The Gracious South and West Iceland

Meet your guide at 09:00 am and set out to explore Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital. Learn about its history while visiting landmarks such as Hallgrímskirkja, the University campus, and the harbour, where fishing boats, mountain views, and the Harpa concert hall create a distinctive atmosphere. 

We head to an Icelandic restaurant for a lunch stop, where we will experience Iceland through a seasonal menu, with the chef leading the way and the waiter serving as your guide.

After exploring the city and stopping for lunch, visit Bessastaðir, the official residence of Iceland’s president, to learn about the nation’s history and democratic traditions while taking in the surrounding landscape.

• Breakfast / Lunch
• Hótel Borg or similar in Reykjavík
• 150km/93mi

We leave Reykjavík and head west through the countryside towards Borgarfjörður Valley, a region shaped by geothermal energy, rivers and lava fields. We will stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where steam rises steadily from the ground.

Afterwards, we will head to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, both part of the same river system. At Hraunfossar the cold spring water emerges from beneath a wide lava field and flows into the Hvítá river – a formation created by volcanic activity over 1000 years ago. A short walk upstream leads to Barnafoss, where the river narrows between rock formations. This site is also known for its own tragic tale, which adds to the atomosphere of the area

Our journey than takes us to Húsafell, a quiet area near the highlands. From here, we join the Into the Glacier tour, a guided excursion into a man made ice tunnel inside Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier. Specially equipped vehicles bring us up onto the ice, where we explore the glacier from within.

• Breakfast / Dinner
• Hótel Husafell or similar
• 150km / 93mi

Today’s adventure starts at Hvammsvík Hot Springs, located in Hvalfjörður, where geothermal pools meet the sea.

After a rejuvenating soak, we continue towards the Golden Circle. Our first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where Iceland’s parliament was established in 930 AD, making it the oldest in the world. The site lies between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, clearly visible in the landscape.

We then continue to Laugarvatn Fontana, where traditional rye bread is baked using geothermal heat. After learning about this method, we taste the bread while it is still warm.

Our journey continues to Friðheimar Geothermal Greenhouse & Horse Stables. Here, we learn about greenhouse farming powered by geothermal energy and meet the Icelandic horse.

Before heading to the hotel for the evening, we stop at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls, followed by the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes.

• Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Hótel Geysir or similar
• 290km/180mi

This morning venture to the South Shore of Iceland and its wonders. We begin at Skógar Folk Museum that features over 15.000 artifacts in an impressive collection encompassing fishing, farming, and cultural traditions. After exploring Iceland’s past, we head to Skógafoss. Standing at about 60 meters tall and 25 meters wide, it is known for its large volume of water and the mist it creates, which can form rainbows on sunny days. Visitors can get close to the base or hike up the stairs beside it for a view from the top. Next, prepare for the world’s only live lava show, where you’ll get close to molten lava and experience its intense heat at around 1100°C (2000°F). After this thrilling experience, visit Reynisfjara beach with its black sands and striking hexagonal basalt columns. The final stop for the day is Seljalandsfoss, a tall waterfall that offers visitors the unique opportunity to walk behind it along a slippery, wet path. This allows for a full-circle view of the waterfall as it plunges down into the landscape.

• Breakfast / Dinner
• Hótel Geysir or similar
• 360km / 224mi

Begin the day with a visit to Kerið, a volcanic crater formed about 3000 years ago. The crater is about  55 metres deep and features a small lake at its base, with steep slopes of red volcanic rock surrounding it.

From there, we head to Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its geological activity. The area is shaped by volcanic forces, with dramatic fissures, bubbling hot springs, and vast lava fields creating a unique landscape. Our first stop is at the Bridge Between Continents, which lies on one of the world’s largest plate boundaries – between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

We continue to Reykjanesviti, Iceland’s oldest lighthouse. It offers sweeping views of the rugged coastline and surrounding landscapes, standing as a testament to Iceland’s maritime heritage. Afterwards, we stop at Gunnuhver, a geothermal area bursting with boiling mud pools, fumaroles, and vibrant colours from surrounding rocks and minerals that give it an otherworldly atmosphere.

We end the day with a relaxing soak at the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa is renowned for its strikingly vivid blue-turquoise and mineral-rich waters. Soak and unwind surrounded by the surreal and lunar-like landscape of volcanic rocks and moss.

After a week full of adventures, we head back to the hotel in Reykjavík for one last night.

• Breakfast
• Hótel Borg or similar
• 290 km/ 180mi

A taxi will come and pick you up at your accommodation, taking you to Keflavík Airport. As you leave the city, you’ll pass through open landscapes, rocky fields, and coastal views, offering a final look at Iceland’s unique terrain. The route provides a brief but scenic journey as you head towards the airport, ready to catch your flight.

• Breakfast
• 50 km/ 31mi
• Transfer