Adventure Tour of Iceland

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Reykjavik, Husafell, Golden Circle & South Iceland, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Blue Lagoon

This private tour features thrilling activities through Iceland's most spectacular and diverse landscapes. Experience the cultural highlights of Iceland's capital city, the interior of a glacier, stunning waterfalls, beautiful hikes, soaking in geothermal pools, snorkeling between continental plates, a stunning glacier lagoon, ATV tours and much more.

With your own private guide, enjoy insider touring of the highlights of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. See iconic buildings such as historic Hallgrimskirkja Church and Harpa, the contemporary concert hall designed in conjunction with renowned artist Olafur Eliasson. Explore the colorful backstreets of the town, walk along the scenic harbor and stop at renowned culinary spots. Visit Perlan, a landmark building on a hill, for views over Reykjavik. If desired, visit the National Museum of Iceland or Reykjavik Art Museum to gain further insight into Iceland's history and contemporary culture. Also enjoy time to browse top boutiques for Icelandic crafts such as hand-knit wool sweaters and blankets. Other options include visiting the Arbaer Open Air Museum, the Viking Village, the Imagine Peace Tower or FlyOver Iceland to enjoy a simulated flight ride over Iceland's spectacular scenery. If desired, tickets can be arranged for a whale watching and puffin spotting cruise.

Continue to Husafell for the Into the Glacier experience at Langjokull Glacier, including driving across a glacier and venturing into a tunnel carved into the blue ice. During private touring, see Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, interesting waterfalls that stream through lava fields and ravines. Also enjoy a tour of local lava tubes and a guided hike to open-air geothermal baths.

Next, enjoy private touring in the iconic Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most popular regions. See Gullfoss, Iceland's most famous waterfall, and watch Strokkur and other geysers erupt. Visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Althing (Icelandic assembly) met for more than 850 years in a spectacular rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Enjoy a private tour and lunch at a geothermally heated greenhouse. Also see other highlights of the area, such as Kerid crater lake, and enjoy a snorkeling excursion between continental plates in Silfra fissure. Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as soaking in open-air hot springs at the Secret Lagoon or at Laugarvatn Fontana, including a visit to its geothermal bakery.

Continue along the spectacular southern coast to see some of Iceland’s most impressive and dramatic scenery. Visit Reynisfjara Beach to see its unusual black sand and basalt columns, and take in views of monumental sea stacks off the coast. Also see the amazing Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and tour cultural highlights such as the Skogar folk museum and the Lava Center, a fascinating interactive museum dedicated to Iceland's geological forces. During winter, this region is an ideal base for hunting for the Northern Lights (aurora borealis).

Also take a Super Jeep ride on a glacier such as Solheimajokull Glacier, including a guided glacier walk.

One day, enjoy a scenic 4WD excursion and optional hiking in a beautiful location such as Thorsmork, a region of rugged peaks and glacial river valleys.

Next, transfer to stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. See icebergs floating in the lagoon, and visit nearby Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice create a glittering display on the black sand. Depending on the season, take a Zodiac cruise among the floating chunks of glacial ice or take a tour on a glacier to see the natural ice caves.

Return along the southern coast and enjoy a private horseback riding tour and an ATV ride on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a diverse landscape of lava fields, hot springs and mountains.

End the tour back in Reykjavik or with a relaxing stay at the luxurious Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon, affording plenty of time to soak in the enormous geothermal pool among lava fields—a quintessential Icelandic experience—and enjoy the hotel’s spa, architecture and restaurants.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange hiking and biking excursions, appointments at geothermal spas, Northern Lights (aurora borealis) excursions, tickets to performances, Icelandic cooking classes, food tours, art and architecture tours, snow adventures, the Inside the Volcano experience, scenic helicopter flights, reservations at top restaurants and more.