STARTING AT $5995 per person

Fully planned & booked 8-day self-guided Iceland itinerary

Self-drive with included car rental

International airfare

Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed

Fuel costs (for self-drive)

Alcohol, unless specified

Required travel insurance

Arrive at the Keflavík Airport in Reykjavík (KEF) any time today where you’ll be greeted and taken to your boutique hotel in the heart of the city. If you’re doing the self-guided tour, you’ll pick up your rental vehicle at the airport. Many international flights arrive early in the morning, so you’ll be able to leave your bags with the concierge and explore the city until your room is ready in the early afternoon. Settle in, meet your roommate and get ready for an adventure!

We’ve left the evening free for you to explore the city. We have many restaurants to recommend in this happening little city!

If you decide to arrive a night early or very early in the morning, take advantage of the time for an Icelandic horseback riding experience! You’ll drive to a stable visit at a local horse farm. This farm is blessed with an abundance of geothermal heat as well as stunning views - an amazing spot for wonderful horse ride in the tranquil fields of Husafell. You'll also get to taste rye bread that is baked in the ground right outside the stables.

You can also opt for an afternoon excursion to soak in the geothermal pools of the Sky Lagoon.

Meals: none

Optional Add-ons: Horseback riding, Sky Lagoon geothermal pools

This morning group trip participants will be greeted by our fabulous local guide, and all itineraries will start by heading along the South Coast. First up is a visit to the powerful Seljalandsfoss waterfall which can be walked behind for the ultimate view. Next is Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic locations. From here you’ll head to the black sands of Reynisfjara beach where you can take a nice walk. Midday you’ll stop in the beautiful coastal town of Vík, a good place for lunch or to stock up on supplies.

Continue to drive further east where you’ll soon start to see the spectacular glaciers and Iceland’s highest mountains. We’ll have about a 1-hour hike (guided for group trip; on own for self-guided) along the ridges of the gorge with the impossible name Fjaðrárgljúfur (don’t worry, we’ll teach you how to pronounce it!) and incredible views. We'll then rest easy for two nights at our lagoon hotel, taking advantage of their sauna and hot tubs. Dinner options at the hotel and considered some of the best in the south of Iceland!

Group trip participants will have their Welcome Dinner included.

Meals: B, D (group only)

After breakfast, take a short drive to join our partners for a glacier hike in Vatnajökull National Park on Falljökull glacier. You will be transported in their specialized super jeeps that take you down the glacier valley to the front of the glacier. You are headed to Falljökull glacier, and you’ll hike up to the astonishing ice fall of the glacier exploring the glacier textures and features. It's truly a unique experience. All of your glacier hiking gear will be provided.

Afterwards, you'll take the short drive to visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and watch the giant icebergs float around and wash up on the black sand shores of Diamond Beach. You can hike more in the area or join an optional short boat tour on a zodiac boat to really explore the glacier lagoon and see the icebergs up close, as well as the calving glacier face.

Afterwards, head back to your cozy accommodations.

Meals: B

Guided activities for both group and Self-Guided: Glacier hike

Optional add-on: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon zodiac boat tour

Hiking Notes: Total hiking is approximately 4 hours across 5-6 miles of mixed terrain walking at a moderate pace with plenty of breaks and a picnic lunch break. You’ll be provided with crampons (spikes for feet) and other safety gear. Physical training or technical skills are not required as there is no climbing or rope work; however, you should have full mobility of knees and ankles and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Anyone that does not want to hike can let us know in advance and there will be an option to stay back.

You will take it easy today as you drive back west today and recover from yesterday's adventures. You will stop off at the historic Eldhraun lava field, covered in thick moss where we learn all about the Laki eruption in 1783. In the early afternoon, upon arriving in the picturesque town of Vík, you can opt to see the world's only indoor lava show (with real re-melted lava) and meet the great grandson of one of the survivors of the Katla volcano eruptions in 1918. This harrowing story is really brought to life with the 1200 Celsius lava pouring just meters from where you are sitting. For those not taking part in the show, there is ample time to walk along the black sand beach, take in the views and do a spot of shopping. Before leaving this little town, be sure to stop into the renovated school bus for south Iceland's best coffee and hot chocolate. You’ll have a local farmhouse stay for the evening.

Meals: B

Optional Activity Add-on: Icelandic Lava Show (general entry)

Today you truly go off the beaten track going into Þórsmörk, a lushly vegetated mountain valley. You’ll meet up with our partners for a small group day excursion. You’ll ride in an off road 4×4 Super Jeep that enables you to cross deep glacial rivers and handle nearly any terrain. On the way, you’ll head all the way up to Gígjökull, one of the outlet glaciers of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Here, you will get an idea of the forces that were at play during the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull.

Next stop, you will explore Stakkholtsgjá canyon, a beautiful natural wonder. Walking to the end of the canyon is one of the most rewarding short hikes in Iceland. Next, make your way deep into Thórsmörk, a nature reserve in the southern Icelandic Highlands, nestled between the Myrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull and Tindfjallajökull glaciers. After the day’s excursion, you’ll be taken back to your car to head back to your hotel for the evening.

Meals: B, L

Guided activities for Self-Guided: Full day Thórsmörk highland jeep tour

Day 5 (Sept-April): Guided activities for both group and Self-Guided: Full day Thórsmörk highland jeep tour

After breakfast head to Landeyjahöfn Harbour and take the short ferry ride to the volcanic chain of islands known as the Westman Islands. The entire island is a must see in our opinion. The main island was almost destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1973. Eat lunch at one of our favorite restaurants in Iceland, GOTT, which uses all local ingredients. After lunch, visit the Eldheimar Museum before walking to the top of the still warm volcano Eldfell that destroyed hundreds of homes. It is often referred to as the “Pompeii of the North.” On a clear day you will see fantastic views of the mainland volcanoes and catch a glimpse of the newest of the Westman Islands, the pristine UNESCO Heritage Site Surtsey. Drive to the southern point of the island to admire the sea cliffs and search for puffins. After this, head back to the town to get some dinner before taking the ferry back to the mainland.

Meals: B

Guided activities for Self-Guided: Round-trip ferry to the Westman Islands, entrance to Eldheimar Museum

Day 5 (May – August): Guided activities for both group and Self-Guided: Round-trip ferry to the Westman Islands, entrance to Eldheimar Museum

After breakfast you have an option to relax in the warmth of the Hvammsvík Hot Springs, the perfect way to start the day. This is Iceland's oldest natural swimming pool, opening its doors back in 1891.

Afterwards, enjoy a unique lunch inside the tomato greenhouse farm Friðheimar. Having lunch amongst all the tomato plants in the greenhouse is something we are sure you will never forget. For our group trip, this is our Farewell Lunch together with your local guide. But don’t worry, you still have one more day together!

Next, witness the force of Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls and then it is only a short drive to see the wonders of the geothermal area of Geysir, the original exploding geyser, and its surrounding steam vents. After all this, drive to the famous Þingvellir National Park which holds historical and geological significance being the site of the first known parliament in the world. It is also located in the rift valley of the separating North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. You’ll then head to your accommodations for the evening and be sure to save time to enjoy their sauna.

Meals: B, lunch reservation (cost of food not included for self guided)

Optional Add-on: Hvammsvík Hot Springs entry and towels

Today is all about farm life. After a lazy morning take a short drive to Erpstaðir Creamery and meet the husband and wife team who will delight in showing you around the farm. A mix of tradition and new technology makes this quite the special treat to learn about Icelandic dairy farming. Make sure to try the ice-cream, skyr and Icelandic cheese!

In the afternoon, make your way back to Reykjavik for the afternoon. Consider a visit the lighthouse of Reykjanesviti and take a short hike down to see Gunnuhver, the largest hot spring in Iceland.

GROUP TRIP: In the afternoon we’ll visit one of our most unique partners: The Ocean Cluster. This community of entrepreneurs is dedicated to making the fishing industry more competitive, environmentally friendly and wasteless using new technology to reduce waste and create innovative new products from the fishing industry in Iceland.

We will finish off the itinerary at our cute B&B near the airport. You can add on a Blue Lagoon general entry or opt to upgrade your accommodations to the luxurious Silica by Blue Lagoon or the 5 star Retreat by Blue Lagoon for a unique treat to cap off your stay in Iceland. Both these hotels give you access to their own secluded pools as well as access to the Blue Lagoon itself.

Dinner is available at the B&B or you could choose to have dinner in the excellent LAVA Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon. Let us know as reservations need to be made in advance. For the group trip, a taxi can be arranged for transit back to the hotel if not staying at the Blue Lagoon.

Meals: B

Optional Add-ons: Blue Lagoon spa general entry, LAVA Restaurant reservation

4-star Upgrade: Silica Hotel Mountain Deluxe room, includes Blue Lagoon entry

5-star Upgrade: The Retreat Moss Junior Suite, includes Blue Lagoon entry

Leave any time today. You will return their vehicle at the Keflavik Airport in Reykjavík (KEF) before your departure flight.

Group trip participants will have a shuttle to the airport.

Minimum 2 people per itinerary. Due to the dynamic nature of pricing in Iceland, the final trip cost will be determined at the time of confirmation, reflecting hotel availability, time of year, and vehicle price. June-July-August are generally the highest season for prices.

STARTING at $5995 per person

High Season Surcharge: June-July-August approx. +$500 per person, final cost on booking

Holiday Surcharge: If your dates fall +/- 5 days around US Thanksgiving, December 25th, or January 1st there will be a holiday surcharge of $500 per person.

Due to the dynamic nature of pricing in Iceland, the final add-on price will be determined at the time of confirmation, reflecting time of year and exchange rate fluctuations.

+$175 Sky Lagoon Day 1 - Afternoon excursion to the Sky Lagoon geothermal spa. Premium Package with Skjól ritual and access to private changing facilities. Requires an early arrival (before 10 a.m.) or an extra night before arrival day

+$135 stable visit & 1-hour country horse ride Day 1 - On an Icelandic horse + stable visit, includes transit. Requires an early arrival (before 7 a.m.) or an extra night before arrival day

+$135 Zodiac boat tour Day 3 - at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

+$60 Lava Show Day 4 - in Vik, a truly unique experience!

+$105 Hvammsvík Hot Springs with entry & towels

+$100 Blue Lagoon Day 7 - Entrance, towel, 1 drink, 1 mud mask.

Extra Night - Starting at +$525 per room (single or double occupancy)

Helicopter Ride: Starting at $350, inquire for customized option

HOTEL UPGRADES

Starting at +$495 4-star Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel upgrade Day 8, price per room

Starting at +$1595 5-star Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel upgrade Day 8, price per room

+$1495 Toyota Landcruiser upgrade for self-drive (price subject to change according to current rates)

October through March is generally the best time as the skies are dark during winter skies. That said, the Northern Lights are never a guarantee and will greatly depend on atmospheric conditions.

Our itineraries in Iceland contain a fair bit of hiking from shorter half hour hikes to 2-3 hour ones. and that's also how you get to see some of the sites like waterfalls, hot springs and glaciers. That said, if you're tired or not feeling up for it there are generally options to hang back from the excursion.

We know, Iceland is not cheap! There are many reasons for that, including standard of living, the fact that it's an island, and sustainability. Check out our blog to learn more! Why is Iceland so Expensive?

It all depends on what you want to do! Spring is puffin and lambing season. Summer has the most dependable weather but is also the busiest and most expensive. Fall can be temperamental weather-wise but also can be great for better prices and catching the Northern Lights. And winter will give you the true Nordic experience with very short days!