Summer in Iceland: Lava, Lagoons & Glaciers

Welcome to Iceland. Your journey begins with a private transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík via the spectacular Sky Lagoon. Nestled on the Atlantic coast just outside the capital, this geothermal lagoon offers a unique Icelandic wellness ritual. You’ll enjoy seven immersive steps, including a cold plunge, sauna, body scrub and steam room, all designed to rejuvenate after your flight.

Afterwards, check in to the luxurious Reykjavík EDITION Hotel, located beside the Old Harbour. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the nearby cafés and boutiques on Laugavegur. Whether you choose to enjoy a drink at the hotel bar or head to a local restaurant, your first evening sets a tranquil tone for the days ahead.

Today, set off on a small group guided tour of the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most iconic sightseeing route. Begin at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Here, Iceland’s parliament was first established in 930 AD, and the rift valley landscape is as geologically fascinating as it is beautiful.

Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur erupts dramatically every few minutes. Visit the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most powerful, before stopping at a local dairy farm for fresh ice cream. Optional lunch is available at Friðheimar, a tomato greenhouse restaurant offering a farm-to-table experience.

Your day concludes with a return to Reykjavík and another night at the EDITION Hotel. Reflect on the day’s stunning contrasts, from volcanic power to lush valleys, with an optional evening out at a local fine dining spot or spa.

This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour through Reykjavík’s historic old town, tasting traditional Icelandic dishes along the way. Sample classics like rye bread, seafood soup and artisanal lamb at locally loved eateries. Your guide will share insights into how Icelanders have preserved food through harsh winters, blending old traditions with innovative modern cuisine.

In the afternoon, board a whale watching vessel and set sail from Reykjavík harbour. With luck, you may spot minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins and puffins along the coastline. The boat includes warm overalls, indoor seating and onboard Wi-Fi, making this a comfortable and thrilling way to connect with Iceland’s marine wildlife.

Return to land and enjoy a relaxed evening. Whether you opt for a casual harbour dinner or a cocktail at the EDITION’s rooftop bar, the city is full of charm and atmosphere, especially in the golden light of an Icelandic summer night.

Depart Reykjavík with your private guide to explore Iceland’s dramatic South Coast. First stop is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can actually walk behind, followed by Skógafoss, a towering cascade often framed by rainbows. Continue to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, where basalt columns rise like ancient cathedrals and waves crash with eerie power.

Arrive in Vik, a quaint coastal town surrounded by cliffs and sea. Here, you’ll mount a gentle Icelandic horse for a beach ride along volcanic sands. These native horses are sure-footed and calm, suitable for all experience levels.

Later, attend the Lava Show, where real molten lava is poured into a theatre, recreating a volcanic eruption in safely controlled conditions. It’s a fascinating and sensory way to understand the island’s fiery origins.

Check in to Hotel Vík, where every room offers views of either the cliffs or sea. Enjoy dinner at the hotel or in the town centre before retiring for the night.

Today’s journey takes you east toward Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. Drive through surreal landscapes, with stops at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and the Skaftafell wilderness. Your guide will explain how glacial movement and volcanic activity have shaped the terrain.

On arrival, prepare for a shared glacier hike on Falljökull. Fitted with crampons and led by an expert guide, you’ll step onto the shimmering blue ice, weaving through crevasses and ice sculptures in one of Iceland’s most spectacular environments.

Next, board a Zodiac for a thrilling boat tour across Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon. As you glide among floating icebergs, the scale of Iceland’s glacial forces becomes strikingly clear.

Return to Vík in the evening, tired but exhilarated. Dine in or enjoy a cosy evening with views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the twilight.

Leave Vík and travel west with your private guide. Today’s focus is Iceland’s hidden underworld: ice caves. You’ll board a modified superjeep to reach the Katla glacier area, where you’ll hike a short distance into a naturally formed ice cave. The ice walls shimmer in shades of blue and grey, and your guide will explain how they form and evolve throughout the seasons.

After exploring the cave and surrounding glacial terrain, continue to the village of Hvolsvöllur. Your accommodation tonight is at Hótel Lóa, a peaceful and stylish property surrounded by nature. With fewer tourists and open skies, this area offers a slower pace and better chance of spotting Icelandic wildlife.

Spend your evening enjoying local cuisine and perhaps walking through the countryside under the midnight sun.

Today’s adventure is a highlight. Join a shared superjeep expedition into the remote Thórsmörk valley, accessible only by off-road vehicle. This highland paradise lies between three glaciers and is famed for its twisted gorges, icy rivers and volcanic ridgelines.

Your journey includes river crossings and spectacular viewpoints, including from the base of the notorious Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Stop to see the hidden waterfalls and walk through moss-covered lava fields that look like scenes from a fantasy novel.

A hearty Icelandic lunch is included, often enjoyed in a rustic mountain hut or picnic-style in nature. This is one of the most immersive and exhilarating days on the itinerary, offering a glimpse of Iceland’s wild, untouched interior.

Return to Hótel Lóa for a final peaceful night before heading back toward the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Depart Hvolsvöllur for the final leg of your journey. With your private guide, you’ll explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula. This volcanic region is filled with steaming vents, mud pots and bubbling geothermal activity. Visit Krýsuvík, a lesser known geothermal area where the earth boils underfoot and vivid mineral colours stain the soil.

Continue to the Blue Lagoon, where you’ll enjoy the Premium Package experience. Change into your robe and slippers, apply the signature silica mud mask and sink into the soothing, mineral-rich waters. Surrounded by lava fields and steam, the Blue Lagoon is the perfect place to unwind and reflect.

Check in to the Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel. With just 35 rooms and a private bathing lagoon exclusive to guests, it offers true tranquillity. Enjoy a final Icelandic dinner on-site and perhaps one more soak before sleep.

After a restful night and breakfast overlooking the lava fields, enjoy one final soak in the Silica Hotel’s private lagoon before your private transfer to Keflavík Airport. Take with you memories of glacier hikes, volcanic landscapes, Icelandic hospitality and the soothing waters that define this island of fire and ice.