16-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Iceland
Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts, where fire meets ice and rugged nature meets sophisticated luxury. This 16-day 'Epic Journey' takes you far beyond the standard tourist loop, offering a deep dive into the island's most remote corners while maintaining a standard of high-end comfort and exclusivity.
From private helicopter transfers over volcanic craters to soaking in the world-exclusive Retreat Spa, every moment is curated for the discerning traveler. You will experience the legendary Ring Road, the remote Westfjords, and the chic urban culture of Reykjavík, all while staying in the country's most prestigious lodges and boutique hotels.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Keflavík & Reykjavík, Iceland - Arrival & The Blue Lagoon
VIP Arrival at Keflavík Airport
Upon arrival, enjoy a seamless transition with a private luxury chauffeur waiting at the gate to whisk you away to your first destination.
The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon
Avoid the crowds and enter the exclusive Retreat Spa. Enjoy a private changing suite and access to the 'Ritual'—a rejuvenating seven-step treatment using silica, algae, and minerals.
Check-in at The Reykjavik EDITION
Settle into your harbor-view suite at the city's most prestigious hotel, blending modern luxury with Icelandic materials.
Tasting Menu at Moss Restaurant
Dine at this Michelin-recommended establishment overlooking the volcanic landscape, focusing on seasonal and local Icelandic ingredients.
Day 2: Reykjavík, Iceland - Urban Sophistication
Hallgrímskirkja & City Architecture
Take a private walking tour of the capital, focusing on the iconic church architecture and the stunning Harpa Concert Hall.
Seafood Lunch at Matur og Drykkur
Enjoy a modern take on traditional Icelandic recipes in a historic salt-fish factory near the Old Harbor.
Luxury Shopping on Laugavegur
Explore high-end Icelandic fashion at 66°North and boutique design shops featuring local lava-stone jewelry.
Dinner at ÓX
An intimate, Michelin-starred dining experience with only 11 seats, offering a personal journey through Iceland's culinary heritage.
Day 3: The Golden Circle, Iceland - Private Classics
Þingvellir National Park Private Tour
Walk between the tectonic plates at this UNESCO World Heritage site with a private geologist guide.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm Lunch
Enjoy a private table in the greenhouse and taste their famous tomato soup surrounded by vines.
Geysir & Gullfoss Waterfall
Witness the Strokkur geyser erupt and the massive power of Gullfoss from exclusive viewing platforms away from the main tour buses.
Stay at Hotel Grímsborgir
Retreat to a luxury apartment with a private hot tub in the heart of the Golden Circle.
Day 4: South Coast, Iceland - Waterfalls & Volcanic Sands
Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss
Explore these iconic falls with a private driver, including a hidden walk behind the cascading water of Seljalandsfoss.
Black Beach Luxury Picnic
Enjoy a gourmet picnic prepared by a private chef on the black sands of Reynisfjara, overlooking the basalt columns.
Dyrhólaey Promontory
Take in the panoramic views of the coast from this high viewpoint, often home to puffins during the summer months.
Check-in at Hotel UMI
Stay at this minimalist luxury hotel located at the foot of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano with stunning ocean views.
Day 5: Vatnajökull Region, Iceland - Glacial Expeditions
Private Glacier Hike
Equip yourself for a private guided trek on Falljökull, part of Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
Skaftafell Wilderness Area
Explore the hiking trails to Svartifoss, the waterfall famous for its dark basalt columns that inspired Icelandic architecture.
Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Tour
A private boat tour among the icebergs of Jökulsárlón, getting you closer to the ice than the larger amphibian boats.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Dine at the hotel's high-end restaurant, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and local arctic char.
Day 6: Diamond Beach & Höfn, Iceland - Ice and Lobsters
Sunrise at Diamond Beach
Witness the sun hitting the crystal-clear ice chunks washed up on the black sand beach—a photographer's dream.
Langoustine Lunch in Höfn
Stop in the lobster capital of Iceland for a decadent lunch of locally caught langoustines at Pakkhús Restaurant.
Vestrahorn & Stokksnes
Visit this dramatic mountain range and the Viking village film set located on a private farm.
Evening at leisure
Enjoy a quiet evening exploring the fishing harbor of Höfn at your own pace.
Day 7: East Fjords, Iceland - Scenic Serenity
Coastal Drive to Egilsstaðir
Traverse the winding roads of the East Fjords, stopping at remote fishing villages like Djúpivogur.
Petra’s Stone Collection
Visit this unique museum in Stöðvarfjörður, showcasing a lifelong collection of rare Icelandic minerals and crystals.
Vök Baths Relaxation
Soak in floating geothermal pools on Lake Urriðavatn—Iceland’s only floating pools.
Dinner at Nielsen
Experience fine dining in Egilsstaðir’s oldest house, where traditional flavors meet modern culinary techniques.
Day 8: North Iceland, Iceland - Craters & Canyons
Dettifoss Waterfall
Witness the most powerful waterfall in Europe. A private 4x4 will take you to the best vantage points on both sides of the canyon.
Ásbyrgi Canyon Exploration
Walk through the horseshoe-shaped canyon, a geological wonder steeped in Norse mythology.
Lake Mývatn Craters
Explore the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðagígar and the dramatic lava formations of Dimmuborgir.
Mývatn Nature Baths
End the day with a soak in the blue waters of the 'Blue Lagoon of the North' under the midnight sun or northern lights.
Day 9: Akureyri, Iceland - The Capital of the North
Goðafoss - Waterfall of the Gods
Stop at this historic waterfall on your way to Akureyri, where the idols of the Norse gods were famously cast away.
Botanical Gardens of Akureyri
Enjoy a peaceful stroll through one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world.
Luxury Shopping & Art
Explore the Listagilið (Art Canyon) for local galleries and high-end Icelandic craft shops.
Dinner at Rub 23
Enjoy a fusion of Icelandic ingredients and Asian spices at Akureyri's most famous seafood restaurant.
Day 10: Siglufjörður, Iceland - Northern Charm
Private Whale Watching
Charter a private boat from Dalvík for an intimate encounter with humpback whales in the Eyjafjörður fjord.
Beer Spa (Bjórböðin)
A unique luxury experience in Árskógssandur: soak in a tub of warm beer, water, and hops followed by a relaxation room.
Drive to Siglufjörður
Pass through scenic tunnels to reach this historic herring fishing town tucked between mountains.
Stay at Sigló Hótel
Check into a suite at this luxury harbor hotel, where the fireplace and outdoor hot tubs offer pure relaxation.
Day 11: Westfjords, Iceland - Into the Wild
Domestic Flight to Ísafjörður
Skip the long drive and take a private or domestic flight from Akureyri/Reykjavik to the remote Westfjords for maximum efficiency.
Ísafjörður Town Exploration
The cultural hub of the Westfjords, known for its well-preserved timber houses and vibrant music scene.
Lunch at Tjöruhúsið
Arguably the best seafood restaurant in Iceland, serving the catch of the day in a rustic 18th-century building.
Bolungarvík & Óshlíð
Visit the Bolafjall viewing platform for a breathtaking look over the fjords and towards Greenland.
Day 12: Dynjandi & Southern Fjords, Iceland - Hidden Gems
Dynjandi Waterfall
Witness the 'Jewel of the Westfjords,' a massive bridal-veil waterfall that cascades down a series of tiers.
Látrabjarg Cliffs
Stand at the westernmost point of Europe and watch millions of seabirds, including the iconic puffins, nesting on the cliffs.
Rauðisandur Red Sand Beach
Explore this unique golden-red sand beach that stretches for 10km, offering a surreal contrast to the black beaches of the south.
Stay at Hotel Patreksfjörður
A comfortable and modern base for exploring the southern reaches of the Westfjords.
Day 13: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland - Iceland in Miniature
Baldur Ferry Crossing
Take the car ferry from Brjánslækur to Stykkishólmur, crossing the Breiðafjörður Bay and its thousands of islands.
Stykkishólmur Village
Explore this charming fishing village with its colorful houses and the futuristic Stykkishólmskirkja church.
Kirkjufell Mountain
Visit the most photographed mountain in Iceland and its accompanying waterfall, famously featured in Game of Thrones.
Gourmet Dinner at Búðir
Dine at one of Iceland's most acclaimed restaurants, specializing in fresh fish and local lamb.
Day 14: Snæfellsjökull National Park, Iceland - Glacier & Coast
Snæfellsjökull Glacier Tour
Take a private snowcat or 4x4 tour to the top of the glacier that served as the entrance in Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth'.
Arnarstapi to Hellnar Coastal Walk
A gentle private guided walk along the dramatic coastline, viewing rock arches and bird colonies.
Djúpalónssandur Beach
Test your strength with the 'lifting stones' and explore the shipwreck remains on this hauntingly beautiful beach.
Evening at leisure in Búðir
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Snæfellsnes peninsula as your journey nears its end.
Day 15: West Iceland to Reykjavík, Iceland - Final Flourish
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Visit these unique waterfalls where the water emerges directly from the lava field into the river.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
See the highest-flow hot spring in Europe and visit the Krauma spa for a final geothermal soak.
Return to Reykjavík
Check back into your favorite luxury hotel for one final night in the capital.
Farewell Tasting Menu at Dill
Celebrate your journey at Iceland's first Michelin-starred restaurant, enjoying the pinnacle of New Nordic cuisine.
Day 16: Departure, Iceland - Farewell to the North
Leisurely Morning & Shopping
Pick up high-end Icelandic design pieces or woolens as lasting souvenirs of your epic journey.
Private Heli-Transfer to KEF
Avoid the road and take a private helicopter transfer from Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport, enjoying a final aerial view of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Saga Lounge Relaxation
Enjoy the premium amenities and Icelandic hospitality one last time before your flight home.
Departure
Board your flight with memories of an unforgettable 16-day luxury exploration of Iceland.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
For this luxury itinerary, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (May to June or September) or the height of summer (July and August). Summer offers 24 hours of daylight, allowing for maximum exploration time and access to the highland roads and the Westfjords. If you prefer the Northern Lights and a snowy 'winter wonderland' aesthetic, February and March are ideal, though some remote roads in the Westfjords may be inaccessible.
Currency & Money
The currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Iceland is one of the most card-friendly countries in the world; you will likely never need physical cash, even for small purchases at remote farms. Tipping is not expected as service charges are included in prices, but it is appreciated for exceptional private guiding. Credit cards are accepted everywhere from luxury hotels to remote public restrooms.
Getting Around Iceland
The ultimate luxury experience involves a combination of a private 4x4 chauffeur-driven vehicle for the Ring Road and domestic flights or helicopter transfers for long-distance jumps to the Westfjords or North Iceland. While the Ring Road is well-paved, the convenience of a private driver allows you to focus on the scenery. Domestic flights from Reykjavík City Airport to Akureyri or Ísafjörður are operated by Icelandair and are highly efficient.
