Day 1 – Arrival & Reykjavik
Welcome to Iceland! You’ll arrive at Keflavík International Airport, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Once you’ve picked up your bags, you’ll travel across the lava fields of Reykjanes to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Take some time to explore this vibrant city and, perhaps, snap a few photos of the colorful houses found here. In the late afternoon or early evening, you’ll have a chance to meet your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the rest of your fellow travelers to learn more about the adventures that lie ahead.
Highlights:
- Reykjavík
- Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities
- Blue Lagoon: Your experience includes access to the Blue Lagoon, a rejuvenating silica mud mask, complimentary towel service, and your choice of a first drink.
Day 2 – South Iceland’s Volcanic Wonders
Today, the adventure begins! Your CEO will pick you up in the morning and take you to Hveragerði, known as “The Hot Spring Town,” where you’ll learn how to make bread in a hot spring. From there, you’ll drive under Eyjafjallajökull Glacier Volcano to two beautiful but very unique waterfalls. You’ll then head to Hvolsvöllur Town to learn more about the epic forces that shape this country at the Lava Center. After an active day of hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanoes, you’ll head to Vatnajökull National Park, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Highlights:
- Hveragerði Geothermal Park
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
- Lava Center
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 3 – Icy Day in Vatnajökull National Park
You’ll wake up in Vatnajökull National Park, named after Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. After breakfast, you’ll head to the beautiful Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you’ll see large icebergs float on a serene lake. A short walk away, you’ll find the black sands of Diamond Beach. From there, you’ll travel to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, where white glaciers, black sands, and green flora meet. Here, you’ll hike to the stunning Svartifoss, a waterfall surrounded by black basalt columns. At the end of the day, you’ll return to your accommodations in the area.
Highlights:
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Svartifoss Waterfall
Optional Activities
Only available from 1 May to 30 October
- Jökulsárlón Amphibian Boat Tour: Sail amongst the enormous icebergs on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This tour is especially suited for families with young children as well as photographers looking for a great shot of the ice. Included is a guided tour in English and the use of a lifevest.
- Jökulsárlón Zodiac Boat Tour: Get a front-row seat to see the giant icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The small Zodiac boat can get closer to the icebergs than the larger amphibian boat, giving you a unique perspective over the bergs. Includes the use of floatation overalls and lifejackets.
Day 4 – Glacier Hiking Adventure & Black-Sand Beaches
Today will start with an exciting adventure. After breakfast, you’ll strap on crampons and begin hiking a glacier. Don’t worry if this is your first time on the ice; a trained glacier guide will be with you every step of the way. You’ll see deep crevasses, learn about these ice giants, and experience the serenity found so far from human habitation. Once back on solid ground, you’ll continue your journey, stopping next at the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara. If you’re visiting in the summer, watch for puffins that can sometimes be seen flying around the area. You’ll spend the night in the region.
Highlights:
- Glacier Hike in Skaftafell
- Reynisfjara Black-Sand Beach
- Dyrhólaey Promotory
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 5 – Waterfalls, Turf Houses & The Golden Circle
On this day, you’ll start by visiting the dramatic Skógafoss Waterfall and the nearby Skógar Museum. Here, you’ll see turf houses and learn about the rich history of Iceland, from the era of Viking longboats and long beards to the times of top hats and tea cozies. From there, you’ll visit Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir Geothermal Area, two of the three parts that make up the Golden Circle (don’t worry, you’ll see the third part tomorrow). You’ll end the day at accommodation in or near the town of Selfoss.
Highlights:
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- Skógar Museum
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 6 – Thingvellir National Park & Traditional Icelandic Farm
After breakfast, you’ll start by visiting the third stop on the Golden Circle trail, Þingvellir National Park. Aside from its rich history, Þingvellis is also a geological wonder, as it is the boundary of two tectonic plates, the North American and the Eurasian. After exploring the park, you’ll head towards Hvalfjörður, or “Whale Fjord,” where you’ll visit a traditional Icelandic farm. Here, you’ll learn about local farming practices, see how daily farming life is, and sit down for a lunch made with the farm’s own produce. At the end of the day, head to your accommodation in West Iceland, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Highlights:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Hvalfjörður Fjord
- Your Journey Highlight Moment: Traditional Icelandic Farm Visit
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 7 – The Mystical Snæfellsnes National Park
Today, you’ll head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a short stretch of land filled with stunning and diverse landscapes. Watching over your journey today is the mighty Snæfellsjökull Glacier, said to emit mystical energy. See if you can feel it! You’ll stop at charming villages, black pebble beaches, craggy cliffs, and the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain before returning to your accommodations.
Highlights:
- Búðir Village
- Lóndrangar Sea Stacks
- Kirkjufell Mountain
- Djúpalónssandur Beach
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 8 – Sagas & Spa in West Iceland
Today, after breakfast, you’ll explore West Iceland, where many of our beloved Sagas were written. You’ll visit Reykholt, home of the Saga-writer Snorri Sturluson. From there, you’ll see two vastly different but equally impressive waterfalls before visiting Europe’s largest hot spring, Deildartunguhver. Close by is a Krauma Geothermal Spa, where you’ll stop for a soak. It will surely be a welcomed retreat after days on the road. Krauma mixes hot water from Deildartunguhver with cold water from a nearby glacier to create the perfect bathing temperature. At the end of the day, your CEO will drop you off back in Reykjavík, where you’ll bid farewell to them and the rest of your fellow travelers.
Highlights:
- Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
- Reykholt Historical SIte
- Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
- Your Wellness Moment: Krauma Geothermal Spa
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 9 – Departure
Today is your last day in Iceland, and we’re sad to see you go. If your flight leaves in the afternoon or evening, you’ll have some time to explore the vibrant Reykjavík a little before you make your way to Keflavík Airport. You could take a stroll along the ocean to see the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall, visit some of the many shops and restaurants on Laugavegur Shopping Street, or go up Hallgrímskirkja Church, which design was inspired by the iconic Svartifoss Waterfall.
Highlights:
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Harpa Concert Hall
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
