A slower-paced, small group trip through Iceland… 

Small group: There are only 11 people maximum on this trip allowing us to do some unique experiences that the big groups cannot.

No rushing!: Our trip is 11 days so you can take your time to truly take in the beauty of Iceland instead of cramming everything into 5-6 short days and no rushing in and out of a bus at each stop.

Hot springs: In addition to the must-see Blue Lagoon, cleanse your body & soul in some less crowded hot springs that we visit.

Hobbit Hotel on top of the world: Stay in a traditional turf house at the highest settlement in Iceland

Beer spa & jacuzzi: Soak in wooden, beer-filled jacuzzis overlooking breathtaking mountain ranges all while sipping on your favorite glass of lager.

Welcome to Iceland! Arrive in Reykjavik and settle into your hotel in the heart of the city center. Depending on your arrival time, you have the rest of the day to explore the small but vibrant city and its museums, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Or you can get some rest before you meet your trip leader and the rest of the group tomorrow.

*Airport pick-up is not included. You can easily take a taxi at the airport or pre-arrange an airport pick-up with a transport company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you may find on travel sites such as TripAdvisor. For more information on getting to Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the City Center, please refer to our blog about it!

Included:

• Activities: Arrival (at your own expense); Free time
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

This morning, hit the road and start your journey along the Golden Circle, the famous loop chalked full of some of Iceland’s most must-see sites. Stop by Thingvellir National Park where you can straddle two continents at once, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Your trip leader will take you to a secret spot where you can touch both continents at the same time!

Next up is a geothermal valley filled with hot springs, mud pools, and steam vents. It is also where you can see the Strokkur Geyser. This geyser is very active and erupts about every 10 minutes to heights of over 60 feet.

Finally, you will reach the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. A pathway takes you right to the river’s edge where you can get a real sense of the enormous, natural power of this waterfall.

Included:

• Activities: Golden Circle loop; Thingvellir National Park; Strokkur Geyser; Gullfoss Waterfall
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

This morning, you will get to see two more waterfalls. First up is Seljalandsfoss where you can walk behind the waterfall for a unique perspective. There is also another waterfall that is only 650 feet away but it is hidden so many travelers miss it. To get there, you’ll walk through a small slit in between the rocks and then, hop from one stone to the next. Going to this waterfall will make you feel like you are stepping through a secret portal to another world.

Next up is Skógafoss under which a Viking named Thrasi hid his gold, according to legend. You can hike to the top and get amazing views of the waterfall. Continue onward to a mountain covered in glacial ice and take a short walk around to check out the unique glacial formations against the backdrop of black volcanic rocks.

Afterward, visit the black sand beach of Reynisfjara with its unique rock formations that are synonymous with Iceland. Lastly, make your way to Dyrhólaey which has an amazing view of a rock formation in the shape of an arch.

Included:

• Activities: Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfalls; Myrdalshreppur glacier walk; Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach; Dyrhólaey Promontory
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Today, journey to the National Park of Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Iceland which covers approximately 8% of the country. Skaftafell is the main area of the national park and there are lots of great trails leading to a giant glacier. Thereafter, head to Fjallsarlon Iceberg Lagoon. This lagoon does not get as many visitors as the neighboring Jökulsárlón so you will likely be the only ones there when you hop in the zodiac to get up close to the glacier. When you approach the glacier, you can see and hear the ice falling into the lagoon!

Then, head to the Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon where beautiful icebergs break from a glacier and set sail out to the ocean. Take a short walk from the lagoon to Diamond Beach where these icebergs wash up on the black sand shore like glittering jewels.

Included:

• Activities: Vatnajökull & Skaftafell National Parks; Fjallsarlon Iceberg Lagoon zodiac tour; Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon; Diamond Beach
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel

Continue eastward today on a breathtaking route along the East Fjords as you pass by tranquil fishing villages and sweeping coastal landscapes. You will see rugged mountains and stunning bays in a very rural, historical part of Iceland, full of unspoiled landscapes.

Your hotel was built in 1903 and was previously used as a hospital for French fishermen. Underneath the hotel, you can see a life-size diorama depicting what life was like in those times along with eerily realistic mannequins making for a bit of a spooky experience.

Included:

• Activities: East fjords drive
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel

The Central Highlands is the largest and most remote region in Iceland. They are also one of the largest uninhabited areas in Europe and can only be crossed during the Icelandic summer. The Highlands are characterized by some of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring, otherworldly landscapes.

Today, your travels will lead you to Dettifoss, said to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe and aptly nicknamed “The Beast”!

Arrive in Husavik where you will spend the night but first, visit the Geosea thermal baths and enjoy a soak in the toasty waters with amazing views!

Included:

• Activities: Dettifoss Waterfall; Lake Mývatn; Geosea thermal spa
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel

Before you hit the road today, hop on an eco-friendly sailboat and sail out into Skjalfandi Bay to go whale watching! Humpback whales, killer whales, Minke whales, and many other types have all been spotted here so keep your eyes peeled!

Afterward, you will be on your way to another regal waterfall that goes by the name of Goðafoss, or “waterfall of the gods” with a fascinating history. As you continue onward, end the day in Akureyri, the capital of the north.

Although Akureyri is a city with only around 19,000 residents, it offers several great attractions, restaurants, and shops. You will have the rest of the day at your leisure to discover all that Akureyri has to offer.

Included: 

• Activities: Whale watching; Goðafoss Waterfall; Akureyri guided walking tour & free time
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel

On your last day of traveling, head south and go through three mountain passes with some secret, surprise stops along the way… Think outdoor jacuzzi and beer spa!

Included:

• Activities: Beer spa & hot tub
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel

Today, explore the historic area of Reykholt which holds quite a few gems: the cascades of Hraunfossar and Barnafossar that spill out from porous lava rock as well as some remarkable lava fields.

You will then be on your way back to Reykjavik but first, stop at the Blue Lagoon where you can take a dip at Iceland’s most iconic spa. A calming bath in the steamy, sulfur pools is the perfect way to relax after your adventure around the island.

Upon return to Reykjavik, you will have the rest of the day at your leisure to check out more of the city or relax at the hotel.

Included:

• Activities: Hraunfossar and Barnafossar Cascades; Blue Lagoon
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

You have the whole day at your leisure. Get some R&R at the hotel or head out to explore this charming capital city.

Included:

• Activities: Free time (optional activities at your own expense)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Depending on your flight time, you will have free time on your own in Reykjavik before catching your flight back home.

Included:

• Activities: Free time; Departure (at your own expense)
• Meals: Breakfast

*Itinerary is subject to change.