Over 21 carefully designed days, your private driver-guide will lead you deep into Iceland’s most stunning landscapes—from black sand beaches and luminous glaciers to untouched fjords, colorful villages, and volcanic highlands.
This private journey is crafted for travelers who want more than just snapshots of the famous spots—it’s about immersive exploration, intimate encounters with nature, and unrushed discovery.
Luxury, adventure, and authenticity combine across six distinct bases, creating a slow-travel experience that’s flexible, personalized, and unforgettable.
Destinations on Our 21-Day Grand Iceland Adventure
Days 1–3: Reykjavík
Iceland’s vibrant capital, hidden street art, harbor life, and architectural gems. Relaxed start with geothermal spas and the Blue Lagoon.
Days 4–6: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Coastal cliffs, glacier adventures, lava beaches, and the legendary landscapes of Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Days 7–9: Westfjords
Puffin cliffs, red-sand beaches, Arctic foxes, abandoned villages, and endless winding fjords far from the crowds.
Days 10–13: North Iceland (Akureyri & Mývatn)
Lava fields, whale safaris, volcanic craters, secret hot springs, and dramatic Arctic landscapes.
Days 14–16: Eastfjords
Storybook villages, art communities, reindeer herds, and stunning coastal roads where mountains meet the sea.
Days 17–21: South Iceland
Glacier lagoons, black sand beaches, ice caves, volcano hikes, and the soft light and deep silence of Iceland’s southern wilderness.
Day 1 – Arrival, Lava Landscapes & Reykjavík’s Art Scene
After landing at Keflavík Airport, your private driver-guide will meet you for a scenic introduction to Iceland’s stark beauty.
As you make your way toward Reykjavík, you’ll pause for photo stops among the moss-covered lava fields and the wind-battered cliffs of Reykjanes Peninsula. The volcanic landscape and dramatic coastline offer incredible first impressions — and your guide will suggest ideal angles for capturing the mood of this rugged region.
Once in Reykjavík, you’ll enjoy a private walking tour that’ll take you to the colorful Old Harbor district, where you can snap the striking silhouette of Hallgrímskirkja Church and frame the dramatic glass structure of Harpa Concert Hall.
Your guide will also lead you to lesser-known murals and alleyways where Reykjavík’s vibrant street art scene comes alive, offering both abstract and characterful shots of the city.
In the evening, settle in with a private welcome dinner at one of the capital’s finest restaurants. Featuring a curated Icelandic tasting menu, the meal highlights seasonal flavors — think Arctic char, slow-cooked lamb, cloudberries, and more — giving you a warm and memorable start to your Icelandic adventure.
Day 2 – Reykjavík’s Hidden Corners, Geothermal Shores & the Blue Lagoon
Begin your day by exploring Reykjavík’s hidden gems with your guide, focusing on areas often overlooked by visitors.
Wander the charming Old Harbor, with its colorful fishing boats and corrugated tin houses, and pause at the peaceful Einar Jónsson Sculpture Garden, where mythological figures stand frozen in time. Throughout the morning, your guide will help you find the best light and angles for both artistic cityscapes and intimate cultural details.
Leaving the city behind, the tour continues to the Reykjanes Peninsula, a geothermal frontier that feels almost extraterrestrial.
Marvel at steaming vents at Gunnuhver hot springs, stride across the Bridge Between Continents where the Eurasian and North American plates meet, and find tucked-away black-sand beaches where the Atlantic thunders against volcanic cliffs.
The day ends at the Blue Lagoon. With premium access arranged, you’ll enjoy a reserved private changing area and a sunset soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
Day 3 – Thingvellir Landscapes, Hidden Hot Springs & Geyser Twilight
Today brings a private Golden Circle experience with a twist: your guide will take you through the backroads of Thingvellir National Park, avoiding the busiest viewpoints and focusing on vast, open landscapes, mossy lava fields, and the rift valley where the tectonic plates slowly drift apart.
This UNESCO site is a goldmine for photographers who enjoy both sweeping vistas and geological textures.
Next, depending on your preference, you’ll either enjoy a soothing soak at the historic Secret Lagoon — a charming geothermal pool surrounded by steamy earth — or opt for a light guided hike up to Reykjadalur, where a warm river winds through a lush valley.
Either way, the experience will offer fantastic candid moments and natural beauty to capture with your camera.
After a hearty, greenhouse-fresh lunch at the Friðheimar Tomato Farm — a lush oasis where vines grow under the soft hum of geothermal lights — you’ll make your way toward the Geysir geothermal area.
Time your visit for the late afternoon to photograph Strokkur geyser’s dramatic eruptions against the setting sun and the steaming earth around it, creating ethereal compositions in the waning light.
Day 4 – Borgarnes Settlement Stories, Lava Caving & Kirkjufell Sunset
Today’s journey takes you from Reykjavík to the untamed beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Along the way, you’ll stop at the Borgarnes Settlement Center, where engaging exhibits bring Iceland’s earliest history and Viking sagas vividly to life.
After a scenic drive deeper into Snæfellsnes, you’ll embark on a private lava tube caving adventure at Vatnshellir. Equipped with helmets and headlamps, you’ll venture underground to discover the frozen flows, colorful mineral formations, and surreal silence of the ancient lava passages.
In the evening, your guide will take you to one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks, Kirkjufell Mountain.
Set beside a pair of elegant waterfalls and surrounded by fjord waters, Kirkjufell is especially magical in the late-day light. You’ll have time to scout multiple viewpoints to capture that perfect, timeless image before continuing to your boutique hotel base for the night.
Day 5 – Arnarstapi Cliffs, Zodiac Wildlife Safari & Forgotten Fishing Villages
Begin the day with a coastal hike along the towering sea cliffs of Arnarstapi, where basalt arches, blowholes, and teeming bird colonies await.
Your guide will lead you along a less-trodden trail, pointing out seabird nests tucked into the cliffs and helping you frame the dramatic interaction between ocean and rock. The Atlantic swells pounding the shore below offer a truly breathtaking sight.
Next, head out to sea on a private Zodiac boat tour to explore the marine life of Snæfellsnes from a fresh perspective. You’ll glide past rocky islands populated by seals and puffins, where the low perspective and closeness to the wildlife make for spectacular action shots and unforgettable memories.
Later in the day, you’ll visit a nearly forgotten fishing village tucked away on the remote coast. Your guide will recount stories of hardship, resilience, and the importance of the ocean to Icelandic life, all while wandering among timeworn houses and crumbling piers. This glimpse into another era offers a moving contrast to the grandeur of the natural landscapes you’ve been exploring.
Day 6 – Glacier Adventure, Black Pebble Beaches & Lava Tower Sunset
This morning, if conditions allow, you’ll climb aboard a Super Jeep for an exhilarating ascent onto the flanks of Snæfellsjökull. This glacier-capped volcano inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Your expert driver-guide will navigate up the snowy slopes, offering extraordinary views across the surrounding lava fields, coastline, and shimmering sea.
Back down at sea level, you’ll head to Djúpalónssandur, a hauntingly beautiful black pebble beach scattered with the remnants of old shipwrecks.
Take time to wander along the shore, explore hidden coves, and marvel at the way the surf sculpts the polished stones into shimmering mosaics underfoot.
The day ends with a sunset stop at the Lóndrangar lava towers, where dramatic basalt formations rise like sentinels against the sky.
Day 7 – Ferry Across Breiðafjörður, Dynjandi Waterfall Picnic & Flateyri Village Life
Today starts with a ferry crossing on the Baldur Ferry across the island-dotted expanse of Breiðafjörður Bay.
As you cruise westward, your guide will point out tiny, grass-covered islets where puffins nest and old legends still cling to the rocks. The slow pace offers beautiful opportunities for photography, capturing reflections of distant mountains mirrored in the glassy fjord.
Upon arrival in the Westfjords, your first major stop is Dynjandi, one of Iceland’s most iconic and photogenic waterfalls.
After a short hike up the terraced hillside, you’ll enjoy a private picnic surrounded by thunderous spray and mossy cliffs—a perfect moment to soak in the raw power and serenity of the landscape.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue to Flateyri or Þingeyri, two sleepy villages tucked into deep fjord arms. Explore the remnants of old fish processing plants, vibrant harbors, and historic homes preserved for generations while hearing stories of resilience and storms past. It’s a glimpse into the quieter, more human side of Iceland’s rugged northwestern frontier.
Day 8 – Puffins, Red Sands & Seaweed Spas on the Edge of the World
This morning, your journey heads toward Latrabjarg, Europe’s westernmost point and one of the world’s best puffin-watching cliffs during the summer months.
Walk carefully along the grassy clifftops, sometimes getting within arm’s reach of the fearless birds, and marvel at the dramatic drop into the roaring Atlantic below. The cliffs themselves stretch for miles, a towering wall of birdlife, sound, and misty vistas.
Afterward, trade cliffs for the coast as you venture to Rauðasandur, a surreal beach of crimson-tinted sands unlike anywhere else in Iceland.
Whether you choose to stroll the miles of untouched shoreline or capture drone footage of the shifting red, gold, and pink hues from above, it’s a peaceful and cinematic experience. The shifting light here makes for magical photographic moments.
Later in the day, you’ll visit a small seaweed spa hidden along the coast—or, if you prefer, enjoy a traditional Icelandic seafood dinner sourced directly from the fjords.
This is the kind of day where Iceland’s wildness meets its warm hospitality in ways you’ll never forget.
Day 9 – Arctic Foxes, Fjord Legends & Sunset Along Ísafjarðardjúp
Begin your day with a visit to the Arctic Fox Centre, where you’ll learn about Iceland’s only native land mammal and the vital role it plays in this fragile ecosystem.
Afterward, join your guide for a short fjordside hike, scanning the rugged hillsides for glimpses of foxes, seals, and soaring seabirds. The peacefulness and vastness of the Westfjords will settle into your bones.
From there, set out toward the remote ghost village of Hesteyri, reachable by a boat ride across a quiet fjord or a rugged 4×4 drive, depending on conditions.
Once a bustling whaling and fishing outpost, today it’s a haunting cluster of abandoned houses reclaimed by the moss and silence. Walking its forgotten paths feels like stepping back in time to a vanished world.
In the evening, your driver-guide will lead you along the edge of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjords, timing a few scenic photo stops to catch the golden hues of the Arctic sunset.
Day 10 – Fosslaug Hot Spring, Hvítserkur Sea Stack & Forest Lagoon Soak
Departing the Westfjords, today’s scenic transfer into North Iceland is anything but ordinary.
Your first hidden gem is Fosslaug, a secret riverside hot spring tucked beside a tumbling waterfall. After a gentle stroll through a meadow, you’ll enjoy a relaxing soak with only the sounds of the rushing river and Icelandic birds for company—an actual off-grid moment.
The journey continues to Hvítserkur, a dramatic dragon-shaped sea stack rising from the shallow waters of Húnaflói Bay. Nearby, seals often laze on the black sand beaches, offering unexpected wildlife shots for patient photographers.
As you approach Akureyri, your guide will take you for an evening unwind at the Forest Lagoon, a luxurious geothermal spa surrounded by birch trees and fjord views.
Day 11 – Dimmuborgir Lava Fields, Lofthellir Ice Cave & Mývatn Twilight Baths
Today is a slow dive into the volcanic landscapes around Lake Mývatn.
Begin with a private guided walk through Dimmuborgir, the “Dark Castles”—a surreal labyrinth of lava pillars, caves, and tunnels created by an ancient eruption. Your guide will share the myths that swirl around these formations, from trolls turned to stone to hidden creatures living among the rocks.
Next, if conditions allow, venture underground into the Lofthellir Ice Cave. Equipped with helmets and headlamps, you’ll traverse a lava field to a frozen cave hidden beneath the earth, where glimmering ice sculptures have formed naturally over centuries. It’s a thrilling experience, offering icy stillness like nowhere else on the island.
To end the day, there’s no better reward than a sunset soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths. The mineral-rich waters, less crowded than the more famous Blue Lagoon, look out over steaming vents and lunar landscapes.
Day 12 – Whale Watching in Húsavík, Geosea Thermal Baths & Arctic Coast Picnic
Today brings you to the “Whale Capital” of Iceland, Húsavík, where you’ll set out on a private RIB boat for an exhilarating, up-close whale-watching experience.
With luck, you’ll photograph humpbacks breaching or dolphins racing the boat, all framed by mountains and endless skies. Your marine guide will help spot different species while ensuring a respectful approach.
Back on shore, a visit to the Geosea thermal sea baths awaits. Here, naturally heated seawater fills elegant infinity pools overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, allowing you to drift in warm saltwater while scanning the horizon for whales surfacing far below.
It’s a uniquely Arctic spa experience, blending relaxation with dramatic northern vistas.
Later, enjoy a lighthouse walk along the Arctic coast, finding hidden coves and grassy bluffs perfect for a picnic. Your guide will select a quiet spot where you can savor Icelandic treats, sip hot coffee, and capture the textured light that defines life on the far northern edge.
Day 13 – Askja Highlands Super Jeep Expedition & Stargazing
If you’re feeling adventurous, today offers the chance to venture deep into Iceland’s uninhabited highlands on a private Super Jeep tour to the Askja Caldera.
The journey across lunar-like deserts and lava plains feels like another planet, culminating in a short hike to Víti Crater—a stunning blue lake inside a geothermal crater bowl. The raw emptiness of this region has even been used to train astronauts for moon landings.
After an unforgettable day among ancient volcanoes and dramatic emptiness, you’ll settle into a remote highland base for an evening of stargazing. With no light pollution, the Milky Way arches brightly overhead, and if you’re lucky in autumn, the auroras might paint the sky green and violet.
It’s a powerful reminder of Iceland’s ability to make you feel both small and deeply connected to the wild world.
Day 14 – Stuðlagil Canyon, Egilsstaðir Forests & Seyðisfjörður Art Walk
Departing North Iceland, today’s journey leads east through some of the island’s most untouched landscapes.
Your first stop is Stuðlagil Canyon, one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. A short hike leads you to staggering basalt columns that rise vertically from a glacier-fed river, creating surreal patterns perfect for dramatic photography. Early arrival ensures quiet moments to frame the canyon in the morning light.
Continuing toward the Eastfjords, pause in Egilsstaðir, the gateway to Iceland’s only notable forested area.
Stretch your legs on a gentle forest trail through birch and pine groves, a rare ecosystem in this mostly treeless country. Your guide shares insights into Iceland’s reforestation efforts and how the forests intertwine with local folklore.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in colorful Seyðisfjörður, tucked between steep fjord walls. Enjoy a slow-paced art walk through the town’s vibrant street murals, artist-run shops, and photogenic rainbow street leading up to the iconic blue church.
Tonight, settle into your cozy fjord-side guesthouse and breathe in the deep calm that defines East Iceland.
Day 15 – Petra’s Stones, Borgarfjörður Hike & Storytelling Supper
Today uncovers the human and mythical sides of the Eastfjords.
Begin with a private visit to Petra’s Stone Collection, an eccentric yet heartfelt museum created over a lifetime by one woman passionate about Iceland’s minerals. Wander among shelves and gardens filled with colorful crystals, hearing tales of how each stone was gathered from surrounding mountains.
Later, head to the remote village of Borgarfjörður Eystri, a place woven with legends of elves and hidden people.
Your guide leads you on a light hike into the surrounding hills, stopping to point out supposed elf dwellings and sharing local folklore that brings the landscape vividly to life.
In the evening, enjoy a special dinner hosted by a local storyteller in a small village inn. As you savor dishes made from local seafood and mountain herbs, you’ll hear age-old sagas of shipwrecks, fjord spirits, and fishermen’s myths—an unforgettable glimpse into the Eastfjords’ soul.
Day 16 – Puffins at Hafnarhólmi, Vattarnes Photo Safari & Black Beach Ride
Rise early for an intimate encounter with Iceland’s favorite seabirds. A short walk brings you to Hafnarhólmi, one of the Eastfjords’ best puffin colonies.
With wooden viewing platforms built into the cliffs, you’ll be able to photograph these colorful birds up close without disturbing their rocky homes. In summer, the puffins put on an entertaining show of waddling, diving, and sky-soaring.
Next, venture along the Vattarnes Peninsula, a wild and seldom-visited coastal loop where sea stacks, lonely lighthouses, and moody skies create powerful photographic moments.
Your guide will stop wherever the light and landscapes are best, ensuring a relaxed and creative day along this rugged frontier.
To cap off the Eastfjords experience, saddle up for a gentle black sand beach ride on sturdy Icelandic horses.
Whether walking or tölt-ing along the wave-kissed shore, it’s a soothing, rhythmic way to connect with Iceland’s oldest tradition of transport—and a perfect final memory before heading southward tomorrow.
Day 17 – Icebergs at Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach & Ice Cave Exploration
Today is all about the magic of ice. Begin with an unhurried visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where towering blue icebergs float quietly across a vast glacial lake.
You’ll have time to explore different photo angles and possibly spot seals bobbing up and down between the ice. Just across the road, stroll the shimmering black sands of Diamond Beach, where ice fragments scatter like giant jewels under the shifting light.
Later, board an amphibian boat for a relaxed cruise among the icebergs. Your local guide explains how these frozen giants calve from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift toward the sea, creating a surreal, ever-changing landscape.
Day 18 – Super Jeep Glacier Adventure & Literary Insights
Today takes you even deeper into glacier country.
Travel by super jeep to Heinabergslón, a quieter and less-visited glacier lagoon perfect for intimate photography without crowds. Depending on conditions, you can also opt for a gentle zodiac ride or kayak paddle among the icebergs, capturing unique perspectives of the fractured ice fields.
After a morning of glacier exploration, shift gears with a stop at Þórbergssetur, a literary and cultural museum built to honor the Icelandic author Þórbergur Þórðarson. Through quirky exhibits and vivid storytelling, you’ll gain insight into Iceland’s literary soul and rural life from a century ago.
Throughout the day, your guide will select scenic picnic spots and photo stops, allowing you to experience the profound solitude and grandeur that define Iceland’s southeast coast.
Day 19 – Secret South Coast Gems
Begin the day with a hidden treasure: a private hike to Kvernufoss waterfall near Skógar, a spot still blissfully under the radar compared to its famous neighbor.
Walk behind the cascading veil of water for an unforgettable photograph framed by mossy cliffs.
Continue your exploration with a visit to an ancient turf church tucked in the hills, where traditional Icelandic building techniques come alive amid windswept lava fields. Nearby, dramatic lava formations and rolling green knolls offer off-the-beaten-path landscapes few visitors see.
End the day with a relaxed canyon walk through Þakgil, where twisting black lava walls and secret caves create a world that feels almost otherworldly.
Day 20 – Volcanoes, Ice Caves & Highland Wilds
Start early to photograph sunrise at Reynisfjara Beach, where the towering basalt stacks and pounding waves create one of Iceland’s most cinematic scenes.
Next, set off on a private tour into the Katla Ice Cave, exploring deep beneath Mýrdalsjökull glacier, where fire and ice meet. The caves change each year, providing new formations to admire.
In the afternoon, head by jeep into Þórsmörk, a remote highland valley hemmed in by glaciers and rivers. Enjoy a flexible hiking session among twisted birch trees, braided rivers, and volcanic peaks—an epic finale to your South Coast adventures.
Day 21 – Hidden Waterfalls & Farewell Spa Experience
Your final day is about savoring Iceland’s quieter corners on the way back to Reykjavík. First, stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall for a behind-the-falls photography session, capturing sunlight glinting through the mist. Nearby, seek out Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall concealed inside a mossy canyon—a perfect last adventure.
Optionally, pause at Urriðafoss, Iceland’s broadest waterfall, often bypassed but striking in its sheer force and peaceful setting.
Return to Reykjavík with time for a final relaxing soak at Sky Lagoon, an oceanside geothermal spa where a seven-step ritual of saunas, cold plunges, and mineral scrubs awaits. It’s the perfect way to ease body and spirit before your private transfer to Keflavík Airport and departure.
