South Iceland Luxury Road Trip

Begin your luxury South Iceland tour in the capital city of Reykjavik. Upon arrival at Keflavik international airport, pick up your rental car and drive yourself to Reykjavik city. Take the rest of the day to explore this vibrant Icelandic capital which is famed for being the epicentre of the country's gastronomy and art and culture. Enjoy personalised tour of the city with a local expert who will show you around landmarks such as Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral and the trendy Laugavegur shopping and restaurant street.

Next, embark on a Food Walk in a small group and visit some of the city's best-loved culinary destinations. Sample at least ten different kinds of local dishes, ranging from artisanal seasonal cheese to delectable hand-make Icelandic ice cream, on this customized food excursion in a group. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can also try traditional Viking dishes such as fermented shark, ram testicles, and sour sheep head! Afterward, head to your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, drive yourself from Reykjavík to Hveragerði in your rental car, which is a three-hour drive. En route, you can stop at popular Golden Circle attractions such as Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall that gushes down into the Hvita river canyon.

Hveragerði, often called the 'Hot Spring Town' emerging from lofty lava fields, is known for its excellent thermal springs and fantastic restaurant scene! Make your way to Gullfoss Cafe in the town and join your local guide in a Super Jeep to head towards Langjökull Glacier, the second-largest in Iceland. Arriving at Jaki base camp on the glacier's western edge, gear up in snowmobile suits and embark on a snowmobiling tour across the smooth snowy landscape at your own pace. The tour will last for one hour, after which you can return to Hveragerði and check into your hotel for the night.

In the morning, leave Hveragerði behind and drive yourself down the scenic Ring Road to Vik, the southernmost town on the Icelandic mainland. On your way, you can stop at the scenic Urridafoss waterfall in Thjorsa, Iceland’s longest river. Capture stunning images of this gushing waterfall, and visit the LAVA Center at Hvolsvollur to enjoy an interactive experience dedicated to Iceland’s volcanic activity and earthquakes. Having arrived at Vik, check into your hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

On the next morning, set out for a leisurely excursion on the Skaftafell outlet glacier, located within the Vatnajökull National Park in southern Iceland, with your certified glacier guide. Lasting half a day, this tour gives you the chance to hike in the spectacular landscape, featuring deep crevasses, sculptures, moulins, caves, ice caves and ridges. Return to Vik and visit any of the several restaurants in town for lunch at your own expense. In the afternoon, you can explore the scenic seaside surrounds of Vik at your own pace, from the safe hiking routes on Mýrdalsjökull and Solheimajökull glaciers to the Reynifjara Black Sand beach.

From Vik, a short 2.5-hour drive will take you to Skaftafell. On the way, you can stop for an additional two hours and explore the majestic Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and hike along the winding lengths made by the Fjaðrá river. For a truly distinctive sight, hike up to the Svartifoss falls, set in the heart of black basalt columns surrounded by the vast green expanse of Skaftafell National Park.

Having arrived at your hotel in Öraefi county, embark on a personalised Zodiac boat exploration of Fjallsarlon Iceberg Lagoon. An hour-long excursion in the company of a local expert, this tour introduces you to a stunning landscape located at the southern end of Vatnajokull Glacier. Afterward, you can return to your hotel for the night.

Today, enjoy a three-hour drive from Skaftafell to Hvolsvöllur, a small town in southern Iceland that is the setting for one of Iceland's most famous Viking sagas! For most travelers, Hvolsvöllur functions as the perfect base for exploring South Iceland. For adventure seekers in particular, the town offers access to volcano hiking and glacier hiking trips.

In town, make your way to a designated stable in Skálakot and hop onto a purebred Icelandic horse that has been carefully selected for your experience level. This is a unique experience - the chance to explore the beautiful mountains and valleys around Hvolsvöllur on the back of an Icelandic horse! At the end of your two-hour excursion, ride back to Skálakot and end with lunch and a cup of refreshing coffee at the restaurant on the farm. Afterward, make your way to your hotel for the night and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

After breakfast at your hotel in Hvolsvöllur, embark on a two-hour drive to your hotel at the Blue Lagoon or Reykjanes. The name of this UNESCO Global Geopark means smoking peninsula’ and the other-worldly landscape is filled with moss-covered lava fields, volcanic craters, caves and hot springs.

Awarded by the prestigious Blue Flag certification for environmental sustainability for ten consecutive years, explore a massive complex of silvery towers, changing rooms, restaurants, sauna and bar, dotted with hot-pots and steam rooms. Swim in the warm seawater as you soak up the natural beauty of the surroundings and breathe in the crisp, clean air. No matter what hotel you stay at, a personalised geothermal spa experience awaits you.

Spend the night unwinding and rejuvenating yourself after your week-long adventure. The next morning, head to Keflavik airport, just 20 minutes away, and having dropped off your rental car embark on your flight home.