FOCUS: Iceland Decoded - Exploring the Elements
Experience Iceland’s volcanoes, glaciers, and hidden landscapes with private guides, family-friendly adventures, and exclusive access, from inside a dormant volcano to secret ice caves and Zodiac glacier tours.
Journey highlights
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Exclusive, Expert-Led Adventures: Access the heart of a dormant volcano, secret ice caves, and private glacier walks with certified guides.
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Behind-the-Scenes Encounters: Private visits to geothermal plants, greenhouses, and farms reveal Icelandic innovation and culture beyond the usual tourist trail
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Tailored Familiy Experiences: Children are engaged, parents are delighted, each activity balances adventure, learning, and downtime.
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Seamless Comfort & Logistics: Private transfers, curated dining, and flexible pacing ennsure a stress-free journey where families focus on shared moments.
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Itinerary
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At a Glance
Day 2 - Volcano or Adventure Choices
Choose your adventure: descend 120m into Þríhnúkagígur volcano’s magma chamber, hiking through lava fields with safety gear and expert guides, or enjoy a private Icelandic horse experience in Reykjadalur valley, with hands-on grooming, riding, and a picnic. Alternative adventure: kayak along Stokkseyri’s canals to spot seals and birds, concluding with a fresh langoustine lunch. Every option is carefully curated for families, balancing awe, learning, and engagement.
Day 3 – Golden Circle & Hidden Gems
Explore Þingvellir National Park with a private ranger, learning the area’s geology, history, and conservation efforts. Continue to Geysir and Gullfoss, with time to uncover hidden treasures along the way. Visit Friðheimar greenhouse for a behind-the-scenes look at geothermal farming, ending with a private lunch in their atmospheric Wine Bar. Flexible pacing ensures curiosity and wonder guide the day.
Where to stay
Torfhus Retreat (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Day 4 – South Coast & Glacier Exploration
Drive along Iceland’s dramatic south coast, visiting Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, Vík í Mýrdal, and Dyrhólaey’s arch. Walk among powerful waterfalls, then embark on a private glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with certified guides. Upgrade to a helicopter-assisted glacier hike for panoramic views and remote ice formations. Finish with an expert-led Northern Lights session at Hotel Rangá Observatory, blending science and legend.
Day 5 – Hidden Fljótshlíð & Local Life
Private exploration of Fljótshlíð’s caves, forests, and historic sites. Hike Dímon for sweeping valley views, discover the “fountain of youth,” and grill bread inside a natural cave. Conclude with a home-cooked dinner at a local farm, enjoying storytelling, authentic flavours, and intimate connection with Icelandic life.
Where to stay
Hotel Ranga (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Day 6 – South-East Glaciers & Ice Cave
Journey east to Vatnajökull, visiting Fjaðrárglúfur canyon and Skaftafell National Park. Take part in a soil conservation project, then soar by helicopter to the Blue Dragon ice cave beneath Skeiðarárjökull glacier. Guided exploration reveals aquamarine ice formations and the story of Iceland’s dynamic landscapes—adventure, education, and family engagement combined.
Day 7 – Skaftafell & Fjallsárlón
Explore Skaftafell National Park with a ranger, enjoying optional hikes at your pace. Board a private Zodiac boat at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, drifting among icebergs beneath Öræfajökull volcano. Enjoy light refreshments on a secret island, combining adventure, tranquillity, and luxury in one unforgettable day.
Where to stay
Glacier Lagoon Hotel (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
More Experiences in This Area
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At a Glance
Day 8 – Flight & Blue Lagoon Transfer
Fly domestically from Höfn to Reykjavík and transfer to the Blue Lagoon Retreat. Relax in geothermal waters and take in the volcanic landscapes one last time, reflecting on a week of discovery, adventure, and family moments.
Day 9 – Departure
Private transfer to Keflavík International Airport. Travel through mossy lava fields and volcanic terrain, leaving Iceland with memories of glaciers, volcanoes, and hidden landscapes, all experienced at a pace designed for families.Where to stay
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon (1 night)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination and your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
When to visit
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Nordic climate - May, June and July are the driest months of the year. Mid-June to August is high season, but most highland tours don’t operate until July because of snow. At other times, many tourist facilities outside Reykjavík are closed. From September through March, the night is dark enough to see the Aurora Borealis.
Price Guide: Prices based on double occupancy and excludes international flights. Displayed price is indicative only and does not include local, taxes, fees or charges that may apply and would need to be paid by you in destination as part of your bespoke Scott Dunn holiday. Where applicable, after your itinerary is finalised, the taxes, fees and charges applicable to your holiday will be shared with you by our Travel Specialists.
Experiences on this tour
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View ExperienceWhale watching from Snaefellsnes
Set sail from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for a private whale-watching adventure, spotting orcas, humpbacks, and more against the dramatic backdrop of Snæfellsjökull Glacier and Iceland’s unspoiled coast.
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![Katla Ice cave]()
View ExperienceKatla Ice cave
Venture into a shimmering blue ice cave before exploring Iceland’s mysterious mountains and black-sand dunes on a private adventure crafted for the curious and the bold.
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![Zodiac Boat Tour]()
View ExperienceZodiac on the glacier lagoon
A private luxury Zodiac ride through floating icebergs on Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon.
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View ExperienceFlyOver Iceland: A Journey Above the Extraordinary
Soar over Iceland’s dramatic landscapes on FlyOver, a thrilling, multi-sensory journey. Feet dangling, senses awakened, guests discover hidden wonders and sweeping vistas in a uniquely immersive experience.
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![Lava tunnel caving]()
View ExperienceLava tunnel
Walk through a 5,200-year-old lava tunnel formed during a volcanic eruption. In winter, ice sculptures form at the entrance, making the experience even more extraordinary.
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![Kirkjufell - Snaefellsnes Peninsula north]()
View ExperienceSnaefellsnes Peninsula
Explore Iceland’s mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula privately, from Kirkjufell’s iconic peaks and cascading waterfalls to remote fjords and fishing villages, where geology, legend, and supernatural allure converge.
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![Horse riding]()
View ExperienceIcee Horse Back Riding
Ride through Iceland’s wild Ölfus landscapes on a private, two-hour tour with gentle Icelandic horses, guided expertly for an unforgettable journey blending serenity, connection, and awe-inspiring scenery.
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![Sauna and cold pool]()
View ExperienceLaugarás Lagoon Sanctuary of Wellness
Discover a more intimate side of Iceland at Laugarás Lagoon, where geothermal waters, mountain scenery and considered design create a serene escape, followed by a seasonal dining experience at Ylja by acclaimed chef Gísli Matt.
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![Reykjavik]()
View ExperienceReykjavík Walking Tour
Experience Reykjavík intimately on a private walking tour, wandering historic streets, colourful houses, and iconic landmarks, while uncovering hidden gems and the city’s Viking and modern stories.
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![South Coast Safari]()
View ExperienceSouth Coast
Reynisfjara’s jet-black beach, troll-legend sea stacks, the village of Vík, and two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. A full day along one of the world’s great road trips.
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![Sky Lagoon]()
View ExperienceSky Lagoon
Soak in an infinity-edge geothermal lagoon carved from lava, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Five minutes from Reykjavik and the perfect way to land in Iceland.
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![Tomato Farm]()
View ExperienceGreenhouse lunch at Friðheimar
A private tour of a geothermal greenhouse where tomatoes grow year-round using volcanic energy. Lunch served among the plants with everything freshly picked.
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![Black Sand Beach]()
View ExperienceSouth Coast to Jökulsárlón Tour
Explore Iceland’s dramatic south coast in private, from black sand beaches and legendary sea stacks to towering waterfalls, glacier tongues, and charming coastal villages, in a journey of legend, wonder, and breathtaking scenery.
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![Langjkull]()
View ExperienceBorgarfjordur and into the glacier
Discover Iceland’s west in private luxury, from lava-carved waterfalls to the powerful Langjökull glacier, ending with an unforgettable descent into luminous blue ice caves hidden deep within the ice.
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![blue lagoon]()
View ExperienceBlue Lagoon Retreat
Two nights at the Retreat, built into an 800-year-old lava flow in the heart of the Blue Lagoon. Milky teal mineral waters, volcanic landscapes, and complete serenity.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 8682 5040 to start planning your holiday.
