The motherland of Thingvellir National Park is an historic UNESCO site, where turbulent tectonic plates formed Iceland 24 million years ago. The country of Iceland was formed here. The first meeting of the ruling chieftains was in 930 AD making Iceland’s parliament the oldest governing body in the modern world. As you retrace the steps of Viking history, study the bewildering geologic formations of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. You will be at the spot where the North American and Eurasian continental plates collide and will have the chance to stand on two continents at once. Scalding hot water and steam clouds explode right in front of you! You step back and marvel at mother nature in the Geysir Geothermal Area. Bubbling hotpots, steaming fumaroles and the noxious ‘Smell of Hell’ you are never going to forget, keeps you wandering around the Golden Circle in search of more.Now, feel the energy of Gullfoss Waterfall and its awe-inspiring power flowing through an ancient valley. ‘The Golden Falls’ is the most spectacular waterfall in Iceland, afterall, it does shine gold from the glacier waters. The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous visitor route and for very good reasons. It’s spectacular and your guide will run this private tour counter to the coach tours, so you can also find solitude amid the region’s splendour.

Dip into a lava cave at Grjótagjá and marvel at Bjarnarflag’s geothermal masterpiece. Then find unimaginable rock formations at the medieval Lava Fields. With a sense of adventure you will find Grjótagjá hot springs . Enjoy the experience of dipping your feet into a unique lava cave. Liquid rocks are lying only a couple of kilometres below, waiting for only the brave as the waters can be unpredictably hot. Powering the entire region is the oldest geothermal power station in the country. Bjarnarflag is creating a future for Iceland based on sustainable energy. The station is surrounded by hypnotising blue crater lakes, revealing the mix of man and nature.Now explore the remnants of an ancient medieval castle. Go in search of deep caves, caverns and secret chambers at Dimmuborgir, as you dare to wander the fields of Icelandic folklore.The unusual shaped rising lava towers of ‘The Black Fortress’ clutters the field like a maze. It’s almost like walking on the planet for the first time! These three Iceland icons are easy to combine on a half-day tour, expertly led by your local Icelandic guide.

Thrihnukagigur Volcano saw its last eruption approximately 4,000 years ago and its dormant status gives you a thrilling opportunity to explore the inside of a volcano.Lace-up your hiking boots as it will require a moderately challenging trek along the volcano’s slopes to reach the crater. Step inside a basket dangling above the crater and descend roughly 120-metres into the mysterious magma chamber. The ride takes about six minutes and expert guides will stand alongside you every step of the way. At the bottom of the crater, roam the enormous space inside the chamber and study its incredible geologic features. Walk along the rocky crevices and shine your headlamp on the volcanic walls to grasp the seismic power that these structures possess. The stones scattered along the floor of the magma chamber reveal an impressive glimpse into geologic activity that continuously shapes this mysterious land. Return to the surface of the crater and refuel with a delicious Icelandic meat or vegetable soup. Relish the sensational views of eerie lava fields, soaring mountains and survey the ancient crater one last time from the distance.

Langjökull glacier ice tunnel is one of Iceland’s most captivating experiences. This mammoth glacier is the second-longest in Europe and the man-made tunnel gives you the hair-raising chance to scour the depths inside it. On the way, marvel at lava fields, waterfalls and jagged mountains that dot the landscape. A specialized truck will drive hundreds of metres along the glacier to take you to the ice cave’s entrance. Strap on your crampons, layer up and walk through the illuminated corridors to experience life inside a bone-chilling glacier. The spellbinding blue lights create an icy, fairy-tale universe and you will even see a chapel where winter-loving romantics can marry. Then ascend to the top of Iceland’s second-largest glacier. The only direction to go now is up and climbing to the peak of Langjökull will feel like summiting the roof of Iceland. This towering block of ice reaches a height of 1,355-metres and is one of the highest pinnacles in the country. Here, the vast, wintry landscapes encompassing the horizon are a treasure trove for snowbound explorers. You can choose to explore more of the snowy landscapes atop the glacier in a snowmobile.

In Southern Iceland, icebergs tumble from the tongues of glaciers, hot springs steam in snowy valleys, and the stars seem impossibly bright. Hotel Rangá is the ideal base from which to explore all these highlights.Spacious themed suites reflect the art and nature of each continent. Rangá Restaurant serves up wild mushroom soup, smoked puffin, reindeer steaks, and other gourmet dishes inspired by the land. Day activities abound, from exploring black sand beaches in an AWD vehicle to riding horses through open valleys.Hotel Rangá’s observatory is its chief attraction. Complete with a roll-off roof and the biggest telescope in Iceland, stargazing in this dark corner of the sky is unrivaled.

Surrounded by harsh conditions and complete remoteness, Vatnajokull National Park is a wild destination dominated by icebergs. Take a deep breath and enter the arctic desert, on a private boat charter. Vatnajökull is home to the largest icecap in Iceland, and although it’s rapidly melting due to climate change, it still holds the tallest peak beneath the ice. Further south is Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon formed by the melting Vatnajökull. Rushing rivers at freezing temperatures and thunderous icebergs breaking from the glacier.A boat charter makes you feel like a drifting iceberg upon the lagoon. It’s almost unbelievable, a panorama of frozen Iceland extending in all directions.

Enjoy some of the best views Iceland has to offer in a helicopter tour that touches down on both a glacier and a volcano!Fly over the cascading waters of Glymur, the second-highest waterfall in Iceland, which pours into a deep canyon. Soar over jumbled ice and land on a glacier, where you’ll have the opportunity to step out, breathe in the crisp, cool air, and feel the ice crunch underfoot.Take to the sky once again, this time headed for Hengill, a center of geothermal activity. Fly above a remote valley alive with steaming vents and bubbling mud pots, and set down on the flanks of the volcano!

The giants of the deep are living without land, restrictions or borders. They are free, free to sing, thrash and dance in the ocean. The Captain is ready to leave, his hunger for whale watching shows as he narrates excitable tales. The RIB boat heads for the horizon, leaving behind excursions restricted only to Husavik’s bay.You are searching for bigger fish today!  Scanning the oceans for a glimpse of these creatures and the water explodes, sending you to the back of the boat. A humpback whale blowing its hole, showing off its acrobatic moves. Puffin Island is in the distance. While living a monogamous lifestyle, they only take to land once a year for nesting, so you will meet puffins during the summer months.

It’s almost like exploring a land before time and wandering through forever evolving nature. Iceland overwhelms the senses. Intoxicating sulphurs, thunderous waterfalls and dramatic landscapes, you simply can’t wait to experience it all.  Cruise along the Diamond Circle and around remnants of volcanic eruptions until your eyes fall upon the rippling Lake Mývatn for the first time. Its serenity is captivating. Nordic restaurants are scattered across the banks, each with magnificent landscape views. Here you will discover Iceland’s gastronomic creations, sampling local delicacies such as smoked Arctic Char from the divine alpine lake. For dessert, the underground geothermal bakeries fill the air with aromas of their famous sweet Geysir bread, and your guide knows the best one to try.

Speed through a landscape shaped by glaciers, where rich black soil nourishes fascinating plant species and snow clings to steep hillsides.Access Thorsmork Valley by crossing a series of wild meltwater streams, easily navigated by your private guide. Once there, appreciate the humbling scale of the landscape, surrounded as you are by mountains and distant ice.Take advantage of some of Iceland’s best singletracks, weaving between rock features and spraying soil on banked turns. This is just one place you can go mountain biking in Iceland. The country is an outdoor paradise and your travel designer can arrange biking and hiking in Iceland’s forgotten areas.

Of all Earth’s natural phenomena, perhaps none are so starkly entrancing as the ethereal Aurora Borealis. On a near-nightly basis, from October to March, the sky above Iceland comes to life with massive, dancing lights, the by-product of solar wind encountering the planet’s magnetosphere. Venture out into Iceland’s broad valleys and plateaus for an unforgettable spectacle. Arcs of green. Shimmering violet curtains. Slow-moving pale “clouds”. Every display is different, changing from moment to moment to impress anew with strange colors and shapes.Snuggle into a blanket, sip your hot chocolate, and enjoy the show.

With so many famous natural wonders dotted across Iceland’s west, the country’s eastern coastline is often overlooked. A private guide will show you what’s possible, in a part of Iceland yet to be spoiled by mass tourism. The Eastern Fjords are magnificent and quiet. Views are raw and rugged with sharp mountain peaks. Atlantic waves crash with tremendous power as the conditions are more savage on this side of the island.Heading towards the cosy town of Egilsstadir, hidden delights are dotted around, like Hengifoss Waterfall, Laugarfell’s geothermal pools and herds of wild reindeer. You’ll track these reindeer and come to understand their habitat, on a remote Arctic island.

Saunter through Reyjkjavík’s friendly streets and immerse yourself in its artistic vibe. Before your introduction to Iceland’s culinary scene, wander into charming cafés, study exquisite outdoor sculptures or gaze at the towering Hallgrímskirkja church. Your guide will take you on an authentic Icelandic gastronomic experience. Matur og Drykkur takes tremendous pride in offering traditional Icelandic dishes. Sample Icelandic lamb and goat cheese. Discover Iceland’s seafood prowess by indulging in the luscious flavours of smoked Arctic Char, Icelandic blue mussels or the always appetizing fish of the day.That’s for lunch. For dinner there’s somewhere just as special. Grillið will entice your senses with an epicurean masterpiece, delectable wine, and cocktail pairings and alluring vistas overlooking Reyjkjavík.

Get a personal introduction to Iceland’s wildlife by meeting its most famous creature, the Icelandic horse. You will stop at the family-run Skalakot Lodge and Horse Farm to witness the majesty of these beautiful horses. Icelandic horses stand out from other breeds due to having five gaits and the riding experts at the farm will prepare you for a wonderful horse-riding experience.Now the gentle horse elegantly leads you to the beautiful landscapes near the farm with your horse-riding guide by your side. Experience the horse’s unique gaits on this three-hour ride through lush greenery and onwards to the unearthly black-sand beaches. Stare at the geologic structures rising from the ocean and hear the waves crash against the shore as your horse walks along the sand.   Scan the horizon for views of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago or attempt to find seals peeking at the surface of the water. During your horse’s trot back to the farm, stop by the peaceful Rimhúsaáll River to bask in utter tranquillity.

Have a spa day at the lunar landscapes of the Blue Lagoon It’s time to relax and let all your worries slide into the thermal waters of the world-famous Blue Lagoon. This retreat will revitalise your mind, body, and soul as you soak in pools at a toasty temperature of roughly 100°F. Lather your silica mask on your face and unwind in the spa’s glamorous setting. The enthralling lava fields around the lagoon make you feel like you are chilling on the surface of the moon.  Swim to the poolside bar and pick up a soothing beer, wine or cocktail and indulge in the spa’s first-class treatments. Exfoliate your skin, sweat toxins away in the sauna or remove all your body’s kinks with a massage.

Sandwiched between two glaciers is ‘The Hidden Valley of Thor.’ Graced with Birch forests and pointy peaks covered in green vegetation, you hear the whispering fables floating through the foothills of Thorsmork. Choose to hike the mythical gully or take a buggy into the wilderness. Whichever you decide, Skogafoss Waterfall is the destination to reach with your guide. Skogafoss is fierce and overwhelming. The sheer size of the waterfall makes you feel so tiny. You can hike closer to admire the waterfall from where it cascades. Black Beach isn’t too far away. The Atlantic Ocean is lapping onto black volcanic sands and against enormous basalt stacks out at sea, another colour to contrast Iceland’s Arctic blue.