Iceland: Goddess of the Sun & Moon

Arrive in Reykjavik and take a taxi to the Sand Hotel, close to the bustling harbor and the iconic Harpa music hall. Most flights from the US are overnight, so use the morning to relax after a long flight. Check-in is at 3 pm, so add on a pre-trip night if you'd like more time to relax and regroup. Unwind from your travels and take a leisurely walk around Reykjavik to get a feel for the city’s charming streets and vibrant atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, around 5 pm, meet your host and the rest of the group for an introduction and orientation meeting. This is an excellent opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting adventures that await. 

After the meeting, we'll take a delightful walking tour around the city center, taking in Reykjavik’s unique blend of modern and traditional architecture. 

As the evening approaches, prepare for a culinary experience at The Fish Market, a renowned Icelandic restaurant known for its fresh and innovative seafood dishes. We'll indulge in a superb seven-course tasting menu showcasing Iceland’s rich gastronomic heritage. This dinner is an incredible way to start the trip, offering a unique insight into Icelandic cuisine.

Our day begins with a serene yoga session at the hotel, allowing tranquility to pave the way for the beautiful adventures ahead. 

After a delightful breakfast, we’ll set out on an exciting journey to the geothermally active area of Seltun. As we drive along stunning coastal scenery, the dramatic landscapes, including rocky outcrops and breathtaking ocean views, will captivate you. 

We'll enjoy stops at the iconic Reykjanes lighthouse and the bridge between the continents, which offers a unique opportunity to stand between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. After exploring these geological wonders, we'll sit down to a wonderful lunch featuring delicious local cuisine.

After lunch, we’ll head to the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most renowned geothermal spa. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in soothing waters ranging from 37°C to 40°C. This stunning lagoon, a blend of seawater and freshwater, is enriched with silica, algae, and minerals known for their rejuvenating properties. Our premium package includes three invigorating face masks, a bathrobe, towels, and slippers. 

As the day concludes, we'll savor a gourmet dinner at the Lava Restaurant, located right within the lagoon's grounds. Start with a glass of sparkling wine and enjoy a seasonal Icelandic meal crafted from the finest local ingredients. As we return to the hotel, let's reflect on the beauty of nature and our unforgettable experiences.

After a refreshing yoga session designed to invigorate our minds and bodies, we're ready for the day. Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at the hotel and prepare for our day's activities.

After breakfast, we'll gather in the lobby. We're off to Iceland’s stunning south shore via a scenic drive that takes us to some of the region's most breathtaking natural wonders, including the picturesque Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Marvel at the cascading waters and capture unforgettable photographs amidst the dramatic scenery.

We'll stop for a delightful lunch at the Bistro Bar, then explore the breathtaking Black Beach at Reynisfjara and the dramatic cliffs of Dyrholaey, where the unique rock formations and potential to see puffins will leave you speechless.

As the day winds down, we'll return to Reykjavik, reflecting on the stunning landscapes and rich experiences we’ve encountered. 

Our evening will culminate with dinner at Matarkjallarinn's Food Cellar, set inside a 160-year-old building serving brasserie-style meals focused on seafood. This will bring a fitting end to our day of exploration.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at our hotel, setting a positive tone for another wonderful day ahead. Take in the landscapes as we transfer to the beautiful Hvalfjörður area, a fjord in the west of Iceland, where waterfalls and mountains beckon us. 

We'll be immersed in the serenity of natural hot springs along the Atlantic Ocean's edge at the renowned Hvammsvik Geothermal Baths. Relax with towels, wading shoes, and a refreshing drink, all of which are included. This unique bathing experience will rejuvenate your spirit.

Later, we'll savor lunch and a unique cultural experience at the Bjarteyjarsandur sheep farm. Here, we'll appreciate a home-cooked meal and warm hospitality in the countryside. This visit promises a connection with nature and a taste of rustic farm life.

Our day concludes with a check-in at the ION Adventure Hotel, where the beautiful surroundings invite us to unwind. Relax for a little bit before relishing a delicious dinner at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, Silfra, which specializes in New Nordic cuisine. 

Start the day with a refreshing morning walk and meditation that truly lets you soak in the crisp air and stunning surroundings. The beauty of our hotel, nestled in nature, sets the perfect tone for a day of exploration and relaxation. 

After breakfast, we'll gather in the lobby for the event everyone has been looking forward to: the partial solar eclipse. Just before 8:30 am, we'll witness a partial solar eclipse. We'll each be outfitted with safety glasses and positioned to ensure we have the best possible view of the experience. 

After this awe-inspiring show of nature, we'll continue on to our Golden Circle tour. Our first stop is the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, a breathtaking spectacle of cascading water that will mesmerize you. We'll follow this with an energizing visit to the Great Geysir and its active companion, Strokkur, which erupts with remarkable power.

As midday approaches, let's indulge in a delightful lunch at Friðheimar, where fresh ingredients come to life in harmonious surroundings. Our tour continues at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where breathtaking landscapes and rich history await.

We'll sit down for a memorable farewell dinner at the hotel. The atmosphere and flavors linger long after the last bite. This enchanting experience captures the essence of your journey, making it truly unforgettable.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we'll meet in the lobby to check out. We'll do a group transfer to the airport bus or your hotel in Reykjavik if you're staying another night. 

If you're flying out today, please ensure you have booked a flight after 2 pm to allow adequate time to make it through the airport.

If you're joining us for the extension, we'll continue to the Faroe Islands. Onward!

From Reykjavik, we’ll board a 2-hour flight to the Faroe Islands. Lunch will be on your own today, so be sure to grab something at the airport before we take off. Once we touchdown, we will drop our bags at the hotel and get right to exploring town.

Our first stop will be at the National Gallery of the Faroe Islands, also known as Listasavn Føroya in the native language. This museum is renowned for its collection of art from the people who call these islands home, and we’ll have plenty of time to explore all of its quirky exhibitions.

After we’ve gotten our fill of Faroese art, we’ll head to check in at Hotel Føroyar. Located within the hillside overlooking Tórshavn, Hotel Føroyar offers panoramic views of the North Atlantic from each of its cozy rooms.

After unpacking for the next few days, we’ll gather in the lobby and head to dinner at ROKS, which is featured in the Michelin guide. This rustic, laid-back eatery draws inspiration from the frigid sea surrounding it, using local catches as the highlights of many of their meals.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we’ll meet our guide for a walking tour around Tórshavn, specifically Tinganes. We’ll be regaled with stories of the area’s past, learning more about the unique culture that has been created on these remote islands over the past few centuries.

Once the tour concludes, we’ll stay in town for lunch at Moss, a self-proclaimed “fusion of art, food, and creative expression.” Their menu features a variety of Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine served in a moody, plant-filled cafe.

Let’s indulge in a bit of retail therapy, shall we? Our trip leader has compiled a list of some of the best shopping in town, showcasing the best of Faroese fashion, ceramics, and contemporary design. We’ll take an hour or two to explore the shops and perhaps purchase a souvenir (or three).

This afternoon, we’ll have a sea-to-table dinner. You’ve probably noticed by now that much of the culture here revolves around the ocean, so this is the perfect way to gain a deeper understanding of the elusive North Atlantic. Our captain and his crew will collect locally sourced ingredients to prepare a fresh seafood dinner for us. What a treat.

We’ll head back to our hotel for some well-deserved rest and relaxation tonight, reflecting on our first full day in this beautiful nation.

We’ll take off after breakfast on a tour of the two largest islands, Streymoy and Eysturoy.

The route begins along the Oyggjarvegur mountain road, offering sweeping views of the surrounding fjords and rugged peaks. We’ll follow along the striking eastern coastline of Streymoy Island before making a brief stop at Við Áir, the island’s last remaining whaling station that is a haunting yet important reminder of Faroese maritime heritage. From there, we’ll cross the only bridge connecting Streymoy and Eysturoy, known locally as "the bridge over the Atlantic."

As the road heads north, the scenery becomes more breathtaking. Our journey ends in Gjógv, a picturesque village in a narrow sea-filled gorge with turf-roofed homes and towering cliffs. Its serene harbor, dramatic cliffs, and views of the North Atlantic make Gjógv perfect for a walk, a photo stop, or enjoying the raw beauty of the Faroe Islands.

We’ll return to the hotel for our afternoon pampering sessions at the in-house spa. We’ll try a local treatment called Rasul, an ancient bathing ritual performed in a steam room that combines the health benefits of heat, steam, and mineral-rich mud. Each of us will be given two bowls of mud to apply to our face and body, which detoxes, nourishes, and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. Afterward, choose one of their 30-minute massages to complete the experience.

Dinner is on your own tonight. Feel free to keep your state of total relaxation flowing by cozying up in your room and ordering room service. 

Enjoy a slow, peaceful morning. Sip your coffee while overlooking the ocean and take a moment to reflect on the natural serenity of the islands.

We’ll gather at 10 am to visit the Heimablidni farm, just 10 minutes away by car. We’ll meet Anna and Óli, 9th-generation farmers who own a seaside farm with sheep, hens, horses, cats, and dogs. You’ll immediately fall in love with the couple’s warm, inviting demeanor as they show us the ins and outs of running their property.

For lunch, they’ll prepare a fantastic meal using hyperlocal ingredients for a four-course dining experience. Anna even prepares a dessert using ingredients straight from her garden. We’ll sip on drinks from a nearby brewery while imbibing on authentic Faroese cuisine.

After we bid farewell to our new friends, we’ll head out to explore the Old Cultural Centre known as Kirkjubø. There, we visit the ruins of the 13th-century St. Magnus Cathedral, along with the 12th-century St. Olav's Church, which remains in operation today. To round out our tour of unfathomably old structures, we’ll explore the 900-year-old bishopric “Roykstovan”, considered to be the oldest wooden house in Europe.

We'll indulge in a curated 3-course dinner at Ruts tonight, toasting to a trip well spent on these bucket-list worthy islands. 

It’s time to say goodbye to these beautiful islands. We’ll enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the local airport for our flight back to Reykjavík so everyone can catch their onward flights.

We touchdown in Reykjavik at 11 am, so please schedule onward flights no earlier than 2 pm to allow adequate time to clear security and customs. 

From once-in-a-lifetime moments in unforgettable places to the new friendships we’ll carry with us, this journey was nothing short of magic. Until we cross paths again...