Journey Through Iceland

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Reykjavik, Golden Circle, South Iceland, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, East Fjords, Lake Myvatn & Akureyri, Deplar Farm, 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.

Upon arrival in Iceland, enjoy insider touring of the highlights of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Tour cultural highlights such as the National Museum of Iceland or Reykjavik Art Museum to gain further insight into Iceland's history and contemporary culture. See the iconic architecture of Hallgrimskirkja Church. Artisans of Leisure will also arrange visits to Harpa, the concert hall designed in conjunction with renowned artist Olafur Eliasson, and FlyOver Iceland to enjoy a simulated flight ride over Iceland's spectacular scenery. Also explore the colorful backstreets of the town, and walk along the harbor. If desired, browse top boutiques for Icelandic crafts such as hand-knit sweaters and blankets. Other options include visiting the Arbaer Open Air Museum, Viking Village or the Imagine Peace Tower. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange tickets to performances and reservations at top restaurants, such as a lunch reservation at a restaurant inside a hilltop building with incredible views over the city.

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. Alternatively, soak in the lakeside hot springs of Laugarvatn Fontana and sample bread and other baked goods from its geothermal bakery.

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. One day, enjoy a four-wheel drive excursion in Thorsmork, a beautiful region of rugged peaks and glacial river valleys. 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 a super Jeep tour on Skaftafellsjokull glacier to see ice caves. Artisans of Leisure can arrange for you to have lunch at a local country farm. Accommodation will be at a luxury hotel with incredible views of the dramatic landscapes.

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, and 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. Also relax at Myvatn Nature Baths, an open-air hot spring with views. Another option is visiting Askja, a large caldera that's part of Vatnajokull National Park.

Continue to Deplar Farm, a country lodge on the remote Troll Peninsula. During your stay at Deplar Farm, enjoy lodge-based activities, such as kayaking, dog sledding, hiking, fishing, biking, whale watching and horseback riding. Also visit Akureyri, the largest city in North Iceland, and Akureyri Church.

Next, see the rocky Kolugljufur ravine and its waterfall and visit Holar Church, one of North Iceland's most important historical sites, en route to Husafell. Also enjoy time to relax in open-air geothermal baths at your hotel.

Next, experience the "Into the Glacier" tour of Langjokull Glacier, including driving across a glacier and venturing into a tunnel in the blue ice. During private touring, also see Hraunfossar Waterfall, which streams through a lava field.

Conclude 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. Enjoy time to soak in the mineral-rich water, and perhaps luxuriate in spa treatments such as the skin-revitalizing Blue Lagoon Ritual. Alternatively, end in Reykjavik for a final night in the city.

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