Day 1: Arrival in the Land of Fire and Ice:
Highlights: Keflavik The Blue Lagoon Reykjavik Viking World
 
Once you have landed at Keflavík Aiport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs.  Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel.   Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, it may be ideal to stop and visit the renowned Blue Lagoon where you can relax in its geothermal waters.  Important:  admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance.  We can help you with that!

October – April:  Drive to your hotel in Reykjavik, the colorful capital of Iceland.  (Approximate distance:  ca. 50km/30 miles)

May – September:  Drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the charming village of Hveragerdi for your overnight.   This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.” There are plenty of outdoor and wellness activities to enjoy here, and several restaurants with a uniquely local focus. (Approximate distance: ca100km / 62miles)

Please note: check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm)

Day 2: South Shore Adventure - Glaciers and Black Sands:
Highlights: Skogafoss Seljalandsfoss Myrdalsjokull Reynisdrangar Cliffs Vík
 
Thundering Waterfalls – Cliffs & Stone Arches – Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore

Approximate distance: ca 190 km / 118 miles

Breakfast at your hotel.  Drive along the scenic South Shore and the area near the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano. This is the volcano whose massive 2010 eruption caused air traffic around the world to be canceled We recommend a stop at the interactive Lava Centre where you’ll learn about the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that shaped both Iceland and Earth. The center has interesting exhibits for all age groups.

Your journey takes you by the beautiful Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls (each one worth visiting) and Myrdalsjokull glacier. You can opt for a fun snowmobiling trip on the glacier and (if the weather is clear) a splendid view over southern Iceland.  Stop by the seafront village of Vik to explore a dramatic stretch of coastline poised between glacier-topped mountains, rugged sea cliffs, and black- sand beaches.  Dyrholaey* is a rocky headland famous in photos for its black lava arch.  During the summer, thousands of sea birds and puffins nest here (puffins are generally in Iceland between mid-May and early August)

*Important: Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.

Overnight in South Iceland

Day 3: Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir / Golden Circle:
Highlights: Eyjafjallajokull Geysir Gullfoss Thingvellir National Park
 
Golden Waterfalls – Exploding Geysers – National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO)

Approximate distance: ca 290 km / 180 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy a day visiting the natural wonders of the Golden Circle region. Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls.  Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser.  Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and European continents.  Many important historical events happened here. Several walking trails and hiking trails take visitors to historical points of interest.

This area is full of geothermal activity, and that means hot spring relaxation!   We recommend taking a break during the day to relax in a hot spring pool.   Two of our favorite spots are the Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Fludir.   Both places are a unique part of the area’s history and popular with Icelanders and visitors.  A visit to either pool (or both) will be a great way to connect with Iceland’s wellness-focused culture.  We’re happy to book a visit for you!

Return to Reykjavik to enjoy the city’s atmosphere for your final night in Iceland.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

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Day 4: Departure from Iceland:
Highlights: Keflavik The Blue Lagoon
 
Return to Keflavik International Airport

Approximate distance: ca 50km / 30miles

Breakfast at your hotel.   Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. ** We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure.  It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city on your first day but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area,  which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.