The Best of Iceland

Flights from the U.S. typically arrive in the early morning. After an overnight journey, you will likely be tired, and may not be able to check into your hotel until the afternoon, so easing into the day is key.

Begin your Iceland experience at the Blue Lagoon, located just a 20-minute drive from the airport.

You have two options here:

• Standard Blue Lagoon Admission: A more social, open experience

• The Retreat at Blue Lagoon: A much more elevated, private, and serene experience.

The Retreat includes a 5-hour pass with access to a private changing suite (complete with shower, hair tools, and Blue Lagoon spa products), as well as the exclusive Blue Lagoon Ritual, a seven-step wellness experience rooted in Icelandic bathing culture. You’ll also enjoy access to a private lagoon, offering a quieter, more secluded atmosphere, along with a dedicated dining area overlooking the water.

After a rejuvenating morning soaking in the mineral-rich waters, you’ll transfer to your first hotel. We’ll select the best location depending on your overall route and pace for the trip.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel before setting out to explore Iceland’s dramatic South Coast.

Your first stop is the LAVA Centre, an immersive and interactive exhibition focused on Iceland’s volcanic activity and earthquakes. Through engaging displays and simulations, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the powerful natural forces that have shaped the island.

Continue your scenic drive with the following highlights:

• Skógafoss Waterfall: One of Iceland’s largest and most iconic waterfalls, dropping approximately 197 feet with a width of 82 feet. You can walk right up to the base, just be prepared to get drenched by the mist. The sheer power and scale are unforgettable.

• Lunch at Skógafoss Bistro: A casual yet excellent spot overlooking the waterfall, perfect for a relaxed and scenic lunch.

• Dyrhólaey Peninsula: A stunning nature reserve offering panoramic views over black sand beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. The iconic lighthouse and dramatic coastal cliffs make this a must-stop for photos.

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: A unique waterfall you can walk behind, offering a completely different perspective. Be prepared for a bit of spray, but it’s well worth it.

Today is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Iceland.

• Private Katla Ice Cave Adventure: Set out in a super jeep across rugged terrain to reach a natural ice cave beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. This is a rare opportunity to step inside a glacier and witness the striking layers of ice, ash, and volcanic history

• Vík í Mýrdal (Vík Village): This charming coastal village sits beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers the active Katla volcano. It’s a great place to explore, grab a coffee, and take in sweeping ocean views.

• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Located just outside Vík, this world-famous beach is known for its dramatic black sand, powerful Atlantic waves, and striking basalt column formations. The landscape here feels otherworldly, beautiful, raw, and unforgettable

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (if not completed on day two or for a different light experience): Seeing it at a different time of day offers a completely new perspective.

Private Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike: Strap on crampons and explore one of Iceland’s most accessible glaciers with a private guide. You’ll walk across ice formations, and ridges, see crevasses up close, all while learning about the glacier’s movement and the impact of climate change. This is both an active and educational experience, set within a truly surreal landscape.

• Buggy adventure: An exhilarating way to explore Iceland’s rugged terrain, drive through lava fields, black sand landscapes, and off-road trails for a completely different perspective of the region.

• Local farm visit: Experience Icelandic culture up close with a visit to a local farm. Learn about traditional farming practices, meet local animals, and enjoy a slower, more authentic side of Icelandic life.

Today you’ll explore Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, the Golden Circle.

• Gullfoss Waterfall: One of Iceland’s most powerful and iconic waterfalls, cascading into a dramatic canyon along the Hvítá River.

• Geysir Geothermal Area: A fascinating geothermal landscape where the original “Geysir” gave all geysers their name. While Geysir itself is mostly dormant, nearby Strokkur erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air.

• Lunch at Friðheimar Greenhouse Restaurant: A unique dining experience inside a greenhouse, where tomatoes are grown year-round using geothermal energy. Expect fresh, flavorful dishes in a beautiful, unexpected setting.

• Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site): A place of both geological and historical significance. Here, you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates as they slowly drift apart. The dramatic Almannagjá gorge, along with waterfalls, rivers, and expansive landscapes, makes this a truly special stop.

On your final day, enjoy a relaxed morning at Sky Lagoon before preparing for your journey home. If time allows based on your flight schedule, consider heading into Reykjavík for a bit of last-minute exploring and shopping. Stroll along Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street, where you’ll find a mix of local boutiques, Icelandic design shops, cozy cafés, and souvenir stores.