Experience Iceland as few travelers ever will. Winter in Iceland is not a season to avoid but a season to embrace. Snow-draped lava fields, frozen waterfalls, steaming geothermal pools, and the dancing aurora borealis create a setting that feels both primeval and profoundly alive.
We see winter travel to Iceland as an invitation to slow down and connect more deeply with nature and the local culture. This is a time when fewer visitors are on the road, allowing for quieter moments and more meaningful encounters. It’s also when Iceland’s contrasts are most striking: fire and ice, darkness and light, stillness and motion.
Traveling in winter opens doors to experiences unavailable at any other time of year. Explore crystalline ice caves formed deep within glaciers. Venture out at night with expert guides in search of the Northern Lights. Soak in geothermal hot springs while snow falls gently around you. By day, traverse dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic and glacial forces; by night, enjoy the warmth of local hospitality, storytelling, and cuisine rooted in tradition and sustainability.
Arrive in Reykjavík. From the moment you touch down, Iceland’s capital welcomes you with crisp air and open skies. This is a city that wears its wild surroundings lightly with colorful rooftops and cozy cafés set against a backdrop of mountains, ocean, and ever-changing light. Reykjavík offers a gentle, inspiring beginning to the experiences ahead.
Once you collect your rental vehicle, you’ll make your way downtown Reykjavik (45 minutes).
This morning, enjoy a city walk and food tour. With our carefully chosen selection of local food treats, you can check off many items from your Icelandic food bucket list. One of the best parts of a food tour is how it connects history with flavor. As you taste something delicious and exciting, you’ll also gain insights into Iceland’s unique culture. The guides are experts and know how to make the experience both fun and educational. Arrive hungry and ready for a relaxed stroll through Reykjavik’s charming city center. Along the way, you’ll taste authentic delicacies, discover the foods the Vikings once ate, and learn how Icelanders survived long winters with clever preservation and cooking methods. You’ll also see how Icelandic cuisine has evolved. Today, creative chefs still use traditional ingredients, yet they transform them into exciting and innovative dishes.
This evening, you’ll be able to witness one of the most amazing events on the planet, the Northern Lights. And to make this even more exciting, we’ve planned this outing to see the lights by boat. Hunting the Northern Lights from the ocean is an amazing experience; sailing away from the coastline of Reykjavik and seeing the aurora borealis out on the North-Atlantic ocean with beautiful mountains and the city in the background is something you won’t forget! You’ll sail out from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik, and in only 15-20 minutes, you will be in a prime location away from the city lights, perfect for viewing the auroras! The guide will share with you facts on the science behind the magical phenomenon of the Northern Lights, and tell you about their stories and myths from different cultures around the world.
Meals
None
Lodging
Fosshotel Baron or similar
BDay 2Golden Circle
Touring Iceland’s Golden Circle is an immersion into the forces that have shaped the island for millennia. This classic route unfolds at an unhurried pace, revealing some of the country’s most iconic landscapes while offering space to truly absorb their power and beauty.
The journey begins at Þingvellir National Park, where the earth itself seems to breathe. Here, you walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, standing in a rift valley that is both a geological wonder and a place of deep cultural significance as the birthplace of Iceland’s early parliament. From there, the land grows increasingly dynamic as you approach the Geysir geothermal area, where boiling water surges from the ground and Strokkur reliably erupts skyward, a reminder of the volcanic energy just beneath your feet.
The route culminates at Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall,” where glacial meltwater crashes in two dramatic tiers into a rugged canyon. The roar, the mist, and the shifting light make this a moment that lingers long after you’ve moved on. Along the way, view smaller farms, lava fields, and wide-open vistas.
Near Gullfoss, enjoy a snowmobiling tour. Join an unforgettable snowmobile adventure, starting with a thrilling ride in a powerful super truck from Gullfoss. This tour is perfect for those with their own transportation who want to add something extraordinary to their Golden Circle journey. The experienced guides will lead you through the stunning Icelandic highlands, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Langjökull glacier and its spectacular surroundings (included are snowmobiling clothing like suits, gloves, helmets, and boots). The snowmobiles are designed for two riders, and children aged six and up are welcome to join the tour as passengers.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Gullfoss or similar
CDay 3Southern Coast
You’ll drive along Iceland’s Southern Coast this morning. Moss-covered lava fields give way to broad farmlands, where isolated farmhouses sit beneath vast skies, and grazing horses and sheep dot the fields. Waterfalls appear with striking regularity, which look like thin silver ribbons spilling from high cliffs. Glaciers loom in the distance, their white and blue forms spilling down volcanic slopes, while black sand beaches stretch endlessly along the shoreline.
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi are often the first introductions to the south coast’s drama. Seljalandsfoss cascades from a high cliff and can be viewed from behind, while nearby Gljúfrabúi hides within a narrow canyon, rewarding those willing to step a little off the path.
Continuing east, Skógafoss rises broad and powerful from the lowlands, its mist frequently catching rainbows on sunny days. For those interested in geology and perspective, the climb up the adjacent staircase reveals sweeping views of the coastline and inland highlands.
Along the coast, a stop at Dyrhólaey offers panoramic views of black sand beaches, sea stacks, and crashing waves, while nearby Reynisfjara Beach showcases Iceland’s volcanic origins through basalt columns and dramatic ocean swells.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Vik or similar
DDay 4Þórsmörk: Super Jeep Tour
This Þórsmörk Super Jeep tour is perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and adventurers looking to experience one of Iceland’s most breathtaking destinations. This tour takes you deep into the Þórsmörk Valley, one of Iceland’s most stunning and remote nature reserves. With towering glaciers, volcanoes, and lush green canyons, this is a place where Iceland’s wild beauty comes to life. Departing from Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur, your expert local guide will take you on a thrilling off-road adventure. The tour is designed to handle Iceland’s challenging terrain, allowing you to cross glacial rivers, drive through volcanic landscapes, and reach hidden gems that regular vehicles simply cannot access. The drive itself is an adventure as you navigate the famous F-roads of Iceland, with stunning views of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, and the brave Krossá River.
Once you arrive in the heart of Þórsmörk Valley, your guide will lead you on a scenic hike suited to the group’s ability and the day’s conditions. Whether you take an easy walk through birch forests or a more challenging hike for panoramic views, every route promises breathtaking scenery.
After an incredible day exploring Iceland’s highlands, we’ll begin our journey back, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Þórsmörk’s wild beauty.
Duration: 6-8 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch at additional cost
Lodging
Hotel Vik or similar
EDay 5 Skaftafell National Park
Visit Skaftafell National Park, now part of the greater Vatnajökull National Park, where glaciers spill down from Europe’s largest ice cap, and dark volcanic sands stretch toward the horizon. The park offers sweeping, dramatic scenery, yet invites exploration at a human pace. Well-maintained trails lead through birch groves and open plains to viewpoints overlooking vast glacial tongues such as Skaftafellsjökull. One of the most beloved walks ends at Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by striking hexagonal basalt columns that echo the forms found in Iceland’s lava flows and cliffs.
Embark on the original and legendary “Blue Ice Experience Glacier Hike”, an epic family-friendly adventure that’s been enthralling visitors since 1994. Your guide will welcome you warmly in Skaftafell and give you a comprehensive introduction to your equipment, including crampons and an ice axe, ensuring you’re safe and fully prepared before you set off for your adventure.
Begin with a short ride on a robust vehicle, which takes you close to the glacier’s edge and maximises your time spent on it. On this Premium Blue Ice Glacier Hike, you will venture deep into the glacier, far beyond the limits of standard tours, allowing you to experience the solitude and tranquillity of this icy wilderness. Feel the exhilaration as you leave the other groups and the more crowded parts of the glacier far behind! Discover the true meaning of Blue Ice, and take home memories that will last a lifetime.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hótel Skaftafell or similar
FDay 6Back to Reykjavik
Make your way back to Reykjavik today. Along the way, you can stop at some attractions that you may have missed on the previous days. One suggestion might be to visit Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a dramatic, winding moss-covered canyon, which would be a stunning visit. This offers short walking paths that lead to beautiful viewpoints. The Yoda cave in Hjörleifshöfði is another option, or you can stop by Sólheimajökull and walk to the viewpoint over the glacier. There is also a plane wreck hike in Sólheimasandur.
Once back in Reykjavik, you are free to explore on your own for your last day in Iceland.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Fosshotel Baron or similar
GDay 7Departure
At the appropriate time, you’ll return to the airport, return your rental vehicle, and depart for home.
Experience Iceland as few travelers ever will. Winter in Iceland is not a season to avoid but a season to embrace. Snow-draped lava fields, frozen waterfalls, steaming geothermal pools, and the dancing aurora borealis create a setting that feels both primeval and profoundly alive.
We see winter travel to Iceland as an invitation to slow down and connect more deeply with nature and the local culture. This is a time when fewer visitors are on the road, allowing for quieter moments and more meaningful encounters. It’s also when Iceland’s contrasts are most striking: fire and ice, darkness and light, stillness and motion.
Traveling in winter opens doors to experiences unavailable at any other time of year. Explore crystalline ice caves formed deep within glaciers. Venture out at night with expert guides in search of the Northern Lights. Soak in geothermal hot springs while snow falls gently around you. By day, traverse dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic and glacial forces; by night, enjoy the warmth of local hospitality, storytelling, and cuisine rooted in tradition and sustainability.
Arrive in Reykjavík. From the moment you touch down, Iceland’s capital welcomes you with crisp air and open skies. This is a city that wears its wild surroundings lightly with colorful rooftops and cozy cafés set against a backdrop of mountains, ocean, and ever-changing light. Reykjavík offers a gentle, inspiring beginning to the experiences ahead.
Once you collect your rental vehicle, you’ll make your way downtown Reykjavik (45 minutes).
This morning, enjoy a city walk and food tour. With our carefully chosen selection of local food treats, you can check off many items from your Icelandic food bucket list. One of the best parts of a food tour is how it connects history with flavor. As you taste something delicious and exciting, you’ll also gain insights into Iceland’s unique culture. The guides are experts and know how to make the experience both fun and educational. Arrive hungry and ready for a relaxed stroll through Reykjavik’s charming city center. Along the way, you’ll taste authentic delicacies, discover the foods the Vikings once ate, and learn how Icelanders survived long winters with clever preservation and cooking methods. You’ll also see how Icelandic cuisine has evolved. Today, creative chefs still use traditional ingredients, yet they transform them into exciting and innovative dishes.
This evening, you’ll be able to witness one of the most amazing events on the planet, the Northern Lights. And to make this even more exciting, we’ve planned this outing to see the lights by boat. Hunting the Northern Lights from the ocean is an amazing experience; sailing away from the coastline of Reykjavik and seeing the aurora borealis out on the North-Atlantic ocean with beautiful mountains and the city in the background is something you won’t forget! You’ll sail out from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik, and in only 15-20 minutes, you will be in a prime location away from the city lights, perfect for viewing the auroras! The guide will share with you facts on the science behind the magical phenomenon of the Northern Lights, and tell you about their stories and myths from different cultures around the world.
Meals
None
Lodging
Fosshotel Baron or similar
BDay 2Golden Circle
Touring Iceland’s Golden Circle is an immersion into the forces that have shaped the island for millennia. This classic route unfolds at an unhurried pace, revealing some of the country’s most iconic landscapes while offering space to truly absorb their power and beauty.
The journey begins at Þingvellir National Park, where the earth itself seems to breathe. Here, you walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, standing in a rift valley that is both a geological wonder and a place of deep cultural significance as the birthplace of Iceland’s early parliament. From there, the land grows increasingly dynamic as you approach the Geysir geothermal area, where boiling water surges from the ground and Strokkur reliably erupts skyward, a reminder of the volcanic energy just beneath your feet.
The route culminates at Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall,” where glacial meltwater crashes in two dramatic tiers into a rugged canyon. The roar, the mist, and the shifting light make this a moment that lingers long after you’ve moved on. Along the way, view smaller farms, lava fields, and wide-open vistas.
Near Gullfoss, enjoy a snowmobiling tour. Join an unforgettable snowmobile adventure, starting with a thrilling ride in a powerful super truck from Gullfoss. This tour is perfect for those with their own transportation who want to add something extraordinary to their Golden Circle journey. The experienced guides will lead you through the stunning Icelandic highlands, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Langjökull glacier and its spectacular surroundings (included are snowmobiling clothing like suits, gloves, helmets, and boots). The snowmobiles are designed for two riders, and children aged six and up are welcome to join the tour as passengers.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Gullfoss or similar
CDay 3Southern Coast
You’ll drive along Iceland’s Southern Coast this morning. Moss-covered lava fields give way to broad farmlands, where isolated farmhouses sit beneath vast skies, and grazing horses and sheep dot the fields. Waterfalls appear with striking regularity, which look like thin silver ribbons spilling from high cliffs. Glaciers loom in the distance, their white and blue forms spilling down volcanic slopes, while black sand beaches stretch endlessly along the shoreline.
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi are often the first introductions to the south coast’s drama. Seljalandsfoss cascades from a high cliff and can be viewed from behind, while nearby Gljúfrabúi hides within a narrow canyon, rewarding those willing to step a little off the path.
Continuing east, Skógafoss rises broad and powerful from the lowlands, its mist frequently catching rainbows on sunny days. For those interested in geology and perspective, the climb up the adjacent staircase reveals sweeping views of the coastline and inland highlands.
Along the coast, a stop at Dyrhólaey offers panoramic views of black sand beaches, sea stacks, and crashing waves, while nearby Reynisfjara Beach showcases Iceland’s volcanic origins through basalt columns and dramatic ocean swells.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Vik or similar
DDay 4Þórsmörk: Super Jeep Tour
This Þórsmörk Super Jeep tour is perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and adventurers looking to experience one of Iceland’s most breathtaking destinations. This tour takes you deep into the Þórsmörk Valley, one of Iceland’s most stunning and remote nature reserves. With towering glaciers, volcanoes, and lush green canyons, this is a place where Iceland’s wild beauty comes to life. Departing from Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur, your expert local guide will take you on a thrilling off-road adventure. The tour is designed to handle Iceland’s challenging terrain, allowing you to cross glacial rivers, drive through volcanic landscapes, and reach hidden gems that regular vehicles simply cannot access. The drive itself is an adventure as you navigate the famous F-roads of Iceland, with stunning views of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, and the brave Krossá River.
Once you arrive in the heart of Þórsmörk Valley, your guide will lead you on a scenic hike suited to the group’s ability and the day’s conditions. Whether you take an easy walk through birch forests or a more challenging hike for panoramic views, every route promises breathtaking scenery.
After an incredible day exploring Iceland’s highlands, we’ll begin our journey back, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Þórsmörk’s wild beauty.
Duration: 6-8 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch at additional cost
Lodging
Hotel Vik or similar
EDay 5 Skaftafell National Park
Visit Skaftafell National Park, now part of the greater Vatnajökull National Park, where glaciers spill down from Europe’s largest ice cap, and dark volcanic sands stretch toward the horizon. The park offers sweeping, dramatic scenery, yet invites exploration at a human pace. Well-maintained trails lead through birch groves and open plains to viewpoints overlooking vast glacial tongues such as Skaftafellsjökull. One of the most beloved walks ends at Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by striking hexagonal basalt columns that echo the forms found in Iceland’s lava flows and cliffs.
Embark on the original and legendary “Blue Ice Experience Glacier Hike”, an epic family-friendly adventure that’s been enthralling visitors since 1994. Your guide will welcome you warmly in Skaftafell and give you a comprehensive introduction to your equipment, including crampons and an ice axe, ensuring you’re safe and fully prepared before you set off for your adventure.
Begin with a short ride on a robust vehicle, which takes you close to the glacier’s edge and maximises your time spent on it. On this Premium Blue Ice Glacier Hike, you will venture deep into the glacier, far beyond the limits of standard tours, allowing you to experience the solitude and tranquillity of this icy wilderness. Feel the exhilaration as you leave the other groups and the more crowded parts of the glacier far behind! Discover the true meaning of Blue Ice, and take home memories that will last a lifetime.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hótel Skaftafell or similar
FDay 6Back to Reykjavik
Make your way back to Reykjavik today. Along the way, you can stop at some attractions that you may have missed on the previous days. One suggestion might be to visit Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a dramatic, winding moss-covered canyon, which would be a stunning visit. This offers short walking paths that lead to beautiful viewpoints. The Yoda cave in Hjörleifshöfði is another option, or you can stop by Sólheimajökull and walk to the viewpoint over the glacier. There is also a plane wreck hike in Sólheimasandur.
Once back in Reykjavik, you are free to explore on your own for your last day in Iceland.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Fosshotel Baron or similar
GDay 7Departure
At the appropriate time, you’ll return to the airport, return your rental vehicle, and depart for home.
Meals
Breakfast
Optional upgrade to 4* hotels available for interested travelers:
Fosshótel Reykjavík
Hotel Geysir
Hotel Vik Superior Room
Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon
Fosshótel Reykjavík
Vehicle rental based on a Dacia Duster or similar with premium insurance. It is possible to upgrade the vehicle for an additional cost.
Winter offers some of Iceland’s most memorable experiences, including Northern Lights viewing (never guaranteed, but more likely with a 4–6 night stay), ice caves, glacier hikes, and geothermal pools surrounded by snow. Many popular lagoons and guided excursions book up in advance, and costs can be higher due to 4×4 rentals and tours, so budgeting extra for flexibility is wise. Traveling to Iceland in winter is an incredible experience, but it requires flexibility and planning around short daylight hours, changing weather, and more complex road conditions. Expect wind, snow, ice, and occasional closures—build in buffer time, and check official weather and road updates daily. Packing is key: prioritize waterproof, windproof layers, insulated mid-layers, sturdy boots with traction, and a swimsuit for hot springs.
Please note that this trip operates under different payment and cancellation policies than those described in our complete Terms & Conditions as noted on our website and elsewhere. Please review the complete Terms & Conditions prior to submitting a deposit.
Expenses covered
Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses not covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
Pricing and Payment
For most group departures, the booking deposit is 30% per person per trip, though for some trips it may be more, as noted in the trip description. A trip-planning fee of $250 per itinerary is also charged to cover costs of preparing itinerary proposals for custom trips. This fee is credited to the cost of the trip, but is nonrefundable if you do not take the trip. Custom travel during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to trip confirmation.
For both group departures and custom trips, a second deposit of $1,000 per person is due 120 days prior to departure or at the time of booking for reservations made fewer than 120 days before departure. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to departure regardless of whether extensions or other arrangements are pending. Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your itinerary and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure your reservation may be canceled and subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated in the complete Terms & Conditions.
We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available for some trips are not available toward bookings made through travel agencies.
Airfare
We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.
Insurance
When you make your application, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.
Itinerary Change Fee
There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.
Duration 7 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 2-15
May join small groups
Comfort Level
Superior
Comfortable hotels
Activity Level
Gentle
Light walking and boat tour
Why Journeys International
Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.
We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.
We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.
We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.
Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?
Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too
We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.