Essence of Iceland

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

This private luxury tour features Iceland’s scenic and cultural highlights and experiences.

Upon arrival in Iceland, enjoy insider touring of the highlights of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Tour highlights such as the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church, Harpa concert hall, the colorful backstreets of the town, and stops at favorite culinary spots.

One day, enjoy the "Into the Glacier" tour of Langjokull Glacier, including driving across a glacier and venturing into a tunnel in the blue ice. Also see Hraunfossar Waterfall, which streams through a lava field.

Next, enjoy private touring in the iconic Golden Circle. 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 over 850 years in a spectacular rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Enjoy a private tour and local lunch at a geothermal greenhouse. Also visit other highlights of the area, such as Kerid crater lake. If desired, opt to take a dip in the Secret Lagoon, a unique natural hot spring, or soak in the lakeside hot springs of Laugarvatn Fontana.

Continue along Iceland's spectacular southern coast, a region that offers some of the country's most impressive scenery. See Reynisfjara black sand beach and its basalt rock columns, and take in views of monumental sea stacks off the coast. Also see the amazing waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, 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 the winter, this region is an ideal base for hunting the Northern Lights (aurora borealis).

Next, transfer to stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. See icebergs floating in the lagoon, and visit nearby Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice create a glittery 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 Skaftafellsjokull glacier to see ice caves.

Return along the southern coast to continue scenic touring in the region. End the tour with a relaxing stay at the luxurious Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon Iceland, including access to the Retreat Spa, the most exclusive section of the Blue Lagoon. Spend the afternoon soaking in the mineral-rich water, and perhaps luxuriate in spa treatments and fine dining.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can incorporate additional activities such as hiking, whale watching or puffin excursions, horseback riding, Icelandic cooking classes, mountain biking, scenic helicopter flights, an excursion into a volcano, ATV rides, and tours of noted art and architecture sites.

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