Day 1 — Keflavik, Iceland

After arriving in Keflavik, meet your private driver for the transfer to the Blue Lagoon. Unwind after your flight with a relaxing soak in these geothermal hot springs. Your admission includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, a towel, and a drink of your choice. Later, continue with your driver to your hotel near the sites of the Golden Circle.  

Day 2 — Golden Circle

Set off on a private tour of the Golden Circle, including the two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir, an active geothermal landscape where geysers shoot water high into the air at regular intervals. Enjoy a memorable lunch at Friðheimar tomato farm before continuing to Þingvellir National Park, site of the oldest surviving parliament in the world. Here, you'll have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snorkel between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. (L)

Day 3 — Þórsmörk Nature Reserve

Embark on a shared Superjeep adventure to the beautiful Þórsmörk Nature Reserve, inaccessible to most vehicles. Cross rivers and meander over lava fields before ending in an area surrounded by glaciers and mountains. If you wish, take a short hike for incredible views over the valley. Return to your hotel near Hella this afternoon. 

Day 4 — Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Travel east with your private driver to Skaftafell, where you’ll strap on crampons and a harness for a small-group hiking excursion on the Vatnajökull glacier. Learn about the formation and characteristics of a glacier firsthand as you trek across the ice. Continue to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where the Vatnajökull glacier calves ice into the water. Join a guided Zodiac boat ride among floating icebergs of all shapes and sizes, and get up close to the glacier face, learning about the geological forces at work here and watching for calving ice.  

Day 5 — South Coast

Make your way back along the south coast with your driver, stopping to visit the many sites along your route. Walk on black-sand beaches and see jagged sea stacks and famous volcanoes. Encounter waterfalls both powerful and picturesque and enjoy ample opportunities for hiking. Settle into your hotel in the town of Hella this afternoon, and enjoy a chance to go horseback riding along Iceland's dramatic south coast. 

Day 6 — Reykjavík

Travel to Reykjavík, where you’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore as you wish. Stop by the National Museum to learn more about Iceland’s history and heritage, or head into the city center to see the distinctive architecture of Harpa Concert Hall on the waterfront. We also suggest visiting Aurora Reykjavík, which recreates the experience of viewing the northern lights. 

Day 7 — Reykjavík

After a free morning in the city, join a group cooking class. Learn how to make traditional Icelandic dishes, and hear how the country’s unique cuisine is intertwined with its folklore and the Icelandic sagas.  

Day 8 — Return Home

Meet your driver this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home.