Luxury Iceland Family Private Tour

Local Time

Why you should go

It’s no hyperbole to state that Iceland is one of the most truly otherworldly places on Earth! The tiny country’s contrast in nature, topography, and outdoor activities make this an idyllic private tour and trekking destination. The reasonable climate also makes it a suitable destination to visit year-round. Despite what you may think, Iceland is not as frigid as people make it out to be. Due to the warm waters and winds that travel north from the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a climate with moderate temperatures, that even in winter, rarely descends below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Based on the unprecedented rise in Iceland’s tourism, particularly during the peak June – August season, you must book nine months to one year in advance in order to the secure the highest quality guides, hotels, and trek (lux!) permits.

Based on the limited number of high-quality accommodations and guides, coupled with the extraordinary tourist demand in this tiny country, Iceland private tour costs are among the highest in the world. During the three-month, peak, summer season (June – August) Iceland hosts nearly 700,000 tourists despite the country’s total population being only 350,000. Two million people a year visit Iceland, however, we have never known the country to be crowded with tourists. Over the past several years, Iceland has experienced an incredible, 25% per year tourist growth!

Sample Itinerary

12 DAYS

Each private luxury tour is custom to the wishes of each client. This itinerary is a sample and can be made longer/shorter or adjusted for personal preferences. Partnering with our long-established relationship with United Airlines. our sister company, TRAVNET, may provide competitive Polaris/Business Class international airfare, along with mileage points conversion.

Day 1

Fly to Reykjavik
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.

Zen in front of a waterfall! (Look closely to see people walking behind the falls!)

Day 2

Arrive Reykjavik + Half-Day Reykjavik Private Tour
Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport in Reykjavík, you will be met by a private guide to be transferred to The Reykjavik EDITION for check-in, with the remainder of your evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: The Reykjavik EDITION

Day 3

Option: Reykjavik Private Tour with Whale Watching
Today, enjoy a full-day Reykjavik private tour including Iceland’s iconic landmarks. Accompanied by your private guide, this private tour can be completely customized to your personal preferences, walking through charming, bustling streets, stopping in shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants. Stopovers include the majestic Hallgrímskirkja, the quaint Old Harbour, the innovative, unique Harpa Concert Hall. Later today, board a private yacht for a three-hour whale watching experience! Ideally, you’ll have encounters with the majestic Minke and Humpback Whales, viewing seabirds and the colorful Puffins that inhabit the shores.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: The Reykjavik EDITION

Day 4

Private Transfer Reykjavik/Golden Circle + Golden Circle Exploration
Following check-out at Parliament Hotel, you will be privately transferred to the Golden Circle to explore iconic landscapes including the Geysir Geothermal Area and Thingvellir National Park.

The Golden Circle features three of the country’s most popular locations in Southwest Iceland: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Steeped in history and folklore, Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Farther down the circle is the Geysir Geothermal Area within the Haukadalur Valley, where vents and chimneys within the ground let out steam, visible from miles away. Gullfoss, which means “golden falls”, powerfully flows over a three-step staircase before plunging down 105 feet in two stages, into a crevice. Visitors are allowed to get as close as they brave in order to feel the power of Gullfoss.

This evening, you will be transferred to Torfhus Retreat for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodations: Torfhus Retreat

Day 5

Thorsdalur Area Hiking
Located amidst mountains, geysers, and snowcapped volcanoes, Þjórsárdalur valley is one of the most picturesque, serene spots for nature exploration in the Southern Icelandic highlands. Accompanied by a private guide, you may choose between a variety of hiking options exploring waterfalls, basalt cliffs, meadows, and rugged mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodations: Torfhus Retreat

Iconic view of the Gullfoss waterfall in Iceland

Day 6

Private Transfer Golden Circle/South Coast + South Coast Exploration
This morning, privately transfer to Iceland’s South Coast for a full-day private tour with guide and driver. Enjoy the Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, one of the best-known waterfalls in Iceland at 65-meters tall. Then, visit Reynisfjara, Iceland’s world-famous Black Sand Beach, widely regarded as one of the world’s most unusual beaches — we cannot imagine a more unique and eerie beach setting! In popular culture, Reynisfjara was featured as the location for Eastwatch by the Sea in HBO’s Game of Thrones, a Lynch family favorite! Located near the tiny village of Vik, facing the Atlantic Ocean, the Black Beach coastline stretches for approximately three miles. Here, you will also see incredible views west to Dyrhólaey, the rocky plateau, and huge stone sea arches.

Following South Coast exploration, you will be privately transferred to Hotel Magma for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Magma

Day 7

Half-Day Sailboat Lagoon Experience
Today, you will be met at Hotel Magma and transferred to embark on a two-hour sailboat ride through the mesmerizing Fjallsárlón lagoon to a secluded island for a private meal and glacial exploration. Your destination is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the sparkling Diamond Beach. This experience is luxury, private, intimate, and surreal, surrounded by the icy rugged mountain ridges. Do not consider this to be just a tour, but a unique encounter with the serene, untouched beauty of Iceland.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Magma

Day 8

Highland Buggy Tour + Private Transfer to Skalakot
Following breakfast and check-out, you will be privately transferred back through the winding roads of Vatnajökull National Park to the South Coast. Today, enjoy a two-hour buggy adventure through the area between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull. All necessary equipment, including waterproof gear and helmets, are included on your automatic 4×4, two-seater ATV vehicles. On this buggy ride, cross tundra sand fields, streams, stopping at scenic viewpoints with vistas of Seljalandsfoss and the Westman Islands. Following your buggy ride, you will be privately transferred to Skálakot Manor Hotel & Horse Farm for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodations: Skálakot Manor Hotel & Horse Farm

Group picture as we prepared for our ATV ride

Day 9

Full-Day Ice Cave Adventure & Horseback Riding Tour
Today, enjoy a three-hour journey through the Katla Ice Cave, located beneath Katla Volcano. All equipment is provided; after gearing up, you’ll enter the cave to see shimmering blue walls, ice formations, frozen waterfalls, air bubbles, in a completely silent cave with the only sound being the ice cracking! During this experience, you’ll cross steep (though entirely safe) bridges over glacial flows.

Following your ice cave adventure, enjoy a three-hour horseback riding adventure through diverse terrains, exploring picturesque landscapes and the natural wonders of the South Shore. Proprietors Skálakot Manor, Mumi and Johanna, are part of a family who have spent seven generations taking care of the farm and horse breeding business. With 160 Icelandic horses, there are many to choose from for beautiful horseback rides around the surrounding areas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodations: Skálakot Manor Hotel & Horse Farm

Day 10

Half-Day Inside the Volcano Stopover + Private Transfer to Grindavík
Today, enjoy an Inside the Volcano tour! Your approximately three-to-four-hour journey will take you to the mountain ridge between the rivers Krossá, Þröngá, and Markarfljót. A valley enclosed by the glaciers, this landscape is a stark and rare beauty with green moss, fern, and Birchwood. You will then continue to the dormant Thrihnukagigur Volcano, navigating across a lava field before descending 400 feet down into its crater.

Following the volcano stopover, you will be privately transferred to The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Hotel. The world-renowned Blue Lagoon is heated by geothermal energy and contains skin nurturing mineral salts and silica.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodations: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

Day 11

Free-Day at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Enjoy your day at leisure relaxing with the facilities at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. You have the option to experience the “Blue Lagoon Ritual” featuring a silica, algae, and mineral body treatment provided in three connecting rooms. Our family’s four-hour spa experience here was among our most memorable anywhere! Following our ritual and massage, the Retreat’s “Nest” was a fitting space to end with a blissful nap. The Nest provides unique suspended chairs with floor to ceiling windows looking out at the therapeutic water of the Blue Lagoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodations: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

Private lagoon at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

Day 12

Private Transfer to Reykjavik + Fly Keflavík/Home
Following check-out at The Retreat, you will be privately transferred (approximately one hour) to the airport in Reykajavik.

Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.

Meals: Breakfast

Spectacular Northern Lights over Kirkjufell Mountain Snæfellsnes peninsula, near the town of Grundarfjörður Iceland.

Hotels

The first 5-star modern luxury experience in the capital, 253-room The Reykjavik EDITION is located in the scenic downtown by Old Harbor port, just steps away from Laugavegur Street, the amazing vibrant shopping district, along with Harpa Concert and Conference Center. We LOVE this place because of its sleek, minimalistic interior design; think light, spacious, and airy, reminding us of the clean ryokans in our beloved Japan (!). Views from the hotel rooms include the harbor, Mt. Esja, and the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier. The hotel features many gastronomy options, including THE ROOF lounge on the 7th floor with floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic mountain and ocean views, TIDES seafood restaurant, the cozy TÖLT bar, the cool, underground Sunset bar, and more. Don’t forget the indulgent Icelandic spa featuring a thermal plunge pool, hammam, steam room, and sauna, and fully-equipped fitness center.

The Reykjavik EDITION

View More Info

The small and intimate Magma Hotel represents ‘nordic coziness at its finest’! Located near the region of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the property offers views of a lake, moss covered lava fields, a black sand glacial river, as well as volcanoes and Vatnajökull glacier in the background. This location has an interesting story behind it: the unique landscape was formed as a result of the deadliest volcanic eruption in human history in 1783, creating a massive lava field, as well as a number of completely authentic natural wonders. With just 25 rooms (!), Magma Hotel is completely serene, cozy, and intimate, considered an architectural gem amongst the striking dramatic nature surroundings. The interior is contemporary, spacious, and has a completely nordic aesthetic, made from all natural materials. Please enjoy a delicious bistro, spa, as well as a variety of exploration activities from the hotel as a base.

Magma Hotel

View More Info

‘To retreat’ means withdraw to a quiet or secluded place in which one can rest and relax. Torfhús Retreat is an inspiring blend of authentic Icelandic style and relaxed eco-luxury set in the heart of Iceland’s magnificent Golden Circle. Inspired by the architecture of the nearby Icelandic Viking at Stöng, the traditional Torfhús residences are crafted from local stone, reclaimed wood and turf offer a very cozy stay. As well as the incredible scenery and tranquil surroundings, Torfhús high class dining serves up excellent local cuisine and is served to guests in a classic Viking Langhus. Surrounded by natural beauty and iconic sights, wilderness adventures and action–packed activities are all within easy reach. Each torfhús residence and torfbaer suite comes with its own Geothermically heated basalt stone hot pool allowing for ultimate relaxation after a busy day exploring Iceland!

Torfhús Retreat

View More Info

Our favorite boutique property on Iceland’s South Shore, the small, 14-room, Art Deco-inspired Skálakot Manor is surrounded by picturesque scenery and the peacefulness of the countryside, adjacent to the verdant Icelandic highlands. Skálakot sits on a stunning piece of land that is home to majestic Icelandic horses, with views of the Westman Islands in the North Atlantic from your balcony. The interiors are equally as stunning. Careful design choices have been made to elevate a traditional farm landscape into a setting suited for ultimate luxury and relaxation, with dramatic chandeliers and in-room claw tubs.

Compared to the other hotel options in the area, please note that though a stay at Skálakot requires more driving time to the various stopovers in the Golden Circle, we feel the quality and beauty of the area is unmatched. Proprietors Mumi and Johanna are part of a family who has spent seven generations taking care of the farm and horse breeding business. With 160 Icelandic horses, there are many to choose from for beautiful horseback rides around the surrounding areas. Though the accommodations here are not as striking and expansive as Deplar Farm in the north, the simple, elegant rooms include modern amenities and provide a unique Icelandic countryside experience. The service here is personal, friendly, and after the first night, you will feel part of Mumi and Johanna’s family. Enjoy the farm’s loveable, horse-herding dogs!

Skálakot Manor Hotel & Horse Farm

View More Info

The Blue Lagoon is the only 5-star luxury hotel in Reykjavik and offers a private, otherworldly Iceland experience. Situated on a man-made geothermal hot spring like no other, this property offers the ultimate solution to overcrowded lagoons: completely private access! The silica and chalcedony minerals cause the water to turn a milky, ethereal blue and is one of the most popular attractions in all of Iceland. The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon has taken this ultra-lux hotel to a whole new level of pampering. The 62-suite hotel/spa/resort features terraces overlooking the lagoon (!), floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, and Moss, their signature Michelin-recommended restaurant, onsite.

The Retreat Spa is built into 800-year-old lava flows and features steam rooms and therapeutic “bathing chambers” carved directly into the rock. Our family’s four-hour spa experience here was among our most memorable anywhere! Included is the “Blue Lagoon Ritual” featuring a silica, algae, and mineral body treatment provided in three connecting rooms. Following our ritual and massage, the Retreat’s “Nest” was a fitting space to end with a blissful nap. The Nest provides unique suspended chairs with floor to ceiling windows looking out at the therapeutic water of the Blue Lagoon. Kudos to the Retreat’s mastermind, Grimur Saemundson! This truly is a remarkable place.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

View More Info