Discovery & Wellness in Iceland

Arrive in Reykjavik and take a taxi to your hotel, the Sand Hotel, near the harbor and the famous Harpa music hall. Most flights from the US to Iceland are overnight, so take the day to relax, walk around Reykjavik, and recover from your travels.

In the afternoon, we'll meet our host, Thorey, and the group for an introduction and orientation meeting, after which we'll stroll around the city center on the way to dinner. For dinner, we'll enjoy superb Icelandic cuisine paired with wine. 

We’ll start our road trip after an invigorating yoga session at the hotel, followed by breakfast. Today, we’re off to the south shore to explore some of the mightiest waterfalls and most striking landscapes. In Iceland, the journey is often just as spectacular as the destination. The landscapes are so majestic that you can spend hours mesmerized by the abruptly changing weather, the otherworldly lava fields, the moss-covered hills, and the volcanic rocks.

Our first stop is at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the famous waterfall you can walk behind thanks to the large caverns behind the tall but narrow drop. Dress in waterproof clothing because the force of nature is apparent the moment you approach the waterfalls.

Here, we’ll enjoy a refreshing waterfall meditation, soaking up the moment with mindfulness.

After Seljalandsfoss, we’ll continue to another waterfall, perhaps the most impressive, Skogafoss. Skogafoss is famous because of the sheer amount of water pouring off the cliff. The water spray here is at its strongest and often results in beautiful rainbows - sometimes double or even triple rainbows! You can admire Skogafoss from the bottom or walk up the 400 steps to the top.

After exploring the waterfall, we'll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the Bistro Cafe with a beautiful view of Skógafoss.

After lunch, we’ll continue driving to Reynisfjara black beach. We have free time at this mythical black sand beach, flanked by the Reynisdrangar basalt cliffs on one side and wild ocean waves on the other. Look out for the rock formations in the ocean. The area is steeped in legends about the night trolls caught by the morning sun and turned to stone. 

After exploring the area and trying to capture its raw beauty, we’ll drive back toward Reykjavik, where you'll have time to relax and grab dinner on your own or with some of your new friends. Suggestions provided. 

We'll meet our host after morning yoga and breakfast. Our first day starts with a visit to the lava fields left behind by the recent Fagradalsfjall volcanic eruption. Following an eruption, lava cools and forms artistic designs on Iceland’s landscapes. With time, moss covers the lava fields, and the lava starts to integrate into Iceland’s landscapes.

We’ll walk on, around, and along the most recent lava fields while we practice a walking meditation technique you can use for the rest of the week.

Afterward, we’ll drive to a nearby fishing village to indulge in a warm bowl of lobster soup (vegetarian options available).

After lunch, we’ll continue to the most famous thermal pool in the country, perhaps in the world. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal pool of seawater mixed with freshwater. The water is warm. Expect temperatures of between 37°C and 40°C. The Blue Lagoon contains silica, algae, and minerals thought to cleanse, heal, and rejuvenate. Make the most of the healing powers with three face masks included in your premium package.

Our package includes a bathrobe, towels, slippers, and your choice of drink at the swim-up bar. Drink a toast to the fabulous experience with a glass of bubbly before rinsing off and preparing for dinner at the Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon.

Dinner will start with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a seasonal Icelandic dinner made from the finest local ingredients.

Today, you can sleep late and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. We’ll leave Reykjavik a bit later than usual to allow free time to do last-minute shopping in town. Then, we’ll head to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO-listed site and the heart of Iceland’s birth.

Thingvellir, or “Parliament Planes,” is where the National Parliament was established in 930. The outdoor assembly was held annually in June (convened from the 10th century) to the end of the 18th century. Today, it's a pleasant and well-maintained park with a network of trails and well-marked paths.

From Thingvellir, we'll continue to the beautiful ION Adventure Hotel. ION is far from any nearby urban development and enjoys the peace that makes Iceland so special. The outdoor pool is a favorite spot, as is the glass observatory lounge with its sprawling views of the area. Ask for a hiking trail map. The map allows guests access to various lava field trails around the hotel. 

We’ll head to the restaurant for lunch. You'll have time in the afternoon to discover the nearby hiking trails or soak in the heated thermal outdoor pool.

We’ll reconvene for a group dinner at the hotel’s premium restaurant. Here, they serve beautiful locally sourced meals with a side of panoramic views.

After dinner, why not enjoy one last dip in the thermal pool?

We've saved perhaps the most famous day of the trip for the last. Wake up to a wonderful morning meditation session and yoga at ION’s beautiful yoga room. Then, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the window to start the day well.

Today, is all about finishing the rest of the Golden Circle. We’ll begin our day at the strongest of all the waterfalls, Gullfoss, which you can capture from above. Here, water drops around 31 meters and passes through rapids and a narrow canyon, revealing the sheer force of nature. You can witness the waterfall from the main drop off point or walk a few steps up to a viewing platform for a better view.

After Gulfoss, we’ll continue to the Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysers. Depending on the weather, the geyser can explode high into the air, surprising everyone in the area. 

A visit to Iceland could not be complete without learning more about two uniquely Icelandic things: its horses and its greenhouse horticulture. We’ll have a guided tour of Friðheimar, Iceland’s biggest tomato farm, followed by lunch made from the homegrown ingredients. Because of the weather, growing vegetables and fruits in Iceland is a challenge, so the local growers have designed a system of greenhouses that allow them to grow produce with the help of bumblebees.

Lunch is a soup buffet with plenty of creamy butter and bread. There is a separate a la carte menu. The tomato beer is an intriguing choice.

After lunch, we’ll have a private Icelandic horse demonstration. This indigenous horse breed is not found anywhere else in the world. Get up close with the horses in the stables and pet them. 

We’ll return back to Hotel Ion with free time before an afternoon meditation and movement session. In the evening, we'll enjoy our final farewell drink and dinner at the hotel. 

After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Reykjavik around 11am where our time together in Iceland ends. Depending on the time of your flight back home is, spend the day exploring.