13-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Iceland
Iceland is a destination where raw, untamed nature meets modern, minimalist luxury. This 13-day itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks to witness the majestic power of the Arctic wilderness without sacrificing comfort or exclusivity. From private helicopter transfers over active volcanoes to secluded geothermal villas, you will experience the very best of the island.
The route follows the legendary Ring Road but adds significant detours into the northern fjords and the mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Expect world-class hospitality, private guides who are experts in geology and history, and a culinary scene that turns local ingredients like Arctic char and fermented shark into Michelin-worthy masterpieces.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland - Arrival & Sky-High Luxury
Arrival & Private Transfer
Touch down at Keflavík International Airport and meet your private chauffeur for a seamless transfer in a luxury SUV.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Check into the exclusive Retreat Hotel and spend the afternoon in the private Retreat Spa, enjoying the mineral-rich waters far from the main crowds.
The Ritual
Experience the seven-step wellness journey utilizing silica, algae, and minerals found in the geothermal waters.
Dinner at Moss Restaurant
Savor a multi-course tasting menu featuring local Icelandic ingredients while overlooking the volcanic lava fields.
Day 2: Reykjavík, Iceland - Urban Culture & Design
Hallgrímskirkja & City Walk
Visit the iconic expressionist church before taking a private walking tour of the city's hidden street art and historic landmarks.
Harpa Concert Hall Tour
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the architectural masterpiece of Harpa, known for its stunning glass honeycomb facade.
FlyOver Iceland VIP
Experience a multi-sensory flight simulation over the island's most remote landscapes with a private lounge entrance.
Dinner at Dill
Experience the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Iceland, focusing on sustainable and creative New Nordic cuisine.
Day 3: Golden Circle, Iceland - The Classic Circuit
Thingvellir National Park
Walk between the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America at this UNESCO World Heritage site with a private geologist guide.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Witness the Strokkur geyser erupting high into the air and enjoy a luxury picnic lunch prepared by a private chef.
Gullfoss Waterfall
View the 'Golden Falls' from a private viewing platform away from the standard tourist paths.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
Tour this massive greenhouse heated by geothermal energy and enjoy their famous tomato soup and fresh bread.
Day 4: South Coast, Iceland - Cascading Wonders
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi
Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss and discover the hidden waterfall tucked inside a nearby canyon.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Climb the steps for a panoramic view of the coastline and the massive 60-meter drop of Skógafoss.
Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike
Join a private glacier guide for a safe but thrilling hike across the ancient blue ice and ash layers.
Stay at UMI Hotel
Check into this minimalist luxury hotel located right at the foot of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano.
Day 5: Vík, Iceland - Volcanic Black Sands
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Explore the basalt columns and the powerful Atlantic waves on this world-famous black sand beach.
Katla Ice Cave Expedition
Board a private Super Jeep for a journey to the secret ice caves located on the Katla volcano.
Dyrhólaey Promontory
Visit the massive stone arch and look for puffins nesting in the cliffs during the summer months.
Dinner at Suður-Vík
Enjoy local char and Icelandic lamb in a cozy, upscale setting overlooking the village of Vík.
Day 6: Skaftafell, Iceland - Glacial Grandeur
Skaftafell National Park
Take a light hike to Svartifoss, the waterfall famous for its hexagonal basalt columns.
Jökulsárlón Zodiac Tour
Navigate between massive icebergs on a private Zodiac boat for an up-close look at the Vatnajökull glacier.
Diamond Beach
Walk among the crystalline ice chunks that wash up on the black sands, sparkling like diamonds in the sun.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Relax in a suite with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
Day 7: East Fjords, Iceland - Coastal Serenity
Scenic Drive to Egilsstaðir
Wind through the dramatic East Fjords, stopping at secluded viewpoints and tiny fishing villages like Djúpivogur.
Petra’s Stone Collection
Visit this unique museum in Stöðvarfjörður, showcasing a lifelong collection of rare Icelandic minerals.
Vök Baths
Relax in the only floating geothermal pools in Iceland, located on Lake Urriðavatn.
Dinner at Nielsen
Dine at the oldest house in Egilsstaðir, specializing in high-end game and local forest ingredients.
Day 8: Mývatn, Iceland - Geothermal Majesty
Dettifoss Waterfall
Witness the most powerful waterfall in Europe, feeling the ground shake from the sheer volume of water.
Námafjall Hverir
Explore the lunar landscape of bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles in this high-heat geothermal area.
Mývatn Nature Baths
Soak in the alkaline waters of the 'Blue Lagoon of the North' with a premium pass including a private locker.
Dimmuborgir Lava Fields
Walk through the 'Dark Castles,' a labyrinth of unusual lava formations and volcanic caves.
Day 9: Akureyri, Iceland - Northern Capital
Goðafoss Waterfall
Visit the 'Waterfall of the Gods,' where the Icelandic parliament decided to convert to Christianity in 1000 AD.
Akureyri Botanical Gardens
Stroll through one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world, featuring thousands of plant species.
Private Whale Watching
Charter a private boat in Eyjafjörður to spot humpback whales and dolphins without the crowds.
Dinner at Rub 23
Enjoy a sophisticated fusion of Icelandic ingredients and Japanese sushi techniques.
Day 10: Tröllaskagi, Iceland - Alpine Retreat
Siglufjörður Herring Museum
Visit this award-winning museum in a stunning fjord setting to learn about the town's golden era.
Bjórböðin Beer Spa
Soak in a bathtub filled with beer, hops, and yeast, followed by a relaxation room experience.
Deplar Farm Arrival
Check into one of the world's most exclusive lodges, located on a converted sheep farm in the Fljót Valley.
Chef’s Table Experience
Enjoy an intimate dinner prepared by world-class chefs using ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding valley.
Day 11: Snæfellsnes, Iceland - Peninsula Magic
Kirkjufell Mountain
Photograph the most captured mountain in Iceland, famous for its cone shape and neighboring waterfalls.
Djúpalónssandur Beach
Walk the pebble beach and test your strength with the 'lifting stones' used by historic Icelandic fishermen.
Arnarstapi Coastal Walk
Follow the cliffside path between Arnarstapi and Hellnar to see incredible basalt formations and sea arches.
Hotel Budir Dinner
Dine at the renowned restaurant of the remote black church hotel, specializing in fresh local seafood.
Day 12: West Iceland, Iceland - Into the Earth
Into the Glacier (Langjökull)
Travel in an 8-wheel drive monster truck to the top of the glacier and explore the man-made ice tunnels.
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
View the 'Lava Waterfalls,' where water flows directly out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field.
Krauma Geothermal Spa
Bathe in water from Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, cooled by glacial water.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Witness the raw power of the boiling water as it gushes from the earth at 97 degrees Celsius.
Day 13: Reykjavík, Iceland - Final Farewell
Laugavegur Shopping
Pick up high-end Icelandic woolens and designer jewelry on the city's main luxury shopping street.
Sky Lagoon (The Ritual)
Enjoy a final soak in this oceanside infinity pool with its 7-step spa ritual overlooking the Atlantic.
Farewell Lunch at Matur og Drykkur
Enjoy a modern take on traditional Icelandic recipes in a historic salt-fish factory.
Transfer to Keflavík
A final private chauffeur service will take you to the airport for your departure flight.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
For a luxury experience, the best time to visit is during the Summer (June to August) for 24-hour daylight and access to the Highlands. However, visiting in the Shoulder Season (September or March) offers the best chance to see the Northern Lights while staying in luxury lodges with high-end thermal pools. Winter (December to February) is ideal for those seeking private ice cave tours and cozy fireplace luxury, though travel times between cities can be longer due to snow.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Iceland is almost entirely a cashless society; you can pay for everything—from a luxury meal to a remote parking meter—with a credit or debit card. Tipping is not expected as service charges are included in the bill, though it is appreciated for exceptional private tour guides.
Getting Around Iceland
While there are no trains in Iceland, luxury travel is best accomplished via private chauffeur-driven SUVs or domestic flights between Reykjavík and Akureyri to save time. For independent travelers, renting a high-end 4x4 like a Land Rover Defender is highly recommended for safety and comfort on the Ring Road. Helicopter transfers are also available for those wishing to reach remote lodges like Deplar Farm in style.
