Highlights of Iceland
An immersive journey through Iceland, combining volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches and private adventures with seamless guiding, exceptional stays and unforgettable experiences throughout.
Journey highlights
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Privately Guided Throughout - With a dedicated guide accompanying key stages of the journey, every day feels flexible, personal and entirely personalized to your family’s pace and interests.
- Beyond the Main Route - A balance of Iceland’s iconic sights and quieter, lesser-known landscapes.
- Personalized Adventure - Thoughtfully paced experiences designed around your interests and travel style.
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Characterful Stays - Handpicked hotels and retreats chosen for comfort, setting and sense of place.
- Highlights itinerary:Our Highlights Journeys are designed to include bucket list destinations and activities paired with unparalleled insider access, exclusivity and industry-defining luxury accommodation
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Inquire NowItinerary
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At a Glance
Day 1 – Arrival in Iceland and the Blue LagoonYour Iceland adventure begins the moment you land, with a private guide waiting to whisk you away through the Reykjanes Peninsula’s dramatic lava fields to the Blue Lagoon. After the journey, there’s time to unwind in the mineral-rich geothermal waters, with premium access including mud masks, robes and a reserved restaurant table if desired. It’s an easy, restorative introduction to Iceland, balancing downtime with a genuine sense of arrival. By the time you reach Reykjavík and settle into Sand Hótel, you’ll already feel immersed in Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes.
Day 2 – Beneath the Surface of a VolcanoToday offers one of Iceland’s most remarkable experiences: descending into the heart of a dormant volcano. Accompanied by your private guide, you’ll hike across an otherworldly lava field before stepping into an open cable lift that lowers you 120 meters into the vast magma chamber of Þríhnúkagígur. The scale and colors inside the volcano feel almost surreal, making this one of Iceland’s most compelling and unusual experiences. Experienced guides ensure the experience feels seamless and safe throughout, while warming Icelandic soup afterwards provides a welcome moment to pause before returning to Reykjavík.
Where to stay
Parliament Hotel (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
More Experiences in This Area
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At a Glance
Day 4 – Glaciers, Lagoons and Ice FormationsToday the scenery becomes even more dramatic as you continue east towards Vatnajökull National Park. Along the route, your guide introduces quieter corners of the south coast, including the cinematic Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, before the vast glacier landscapes begin to dominate the horizon. At Skaftafell, you’ll set out on a privately guided glacier hike across Falljökull, using crampons to explore deep crevasses, shimmering blue ice and sculpted volcanic terrain. Later, arriving at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon feels genuinely awe-inspiring, with enormous icebergs drifting silently beneath towering glaciers.
Day 5 – Fjallsárlón by Private ZodiacWith another day in Iceland’s glacial southeast, there’s time to experience the region beyond the main viewpoints. Traveling with your private guide allows flexibility to stop for short walks, hidden viewpoints and quieter moments around Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell. The highlight today is a private Zodiac excursion on Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you’ll glide between floating icebergs beneath the immense Öræfajökull glacier. Away from the larger crowds, the setting feels beautifully remote. Hearing stories of local life and Iceland’s powerful natural forces adds another layer to the experience, connecting Iceland’s landscapes with the people who have long lived alongside them.
Where to stay
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Day 6 – Return to the South West and Torfhús RetreatAs you travel back west along Iceland’s south coast, today offers a slower rhythm and the freedom to revisit favorite places or discover hidden locations missed earlier in the journey. Your guide shapes the day entirely around your interests, whether that means lingering beside waterfalls, stopping at quiet black sand beaches or simply soaking up the changing landscapes from the road. Arriving at Torfhús Retreat introduces a different side of Icelandic luxury — turf-roofed lodges, geothermal baths and an atmosphere that feels rooted in Icelandic tradition, creating a retreat that feels both authentic and deeply comfortable.
Day 7 – The Golden Circle from a Different PerspectiveToday you’ll explore Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle, but with the benefit of private guiding and carefully timed access to avoid the busiest periods. At Þingvellir National Park, your guide brings Iceland’s Viking history and tectonic landscapes to life, while Geysir and Gullfoss showcase the country’s raw geothermal power. The adventure continues with private rafting through Gullfoss Canyon, where the glacier-fed river cuts through dramatic rock formations rarely seen from the roadside. Afterwards, warming up in the sauna and sharing a relaxed meal together offers the perfect final evening in Iceland.
Day 8 – Farewell to IcelandYour final morning is intentionally unhurried, allowing time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Torfhús Retreat before your private transfer to Keflavík Airport. Traveling once more through the Reykjanes Peninsula, the lava fields and distant volcanoes offer a final reminder of Iceland’s remarkable landscapes. With your guide handling the logistics throughout, the journey ends exactly as it began: smoothly, thoughtfully and entirely personalized to you. From volcano interiors to glacier lagoons, this itinerary combines Iceland’s headline experiences with the reassurance of seamless private guiding and carefully chosen stays.
Where to stay
Torfhus Retreat (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination and your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
When to visit
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Nordic climate - May, June and July are the driest months of the year. Mid-June to August is high season, but most highland tours don’t operate until July because of snow. At other times, many tourist facilities outside Reykjavík are closed. From September through March, the night is dark enough to see the Aurora Borealis.
Experiences in this tour
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View ExperienceAurora snowmobiling in the South of Iceland
This unique adventure promises not just the thrill of speed but also a deep connection to Iceland's breathtaking natural wonders, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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View ExperienceBlue Dragon Ice Cave by helicopter
Soar over Skeiðarárjökull Glacier on a private helicopter flight, landing at the hidden Blue Dragon ice cave to explore its aquamarine walls—an intimate journey into one of Iceland’s most secret and awe-inspiring landscapes.
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View ExperienceLaugarás Lagoon Sanctuary of Wellness
Immerse yourself in Icelandic geothermal luxury at Laugarás Lagoon, where mineral-rich waters, mountain vistas, saunas, and a gourmet menu combine for an exclusive wellness escape in nature’s dramatic embrace.
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View ExperienceCook the family dinner
Take over the kitchen at Salt Eldhús for a hands-on Nordic cooking class. Three courses of Icelandic fish and free-range lamb, then the whole family sits down to eat together.
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View ExperienceWhale watching from Snaefellsnes
Set sail from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for a private whale-watching adventure, spotting orcas, humpbacks, and more against the dramatic backdrop of Snæfellsjökull Glacier and Iceland’s unspoiled coast.
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View ExperienceReykjavík Walking Tour
Experience Reykjavík intimately on a private walking tour, wandering historic streets, colorful houses, and iconic landmarks, while uncovering hidden gems and the city’s Viking and modern stories.
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View ExperienceATV across the lava
ATVs across the Reykjanes peninsula. Lava fields, black sand, mountain trails, and views over the Blue Lagoon and the island of Eldey.
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View ExperienceThórsmork by super jeep
Cross icy rivers and craggy riverbeds in a super jeep to reach the Valley of Thór, flanked by three glaciers. Explore on foot or keep driving through Iceland’s highland wilderness.
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View ExperienceVisit the Westman Islands
Explore Heimaey in complete privacy, from Eldfell’s volcanic heights to secluded cliffs and puffin colonies, with private guides, intimate local traditions, and a personalized island adventure far from the crowds.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely personalized to you. Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your vacation.
