9 Days in Incredible Iceland

A private driver will be waiting at KEF Airport upon your evening arrival to take you to your Reykjavík hotel - Hótel Reykjavík Saga - where you can get some rest after the long flight and wake up on Iceland time!

After breakfast at the hotel (complimentary when working with JET, of course) you'll take the short stroll down to the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, where you'll meet your guide for a whale watching rib boat tour in Faxaflói. This tour offers a chance to get up close and personal with breaching whales. Previous tourists have spotted orcas, minke whales, humpback whales, fin whales, dolphins and even the odd blue whale. You'll just have to wait and see what we spot on your day out!

Once back on dry land, a local guide will meet you for a captivating Private Food & Wine Tour of Reykjavík, providing a delicious immersion into Icelandic culinary culture. As you meander through the city center, you'll get to savor an array of local flavors, artfully paired with regional beers and wines at enticing establishments. Your appetite for both food and culture will be superbly indulged! I mean, whales and wine?? What an amazing day.

Get picked up from the hotel to embark on your exploration of the entire South Coast of Iceland. Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls (cue TLC) before taking a walk on Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. You'll continue your drive further east as spectacular glaciers and Iceland's highest mountains come into view, until arriving at your next hotel - Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon - perfectly located for spotting the Northern Lights on a clear night!

After a good night's rest, set off on another amazing day. You'll start by making your way to Falljökull for your glacier hike! Trek all the way up to the astonishing ice fall of the glacier, exploring the textures and features, and walking to the bottom of its crevasses. You are like, so outdoorsy and athletic.

Once you come off the ice, head to a local favorite in Iceland. Jökulsárlón will be sure to astonish with its icebergs floating around and washing up on the black sand shores of beautiful Diamond Beach. Here, you'll join a zodiac boat tour to better explore this expansive lagoon and see the calving face of the glacier. It's apparently often possible to spot seals swimming and resting on the icebergs! You'll return to the same hotel for a last night in Vatnajökull National Park.

After a couple of days filled with big adventures, it’s time to slow the pace down and have a more relaxed day. Take your time traveling back west along the South Coast, stopping at even more special spots. For example, start with an easy hike along the colorful, feather-like ridges of the (impossible to pronounce) Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.

Upon reaching the picturesque town of Vík, it’ll be time for lunch. Afterwards, grab the rods and waders for the Skálakot Classic Fishing Tour! * In the Rimhúsaá river, which is fed by meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull glacier, you can expect to catch Arctic Char and Brown Trout on top of truly beautiful surroundings and 360° staggering views.

Following fishing, make your way to your next hotel - Hótel Rangá - located in the middle of the beautiful South Coast, away from any city lights, for another chance to witness the Northern Lights dancing in the Arctic sky!

* Fishing can be easily swapped out for other activities like a black beach ATV tour, horseback riding on Icelandic horses, the Icelandic Lava Show in Vík, or removed altogether for a more relaxed day if preferred.

Today, embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of the Icelandic highlands to explore the magnificent Fjallabak Nature Reserve — an undisputed gem treasured by locals. This area boasts a breathtaking diversity of colors, awe-inspiring land formations and a unique ecosystem that should undoubtedly leave you utterly spellbound.

Among the remarkable sites you may encounter are the iconic Mt. Mælifell, adorned with vibrant green moss, standing majestically amid the black ash desert of Mælifellssandur. The geothermal oasis of Landmannalaugar is just a glimpse of the awaiting wonders in this extraordinary natural sanctuary. The Fjallabak Nature Reserve will surely captivate, where every moment is a revelation of Iceland's unparalleled beauty.

End the day at the dreamy Dalur Lake House in the Golden Circle, a luxurious and chic retreat with access to the Kiðjaberg Golf Course. Here, a private chef will craft exquisite culinary experiences tailored to your preferences. It will be such a treat to relax in serene surroundings, savoring the beauty of your stunning lodge, exclusivity to nature and personalized service. Dalur Lake House promises a haven of comfort and indulgence, a perfect base for the upcoming adventure.

The famed Golden Circle area offers a diverse range of attractions, from geothermal areas like Geysir to vast farmlands. The day begins with the Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most powerful, and from which the name Golden Circle is derived.

Next is a visit to the Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse for a delicious, all-inclusive lunch right among all the plants in the greenhouse. Has the makings of a truly unique experience!

Finally, the day will take you to Þingvellir National Park, which also holds great historical and geological significance. As you make your way back, stop by Kerið Volcanic Crater. Depending on weather, you may adjust the itinerary to start or end the day with golf, conveniently walkable to the lake house... Though, cocktails in the hot tub sound preferable to me!

On our last day of touring, the adventure begins after breakfast for an exploration of the UNESCO Global Geopark on Reykjanes Peninsula. The first destination is The Lava Tunnel, one of Iceland's longest lava caves! Delve into the inner workings of a volcanic eruption, tracing the path of lava from the Leitahraun eruption 5,200 years ago.

Continuing further North, head into the marvelous Hvallfjörður Fjord (also known as "The Whale Fjord" and much easier to pronounce), to the newly opened Hvammsvík hot springs. These baths are located right on the edge of the fjord, offering breathtaking views of the undulating tides right below, making this the perfect place to relax and end the day — and avoid all the tourists at the Sky Lagoon. Back in Reykjavík, and back at Hótel Reykjavík Saga, enjoy your last dinner in the city.

Today marks the last day of your Iceland adventure! A private driver will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you back to KEF Airport for your journey home. Use the flight to relax, reflect on Incredible Iceland and plan your debrief with Jenna!