Highlights
- Explore the Diamond Circle's glacial canyons and powerful waterfalls
- Go in search of humpback whales on boat tours in Akureyri and Reykjavík
- Sleep cocooned among the forest and stars in a luxury Bubble Hotel
- Cross the active Eyjafjallajökull volcano on a thrilling Super Jeep tour
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Keflavík, Drive to Borgarnes via Hvammsvík Hot Springs | Borgarnes |
| Day 2 | Scenic Drive to Akureyri, Beer Spa Experience | Akureyri |
| Day 3 | Tour the Diamond Circle, Mývatn Nature Baths | Akureyri |
| Day 4 | Explore Húsavik, Coastal Horseback Ride, Forest Lagoon Spa | Akureyri |
| Day 5 | Whale Watching Boat Tour, Explore Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 6 | Fly to Reykjavík, FlyOver Iceland Experience, Stand-Up Comedy Show | Reykjavík |
| Day 7 | Tour the Golden Circle, Night at the Bubble Hotel | Reykjavík |
| Day 8 | South Coast Highlights Tour, Þórsmörk & Eyjafjallajökull Super Jeep Tour | Reykjavík |
| Day 9 | Whale Watching Yacht Cruise, Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour | Reykjavík |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Keflavík, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Keflavík, Drive to Borgarnes via Hvammsvík Hot Springs
Velkominn til íslands (welcome to Iceland)! Known for its myriad geological wonders, including icy glaciers, steaming geysers, and towering volcanoes, the "Land of Fire and Ice" is home to some of Europe's most dramatic and diverse landscapes. Upon arrival at Keflavík airport, pick up your 4WD and head northeast along the Ring Road to Borgarnes, a town in west Iceland's scenic Borgarfjörður district. Your first stop is around 1.5 hours in when you reach the Hvammsvík Hot Springs, nestled on the banks of the Hvalfjörður.
One of Iceland's most recent additions to its geothermal bathing experiences, the springs' eight pools are surrounded by hills and situated along the fjord's shoreline. Relax in the heated water that flows from a source 4,593 feet (1,400 m) underground and combines with the seawater from the Atlantic Ocean. After a luxurious soak, it's time to hit the road and drive 30 minutes to the north side of Hvalfjörður, where you'll find Bjartejarsandur, a small family-run farm focused on sustainability and delicious produce. Stop to see the animals and quell any hunger pangs with a late lunch at the excellent on-site café.
When you're ready, get back in the car for the final leg of today's journey. Around an hour's drive northeast is the luxury Hotel Húsafell, a gorgeous retreat on the edge of Iceland's Central Highlands whose location, in the shadow of the Langjökull glacier, offers incredible views of the elusive northern lights. Rooms and suites feature a pared-down Scandi chic aesthetic with heated floors, modern furnishings, and original artwork by Páll Guðmundsson. Relax in one of the hotel's hot tubs, then dine in the cozy restaurant as you admire the sweeping mountain views from the panoramic windows.
Day 2: Scenic Drive to Akureyri, Beer Spa Experience
Today, you'll embark on a scenic drive that takes you north to Akureyri, Iceland's largest city outside the southwest. Home to just under 20,000 people and often referred to as the "Capital of Northern Iceland," Akureyri barely qualifies as a town in most other countries but has a surprising number of attractions nonetheless. From art galleries and museums to top-notch restaurants and a convivial bar scene, the city is much more than a jumping-off point for adventures in the north and east. The setting alone, at the head of Eyjafjörður and backed by snowcapped peaks, is worth a visit.
It's roughly a four-hour drive northeast from your hotel, and there's plenty to see and do along the way. Head north for 76 miles (123 km), and you'll reach Borðeyri, a tiny village on the western side of Hrútafjörður that's home to some of the region's oldest buildings. Another half-hour drive north is Hvammstangi, a larger village, which is a good option if you're seeking lunch en route. There's also the opportunity to spot seals from the town's harbor, and if you're keen to discover more about Icelandic life in bygone years, head to the nearby Trade Museum.
Drive east for another 2.5 hours, and finally, you'll arrive at Akuyeyri. Your hotel for the night is the 4-star Kea Hotel, furnished in traditional Icelandic comfort and style. Check in to your deluxe room or suite, and once you've settled in, either unwind at your hotel or make the 30-minute drive north to Bjórböðin Spa, where you'll enjoy a unique experience soaking in a tub filled with bar, water, hops, and yeast. While the warm, beer-infused water is said to have healing properties, you can also sample it the traditional way and enjoy a glass from your tub while gazing at the scenic mountain and valley views.
Day 3: Tour the Diamond Circle, Mývatn Nature Baths
Hang up your car keys and 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 the 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.
Continue to the glacial Ásbyrgi canyon, whose unusual horseshoe shape is an arresting sight, before discovering some of the area's hidden treasures, such as the beautiful Tjörnes peninsula, which hides fossils and bird nests. Ditch the crowds with a drive around the lush valley of Hólmatungur, and make the most of the lesser-known locations around Lake Mývatn, such as the circular explosion crater Hverfjall and the turquoise Grjótagjá pool. You'll end the day at Mývatn Nature Baths, soaking in mineral-rich waters surrounded by rugged lava fields and sweeping views of the mountains.
Day 4: Explore Húsavik, Coastal Horseback Ride, Forest Lagoon Spa
After a relaxed breakfast, get back behind the wheel and drive an hour northeast to Húsavik, the oldest settlement in the country and Iceland's whale watching capital. The town's scenic position, overlooking the Bay of Skjálfandi, also makes it an ideal place for a guided horseback tour along the windswept beaches. Set off to the nearby stables, where you'll meet your trusty Icelandic steed, then embark on a 1.5-hour ride along the coast. More experienced riders will have the opportunity to try some tölt, the distinctive running gait of the Icelandic horse.
Afterward, head to one of the harborside cafés for a post-ride treat of hot cocoa and cinnamon buns. You'll find plenty to see and do here, and at the top of your list should be the Whale Museum, which charts the history of whaling in Iceland and features interactive displays and 13 whale skeletons. The town's church, Húsavíkurkirkja, is also not to be missed. Consecrated in 1907, the wooden church is among the country's most beautiful, with a striking white exterior and dark green roof.
When you've had your fill of exploring, hop back in the car and drive back toward Akureyri. Just five minutes outside the town, you'll find one of Iceland's newest additions to its ever-growing collection of tempting spas that utilize their natural surroundings. The Forest Lagoon Spa occupies a wonderful location in the depths of Vaðlaskógur forest, and it's here that you'll spend the afternoon relaxing in the lagoon's elegant, naturally heated infinity pools. Afterward, either return to your hotel or settle in for dinner and drinks at one of Akureyri's restaurants.
Day 5: Whale Watching Boat Tour, Explore Akureyri
You'll spend today in and around Akureyri. After breakfast, take an exhilarating boat tour to spot the resident Eyjafjord humpbacks in their natural habitat. In the company of specially trained naturalists, you'll sail to the spots where you're most likely to see these incredible mammals up close. Back on dry land, you've got several options for the rest of the day. Stay local and explore the town, whose highlights include the Akureyri Art Museum, the local church, and the town's popular geothermal swimming pool.
Swap a stroll through town for an invigorating hike in the nearby countryside, where keen eyes might be rewarded with a sighting of the Arctic foxes that inhabit the area or the powerful dive of a determined seabird. Another option is to make the most of your last day with your rental car. A three-hour drive inland leads to dramatic highland scenery sprinkled with thermal pools and a remote caldera filled with a warm volcanic lake. In the evening, make a dinner reservation at Strikid and enjoy the combination of sweeping views, excellent cocktails, and innovative food combinations.
Day 6: Fly to Reykjavík, FlyOver Iceland Experience, Stand-Up Comedy Show
This morning, you'll drop off your rental car at Akureyri's airport and take a 45-minute flight to Reykjavík, the country's refreshingly modern capital, with a first-class dining scene and award-winning contemporary architecture. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will be waiting to take you to your luxury 5-star hotel, The Reykjavík Edition. Rooms here blend copper details, elegant Scandinavian design, and individual furnishings from local artisans. Suites enjoy uninterrupted views of the harbor, Mount Esja, and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano.
Once you've settled in, head out for a whirlwind flying experience without leaving the capital. Your destination is FlyOver Iceland, where you'll experience the exhilarating feeling of flight and see Iceland's natural wonders from above, thanks to state-of-the-art technology. Hang suspended, feet dangling before a 65-foot (20 m) screen as a short film takes you on a memorable journey "flying" over Iceland. Special effects, including wind, mist, and scent, combine with the ride's motion to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
Afterward, either relax back at your hotel and indulge in a spa treatment or explore Reykjavík at your own pace. Despite the city's relatively petite size, you'll find galleries, museums, and exhibitions on almost every corner and a thriving arts and culture scene. You'll cap your day with a visit to the Harpa Concert Hall (whose award-winning design is a sight in itself) to see "How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes," an amusing take on the mannerisms and customs you'll find across Iceland. After the show, you'll find plenty of nearby bars where you can sip on craft beer or a cocktail while listening to live music.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 7: Tour the Golden Circle, Night at the Bubble Hotel
Today, you'll set out with a private guide and driver to discover landscapes dotted with hot springs and woven with dramatic cliffs and waterfalls along the famous Golden Circle. Your first stop is Þingvellir National Park, geologically and historically significant thanks to its tectonic plates that straddle Europe and North America and the famous Law Rock, the site of the world's first parliament, Alþingi.
Continue your tour with stops at the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, the regularly erupting Strokkur Geyser, and the 3,000-year-old Kerið crater, with its turquoise lake surrounded by red volcanic soil. Beyond the highlights, you'll also find the area packed with surprises. Seek out the Secret Lagoon, a geothermal pool fed by the nearby natural springs in the village of Flúðir, or head to the Highlands, where you'll be rewarded with lava fields and multi-hued rhyolite mountains.
After the tour, you can either opt to return to your hotel in Reykjavík or make the most of your scenic location and spend the night surrounded by nature at the Bubble Hotel. Combining innovation, luxury, and the awe-inspiring landscape, the bubble hotel's transparent pods are exactly that: clear dome-shaped rooms featuring a cozy double bed where you can fall asleep under the stars (or midnight sun) and, if they make an appearance, the ethereal green veils of the northern lights. You'll find a lodge nearby with WiFi and bathroom facilities so you can wake up refreshed and ready to go in the morning.
Day 8: South Coast Highlights Tour, Þórsmörk & Eyjafjallajökull Super Jeep Tour
Iceland's southern coast is characterized by vast glaciers, mesmerizing waterfalls, and a glittering coastline of towering basalt rocks and black-sand beaches. 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 an alternative perspective on one of Iceland's most photographed falls.
Next up is the enchanting 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 high (60 m) and 82 feet wide (25 m), 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.
Stop for a late lunch in one of the southern towns, such as Vík, and once you've relaxed and refueled, head out on one last tour of the south to experience the vast volcanic Eyjafjallajökul glacier. You'll be traveling by Super Jeep across the volcano's icy, jagged terrain before descending across glacial rivers into the Þórsmörk Valley. One of Iceland's most beautiful valleys, there'll be opportunities to enjoy a short hike, snap photos, and simply take time to soak up the landscape. Afterward, your driver will drop you off at your hotel in Reykjavík in time for your dinner reservation.
Day 9: Whale Watching Yacht Cruise, Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour
Iceland is widely regarded as one of the best countries in the world for whale watching, and the waters surrounding Reykjavík are considered a prime spot. After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Old Harbor, where you'll board a yacht and set sail with a small group to Faxaflói bay. Gaze out toward the dark ocean waters for sightings of minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises as your captain steers you toward the best spots to get respectfully close to these gentle giants.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to wander the capital at your own pace. See sights, including the gleaming steel Sun Voyager sculpture and the towering 244-foot (74 m) Hallgrímskirkja church, whose modernist silhouette was designed to echo the country's basalt lava flows. Climb to the top of the church tower, and you'll be rewarded with sweeping views across Reykjavík.
In the evening, celebrate your final night in Iceland with dinner and drinks at your hotel. Then, cap off your adventure with a private off-road tour in search of the northern lights. In the comfort of a Super Jeep, you'll ditch the crowds and go off-road to reach exclusive spots known for the best views of the dancing veil that lights up the Nordic night sky.
Day 10: Transfer to Keflavík, Depart
More Great Iceland Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Iceland? Check out these other Iceland itineraries, explore other ways to spend 10 days in Iceland in luxury, and learn about the best time to visit Iceland.
Map
