Highlights of Iceland: A Land of Natural Splendor

Guests are encouraged to savor a hearty breakfast at their hotel before embarking on a day of exploration in Reykjavík. With a 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus pass in hand, they can freely discover the eco-friendly and pristine streets of the city’s unique neighborhoods. Embrace the urban charm of Iceland today, as tomorrow’s adventure will take them beyond the city limits to experience the breathtaking natural wonders of this Nordic paradise!

Reykjavík offers the best of both worlds, blending modern trends and forward-looking innovation with close proximity to unspoiled nature, making it a truly magical destination. Guests can explore the city at their leisure with a City Sightseeing bus tour, hopping on and off at conveniently located stops. At Stop 2, there’s an opportunity for an unforgettable whale-watching experience, where minke and humpback whales, porpoises, and even dolphins might be spotted. For a fascinating journey into history and archaeology, a visit to the Reykjavík City Museum is a must. Here, guests can enjoy a high-tech, interactive multimedia experience centered around the excavation of a Viking longhouse dating back to the 10th century—a perfect blend of technology and history that will captivate visitors of all ages.

Today, guests should fuel up with a satisfying breakfast before embarking on a full-day adventure to experience Iceland’s natural beauty on a private Golden Circle tour. This iconic route is Iceland’s most famous scenic journey, offering a captivating circular path that highlights the country’s breathtaking landmarks and historically significant sites.

The outing begins with an exploration of Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia are slowly pulling apart. Guests will witness one of Iceland's largest natural lakes and learn the remarkable story of how the Icelandic parliament, Alþingi, was established in 930 AD. Known as the ‘Assembly Fields’ or ‘Parliament Plains,’ this site, located about 28 miles east of the capital, was the birthplace of one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions. From Þingvellir, the tour continues through picturesque landscapes toward two of Iceland's greatest natural wonders: Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. At Gullfoss, guests can take a short walk down a pathway to get up close to the powerful waterfall, feeling the mist of glacial water as it cascades into the narrow Hvítárgljúfur Canyon. After departing Gullfoss, the next stop is the Geysir hot spring area, where guests will walk among hissing steam vents, sulfurous mud pots, and witness an erupting geyser. This area, home to "The Great Geysir" hot spring from which all geysers are named, is an impressive display of bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and colorful algae deposits. It also features Strokkur, one of the world’s most reliable fountain geysers, which blasts a column of superheated water up to 65 feet into the air every 4 to 8 minutes.

Today begins with an invigorating whale-watching tour from Reykjavík to Faxaflói Bay. As travelers sail through stunning seascapes, they’ll have the chance to spot a variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, and seabirds like gannets and puffins. In the evening, guests will embark on a Northern Lights mystery tour, venturing away from city lights in search of the elusive Aurora Borealis. On a clear night, they may witness the spectacular lights dancing across the sky in breathtaking displays of color and movement.

Guests will enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze and stunning seascapes as they sail from Reykjavík to Faxaflói Bay. Along the way, they can keep an eye out for a variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds such as gannets, puffins, Arctic terns, and gulls. The vessel features large windows for comfortable indoor viewing, as well as multiple platforms for outdoor whale watching. An onboard café offers hot drinks and light refreshments, which can be purchased separately during the tour.

This tour offers guests the chance to search for the Aurora Borealis on a dark winter night in Iceland. Away from the city lights, they will embark on a quest to find the elusive Northern Lights. On a clear night, they may be fortunate enough to witness the lights swirling and weaving across the sky in dramatic shapes and colors. (Check month of travel to determine if this is the best time to view the Northern Lights).

The dawn of each day in Iceland will bring on new wonders! Today, guests embark on a private tour of Iceland’s dramatic South Coast, discovering some of the region’s most iconic natural formations. Highlights include the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, each offering unique perspectives and immersive experiences.

On this tour, guests will explore Iceland's breathtaking South Coast, featuring iconic sites such as the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, and the striking Reynisfjara volcanic beach. As they travel through lush farmlands nestled between the coast and the dramatic mountain ranges and glaciers of the highlands, they will enjoy panoramic views, visit key natural attractions, and learn about the region's fascinating history. Seljalandsfoss, fed by glacier meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull, offers a unique experience with paths that allow visitors to walk around and behind it. Skógafoss provides a similar immersive experience with its staircase and climbing paths. Near the beach town of Vík, guests can admire the powerful ocean waves on the black sand beach and the towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks, or climb the Reynisdrangar basalt formations. With a knowledgeable Iceland tour expert sharing intriguing facts and captivating stories, guests will enrich their experience and make lasting memories.

Today guests will set out on a small group tour of the picturesque Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its stunning natural landscapes and charming towns. This second to last day is travelers' final day to take in the beauty of Iceland!

Explore the scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, where guests will encounter a diverse array of natural wonders and charming locales. Highlights include the intriguing Berserkjahraun lava field, the iconic arrowhead-shaped Kirkjufell mountain, and the striking black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur. Visitors will also discover the quaint fishing village of Arnarstapi and the historic 19th-century church, Búðakirkja. They may spot adorable seals at Ytri-Tunga and visit the town of Borgarnes before returning to Reykjavík.

After several days of exploring Iceland's rugged and breathtaking countryside, what better way to wrap up the adventure than with a visit to the Blue Lagoon? On this final day, guests can unwind and reflect on the incredible memories and spectacular sights they've experienced.

Guests can enjoy a tranquil experience at the Blue Lagoon, an extraordinary geothermal spa set in a surreal landscape where lava meets thermal water. The Premium Level entrance includes the bathing fee, towel rental, and access to the mud bar where guests can use a silica mud mask and an algae mask. They will also receive one drink of their choice at the in-water bar, with options including beer, wine, sparkling wine, cider, soda, skyr boozt, or slush. The Premium Level also provides the use of a bathrobe and slippers, and optional reservations at the Lava Restaurant, with sparkling wine included if dining there. The Blue Lagoon's warm waters, enriched with natural active ingredients like mineral salts, silica, and blue-green algae, promote relaxation and rejuvenation. The white silica mud gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin, while the mineral salts help to balance and soothe both body and soul.

Say bless (or goodbye in English) to Iceland! Travelers may be departing this country full of natural wonders, but they'll always have their memories—and photos—to reminisce about this exciting adventure!