7 Days Nine Worlds - Deluxe Itinerary (Tour 3)

Welcome to Iceland! A private driver-guide will meet you in the arrivals‘s hall, assist you with your luggage and escort you to your private vehicle. Direct transfer through the moon-like landscapes of Reykjanes peninsula to capital city Reykjavik. A city that clearly revels in its reputation as being one of the most modern, forward thinking societies in Europe. The city tour begins at Harpa concert hall you will join an expert guide to take you around the extraordinary architectural residents. The buildings‘ south side is the vision of artist Olafur Eliasson. You will receive private escort through the residence and presentation, and get a glimpse behind the scenes of Eldborg, the largest auditorium.

Located in the harbor area called Grandi, in a building which served as a Salt Fish factory until the late 60s, Matur & Drykkur specialize in classical Icelandic cuisine with a modern twist. Their serve first class, local, and always homemade produce. Pop in there for a taste of a few Icelandic delicacies and a fresh taste of local brew.  

Carrying on in the city center, you will get a chance to grab a freshly baked cinnamon bun from the eccentric bakery Braud & Co. the locals’ favourite, and a fresh brew from nearby Reykjavik Roasters. Walk to Hallgrimskirkja church, the country’s largest at 74,5 meters high and unsurprisingly one of Reykjavik best known landmarks. In front of the church is a statue of Leif Eriksson, who is claimed to have been the first to discover NAmerica, a gift from the United States commemorating the 1000th anniversary of Iceland’s parliament at Thingvellir in 930 AD. 

Your private driver-guide will pick you up at the hotel in the morning. Be ready to explore the wonders of Icelandic nature for the next several days. The adventure begins by driving east along the south shore, first visit at the spectacular waterfall Seljalandsfoss, unique in the fact that you can literally walk behind the water cascading down from the moss-covered rocks.  Meet with expert guides based right „next door“ who will ensure you have a chance to get the adrenaline flowing on an exhilarating snowmobile tour.  After a safety briefing jump on-board a SuperJeep and head up the infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier, an icecap covering a volcano, that erupted in 2010 and stopped air-traffic world-wide.Snowmobiling on top of Eyjafjallajökull glacier is an extraordinary experience and a once in a lifetime experience. This tour is the perfect length of time for 'first-time riders' and individuals looking for a scenic, fun-ride, exploring and experiencing the wilderness, the glacier and the breathtaking views over south Iceland. In perfect conditions the jaw dropping view includes Westman Islands, the whole south coast all the way to Ingólfsfjall mountain and even a big part of the highlands! 

After the tour you will continue exploring the South shore, including a visit to the nearby Skogafoss waterfall with its seductive scenery and legend of hidden gold. Onwards to Reynisfjara with its basalt columns and crashing waves on the black beach and rock formations, before entering the small town of Vik. Arrive at your accommodation, the modest and unique Skalakot Manor Hotel. After settling in and enjoying a meal in the little hotel restaurant you will join a guide for a 2-hour evening summer solstice horse riding tour. Overnight at Skálakot Manor Hotel   

Meet your driver-guide in the lobby and set out on your full day exploring the rugged and stunningly beautiful Icelandic landscape. Thorsmork Valley is a nature paradise, named after the Norse God Thor. It is situated in the south of Iceland between the glaciers Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull and only accessible on 4WD vehicles. 

The name Þórsmörk properly refers only to the mountain ridge between the rivers Krossá, Þröngá and Markarfljót, although it is sometimes used informally to describe a wider area that includes the region between Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajökull. In the valley, the river Krossá winds between the mountains. The valley is closed in between glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull being at the rear end of the valley. This leads to an especially warm climate, better than in the rest of south. In the protected valley, there is green vegetation of moss, fern, Birchwood and other small shrubs. Since the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, much of the area was covered in a thick layer of volcanic ash. It took several months for nature to return to its normal conditions. 

Due to considerable access difficulties, such as unbridged rivers and rough gravel tracks instead of proper roads, the average foreign traveler rarely gets to experience this jewel of the country.  Visit the famous Stakkholtsgjá gorge, and the former glacial lagoon Gígjökulslón, which was destroyed in the Eyjafjallajökull eruption. The site displays perfectly how the eruption affected its near surroundings. Explore one of Thorsmork’s beautiful canyons from within as you wade through a narrow fissure with a stream running through it. BBQ lunch prepared and served by your guide in a scenic spot in the area 

Depart with your guide from Skalakot. Today you will drive to Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO), Iceland’s greatest historical site and another jewel of nature. It is the visible site of the mid-Atlantic Ridge where the N. American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, Almannagja gorge. Walk along the ridge to Oxararfoss waterfall before the day’s activity.     

You will go to Silfra lagoon, which offers up to 100 meters of underwater visibility and is located on top of the separation between the tectonic plates of Europe and America. Silfra is a dive and snorkelling site where even the best underwater photographs cannot give true justice to the real experience of being suspended in its clear waters.  

Upon arrival an expert guide will give you a dry suit and snorekling equipment, the use of which will be explained and ensured that you will be warm and comfortable during your tour of Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon. During the experience you will discover the four main parts of Silfra; including Silfra’s narrowest section and the location where the continental plates are so close you can almost touch them. The fissure widens into Silfra Hall, where full spectrum of colors and clarity become all the more apparent. At this point if you look at just the right angle you can see all the way to Thingvallavatn, over 150m away. Near to the opening to Thingvallavatn you can enter the Silfra Cathedral; as the depth reaches 23m you will feel like you are flying.

In the afternoon you will drive to a glacier riverbank where your host for the evening will meet you and transfer you on a small motor boat over to his private island for an exclusive dinner and overnight experience. The island is a place of stunning beauty, untouched by modern development. The electricity comes from a windmill.  The owner collects rainwater, and food comes primarily from the island. Herbs and vegetables are grown in his gardens and you will have an opportunity to experience a traditional way of catching wild salmon in the river, using a net.

The owner and his sheepdog will welcome you to the island where he spent his summers while growing up and is now following his dream to maintain a sustainable and ecofriendly space. Check the nets and take in the catch of the day, perhaps some trout or salmon. Learn about the life and history of the island and its surroundings. A bonfire will be lit and wooden coals prepared for the grill. Together you will enjoy a three-course meal which includes catch of the day and homegrown herbs and vegetables. Sharing stories by the fire is a great way to end the day. Prepare for a refreshing sleep in the serene stillness of the island in cozy yurts.       

After breakfast and a relaxing morning on the island, it is time to say goodbye to your host and continue your travels. Your driver-guide will be ready for you at the other side of the riverbank as your volcano activity awaits a short drive away. Arrival at the Blue Mountains (Bláfjöll) base where you will join a group and an expert mountain guide to take you to the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano. After a 45 min hike, prepare to be amazed as you descend 400 feet into its crater where unforgettable colors will surround you. The volcano is a unique natural phenomenon; opening a door to a new world. During this tour you will be with expert mountain guides and cave explorers at all times. Once you are back on the surface, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Icelandic meat soup, hot coffee/tea/chocolate and perhaps some sweets. Finally, you will walk back over the lava field.   

Today’s destination is at the new luxurious Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon. Built into an 800-year-old lava flow on the south shore of the Blue Lagoon, the 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.   

Overnight at The Retreat 

Enjoy your day at the Retreat Spa, Moss and Spa restaurants, lounges, yoga, light hiking, or simply indulge in a few Spa treatments, whatever you desire on a leisurely day to complete your Iceland visit.   

Private transfer provided from The Retreat to Keflavik International Airport for your departure flight.