20-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Iceland
Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts, where fire and ice collide to create some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. This 20-day itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort. We have curated a path that spans the entire island, utilizing domestic flights and private transfers to ensure your journey is as seamless as it is spectacular.
From the Michelin-starred dining rooms of Reykjavik to the secluded luxury lodges of the North, every detail of this trip emphasizes exclusivity. You will witness the power of erupting geysers, the tranquility of turquoise lagoons, and the majesty of massive glaciers, all while enjoying the finest hospitality Iceland has to offer. Prepare for an epic journey that blends rugged adventure with sophisticated luxury.
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Reykjavik
VIP Airport Arrival
Enjoy a private chauffeur transfer from Keflavik International Airport to your hotel in Reykjavik, ensuring a stress-free start to your journey.
Check-in at The Reykjavik EDITION
Settle into Iceland's premier luxury hotel, located right on the harbor with stunning views of the Harpa Concert Hall.
Harpa Concert Hall Tour
A private architectural tour of this glass-faceted masterpiece, learning about its unique design inspired by basalt landscapes.
Dining at Dill Restaurant
Experience Iceland's first Michelin-starred restaurant, where New Nordic cuisine highlights local and seasonal ingredients.
Day 2: Grindavik - The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Private Transfer to Reykjanes
Head to the Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark, for a morning of volcanic exploration.
Retreat Spa Ritual
Access the exclusive Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon for a private skin-care ritual and a soak in the mineral-rich waters.
Gunnuhver Hot Springs
Visit the most powerful steam vent in Iceland with a private guide who explains the folklore and geology of the area.
Moss Restaurant Tasting
Enjoy a seven-course tasting menu at Moss, overlooking the volcanic horizon of the Blue Lagoon.
Day 3: Reykjavik - Culture & Design
Hallgrimskirkja Private Access
Skip the lines to the top of Iceland's most famous church for panoramic views of the colorful city rooftops.
Design District Shopping
A guided tour of Laugavegur's high-end boutiques, focusing on Icelandic wool, jewelry, and luxury outdoor gear.
National Museum of Iceland
A private historical tour focusing on the Viking age and the settlement of the North Atlantic.
Sky Lagoon Sky Ritual
Relax at the oceanfront Sky Lagoon for their signature seven-step ritual as the sun begins to set.
Day 4: Akureyri - The Capital of the North
Flight to Akureyri
Take a quick domestic flight from Reykjavik's domestic airport to Akureyri, bypassing the 5-hour drive.
Akureyri Botanical Gardens
Stroll through one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world, featuring thousands of plant species.
Whale Watching from Akureyri
Board a private luxury yacht for a 3-hour whale watching tour in Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland.
Dinner at Strikið
Fine dining on the top floor overlooking the fjord, specializing in fresh local seafood and sushi.
Day 5: Lake Mývatn - Geology & Wellness
Goðafoss Waterfall
A private stop at the 'Waterfall of the Gods,' one of the most spectacular sights in Northern Iceland.
Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
Hike through the dramatic volcanic caves and rock formations often referred to as the 'Dark Castles.'
GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths
Soak in mineral-rich seawater at Húsavík, offering views across the bay to the Arctic Circle.
Stay at Fosshôtel Mývatn
Check into this architecturally striking hotel that blends perfectly with the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Day 6: Diamond Circle - Power of Nature
Dettifoss Waterfall
Visit Europe's most powerful waterfall. A private guide will take you to the best vantage points for photos.
Ásbyrgi Canyon
Explore the horseshoe-shaped canyon, legendarily formed by the hoofprint of Odin’s eight-legged horse.
Hverir Geothermal Area
Witness boiling mud pools and steaming fumaroles in this Martian-like landscape at the foot of Mount Námafjall.
Mývatn Nature Baths
End the day with a serene soak in the 'Blue Lagoon of the North' under the midnight sun or northern lights.
Day 7: Siglufjörður - The Herring Town
Scenic Drive to Siglufjörður
Travel through spectacular mountain tunnels and coastal roads to this charming, secluded fishing village.
Herring Era Museum
A private tour of this award-winning maritime museum that brings the gold-rush era of fishing to life.
Beer Spa (Bjórböðin)
A unique experience where you soak in a bathtub filled with beer, water, hops, and yeast for skin rejuvenation.
Stay at Sigló Hotel
Rest at this luxury hotel built into the harbor, where you can watch the fishing boats from your window.
Day 8: Egilsstaðir - The Eastfjords
Flight to Egilsstaðir
Take a domestic flight across the highlands to Egilsstaðir, the gateway to the rugged Eastfjords.
Vök Baths
Relax in floating geothermal pools on Lake Urriðavatn, featuring the only drinkable hot spring water in Iceland.
Lagarfljót Lake Search
A private boat tour on the lake to search for the legendary Lagarfljót Worm, Iceland's version of the Loch Ness monster.
Dining at Nielsen
Enjoy refined dining in Egilsstaðir's oldest house, where local reindeer and forest berries are staples.
Day 9: Seyðisfjörður - Art & Fjords
Fjord Drive to Seyðisfjörður
Cross the Fjarðarheiði mountain pass for one of the most scenic descents in the country into the town below.
Blue Church & Rainbow Road
Visit the iconic blue church and take photographs on the famous rainbow-painted street of this artistic community.
Skaftfell Art Center
A private tour of the contemporary art exhibitions housed in this historic building.
Sushi Corner Experience
Though small, this spot offers some of the freshest sushi in Iceland, sourced directly from the local fjord.
Day 10: Studlagil Canyon - Basalt Columns
Studlagil Canyon Hike
A private guided trek to one of the world's largest collections of basalt columns and the turquoise river that runs through them.
Hengifoss Waterfall
A hike to Iceland's third-highest waterfall, known for the striking red clay layers between the basalt rocks.
Wilderness Center
Visit this immersive museum and lodge to learn about life on the edge of the inhabited world.
Wilderness Dinner
Eat a traditional Icelandic farm-to-table meal served in a beautifully restored historic kitchen.
Day 11: Höfn - The Lobster Capital
Coastal Drive to Höfn
Navigate the winding roads of the Eastfjords, stopping at secluded beaches and tiny fishing hamlets along the way.
Vestrahorn & Stokksnes
A private visit to the dramatic Vestrahorn mountain and the nearby Viking village film set.
Höfn Harbor Walk
Stretch your legs along the harbor as you watch the local fleet bring in the day's catch of langoustine.
Lobster Feast at Pakkhús
Dine at the most famous restaurant in town for their signature Icelandic langoustine (lobster).
Day 12: Jökulsárlón - Iceberg Lagoons
Private Zodiac Lagoon Tour
Navigate between massive blue icebergs in a private zodiac boat for an up-close look at the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.
Diamond Beach
Walk among the glistening ice chunks that have washed up on the black sands of the Atlantic coast.
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
A quieter, more intimate glacier lagoon visit where the glacier tongue descends steeply into the water.
Stay at Fosshôtel Vatnajökull
Relax in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Europe's largest glacier.
Day 13: Vatnajökull - Glacier Expedition
Private Glacier Hike
Equip yourself with crampons and ice axes for a private guided hike on the ice, exploring deep blue crevasses.
Ice Cave Exploration
Enter a crystal-blue ice cave (seasonal) or explore unique ice formations with your specialist guide.
Svartifoss Waterfall
A hike in Skaftafell to see the waterfall framed by perfect hexagonal basalt columns.
Fine Dining in Skaftafell
Enjoy a gourmet meal at your luxury lodge featuring locally sourced lamb and arctic char.
Day 14: Vík - Black Sands & Basalt
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
A private visit to this ancient, moss-covered canyon that looks like a scene from a fantasy novel.
Reynisfjara Beach
Walk the world-famous black sand beach and see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks from a safe distance.
Dyrhólaey Arch
A drive to the top of the promontory for views of the lighthouse and the puffin colonies (in summer).
Dinner at Suður-Vík
Enjoy a cozy, upscale meal in a converted historic house overlooking the village of Vík.
Day 15: South Coast - Majestic Waterfalls
Skógafoss Waterfall
Ascend the staircase beside the 60-meter drop for a powerful perspective of one of Iceland's largest falls.
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi
Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss and discover the 'hidden' waterfall inside a nearby cavern.
Solheimajökull Glacier View
A short walk to the edge of the glacier to witness the impact of climate change on the landscape.
Stay at Hotel Rangá
Stay at this world-famous luxury log cabin hotel, known for its star-gazing observatory and gourmet restaurant.
Day 16: Thórsmörk - The Valley of Thor
Super Jeep Expedition
Cross unbridged glacial rivers in a specially modified Super Jeep to reach the hidden valley of Thórsmörk.
Valahnúkur Hike
A private guided hike to the summit of Valahnúkur for 360-degree views of three glaciers and the volcanic interior.
Basalt Cave Exploration
Explore hidden caves and lush birch forests that are inaccessible to the general public.
Highland BBQ Lunch
Enjoy a private luxury BBQ prepared by your guide in the heart of the wilderness.
Day 17: Golden Circle - The Classics Reinvented
Gullfoss Waterfall VIP
A private visit to the 'Golden Falls,' where your guide will show you the history of the woman who saved the falls.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes, and enjoy a private lunch at the upscale Hotel Geysir restaurant.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
A private tour of this geothermal greenhouse followed by their famous tomato soup and fresh bread.
Stay at Torfhús Retreat
Experience luxury in traditional turf-house style, each with its own private basalt stone hot tub.
Day 18: Thingvellir - Between Continents
Thingvellir National Park
A private tour of the Althingi, the world's oldest parliament, and the rift valley between tectonic plates.
Silfra Snorkeling
Don a drysuit for a private snorkeling session in the crystal-clear glacial water between the continents.
Öxarárfoss Waterfall
A serene walk to this waterfall that flows directly into the Almannagjá fault line.
Dinner at Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel
Dine at the Silfra Restaurant, hanging over the lava fields with views of Lake Thingvallavatn.
Day 19: The Highlands - Landmannalaugar
Helicopter Tour of the Highlands
Fly over the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, landing in a remote spot for a private picnic.
Hnausapollur Crater Lake
Witness the stark contrast of the deep blue lake against the red volcanic soil from the air and on the ground.
Return to Reykjavik
Spend your final afternoon at leisure in the capital for last-minute luxury shopping or gallery visits.
Farewell Dinner at ÓX
An intimate, 11-seat Michelin-starred dining experience that is the hardest table to get in Iceland.
Day 20: Departure - The Final Soak
Morning at Sky Lagoon
Enjoy a final soak in the Sky Lagoon's infinity pool as you look out over the North Atlantic.
Reykjavik Harbor Brunch
A relaxed brunch at Matur og Drykkur, known for modernizing traditional Icelandic recipes.
VIP Chauffeur to Keflavik
A comfortable, private ride back to the airport for your departing flight.
Departure
Check into your flight home, carrying the memories of an epic Icelandic journey.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
The best time for this luxury itinerary is between June and August. During these months, the 'Midnight Sun' provides nearly 24 hours of daylight, allowing for maximum exploration time and access to the interior Highlands via helicopter or Super Jeep. However, for those seeking the Northern Lights and a cozy winter atmosphere, February and March offer snowy landscapes and the best chances for aurora sightings, though some highland regions will be inaccessible.
Currency & Money
The currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Iceland is a virtually cashless society; credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere, from luxury hotels to remote hot springs. Tipping is not expected as service charges are included in the price, but it is always appreciated for exceptional private guiding or hospitality service. Ensure your card has a PIN for use at automated fuel pumps.
Getting Around Iceland
For a luxury 20-day journey, we recommend a combination of domestic flights and private chauffeured transfers. Flying from Reykjavik to Akureyri (North) and Egilsstaðir (East) saves significant time, allowing for more immersive experiences. Within regions, hiring a private Super Jeep with a driver-guide is the best way to access remote waterfalls and highland terrains while enjoying local expertise and high-end comfort.
