalls. Experience epic waterfalls cascading over cliffs and black sand beaches where volcanic sand meets Atlantic waves on a guided south coast tour. Join an adventure activity that gets your adrenaline pumping, or relax at a geothermal spa soaking in naturally heated waters.
Stay in Reykjavík, Iceland's bustling capital, every night of your trip, unpacking once and enjoying the convenience of a central base. Travel by comfortable bus with Wi-Fi and enjoy the scenery from the window while guides share fascinating stories and information about Iceland's geology, history, and culture.
With this itinerary, you get flexibility and tons to see and do in just 5 days!
On this tour you will...
Hunt down the Northern Lights by bus, jeep, or boat
See the well-loved sights of the Golden Circle route
Experience epic waterfalls and black beaches
Join an adventure activity or relax at a geothermal spa
Stay in Reykjavík, Iceland’s bustling capital, every night
Travel by bus and enjoy the scenery from the window
Top attractions
Why book a multi-day trip with Iceland Tours?
Start your tour on the date that suits you
Stay at the same place in Reykjavík for your whole trip
Travel on comfortable buses with free Wi-Fi
Effortlessly customize your trip with extra activities
24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland
Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit
Your 5-day bus itinerary
Transfer from Keflavík International Airport to your hotel in Reykjavík is included, starting your vacation completely hassle-free.
Welcome to Reykjavík, and to Iceland! Depending on what time your flight lands, you might have several hours to stretch your legs and explore the city center before tonight's aurora adventure. The compact downtown invites walking discovery. Check out local museums showcasing Iceland's fascinating history, browse galleries featuring contemporary Icelandic artists, and explore shops selling everything from traditional wool products to modern design.
Alternatively, recharge after your journey in a hot tub at one of the local geothermal swimming pools, where you'll find locals gathering to socialize while soaking in naturally heated water. This evening, an exciting adventure awaits! Spend the night on a magical Northern Lights hunt included with your package. Join a large group bus tour departing Reykjavík for dark-skied locations ideal for aurora viewing. Your knowledgeable guide will take you away from city lights to areas with optimal conditions and share insights about this natural phenomenon. You also have the option to upgrade to a small group excursion, super jeep tour, or boat trip for a more exclusive experience (upgrades available at additional cost).
Good to know: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed, even with clear skies. The tour may be canceled if weather conditions are unfavorable, but you'll have the chance to join the same or a similar excursion for free later in your trip. Return to your hotel for the night.
Highlights
Included experiences, upgrade options & extra activities
The Golden Circle needs little introduction: it's home to some of the most stunning and famous sights in Iceland, and today you'll experience them all on a guided bus tour with an expert local guide. You'll witness Strokkur hot spring shoot an impressive column of water up to 30 meters into the air every 4 to 8 minutes. This thrilling natural spectacle never gets old, and your guide will explain the powerful geothermal forces creating this display. Stop to admire the magnificent Gullfoss, the 'Golden Falls' waterfall, created where the glacial river Hvítá tumbles and plunges into a crevice approximately 32 meters deep. The sheer scale and power are breathtaking.
This tour also includes the historical and geological wonder of Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart at a rate of a few centimeters per year. Walk through the dramatic rift valley and learn about the Viking parliament that convened here for centuries. Included with your package is a fascinating visit to Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation center, a truly unique Icelandic experience. Here you and your group will learn about the magic behind growing delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes and cucumbers year-round with the aid of geothermal heat that Iceland has in abundance.
Alternatively, you can upgrade to a different adventure on this day, such as snowmobiling on a glacier or exploring ice caves (upgrades available at additional cost). All upgrade options include the Golden Circle tour, so you won't miss out on this classic route. Return to your Reykjavík hotel this evening.
The South Shore Adventure Tour is ideal for nature lovers and showcases some of Iceland's most dramatic coastal scenery. Join your guided bus tour departing from Reykjavík. You'll have an opportunity to stand behind the plummeting Seljalandsfoss waterfall, experiencing the unique perspective from inside the cave behind the falling water. Walk up close to Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's most impressive cascades, and gaze at the majestic rock formations surrounding it. Your guide will share stories about the area's history and geology.
Travel along the spectacular South Coast of Iceland as far as Vík í Mýrdal, a charming small village surrounded by beautiful high bird cliffs and dramatic coastal scenery. The highlights of the day include stunning views of massive glaciers like Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, black volcanic sand coastlines creating striking contrasts, and impressive rock formations including the famous Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean. Your guide will point out geological features and share local legends. Return to your Reykjavík hotel this evening, where you can enjoy dinner at one of the city's restaurants and reflect on the day's adventures.
Use this day to explore Iceland's capital in more depth at your own relaxed pace. Reykjavík has a number of interesting sights and museums worth visiting, from the National Museum to smaller specialized collections. Good shopping opportunities abound along Laugavegur and surrounding streets, where you can hunt for unique Icelandic souvenirs and design items. Try delicious restaurants and cafes sampling local cuisine, from traditional dishes to innovative Nordic fare. The city also has many heated public pools and spas where you could relax and experience authentic Icelandic culture.
Alternatively, you have the possibility to choose from one of our best-selling optional day tours to venture beyond the city (available at additional cost). Please note there is time for only one full-day tour. Options might include Snæfellsnes peninsula exploration, lava cave adventures, Into the Glacier experiences, or other guided excursions. Browse available options and select what appeals to you most. Return to your hotel this evening for your final night in Iceland, perhaps celebrating your trip with dinner at a special restaurant.
Transfer from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport is included, ensuring a smooth departure.
Depending on your flight departure time, you might be able to fit in a final stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport if you haven't already visited during your stay (available at additional cost, pre-booking required). You'll be picked up at your hotel and dropped off at the Blue Lagoon, where luggage storage facilities are available for a fee. After soaking in the famous milky-blue geothermal waters, transfer continues to the airport. That way, you'll be relaxed and rejuvenated before your flight home.
Good to know: Most airlines require you to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, so bear this in mind when booking. The drive to the airport takes around 20 minutes from the Blue Lagoon. If not adding the spa visit, simply enjoy your final morning in Reykjavík before your included transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of Northern Lights hunts, the Golden Circle's natural wonders, and the dramatic south coast's beauty.
What’s included?
Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Airport transfer
Northern Lights guided bus tour
Golden Circle & Friðheimar guided bus tour
South Shore Adventure guided bus tour
24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland
Carbon offsetting of your tour
VAT, taxes & service fees
Flights to Iceland
Food & drink, unless otherwise stated
Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Personal travel insurance
Customer reviews
Read what real customers had to say about Reykjavík Winter Getaway & Northern Lights Adventure - 5 Days.
FAQs about our multi-day trips
Throughout your multi-day trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be based in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík or Akureyri the capital of the North. From here, you can join guided tours into the surrounding countryside to soak up the mind-blowing scenery. Your package will include at least one day trip, and depending on the length of your tour package you can opt to add more.
It’s worth bearing in mind that you won’t have the same guide throughout your trip. In fact, on each escorted group day trip from Reykjavík or Akureyri, you’ll get to meet a new guide and new fellow travelers.
What’s more, spending each night in the same accommodation means you don’t need to worry about unpacking and repacking during your trip. It also gives you the chance to experience more of the city’s restaurants, food halls, and bars. And you’ll have time to browse the local shops and visiting the city’s attractions.
When you opt for a multi-day package, you won’t be traveling with the same guide and group throughout your trip. This means that number of fellow travelers you meet on your guided excursions will vary depending on the activity.
For instance, if you’re going on an ice cave tour, your group could include a just a handful people. Meanwhile, a tour of the Golden Circle by bus will often be a larger group as you’ll likely be traveling by coach. And you’ll find evening Northern Lights tours are usually by coach too, although you have the option to upgrade to a small group, super jeep, or boat tour.
Depending on the excursion, your bus could be either a minibus or coach. Most buses will have free onboard Wi-Fi and charging points for your phone. Larger buses also have overhead compartments for stowing your bag and jacket.
It’s good to know that although there’s no restroom on the bus, your guide will make sure to include regular breaks throughout the journey.
Yes, all of these multi-day trips include airport transfers by bus from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík on arrival and departure.
On each morning of your trip, you’ll get a tasty continental breakfast at your accommodation. In most places, this is served buffet-style in a communal dining room.
With most packages, lunch and dinner are not included so you’re free to choose from all of the options available. In Reykjavík and Akureyri, you’ll be spoiled for choice when deciding where to eat.
Some festive packages include special meals. Check the ‘What’s included?’ section for the individual package to find out exactly what you’ll get.
If your package features longer day tours, you’ll find that the guide will factor in lunch and restroom stops. But it’s still good to come prepared by packing a few snacks and plenty of water. And if you prefer, you could bring a picnic lunch rather than eat out.
Absolutely! You can customize your package by:
- Picking your level of accommodation (Budget, Comfort, or Quality)
- Extending your stay with extra nights in Reykjavík at the start or end of your trip
- Adding optional activities, such as a food tour or glacier hike
Enter your dates and the number of people in your group on the tour package page. Here you can also choose your accommodation level.
At checkout, you can customize your trip with extra days and activities. Afterwards, follow the steps to finalize your booking and you’ll get a confirmation from us via email.
There’s one more thing that’s great to know: all it takes is a 5% deposit to secure your booking today.
Because a multi-day trip is made up of different excursions every day, you won’t always be with the same group. That said, Iceland is small enough that you might just bump into someone from the day before!
If you’re looking for the kind of experience where you can hang with the same group and make new friends, we also offer guided group tours of Iceland. These are led by local experts who will take you and your travel buddies all over the country.
Once you’ve decided roughly when you want to visit Iceland, you can start searching for flights online. Iceland is well connected to major airports in Europe and across North America.
It makes the most sense to book your package with Iceland Tours first. Once your booking is confirmed, go ahead and purchase your flights. Then all you need to do is think about what to pack! In fact, you can read all about that below.
On all of our multi-day tours from Reykjavík, you’ll stay at the same hotel or guesthouse in the city for the length of your trip. This is great if you prefer to stay settled in one place and explore by day.
If you’d rather get to stay in different places in the countryside, you could go for an Iceland self-drive tour, where you can set your own pace. Another great option is a guided group tour, where you’ll travel with the same awesome fellow travelers for your whole trip.
On a multi-day package with Iceland Tours, you can choose from 3 levels of accommodation:
- Budget – Guesthouses and hotels, with shared bathrooms
- Comfort – Hotels or guesthouses of around 3 stars, with private bathrooms
- Quality – Hotels or guesthouses of around 4 stars, with private bathrooms
Each accommodation level offers different types of rooms. We’ve described them below to help you choose the best one for you. Just keep in mind that not every hotel has all these room types available.
- Single room: one single bed in a room, perfect for solo travelers.
- Double room: a full-sized double bed for 2 people.
- Twin room: a room with 2 single beds that fit 1 person each.
- Triple room: these vary in size and layout, but are designed to fit 3 adults. Triple rooms feature a combination of double, single or sofa beds, depending on the hotel.
No matter which accommodation level you pick, breakfast is included. Read more about the differences between the levels on this accommodation page.
In Iceland, the weather can change in a flash. The upshot is that if you don’t like the weather, you won’t need to wait long for it to pass.
With that in mind, you should pack smart so you’ll be comfortable no matter the conditions. Here’s a suggested Iceland packing list:
- Rugged hiking boots
- Wooly hat, scarf, and gloves
- Thick, waterproof winter coat
- Sweaters and fleeces for extra warmth
- Swimming gear (for hot springs and pools)
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm and moisturizer
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland in winter, sunglasses are essential because the sun is low in the sky for most of the day. You’ll also want to protect your skin from the dry air with moisturizer.
For more tips, see our Iceland packing list.
There’s an incredible amount you can do on a multi-day vacation from Iceland Tours. Here’s some ideas to spark inspiration:
- Roam the black sands of Reynisfjara beach on a south coast tour
- Venture under a glacier on a guided ice cave tour
- Complete the Golden Circle, including Gullfoss waterfall
- Explore ‘Iceland in Miniature’ on the Snæfellsnes peninsula
- Join a glacier hike across thousand-year-old pack ice
- Go whale watching from Reykjavík and spot the gentle giants
- Follow in the footsteps of Vikings at Þingvellir National Park
- Marvel at natural hot springs, like the Strokkur geyser
- Unwind in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
- Hunt down the Northern Lights on a magical winter tour
Because you’ll be based in Reykjavík for your whole trip, most excursions will take you to the south or west of Iceland. Be sure to check out this guide to the best things to see and do near Reykjavík.
If you want to see North Iceland, East Iceland, or the Westfjords, you might want to consider a self-drive or guided group tour. These are also great options if the Ring Road is on your must-do list.
For even more inspo, explore these awesome things to do in Iceland.
No worries! Iceland Tours is already offsetting the carbon footprint of your tour package. We've teamed up with an environmental fund in Iceland to cover the carbon offset for all our tours.
Carbon offsetting for international flights is not included, but we suggest checking with your airline or through a local environmental fund for options.
























