18-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Iceland
Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts, where fire and ice coexist in a spectacle of nature's raw power. For the discerning traveler, an 18-day journey allows for a deep dive into the island's most remote corners without sacrificing the comforts of world-class hospitality and gourmet cuisine.
This itinerary focuses on the Luxury Escapes style, utilizing private Super Jeep transfers, domestic flights to save time, and stays in the country's most exclusive boutiques and lodges. Prepare for an epic journey that spans the famous Ring Road, the mystical Westfjords, and the sophisticated streets of Reykjavik.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Keflavik, Iceland - Arrival & Geothermal Luxury
VIP Arrival at Keflavik Airport
Enjoy a seamless transition with a private chauffeur meeting you at the gate. Skip the rental lines and head straight for your luxury transport.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Check into a Lagoon Suite for private access to the mineral-rich waters away from the main crowds.
In-Water Massage Therapy
Experience a unique spa treatment while floating in the warm, healing waters of the private retreat lagoon.
Tasting Menu at Moss Restaurant
Savor Michelin-recommended Icelandic cuisine with panoramic views of the volcanic landscape.
Day 2: Reykjavik, Iceland - Urban Sophistication
Private Art & Design Walk
Explore Reykjavik’s vibrant creative scene with a local curator, visiting private galleries and designer workshops.
Harpa Concert Hall Tour
Take a private guided tour of this architectural masterpiece, focusing on its honeycomb glass facade inspired by basalt columns.
Luxury Shopping on Laugavegur
Browse high-end Icelandic labels like 66 North and Aurum for premium outdoor gear and handcrafted jewelry.
Dinner at Dill
Experience the pinnacle of New Nordic cuisine at Iceland's first Michelin-starred restaurant.
Day 3: The Golden Circle, Iceland - Geological Wonders
Thingvellir National Park
Walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates at this UNESCO World Heritage site with a private geologist guide.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Witness the explosive power of Strokkur and enjoy a gourmet picnic prepared by a private chef near the steaming vents.
Gullfoss 'Golden' Waterfall
View this massive two-tiered waterfall from a private viewing platform away from the standard tourist paths.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
Enjoy a private tour of the geothermal greenhouses followed by their famous tomato soup and fresh-baked bread.
Day 4: South Coast, Iceland - Cascading Falls & Volcanoes
Seljalandsfoss Private Access
Walk behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss before visiting the hidden Gljúfrabúi falls tucked inside a canyon.
Skógafoss Helicopter Flyover
Take a private helicopter tour from Skógar to see the Eyjafjallajökull volcano and the cascading falls from above.
Skógar Museum
Delve into Icelandic heritage with a private tour of the turf houses and regional artifacts.
Luxury Lodge Check-in
Arrive at your boutique lodge nestled under the stars, perfect for spotting the Northern Lights in winter.
Day 5: Vík, Iceland - Black Sands & Sea Stacks
Reynisfjara Beach
Walk the world-famous black sand beach and admire the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks with a private photographer.
Dyrhólaey Promontory
Visit the massive stone arch and lighthouse for breathtaking views of the coastline and nesting puffins (in season).
Vík i Mýrdal Church
Visit the iconic red-roofed church overlooking the village for the quintessential South Iceland photo opportunity.
Icelandic Lava Show
Experience the only show in the world where you can see real molten lava flowing indoors at a safe distance.
Day 6: Vatnajökull, Iceland - The Realm of Ice
Skaftafell Glacier Hike
Join a private guide for an exclusive trek onto an outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull ice cap, equipped with premium gear.
Jökulsárlón Lagoon Boat Tour
Take a private zodiac tour among the floating icebergs, getting closer than the standard amphibious boats allow.
Diamond Beach
Walk among the crystal-clear ice chunks that have washed ashore on the black sands, resembling giant diamonds.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Relax at this high-design hotel featuring huge windows that frame the surrounding wilderness.
Day 7: East Fjords, Iceland - Rugged Coastlines
Höfn Lobster Lunch
Enjoy the freshest langoustine in Iceland at a high-end harbor-side restaurant in the lobster capital of the north.
Stokksnes & Vestrahorn
Visit this dramatic mountain range and the abandoned Viking village film set with a private guide.
Djúpivogur Village Walk
Explore this tranquil fishing village known for its slow pace of life and the 'Eggs of Merry Bay' art installation.
East Fjord Scenic Drive
Wind through the narrow fjords and steep mountains on one of Iceland's most beautiful stretches of road.
Day 8: Egilsstaðir, Iceland - Highland Serenity
Vök Baths Floating Pools
Soak in Iceland's only floating geothermal pools on Lake Urriðavatn for a truly unique wellness experience.
Hengifoss Waterfall Trek
Hike to Iceland's third-tallest waterfall, famous for its layers of red clay between basaltic rock.
Lagarfljót Lake Search
Take a private boat ride on the lake while hearing legends of the Lagarfljót Worm, Iceland's version of the Loch Ness monster.
Fine Dining at Nielsen
Dine at the oldest house in Egilsstaðir, now a premier restaurant focusing on local venison and berries.
Day 9: Lake Mývatn, Iceland - Volcanic Activity
Námaskarð Geothermal Area
Walk through a landscape of bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles that look like another planet.
Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
Explore the 'Dark Castles' lava field with a private guide who can lead you to the most dramatic 'lava cathedrals'.
Skútustaðagígar Pseudocraters
Take a gentle walk around these unique geological formations caused by gas explosions thousands of years ago.
Mývatn Nature Baths
Wind down in the 'Blue Lagoon of the North,' offering a quieter and more intimate geothermal experience.
Day 10: Húsavík, Iceland - The Whale Capital
Exclusive Whale Watching
Board a traditional wooden sailing ship for a private whale-watching expedition in Skjálfandi Bay.
Húsavík Whale Museum
Take a private tour to see the massive Blue Whale skeleton and learn about marine conservation.
GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths
Relax in infinity pools filled with warm seawater while watching ships sail into the harbor below.
Dinner at Gamli Baukur
Enjoy locally caught fish in a beautiful driftwood building right on the harbor edge.
Day 11: Akureyri, Iceland - Capital of the North
Goðafoss Waterfall
Visit the 'Waterfall of the Gods' on your way to Akureyri, a stunning horseshoe-shaped fall steeped in history.
Akureyri Botanical Garden
Stroll through one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world, featuring thousands of plant species.
Akureyrarkirkja
Visit the iconic church designed by the same architect as Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik.
Luxury Dining at Rub23
Indulge in an innovative sushi and steak menu that highlights the best of Icelandic ingredients.
Day 12: Siglufjörður, Iceland - Northern Fjords
Tröllaskagi Peninsula Drive
Enjoy one of Iceland's most dramatic coastal drives through tunnels and past towering mountains.
Herring Era Museum
Step back in time at this award-winning maritime museum with a private guided tour of the historical buildings.
The Beer Spa (Bjórböðin)
Soak in a bathtub filled with beer, hops, and yeast for a unique skin-rejuvenating treatment.
Sigló Hótel Dinner
Enjoy a cozy meal at the hotel’s restaurant, which is built right into the marina with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Day 13: The Northwest, Iceland - Seals & Serenity
Hvítserkur Sea Stack
Visit the 15-meter tall basalt rock formation that resembles a dragon drinking from the sea.
Seal Watching in Vatnsnes
Take a private guided walk to the best spots for seeing harbor seals lounging on the rocks.
Glaumbær Turf Farm
Visit this exceptionally well-preserved turf farmhouse to see how wealthy Icelanders lived in the 18th century.
Horseback Riding on Icelandic Steeds
Experience the unique 'tölt' gait on a private ride through the Skagafjörður valley, famous for its horse breeding.
Day 14: Ísafjörður, Iceland - The Remote Westfjords
Flight to Ísafjörður
Take a scenic domestic flight from Reykjavik or Akureyri to bypass the long drive and see the fjords from the air.
Ísafjörður Heritage Walk
Explore the oldest houses in Iceland with a local historian who shares the stories of the town's fishing past.
Arctic Fox Center
Visit the nearby village of Súðavík to learn about Iceland's only native land mammal at this research center.
Dinner at Tjöruhúsið
Widely considered one of the best seafood restaurants in the world, enjoy a buffet of the day's freshest catch.
Day 15: Dynjandi, Iceland - The Jewel of the Westfjords
Dynjandi Waterfall
Witness the 'Thunderer,' a series of seven waterfalls that fan out like a bridal veil. It’s the largest in the Westfjords.
Rauðasandur Red Sand Beach
Explore this rare red-sand beach that stretches for 10km, offering a stark contrast to the black beaches of the south.
Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs
Visit the westernmost point of Iceland and Europe to see millions of seabirds nesting on the massive cliffs.
Patreksfjörður Stay
Check into a luxury boutique guesthouse in this quiet fjord-side town for total peace and quiet.
Day 16: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland - 'Iceland in Miniature'
Kirkjufell Mountain
Visit the most photographed mountain in Iceland, famous for its appearance in Game of Thrones.
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Explore the glacier-capped volcano that inspired Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' with a private guide.
Arnarstapi Coastal Hike
Walk the cliff-side path between Arnarstapi and Hellnar to see dramatic rock arches and blowholes.
Hotel Búðir Experience
Stay at one of Iceland's most romantic and luxurious hotels, famous for its black church and world-class kitchen.
Day 17: Borgarfjörður, Iceland - The Silver Circle
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Admire these unique waterfalls where crystal-clear water emerges directly from the lava field into the river.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Visit Europe's most powerful hot spring, providing heat for most of the surrounding towns.
Into the Glacier (Víðgelmir)
Take a private tour inside a man-made ice tunnel carved into the heart of the Langjökull glacier.
Krauma Spa
Relax in the sleek, modern geothermal baths that use the boiling water from Deildartunguhver cooled by glacial meltwater.
Day 18: Reykjavik, Iceland - Farewell Shopping & Departure
Hallgrímskirkja Tower Visit
Take the elevator to the top of the church tower for one final 360-degree view of the colorful city roofs.
Last-Minute Nordic Design
Visit the Epal design store or the Reykjavik Art Museum shop for high-quality souvenirs to take home.
Farewell Lunch at Grillmarkaðurinn
Enjoy a final feast of Icelandic delicacies like puffin, whale, or reindeer in a stunning volcanic-themed interior.
Private Transfer to Keflavik
Your chauffeur will return you to the airport, ensuring you arrive in time for your luxury departure.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
For a luxury 18-day grand tour, the best time to visit is between June and August. This period offers the Midnight Sun, providing nearly 24 hours of daylight to explore remote areas like the Westfjords, which are often inaccessible in winter. If you are seeking the Northern Lights and cozy fireplace evenings, September to March is ideal, though you must be prepared for shorter days and potential road closures due to snow.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Iceland is one of the most card-friendly countries in the world; you can pay with a credit or debit card for even the smallest purchases, including public toilets. Tipping is not expected as service charges are included in the bill, though a small gratuity for exceptional private guides or high-end service is always appreciated.
Getting Around Iceland
For a luxury intercity journey, the best method is a combination of domestic flights and private Super Jeep rentals. While there are no trains in Iceland, domestic flights from Reykjavik to Akureyri or Ísafjörður can save you days of driving. For the most flexibility and comfort, hiring a private driver-guide in a modified 4x4 allows you to reach the most exclusive off-road locations safely and in style.
