Some itineraries we suggest for luxury travel to Iceland this winter.
Day 1 – Arrival – Early check in to hotel – Reykjavik City Sightseeing – Northern Lights Hunt
You will meet your driver at the international airport in Keflavik upon arrival. He will take you directly to your accommodation in Reykjavik, Canopy, where your room will be ready for an early check in so you can rest after the red eye flight. Around noon your personal guide will pick you up for your city tour around Reykjavik and its vicinity.
During this tour, you will see the old town center, the Parliament, the Cathedral, the harbor, Hofdi house, the summit site of 1986 and Harpa which is one of Reykjavik‘s greatest and distinguished landmarks. It is a cultural and social center in the heart of the city where it poses majestically by the harbor.
The National Museum of Iceland’s permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation, is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Settlement to the present day. The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present.
Hallgrímskirkja church is Reykjavík’s main landmark where you can see over the whole in the city.
We now head towards your accommodation in Reykjavik, Canopy.
In the evening it’s time to go hunt for the northern lights!
During large explosions and flares, huge quantities of solar particles are thrown out of the sun and into deep space. These plasma clouds travel through space with amazing speed. When closing in on Earth, they are captured by Earth’s magnetic field and guided towards Earth’s two magnetic poles; the geomagnetic South Pole and the geomagnetic North Pole.
*****We will go for a Northern Lights trip one of the evening you are in Iceland; we will monitor the forecast and choose the best evening.
We now head back to your accommodation in Reykjavik, Canopy.
Day 2 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Vatnshellir Caving
Gerduberg is a particularly beautiful and regular belt of basalt columns on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Gerduberg’s lava flowed in the Tertier era. The columns are 14 meters at their highest and around 1-
1.5 meters wide. Gerduberg is listed as a natural heritage.
The Beach near the abandoned farm of Ytri Tunga is well-known for its seal colony. The seals are friendly and curious and will climb up on the rocks near the sandy beach. Sometimes you have to be patient and wait for them.
Budir, an old anchorage, later a trading center. The 19th century church is unusual, not only in its setting, but also because it was raised by a woman who did not have the support of the church authorities, but special permission from the king in Denmark. This can be seen on a ring on the church door. Fine views. One of the best sand and shingle beaches in Iceland, good for sea and sun bathing.
Snaefellsjokull, (1,446 m) an ancient cone volcano, one of finest mountains in Iceland. An impressive sight from as far away as Reykjavík, from where it can be seen in clear weather, seeming to rise from the sea. Many prehistoric eruptions took place in the glacier-covered crater at its peak, and its slopes are covered with lava. A Journey to the Centre of the Earth, the entrance to the underground way was through the crater of Snaefellsjokull. In the eyes of both “traditional” believers in the supernatural and new agers Snaefellsjokull has more hidden power than any other mountain.
Djupalonssandur is a beautiful pebbled beach, with a series of rocks of mysterious form emerging from the ocean. It is one of the few areas that lead down to the sea along this coast with its high dramatic cliffs. Watch out for the famous ghosts roaming the place!
The rests of a shipwreck can be seen on the beach. On the beach there are also big stones which people tried to lift and test their strength in the days of the fishing stations: Fully Strong 154 kg, Half-Strong 100 kg, Weakling 54 kg and Bungler 23 kg. Weakling marked the frontier of wimphood, any man who couldn’t lift it was deemed unsuitable for a life as a fisherman.
We will now go caving into the magnificent Vatnshellir Cave, we will follow the path of the lava flow, about 200 meters into the cave and 35 meters below the surface to see amazing colors and lava formations. The 8000 years old cave is located in Snæfellsjökull National Park
We now head towards your accommodation in the West, Hotel Husafell.
Day 3 – Into the Glacier – Barnafossar Waterfalls – Private Visit to a Local Farm & Food Experience
Today we will head up to the ice cap of Europe‘s second largest glacier Langjokull. On our way we will stop by the waterfalls of Hraunfossar (Lava Falls) and Barnafoss (Children’s Falls).
We will travel up to the ice cap in an 8-wheel truck; you might even see big crevasses in the ice. Your driver knows where they are, and will drive you safely around them.
The highlight of the ice cap will be going into a manmade ice tunnel. You will have a new and totally different view of the glacier. Never before has anyone been able to see the beautiful blue ice at the heart of an Ice Cap Glacier; it is not quite a Jules Verne journey to the center of the earth, or even to the absolute center of the glacier, but it feels like an exciting and magical journey, deep within the glacier, and it is deep enough to reach another world, a world of magnificent, stunning blue ice.
We will now visit a local family run farm in Hvalfjordur, a beautiful fjord in West Iceland. The fjord is deep and was used by the US Navy to keep warships hidden in WWII. At the farm we will be introduced to farm life and get the change to meet an Icelandic family. The farm has been in the same family since 1887 and three generations are now living there together. In addition to a great visit we will get a tast of delicious local food produces by the farmers, some of which they have won prices for like the blueberry-cured and smoked mutton, mussels, smoked lamb and home-brewed dandelion wine. You will go home smiling with great memories.
We now head towards your accommodation in Reykjavik, Canopy.
Day 4 – Thingvellir National park – Fridheimar greenhouse – Geyser hot spring – Gullfoss waterfall
We head to Thingvellir where the Vikings established the first and the oldest still working Parliament in the world in the year 930. Today Thingvellir is a national park and considered a natural wonder on an international scale earning a place on UNESCO World heritage list.
We will have lunch at Fridheimar greenhouses. The greenhouse farmers at Fridheimar are able to grow tomatoes all year around using geothermal and green energy. You will have the opportunity to learn about the tradition of thermal greenhouses and the methods used by the local farmers to grow their tasty and healthy produce. Experience the diversity and freshness of Icelandic food and ingredients!
It’s time to visit Geyser area. We explore the geothermal pools around Geyser and see Strokkur erupt every few minutes. This is one of the wonders of Iceland and phenomenal experience to see.
We now proceed to Gullfoss waterfall. The glacier river Hvita is feeding Gullfoss with milky green colored water from the glacier Langjokull, the second biggest glacier in Europe. Gullfoss waterfall is the most known waterfall in Iceland and is worth a visit.
We now head towards your accommodation in the South, Hotel Ranga.
Day 5 – Kerid volcanic crater – Private visit to horse farm – Private horseback riding – Lunch at an Icelandic home – Secret Lagoon
We will drive to Kerid which is a volcanic crater lake located in the Grimsnes area. Kerid is a phenomenal crater lake in the area known as Iceland’s Western Volcanic Zone, which includes the Reykjanes peninsula and the Langjokull Glacier, created as the land moved over a localized hotspot, but it is the one that has the most visually recognizable caldera still intact.
Enjoy a private horseback riding. We will meet the local farmers who will show you the Icelandic horse and how the training is done, before we go for a private horseback ride for those who will around the country side otherwise it’s a lot to talk about at the farm. The Icelandic horse is a “five-gaited” breed, known for its sure-footedness and ability to cross rough terrain. As well as the typical gaits the breed is noted for its ability to perform two additional gaits; the tolt and pace, sometimes called the flying pace. It is fast and smooth, with some horses able to reach up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).
Afterwards the farmers will welcome you to enjoy good Icelandic food made by the local family, tell you fun stories and give you a visit you will never forget.
Next we head to the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot springs located in the small village Fludir. We have kept it natural and unique for the true Icelandic feeling. The pools natural surroundings and steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. In the whole area there are several geothermal spots and little Geysir which erupts every 5 minutes, showing off for the guests.
We will now head to your accommodation in the South, Hotel Ranga.
Day 6 – South Shore – Waterfalls and black sandy beaches – Volcano Museum – Private walking on the Glacier
We drive along the south shore, where the rugged landscape offers up firsthand evidence of nature’s power. Few words can describe the beautiful landscape of the south.
Beautiful waterfalls, some of which you can walk behind, black sandy beaches, mountains, high and steep cliffs, glaciers and numerous strange lava formations are found along the way. We will also see both old and new farms, agricultural livestock and bird life.
We will visit the surrounding of Eyjafjallajokull that erupted in 2010 (and closed down all air traffic over the Atlantic Ocean) and the Volcano museum that shows the aftermath of the volcanic eruption.
In the afternoon we will go up close to a glacier tongue to walk on the ice. Walking on the glacier is for everybody and when we put on our crampons and walk we will discover the hidden world of frozen water and explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with it amazing ice formations, sink holes and jagged ridges. It’s an easy activity amended to your capability.
We now head towards your accommodation in the South, Hotel Ranga.
Day 7 – Blue Lagoon – Departure
Visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland becomes indispensable because of the variety of health and emotional benefits the destination offers. As the water comes straight from the depths of the earth, it is loaded with minerals, salts, blue-green algae and silica. These elements are believed to possess therapeutic powers. The color of the water is frosty blue but the water is well warm. This destination provides the perfect atmosphere for you to relax and enjoy the moment.
You will have an Exclusive Lounge at the Blue Lagoon. The lounge provides you with privacy as it only has six private shower rooms (each for 1-2 people). It also includes access to a private lagoon with direct access to the Blue Lagoon and a private outdoor deck with stunning view. You will enjoy the luxury of the lounge and with its fireplace and designer furniture, is a haven of indulgent calm. You will receive complimentary towels, bathrobes, slippers and skin care products.
Your driver will drive you to the airport aiming to be around 2 hours before departure. You will go home with great memories and experience from Iceland
Please see below further details about accommodation, transportation and our Add -ons:
Canopy Reykjavik ****
Canopy Reykjavik City Centre is a new lifestyle hotel, set in the urban heart of Iceland’s capital city. You can enjoy Icelandic meals, brews, art and music at the hotel. The rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed and styled in Icelandic themes of ocean, ice and volcanic rock.
Thoughtfully designed for your comfort, every detail has been chosen to calm your nights and refresh your days. It’s a whole new take on boutique-hotel accommodations. All room have a minirefrigerator, 48-inch TV, and a bed with memory foam for a great nap or night’s sleep. You can also enjoy the 24-hour fitness center with cardio machines, weights and yoga mats.
The hotels restaurant, Geiri Smart, has a menu of fresh fish and organic local dishes prepped by award-winning chefs, plus a dry-aging room for the most tender, flavorful meats.
Hotel Husafell****
Hotel Husafell is a new luxury hotel, located in an area rich in history and extraordinary natural wonders at the edge of Iceland´s central highlands. Known for its mild weather, the region offers surroundings and activities which cater to all groups of people.
Combine the comfort of a luxurious hotel with the exploration of the unique wonders of Icelandic nature. The hotel offers 30 standard and 6 deluxe rooms, all spacious with nice bathrooms.
Hotel Husafell only uses 100% pure energy produced on the site. The electricity comes from small hydro power plants which are driven by crystal clear spring water. Additionally, the hot water which heats up the hotel and geothermal baths comes from nearby mountains.
Hotel Ranga ****
Hotel Ranga is a luxury countryside hotel and the only 4 star hotel in South Iceland. It offers all the facilities and services of a modern resort. Located about an hour from Reykjavík, it lies just off the main road right in middle of South Iceland’s panoramic scenery. It provides stunning picturesque surroundings, such as the famous volcano Mt. Hekla, several glaciers and the Westman Islands.
Right on the banks of Iceland’s premier salmon fishing river, the Eystri-Ranga (world’s #1 in 2007), the hotel offers an optimal atmosphere to meet every traveler’s needs, whether they be relaxation, pleasure, adventure or business.
Transportation
Below you will find the types of vehicles we use for travelling in Iceland. It varies which vehicle you will be travelling in depending on how many you are and where you are travelling.
Lincoln Navigator L
Designed with the striking and memorable confidence of the Navigator, the Navigator L is every bit as powerful, just bigger. Its added length makes room for extra cargo space and a more spacious thirdrow seat. From chrome door handles and the leather- and wood-trimmed steering wheel to the stylish, rectangular gauges and flow-through console, the Navigator is as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside.
Mercedes Benz V-Class L
A powerfully shaped front and developed with a passion for the joys and challenges of life, the VClass offers a variable interior concept, while at the same time delivering an outstanding driving experience. With all its intelligent assistance and safety systems, an innovative multimedia concept and a powerful drive system, it’s not just its good looks on the outside that make the V-Class the new benchmark in this segment. Wherever you’re planning to go, the new V-Class is ready.
Add – ons
Helicopter medium sized (3 hours flying time private)
We will fly out of Reykjavik airport flying over the highland of Iceland, we also fly above the infamous and now dormant Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano (we will try to land on top of the glacier if conditions are good), whose eruption in 2010 became global news. From the top we head down its glacier tongue Gigjokull that was split in half by hot melting lava. If we’re lucky we might even catch a glimpse of Iceland’s most active volcano, Hekla, and the Westman Islands. Total flying time around 3 hours and we will also try to make a couple of landings on the way.
Exclusive whale watching and sea angling including dinner on board with storytelling of old fisherman times (3 hours private)
Today we go on a private boat steaming out to the bay of Faxafloi and the aim for the day is to see whales in their natural environment. We are lucky that in Icelandic ocean we have around 20 species of whales. The whales often surface within few meters from the boat so you can see them up-close.
Following we do sea angling. The crew will prepare the freshly caught fish for dinner onboard. There are many species of fish that can be caught in Icelandic waters such as the Halibut, Monkfish, Mackerel, Saithe, Haddock, Pollack, Ling and Catfish just to mention a few. Dinner is served. The Icelandic sea life will be presented in its mystique moment both with life music on board and with storytelling about the old time fishing. Sharing a moment with you to make it as real as possible telling you about the hard life out on sea in the old days and to really inhale the history where else is better to be than out fishing and exploring the whales.
Exclusive dining out in the nature with viking storytelling and one of strongest man in Iceland visit (private and occasional based set up)
Enjoy a complete private set up with gourmet dinner with a private chef arranging a four course luxurious meal with good wines. We decorate the dining table with lava stones and wild plants and heaters and lights giving a cozy atmosphere. Our dinner is a blend of local and French cuisine and is created by one of our best’s chefs in Iceland.
You will enjoy a rune reading that is a type of a fortune telling but the Vikings of the old used the runes for magical purposes among other for the runes were believed to be deeply entwined with the heathen gods of the old. This unique experience will give you a better idea of Icelandic nature.
After getting the taste of old times runes it‘s time for the viking story telling. To make it real one of the strongest men in Iceland will show feats of strength to symbolize the forces of nature.
Exclusive luxury base camp all-inclusive (private and occasional based set up)
Enjoy full luxury in the middle of wild nature.
Luxury Adventures operates a luxury base camp designed and built for Nordic weather conditions. The camp is always privately set up on an individual basis. We can set it up in the middle of nowhere up in the highlands, beside a volcano, next to floating ice bergs or up on a glacier just to name few places available in Iceland.
Your private chef and waiter will prepare a fantastic dinner for you in a beautifully decorated dining dome. After dinner you can rest in the lounge area with a cold beverage in your hand.
You will have a private sleeping dome with a hard wood floor and a king size bed, heating system, hot shower and a bathroom. You will also have a sauna where you can relax after a busy day experiencing the Icelandic nature.
Contact Sophia’s Travel for prices.