10 Hours Private Luxury Tour of South Coast

Exploring the Icelandic South Coast in Style: A Private Luxury Tour

Imagine cruising along Iceland’s rugged southern coastline in your own private, air-conditioned vehicle, with a guide who knows the land intimately. For around $1,890 per group (up to five people), you get a 10-hour adventure that hits all the highlights—waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black-sand beaches—without the hassle of driving or worrying about logistics. What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s personalized — your guide, Dagur or Jon Mar, tailor the stops to your interests. Second, the luxury transport means comfort and convenience, with amenities like WiFi and bottled water.

Two standout features catch our attention: the opportunity to walk behind Seljalandsfoss and the chance to explore hidden spots beyond the usual tourist trail. However, a potential consideration is that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget extra time and money for a meal. This tour appeals most to travelers craving an intimate, flexible experience that combines comfort, expert guiding, and some of Iceland’s most photogenic sights.

Key Points

• Personalized Itinerary: Tailored stops based on your preferences.
• Comfort & Convenience: Private, luxury vehicle with WiFi and bottled water.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable drivers who also act as local storytellers.
• Stunning Photogenic Spots: Waterfalls, glaciers, black beaches, and volcanoes.
• Flexible Schedule: Stops can be shortened or lengthened upon request.
• All Weather: Operates in all conditions, just dress accordingly.

A Closer Look at the South Coast Private Tour

This tour packs a full day’s worth of Iceland’s natural beauty into 10 hours, with the assurance of private, door-to-door service from Reykjavik. It’s clear that the focus here is on making your experience seamless and tailored. You’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle equipped with WiFi, making the long drives more pleasant and productive (or just Instagram-friendly).

The guide’s local insight elevates this experience; they’re not just chauffeurs but storytellers who can introduce you to Icelandic culture, environmental features, and secret spots that many travelers miss. Plus, with only your group, you get plenty of space and attention—no noisy buses or crowded groups.

The Itinerary: From Waterfalls to Black Sand Beaches

Seljalandsfoss and Hidden Gems

Your journey begins with a visit to Seljalandsfoss—the waterfall famous for the walk behind its cascading curtain of water. We loved the opportunity to get up close and even walk behind it if we chose, offering a unique perspective and incredible photo ops. The admission ticket is included, so you can spend about 40 minutes exploring this iconic site.

Right next door is Gljúfrabúi, a lesser-known but equally stunning waterfall tucked inside a narrow canyon. It offers a bit of Icelandic secret magic, perfect for those wanting a quieter, more intimate experience. Here, you’ll also spend around 40 minutes, and again, the ticket is included.

Eyjafjallajökull Eruption Site and Skogafoss

Next, the tour takes you to Thors Valley, where you see the site of the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. Visiting Þorvaldseyri, you’ll hear a story of resilience—how a community bounced back from volcanic devastation—and get a real sense of the land’s power.

The Skogafoss waterfall provides a spectacular photo opportunity with its 60-meter drop and a potential rainbow on sunny days. Here, you’ll have about 40 minutes to soak in the grandeur and snap some memorable pictures. The size and spray make it one of the country’s most impressive waterfalls.

Lunch at Skálakot Hotel

Around midday, you’ll stop for lunch at Skálakot Hotel, a chance to relax and enjoy local cuisine. Note that lunch isn’t included in the tour price, so plan accordingly. The break is important—after all, a full day of sightseeing requires good fuel.

Glacial and Black Sand Beach Adventures

The Solheimajokull Glacier offers a chance to see ice crevasses and rugged terrain, illustrating the incredible power of nature. We loved how the constantly changing glacier landscape provides new photo opportunities no matter the season.

Later, at Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara Beach, you’ll stand among column basalt formations and gaze at the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The black sand beach has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful non-tropical beaches—something you’ll understand as soon as you see it. The sights here are both dramatic and surreal, perfect for landscape lovers.

Hveragerði Hot Springs and Customizable Stops

On the drive back, the tour bypasses the charming hot-spring village of Hveragerði, offering a glimpse of local Icelandic life. The guide can adjust the itinerary—shortening or extending stops—making this a flexible, personalized experience.

What Travelers Say

Based on the reviews, guides like Dagur and Jon Mar are praised for their warmth, knowledge, and flexibility. One traveler shared that their guide “picked us up in the latest luxury 4×4,” underscoring the comfort factor. Many reviewers mention how the guides’ local insights made the experience more meaningful and less like just another sightseeing bus tour.

Several travelers appreciated the stunning views and the chance to see hidden gems beyond the typical tourist spots. The comfort of the vehicle—noted as a Mercedes minibus in one review—also receives high praise, offering a comfortable ride through Iceland’s often rugged roads.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While the upfront price might seem high, the personalized service, private transportation, and all-inclusive nature make this a worthwhile investment. You won’t have to worry about navigating or waiting around for groups; instead, you get to savor each sight at your own pace, ensuring a richer experience.

Being able to customize the day is a significant perk—if you want more time at a waterfall or prefer to skip a stop, your guide can accommodate. Plus, the inclusion of water, WiFi, and crampons shows they’ve thought of your comfort and safety.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private tour suits travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and an expert guide. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with a small group or family, want personalized attention, and prefer to avoid the crowds. It’s especially well-suited for those interested in photography or keen to explore off-the-beaten-path spots with someone who understands the land deeply.

If you’re someone who cares about a luxurious experience but still wants authentic Icelandic scenery, this tour strikes a good balance. It’s also a good choice for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of planning or driving on Iceland’s rugged roads.

Final Thoughts

This 10-hour private luxury tour of Iceland’s south coast offers an excellent mix of comfort, customization, and stunning scenery. With knowledgeable guides and door-to-door service, it’s a stress-free way to see some of Iceland’s most iconic sights without feeling rushed or crowded. The flexibility to tailor the stops means you can focus on what interests you most—whether that’s waterfalls, glaciers, or black beaches.

For travelers seeking an intimate, guided experience that combines style with substance, this tour hits the mark. It’s a great fit for those who want to experience Iceland’s natural wonders in comfort, with the added bonus of local insights and a touch of luxury.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup, private guide, bottled water, WiFi on board, air-conditioned vehicle, and crampons for glacier walks.

Are admission tickets included?
Yes, tickets for Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, and Skogafoss waterfalls are included, along with the glacier visit. The lunch stop and hotel are not included.

How long is the driving time?
The total driving time during the trip is around 6 hours, with stops at various locations.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the guide can shorten or extend stops based on your preferences to tailor the experience.

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions, but dressing appropriately is recommended.

How many people can join?
The tour is private for up to 5 people, offering exclusive attention and comfort.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there’s a stop at Skálakot Hotel where you can purchase food.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A luxury, air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, such as a Mercedes minibus, ensures a comfortable ride.

Are children allowed?
Most travelers can participate, but always check with the provider if you have very young children.

What makes this tour different from group trips?
The personalized service, flexible itinerary, and private guide create a more intimate and tailored experience—perfect for those who prefer comfort and customization over crowds.

In essence, this private tour offers a comprehensive, comfortable, and flexible way to enjoy the best of Iceland’s south coast. If you’re after a personal touch, stunning scenery, and expert guidance, it’s a choice worth considering.