Classic Iceland Sampler

Upon arrival at the Leifur Eiriksson Keflavik airport (KEF), you will be greeted by your driver and guide for transfer to your nearby hotel, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. The remainder of your day will be at your leisure to relax and unwind at this renowned spa. Guests have access to a more secluded, private lagoon, as well as to the Spa of the Volcanic Earth. The spa journey culminates with the Blue Lagoon Ritual, during which you will enrich your skin with the three treasures of geothermal seawater – silica, algae, and minerals.

Today, your guide will whisk you away to an Icelandic volcano experience. You will discover the unique phenomenon of the Thrihnukagigur volcano, on the Reykjanesskagi Peninsula at the southwestern end of Iceland – not too far from the capital city of Reykjavik – a region noted for its seismic activity. The descent is only 400 feet, which requires a walk of about 40 minutes each way. While inside, you will be comfortably suited up, ready to learn how the volcano was shaped and formed. Following your morning hike, you will continue to The Sand Hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

This morning brings a unique glacier and snorkeling experience. You will meet your private guide for transfer by luxury vehicle to Hvalfjordur and Borgarfjordur to discover the majestic mountains, beautiful waterfalls and hot springs. Drive across the scenic route of the Kaldidalur Valley for incredible views of glaciers, including the infamous Langjökull icecap, Europe’s second-largest glacier. Step down into the ice caves to explore frozen waterfalls and a series of tunnels with stunning colors and exquisite ice layers. You continue to the Silfra Fissure, located in Thingvellir National Park, to snorkel between the North American and the Eurasian continental plates, a truly rare and unique geological wonder. When the rifts began to move apart, the fissure filled with incredibly clear melt water from the Langjökull glacier, which now offers dramatic underwater views of lava rock walls. You will also explore the four sections of the Silfra fissure – the Big Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral and the Silfra Lagoon – before returning to the hotel for the evening.

Today, you will discover Iceland’s South Shore, beginning with a visit to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which is almost 200 feet tall. This is one of Southern Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls, thanks to a footpath that allows visitors to walk behind the curtain of water and marvel at the southern coast from a totally new perspective. Continue onward to Reynisdrangar, an area of basalt sea stacks in the North Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy black sandy beaches as you walk the coast of Reynisfjara and admire the impressive rock formations that dramatically shoot out of the ocean. Your final visit for today will be the spectacular Skogafoss Waterfall. Viking legend claims that a treasure chest filled with gold is yet to be found behind this roaring waterfall.

Late this morning, you will transfer from the comforts of the Panorama Glass Lodge to begin your Thorsmork Valley experience by super jeep. Enjoy a scenic drive along the rugged landscape into the valley in a vehicle customized to take you off the beaten track. Your tour starts at Gigjokull Glacier, an offshoot of the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. A beautiful lagoon has formed in front of the glacier as it slowly retreats over time. Following this, you will have a light hike into the canyon of Stakkholtsgja. This canyon is just over a mile long, sporting ancient, moss-covered walls and a dramatic hidden waterfall. Your walk continues through Basar, located at the bottom of the Thorsmork valley, which offers beautiful views and over 170 species of plants and lichen. Following this visit, you will then stop at the Gljufrabui Waterfall before your transfer to your next hotel.

This morning, following breakfast, meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel in time for your transfer to Reykjavik.

Today, your driver will escort you to the airport for your return flight home