Chinese Tour: 3-Day Golden Circle, Brúarfoss, South Coast, Jökulsárlón & Ice Cave

Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from one of the designated points in Reykjavík. Once everyone’s on board, we’ll head out to Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, known as the Golden Circle.

Here, you’ll explore Þingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s first parliament was founded, and the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart, creating a visible rift valley. Then we’ll stop at Brúarfoss, a small waterfall still not known by many travelers. Its bright blue water is so dreamy and serene, you might need to pinch yourself to make sure it’s real.

From there, we’ll continue to the Geysir Geothermal Area, named after one of Iceland’s oldest geysers. You’ll walk past steaming vents and bubbling hot springs before reaching Strokkur, Iceland’s most active geyser, which erupts every 4 to 10 minutes.

Next up is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. It plunges in two stages into the canyon below, sending mist into the air. Here you’ll have time for lunch and photos before we continue south.

In the afternoon, we’ll head toward the South Coast. On a clear day, you might spot Hekla volcano in the distance. After a short stop in Hvolsvöllur town, we’ll visit Seljalandsfoss, Iceland’s most photographed waterfall, before continuing to Vík village, known for its picturesque coastal views.

In the evening, you’ll arrive at your hotel in South Iceland for an overnight stay. In winter, if conditions are right, you might have a chance to spot the Northern Lights.

After breakfast, we’ll head farther east for one of the trip’s biggest highlights, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This is where chunks of ice break off Breiðamerkurjökull and drift across the water, with some washing up on Diamond Beach. Scattered on the black sand, these pieces of ice sparkle in the light, resembling real gemstones. It’s an otherworldly and beautiful place, and definitely one for the camera roll.

From here, the plan shifts slightly depending on the season.

Summer—Apr–Sep

In summer, guests who book the optional Jökulsárlón boat tour will head to the meeting point and board our amphibian boat for a closer look at the icebergs out on the lagoon. After that, you’ll have time to enjoy the surroundings of Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach from the shore before stopping for lunch. After the break, we’ll continue to the Skaftafell area. If the weather and trail conditions are good, you’ll hike to Svartifoss, a lovely waterfall framed by dark basalt columns. On the way back, we’ll stop at the breathtaking, moss-covered Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon before returning to the hotel for the night.

Winter—Oct–Mar

In winter, you’ll spend time at Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, listening to stories from your guide, taking photos, and soaking up the scenery before stopping for lunch. Then it’s time for the day’s big adventure. At Jökulsárlón, you’ll meet a certified glacier guide, gear up, and head out to a natural blue ice cave in Vatnajökull. Inside, the silence feels almost unreal, and the glowing blue corridors make the whole place feel like another world. Natural caves change constantly, so every visit is a little different. After the tour, you’ll head back to the hotel. If the sky is clear, this is also a lovely evening to keep an eye out for the Northern Lights.

The final day takes you back west along the South Coast, with a slightly different plan depending on the season.

Summer—Apr–Sep

In summer, the day begins with a short stop at Eldhraun, one of the world’s largest lava fields. From there, you’ll continue to Vík, where you’ll depart for the Katla ice cave adventure. With a certified glacier guide, you’ll head into the cave to see its striking blue-and-black ice, shaped by the glacier and the volcanic landscape around it. After the tour, you’ll visit Reynisfjara, one of Iceland’s most famous black sand beaches. Here, you’ll have time for sightseeing and lunch, with views of the basalt columns, dark shoreline, and sea stacks offshore. Later, you’ll stop at Skógafoss, a powerful waterfall that drops from an old sea cliff and never really does subtle. Then it’s time to head back to Reykjavík.

Winter—Oct–Mar

In winter, the day starts with Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, if weather and road conditions allow. This winding, moss-covered canyon is one of those places that feels quiet, dramatic, and a little otherworldly. Next comes a short stop at Eldhraun lava field, followed by a visit to Reynisfjara black sand beach. After that, you’ll continue to Skógafoss, where you’ll have time for lunch and a good look around before heading west. On clear days, you may also catch views of Eyjafjallajökull on the drive back to Reykjavík.

Pickup information

Pickup starts at 9:00 AM from your accommodation or a nearby authorized meeting point in Reykjavík. Picking everyone up can take up to 30 minutes. Your patience is much appreciated. 

Available pick-up points: Arctic Adventures’ pick-up list.

Drop-off information

Return to Reykjavík on Day 3 is usually between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, depending on the season, road conditions, and weather. Drop-off is at your original pickup point.

Meals

Breakfast is included on Days 2 and 3. Lunch and dinner are not included. You’re welcome to bring your own food or buy meals during the lunch stops at cafés or restaurants along the way.

• This is a year-round tour, with the route changing slightly by season to ensure the comfort and safety of the guests.

• Summer ice cave activity (Apr–Sep): Katla ice cave

• Winter ice cave activity (Oct–Mar): Vatnajökull ice cave

• You can choose the Jökulsárlón boat tour as an optional add-on in summer.

• In winter, you may have a chance to see the Northern Lights, but they are a natural phenomenon and depend on weather and solar activity, so they can never be guaranteed.

• Ice caves are natural formations. Their shape, color, and texture often change, and they may not match the photos exactly. The ice cave location may also change based on conditions.

• If you need extra gear, you can rent hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and waterproof pants when booking the tour. Please be sure to add these in the booking system at least 48 hours before departure.

• Iceland’s weather can change quickly, so we may need to adjust or cancel the itinerary at short notice. If needed, the route, stop order, or activity timing may change. Your safety and comfort always come first, and our guides will always choose the best possible plan for the group.

• If the minimum number for the Chinese-guided tour is not met, we will arrange an alternative English-language tour or a full refund.