5-Day Private Iceland Tour: South Coast, West Iceland & Northern Lights
Discover the best of Iceland's south and west coasts on this immersive 5-day private Iceland tour designed for winter travelers. With your own expert driver-guide leading the way, you'll explore dramatic landscapes blanketed in snow while hunting for the magical Northern Lights dancing across Arctic skies. This carefully crafted journey combines the iconic attractions of the south coast and Golden Circle with the otherworldly beauty of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, all enhanced by the personalized attention only a private tour provides.
Your 5-day Iceland tour showcases incredible diversity, from thundering waterfalls draped in winter ice to black sand beaches framed by snow-covered cliffs. Watch massive icebergs drift through Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, explore the geological wonders of the Golden Circle, and discover why Snæfellsnes is called 'Iceland in Miniature' with its concentration of dramatic coastal features. Your private guide uses local expertise to share folklore and legends, position you at the best viewpoints, and maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights. Unlike group tours, this private Iceland tour adapts to weather conditions and your interests, ensuring an intimate and flexible experience.
With handpicked accommodations, continental breakfast daily, and Iceland Tours' winter expertise guiding every detail, this 5-day private Iceland tour delivers an unforgettable Arctic adventure through Iceland's most spectacular southern and western landscapes.
On this tour you will...
Hunt for the Northern Lights with your private guide's expert knowledge of viewing locations ss
Explore the south coast's dramatic waterfalls including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
Marvel at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where icebergs drift through crystal-blue waters
Experience the Golden Circle's geological wonders with personalized guidance
Discover the magical Snæfellsnes peninsula with its glacier-topped volcano and coastal beauty
Travel in winter comfort with your own driver-guide sharing local stories throughout
Top attractions
Downtown Reykjavík
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Vík í Mýrdal
Gullfoss
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir and Strokkur
Skaftafell
Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park
Snæfellsjökull Glacier & National Park
Breiðafjörður bay
Kirkjufell
Arnarstapi
Deildartunguhver
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
Blue Lagoon
Why book a privately guided trip with Iceland Tours?
Let your own driver take you around Iceland
Expert local guidance in English
Start your tour on the date that suits you
24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland
Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit
Handpicked local accommodation options
Your 5-day privately guided itinerary
Your memorable Icelandic winter adventure begins when your private guide meets you at your hotel in Reykjavík. Head off to enjoy the stunning winter scenery of Iceland's spectacular south coast. Your guide drives you to the magnificent Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the curtain of falling water, an experience made even more magical when surrounded by winter ice formations. Continue to Skógafoss, one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls, where your guide shows you the stairs for aerial views of water crashing down in clouds of mist. In Skógar, you could visit the Folk Museum where your guide shares fascinating stories about how Icelanders lived centuries ago.
Continue along the coast lined with black sand beaches, the snow creating striking contrasts against dark volcanic sand. Visit the charming village of Vík and walk along Reynisfjara black sand beach, where your guide points out the dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks and towering basalt columns. Settle into your accommodation in the Vík area, with your guide taking you Northern Lights hunting if conditions are favorable.
Highlights
Seljalandsfoss
Skógafoss
Vík í Mýrdal
Extra activities
ExtraRaufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
Today your guide takes you east to explore one of Iceland's most spectacular winter landscapes. Drive through snow-covered terrain with your guide pointing out features and sharing local stories. Look out for breathtaking views of Skaftafell, an oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains. Your guide can suggest winter hiking options suitable for conditions, or you can simply marvel at the dramatic scenery where glacial tongues meet black sand deserts.
Continue to the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where enormous icebergs drift through deep blue water like shining diamonds. Your guide gives you ample time to walk along the banks, capturing fantastic photos of this surreal winter scene. The contrast between white icebergs, blue water, and snowy mountains creates an unforgettable vista. Cross the road to Diamond Beach where your guide helps you find the best ice formations scattered across black volcanic sand, sparkling brilliantly in winter light. Your guide drives you back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for a second night, with another opportunity to hunt for Northern Lights.
Today you visit Iceland's most famous attractions as part of the renowned Golden Circle route. Your guide drives you to the geothermal area of Geysir, where you'll watch Strokkur hot spring erupt every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. Your guide positions you perfectly to capture the eruption and explains the geothermal forces creating this natural spectacle. Numerous smaller springs boil and bubble nearby, creating clouds of steam in the cold winter air. Continue with a short drive to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most beautiful and powerful waterfalls. In winter, ice formations frame the cascading water, and your guide takes you to the best viewpoints.
The crowning jewel is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and geological wonder. Walk through the rift valley where your guide explains tectonic plate movements opening cracks and fissures in the earth's crust. Your guide shares the historical significance of this site where Iceland's parliament was founded in the 10th century. Settle into your accommodation in the Borgarnes area for the night.
Today is dedicated to exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park and the magical Snæfellsnes peninsula. Your guide drives you through stunning snow-carpeted landscapes, passing charming fishing villages and the majestic, iconic Kirkjufell mountain. This pyramid-shaped peak is one of Iceland's most photographed locations, and your guide knows the best angles. Explore the black sand beach at Djúpalónssandur with your guide sharing stories of the shipwreck remains scattered across the shore. Visit the impressive basaltic columns at Gerðuberg, where geometric rock formations create a natural wall.
Continue to the dramatic cliffs of Arnarstapi, where your guide points out coastal rock formations and seabird colonies. Visit the hamlet of Búðir with its small black wooden church standing alone in a lava field, one of Iceland's most atmospheric sites. Later, explore the northern part of the peninsula, passing through Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing village overlooking Breiðafjörður bay. Your guide shares local stories about this historic harbor town before returning to Borgarnes for a second night stay.
From Borgarnes, your guide takes you to explore the historic Borgarfjörður area. Visit Deildartunguhver hot spring, Europe's most powerful hot spring in terms of flow rate, where your guide explains how this geothermal power heats nearby towns. Marvel at the photogenic Hraunfossar waterfalls, where crystal-clear water flows from beneath a lava field in delicate cascades along the rock face. Your guide explains the unique geology creating this beautiful phenomenon. Nearby, Barnafoss waterfall rushes through a narrow rocky gorge, and your guide shares the tragic legend attached to its name.
Throughout the morning, your guide provides insights into the saga history of this fertile valley that served as the setting for many of Iceland's ancient tales. The area offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. After exploring the Borgarfjörður area, it's time to head back to Reykjavík where your privately guided winter adventure ends. Your guide drops you at your hotel with recommendations for making the most of any extra time in the capital.
What’s included?
Comfort or Quality accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Rental car of your choice for 5 days
Private driver-guide
Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland
Carbon offsetting of your tour
VAT, taxes & service fees
Flights to Iceland
Airport transfer
Accommodation in Reykjavík
Food & drink, unless otherwise stated
Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Personal travel insurance
FAQs about our private guided trips
All of our private guided tours start in Reykjavík. Here your driver-guide will pick you up from your accommodation and you’ll hit the road.
With your enthusiastic guide leading the way, you will head out into the Icelandic countryside. As you’re immersed in the country’s incredible nature, you’ll learn from your guide about the places you’re visiting.
Once you’ve arrived at your accommodation for the night, you and your guide will say goodbye until the morning. You’ll have time to yourself to enjoy dinner and recharge before the next day’s adventure.
At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in the capital.
Good to know: Our private tour packages do not include hotel stays in Reykjavík at the start or end of the tour, or a transfer from the airport as standard. The option to add extra nights in Reykjavík is available on the tour’s page after clicking “Find your price.” You’ll see options to select extra nights before or after the tour, and the updated price will display on the right side of the screen as you make your selections.
If you’d like us to arrange airport transfer for you, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.
You’ll get to meet your guide for the first time when they collect you from your hotel in Reykjavík. Over the course of your trip, you’ll have the chance to get to know them and swap stories and jokes!
Guidance is in English as standard, although if you would like a guide that speaks a different language, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.
We can’t guarantee that a guide that speaks a language other than English will be available for your selected tour dates, but we’ll do our best to honor your request.
It’s normally possible to book a guide that speaks Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, or a Scandinavian language. Note that there may be an additional charge for a non-English-speaking guide.
In Iceland, tipping is not commonplace in restaurants, hotels, taxis, and the like.
That said, if your guide goes above and beyond to make your tour extra special, they would graciously receive a tip. Just know that it’s not expected, so it’s totally up to you.
You can customize your trip to Iceland with extra days in Reykjavík at the start or end of your trip. This is your chance to pack in day tours and activities like snowmobiling and ice caving.
If you want to customize the itinerary of your actual guided tour, contact us and we’ll be happy to help. Just so you know, there’s an extra fee for this service. See our terms and conditions for all the details.
Packages from Iceland Tours don’t include flights. We do this so that you can get a wider choice and a better price overall. When you’ve figured out roughly what your travel dates will be, you can start to look for flights online.
There are direct flights to Iceland from many cities across Europe and North America, with connections further afield also available. Major airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, Delta, and Icelandair all fly to Iceland.
On a privately-guided package with Iceland Tours, you can choose from 2 levels of accommodation:
- 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.
Our drivers are experienced guides that know Iceland inside-out. They’ve built up years of local knowledge. This means they’ll be able to add those special moments and surprises to your itinerary that you can only get by going private.
Most of our guides have had formal training and qualifications. In any case, they’ll use their know-how to add that element of delight to your private trip.
Start by browsing the vacation packages above. You can choose from both summer and winter trips.
Once you’ve picked out your perfect package, simply follow the steps on the tour page to complete your booking. At checkout, you can add more days and extra activities so you can get even more out of your trip.
You’ll then receive a confirmation by email. Closer to your time of travel, we’ll send you all the documents you need for your upcoming Iceland vacation.
All of the privately guided vacation packages featured on this page include:
- Comfort or Quality accommodation each night
- Continental breakfast every morning
- Rental vehicle of your choice (4x4 or van)
- Expert guidance in English
- 24/7 helpline while you’re in Iceland
For info about the difference between Comfort and Quality options, see our accommodation page.
Good to know: These private trips do not include transfers to and from Keflavík airport or accommodation in Reykjavík. The option to add extra nights in Reykjavík is available on the tour’s page after clicking “Find your price.” You’ll see options to select extra nights before or after the tour, and the updated price will display on the right side of the screen as you make your selections.
If you’d like us to arrange airport transfer for you, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.
The different seasons offer completely different experiences in Iceland, so there’s no one best time to go.
In winter in Iceland, you can chase the Northern Lights and visit ice caves. There’s a good chance the country will be blanketed in fresh snow.
On the other hand, Icelandic summer gives you longer hours of light, so you can fit more into each day of your trip. You’ll also get warmer weather and see greener landscapes.
If you still can’t make up your mind between summer and winter, check out this blog about the best times to go to Iceland.
No matter what time of year you choose to visit, it pays to pack well so you stay warm and comfortable throughout your stay.
Here’s a suggested Iceland packing list:
- Warm, waterproof jacket
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Thermal layers
- Light raincoat
- Gloves, scarf, and hat
- Sunglasses
- Swimming gear (for hot springs and pools)
- Moisturizer and lip balm
For all the info on what conditions you can expect, check out this guide to weather in Iceland.
Iceland is stuffed to the brim with jaw-dropping natural attractions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Take a private tour and you could:
- Watch a geyser erupt on the Golden Circle route
- Follow in the footsteps of Vikings at Þingvellir National Park
- Come up close to Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier
- Chase the Aurora Borealis under the clear winter skies
- Walk behind the powerful Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Explore the awesome sights of Snæfellsjökull National Park
- Wind in and out of the spectacular Eastfjords
- See freshly calved icebergs drift by at Jökulsárlón
- Roam the jet-black sands of Reynisfjara beach
- Hike the picturesque trails of Skaftafell
- Savor mouth-watering cuisine at Iceland's best restaurants
You can also enhance your trip with exciting optional activities like:
- Relaxing in hot springs like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
- Gliding on top of a glacier on a snowmobile
- Horseback riding through moss-blanketed lava fields
- Touring natural ice caves with a guide in wintertime
- Snorkeling between the tectonic plates at Silfra
To see the available upgrade options, check out the detailed itineraries for one of the tour packages above.
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.
