Welcome to the mythical lands of Iceland. Take a private transfer from Keflavik airport to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time you may have time to explore some of Reykjavik. If you do, we recommend checking out the wonderful National Museum of Iceland to learn about the Viking history of the region. Meet your guide and fellow travelers In the late afternoon for a welcome meeting, then visit a local restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner. 

Hit some of Iceland’s top highlights today, starting with Hafnarfjördur, a charming little port town. Centuries-old folklore tells us that this is where the largest colonies of elves, dwarves and other spiritual beings once lived. Hear some Icelandic folk tales before  heading to the spectacular Þingvellir National Park, home to the first Icelandic parliament, from the 10th to 18th centuries. It lies on the divergent edges of the European and North American tectonic plates. It is this active plate boundary and associated hotspot under Iceland that creates the steaming vents and chimneys of the Geysir Geothermal Area. Continue from here to the Geysir and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - Gullfoss. Arrive at your accommodation in the early evening, just in time for dinner.

Begin your day with a visit to two different waterfalls; iconic Seljalandsfoss is often featured in Icelandic tourist guides, while 60m high Skogafoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Next, make your way to Reynisfjara, better known as the black beach of Iceland. The sand here is actually volcanic ash that’s been ground down over thousands of years. Finally, you’ll visit the extraordinary Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a stunning glacial lagoon renowned for its icy blue waters speckled with icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. After a busy day of exploring, return to your hotel for dinner. 

Take a scenic ride back along the south coast towards Reykjavik today, stopping at more of the country’s beauty spots, including Drangurinn Rock. Upon arrival, take some time to rest in your hotel, before enjoying a short walking tour of Iceland’s capital. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Don’t miss the distinctive Hallgrimskirkja church, which looks more like an alien spaceship than a place of worship. And the Icelandic Phallological Museum is fun too! For dinner, there are lots of great restaurants in the city, or you could seek out Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, one of the oldest family businesses in Reykjavik; they’ve been serving their popular lamb-based hot dogs here since 1937. 

Leave Reykjavik today and head north. Your first stop will be Barnafoss, which literally translates as ‘children’s waterfalls,’ where you will hear the ancient Icelandic legend that explains how the waterfall got its unique name. Continue on to Krauma geothermal nature baths, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing soak in the geothermal pools overlooking dramatic Icelandic landscapes. You’ll then head to the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where you’ll bed down for the night. 

Today you’ll explore the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula, famous for a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano, which was the inspiration for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. You’ll make a few other stops to appreciate the dreamscape-like scenery of the area, including at the black church of Búðakirkja in Búðir. In the evening visit a local farmhouse to learn about Icelandic cuisine and taste the best local food. 

After breakfast, you’ll visit the Shark Museum, a farmstead where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a unique local delicacy - fermented shark. A shot of Brennivín schnapps is offered alongside the shark meat, which visitors often use to wash away the strong flavor of the shark from their palate. Return to Reykjavik, where you’ll have some time to continue your solo exploration of the capital. In the evening join your group for a delicious farewell dinner in one of our favorite restaurants in the city.

After breakfast you are free to depart for home or further Icelandic adventures. If you are staying on in Iceland, check out Atlas Obscura’s Guide to Iceland for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!