7 Days Nine Worlds - Self-Drive Combo (Tour 1)

Welcome to Iceland! Begin by picking up a rental vehicle at the airport and head to the Spa at the new luxurious Retreat at Blue Lagoon for a realxing soak before your Icelandic adventure starts. Built into an 800-year-old lava flow on the south shore of the Blue Lagoon, the Spa at The Retreat embodies the harmonic convergence of nature, design, and the radiant powers of geothermal seawater. The spa journey culminates with the Blue Lagoon Ritual. In a spacious sanctuary of interconnected chambers, you cover your body with the three treasures of geothermal seawater: silica, algae, and minerals. Silica brings radiance and cleansing, the algae brings nourishment and anti-aging and the minerals bring exfoliation and revitalization. The Blue Lagoon is a unique natural pool of mineral rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field in the pure and beautiful Icelandic wilderness. The Blue Lagoon is known for its special properties and its beneficial effect on the skin and attracts visitors from all over the world in search of health, relaxation and an exotic experience. 

Today it is time to drive to one our most beautiful fertile fjords, Borgarfjordur. You can stop to explore the picturesque Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and see Deildartunguhver geyser, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Continue to Husafell – A pearl between lava fields and glaciers. Húsafell is one of the most visited destinations in Iceland. This is understandable since it is a unique natural gem in a magnificent landscape. The mild weather, the forest, hot springs and the facilities and services, which have been offered there to tourists in recent years attract many visitors every year.

Head to Iceland's majestic hinterland and into the white world of Iceland's second largest glacier, Langjökull "The Long Glacier". From Hotel Husafell you will board a shuttle bus to the glacier base where you go on a special 8-wheel drive monster truck that will take you to the ice tunnel. Experience a man-made cave that stretches deep inside the glacier and consists of a series of tunnels and caves carved through solid glacier ice. There is also an ice chapel and an ice bar. Crevasses that pull the glacier apart along with sunlight penetrating the packed ice are among the natural wonders to be witnessed. A cave-like tunnel leads into the icy underground and as the ice gets older the color changes from white to a magnificent, deep blue. The Ice Cave is located about 30 meters below the glacier’s surface and stretches approximately 250 meters. During the guided visit, guests have also introduced to glaciology and the effect climate change has on glaciers. 

Head out south to explore the Golden Circle which consists of Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfalls and Thingvellir National Park. Of all the spectacular nature that resides in Iceland these are three “must see” highlights that are easily experienced in one day. Drive to Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO), Iceland’s greatest historical site and a jewel of nature. It is the visible site of the mid-Atlantic Ridge where the N. American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.   

Head to the breathtaking Gullfoss ‘Golden’ Waterfall where traversing a narrow path provides close-up views of the thundering two-tiered cascade below. The Geysir geothermal area is where hot springs are in abundance, geysers explode and boiling pools of mud bubble. Although the great Geysir is not as active these days, its neighbor Strokkur is very active, spouting water 30 meters (100 feet) up into the air every few minutes in a thrilling display of nature’s forces. Stop af Efsti-Dalur farm restaurant, to enjoy a delicious lunch or homemade ice cream (payable on spot) while having a close look at the farm´s cows and calves through a window in the restaurant.  
Stop at Secret Lagoon, natural hot springs located in the small village of Fludir, based in the Golden Circle area. We have kept it natural and unique for our guests in order for them to experience the true Icelandic feeling. The pool’s natural surroundings and steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. The warm water holds 38-40° Celsius all year. There are several geothermal spots in the area and a little Geysir which erupts every 5 minutes, showing off for the guests relaxing in the hot spring pool. 

Overnight at Hotel Grímsborgir   

Head out and explore the beautiful South Shore and the region close to the towering strato-volcano Eyjafjallajokull, which is possibly the most famous volcano in the world today. Visit the small museum Eyjafjallajökull Erupts, dedicated to the eruption in 2010 that stopped traffic worldwide. Learn about volcanic history in Iceland and see a short movie about the effects of the volcanic eruption in 2010. Visit the majestic waterfall Skogafoss before heading onwards to Reynisfjara with its basalt columns and crashing waves on the black beach and rock formation in the ocean and onwards to Dyrhólaey, where you enjoy spectacular views of glaciers and black beaches.   

Make sure to stop by Mýrdalsjökull glacier, where you will experience an exhilarating private snowmobile tour. There is nothing quite like driving a snowmobile across a glacier surrounded by stretches of snow and ice and spectacular views on each side. Mýrdalsjökull is an icecap covering Katla volcano, one of Iceland´s biggest volcano

Drive to Glacier Lagoon parking where you will meet with your private guide for a full day glacier adventure.  The glacial lagoon is said to be one of Iceland greatest wonders. The surface is at sea level and the sea flows into the lagoon at high tide. Today you will go on a private one-hour zodiac tour of the lagoon. You will discover a great variety of icebergs of different forms and shapes and the wide range of blue and white colors in the ice.   

After the boat tour, along with your guide you will explore glaciers Fláajokull and Breidmerkurjokull where you will get a chance to do a glacier walk. Onwards to Diamond beach to top off your day. 

Drive to Hofn airport, where you return the rental car, and take a scheduled domestic flight (50 minutes) to Reykjavik City. You will be picked up at the airport by a private driver guide who will take you on a 3-4-hour sightseeing tour around the city. With an abundance of space, clean air and natural green energy - Reykjavik clearly revels in its reputation as being one of the most modern, forward thinking societies in Europe. 

Walk around Reykjavik, enjoy a fun stop to taste some of the traditional food items Iceland has to offer such as smoked lamb, fermented shark and dried fish.  Continue to Hlemmur Food Hall, where 10 ambitious vendors offer some of the best food Iceland has to offer. Go for organic sourdough bread at an artisan bakery, authentic Mexican tacos, soup from locally grown vegetables, freshly grounded coffee or wholesome juices. 

Drop off at the Reykjavik airport for a private helicopter tour to ensure you experience some of Iceland ‘s pearls from above. Mountains, waterfalls, lakes, craters and one landing in a geothermal area.   

Private transfer provided by helicopter company to your hotel after the tour.  
Overnight in Reykjavik Marina Hotel 

Private departure transfer (non-guided) to Keflavik International Airport