Iceland Vacations Itinerary
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.
Iceland’s location next to Greenland.
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).
Gullfoss waterfalls in Iceland
Day 1: Arrive to Reykjavik
Welcome to Reykjavik! Arrival at Keflavik Airport.
After you’ve gotten settled in at the hotel, head 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.
Option 2: Private ATV/Quad Safari
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.
Afternoon treat: Coffee and Pastries
After the relaxing experience at the Icelandic spa, enjoy some delicious local pastries (you’ll want to try them all).
Day 2: City Tour, Perlan Museum and Whale watching
Reykjavik City Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, drive around Reykjavik and its vicinity to 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!
Whale Watching
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.
OPTION ANY DAY: Midnight Sun experience- early June – Late July
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.
Day 3: Golden Circle Full Day Tour
The Golden Circle is a must on any trip to Iceland! This classic route includes Thingvellir National Park, the site of the first parliment in Iceland, Geysir Hot Spring, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Golden Circle Guided Tour
Today you are heading to the Golden Circle or “Thingvellir”, the area that became the first national park of Iceland. Thingvellir lies in the rift valley and is one of very few places where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge comes to the surface, making the boundary between the tectonic plates visible. In the year 930 the oldest surviving parliament, the Althing, was established in Thingvellir. The cultural importance has earned Thingvellir a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Not only is the history intriguing but the natural beauty is stunning! You will visit the famous sites around the circle with a stop for lunch!
Lunch at Fridheimar Greenhouses
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 19th 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.
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.
Day 4: Glacier, Waterfalls, Farm & Food Experience
Head 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
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.
Check into a Countryside Hotel for 3 nights
SHOULD YOU CHOOSE THE 5 DAY ITINERARY, SKIP DAYS 5 AND 6 AND YOUR LAST DAY IS DAY 7, the BLUE LAGOON.
Reykjanes in Iceland
Geothermal activity in Iceland
Strokkur geysir in Iceland
Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland
Day 5: South Shore Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches
Waterfall Visit
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.
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.
Day 6: Thorsmok Glacial Valley + A Road Bridge by Mountain Bike
Super Jeep Adventure and Mountain Biking
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 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.
Day 7: Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa & Departure
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.
Reykjanes Peninsula (instead of the Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa)
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.
