Iceland's Ring Road

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Reykjavik & Golden Circle, South Iceland, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, East Fjords, Lake Myvatn, Husafell & Langjokull Glacier, Blue Lagoon

This private journey through Iceland visits some of Iceland's most incredible destinations, including spectacular landscapes along the country's famed Ring Road.

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, 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. If desired, also soak 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. Also enjoy a guided glacier walk. 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.

Drive through rural villages and stunning scenery en route to the remote East Fjords region for an overnight stay before continuing to the Lake Myvatn region. During private touring, explore the best of North Iceland's incredible beauty. Visit the Jokulsargljufur section of Vatnajokull National Park, including dramatic Dettifoss Waterfall and Asbyrgi Canyon. Explore the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Myvatn-Laxa Nature Conservation Area. See wetland areas popular with migratory birds and the twisted lava outcroppings of Dimmuborgir. Other options are visiting Askja, a large caldera that's part of Vatnajokull National Park, or embarking on a whale watching tour from the seaside village of Husavik. Also enjoy time to relax at Myvatn Nature Baths, an open-air hot spring with views. If desired, also visit Holar Church, one of North Iceland's most important historical sites, and Akureyri, the largest city in North Iceland.

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.

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, this tour can be extended to include a stay at Deplar Farm. 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.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Reykjavik Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Private introductory city tour and some free time this afternoon Day 2 Reykjavik – Golden Circle – South Iceland Full-day private excursion en route to hotel for 2 nights Day 3 South Iceland Full-day private excursion to Thorsmork, including hiking Day 4 South Iceland – Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Full-day private excursion along the coast en route to hotel for 2 nights Day 5 Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Full-day private touring and activities, including private lagoon cruise or ice cave tour and glacier walk Day 6 Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – East Fjords Full-day private regional scenic touring and activities en route to hotel for 1 night Day 7 East Fjords – Lake Myvatn Private scenic touring en route to hotel for 2 nights Day 8 Lake Myvatn & environs Full-day private excursion Day 9 Lake Myvatn – Husafell Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights with scenic touring en route Day 10 Husafell & Langjokull Glacier Scenic private regional touring and "Into the Glacier" experience Day 11 Husafell – Blue Lagoon Private transfer to hotel for overnight stay. Afternoon at leisure Day 12 Blue Lagoon – Depart Reykjavik Private airport transfer

Hotels

Reykjavik: The Reykjavik EDITION or Canopy by Hilton South Iceland: Hotel Ranga or Hotel Grimsborgir Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon East Fjords: Hotel 1001 Nott or Fosshotel Eastfjords Lake Myvatn: Fosshotel Myvatn Husafell: Hotel Husafell Blue Lagoon: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

Cost

Upon request