DAY 1

• REYKJAVIK

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• You’ve Arrived
• Meet your private driver-guide upon arrival for a private transfer to Reykjavik, with a guided tour of the "back garden of Reykjavik", the Reykjanes Peninsula. Pass through otherworldly, lunar-like landscapes, witnessing green moss clinging to black volcanic ground, pitted with craters and rugged boulders strewn from the earth’s inner mantle thousands of years ago. Watch mountains appear out of nowhere as you come over hills and wrap around bends, making your way to Kleifarvatn, a small, serene lake nestled between a series of volcanoes and black sand beaches. Over the course of your day, you’ll also head to Seltun to walk a beautiful geothermal hill trail, then get blasted by ocean spray from the wild Atlantic as it splashes up on the seaside viewing platform at Brimketill. See a supernatural-meets-industrial wasteland at Gunnuhver, spot a lighthouse on a cliff peering out over the ocean at Reykjanesviti, and even walk between the North American and Eurasian continental plates at the Bridge Between Continents. Conclude your tour on arrival to your hotel in Reykjavik, where your English-speaking assistant will assist you with hotel check in and answer any questions you have.
• A welcome package with a city map, train tickets (if relevant), and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful, will be provided to you on your first day in destination.
• This evening, make your way to the revered Grillmarkadurinn (The Grillmarket) in downtown Reykjavik, a stylish restaurant honoring a farm-to-table concept to create culinary experiences that delight the five senses. Here you'll enjoy a delightful tasting menu dinner consisting of a curated selection of dishes which highlight the menu, and are served family-style for the whole table to enjoy. Grillmarkadurinn nurtures a close working collaboration with dedicated local farmers to guarantee the very best in local produce for a magical fusion of tradition and modern cuisine. The talented and passionate culinary team highlights the origin of each product by using traditional Icelandic cooking methods of fire logs, coals, open fire and smoke. Your included meal is a tasting menu, served in an order best suited to thrill the palate. Please note, drinks are not included and are payable on the spot.

DAY 2

• REYKJAVIK

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• City Streets and Tasty Treats
• For a city so heavily steeped in Viking history, the cityscape of Reykjavik is surprisingly modern. The best way to discover the history and culture of Reykjavik is with a constant thread of food and beverage to lead you around the city. Setting out with a private guide, tastings will be provided for you as you set out on a food-themed walking tour through central Reykjavik, where you'll learn a bit of history, see the city's iconic cathedral, and get a taste of traditional Icelandic food all at once. You'll head to a restaurant located directly across from the stunning mid 20th century Hallgrimskirkja Church - the largest in all of Iceland, where you can spot an impressively intimidating sculpture of Leif Erikson, donated by the United States in recognition of the discovery of the New World by Norse explorers from Iceland. Enjoy some traditional fish stew, smoked char and traditional Icelandic flatbread with smoked lamb as a topping. As you wander the city, you'll be treated to some soup with the catch of the day paired with wine or beer, stop at a pub for some dried cod, and if you're adventurous enough, fermented shark with some cumin schnapps to wash it down. End on a sweet note with a stop for some kleina (Icelandic donuts) or cake before returning to your hotel.
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• A unique experience awaits you today, as you transfer with a private driver to a nearby helipad, and board a privately-captained helicopter for an exclusive overflight of Reykjavik. You'll see colorful and charming dollhouse roofs, the neighboring towns and the surrounding countryside with extensive lava fields, reminding of the true volcanic nature of Iceland. After a thrilling 10 minute scenic flight, you'll make a landing on one of the nearby mountain summits (generally Mt. Esja, when conditions allow), for the photo opportunity of a life-time. Toast to the occasion as you crack open and enjoy an included bottle of sparkling wine, with a view to remember. After approximately 15 minutes on the summit, you'll make the return scenic flight back to Reykjavik, then meet your driver for a private transfer back to your hotel.

DAY 3

• REYKJAVIK

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• Explore with an Expert
• Meet your private guide and embark on a full day tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a stunning area of true natural beauty. One of the westernmost parts of Iceland, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is rich in fascinating landscapes from dramatic volcanic peaks and crunchy lava flows, to sparkling fjords, sheer sea cliffs, and sweeping golden beaches. Departing Reykjavik, you'll head north along the famed Ring Road before setting out west on the Peninsula's main route. Over the course of your day you'll discover the romantic little fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar on the south coast of the peninsula, both famous for their characteristic rock formations in the shapes of arches and sea stacks, along with an array of caves, and cliffs brought to life by massive colonies of birds. Continue your journey around the Snaefellsjokull National Park, home to the glistening Snaefellsjokull glacier-capped stratovolcano, immortalized in Jules Verne’s "Journey to the Center of the Earth". Continue to Kirkjufell, the iconic mountain north of the wall, before heading onward through the small fishing villages and historic trading ports on the northern shores of the peninsula. Conclude your day on arrival back to Reykjavik.

DAY 4

• REYKJAVIK TO HELLA

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• A Dazzling Drive
• No first trip to Iceland would be complete without experiencing the country’s most famed touring route, the Golden Circle. After check-out, depart Reykjavik on a full-day transfer to Hella, making stops to visit the three most iconic natural sites Iceland has to offer along the way, in addition to a remarkable visit to the Laugarvatn Fontana, and lunch at a local Icelandic farm. Explore the mossy Thingvellir National Park, site of the world’s first ever parliament dating back over 1,000 years, as well as the visible continental divide between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The park offers dramatic scenery and woodland that changes colors throughout the year, making the area a photographer’s delight. You’ll also encounter the magnificent Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s largest and most photogenic waterfalls, with water constantly rushing from a river that’s fed by the melting Langjokull glacier. Enjoy a soothing visit to the legendary Laugarvatn Fontana, where a dip in the natural geothermal hot springs provides a truly Icelandic experience. The final pillar of the Golden Circle, discover the great Geyser geothermal area where the dependable Strokkur geyser spouts hot water as high as 100 feet in the air, every 6 minutes or so, an entertaining show to say the least. Midday you'll be treated to a lunch experience at the Fridheimar Farm Greenhouse where you'll take part in a small group greenhouse tour and enjoy a meal among the tomato plants. Savor the Fridheimar’s famous Tomato soup served with fresh-baked bread and a Healthy Mary drink. Conclude your day on arrival to Hella.

DAY 5

• HELLA

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• A Sight To Behold
• Meet your private guide and embark on a full day tour of Iceland's extraordinary South Shore, renowned for its black sand beaches and waterfalls, and sweeping vistas. Over the course of your day, you'll set out along the famed Ring Road to admire the picturesque Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, cascading down 200-foot drops. Seljalandsfoss presents a unique opportunity where you'll actually be able to walk behind the wall of water for a stunning photo. Nearby, you'll arrive to the town of Vik where you'll bear witness to the iconic towering basalt column cliffs, one of Iceland's most photographed spots. Gaze out to the Reynisfjara rock formation offshore, then admire black sand beaches as far as the eye can see from the elevated Dyrholaey Nature Reserve. Take some time to yourself to go for a peaceful walk along one of the beaches, a perfect time to reflect on just how magical this country is. During your tour enjoy a private lunch inside a cave, the perfect way to end your tour of this region of Iceland. Conclude your day on arrival back to Hella.

DAY 6

• HELLA

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• Nurtured by Nature
• Departing with a private guide, embark on a full day tour to the southern highlands of Landmannalaugar, in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Renowned for its rhyolite mountains (in vivid hues of orange, creams, and tans) and natural hot springs which have formed by centuries of volcanic activity in the area, Landmannalaugar presents a stunning display of natural forces. Power through unforgettable landscapes with surreal beauty, from steaming hot springs, to snow and ice-covered peaks, glaciers, and explosive craters. You'll get to drive around the roots of Hekla, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, take a leisurely hike on one of the many mountain paths for stunning scenery in all directions, and be sure you've got your bathing suit with you to take advantage of a relaxing bath in one of the area's natural hot springs. Conclude your day back in Hella.

DAY 7

• HELLA TO GRINDAVIK

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• Relax and Recharge
• Meet your driver for a private transfer from Hella to Grindavik. Approximate travel time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Enhance your stay at the Retreat Spa by booking the ultimate luxury experience, the Lava Cove. This opulent suite includes a private entrance,
  private lagoon, and a wood-burning fireplace. Additional add-ons include a private chef, in-water massage therapy treatments, or a breakfast, lunch, or dinner package. Contact your destination expert to add on these upgrades to your Lava Cove experience.
• This evening, tuck into the cozy ambiance of the epicurean Moss Restaurant at The Retreat Hotel. You'll be treated to a remarkable 5-course tasting menu, sampling a dazzling assortment of curated dishes which highlight the chef's elevated and creative approach to fresh, local and seasonal Icelandic ingredients. Everything at Moss is prepared with an affection for the island and its endless bounty of nourishment. Please note, drinks are at individual discretion, and payable on the spot.

DAY 8

• GRINDAVIK

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• Wind Down
• Enjoy a day at leisure in the refined luxury of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. Perhaps take a yoga class offering views over the volcanic landscape, revitalize your skin with a three-stage treatment at The Ritual, escape with a private in-water massage, rejuvenate mind, body and soul at The Spa, dine on delectable cuisine at the epicurean Moss and Lava Restaurants, or simply soak in the powder blue waters of the exclusive Retreat Lagoon. For an extraordinary ultra-private suite, you can even opt for the Lava Cove, a spa within a spa, with personal attendant. To top it off, guests staying at The Retreat over the winter months can receive overnight Northern Lights wake-up calls when the aurora is visible from the hotel. At The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, they've simply thought of it all. Please note: any additional services at The Retreat must be booked in advance and cannot be paid on location.

DAY 9

• GRINDAVIK TO KEFLAVIK
• Bon Voyage
• Meet your private driver for a transfer to the Keflavik Airport. Approximate travel time is 20 minutes.

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Sandhotel

Hotel Ranga

Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon