19-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes & Epic Journeys Across Iceland
Iceland is a land of elemental power, and there is no better way to experience its raw beauty than through a curated lens of luxury and exclusivity. This 19-day itinerary takes you far beyond the typical tourist path, blending the comfort of five-star retreats with the thrill of private expeditions across the volcanic highlands and rugged fjords.
Forget the crowded tour buses; your journey is defined by private chauffeured 4x4s, domestic flights that bypass long drives, and dining experiences that showcase the very best of New Nordic cuisine. Prepare for an epic journey where every detail is tailored to provide the ultimate Icelandic escape.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland
VIP Airport Arrival
Upon landing at Keflavik International Airport, bypass the queues with a private meet-and-greet service that whisks you through customs to your awaiting luxury SUV.
Check-in at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Enter a sanctuary of minimalist design. Settle into your suite with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the moss-covered lava fields and private lagoon access.
The Ritual Spa Experience
Enjoy a private, multi-stage spa journey utilizing the healing powers of silica, algae, and minerals in a secluded underground chamber.
Dinner at Moss Restaurant
Indulge in a seven-course tasting menu at the Michelin-recommended Moss, featuring locally sourced ingredients like reindeer and fresh Arctic char.
Day 2: Reykjavik - Urban Sophistication
Private Walking Tour of Reykjavik
Explore the capital's colorful streets, the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church, and the architectural marvel of the Harpa Concert Hall with an expert historian.
Lunch at Matur og Drykkur
Experience traditional Icelandic recipes reinvented with a modern twist at this celebrated eatery located in a former salt fish factory.
FlyOver Iceland Private Session
Feel the rush of flying over Iceland’s most remote landscapes in this immersive state-of-the-art flight simulator experience.
Cocktails & Fine Dining at Dill
End the day at Iceland's first Michelin-starred restaurant, where the menu celebrates the purity of the country's raw ingredients.
Day 3: The Golden Circle - Exclusive Access
Thingvellir National Park Private Hike
Walk between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe with a private guide who will reveal the hidden history of the world's oldest parliament.
Greenhouse Lunch at Fridheimar
Enjoy a private table inside a tomato greenhouse, where you will dine on world-famous tomato soup amidst the buzzing of bees and rows of vines.
Geysir & Gullfoss Helicopter Flight
Avoid the crowds by taking to the skies. Witness the Strokkur geyser erupt and the massive Gullfoss waterfall from a breathtaking aerial perspective.
Check-in at Ion Adventure Hotel
Retreat to this design-forward hotel perched on the edge of a dormant volcano, offering incredible views of the surrounding lava fields.
Day 4: South Coast - Waterfalls & Volcanic Wonders
Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Private Tour
Visit these majestic falls before the tour buses arrive. Your private driver will take you to secret, lesser-known falls nearby like Gljufrabui.
Gourmet Picnic by the Glacier
Enjoy a catered lunch featuring Icelandic lamb and artisanal cheeses, set against the backdrop of the Solheimajokull glacier tongue.
Black Sand ATV Adventure
Feel the adrenaline on a private ATV tour across the vast black sand plains of Solheimasandur toward the famous DC-3 plane wreck.
Evening at Hotel Ranga
Relax in a stargazing observatory with a resident astronomer at this luxury lodge, famous for its prime Northern Lights viewing (seasonal).
Day 5: Vik & Reynisfjara - Dramatic Coastlines
Reynisfjara Private Beach Walk
Explore the basalt columns and the powerful roar of the Atlantic at the world-famous black sand beach with a private safety guide.
Lunch in Vik Village
Dine at Sudur Vik, a charming restaurant offering local seafood and spectacular views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Dyrholaey Cape Exploration
Visit the lighthouse and the massive stone arch of Dyrholaey, home to thousands of puffins during the summer months.
The Icelandic Lava Show VIP
Experience the heat of real flowing lava in a controlled environment. A private session provides a deeper dive into Iceland's volcanic geology.
Day 6: Vatnajokull - Glacier Lagoons & Crystal Ice
Drive to Jokulsarlon
A scenic drive east brings you to the crown jewel of Iceland’s nature, where giant icebergs float toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Private Zodiac Boat Tour
Navigate between the icebergs on a private Zodiac boat, getting closer to the calving glacier face than the larger tour boats allow.
Diamond Beach Walk
Witness the sun glistening on the ice chunks washed ashore on the black sand, resembling giant diamonds.
Fosshotel Vatnajokull Suite Check-in
Stay in a luxury suite with panoramic views of the largest glacier in Europe.
Day 7: The East Fjords - Remote Elegance
Coastal Drive to Djupivogur
Traverse the winding roads of the East Fjords, stopping at secluded viewpoints and the artistic "Eggin í Gleðivík" installation.
Lunch at Við Voginn
A quaint local spot known for its fresh langoustine and local hospitality in a picturesque harbor setting.
Vok Baths Geothermal Soak
Floating pools on Lake Urridavatn. Enjoy the purity of the water which is so clean it is certified drinkable.
Overnight at Lake Hotel Egilsstadir
Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Eldhusid restaurant within this historic manor house.
Day 8: North Iceland - Akureyri via Domestic Flight
Flight to Akureyri
Skip the 4-hour drive and take a 45-minute domestic flight from Egilsstadir to Akureyri, the "Capital of the North."
Botanical Gardens & Town Tour
Explore the northernmost botanical gardens in the world and the iconic Akureyrarkirkja church with a local guide.
Beer Spa (Bjorbodin)
A unique luxury experience in the village of Dalvik. Soak in a tub of warm beer, hops, and yeast—excellent for skin health.
Dinner at Rub 23
Enjoy a specialized menu of Icelandic ingredients prepared with Asian-inspired techniques, famous for its "sushi pizza."
Day 9: Lake Myvatn - Geothermal Power
Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
Walk through a labyrinth of dramatic volcanic rock structures often referred to as the "Dark Castles."
Lunch at Vogafjos Farm
Dine inside a working cowshed where you can watch the cows through glass partitions while eating fresh mozzarella made on-site.
Hverir Mud Pools
Witness the raw power of the earth at these bubbling sulfur pools and steaming fumaroles in the Namaskard pass.
Myvatn Nature Baths VIP
Relax in the turquoise waters of the north. Opt for the premium package including a private bathrobe and sparkling wine.
Day 10: The Diamond Circle - Whales & Waterfalls
Dettifoss Private Excursion
Stand beside Europe's most powerful waterfall. Your private driver will take you to the less-frequented east bank for the best views.
Husavik Private Whale Watching
Charter a traditional oak boat for a private tour of Skjalfandi Bay, known as the whale capital of Iceland.
GeoSea Thermal Baths
Soak in warm seawater pools perched on a cliffside overlooking the Arctic Circle and the mountains of the north.
Seafood Feast at Naustid
Enjoy the freshest catch of the day in this cozy, family-run restaurant in the heart of Husavik.
Day 11: Trollaskagi Peninsula - Deplar Farm
Scenic Drive to Trollaskagi
Drive through some of Iceland's most dramatic mountain scenery, passing through tunnels and remote fishing villages.
Gourmet Lunch in Siglufjordur
Stop in this colorful fjord town for a meal at Siglo Hótel, overlooking the quiet harbor.
Check-in at Deplar Farm
Arrive at one of the world's most exclusive lodges. This converted sheep farm offers unparalleled luxury in the Fljot Valley.
Apothecary Spa & Floatation
Experience an sensory-deprivation floatation tank or a custom massage at Deplar’s world-class wellness center.
Day 12: Siglufjordur - Heritage & Luxury
Herring Era Museum Private Tour
Learn about the golden age of the herring industry in this award-winning museum with a private curator.
Lunch at Torgið
Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the center of Siglufjordur, featuring locally sourced Arctic char.
Heli-Skiing or Hiking (Seasonal)
Depending on the season, take a helicopter to the peaks for world-class skiing or a guided hike with stunning fjord views.
Chef’s Table at Deplar Farm
A bespoke dining experience where the menu is designed daily based on the freshest ingredients from the valley.
Day 13: Westfjords - The Final Frontier
Charter Flight to Isafjordur
Take a private charter or scheduled domestic flight into the heart of the Westfjords, landing at one of the world's most scenic airports.
Exploring Isafjordur
Walk through the oldest part of the town, featuring well-preserved 18th-century timber houses.
Lunch at Tjoruhusid
Regarded by many as the best seafood restaurant in Iceland. Enjoy a buffet of the day's catch served in a historic cabin.
Private Boat to Hornstrandir
Take a private boat across the bay to the edge of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve for a glimpse of the untouched wilderness.
Day 14: Dynjandi & The Southern Fjords
Dynjandi Waterfall Private Visit
Witness the "Jewel of the Westfjords." This tiered waterfall is one of the most majestic and photogenic sights in Iceland.
Picnic at Raudasandur
Enjoy a luxury picnic on the vast red sand beach, a stark contrast to the black sands of the south.
Latrabjarg Bird Cliffs
Visit the westernmost point of Iceland. These massive cliffs are home to millions of seabirds, including the iconic puffin.
Overnight at Hotel Patreksfjordur
Enjoy a quiet evening in this remote fjord town, focusing on rest and local seafood.
Day 15: Snaefellsnes Peninsula - "Iceland in Miniature"
Ferry Baldur to Stykkisholmur
Cross Breidafjordur Bay on the ferry, passing thousands of tiny islands. Opt for the luxury lounge access on board.
Lunch at Narfeyrarstofa
A culinary landmark in the charming town of Stykkisholmur, specializing in Breidafjordur scallops.
Kirkjufell Mountain Photo Session
Visit the most photographed mountain in Iceland with a professional photographer to help capture the perfect shot.
Check-in at Hotel Budir
Stay at one of Iceland's most romantic and iconic hotels, located on a remote beach surrounded by a lava field.
Day 16: Snaefellsjokull Glacier & Coastal Cliffs
Snaefellsjokull Summit Tour
Take a private snowcat or 4x4 tour to the top of the glacier that inspired Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth."
Lunch in Arnarstapi
Dine at Stapinn, a small cafe with huge views of the Gatklettur stone arch and the rugged coastline.
Djupalonssandur Black Pebble Beach
Walk among the ancient lifting stones once used by fishermen to test their strength.
Vatnshellir Cave Exploration
Enter an 8,000-year-old lava tube on a private tour to see the incredible colors and formations beneath the earth.
Day 17: Into the Glacier - Husafell
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
Witness these unique falls where water emerges from beneath the lava field into a turquoise river.
Lunch at Husafell Bistro
A modern space offering high-quality Icelandic cuisine in a beautiful woodland setting.
Into The Glacier Experience
Take a private modified 8x8 truck onto the Langjokull glacier to enter a man-made ice tunnel deep within the ice cap.
Check-in at Hotel Husafell
A member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, offering sustainable luxury and outdoor hot tubs.
Day 18: Return to Reykjavik - Final Indulgence
Hvalfjordur Scenic Drive
Drive the long way back to Reykjavik around the "Whale Fjord" for stunning vistas and the Glymur waterfall trailhead.
Lunch at Marshall House
Dine at the trendy Marshall Restaurant + Bar in the Grandi harbor district, a hub for the local art scene.
Sky Lagoon - The Sky Pass
Enjoy a final soak in this oceanside geothermal lagoon. The Sky Pass includes a private changing room and the 7-step ritual.
Farewell Dinner at Ox
An ultra-exclusive 11-seat restaurant hidden inside another restaurant. This is the pinnacle of Icelandic fine dining.
Day 19: Departure - VIP Transfer
Leisurely Breakfast & Last Minute Shopping
Enjoy a final Icelandic breakfast and a stroll down Laugavegur for high-end Nordic design at shops like 66°North and Epal.
Private Airport Transfer
Your chauffeur will collect you from your hotel and drive you directly to the Keflavik VIP terminal.
Saga Lounge Access
Relax in the Icelandair Saga Lounge, enjoying premium snacks and drinks before your flight home.
Flight Departure
Board your flight with memories of an epic 19-day journey through the land of fire and ice.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
For this luxury itinerary, the best time to visit is during the shoulder months of September or late May. September offers the perfect balance of manageable weather, fewer crowds, and the first glimpses of the Northern Lights. If you prefer the Midnight Sun and puffin watching, June and July are spectacular, though booking luxury accommodations like Deplar Farm requires at least 6-12 months of lead time. For those seeking a snowy wonderland and frozen waterfalls, February offers the best light for photography and the most stable ice cave conditions.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Iceland is one of the most card-friendly countries in the world; you can pay with a credit card for everything from a luxury dinner to a single coffee at a remote gas station. Tipping is not expected as service charges are included in the bill, though for exceptional private guiding, a small gratuity is appreciated but never mandatory. Always carry a card with a PIN for automated petrol stations.
Getting Around Iceland
While the Ring Road is well-paved, a 19-day luxury journey is best experienced via a combination of private chauffeured 4x4 SUVs and domestic flights. Domestic air travel between Reykjavik, Akureyri, and the Westfjords saves significant time, allowing for more relaxation at your retreats. For those who prefer to drive, renting a premium vehicle like a Land Rover Defender is highly recommended for the safety and comfort required for Iceland's diverse terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
