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Arrive
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Day 1 Reykjavik
After arriving in Iceland's lively coastal capital, take a private transfer to the Exeter Hotel, located within walking distance of the main shopping street, Laugavegur, as well as many popular restaurants, bars, and landmarks such as Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Old Harbour. This modern and stylish hotel is a great base for exploring Reykjavik's cultural and natural attractions.
Overnight: Hotel Exeter
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Day 2 Inside the Thrihnukagigur volcano and Golden Circle
Dormant for 4,000 years, the Thrihnukagigur volcano is a natural phenomenon unlike any other. Layered in protective gear, venture forth in an open cable lift to its magma chamber - a volcano's heart, where liquid rock usually waits to explode, and which closes up after an eruption, filling with hardened lava. Thanks to an inexplicable occurrence whereby Thrihnukagigur's magma appears to have vanished instead of solidifying, it is the only volcano in the world where it is possible to descend more than 200 metres to its core. It takes about 45 minutes to reach on foot, but add on a helicopter transfer to the top offers something even more special.
Iceland's Golden Circle is an eastward loop of natural wonders from Reykjavik. Today, you will also visit Thingvellir National Park, sitting in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are slowly drifting away from each other. Iceland's national parliament was established here in 930, and its stunning, sprawling mossy outcrops are now a UNSECO World Heritage Site. A little further inland is the Geysir area - an exciting geothermal spectacle of hot spouting geysers. While the most well known is the Great Geysir, the most spirited is Strokkur, blasting water up to 40 metres high every few minutes. You will continue north to a spot where waters flow downwards, instead: the powerful Gullfoss waterfall sends water from Iceland's second largest glacier plummeting 32 metres into a canyon below.
Overnight: Torfhús Retreat
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Day 3 Landmannalaugar Tour
Breathe deep lungfuls of fresh Icelandic air at the remote stops afforded by your private tour of Landmannalaugar, the windswept siren of the southern highlands. The summer sun illuminates rivers, craters, mountains and solidified lava fields just so - and combined with the unexpected thrills of off-roading, you might find yourself unwilling to leave. Admire the vast Hekla volcano, which last erupted in 2000 and was coined the "gateway to hell" by settlers in the Middle Ages. And, if the mood strikes, take a dip in one of Landmannalaugar's many natural hot springs.
Overnight: Torfhús Retreat
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Day 4 Iceland's South Shore
Today's private tour will take you along a route that tracks some of Iceland's most impressive coastal sights. The Skógafoss waterfall thunders down into a small canyon where you can walk up to meet the impact, while dauntless travellers will be keen to pop behind the veil of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall's current, which flows down from the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic glacier. A few beaches here are covered in black sand, like Reynisfjara, a stretch that delivers the setting for an otherworldly stroll. Sculptural columns of basalt form the cliff edge, mighty Atlantic waves break on the beach, and the jagged Reynisdrangar stacks sit just out at sea. Legend has it that a couple of industrious trolls saw a ship on the horizon one night, tried to drag it to shore, but got caught out by the sunlight - at dawn they turned to stone and remain there as a warning.
Overnight: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Hotel
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Day 5 Skaftafell National Park- Jokulsarlon lagoon with a boat ride
Awe-inspiringly open, full of dazzling mountains and glaciers, Skaftafell National Park is a realm calling for wild outdoor adventure. Enjoy spotting wildlife and Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur, while taking some of Iceland's most rewarding walks. It's a 2-hour walk to the Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by a wall of dramatic black basalt and sitting in a verdant gorge; the Svínafellsjökull glacier is packed with jagged ridges that glimmer in a vivid shade of blue, defying nature itself. The highlight here is the short hike to the tongue of the glacier that feeds from the largest ice cap in Europe - the mighty Vatnajökull.
The summer months allow boats to cross the breathtaking Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon: Iceland's deepest lake, on the island's south-eastern shore. Scattered with icebergs and brimming with birdlife such as Arctic terns, this is an experience that glitters with otherworldly magic on such bright days. This part of Iceland is a beacon for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Mossy and often snow-capped hills rise in one direction, while atmospherically misty grass plains extend in the other. Your private tour will end at Skálakot - as much boutique hotel as a seventh-generation family-run horse breeding farm. Its 14 bedrooms are in fact an extension of the farmhouse the family lives in, with its rooms and suites blending a homely welcome with 20th-century design. Besides incredible ocean and mountain views, its fine dining restaurant focuses on fresh local ingredients.
Overnight: Skalakot
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Day 6 Westman Islands- Beluga and Puffins Zodiac Boat Tour
Fifteen islands make up the Westman archipelago, and today you will discover their delights from both land and sea. Only the largest, Heimaey, is inhabited by humans - along with millions of puffins that nest here in the summer - and has a fascinating history that spans fishing, slavery, pirate raids and more recently, a completely unexpected volcanic eruption in 1973 that devastated the island. After learning about its history, you will explore the surrounding cave-strewn islets by private RIB, with seabirds and perhaps a few seals or a whale for company. Climbing the Westmanns' highest peak, Heimaklettur, is an invigorating encounter that will leave a lasting impression of these marvellous cliffs.
After your tour, enjoy the rest of your day at The Retreat Hotel- the only one to provide unrestricted access to the Blue lagoon's waters. Its 62 suites are built into the surrounding rock, along with a divine subterranean spa and a restaurant offering dynamic five or seven-course Icelandic tasting menus. Floor-to-ceiling windows afford arresting panoramas from rooms full of natural wood panels, slate-coloured walls and a contemporary, minimalist air.
Overnight: Retreat Hotel
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Day 7 Lava Tunnel - Reykjanes Peninsula
Your final day celebrates the Reykjanes Peninsula with its large lava fields and geothermal activity that affords Iceland much of its admiration for nature, from lakes that have survived earthquakes to sulphuric waters that have turned rocks into a kaleidoscopic canvas. Enjoy visiting the lava tunnel, a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of the Leitahraun volcanic eruption, which occurred about 5200 years ago.
Finish your afternoon at the Retreat, surrounded by an incredible grey solidified lava field and the Blue Lagoon's salty 40°C waters, with the striking shade of turquoise thanks to a chalky white silica floor, a stunning sight to behold.
Overnight: Retreat Hotel
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Day 8 Departure
Depart on your private transfer for your flight home.
Overnight: Home
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Depart
