The land of ice and fire awaits you as you make your way through Iceland's majestic southern coast. From waterfalls and hot springs to secret lagoons, adventure and new experiences await at every turn. You will have ample opportunities to see the magical northern lights as well as some time to relax and pamper yourselves while taking it all in. Put on your hiking books and winter parka and get ready to discover the perfect sample of what Iceland has to offer.
Live, Laugh, Lava:
The Best of Iceland
Day 1
Welcome to Iceland!
Get your walking shoes on because your first day is going to be packed with surprises. We'll arrange for your SUV to be picked up on arrival and then you'll make your way to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Get settled in with a nice breakfast and warm drink before being picked up by your tour guide for the day. You'll make stops at Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geyser and the mesmerizing Gulfoss waterfall. Next, you'll make your way to a secret lagoon to warm up a little before settling into your room for the night. Did we mention that your room is a transparent bubble? What a great way to spend your first night, taking in the night skies in hopes of seeing aurora borealis.
Day 2
If you thought your first day was memorable, Day 2 will not disappoint. Your first stop will be Seljalandsfoss Waterfall followed by an off-the-beaten path secret destination we highly recommend: Seljavallalaug pool. Here you'll be able to swim in a pool in the middle of a mountain canyon. Be sure to snap some photos for your honeymoon scrapbook! Next, you'll meander through the southern coast of Iceland and make your way to the impressive Skogafoss Waterfall. You'll spend the rest of your afternoon on ATVs riding through the black sand desert to Sólheimasandur Black Sand beach where you'll get up close to the DC-3 plane wreck. You'll make your way back to the starting point by taking the scenic route. As you follow along the Jökulsá river and drive through a beautiful canyon, you'll be able to get a glimpse of Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Your last stop is Reynisfjara black sand beach to check out the Reynisdrangar basalt rocks before retiring to Hotel Kria in the quaint idyllic town of Vik.
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Day 3
Get your day started early with a hot cup of joe and complimentary breakfast at the hotel before getting started on today's journey. Your first quick stop will be to Hjörleifshöfði mountain, where you'll be able to let your vocal skills shine and figure out why they call it "Yoda" Cave. Further down the road, you'll run into the Laufskálavarða rocks. This is a great place for a quick bathroom break in the middle of what feels like nowhere. Continue on to your next stop, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, one of the most breathtaking canyons in all of Iceland. Plan to spend some time here taking in all that sights and views of this beautiful canyons that started forming at the end of the last Ice Age, or about 9,000 years ago. As you continue on your way to Skaftafell park, you'll see the Foss a Sidu Waterfall on your left. At Skaftafell, you'll have several options from which to choose --- an inclined hike up to see Svartifoss or a flat, winding hike to Svinafellsjokull Glacier. You'll likely want to warm up and relax after this long day. Your room at FossHotel Glacier Hotel will be awaiting your arrival.
Day 4
Day 4 will take you a little further east to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond beach. With naturally-occurring ice formations peppered all over the sand, Diamond beach is a truly a gem. Exploring Iceland in the winter would not be complete without spelunking through an ice cave. You'll meet your experienced guide who take you an adventure filled afternoon exploring Sapphire ice cave. After all of that adventure, you're going to need some R&R, so head back west to Hotel Kria where you'll be able grab some dinner and warm up and settle in for the evening.
OR hot spring??
Day 5
Grab a coffee and snack at Skool Beans coffee shop (look for the big yellow school bus!) and get on the road back to Reykjavik. You'll want to do an early check-in at Hotel Borg in the city center. Take a casual stroll through the streets of historic Reykjavik to visit Hallgrímskirkja Church. Be sure to get a picture standing on the rainbow road leading up to the church. If the church feels a little too wholesome for your taste, make your way over to the Penis museum for a little more excitement. The rest of the day is up to you. You could head over to the Grotta lighthouse and soak your feet in the Kvika foot bath while you gaze up at the northern lights,, or it is New Years Eve after all, so if you're looking for more of a party, you could attend a New Years Eve party with dinner and a bonfire. Your other option is a little more tame but just as eventful --- Grab craft cocktails at the stylish Jungle Bar and then make your way over to the Food Cellar for the chef's tasting menu. This will be a New Years Eve you'll remember forever.
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Day 6
After last night, you'll need a pick-me-up so head over to our friends at Cafe Pallett 🌈 for some breakfast and caffeine. Take a 45 minute drive south of the city to get up close and personal with the active volcano, Fagradalsfjall. Just a few minutes away, make your way over to Blue Lagoon. A trip to Iceland would not be complete without a dip in the chalky blue waters of this geothermal lagoon. Take your time and treat yourselves to a facial and a drink as you explore the different areas of the lagoon. You can either stick around Blue Lagoon for the rest of the day and have dinner at Lava Restaurant and stay in the luxurious Silica hotel or return to Reykjavik for the evening. If you haven't got your fill for the northern lights, you have the option for a Northern Lights Boat tour that leaves from Reykjavik. If you still have some energy left, head over to Kiki Queer Bar for a night cap before calling it a day.
Day 7
The last day of holiday is always bittersweet. You will have taken some amazing photos and made some unforgettable memories with each other this past week but it's time to go home. Open the curtains in your room, take a deep breath in and get one good last look at charming Reykjavik before you head back to the airport.