Private 8-Day Adventure Around Iceland

As soon as you land, your private transfer from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik will await you. The drive to the capital takes approximately 40 minutes, offering picturesque views along the way. The straight road winds through moss-covered landscapes and ancient lava fields, revealing a glimpse of Iceland's stunning scenery. 

Once you've checked in at the Exeter Hotel by Keahotels, you can join us for an optional city walk and food-tasting tour in Reykjavik. It's a great chance to try local food while exploring the main sights, like the old Reykjavik Harbor or Hallgrímskirkja church, with your personal guide.

If you'd rather spend the day relaxing and replenishing your energy after the flight, we can take you straight to the Blue Lagoon Spa. There, you can soak in the geothermally heated water and enjoy a calm evening before our great trip.

If you prefer free time at your hotel instead, there's a sauna, a fitness room, and an exceptional room service that you can enjoy all evening.

You can also upgrade your accommodation to the luxury Reykjavik Edition Hotel, Silica Hotel, or The Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon.

Today is when we officially begin our journey around the land of ice and fire. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you'll meet your guide and set off for the Snaefelsness Peninsula—a region in western Iceland with such diverse landscapes that it's called “Iceland in miniature.” 

We’ll start our exploration from Ytri-Tunga beach, home to a large seal colony. Whatever the season, you may see some of these precious animals resting on the golden sands of this charming oasis. 

Heading further into the peninsula, we'll stop at Kirkjufell. It is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque mountains in the world. Countless photographers dream of capturing its pointy peak next to the neighboring Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall.

The next wonder—Djúpalónssandur Beach—the first black sand beach on our way. It’s filled with highly protected black pebbles that are not allowed to be picked, but just taking a picture of them is a precious memory. Not far from the beach is the charming fishing village of Arnarstapi. Although small, it's one of the most photographed villages in Iceland. Its authentic architecture and cozy atmosphere will steal your heart. 

Before we leave the peninsula behind, there is one more fantastic site you have to see—the quiet, historic Búðir Black Church, built in 1703. Your guide will share exclusive insights about this special place while you take postcard-like pictures of surrounding mountains and lava fields.

We’ll start the day with a nice walk around the village of Reykholt, marveling at the authentic architecture. Iceland's most famous writer, Snorri Sturluson, lived there in the 1200s. 

Just outside the village, we'll stop at the Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area. It features Europe's most powerful hot spring, which is used to heat houses and grow vegetables in the surrounding towns. You'll see pillars of steam rising from the ground and feel the untamed geothermal energy trapped under our earth's crust. 

Another example of Iceland's subterranean power is the Grábrók volcanic crater. It was formed around 3,400 years ago after a major eruption. We'll walk around its rim, taking in the otherworldly views and learning about the history of Icelandic volcanos. 

Then, we’ll visit two magnificent waterfalls—Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Numerous small streams of Hraunfossar flow over the ancient rocks, stretching for approximately 2953 feet (900 m). Barnafoss is completely different from its neighbor but equally stunning. Its rapid stream of sky-blue water carves the black lava rocks as it flows down, twisting and turning.

By the time we reach the village of Laugarbakki, it'll be early evening, and we'll settle into the Hótel Laugarbakki for a good night's rest.

Today, we’ll head to Dalvik to meet the magnificent Icelandic whales! On the way, we'll make a short detour to the beautiful peninsula of Tröllaskagi, the kingdom of high mountains, folk legends, and scenic vistas. There, we’ll stop at the charming town of Siglufjörður, which sits in a beautiful fjord. Surrounded by the steep mountains, it is a truly serene oasis of the north. 

Finally, we’ll reach the village of Dalvik, our whale-watching point. This area is known for its extremely high rate of successful marine wildlife sightings. You may see humpback whales, dolphins, minke whales, porpoises, and even a majestic blue whale. 

After a few exciting hours on the boat, we'll head to the town of Akureyri. Here, you will have free time to relax after an eventful day, explore the vibrant town, and spend the night at the cozy Hotel Kea. 

Note: Whale-watching experience is an optional extra. The tour is usually organized in a group, but we can arrange it as your private adventure.

Day five begins with a visit to one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls, Goðafoss. It is often called the Niagara Falls of Iceland because of its circular shape, but the Icelanders call it the “Waterfall of the Gods.” We'll take a walk around the site to appreciate its beauty up close.

After that, we'll head over to the east side of Lake Mývatn to continue our explorations. You'll get to see the natural lava sculptures of the Dimmuborgir Lava Field and relax in the mineral-rich geothermal waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths. Then, we'll make a quick stop at the Námaskarð hot springs area, where you'll find more geothermal wonders like boiling mud pools and fumaroles. 

Next up is the world-famous Stuðlagil Canyon, which features some incredible basalt rock formations towering over a turquoise glacial river. The columns are almost perfectly symmetrical and look like they've been hand-carved, but in reality, they're the result of a great nature's power. 

We'll spend the night in Egilsstaðir, a peaceful and scenic town in the wild East Iceland countryside.

As we begin to close the circle around the island, it’s time to explore some of the best attractions in the south.

We will start from the mysterious Reynisfjara, a must-visit black-sand beach featuring dramatic basalt sea stacks that are mentioned in many local legends and tales. Powerful waves crash majestically against the shore, reminding us of the ocean’s strength.

Next, we’ll visit two extraordinary waterfalls. Skógafoss, a 197-foot (60-m) high and 82-foot (25-m) wide giant will delight you with refreshing splashes and colorful rainbows on sunny days. Seljalandsfoss will invite you to walk behind its magnificent cascade, offering epic photo opportunities. 

In the afternoon we’ll visit three legendary attractions of Iceland’s most famous scenic route called The Golden Circle. You’ll witness a double-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall, see the eruptions of the most active Strokkur geyser, and walk in the Rift Valley between the two continents at Thingvellir National Park. 

We will return to Reykjavik in the early evening and spend the night at the Exeter Hotel.

Today, you can choose how you wish to spend the last day of our Icelandic journey. If you want to relax and treat yourself to rejuvenating spa procedures, we’ll take you to the luxurious Blue Lagoon. Soak in the mineral-rich geothermal pools, attend the saunas and steam rooms, and enjoy delicious meals at the spa restaurant—an excellent way to spend the last hours in the Arctic wonderland. 

If you're up for some more exploration, join us for a Reykjavik city walk and food-tasting excursion. Feel the vibrant character of the charming capital, sample traditional Icelandic delicacies, and take some of Reykjavik's magic home with you. 

We will take you to Keflavik International Airport in a private vehicle, passing by the vast lava fields and towering mountains in the background so you can enjoy the scenery once more.

• This tour can be further extended to include even more unforgettable experiences upon request. If you want to linger a little longer, change the date, or are interested in payment flexibility, contact us at custom@adventures.is, and we’ll work something out!
  
  
• Private transportation with a personal driver is provided throughout the tour. Vehicles are selected according to the weather and road conditions to ensure your comfort and safety. Options include a Mercedes Benz V Class (up to 7 seats), a minibus (up to 19 seats), or another vehicle adapted to Icelandic road conditions. 
  
  
• You can upgrade your stay on the first and/or last day of the tour. Choose from the luxury Reykjavik Edition Hotel or the top hotels in the Blue Lagoon area: Retreat at Blue Lagoon or Silica Hotel at Blue Lagoon.
  
  
• Whale-watching experience and Reykjavik food & walking tour are optional. Whale-watching is usually organized in groups but can be arranged as a private experience.