Iceland’s Wild Heart: Reykjavík to the Highlands

Day 1: Reykjavík

Settle into Midgardur by Center Hotels, a modern Scandi retreat near the top of Reykjavík’s main shopping street and your comfortable base for four nights. Unwind in the spa’s thermal-water hot tub beneath the Icelandic sky, or venture out to follow the rainbow-painted stretch of Skólavörðustígur to Hallgrímskirkja Church, which towers above the city with sweeping views across Reykjavík and towards the sea.

Get to know the capital through its flavours and stories on a three-hour food walk with a friendly local guide. Meet the people behind Reykjavík’s vibrant food scene as you sample more than eight Icelandic specialities at a mix of well-known restaurants, cosy family-run spots, and tucked-away local favourites.

Day 2: Faxaflói Bay

Head out on a three-hour whale-watching cruise into Faxaflói Bay, feeling the thrill of discovery as marine biologists and naturalist guides help you look for minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Take in the striking coastal scenery from the viewing decks, or watch from the warmth of the boat’s indoor lounge as the crew shares fascinating insights into the bay’s incredible marine life.

Back in Reykjavík, you may wish to join a private LGBTQ+ city walk through downtown. Your guide will share stories of the people and places that have shaped the capital’s welcoming culture, offering another perspective on Reykjavík beyond its best-known sights.

Day 3: Silfra

Relish a truly unique adventure as you experience Iceland from beneath the surface in Silfra, where tectonic forces have opened a water-filled rift between the North American and Eurasian plates. Fed by glacial meltwater filtered through dark, moss-covered lava fields, the fissure is known for extraordinary clarity, with visibility that can exceed 100 metres.

Slip into a drysuit and snorkel between Silfra’s rocky canyon walls, watching sunlight play across the crystal-clear water. Considered one of the world’s top dive sites, Silfra offers a rare chance to experience Iceland’s geology from within.

Day 4: Hvammsvík Geothermal Seabaths

Trade Reykjavík for an oceanfront soak at Hvammsvík Geothermal Seabaths, around 45 minutes from the capital. At this serene oasis, eight geothermal pools of different sizes and temperatures line the shore of Hvalfjörður, inviting you to move between warm waters and a bracing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

Steam in the bathhouse, sip a drink at the swim-up bar, or take to the fjord on a paddleboard and soak up the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. For a different kind of reset, join an introductory Wim Hof session, combining guided breathing exercises with a gradual introduction to cold exposure.

Day 5: Golden Circle

Settle into Hotel Rangá for three nights in Hella, a welcoming base for exploring South Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes. The hotel’s 52 rooms include distinctive suites themed around the continents, as well as the Master Royal Suite. After adventurous days discovering the region, it’s the ideal cosy haven for unwinding.

Marvel at the Golden Circle’s dramatic landscapes on a private Super Jeep tour. At Þingvellir National Park, see where tectonic plates meet and learn about the roots of Iceland’s early democracy. Explore the Geysir Geothermal Area, where steaming vents and bubbling hot springs reveal the island’s volcanic energy, then stand in awe as Gullfoss’s thunderous falls plunge into an ancient valley. Other stops include Friðheimar, where you can taste greenhouse-grown tomatoes, and Sólheimar Eco Village, a pioneer in sustainable, inclusive community living.

Day 6: Skeiðvellir

An unforgettable ride through South Iceland’s open countryside awaits today at Icelandic HorseWorld in Skeiðvellir. Meet your majestic Icelandic horse at the family-run breeding and training farm and learn what makes this distinctive breed so special before saddling up and heading out on horseback.

Follow open country tracks, with distant mountain peaks framing your route and the surrounding countryside unfolding as you ride. On clear days, the Westman Islands may also be visible on the horizon, adding a memorable view to your time in the saddle. As you ride, feel the horse’s smooth, four-beat tölt – an unmistakable part of the Icelandic riding experience.

Day 7: Þórsmörk

Bring your journey to a memorable close with a visit to Þórsmörk, a breathtaking nature reserve nestled between glaciers in the heart of South Iceland. Reach this remote wilderness by 4x4 Super Jeep, crossing unbridged glacial rivers on a thrilling drive as the landscape opens into mountains, valleys, and glacier-carved terrain. Stretch your legs on a hike with sweeping views across Þórsmörk and the surrounding highlands, then continue to Gígjökull Glacier. See the effects of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption and take in the stillness of the glacial surroundings, pausing for a light lunch amid Þórsmörk’s vast, untamed wilderness.

Return to Hotel Rangá for your final night, with time to unwind and reflect on the remarkable landscapes and magical experiences you’ve shared before heading home the following morning.