Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik
Upon your arrival at Keflavík International Airport, your private driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland’s lively and colorful capital city.
Begin your exploration with a visit to Hallgrímskirkja, the striking hilltop church whose tower offers panoramic views across the city’s rooftops and the mountains beyond.
Stroll down Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, lined with boutique stores, cozy cafés, and art galleries. Along the waterfront, pause to admire the Sun Voyager sculpture — a gleaming steel tribute to exploration and the spirit of discovery.
Nearby, visit the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural gem with a glass façade that reflects the shifting light of the harbor.
Day 2: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This morning, depart Reykjavik and journey north toward the dramatic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often described as “Iceland in Miniature” for its remarkable diversity of landscapes, volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, glaciers, and black-sand shores all within a single region.
Along the way, make your first stop in Borgarfjörður, a fertile valley filled with hidden treasures. Visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, two neighboring waterfalls with Hraunfossar’s delicate streams emerging from a lava field, while Barnafoss churns powerfully through a narrow canyon of blue water.
Continuing west, the scenery transforms into sweeping coastal plains backed by mountains. Upon reaching Arnarstapi, stroll along the seaside cliffs dotted with basalt arches and nesting seabirds, where the Atlantic crashes dramatically against the rocks below.
Later, walk along the Djúpalónssandur beach, a hauntingly beautiful stretch of black pebbles scattered with remnants of shipwrecks. On clear days, the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier looms on the horizon.
Arrive at your accommodation in Arnarstapi or Stykkishólmur.
Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Loop
Spend a full day exploring the wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on a scenic circular route.
Begin at Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most recognizable mountains, whose graceful cone shape and companion waterfall have made it a favorite for photographers and travelers alike.
Nearby lies the fishing village of Grundarfjörður, where colorful boats line the harbor against a backdrop of rugged peaks.
Make your way to Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge to discover an enchanting world of echoing water and filtered light, an unforgettable experience for those seeking a touch of adventure.
For the best views of the peninsula, you can take the short hike up Saxhóll Crater.
Day 4: Westfjords
Leave the Snæfellsnes Peninsula behind and set out on one of Iceland’s most breathtaking drives toward the remote and dramatic Westfjords.
Stop in Patreksfjörður, a harbor village surrounded by towering mountains and tranquil bays.
Continue through a landscape that feels wild and timeless, where sheep graze on steep green slopes and waterfalls tumble from distant ridgelines.
By evening, arrive in Ísafjörður, the cultural heart of the Westfjords. Framed by dramatic mountains and nestled on a narrow spit of land, Ísafjörður is both charming and historic, with brightly colored houses, a working harbor, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Take a stroll through town, exploring its small shops and maritime heritage before settling in for the night amid the serenity of Iceland’s most remote region.
Day 5: Exploring The Westfjords
Your first stop on day five is Dynjandi Waterfall, often called the “jewel of the Westfjords.”
This spectacular cascade fans out over a series of rocky steps, tumbling nearly 100 meters down the mountainside. Take the short trail to the base and feel the cool mist on your face as you gaze up at one of Iceland’s most photogenic natural wonders.
From here, follow winding coastal roads toward Látrabjarg cliffs, Europe’s westernmost point and a haven for seabirds, especially puffins during the summer months.
End the day with a visit to the Rauðisandur red sand beach, a striking contrast to Iceland’s usual black-sand shores.
Day 6: Skagafjörður
After breakfast, depart the Westfjords and head east toward the valleys and meadows of Skagafjörður, known for its strong agricultural traditions and Icelandic horse breeding heritage. The drive along Route 60 weaves through mountains, across plateaus, and alongside peaceful fjords.
Midway through your journey, make a stop in Hvammstangi, a small seaside town famous for its resident seal colonies.
Continuing onward, you’ll enter Skagafjörður. The valley is home to traditional turf farms, graceful Icelandic horses, and views stretching toward the sea.y to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty and learn about the country’s geological history.
Day 7: Akureyri
Today you’ll explore Akureyri, Iceland’s vibrant northern capital.
After pausing in the coastal village of Hofsós, continue north to Akureyri, where your guide will introduce you to the city’s highlights, including the striking Akureyri Church, the Botanical Gardens, and the inviting downtown cafés that line Hafnarstræti Street.
Depending on your interests and the season, you may wish to take an optional whale-watching excursion from the nearby harbor, where humpback whales and dolphins are frequently spotted in the waters of Eyjafjörður.
Spend the evening at leisure exploring Akureyri’s walkable center, enjoying dinner at a local bistro, and perhaps sampling Icelandic craft beer or seafood while overlooking the fjord.
Day 8: Goðafoss Waterfall & Lake Mývatn Region
Depart Akureyri this morning and travel east toward the volcanic landscapes of Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most geologically fascinating regions. This short but spectacular drive is filled with natural highlights and photogenic stops.
Your first stop is the Goðafoss Waterfall, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” This stunning crescent-shaped cascade tumbles dramatically into a deep turquoise pool below and holds an important place in Icelandic history — it was here, according to legend, that idols of the old Norse gods were thrown into the falls when Iceland converted to Christianity.
Continue toward Lake Mývatn, a serene expanse surrounded by geothermal fields, lava formations, and otherworldly terrain. Visit the Hverir geothermal area, where steam vents hiss from the Earth and bubbling mud pots paint the landscape in shades of ochre and gray — a living reminder of the island’s volcanic power.
Explore the Dimmuborgir lava formations, a labyrinth of twisted pillars and caves formed by ancient lava flows. The area is steeped in folklore, said to be home to trolls and elves in Icelandic legend.
End the day with a relaxing soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths.
Day 9: Egilsstaðir
Depart the Mývatn region and journey east toward Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland and a gateway to the country’s most secluded fjords.
If conditions permit, make a detour to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The thunder of its waters echoes through the vast canyon of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, where glacial melt from Vatnajökull roars over the cliffs into a misty abyss.
Our next destination is Ásbyrgi Canyon, a striking horseshoe-shaped valley believed in Norse mythology to have been formed by the hoofprint of Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir.
As you approach Egilsstaðir, the scenery softens into rolling hills and winding rivers. The drive through the East Fjords offers cinematic views at every turn, deep fjords cutting into mountains, isolated farms, and fishing villages that seem frozen in time.
Settle into your accommodation in Egilsstaðir for the evening, surrounded by the quiet rhythm of East Iceland’s pastoral landscapes.
Day 10: Höfn
We head deeper into the East Fjords, an area of steep mountains, sparkling fjords, and remote fishing communities.
Start your day with a short detour to Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque fjord town celebrated for its brightly painted wooden houses and thriving arts community.
Cradled by steep mountains, Seyðisfjörður combines Norwegian-style architecture with Icelandic craftsmanship and a warm, creative atmosphere. Take a walk along the main street, step inside the town’s iconic blue church, or relax with a coffee at a local café.
From there, follow the scenic coastal road south, winding past quiet harbors and mountain passes until you arrive in Djúpivogur, a peaceful fishing village overlooking the Berufjörður fjord.
It’s the perfect place to pause for a stroll, explore local art studios, and take in the view of Búlandstindur, the pyramid-shaped mountain said in Icelandic folklore to possess mystical powers.
Arrive in Höfn for the evening, a seaside town renowned for its seafood and dramatic views of the Vatnajökull Glacier, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Day 11: Vatnajökull National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring the spectacular southern edge of Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier and some of Iceland’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
Travel along the coast to the mesmerizing Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs drift serenely across the icy blue water before floating out to sea. Walk along the nearby Diamond Beach, where chunks of crystal-clear ice rest on the black sand, glinting like jewels in the sunlight.
Continue to Skaftafell National Park, a breathtaking oasis of greenery framed by glaciers and volcanic peaks. Take one of the scenic hiking trails to Svartifoss Waterfall, famous for the dark basalt columns that form its natural backdrop, one of Iceland’s most striking sights.
Whether you choose a short, easy walk or a longer guided hike onto the glacier itself, Skaftafell offers endless opportunities for discovery. Return to your hotel in the Skaftafell or Höfn area for an evening of relaxation and reflection on the day’s unforgettable landscapes.
Day 12: Skaftafell & Höfn
Enjoy a more leisurely pace today as you take in the natural splendor surrounding Vatnajökull National Park. If you’re eager for further adventure, consider one of several optional guided hikes to explore additional glacier tongues or scenic viewpoints within Skaftafell. Each trail reveals new perspectives on the park’s vast ice fields, cascading rivers, and volcanic ridges.
In the evening, treat yourself to Höfn’s renowned lobster dishes, a regional specialty celebrated throughout Iceland.
Day 13: Vík
Depart Höfn this morning for a breathtaking drive west along Iceland’s famous South Coast, where glaciers meet black-sand beaches and the scenery feels almost otherworldly.
Make your first stop at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a smaller but equally captivating counterpart to Jökulsárlón. Here, icebergs drift across a serene glacial lake beneath the looming face of Vatnajökull. Take a short walk along the shoreline for quiet, up-close views of the ice and its mirrored reflections on the water’s surface.
Continue your journey through a landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions and glacial floods, passing moss-covered lava fields and distant waterfalls. Arrive at Dyrhólaey, a dramatic headland that offers sweeping views of the coastline, its iconic stone arch rising from the sea. In summer, puffins nest on the cliffs, adding color and movement to this wild vista.
End your day at Reynisfjara, Iceland’s famous black-sand beach, where the towering basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks create one of the most striking coastal scenes in the world. Listen to the thunderous waves and watch the mist roll across the dark sand — a truly cinematic finale to your day’s drive.
Arrive in Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland, for an overnight stay surrounded by cliffs, ocean, and volcanic beauty.
Day 14: Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls
Leave Vík and travel west through the lush farmlands and waterfalls that define Iceland’s southern lowlands. This is one of the most scenic stretches of the Ring Road, offering easy access to two of the country’s most iconic cascades.
Your first stop is the majestic Skógafoss Waterfall, where a powerful curtain of water plunges 60 meters from the cliffs above. Climb the stairway alongside the falls for panoramic views of the coastline and the Skóga River winding through the valley below. For those feeling adventurous, a section of the Fimmvörðuháls trail begins here, a world-renowned route between glaciers that can be enjoyed as a short, scenic hike today.
Continue west to the elegant Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, unique for the walking path that leads behind its shimmering veil of water. Step carefully along the trail for an unforgettable perspective.
Arrive in Hella or Hvolsvöllur, two peaceful towns set amid rolling farmland and views of the distant highlands, where you’ll spend the next few nights.
Day 15: Golden Circle
Today you’ll explore Iceland’s celebrated Golden Circle, a route that combines natural wonders, geological marvels, and historic landmarks.
Begin at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland’s ancient parliament was founded over a thousand years ago.
Walk through the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, surrounded by cliffs, streams, and lava fields.
Next, continue to the Geysir Geothermal Area, a bubbling field of hot springs and fumaroles where the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, sending jets of steaming water high into the air. The energy of the Earth feels palpable here.
End your day at Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most beloved natural icons. Watch as the Hvítá River plunges into a deep canyon in a powerful double cascade, the mist catching the sunlight in shimmering rainbows.
If time allows, you may also stop at Kerið Crater, a volcanic caldera filled with striking turquoise water. Return to Hella in the evening for a quiet night amid the countryside.
Day 16: Hidden Waterfalls & Secret Lagoon
Spend another day discovering the lesser-known treasures of the South Coast at a relaxed pace.
You may choose to begin with a visit to the Secret Lagoon, one of Iceland’s oldest natural hot springs. Nestled in the small village of Flúðir, this geothermal pool offers a tranquil atmosphere and warm, soothing waters — a perfect contrast to the rugged landscapes around it.
The rest of the day can be tailored to your interests, whether exploring hidden waterfalls, taking short hikes to scenic viewpoints, or revisiting favorite stops from earlier in the journey. With your base in Hella, you have the flexibility to experience this region’s many charms away from the crowds.
Day 17: Blue Lagoon, Gunnuhver & Reykjanes Lighthouse
Your journey comes full circle today as you travel toward the Reykjanes Peninsula, a landscape of geothermal energy, rugged cliffs, and Atlantic windswept beauty.
Begin at the world-famous Blue Lagoon, where you can soak in the milky-blue geothermal waters surrounded by black lava fields. Alternatively, visit one of the region’s lesser-known hot springs for a quieter soak.
Continue to the Gunnuhver geothermal area, where steam vents and mud pools bubble furiously in a landscape that seems alive with energy. Nearby, stop at Brimketill, a natural lava rock pool perched at the ocean’s edge, carved over centuries by crashing waves.
Arrive back in the capital by evening, where you’ll spend your final night enjoying the comforts and culture of the city.
Day 18: Departure
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Reykjavik before your private transfer to Keflavík International Airport.
