Iceland Luxury South Coast Adventure

Board a Superjeep for a private tour across the dramatic lunar landscapes of the interior, fording glacial rivers as you probe the stark grandeur of the highlands. Scale the slopes of ice-smothered volcanoes before descending to Thorsmork, a hidden valley of sparkling streams and twisted birch trees, surrounded by a trio of glaciers. Returning to Hotel Ranga, relax in one of the outdoor hot tubs, or perhaps take a drive to nearby Seljalandsfoss to watch the sunset transform this elegant waterfall into a golden horsetail plume. Enjoy a drink at the bar, sampling the signature Brennivin schnapps served in chilled lava-stone cups, while perusing the seasonal gourmet menu of innovative Nordic-inspired dishes, rich in fresh local produce. After dinner, stroll over to the observatory where one of Iceland’s leading astronomers will open your eyes to the wonders of the cosmos, aiming powerful telescopes at everything from Mars and Neptune to the aurora borealis and distant nebulae.

Board a Superjeep for a private tour across the dramatic lunar landscapes of the interior, fording glacial rivers as you probe the stark grandeur of the highlands. Scale the slopes of ice-smothered volcanoes before descending to Thorsmork, a hidden valley of sparkling streams and twisted birch trees, surrounded by a trio of glaciers.

Returning to Hotel Ranga, relax in one of the outdoor hot tubs, or perhaps take a drive to nearby Seljalandsfoss to watch the sunset transform this elegant waterfall into a golden horsetail plume. Enjoy a drink at the bar, sampling the signature Brennivin schnapps served in chilled lava-stone cups, while perusing the seasonal gourmet menu of innovative Nordic-inspired dishes, rich in fresh local produce. After dinner, stroll over to the observatory where one of Iceland’s leading astronomers will open your eyes to the wonders of the cosmos, aiming powerful telescopes at everything from Mars and Neptune to the aurora borealis and distant nebulae.

In pictures

Travel east along the coastal ring road, stopping to admire an incredible succession of natural wonders… rainbow-garnished Skogafoss plunging 60m over an ancient sea cliff; the forbidding flanks of the sleeping giant, Eyjafjallajokull; coastal vistas that range from saw-tooth sea stacks to seemingly endless beaches of black basalt sand. Ahead looms the mighty Vatnajokull icecap. Reaching depths of 950m, this vast, frozen wilderness consumes entire mountains, but explore its fringes and you will encounter some truly staggering sights. At Jokulsarlon, step from your car to gaze across a glacial lagoon filled with icebergs calved from the immense ice sheet. Take an optional boat trip to admire the cerulean blue beauties close-up. Then walk on the black-sand beach where icebergs, tumbled and polished by the sea, have been washed ashore as sparkling crystal sculptures. It’s a leisurely three-hour drive from Ranga to the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – your base for the next two nights.

Travel east along the coastal ring road, stopping to admire an incredible succession of natural wonders… rainbow-garnished Skogafoss plunging 60m over an ancient sea cliff; the forbidding flanks of the sleeping giant, Eyjafjallajokull; coastal vistas that range from saw-tooth sea stacks to seemingly endless beaches of black basalt sand. Ahead looms the mighty Vatnajokull icecap. Reaching depths of 950m, this vast, frozen wilderness consumes entire mountains, but explore its fringes and you will encounter some truly staggering sights.

At Jokulsarlon, step from your car to gaze across a glacial lagoon filled with icebergs calved from the immense ice sheet. Take an optional boat trip to admire the cerulean blue beauties close-up. Then walk on the black-sand beach where icebergs, tumbled and polished by the sea, have been washed ashore as sparkling crystal sculptures. It’s a leisurely three-hour drive from Ranga to the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – your base for the next two nights.

In pictures

A full day to explore the wonders of the Vatnajokull National Park. Revisit Jokulsarlon, or explore one of the lesser known glacial lagoons nearby, and head to Skaftafell where walking trails lead to Svartifoss waterfall – picture-perfect against its backdrop of basalt columns. If you like, we can arrange a privately-guided glacier hike, an exhilarating snowmobiling adventure on the Vatnajokull ice cap or an ice cave tour into one of its surreal, seasonal blue-ice caverns.

A full day to explore the wonders of the Vatnajokull National Park. Revisit Jokulsarlon, or explore one of the lesser known glacial lagoons nearby, and head to Skaftafell where walking trails lead to Svartifoss waterfall – picture-perfect against its backdrop of basalt columns. If you like, we can arrange a privately-guided glacier hike, an exhilarating snowmobiling adventure on the Vatnajokull ice cap or an ice cave tour into one of its surreal, seasonal blue-ice caverns.

In pictures

Drive west, back along the coast road, for around two and a half hours to your next overnight stop at Hotel Umi – located beside the Svadbaelisa River with sweeping views across the south coast to the Westman Islands and inland to Eyjafjallajokull. Overnight at Hotel Umi

Drive west, back along the coast road, for around two and a half hours to your next overnight stop at Hotel Umi – located beside the Svadbaelisa River with sweeping views across the south coast to the Westman Islands and inland to Eyjafjallajokull. Overnight at Hotel Umi

In pictures

Journey to Iceland’s vibrant capital city, Reykjavik for a two-night stay at either Ion City Hotel or Hilton Reykjavik Nordica.

Journey to Iceland’s vibrant capital city, Reykjavik for a two-night stay at either Ion City Hotel or Hilton Reykjavik Nordica.

In pictures

Explore the city or perhaps spend time luxuriating in the soothing warm waters of the Blue Lagoon. Consider a private excursion around the Golden Circle. City highlights include the striking Hallgrimskirkja cathedral and the Perlan, with its northern lights planetarium and indoor ice cave. Cafes, bars and boutique shops line Laugavegur Street, while the city has no shortage of fine-dining restaurants.

Transfer to Keflavik for your flight home. If you didn’t take the opportunity yesterday, a visit to the Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon can be arranged on your way for a soak in the naturally-heated waters.