Classic Iceland

Welcome to Iceland! After arriving at Keflavik International Airport, a private transfer will bring you to your hotel in Reykjavik. After taking time to settle in, head out to explore this small, walking city, the cultural, artistic, and social heart of the country. It’s home to a variety of museums, art galleries, fantastic street art, trendy cafes, and welcoming pubs. We suggest starting at the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church that sits atop Skolavorduhaed Hill. Take the elevator to the top of the 244-foot tower to get an understanding of the city’s layout and a panoramic view of the colorful rooftops, the ocean, and surrounding mountains.

Meet your local guide for a private tour of the capital city that explores landmarks like the 19th-century House of Parliament, Hallgrimskirkja Church, Reykjavik Cathedral, and the Harpa concert hall, with its impressive colored glass facades inspired by Iceland’s basalt landscape. Afterwards, explore on your own. The roadway that ascends from the church toward downtown is lined with interesting boutiques and a local treasure, 12 Tonar. A vinyl/CD store, open one up, sit down with a free espresso, and have a listen to discover what Icelandic music is all about. By visiting the National Museum, you can learn more about the country’s history too.

Leaving Reykjavik, you’ll head to the popular Golden Circle, a tourist route with numerous attractions along the way. In Thingvellir Park, you can stand between two continents and see the “Law Rock,” where an assembly gathered to create laws and discuss other issues for over 850 years. Head to the Geysir area with boiling mud pits and erupting geysers, including Strokkur, which skyrockets 100 feet every 5 to 10 minutes. The area’s namesake, Geysir, rarely erupts now but lent its name to others across the globe. Marvel at Gullfoss, Iceland’s own version of Niagara Falls, where frequent rainbows develop in the mist.

You’ll see more of Iceland’s famous waterfalls along the South Coast along with other impressive sights. The first stop on your tour is Seljalandsfoss, which plunges nearly 200 feet into a pool below. You can even walk behind the cascades for a unique perspective of the landscape from behind the veil. Just another 30 minutes down the road is Skogafoss which has been featured in films like “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and the TV series “Vikings.” The thundering falls are over 80 feet wide and drop nearly 60 feet. Afterward, visit the black sands of Reynisfjara Beach where basalt sea stacks lie just offshore.

Heading back toward the airport, you’ll have one more full day in Iceland to enjoy the Reykjanes Peninsula before departing. This is your chance to soak in the legendary Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, a natural geothermal spa with warm, milky turquoise waters surrounded by black volcanic rocks. You can swim out to a bar in the middle of the lagoon to enjoy a cocktail, beer, or a healthy smoothie, get an in-water massage, or a revitalizing natural silica mask. A tour of the peninsula will reveal the Selton Geothermal Area, Kleifarvatn Lake, and the Krysuvikurbjarg cliffs, home to rare sea birds.

After five nights in spectacular Iceland, your tour has come to an end. If your flight doesn’t depart until later in the afternoon, you may be able to enjoy another soak in the Blue Lagoon. When it’s time, you’ll be met by your private driver for transfer back to Keflavik Airport to make your return journey home or head out to enjoy travels elsewhere. With so many fabulous destinations to explore in Europe and beyond, our travel experts can add a bespoke addition to your itinerary if you don’t have to go home just yet.