Iceland in Style

Arrive at Keflavik Airport, collect your rental vehicle and set off across the spectacular Reykjanes Peninsula. Just a 15-minute drive from the airport, the Blue Lagoon provides a perfect opportunity to ‘dust off’ and become acquainted with the Icelandic tradition of relaxing in natural geothermal water. It’s a popular place, so entry to the Blue Lagoon must be pre-booked.

Continue along the rugged south coast of the peninsula, stopping to admire hot springs, volcanic craters, black-sand beaches and sea cliffs. Arrive at Hotel Ranga for a 3-night stay. This ranch-style property offers superb vistas of south Iceland, which can be enjoyed from the outdoor hot-tubs. A proud member of Small Luxury Hotels, Ranga blends four-star comfort with fine dining in the heart of the countryside. Enjoy seasonal, Nordic-inspired dining in the restaurant and perhaps a spot of stargazing  from the hotel’s observatory.

Spend a leisurely day exploring three of Iceland’s iconic natural wonders: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and Thingvellir National Park. For an unforgettable experience, take an optional snorkelling trip in the startlingly clear waters of the Silfra Fissure between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates – all equipment, including drysuits is provided. At Fludir, meanwhile, you can soak in the gently steaming Secret Lagoon.

Visit the breathtaking waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss – and discover nearby Gljufrafoss, a hidden gem cascading into a mossy cavern concealed behind cliffs. It is also possible to plan a visit to Thorsmork – a remote and beautiful glacial valley in the southern Highlands – ask us about arranging a superjeep trip (we strongly advise you not to attempt driving there yourself due to the difficult river crossings). Other highlights near the South Coast include a guided glacier hike on Solheimajokull, the vast black-sand beach at Reynisfjara and the seabird cliffs at Dyrholaey. If you’re prepared for a long drive, you can also head to Skaftafell and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Drive towards Reykjavik, before heading north to Hvalfjordur and Reykholt. Visit Europe’s most powerful hot springs at the geothermal area at Deildartunguhver and marvel at the curious Hraunfossar waterfall which flows from under an ancient lava flow. Nearby at Snorrastofa, you can delve into Iceland’s medieval history and culture. Continue to Hotel Husafell for your next three-night stay. If you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, you can drive via Thingvellir and the highland track of Kaldidalur to reach the hotel and check in for your 3 night stay. After checking in, head to the bar for your complimentary welcome drink.

Hotel Húsafell is a stylish and quiet oasis on the doorstep of some of Iceland’s iconic natural wonders. Modern furnishings and Icelandic artwork feature in each of the 39 rooms, while the restaurant’s picture windows overlook the surrounding countryside. The food is a real highlight – expect Icelandic ingredients accompanied by fine wines and fantastic service. And the recently renovated geothermal pools, nestled into the hillside, offer the quintessential Icelandic bathing experience.

Take an optional ‘Into the Glacier’ tour, travelling by 8WD truck across the Langjokull icecap before walking through an extraordinary man-made tunnel deep in the blue-ice heart of the glacier. Back at Husafell, spend time relaxing in the outdoor geothermal pools (currently closed for renovation).

Drive north to the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, following the coastline to Arnarstapi. From here, a short but spectacular hike leads to Hellnar and back, with sea arches, caves, and blowholes on one side and snow-capped Snaefellsjokull looming on the other. Return to Husafell for your final night at Hotel Husafell, enjoying the property’s excellent cuisine and stylish interior.

Heading north from Husafell, make a detour to the Vatnsnes Peninsula. Highlights include a seal colony and the dragon-shaped sea stack of Hvitserkur. Continuing on the ring road, arrive in Siglufjordur for a two-night stay at Hotel Siglo.

Stylish decor and historic surrounds make Hotel Siglo a fantastic base from which to explore sleepy Siglufjordur. Dine in the charming restaurant overlooking the marina, where fish is brought to the hotel kitchen straight from the catch. Relax in the outdoor hot tub taking in the views.

Take a boat trip on the fjord, visit the herring museum and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque village. There are also some excellent cafés in the Siglufjordur’s historic and colourful harbourside buildings.

Enjoy a leisurely drive along the shores of Eyjafjordur before spending some time exploring Akureyri. The ‘capital’ of North Iceland, this interesting town has a good range of shops and restaurants, as well as botanical gardens and a busy fishing port. You can join a whale watching boat trip from here, before driving to the airport, dropping off your rental vehicle and flying back to Reykjavik. On arrival in Reykjavik, take a taxi (payable locally) to your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Keflavik Airport for your return flight home.