Essence of Iceland

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

This private tour features Iceland's most spectacular and diverse landscapes. Experience the cultural highlights of Iceland's capital city, dramatic coastlines of Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the interior of a glacier, stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, a stunning glacier lagoon 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. 

Next, venture to the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and stay at a seaside country inn with great views and a highly regarded restaurant. During private touring, see regional highlights such as Kirkjufell, one of Iceland's most photographed mountains, and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall. Other options include the waterfront village of Stykkisholmur, the Norwegian Museum, the Library of Water, beach walks, sea kayaking, touring a lava cave and seeing other notable geological formations. 

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. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a tour of local lava tubes. Also enjoy time to relax in the open-air geothermal baths at your hotel.

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. Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as seeing Icelandic horses, riding ATVs, and 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. If desired, also visit an Icelandic horse farm. During winter, this region is an ideal base for hunting for the Northern Lights (aurora borealis).

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. Alternatively, during the summer, take an excursion to Landmannalaugar, an area of geothermal hot springs and colorful rhyolite mountains in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.

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 to continue scenic touring in the region.

End the tour back in Reykjavik or with a relaxing stay at the luxurious Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon Iceland, 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, whale watching and puffin spotting cruises, appointments at geothermal spas, Northern Lights (aurora borealis) excursions, tickets to performances, Icelandic cooking classes, food tours, art and architecture tours, ATV rides, snow adventures, horseback riding, the Inside the Volcano experience, scenic helicopter flights, reservations at top restaurants and more.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world