Winter 5-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s South Coast with Ice Caving

Arrive in Iceland and enjoy some free time in Reykjavik on the first day of your winter tour.

When you've landed and collected your luggage from the carousel, a driver will be waiting to collect you at the arrivals lounge. You can go directly into Reykjavik to explore Iceland's cosmopolitan capital or visit the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

A trip to the Blue Lagoon is the perfect way to settle into Iceland. You can relax in the milky-blue waters and enjoy a soothing, silica-rich face mask to rejuvenate your skin after your flight. 

If you prefer, you can save the Blue Lagoon visit until the last day of your winter vacation in Iceland to unwind after a busy few days of sightseeing and adventure. After booking, talk to your travel agent to organize your trip how you like it. 

A second spa you can visit today is the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik. It offers a serene escape where you can unwind in a warm infinity pool while taking in breathtaking views of the North Atlantic. One of its main attractions is the seven-step Skjol bathing ritual, inspired by traditional Icelandic wellness practices. Premium tickets provide private changing room access.

You can spend the rest of the day exploring the world's northernmost capital city, with all its cafes, museums, restaurants, galleries, and theaters. Visit the Hallgrimskirkja church and climb its tower to admire a sweeping view of the cityscape below, or head to the striking Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center to see some modern architecture. 

Stroll through the Old Harbor and look out to sea, then dine in one of the city's best restaurants to try some traditional Icelandic food. You can even take a complimentary northern lights tour if it's a clear night. You can choose between a bus tour or a boat trip to take you away from the city's lights to increase your chances of spotting the aurora borealis.

At the end of a busy day, head to your city center hotel for a good night's sleep before the next day's adventure begins.

Spend day three of your Icelandic vacation exploring a magnificent ice cave within a glacier.

Your day begins with breakfast at your hotel. You'll then board the minibus with the rest of your group and travel to the foot of a glacier. Here, you'll board a super jeep, an exciting four-wheel drive vehicle modified to allow for icy conditions.

Enjoy an exciting off-roading experience as you travel up the glacier to the ice cave. These glacier caves change yearly as the ice melts and refreezes, meaning no two visits are the same. Your guide will choose a perfect cave to ensure a safe trip in a mesmerizing frozen environment. 

The guide will provide your group with crampons and a helmet, but you must wear sturdy hiking boots and warm clothing. You might also want to bring sunglasses, as the ice can be very bright in sunny conditions. 

Your group will trek over some of the glacier ice and head into the spectacular environment of the ice cave. You can take gorgeous photos of the bright blue and white ice and admire the unusual shapes. The guide will also take pictures of you within the cave, so you'll have a brilliant souvenir to show off to friends and family back home.

You'll spend about 45 minutes inside the cave before you head back down the glacier. From here, you'll return to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon to admire the views in the afternoon daylight before you start the journey back to Reykjavik. 

Driving along Iceland's South Coast on a winter evening is another excellent opportunity to look out for the northern lights. Your driver will stop the bus so you can admire the beautiful green and yellow lights if they appear above you on the way back.

When you arrive in Reykjavik, you'll check into a new hotel and can spend your evening exploring the city or enjoying a delicious meal.

Spend the final day of your winter trip to Iceland exploring Reykjavik or visiting the Blue Lagoon before your flight. 

After checking out of your accommodation in Reykjavik, you can use your rental car to drive to Keflavik International Airport in time for your flight. If you have enough time before your flight's departure, you can go sightseeing in the city or buy some souvenirs to take home.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene by visiting the captivating National Museum of Iceland, where you can learn about Iceland's rich history and heritage.

If you're in the mood for a tranquil retreat, stroll in the lush Oskjuhlid Hill, which houses the picturesque Perlan, a modern glass dome offering panoramic city views.

For a bit of relaxation before your journey home, you might consider soaking in the serene surroundings of the Nautholsvik geothermal beach. You can enjoy a warm dip amidst the crisp Icelandic air in this golden-sand haven.

Don't forget to swing by Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, to pick up some last-minute gifts or souvenirs, including unique Icelandic designs and handicrafts.

If you didn't visit the Blue Lagoon on your first day, you can drive there on your way to the airport. Relaxing in the soothing waters before your flight home is a fantastic way to end your adventure. 

If you have time, you can explore more of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The nearby Krysuvik geothermal area has fascinating hot springs and bubbling mud pots worth visiting. Alternatively, you can see the small towns of Grindavik and Keflavik. 

When it's time to go, you can drop your car off at the airport and prepare for your flight. We wish you a safe journey home and hope to see you again in Iceland soon!