Iceland Vacations

Iceland Vacations: 5 or 7 Day Itineraries

Called the land of fire and ice, Iceland is a place of beautiful extremes and these Iceland vacations give you a taste of it all. Volcanoes, geysers, earthquakes, ancient sagas and nature rule supreme here. With summers of almost constant sunlight and winters blanketed in darkness, Iceland is a fascinating country. On these 5 or 7 day Iceland vacations enjoy seeing Iceland on guided tours and choose what you like: a walking tour of the capital city of Reykjavik, snowmobiling, horseback riding, glacier adventures, the Golden Circle and more. Iceland is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, just South of the Arctic Circle.

Let our preferred Virtuoso travel agent help you with this Darley Vacations booking or have her customize it to meet the needs of you and your group or family.

5 days/ 4 nights starting at $8,935 per person double occupancy
7 days / 6 nights $12,875 per person double occupancy

* package price is per person based on two adults. Prices are subject to fluctuations due to exchange rates at time of payment. Prices and reservations are not guaranteed until a deposit is placed. We are happy to customize this itinerary for you!

Iceland Vacations: 5 or 7 Day Itineraries

Below is a fully 7 day/ 6 night itinerary for Iceland, which can also be amended to 5 days (leaving off days 5 and 6 and skipping to Day 7 at the Blue Lagoon as your final adventure). This itinerary is fully customizable with lots of options included here and more on offer. Just ask! We’re happy to create your dream Iceland vacation.

Reynisdrangar black sand beach in Iceland

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Reynisdrangar black sand beach in Iceland

Day 1: Arrive to Reykjavik

Welcome to Reykjavik! Arrival at Keflavik Airport and private transfer to hotel.

One you arrive at the Keflavik Airport and go through passport control, you will meet your driver. There will be someone holding a sign with your name on it the moment you pass through the double doors where guests may be greeted.

You will then be taken to your hotel in downtown Reykjavik (about a 30 minuted drive) where your room will be ready for an early check in. Take some time to rest and get settled in. You’re located in the heart of Reykjavik with many cafes, shops and restaurants within easy walking distance. We have a few options for things to do this afternoon.

Option 1: Relaxation & Rejuvenation at Laugar Spa

After you’ve gotten settled in at the hotel, your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to a real Icelandic spa experience at Laugar Spa. Laugar is a high-quality luxury health and spa resort situated in the Laugardalur valley in Reykjavík. This is where local Icelanders go to workout and enjoy soaking in hot pots. Sort of like a jaccuzzi, some hot pots are really hot. Many Icelanders soak in them daily to promote health benefits.

Laugar has Olympic-size indoor and outdoor thermal pools, a bright and spacious fitness center, an amazing spa, a restaurant and a beauty and massage clinic with a wide selection of beauty- and massage treatments. The best part is that it is far less touristy than other “spa” experiences for tourists.

*Inclusions in your Spa time: 

• Access to outdoor and indoor thermal swimming pools
• Gym facility
• Fitness classes

*Beauty, massages, and treatment are NOT included, but can be booked additionally.

Option 2: Private ATV/Quad Safari (additional cost)

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a fun filled day on an ATV/quad biking. Raw nature, dirt and extreme off-road conditions on tracks guarantee fun for everyone. Going over the rough terrain doesn’t take much effort for the ATV/quads and is a family friendly activity. After your adventure is over, you will be taken back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Afternoon treat: Coffee and Pastries with the Icelanders

After the relaxing experience at the Icelandic spa, enjoy some delicious local pastries (you’ll want to try them all) at the home of an Icelander. Become acquainted with the country by asking questions and meeting some locals first hand!  You’ll soon notice they have a great sense of humor and are happy to tell you about their country and history.

Your driver will then take you back to your hotel where the evening will be at your leisure. Feel free to walk around the city of Reykjavik and visit one of that many nearby restaurants or bars!

Option 3: Atlantic Ocean Experience

Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you in a private vehicle to one of the shores in Reykjavik called Nautholsvik where you’ll have an opportunity to go into the Atlantic Ocean in a wet suit and feel the Nordic hemisphere through the water. Spend a few minutes swimming in the icy and invigorating water. This will wake you up after your flight!

Additional Option for Day 1 of 2: Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting

Enjoy dinner on your own and meet your guide back at the hotel for a private tour of a very local Chocolate Factory where you will get introduction and tasting on how sweet Iceland can be!

After your tour and tasting, you will be taken back to the hotel.

Day 2: City Tour, Perlan Museum and Whale watching

Reykjavik City Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, your personal guide will take you for a drive around Reykjavik and its vicinity. During this tour, you will see the old town center, the Parliament house, the Cathedral, the harbor, Hofdi house – the site of the 1986 summit to end the Cold War – and Harpa, one of Reykjavik’s most distinguished landmarks. Harpa 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. Hallgrimskirkja Church is Reykjavik’s main landmark, seen from anywhere in town. The visit to the church tower is a must for the amazing panoramic views of the whole Reykjavik capital region–– great for photos.

Perlan Museum

Continue your day at Perlan museum, where you can explore the glacier and ice caves by traveling through an actual man-made ice cave inside the museum.  Learn about the history of glaciers and their bleak future. Learn about the secrets that glaciers keep, the dangers facing them and how the disappearance of our glaciers is leading to an enormous environmental change for both Iceland itself and around the world. 

See the Aurora Borealis on the first ever 8K northern lights planetarium show. It is a beautiful demonstration of the northern lights, combining science and art, to create a unique experience. It is a journey through the unique landscape of Iceland to observe Northern lights as you’ve never seen them. The show takes you across time and space to understand the science behind the mysterious stories we believed for millenniums. 

The top dome of the museum offers a lovely cafe and stunning panoramic views of the city and is a perfect spot for lunch! (lunch is on your own)

Whale Watching

After lunch on your own, your guide will take you to whale watching. During this boat trip, drr one of the largest animals on the planet, the whale. There are 20 species of whales in Icelandic waters. They come to feed, making for great whale watching. Each species has its own characteristics and behaviors.  The waters around Iceland offer some of the best opportunities to watch whales breach.

After your whale watching trip you will be taken back to your hotel and the rest of the evening is on your own.

Kayaking (instead of Whale Watching)

After lunch on your own, you guide will drive you to a fantastic location for kayaking. This area is away from the typical areas and it less windy. The kayaks are very stable and easy to use to give you the best experience possible. 

After kayaking you will be driven back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

OPTION ANY DAY: Midnight Sun experience- early June – Late July

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at the appointed time for a most memorable and unique night adventure.

If you’re visiting Iceland during the summer, you need to experience the midnight sun. There is something extraordinary about the Icelandic summer nights. The sun sets so late that it never gets dark, in some areas it does not set at all but when it does the sun only sets for a few magical moments. Sunset and sunrise merge and you end up with dramatic light that lasts for hours. The skies can radiate with shades of pink and gold through the night, it is a strange sensation to be up at midnight with the sun still bright in the sky. Your guide will take you to a nice and quiet place to enjoy the midnight sun and its beautiful colors. 

You will then be driven back to your hotel.

The greenhouse farmers at Fridheimar can grow tomatoes all year round using geothermal energy. You will have the opportunity to learn about the tradition of greenhouses and the methods used by the local farmers to grow their tasty and healthy produce. Experience the diversity and freshness of Icelandic food with lunch here! 

Horseback riding on private farm and Icelandic dinner

We definitely recommend horseback riding in Iceland! We filmed riding all over Iceland for our Equitrekking PBS series and loved it! Icelandic horses are super smooth and cute with bushy manes and shorter stature. Small, but mighty, these horses will transport you over Iceland’s rugged terrain. Until the 19^th century, horses were the sole mode of transportation around Iceland and they are a source of pride for the Icelandic people. 

At a private farm, learn about the Icelandic horse and the training process, before a private horseback ride in the countryside for those who wish.

The Icelandic horse is a “five-gaited” breed, known for its sure-footedness and ability to cross Iceland’s lava landscapes. As well as the typical gaits the breed is noted for its ability to perform two additional gaits; the tolt and pace (“skeið”), sometimes called the flying pace. The pace is fast and smooth.

After your horseback riding experience, enjoy a delicious Icelandic dinner (included) right on the farm, prepared by the family!  After dinner, you will be driven back to the hotel.

OPTION Day 3: Snowmobiling

We do also recommend the snowmobiling in Iceland. It’s fun and beautiful to be on top of a glacier in the land of fire and ice. You will have an experience of a lifetime as snowmobiling incorporates the perfect blend of exhilarating adrenaline and magnificent views on the glacier. 

If you go snowmobiling, you’ll have lunch on the glacier, instead of greenhouse, with a traditional Icelandic setup.

Day 4: Glacier, Waterfalls, Farm & Food Experience

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and meet your guide to take you to Langjokull, Europe’s second largest glacier. On our way, stop by the waterfalls of Hraunfossar (Lava Falls) and Barnafoss (Children’s Falls).  

At the glacier, hop into 8-wheel-drive truck that is safe for driving on ice. You might even see some deep crevasses on our way. This is a unique experience to enjoy a glacier up close. There’s more than meets the eye!

Family Run Farm Visit

Visit a local family-run farm in Hvalfjordur, a beautiful fjord in West Iceland. The farm has been in the same family since 1887. Here you will meet many different animals, including sheep, chicken, pigs, horses, rabbits, dogs and cats. You’ll also try traditional Icelandic food and learn about the story behind each dish. The family is very proud of their sustainable way of life and shares with guests how to uphold their sustainable values. 

At the end of your visit you will be able to take with you the products of the farm, like jams, chutneys and even meats from their on-site shop, together with the seasonal products of local craftspeople. 

OPTION Day 4: Zodiac Boat on Lake Skorradalsvatn at additional cost (not incl.)

Go zodiac boating on Lake Skorradalsvatn, one of the longest lakes in Iceland with glacier carved mountains on both sides filled with Birch trees. Those who wish to can also enjoy trout fishing.

Lunch today is enjoyed beside the lake in between the Birch trees after the Zodiac boating (Lunch is not included)

Check into a Countryside Hotel for 3 nights

For the next few days, you’ll be staying in a countryside hotel perfectly located to explore all the wonders of South Iceland. Located about 1hr 30min from Reykjavik, this luxury resort is dedicated to wellness, comfort and exploration of Iceland’s impressive nature.

This hotel is also superbly located for viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland or Aurora Borealis. Please note that there are no accurate long-term Aurora forecasts, so you are not guaranteed to see them. However, slightly after the autumn equinox and slightly before the spring equinox there are statistically somewhat better viewing conditions and more consistent Northern Lights.

SHOULD YOU CHOOSE THE 5 DAY ITINERARY, SKIP DAYS 5 AND 6 AND YOUR LAST DAY IS DAY 7, the BLUE LAGOON.

Day 5: South Shore Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches

Waterfall Visit

After breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel. Iceland is a nature lovers playground. Today, visit stunning waterfalls, one of which you can walk behind, black sandy beaches, mountains, steep cliffs, glaciers and numerous lava formations. Visit of Eyjafjallajokull, which famously erupted in 2010 and closed all air traffic over the Atlantic Ocean. (TV host Darley Newman remembers that well, as she got stuck in Ireland… not a bad place to get stuck!)

OPTION: Lunch in the Wilderness

Your host will meet you near the glacier for a nice lunch in the Icelandic wilderness, located just on the outskirts of the black sand and south coast.

Glacier Walk & Volcano Exhibit

Enjoy lunch on your own followed by more Icelandic beauty. After lunch get up close to a glacier tongue and walk on the ice. Wearing crampons (traction device that is attached to footwear to improve mobility on snow and ice), discover the hidden world of frozen water and explore the crevasse-riddled glacier with its amazing ice formations, sink holes and jagged ridges. It is an easy activity that can be customized to fit your skill level and comfort.

Watch an interactive, high-tech exhibition on volcanoes which depicts volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years. You will be able to examine the various volcanos, eruptions, lava flows, volcanic and rift systems, faults and glacial floods that make Iceland a showcase of volcanism. The center introduces the Katla Geopark, plus Iceland’s elaborate monitoring system for surveying volcanos and earthquake zones. 

Your guide will take you back to your hotel and the rest of the evening is on your own.

Day 6: Thorsmok Glacial Valley + A Road Bridge by Mountain Bike

Super Jeep Adventure and Mountain Biking

After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Today, enjoy a Super Jeep/SUV adventure along one of the gems of the south coast, Thorsmork, surrounded by rugged and beautiful mountains, glaciers, and glacial rivers.

Quite a few brooks and rivers must be crossed to get there, and no-one should attempt the trip without the company of experienced guide since the glacial rivers are very unpredictable. An innocent stream can change in a matter of hours into a thunderous torrent. Skilled drivers are very experienced in these driving conditions and will take you safely across any river. 

Witness the multitude of small gullies and valleys, clad with low birch-trees that create seemingly endless possibilities for the nature lover. You will find more than 170 species of plants, moss and lichen in this lush area, which was a fjord some 12,000 years ago. 

Barbeque lunch in Thorsmork

Enjoy an Icelandic BBQ in Thorsmork (included) while you take in the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Mountain Biking in the Countryside

Work off your lunch with an invigorating afternoon bike ride!  There are no vehicles allowed over the old main road bridge crossing the glacial river Markarfljot. Be ready to define freedom all over again as you bike over this bridge. On the way, stop and feel the power of the river and how small we all are compared to nature. The area has glacier carved mountains, which are extremely nice to view from the bridge. 

After your afternoon activities, your guide will drop you back at the hotel for an evening at your leisure.

Day 7: Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa & Departure

After breakfast, make sure you have all your personal items packed and ready to load in the car. Check out of the hotel and meet your guide in the lobby.

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is iconic in Iceland, with the surrounding mineral-rich water circulating through a canyon of lava. This enchanting lagoon opens the door to the rejuvenating properties of geothermal water. This destination provides the perfect atmosphere for you to relax and enjoy the moment. 

After you’ve enjoyed the famous Blue Lagoon, your drive will take you to the airport which is located only 15 minutes from the lagoon. You’ll arrive at the airport two hours before your departure time and return home with many wonderful memories of the land of fire and ice!

Reykjanes Peninsula (instead of the Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa)

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, where you have collected all your belongings and checked out, and drive you to Reykjanes, a peninsula at the southwestern end of Iceland. The peninsula’s volcanic activity and large lava fields allow for little vegetation. This is a place to see numerous hot springs and solfataras (craters emitting sulfurous gases). Because of the geothermal activity and the importance of the natural life, Reykjanes Geo-park is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. 

Also visit Krysuvikurbjarg Cliff, known for its active bird life and amazing beauty. The whole area is rich for the folk tales where many rocks and cliffs were believed to be home of giants and elves, including the naturally formed pool Brimketill.

The “Bridge between the continents” spans the Alftagja rift valley near Grindavik, which marks the boundary of the Eurasian and North American continental tectonic plates. 

After a tour of this area you will be taken directly to the airport for your departure flight home.

Trip Price & Inclusions

5 days/ 4 nights starting at $8,935 per person double occupancy
7 days / 6 nights $12,875 per person double occupancy

* package price is per person based on two adults. Daily inclusions listed below. Prices are subject to fluctuations due to exchange rates at time of payment. Prices and reservations are not guaranteed until a deposit is placed. We are happy to customize this itinerary for you!

Package Inclusions 5 days/ 4 nights
Accommodation in Reykjavik 3 nights
Countryside Hotel 1 night
Daily breakfast for 2
Snack on Day 1
Dinner on Day 3
Lunch on day 4
Day 6 Barbeque lunch in Thorsmork
Activities per the itinerary
Taxes and Fees

Exclusions
International air
Activities when optional per the itinerary
Personal expenses
Travel Insurance
Any deviation from the agreed itinerary will be at additional cost
Gratuities