Highlights
- Rejuvenate with two pampering spa days at the iconic Blue Lagoon
- Take two scenic helicopter flights across Iceland's volcanic landscape
- Relax under the stars amid nature with a night at the Panorama Glass Lodges
- Go off-grid and recharge with an in-depth tour of the wild Eastfjords
- Enjoy a restorative soak in the geothermal waters of the Vök and Mývatn Baths
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Reykjavík, Blue Lagoon Spa, Craft Beer Tour | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | Geothermal Helicopter Tour, Transfer to Hella via Golden Circle Highlights | Hella |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Vík via South Coast Highlights & ATV Quad Bike Experience | Vík |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Höfn via Skaftafell Airplane Tour & Jökulsárlón Lagoon | Höfn |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Breiðdalsvík & via Stokksnes & Gourmet Picnic | Breiðdalsvík |
| Day 6 | Explore the Eastfjords: Streiti Coast Waterfalls, Hike & Scenic Lunch at Jórvík | Breiðdalsvík |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Egilsstaðir via Petra's Stone Museum, Vök Baths | Egilsstaðir |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Seyðisfjörður via Mjóifjörður & Sound Sculpture | Seyðisfjörður |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Hallormsstaður via Borgarfjörður Eystri | Hallormsstaður |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Möðrudalur via Wilderness Museum & Stuðlagil Canyon | Möðrudalur |
| Day 11 | Free Morning in the Eastfjords, Askja Caldera Helicopter Tour & Hike | Möðrudalur |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Lake Mývatn via Caves & Craters, Mývatn Nature Baths | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 13 | Scenic Helicopter Transfer to Reykjavík, Blue Lagoon Spa & Lava Restaurant | Reykjavík |
| Day 14 | Transfer to Keflavík, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík, Blue Lagoon Spa, Craft Beer Tour
Velkominn til íslands (welcome to Iceland)! Known as the Land of Ice and Fire, this northern volcanic island is a hotbed of geological wonders whose settlement dates back over 1,000 years to the Viking Age. Even today, the country's ruggedly beautiful landscapes are defined by high geological activity that results in everything from natural hot springs and geysers to waterfalls and volcanic eruptions. Upon arrival at Keflavík airport, meet your driver and transfer to the nearby Blue Lagoon, an Icelandic institution whose geothermal waters are world-renowned.
Address any post-flight aches with a soothing soak in the warm mineral-rich seawater while the turquoise silica and algae-rich waters work their rejuvenating magic. Fully refreshed, you'll be transferred to the capital and your overnight accommodation, the stylish 4-star Sand Hotel. Nestled in downtown Reykjavík, rooms are elegantly furnished with bespoke furniture and contemporary artworks. Once you've settled in, head out for a walk around the town and grab a bite to eat.
Day 2: Geothermal Helicopter Tour, Transfer to Hella via Golden Circle Highlights
Discover Iceland's colorful basalt mountains and steaming hot springs this morning with a private helicopter tour over the Hellisheiði plateau, an area famous for its volcanic activity and a key source of Reykjavík's renewable energy. You'll land at Hengill, a geothermal hotspot that's off the beaten track and away from the tourist crowds. See the bubbling mud pots and hot springs before your pilot returns you to the capital via a scenic pass over the Bláfjöll mountains and the Kristnitökuhraun lava field and craters.
Back in Reykjavík, you'll have time to grab a coffee and pastry before checking out of your hotel and meeting your driver for the start of your privately guided road trip around Iceland. It starts with a tour of the Golden Circle. Known for its hot springs and dramatic cliffs threaded with waterfalls, the popular 186-mile (300 km) loop takes in some of the country's most spectacular sights. Start with a trip to the Þingvellir National Park, geologically and historically significant thanks to its tectonic plates that straddle Europe and North America, and Law Rock, the site of the world's first parliament.
Continue your tour with stops at the dramatic Gullfoss waterfall, the regularly erupting Strokkur geyser, and the 3,000-year-old Kerið crater. After a day of sightseeing, you'll transfer to your accommodation, where you'll spend the night off-grid at the sought-after Panorama Glass Lodges. Lying 15 miles (25 km) from Hella, each lodge has ample space and grounds with a private hot tub and sauna, ensuring maximum solitude. Handcrafted furnishings, toiletries from Sóley Organics, and comfortable king-size beds provide luxe surroundings for a night gazing at the stars.
Day 3: Transfer to Vík via South Coast Highlights & ATV Quad Bike Experience
Vast glaciers, waterfalls, and a coastline of towering basalt rocks and black-sand beaches characterize Iceland's southern coast. You'll see all these sights and more when you meet your driver after breakfast. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, an extraordinary waterfall along the Seljalandsá River. Follow the footpath behind the cascade (you'll need to bring rain gear) for an alternate 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. 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 Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Depending on your energy levels, you can either head straight to your accommodation in Vík or set out on a privately guided two-hour ATV quad bike tour of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You'll see sights from serene mountain valleys to the south coast, including the famous DC3 plane wreck at Sólheimasandur and the Dyrhólaey peninsula, Iceland's southernmost tip. Whichever you choose, the evening is yours to relax at Signature by Vík Apartments, where facilities such as free-standing tubs, cozy one-touch fireplaces, and sumptuous beds and linens provide a fitting end to a day of exploring.
Day 4: Transfer to Höfn via Skaftafell Airplane Tour & Jökulsárlón Lagoon
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
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.
The last stop of the day is at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. At 656 feet (200 m), this is the deepest lake in Iceland. The icebergs floating on its surface are over 1,000 years old, and if you're lucky, you might spot seals and small whales in the water or on shore. After marveling at the lagoon, hike along the shores of the adjacent Diamond Beach. These black sands are famous for the iceberg fragments that drift ashore from the lagoon and gleam like diamonds in the sunlight. You'll overnight at the Fagranes Guesthouse in Höfn, a charming three-bedroomed house with a garden and sunroom.
Day 5: Transfer to Breiðdalsvík via Stokksnes & Gourmet Picnic
Today marks the start of a seven-day in-depth tour of the dramatic Eastfjords, an immensely rewarding area far off the beaten path filled with reindeer herds, jagged mountains rising above dense forests, and a culture steeped in folklore. Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your guesthouse in Höfn. Your first stop is the starkly beautiful Stokksnes peninsula with its black-sand beaches and towering backdrop of the Vestrahorn mountains. En route, you'll see the Skútafoss waterfall and the sweeping views of Stafafellsfjöll í lóni.
Stop for a walk along the shore to see the lighthouse at Hvalnes, then break for a gourmet picnic lunch at Stapavík in Hvalnesskriður. Back in the car, your driver will continue up the coast to Djúpivogur, an idyllic fjord-side town and a great spot to grab a drink and soak up the views. You'll finish your tour by driving to the Blábjörg cliffs, one of the area's best spots to watch the sun go down. After a full day of exploring, you'll be glad of your comfortable lodgings in Breiðdalsvík at Hotel Stadarborg, a modern hotel with facilities including a spa tub, sauna, fitness center, and lounge bar.
Day 6: Explore the Eastfjords: Streiti Coast Waterfalls, Hike & Scenic Lunch at Jórvík
Wake up this morning to dramatic views of the Breiðdalur Valley. You've another epic day ahead touring the Eastfjords, and this morning's focus is the Streiti Coast. It's an area dotted with salmon-filled rivers and romantic waterfalls, and you'll get to see them up close with a guided walk to Beljandi waterfall. You'll carry on walking to the nearby Flögufoss waterfall, which, in sharp contrast to Bleljandi, is much narrower and taller but no less captivating.
Today's picnic lunch stop is at Jórvík, a delightful forested area filled with aspen and birch trees and hidden trails known only to locals. You'll choose one of these to hike with your driver/guide and spend the afternoon learning about the local flora and fauna and the old legends and myths surrounding the area. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to your hotel for your last night in Breiðdalsvík, where you can pop into the local Beljandi Brewery to try their range of craft beers before your dinner reservation.
Day 7: Transfer to Egilsstaðir via Petra's Stone Museum, Vök Baths
Start today with a guided tour of Petra's Stone Museum in nearby Stöðvarfjörður. Meet your driver after breakfast, and as you head toward the town, hear how local resident Petra María began collecting stones when she was just seven years old. Arrive at the house and gardens, and you'll be greeted with an enchanting collection of Icelandic minerals, stones, rocks, and gems, each with its own story, history, and charm. Many of the rocks were collected by Petra as she explored the countryside of the Eastfjords on foot, trekking through areas previously unexplored.
Afterward, you'll hop back in the car and continue to Fáskrúðfjörður, a charming coastal town whose narrow streets are lined with historic buildings and a harbor filled with traditional boats, whose presence speaks to Iceland's rich maritime heritage. Your overnight destination is Egilsstaðir, the capital of the Eastfjords and a jumping-off point for adventures in the east and trips into the Vatnajökull National Park. The town is also home to a reindeer farm, which you'll visit to learn all about the habits and lifestyle of these graceful Eastfjord natives.
It's a short drive from the farm to your accommodation, the charming Fosshotel Eastfjords. Its history dates back to 1903 when it was a hospital for French fishermen. Fast forward, and now you'll find the hotel's 26 bedrooms are comfortable, bright, and airy, with tranquil decor and some with gorgeous views of the lake. After check-in, you'll round out your day with a relaxing trip to the serene Vök Baths for a rejuvenating bath in the geothermal waters. In the evening, either dine on-site at the hotel's French-inspired restaurant or head into the town to try Eastfjord specialties at a local restaurant.
Day 8: Transfer to Seyðisfjörður via Mjóifjörður & Sound Sculpture
Wake refreshed and revived after yesterday's geothermal spa and prepare for another day of exploring. Your first stop, Mjóifjörður, is remote, even by Eastfjords standards. A contender for one of Iceland's most captivating fjords, you'll explore it on a privately guided tour before driving to the country's most easterly point, marked by the Dalatangi Lighthouse, and a great place to stop and enjoy the coastal views.
Continuing driving with your guide toward Seyðisfjörður, one of the best preserved coastal towns in Iceland, with colorful timber houses that contrast across the snowcapped peaks. There's a treat en route when you stop to visit Tvísöngur, a hidden sound sculpture nestled high in the mountains and a must-see for music and nature lovers (the acoustics here are incredible).
Arrive in Seyðisfjörður and check into your accommodation at Langahlid Cottages & Hot Tubs. Each self-catering cottage is comfortably furnished and well equipped, with three bedrooms and, of course, a hot tub to relax and star gaze in. The views, in particular, are mesmerizing, with sweeping views from the town center to the end of the fjord. Once you've settled in, spend the rest of the day exploring the town's sculptures, artwork, and local galleries before settling on a cozy spot for dinner.
Day 9: Transfer to Hallormsstaður via Borgarfjörður Eystri
Today takes you on a scenic journey across the rugged coastline, and your first stop is Borgarfjörður Eystri, a tiny town that, at first sight, looks like it's home to more puffins than people. Depending on the season you'll have a chance to observe these charismatic creatures and observe their playful antics up close. Otherwise, make the most of the village's scenic setting with a hike along one of the many trails that lead up into the mountains or beside the ocean.
Aside from seabirds, the "hidden people," and elves rumored to dwell in the nearby forest, the area is also home to several Icelandic horse stables, and you'll make the most of your scenic locale with a guided horseback ride through the forest. Afterward, check into your accommodation, the warm and cozy Cottage Blue. This delightful abode is set near Hallormsstaður, Iceland's largest forest, and benefits from incredible hiking trails down to the lake or up into the hills straight from the front door.
Day 10: Transfer to Möðrudalur via Wilderness Museum & Stuðlagil Canyon
This morning, after several days of exploring the Eastfjords in-depth, you'll get to see and understand the history, traditions, and culture of the region through a series of exhibits at Óbyggðasetur (Wilderness Center), a working farm that serves as a guesthouse, restaurant, and museum that brings to life the area's rich heritage. Immerse yourself in a series of creative displays designed by the farm's owners (a film director and a historian) and leave with an understanding of the people who have lived and worked in one of Iceland's most remote areas.
Your next stop is the secluded valley of Laugavalladalur, nestled in the Highlands and home to a small hidden geothermal stream that flows into a delightful warm waterfall and pool at the bottom. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing soak before hopping back in the car and heading to the dramatic canyons of Hafrahvammagljúfur and Stuðlagil. The latter, in particular, is a photographer's dream and possesses Iceland's largest basalt rock columns, which provide a mesmerizing contrast to the blue-green glacial river below.
After a hike in Stuðlagil canyon, your driver will transfer you to Möðrudalur, where you'll spend the next two nights in the remote tranquility of the Cabin Möðrudal á Fjöllum. Comprising 13 double-bedroomed cabins, each abode has been designed to blend in with the remote landscape and resembles Icelandic turf-roofed dwellings from centuries past. After settling in, you'll sit down to dinner at the cozy on-site restaurant, where you can enjoy the farm's abundant fresh produce and specialties, including pan-fried Arctic char with dill potatoes, reindeer steak, and grilled mountain lamb.
Day 11: Free Morning in the Eastfjords, Askja Caldera Helicopter Tour & Hike
It's a relaxed wake-up and breakfast today at Möðrudal á Fjöllum, where you can spend the morning doing as much or as little as you'd like. If you're keen to explore, make the most of your hosts' intimate knowledge of the area with a guided fishing or hunting trip, or set off on a hike to Hvannárgil, where you'll be rewarded with a gorgeous waterfall nestled within a deep gorge.
In the afternoon, it's a change of pace and also perspective, with a helicopter tour to the Askja caldera. Lying just north of the Vatnajökull glacier, the crater is known for its dramatic eruptions and as the training ground for Apollo astronauts due to its otherworldly topography. Return to solid ground, and continue exploring the caldera with a guided tour where you'll hear the stories and science behind this extraordinary landscape. At the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to Möðrudalur for another home-cooked feast and a glass or two of wine from the excellent international wine list.
Day 12: Transfer to Lake Mývatn via Caves & Craters, Mývatn Nature Baths
Today, you'll leave behind the Eastfjords and head west with your driver through the fascinating landscapes of the Northern Volcanic Rift Zone. Your destination is Lake Mývatn, and en route, you'll visit some of the area's renowned geological and geothermal sights. Start with the Dimmuborgir lava formations, a complex maze of volcanic caves, arches, and pillars that have inspired numerous myths and legends, then visit the fascinating Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, a series of extraordinary volcanic craters formed by steam explosions.
Your last stop, the Grjótagjá cave, is a geothermal spring inside a lava cave and will be recognizable to "Game of Thrones" fans as Jon Snow and Ygritte's secret hideout. You'll get to experience the benefits of all the geothermal activity this afternoon when you reach the Mývatn Nature Baths. Here, you'll spend the next couple of hours surrounded by rugged lava fields and sweeping views of the mountains as you bathe in the mineral-rich warm waters amid Iceland's raw beauty.
You'll continue the relaxed vibe as you check into your accommodation for tonight, Hotel Berjaya Mývatn, a five-minute drive from the baths. Conveniently situated a 10-minute walk from the nearby village of Reykjahlíð, the hotel is a great jumping-off point to see the highlights of northern Iceland's Diamond Circle. Check into your comfortable superior room or suite outfitted with bold, minimalist design elements and pops of color, then grab a drink at the hotel's bar or relax in one of the two hot tubs before heading down to dinner.
Day 13: Scenic Helicopter Transfer to Reykjavík, Blue Lagoon Spa & Lava Restaurant
Today marks your departure back to the capital, and you'll travel in style with a four-hour helicopter ride from Mývatn to Reykjavík. Your pilot will lead you through some of Iceland's most iconic landscapes, from the formidable Vatnajökull glacier to the volcanic terrain of the wild Highlands and the tapestry of waterfalls and geysers in the Golden Circle.
Your destination is The Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon, where you'll spend the next five hours luxuriating in the spa's mineral-rich geothermal pools and relaxing with a bespoke massage or treatment. Thoroughly relaxed, your day ends with dinner at the lagoon's Lava Restaurant, where you'll dine on the tasting menu inside a rocky interior built directly into an 800-year-old lava cave.
When you've finished dining, your driver will be on hand to transfer you to your accommodation in Reykjavík, the 4-star Alda Hotel. In a prime location on Laugavegur Street, the hotel's modern deluxe rooms and suites feature black and gray tones that evoke the country's volcanic roots. Bathrooms are sleek with rainfall showers, and facilities include a hot tub, sauna, and gym.
Day 14: Transfer to Keflavík, Depart
Your luxury getaway in Iceland comes to a close today. However, there's still time for some last-minute sightseeing along the Reykjanes Peninsula as your driver transfers you to the airport. Stop to discover geological wonders such as the green-hued volcanic crater lake of Grænavatn and the colorful geothermal areas of Gunnuhver and Krýsuvík, where you'll find steam vents, hot springs, and steamy bubbling mud pools.
Stretch your legs preflight with a stroll around the scenic Garður Lighthouse, then arrive at the airport in time to board your flight home or onward connection. Safe travels!
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