In this 13-day luxury adventure, explore the magic of Iceland with its spectacular hot springs, waterfalls, ice caves, and volcanoes. Learn why Reykjavik is one of the fastest-growing travel destinations in the world – a modern, cosmopolitan capital that boasts world-class dining, is steeped in rich history and tradition, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Welcome to Iceland! You will meet your guide at the international airport in Keflavik upon arrival.

Reykjanesskagi is a peninsula at the southwestern end of Iceland, near the capital Reykjavik. The peninsula is marked by active volcanism under its surface, and large lava fields, allowing little vegetation. There are numerous hot springs and sulphur springs we will see today. The Leif the Lucky Bridge spans the Alftagja rift valley (60 feet wide and 20 feet (6.1 m) deep) near Grindavik, which marks the boundary of the Eurasian and North American continental tectonic plates.

Visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland becomes indispensable because of the variety of health and emotional benefits the destination offers. As the water comes straight from the depths of the earth, it is loaded with minerals, salts, blue-green algae and silica. These elements are believed to possess therapeutic powers. The view of the lagoon is spellbinding. The color of the water is frosty blue. However, this term is an oxymoron because the temperature of the water always fluctuates between 37 degrees and 40 degrees Celsius. With the other Icelandic and North European locales forcing you to cover your body head to toe, this destination provides the perfect atmosphere for the body to relax.

You will have an Exclusive Lounge at the Blue Lagoon, which includes:

• Privacy – six private shower rooms, each for 1-2 people.
• Comfort – complimentary towels, bathrobes and slippers.
• Luxury – our reserved lounge, with its fireplace and designer furniture, is a haven of indulgent calm.
• Ease – light refreshments available in the lounge, or you can order something delicious from LAVA Restaurant’s a la carte menu.
• Skin Care – Selection of our most popular skin care products, and with it a step-by-step manual to experience the perfect Spa Journey.
• Exclusivity – a private lagoon with direct access to Blue Lagoon and private outdoor lounge deck with stunning views.
• Star treatment – a dedicated staff member whose only concern is to make sure you have everything you need.

Seltun geothermal area is beautiful and amazing. Sulphuric water and gases have created colorful deposit; the soil is colored in green, yellow and red colors. Visitors can wonder at hissing solfataras, fumaroles and boiling mud pots, where the soil is mixed with acid.

Kleifarvatn Lake is based on the fissure zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In a big earthquake in 2000 the lake began to diminish and about 20% of its surface disappeared. Since the earthquake it has started slowly to fill up again and in 2008 the lake had regained its previous surface level.

We now head towards your accommodation in Reykjavik, Hotel Borg.

We will start by driving up to Blafjoll mountain and from there we will hike to the volcano, Thrihnukagigur. The walk usually takes about 45–50 minutes to complete. It’s rated as moderate in difficulty –it’s not uphill but the surface is hilly and uneven. This is not a hike for those who have problems with ankles, knees, hips and the back. It can be demanding for those who not used to walking or doing longer walks.

Your personal guide will take you for a drive around Reykjavik and its vicinity.  During this tour, you will see the old town center, the Parliament, the Cathedral, the harbor, Hofdi House, the summit site of 1986 and  Harpa, which is one of  Reykjavik’s  greatest and distinguished landmarks.  It is a cultural and social center in the heart of the city where it poses majestically by the harbor.

The National Museum of Iceland’s permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation – Heritage and History in Iceland, is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Settlement to the present day. The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century. The exhibition is conceived as a journey through time. Hallgrímskirkja church is   Reykjavík’s   main landmark, and its tower can be seen from almost everywhere in the city.

In the afternoon we’ll go whale watching on a  rib boat.  In just a few minutes we can go from the harbor out to the open ocean and back home to port and in-between see one of the biggest animal on the planet, the whale. We are lucky that in Icelandic ocean we have around 20 species of whales as they come here to feed. The whales often surface within few meters from the boat so you can see them up-close.

We now head towards your accommodation in Reykjavik, Hotel Borg.

Today, another day exploring some of the natural wonders near Reykjavic, as well as learning more of the history and culture of the local population. We start with the Beach near the abandoned farm of Ytri Tunga, which is well-known for its seal colony. The seals are friendly and curious and will climb up on the rocks near the sandy beach. Sometimes you have to be patient and wait for them.

Snaefellsjokull, (1,446 m) an ancient cone volcano, one of finest mountains in Iceland. An impressive sight from as far away as Reykjavík, from where it can be seen in clear weather, seeming to rise from the sea. Many prehistoric eruptions took place in the glacier-covered crater at its peak, and its slopes are covered with lava. A Journey to the Centre of the Earth, the entrance to the underground way was through the crater of Snaefellsjokull. In the eyes of both “traditional” believers in the supernatural and new agers Snaefellsjokull has more hidden power than any other mountain.

In the afternoon, take a hike from Arnarstapi to Hellnar and experience unique lava formations in the cliffs.

Djupalonssandur is a beautiful pebbled beach, with a series of rocks of mysterious form emerging from the ocean. It is one of the few areas that lead down to the sea along this coast with its high dramatic cliffs. Watch out for the famous ghosts roaming the place!

The remainders of a shipwreck can be seen on the beach. On the beach there are also big stones which people tried to lift and test their strength in the days of the fishing stations: Fully Strong 154 kg, Half-Strong 100 kg, Weakling 54 kg and Bungler 23 kg. Weakling marked the frontier of wimphood, any man who couldn’t lift it was deemed unsuitable for a life as a fisherman.

It‘s time to dig deep and get to know the story of the people of Snaefellsnes peninsula. You enjoy some conversation with the locals who will share the knowledge and legends of their community and will enrich your experience.

We now head towards your accommodation in Reykjavik, Hotel Borg.

We head to  Thingvellir where the  Vikings established the first  Parliament and now the oldest still working Parliament in the world.  Althing (the  Parliament)  has been working uncut since  930.  Today Thingvellir is a  national park and considered a  natural wonder on an international scale earning a place on UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s time to visit  Geyser area.

We explore the geothermal pools around  Geyser and see  Strokkur erupt. If your camera does not get a good picture of the spouting geyser, then you just wait 5 minutes, and Strokkur will erupt again.

We now proceed to  Gullfoss waterfall.  The glacier river  Hvita is feeding  Gullfoss with milky green colored water from the glacier  Langjokull,  the second biggest glacier in  Europe. Gullfoss waterfall is the most known waterfall in Iceland and is worth a visit.

The folks at  Fridheimar are greenhouse farmers,  growing mainly tomatoes,  but also various vegetables using green methods.  You have the opportunity to learn about the tradition of thermal greenhouses and the methods utilized by the local farmers to grow their tasty and healthy produce. Experience the diversity and freshness of Icelandic food and ingredients!  Experience the diversity and freshness of Icelandic food and ingredients!  Lunch at Fridheimar.

It’s time to go to a  horse breeding farm and meet the local horse farmer who will show you the Icelandic horse and how breeding did in Iceland. Afterward, you will go private horseback riding. The Icelandic horse is a  “five-gaited”  breed,  known for its sure-footedness and ability to cross rough terrain. As well as the typical gaits of walk, trot, and canter/gallop,  the breed is noted for its capacity to perform two additional gaits. The first additional gait is a four-beat lateral ambling gait known as the tolt. Is known for its explosive acceleration and speed. The second extra gait is called speed or “flying pace.” It is used in walking races, and is fast and smooth, with some horses able to reach up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).

Afterward, your local farmer will prepare dinner for you at his private home.

We now head towards your accommodation in the south of Iceland, Hotel Ranga.

We drive along the south shore, where the rugged landscape offers up firsthand evidence of nature’s power. You will find many photo opportunities on this excursion. Few  words can  describe the  beautiful landscape  of the  South.  But  to  name  a  few, we  will  see Waterfalls one of which you can walk behind, black sandy beaches, mountains, steep cliffs,  glaciers and  numerous strange  lava formations  are found  along the  way.

Solheimajokull glacier  tongue extends  down from  its mother glacier;  Myrdalsjokull, Iceland’s  fourth largest. We will  also see both old and new farms, agricultural livestock and bird life.  We will  visit some  of the  most exotic places  on the  south coast, such as  the surrounding  of Eyjafjallajokull that  erupted in  2010  and closed  down all  air traffic over  the Atlantic  Ocean for few days and the Thorvaldseyri Volcano museum that shows the aftermath of the volcanic eruption. On the  west side  of  Reynisfjall,  the high  ridge above  Vik,  Rte  215  leads to  the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara.

The raw  beach is  backed by  a  stack of basalt columns  that  look  like a  magical church organ, and  there are  outstanding views  west to  Dyrholaey.  The surrounding cliffs  are formed  from twisted basalt. Immediately offshore are the towering sea stacks Reynisdrangur.

We  can  offer  you  the  chance  to  go  up  close  to  a  glacier  tongue  to walk  on the ice.  Walking  on  the glacier  is  for  everybody  and  when  we  put  on  our  crampons  and  walk  we  will  discover  the  hidden world of frozen water and explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its unusual ice formations, sink holes and jagged ridges. It’s a natural activity amended to your capability.

We now head towards your accommodation in the south of Iceland, Hotel Ranga

The drive to the ice lagoon goes along the south coast.  We now go sailing on  the ice  lagoon in  a Zodiac. Vatnajokull National Park is Europe’s largest national park. It is 13.600 square kilometers in size and covers over 13% of Iceland ́s surface. Over half of the national park is a glacier where you can locate the interrelationship between the forces of frost,  fire, and water.

The  Vatnajokull glacier occupies vast highlands in the  Southeast were comprising  8,300  square kilometers. High mountains fringe the western half lies within the active volcanic zone and its southern margin, cut by numerous valleys. Quite a  few glacier snouts flow down onto the lower lying areas and discharge a significant volume of water.

We now head towards your accommodation in the south of Iceland, Hotel Ranga.

Today we will drive to Landeyjarhofn where we take the short ferry ride over to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands).  The Westman Islands are situated just off the south coast of Iceland. The main island, Heimaey, has a population of about 4,000.

The islands formed by submarine volcanic eruptions along a 30-km long fissure lying southwest to northeast. We will go on a  scheduled boat trip around the island  Heimaey.  The boat tour gives you a  look at colorful ocean caves,  the newly formed volcanic island of  Surtsey and other islands of  Westman Islands,  and the lava coastline with its dark bird cliffs. You can observe the variety of seabird and occasionally whales. Our trip ends by sailing into the Cliff Cave near the harbor, where you will hear the sound of an instrumental music and enjoy the unique acoustic in this cave.

Our next stop is Storhofdi with its magnificent views over the island and majestic glaciers of mainland Iceland. During spring and early summer, Storhofdi is home to the largest puffin colony on Heimaey.

Our drive back to the harbor takes us between two volcanoes,  the  5,000-year-old  volcano  Helgafell and the considerably younger volcano Eldfell (Mt. Fire) whose history is somewhat more recent. At 2 am on the night of  January  23rd,  1973,  a massive eruption began in the eastern part of  Heimaey. Almost all of the  5,000  inhabitants safely evacuated to the mainland. Our next stop is the viewpoint located over the old town of the new lava over the new lava field.

Welcome to Eldheimar, a museum of remembrance.  The exhibition focuses on the 1973  volcanic eruption.  Visitors get a  glimpse into peoples lives on  Heimaey before the explosion that would change their lives forever. This volcanic eruption is, without a doubt, considered the largest natural disaster in Iceland in recent history. The show also covers the Surtsey eruption, the island that emerged from the ocean south of Heimaey in  1963.

The Surtsey eruption lasted for almost four years and ever since only scientists have been allowed on the island to monitor how new ecosystems come to life. Surtsey was inscribed as a natural property on UNESCOs  World Heritage List during the 32nd session of the World HeritageCommittee in July 2008. You will also learn about the Turkish Abductions, series of slave raids by Barbary pirates that took place in Iceland in 1627. Pirates from Morocco and Algeria attacked few towns in Iceland, including Westman Islands. As there were no harbors or landing sites along the south coast, three ships eventually came on July 16th to Westman Islands. They raided the village and the home island for three days, capturing 234 people and killing 34. On July 19 the ships left Westman Islands and sailed back to Algiers.

We now head towards the ferry and to your accommodation in the south of Iceland, Hotel Ranga.

The day starts by driving in a super jeep/SUV.  Thorsmork is one of the shiniest pearls in the string of beautiful areas of the country,  surrounded by rugged and beautiful mountains,  glaciers and glacial rivers,  decorated with small birch woods and silver lined with humming brooks.  Many have attempted to describe the charm of this area. Icelanders appreciate Thorsmork and visit it frequently the whole year round. Quite a few streams and rivers have to be forced to get there, and no-one should try the trip without the business of experienced guide since the glacial rivers are very unpredictable. Thorsmork has often been difficult to reach,  except by mountain vehicles.

There is a  multitude of small gullies and valleys, clad with low birch-trees that create seemingly endless possibilities for the nature lover. You will find more than 170 species of plants,  moss, and lichen in this lush area, which was a fjord some 12,000 years ago.  Barbecue lunch in Thorsmork. The outlet glaciers tumble and crawl down into the gullies,  some of them ending in spectacular glacial lagoons.

The glacial melt-off forms rivers that have to be crossed on the way to  Thorsmork. Some days the crossing is quite challenging. Sometimes the passage is quite difficult.   An innocent stream can change in a matter of hours into a thunderous torrent. Our skilled drivers are very experienced in these driving conditions and will take you safely across any river.

We now head towards your accommodation in the south of Iceland, Hotel Ranga.

After breakfast, you will depart in a super jeep/SUV for the day. This vehicle is perfectly suited to take us safely into the central highland. Our destination for the day is Landmannalaugar, or a quick visit to Mars or even the Moon. On our way, we pass by Hekla volcano before we arrive at the interior route, across lava fields, black ash, and scoria deserts. Landmannalaugar is an area of great contrasts with black ridges and colorful mountains of green, red, yellow and orange.