In Iceland, fire and water create life, and it’s these elements – in all their forms – that are embraced on the island to nourish wellbeing. From relaxing natural thermal spas to exhilarating views from the glacier tops, the island both calms and invigorates.
The terrain of Iceland is otherworldly, at times it might feel like you’re on the moon, which will move the hustle and bustle of everyday life even further from your mind.
In our week together, we’ll dive deep into this unique environment, discovering how geothermal power grows vegetables, how mossy fields are foraged and how locals embrace both the 24 hours of midnight sun in summer and winter’s long nights (with only four hours of daylight).
We’ll hike on giant glaciers, walk the shores of magical volcanic black sand beaches, feel the mist of powerful waterfalls on our faces, and soak (more than once!) in luxuriously soothing thermal waters.
Intrigued? Read on for a day-by-day breakdown of a wild and wonderful seven days.
Ready to book? You’ll find a booking form on the bottom of this page.
May 22 2022 | Arrival day, Reykjavík
Welcome to Iceland! Enjoy today at your leisure, shake off the jetlag, go for a soak at the Sky Lagoon, the newly opened luxury hot pool is just 15 minutes from the city centre. Or venture out and explore our favourite little capital. Grab a coffee from Reykjavík Roasters, which has a new location inside Ásmundarsalur Art Museum. Bite into Brauð & Co’s famous cinnamon buns and visit the top of Hallgrímskirkja church for views over the city. Perlan Museum boasts a 360-degree view of Reykjavik on a clear day and hosts a wonderful exhibition called The Wonders of Iceland. Another fun option is FlyOver Iceland, a new and exciting activity in the Grandi area at walking distance from your hotel – it’s an incredible way to see parts of the country that you can’t really get to otherwise. And get a jump on souvenirs with a visit the Sóley flagstore, one of the wonderful Icelandic cosmetic brands that uses 100% natural and Icelandic ingredients – so pure you could eat their products. Though you might prefer eating the amazing ice cream and chocolate from their neighbours at Omnom.
Tonight, join the group for dinner at a hip restaurant, which features local produce, and meet your travel mates for the week before you take on the island.
Included activities: Group airport transfer from KEF airport to hotel in Reykjavík
Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina, gym on site (check in from 3pm)
Reykjavík from above
Delicious lunch and brunch at Coocoo’s Nest Restaurant
Sky Lagoon, Iceland.
Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik, by Dagny Bjorg
May 23 2022 | Golden Circle and the Secret Lagoon
We’ll get picked up at the hotel by our guide and head out to see an impressive variety of natural phenomena. Our journey of Iceland’s famed Golden Circle includes Þingvellir National Park, to see the awe-inspiring separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal area of Geysir with its erupting geyser (yes, this is where the word comes from). Lunch provides insight into how the island, much of which is tundra, produces food. Our time at Friðheimar Tomato Farm includes a tour and a cozy, very fresh lunch among tomato vines inside their greenhouse.
Then it’s time for some thermal therapy. Icelanders are addicted to their pool and hot pot visits, and you’ll discover why at the Secret Lagoon, the country’s oldest natural geothermal hot pool. You’ll get your glow on thanks to the water, rich in sulfur, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and stays at 38-40 C year-round. Soaking in the warm water helps reduce stress and brings a sense of peace and serenity that is enhanced by the natural environment of the pool. The day ends with a drive to the south coast to check in to the boutique countryside inn where we’ll also have dinner.
Included meals: Breakfast, all inclusive lunch at Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse (excluding alcoholic beverages)
Included activities: Entrance fees and towels at Secret Lagoon
Accommodation: Hotel Vos, outdoor hot tub on site
An erupting geyser in the Golden Circle. Photo taken by Dennis Stever.
Gullfoss in summer by Daniel Guindo
Autumn at Thingvellir National Park in the Golden Circle Platinum Tour. Photo by Dennis Stever
Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse by Dagný Björg Stefánsdóttir
Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse Lunch by Kat Craats
May 24 2022 | Volcanic Westman Islands
Our day starts with a short ferry ride to the volcanic chain of Westman Islands. The main island, Heimaey, was almost destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1973 resulting in a full town evacuation. That year the island increased in size by 20% from the new lava. Today you’ll learn how volcanoes and their effects have shaped – and continue to change – not just the Westman islands but all of Iceland. We’ll tour Heimaey, take in the views of the island old and new and learn how residents have adapted their homes and habits for an ever-changing environment. Lunch is at Gott, where using only local ingredients, they put a Westman twist on traditional Icelandic dishes.
Your afternoon will be wild in all senses of the word – exploring the islands by RIB speedboat. You’ll visit sea caves accessible only by boat, and get stunning views of the famous Elephant Rock and an array of wildlife, like whales and puffins. The Westman islands are one of the best places in Iceland to view puffins, with millions of them calling these islands home for the summer. Afterwards, we’ll return to our hotel on the mainland where you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot tub after dinner.
Included meals: Breakfast, all inclusive lunch at Gott (excluding alcoholic beverages)
Included activities: 1-hour private RIB boat tour of the islands, ferry to and from Heimaey
Accommodation: Hotel Vos, outdoor hot tub on site
Arial View of the Westman Islands
Delicious food from Gott Restaurant
RIB Boat Tour
Puffins. Hidden Iceland. Photo North Sailing
View from Eldfell Volcano. Photo Lucas Peters
Westman Islands. Hidden Iceland. Photo By Norris Niman
May 25 2022 | South Coast Highlights and Horse Riding
Today you’ll meet the famous (and adorable) Icelandic horses; you might get some hair envy while you’re at it. You have the option to add on a one-hour horseback ride to the beautiful, hidden waterfall Írárfoss, and experience the tölt, the extra gait unique to the Icelandic horses that allows them to safely and speedily cross the lava landscapes. You’ll notice that this gait is also very comfortable for you, the rider, as you can just lean back and relax. If horses aren’t your thing, no worries. Our guide will lead you on a short canyon hike with beautiful views and offer insight into the local terrain.
Once reunited as a group, we’ll explore the entire south coast of Iceland, including Skógafoss waterfall and moody and majestic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Both sites will leave you in awe of the power of Mother Nature. We’ll have lunch here before heading further east. The afternoon will be filled with views of spectacular glaciers and Iceland’s highest mountains, as well as a hike along the ridges of Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, believed to have been formed 9,000 years ago. We’ll have dinner at the hotel restaurant, which showcases traditional Icelandic dishes. Post meal, treat yourself with a visit to their sauna and hot tub.
Included meals: Breakfast
Optional activities: 1-hour private horse-riding tour (cost: 9,990 ISK / approx. $96; no riding experience necessary)
Accommodation: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, sauna, hot tub and gym on site
Horse Riding at Skálakot
Fjaðrárgljúfur gorge is on the south coast of Iceland. Photo by Marc Hoey
Reynisfjara Black Beach on the South Coast. Photo by Paul Fencaros
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Basalt Columns. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 day tour. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Norris Niman
May 26 2022 | Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Glacier Hike and more South Coast Sights
Today, we’ll explore Vatnajökull National Park. You’ll want to make sure your phone is fully charged because the photo ops are plentiful. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the first stunning sight, has icebergs floating around this enormous lagoon and washing up on the black sand shores of Diamond Beach. Here you’ll learn about the effects of climate change on Iceland’s glaciers.
We then head west to the Falljökull glacier for an easy glacier hike. (Important note: good ankle and knee mobility is necessary for this terrain.) The group will hike all the way up to the stunning ice fall and explore the incredible glacier features, textures and crevasses along the way. The journey is both energizing and humbling as the enormous glacier can make you feel quite small. Remember to bring a bottle to fill with pure glacial waters that you can drink straight from the glacier. It is so pure that it does not even contain any minerals, you won’t find more pure water anywhere. Then it is time to head west again, back to the wonderful Hotel Vos.
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: Private glacier hike with all necessary hiking gear
Accommodation: Hotel Vos, outdoor hot tub on site
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in winter by Scott Drummond, Hidden Iceland.
Glacier Discovery Tour. Local Guide. Hidden Iceland
Falljökull Glacier Hike | Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 day tour | Hidden Iceland | Photo by EJS Creative
Icebergs on the black sand shore of Diamond Beach by Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, photo by Emily Sillett.
Day 6 | Þórsmörk valley in the Highlands
Another jolt of adrenaline today as you head to Iceland’s highlands for exploration via super jeep. The first stop at Gigjökull glacier puts the jeep to the test as we splash through rivers and streams. Gigjökull is a glacier tongue stretching from the world-famous glacier Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano that erupted in 2010 wreaking havoc all over Europe. Iceland has one of the highest densities of active volcanoes in the world. This and the fast changing and sometimes harsh weather conditions instilled an absolute awe for mother Nature in the Icelandic people. She dictates all and we have to abide by her rules.
Once we are deep into the Þórsmörk valley, you’ll hike through extraordinary terrain and soak in remarkable vistas. You will be able to take the time to let the beauty of this area sink in – it’s an ideal location for meditative exercises focused on experiencing silence and connection with the world around you.
At the end of this amazing tour, you’ll visit the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss where you can enjoy the spectacular views from behind the water curtain. Then it’s time to head back to civilization and Reykjavík, the northernmost capital of the world, to enjoy a nice late dinner.
Included meals: Breakfast, (simple) lunch box
Included activities: Private Super Jeep day tour to Þórsmörk
Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina
Thorsmork Midgard Superjeep in highlands summer.
Thorsmork Superjeep in highlands summer.
Seljalandsfoss Aerial | Hidden Iceland | Photo Danny Mcgee | Featured
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall at Sunset. Hidden Iceland. Feature
Day 7 | Departure Day
Reality awaits, but not before one final Icelandic wellness experience – a soak at the famous Blue Lagoon. It’s the stuff Instagram dreams are made of. But honestly, there’s no better way to prepare for a flight home. The warm silica rich milky waters are so beneficial for your skin that they have even developed psoriasis treatments. With the Premium Entrance, you’ll get the full experience with three silica and mud masks, so you’ll board your flight with a glowing skin and feeling totally relaxed after a three-hour soak in the warm waters surrounded by an otherworldly lava landscape. Then it is time to head to the airport for your flight home.
As Icelanders say: Þar til næst… until next time!
Included meals: Breakfast
Including activities: Airport transfer from Reykjavík to KEF airport with three-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon, Premium entrance to Blue Lagoon (includes entrance, three masks, one drink, towels, use of slippers & bathrobe)
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon. Hidden Iceland.
Keflavík airport.