Highlights
- Bookend your vacation with luxury spa time at the Blue Lagoon and Sky Ritual
- Go in search of humpback whales on a boat tour in Húsavik
- Take to the skies in an exhilarating airplane tour over Skaftafell
- Discover Iceland's frozen wonders with tours to Jökulsárlón and Kötlujökull
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Reykjavík, The Retreat Spa, Helicopter Tour & Dinner at ÓX | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | Golden Circle Highlights Tour, Farm-to-Table Lunch, Transfer to Hella | Hella |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Vík via South Coast Highlights & Kötlujökull Glacier Tour | Vík |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Höfn via Skaftafell Airplane Tour & Jökulsárlón Lagoon | Höfn |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Egilsstaðir via the Eastfjords & Vök Baths | Egilsstaðir |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Lake Mývatn via Stuðlagil Canyon Tour | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Akureyri via Húsavik, Whale Watching & Forest Lagoon | Akureyri |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Snæfellsnes Peninsula via Víðimýrarkirkja & Kolufossar | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Reykjavík via Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour | Reykjavík |
| Day 10 | Sky Lagoon Spa Seven-Step Ritual, Transfer to Keflavík, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík, The Retreat Spa, Helicopter Tour & Dinner at ÓX
Welcome to Iceland! The "Land of Fire and Ice" is home to some of Europe's most dramatic and diverse landscapes, steeped in myth and legends. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met by your driver and whisked to The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, an indulgent start to your vacation where the next few hours are yours to soak in the mineral-rich pools and unwind with a pampering massage in The Retreat's relaxing subterranean treatment suite.
Refreshed and ready to go, there's another treat in store before heading to your hotel in Reykjavík. It begins when you step into a chartered helicopter for a private tour over the Hellisheiði plateau, an area famous for its volcanic activity and a key source of Reykjavík's renewable energy. See the bubbling mud pots and hot springs before your pilot flies you to the capital via a scenic pass over the beautiful Bláfjöll mountains and the Kristnitökuhraun lava field and craters.
Arrive in Reykjavík, and the luxury theme continues when you check into The Reykjavík Edition. The 5-star rooms here blend warm palettes of ash gray and pale oak with copper details, elegant Scandinavian design, and individual furnishings from local artisans. Suites enjoy uninterrupted views of the harbor, Mount Esja, and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Your dinner reservation tonight is at ÓX, one of the country's most acclaimed restaurants, awarded a Michelin star in 2022. With just 17 seats, you'll sit at the chef's table while feasting on a 16-course menu with complimentary wines.
Day 2: Golden Circle Highlights Tour, Farm-to-Table Lunch, Transfer to Hella
Today, you'll set out with your driver to discover landscapes dotted with hot springs and woven with dramatic cliffs and waterfalls along the 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 home to Law Rock, the site of the world's first parliament. Continue your private 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.
Next, enjoy a light farm-to-table lunch at the renowned Friðheimar Tomato Farm and Restaurant. After a behind-the-scenes tour of the award-winning estate, you'll sample a selection of mouthwatering innovative tomato-based dishes, including their famous soup with sour cream, fresh herbs, cucumber salsa, and freshly baked bread.
In the afternoon, it's time to transfer to tonight's accommodation, Skálakot Manor, a boutique family-run hotel whose grounds include a fourth-generation farm focused on breeding Icelandic horses. While the surrounding countryside covers the vast expanse of the Icelandic Highlands, inside, rooms are tastefully decorated in a fusion of old-world luxury, muted tones, and contemporary Nordic design. Settle in and either saddle up for a guided horseback ride following the Þjórsá River or relax in the bar before your dinner reservation.
Day 3: Transfer to Vík via South Coast Highlights & Kötlujökull Glacier Tour
Iceland's south coast is characterized by vast glaciers leading to tumbling waterfalls and a coastline filled with basalt rocks and black-sand beaches. After breakfast, you'll set out with your driver and visit Seljalandfoss, 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 is the enchanting Gljúfrabúi waterfall, tucked away in a crevice; its cascades descend 131 feet (40 m) into a pool at the bottom of a narrow cylindrical canyon. The surrounding area is dotted with several petite falls, and it's a great place to explore the volcanic landscape and admire the views of the mighty Tröllagil (Troll Gorge). Eventually, you'll reach the thundering Skógafoss; at 197 feet (60 m) tall and 82 feet (25 m) wide, it's one of the country's largest cascades, shrouded in myths of buried treasure and a wonder to behold from its black, basalt base.
Head back to the car, and your driver will share stories of the legends that surround the area as you approach the coastal Dyrhólaey Arch and Cliffs and otherworldly Reynisdrangar sea stacks. You'll conclude your day of exploring with a private 4WD tour of the Kötlujökull glacier and a chance to step inside the natural ice caves. You'll overnight in Vík, where you'll stay at 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 an afternoon on the glacier.
Day 4: Transfer to Höfn via Skaftafell Airplane Tour & Jökulsárlón Lagoon
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your apartment before meeting your guide for the 3.5-hour drive northeast to Höfn, a small town that's the launch point for adventures in the Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe's largest glacier. Along the way, you'll break up the journey several times; the first is for a drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur, a dramatically sculpted gorge easily accessed by a ridgetop trail that offers incredible views into the chasm. Your next stop is the Skaftafell Terminal and Tour Center, where you'll swap your driver and car for a small plane and pilot, ready for a bird's-eye view of the national park.
After take-off, you'll soar above Vatnajökull and the Grímsvötn eruption site, then see the icy Skaftafell Nature Reserve from above and peer into the depths of the Morsárdalur glacier canyon. You'll finish with a flight over the multi-hued peaks and rhyolite mountains that make up the Landmannalaugar geothermal area and Eldgjá, the largest canyon in the world, measuring a whopping 25 miles (40 km) long, 886 feet (270 m) deep, and 1,968 feet (600 m) wide. The gorge is thought to have formed during a massive eruption in 934 CE that lasted for several months.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Transfer to Egilsstaðir via the Eastfjords & Vök Baths
Today, you'll continue snaking your way northeast with your driver toward Egilsstaðir, in the country's mountainous eastern corner. There are few places in Iceland as untouched and off the beaten track as the remote Eastfjords, and your three-hour route follows the rugged coast, where you'll discover plenty of tiny fishing villages surrounded by dramatic mountains and scenic valleys. Pause for lunch at a local village, where you'll find fjord-fresh seafood a specialty.
Before too long, you'll arrive at Egilsstaðir. Lying on the banks of Lake Lagarfljót, the town is the largest in East Iceland and is ideally placed to explore the area's remote beauty. You'll find the serene geothermal Vök Infinity Pools a five-minute drive northwest. Bathe in the warm, crystal clear waters that lead directly onto Lake Urriðavatn and, when you're ready, return to your driver for the short drive to your hotel.
Set in a renovated farmhouse, Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir offers bright, modern rooms with comfortable furnishings and facilities. Opt for a lake-view room, and you won't be disappointed—the views here are exceptional. After check-in, take a walk on the grounds, use the indoor hot tub, and relax, ready for an evening of beautifully presented Icelandic and international dishes at the on-site restaurant.
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Mývatn via Stuðlagil Canyon Tour
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and final wander along the shores of Lake Lagarfljót, then collect your bags and meet your driver for the next leg of your trip. Your destination is Lake Mývatn, known for its diverse volcanic and geothermal landscape. First, you'll make your way north up the Jökuldalur Valley to Stuðlagil Canyon, created by a mighty river that forced its way from the highlands to the north of the island. The canyon's towering basalt rock columns that plunge into the jade-blue, 90-mile-long (150 km) glacial waters are a top contender in a country filled with natural wonders.
Spend a few hours hiking the area around the canyon (standing at the bottom surrounded by the basalt columns is a true bucket list moment), then continue to Mývatn with a stop at Dettifoss, considered one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe; the cascades plummet down a dramatic 147-foot (45 m) drop. As your driver continues the route, keep your eyes peeled for the rootless Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, which give the landscape a distinctly otherworldly feel.
Late afternoon, you'll reach your accommodation at Berjaya Mývatn Hotel, a welcoming retreat on the lake. Rooms and suites are modern with bold design elements, pops of color, and patterned tiles, while amenities include an excellent on-site restaurant, two hot tubs, and a northern lights wake-up call from reception. Spend the rest of the day soaking in the hot tub or exploring the nearby area. The nearby village of Reykjahlíð is two minutes away by car or eight by foot, or if you fancy another stretch of the legs, you can hike to the impressive Hverfjall crater in an hour and a half.
Day 7: Transfer to Akureyri via Húsavik, Whale Watching & Forest Lagoon
Today, you'll set off with your driver to your next destination—Akureyri, known as the "Capital of Northern Iceland" and a jumping-off point for adventures in the north and the natural wonders along the Diamond Circle route. You'll get to see a couple of these on your drive northwest. The first is the glacial Ásbyrgi; formed after the last ice age, the massive canyon was carved out by flooding 10,000 years ago. An alternate myth suggests Ásbyrgi was stamped into existence by the chief God Odin's eight-legged horse, thus creating the valley's signature horseshoe curve.
You'll have time to get out and explore the canyon, after which you'll continue your journey with a break at Húsavik. Iceland's oldest settlement, the town is also the country's whale watching capital, which is precisely what you'll do after heading to the harbor to board your boat. Spend the next three hours sailing the Arctic waters, searching for whales, dolphins, and all manner of seabirds. Stop for lunch in Húsavik after the tour, then continue to Akureyri via another of the Diamond Circle's highlights—Goðafoss. Nicknamed "Waterfall of the Gods," it's one of Iceland's most spectacular falls and well worth a stop.
Back in the car, you'll reach Akureyri in just over half an hour. Just a few minutes outside the town, you'll find the Forest Lagoon, a geothermal spa in the depths of Vaðlaskógur forest. It's here that you'll spend a few hours relaxing in the lagoon's elegant, naturally heated infinity pools before checking in at your accommodation. You'll overnight at the 4-star Hotel Kea, an Akureyri landmark in the heart of the town with sweeping views of the Eyjafjörður. Check into your deluxe room or suite and enjoy dinner at the excellent on-site restaurant or explore the local dining scene.
Day 8: Transfer to Snæfellsnes Peninsula via Víðimýrarkirkja & Kolufossar
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland is today's destination, and with your driver at the wheel, you'll be able to sit back, relax, and watch as the landscape unfolds. It's around a 4.5-hour drive with an abundance of scenic landmarks to see en route. The first of these is the Víðimýrarkirkja turf church. Built in 1834, it's one of the few remaining preserved turf churches in Iceland, with an unusual roof made of stone slabs and covered in grass, giving the impression you've just stepped into a fairy tale.
Around the halfway point to Snæfellsnes, you'll encounter another of the area's highlights—the vast Kolufossar waterfall (aptly named after the giantess Kola), whose waters plunge from the equally dramatic Kolugljúfur gorge. Follow the path along the canyon for about 45 minutes for terrific views of the gorge and the cascades. From here, your driver will take you on the last stretch west toward Snæfellsnes, where you'll check into your hotel.
Your accommodation tonight is the family-run Miðhraun Lava Resort, nestled in the south of the peninsula and featuring a combination of modern and comfortable apartments, cottages, and rooms. It's the perfect spot to rest and relax after a day of travel. Check-in, then spend the rest of the day strolling the grounds or soaking in the on-site geothermal hot tub before heading to the hotel's restaurant for dinner and drinks.
Day 9: Transfer to Reykjavík via Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour
It's your last full day in Iceland, and what better way to spend it than touring the peninsula that's often described as "Little Iceland" for the diversity of its natural wonders, all of which can be found within 56 miles (96 km). Set out with your driver, who'll be on hand to suggest lunch recommendations and several secret spots only the locals know about.
Your first stop is the striking 19th-century Búðakirkja, an isolated, much-photographed black wooden chapel. Make your way across the lava fields of Búðahraun and the Búðaklettur crater, and continue along the coast, pausing at the tiny villages of Arnastapi and Hellnar. There's plenty to admire here, with the famous Lóndrangar lava formations and the evocative black-sand beach at Djúpalónssandur. Follow the small trail along the cliffs, and you'll see the impressive Dritvík Cove before driving to the Saxhóll crater for sweeping views of the Atlantic.
You'll continue your drive with a visit to the photogenic Mount Kirkjufell with its steeple-like peak and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall—both featured in "Game of Thrones." Stop for refreshments in nearby Grundarfjörður, and when you're ready, your driver will make the 2.5-hour journey to Reykjavík, where you'll check back into the Reykjavík Edition. Spend your last night relaxing in the stylish bar or make use of the sauna and spa facilities before an aperitif and your dinner reservation.
Day 10: Sky Lagoon Spa Seven-Step Ritual, Transfer to Keflavík, Depart
Your Icelandic getaway is ending, but there's still one last treat in store. After breakfast and checkout, your driver will drop you at the nearby Sky Lagoon. This award-winning geothermal spa is yours to explore over the next few hours as you immerse yourself in the spa's seven-step Sky Ritual experience. Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of centuries-old Icelandic wellness practices, with contrasting water temperatures, heat, steam, and fresh air, while luxuriating in the spa's infinity edge design with expansive ocean views.
Refreshed and ready to catch your flight, your driver will drop you at the airport in Keflavík in time for departure. Safe travels!
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