Luxe Yacht & Super Jeep Odyssey Around Iceland - 14 Days

Highlights

• Enjoy a luxury fine dining experience at the bottom of a 4,000-year-old volcano
• Cruise around fjords, islands, and dramatic coastline on a luxury chartered yacht
• Spot humpback whales on an exhilarating helicopter tour over the Westfjords
• Soak in the sumptuous geothermal springs at Forest Lagoon and Vök Baths
• Close your vacation with your own private chef and stay at the opulent Eldar Lodge

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík, Volcano Dining & Silfra Snorkeling, Yacht Cruise (Day 1)

Velkominn til íslands (welcome to Iceland)! Known for its myriad geological wonders, untamed beauty, and evocative history steeped in myths and legends, the "Land of Fire and Ice" is home to some of Europe's most dramatic and diverse landscapes. Upon arrival at Keflavík airport, your driver will take you to the capital, Reykjavík, where you'll start your luxury adventure in style. Your destination is the Thrihnukagigur volcano, a 40-minute transfer from the city, where you'll enjoy a fine dining experience in the volcano's 4,000-year-old magma chamber.

The fun begins when you're lowered 656 feet (200 m) to the floor via a cage elevator. Surrounded by rough walls in various hues of maroon and ocher, you'll sit down at a dining table complete with white tablecloth and crystal glassware. After a specially prepared feast cooked by one of Iceland's renowned chefs, you'll be whisked to the Þingvellir National Park and the extraordinary Silfra fissure. Created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, this is one of Earth's clearest bodies of water, and you'll don your snorkeling gear and tick off a true bucket list moment as you dive in. 

Day 2: Yacht Cruise (Day 2): Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Arnarstapi

Today marks the first full day of your sailing adventure, and your destination is the southern coastline of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. You'll dock at Arnarstapi, a serene hamlet in an area awash with lava fields, basalt cliffs, waterfalls, and tiny fishing villages. Hiking enthusiasts and sea lovers are both catered for today with a choice of two activities. Either lace up your hiking boots for a few hours exploring the evocative coastal scenery and otherworldly terrain of the Búðahraun lava fields or hop in a kayak and hug the coastline to explore the imposing Gatklettur sea arch.

After you've worked up an appetite, your chef will prepare dinner aboard your yacht. Soak up the enchanting views of the distant ice cap and relax beneath the ever-changing hues of the Arctic sky.

Day 3: Yacht Cruise (Day 3): Flatey Island, Kayaking & Látrabjarg Bird-Watching

Day three of your adventure brings you to the peaceful and picturesque Flatey Island. Nestled amid the vast North Atlantic, this tiny island offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Just like yesterday, you can take to the seas and paddle around the island in a kayak, where your efforts will be rewarded with sightings of the colorful, playful puffins that call the area home.

You also have the option to visit one of the most renowned bird cliffs in Iceland, Látrabjarg. These sheer rocky outcrops, inhabiting Europe's most westerly point, are besieged by puffins, razorbills, and guillemots that flock each summer in their millions to nest among the 1,312-foot high (400 m) cliffs. Keep your camera close at hand as you catch sight of the birds and appreciate the area's raw beauty. After a full day of exploring, you'll return to your yacht for another first-class night at sea.

Day 4: Yacht Cruise (Day 4): Westfjords & Dynjandifoss Waterfall

Today, you'll wake up to the striking landscapes of the Westfjords as you cruise north along Iceland's west coast. The Westfjords area is known for its vast beaches, remote hamlets, and tumbling waterfalls—and once again, you'll have the option of viewing the rugged landscape by foot or by kayak. Whichever you choose, you're guaranteed a visit to one of the local gems: Dynjandi waterfall. One of the country's most dramatic cascades, the falls thunder down 328 feet (100 m) and widen from 98 feet (30 m) at the top to 196 feet (60 m) at the bottom.

Day 5: Yacht Cruise (Day 5): Ísafjörður, Farm Visit & Puffins on Vigur Island

Start the day with a nourishing Icelandic breakfast on board before disembarking for a tour of Ísafjörður. A tiny town by most standards, this picturesque gateway to the Westfjords is a colorful gem among the remote landscape. Meander through the Old Town with its quaint timber and tin-clad buildings, many dating back to the 18th century, and pause for a coffee and pastry at one of the cozy local cafés. After a bite to eat, stroll back to the harbor and hop back aboard your yacht, ready to sail the short distance over to Vigur Island.

In around half an hour, you'll arrive at the island, notable as one of Iceland's most important nesting sites for puffins and eider ducks and as a cherished heritage site and home to the country's only windmill, which dates back to 1860. Exchange greetings with the resident farmer, who'll give you a tour of the island's farm and an insight into Vigur's rich history and everyday island life. At the end of the afternoon, return to your yacht, where another evening of gourmet food and refreshments from the bar is yours to enjoy.

Day 6: Yacht Cruise (Day 6): Siglufjörður, Helicopter Tour & 4WD Adventure

This morning, after sailing overnight, you'll reach the charming town of Siglufjörður, where a day of action starts right away with a helicopter tour over the west coast's peaks and fjords. Soar high above extraordinary Icelandic landscapes and keep your eyes peeled for the many whales that frequent this stretch of deep, blue waters. Iceland is famous for its whale watching experiences, but the view from the sky brings it to a whole new level.

Back on terra firma, you'll journey back in time at the town's Herring Museum, which brings to life the golden era of the early 20th century when Siglufjörður was known as the herring-fishing capital of Iceland. Then, get ready to embark on another exhilarating tour of your surroundings, this time by 4WD Jeep. Led by a seasoned polar expedition guide, navigate the challenging terrain in a specially modified 4WD vehicle. Traverse across some of Iceland's most beautiful and inaccessible sites before returning to your yacht for a memorable last night on board.

Day 7: Disembark Yacht, Transfer to Akureyri, Forest Lagoon Hot Springs

As the sailing element of your Icelandic adventure concludes, you'll disembark and spend a laid-back morning in Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, where highlights include the Church of Akureyri, the Akuyeri Art Museum, and the geothermal Akuyeri Town Pool. If you've caught the kayaking bug, you can take one last excursion out on the sea to spot elusive wildlife. Otherwise, swap a stroll through town for an invigorating hike through the countryside, and keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Arctic foxes that inhabit the area or the powerful dive of a determined seabird.

In the afternoon, enjoy a blissful couple of hours at Forest Lagoon, a geothermal spa in the Vaðlaskógur forest just outside Akureyri. Besides the hot springs, the complex offers two infinity pools, a sauna, and an invigorating cold tub. Fully rejuvenated, you'll swap your luxury boat lodgings for Icelandic comfort and style at the centrally located 4-star Kea Hotel in Akureyri. Check in to your deluxe room or suite, and either settle in for dinner at the on-site restaurant and bar or head into town and discover the local dining scene.

Day 8: Transfer to Lake Mývatn via Diamond Circle & Húsavík

Spend today on a private guided tour of the Diamond Circle, a magnificent 155-mile (250 km) circuit that takes you through some of North Iceland's most spectacular sights and unearthly landscapes. Visit Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods), where you'll take in the seemingly endless views and can walk down to the water's edge via a small footpath. Then, head to Vatnajökull National Park to see Dettifoss, considered one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe that plummets down a dramatic 147-foot (45 m) drop.

Take in the wonders of the glacial Ásbyrgi canyon, known for its unusual horseshoe shape, before discovering some of the area's hidden treasures. You'll tour the beautiful Tjörnes peninsula, which hides fossils and bird nests, the lush valley of Hólmatungur, and the lesser-known locations around Lake Mývatn such as the circular explosion crater Hverfjall and the turquoise Grjótagjá pool.

Day 9: Transfer to Egilsstaðir via Stuðlagil, Vök Baths

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and final wander along the shores of Lake Mývatn, then collect your bags and meet your driver for the next leg of your trip. Your overnight destination is Egilsstaðir, around a two-hour drive east of Mývatn, and en route, you'll detour to one of East Iceland's most inspiring destinations. Stuðlagil canyon in the Efri-Jökuldalur Valley possesses the country's largest basalt rock columns that tower above the blue-green glacial river below. You'll spend the next few hours on an exhilarating tour of the canyon in your Super Jeep, getting off-road to fully appreciate this natural wonder.

Afterward, continue the journey to Egilsstaðir. Lying on the banks of the Lagarfljót River, the town is the capital of the Eastfjords region and is ideally placed to explore the area's remote beauty. Check into your hotel, the family-run Gistihúsið Lake Hotel, which combines modern elegance, quality, and facilities while preserving its characterful 1903 farming origins. Choose between well-appointed and romantic antique rooms in the older part of the hotel or modern rooms in the younger buildings.

After checking in and freshening up, you'll round out your day with a visit to the serene geothermal Vök Baths— a five-minute drive northwest of the town. Bathe in the clear, warm waters that lead directly onto Lake Urriðavatn, where you can join the locals in a spot of lake swimming. In the evening, immerse yourself in Egilsstaðir's food and craft beer scene. You'll find an excellent selection of restaurants focusing on farm-fresh produce and plenty of interesting ales and beer.

Day 10: Transfer to Höfn via Eastfjords & Mindfulness Yoga in Breiðdalur Valley

Today, you'll explore the gems of the Eastfjords, and first on your list is Seyðisfjörður, one of the best-preserved coastal towns in Iceland, with colorful timber houses that contrast against the snowcapped peaks. The views are astonishing as you drive over the mountain pass and see the fjord shimmering below. Explore the city's artwork and sculptures, hike a short way to a couple of nearby waterfalls, or drive to the splendid Hengifoss waterfall and gaze across the spectacular basalt columns as the cascades tumble into the gorge of Hengifossárgljúfur below.

After lunch, you'll embrace some of the area's loveliest scenery with a drive through the Breiðdalur Valley. This afternoon's excursion is no ordinary tour. It combines walking through the lesser-known natural wonders of the area with a sprinkling of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness stops along the way. Together with a certified yoga instructor, you'll perform a series of moves at each stop, focusing on the natural elements and sounds around you.

Day 11: Transfer to Vík via Jökulsárlón Lagoon & Skaftafell

Today is jam-packed with unmissable sights, so waste no time heading out with your driver to explore Iceland's southeast coast. Your ultimate destination for today is the seaside town of Vík, and there's plenty to do and see along the way. Drive through scenery dominated by giant glaciers and towering mountain peaks, and after 50 miles (80 km), you'll reach your first stop, the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

The lagoon's vast icebergs are an impressive sight and one you'll witness up close as you set off on a private tour of the lagoon. Step inside your nimble Zodiac boat, which lets you get as close as possible to the ice caps, whose bright blue undertones are streaked gray with volcanic ash. Afterward, you'll explore the black sands of Diamond Beach, where you can spot the iceberg chunks that have floated toward the ocean and returned to shore, glittering and polished by the waves.

Back in the warmth of your Super Jeep, you'll head to the Skaftafall National Park. It's around a 45-minute drive, and after breaking for lunch, you'll have the option of hiking 3 miles (5 km) to the dramatic Svartifoss waterfall. Hop back in the car and continue south until you reach your accommodation in Vík. You'll be staying in the luxurious Signature by Vík Apartments, where facilities such as freestanding tubs, cozy one-touch fireplaces, and sumptuous beds and linens provide the perfect finale to a day amid the glaciers.

Day 12: Transfer to Golden Circle & Eldar Lodge via South Coast Waterfalls 

Vast glaciers, waterfalls, and a coastline of towering basalt rocks and black-sand beaches characterize Iceland's southern coast. See these sights and more with a private tour that begins with a drive to Seljalandsfoss, an extraordinary waterfall along the Seljalandsá River. Follow the footpath behind the cascade (you'll need to bring rain gear) for a unique perspective on one of Iceland's most photographed falls.

Next up is the Gljúfrabúi waterfall. Tucked away in a crevice, it cascades 131 feet (40 m) into a pool at the bottom of a narrow cylindrical canyon. The surrounding area is dotted with several petite waterfalls, and it's a great place to explore the volcanic landscape and admire the views of the mighty Tröllagil (Troll Gorge). Finally, you'll reach the thundering Skógafoss; at 197 feet (60 m) high and 82 feet (25 m) wide, it's one of the country's largest and most formidable falls, shrouded in myths of buried treasure and a wonder to behold from its black, basalt base.

Your tour finishes at Reynisfjara, a black-sand beach home to the Dyrhólaey arch and cliffs and the hauntingly beautiful Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Your accommodation for the last couple of nights of your trip is a highlight in itself. Eldar Lodge, located in a remote estate surrounded by woodlands in Bláskógabyggð, is considered the finest lodge in Iceland. The house's six bedrooms are exclusively yours, and facilities include a luxurious outdoor volcanic hot tub, helipad, and impeccable furnishings. What's more, you'll have a private award-winning chef on hand, ready to cook up a storm on your arrival.

Day 13: Golden Circle Highlights Tour, Farm-to-Table Lunch

Day 14: Morning Blue Lagoon Spa Experience, Transfer to Keflavík, Depart

It's time to say goodbye to your Iceland odyssey, but fortunately, you'll do so in style with a morning of relaxation at Iceland's original award-winning Blue Lagoon Spa. After a whirlwind couple of weeks the next 2.5 hours are yours to soak in the mineral-rich seawater pools and unwind amid the volcanic landscape. Take a dip under the lagoon's waterfall and let the rejuvenating powers of the spa's white silica mud mask work its magic. Then, meet your driver one last time for the short drive to Keflavík airport, ready to catch your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels!