Upon arrival in Iceland, pick up your car at the rental office at Keflavik International Airport. Your adventure starts here!

You will drive through the charred and blackened lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula and will be left with no doubt as to why it was used to train American astronauts before the moon landing. Iceland is not only foreign, it is otherworldly.

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The first stop (if you choose to add it as an extra activity) will be the famous Blue Lagoon, where you can relax and let the warm and mineral-rich water warm you up and recharge you for your exciting trip to Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon features an in-water mask booth, sauna, steam room, and in-water bar.

Depending on your arrival time, you can also visit some of the sights in the Silver Circle area:

The Old Akranes Lighthouse – A historic coastal landmark, offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. Though no longer in use, it remains a popular spot for photography and Northern Lights viewing, making it a must-visit destination in Akranes, Iceland.

Deildartunguhver – Europe’s most powerful hot spring, located in West Iceland. It produces 180 liters of boiling water per second and supplies nearby towns with geothermal heating. Visitors can witness its steaming, bubbling waters up close.

Hraunfossar – A stunning series of waterfalls in West Iceland, where crystal-clear water flows from beneath a lava field into the Hvítá River. Its unique beauty and serene setting make it a must-visit.

Optional Activities:

1) Blue Lagoon

Relax and recover after your flight at Iceland’s most renowned spa.

Spend the night near Borgarnes at a 3-star hotel in a private room.

Start on a journey to the breathtaking Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as the “Hidden Gem of the West.” This region offers a stunning variety of natural wonders and cultural landmarks that showcase the best of Iceland’s diverse landscape.

Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss – Shaped by glacial erosion during the last Ice Age, around 12,000 years ago, Kirkjufell is one of the most photographed landmarks in Iceland. Just across from the mountain lies the picturesque Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall—together, they create an ideal setting for capturing the perfect photograph.

Búðakirkja – The Black Church of Búðir – Situated on the southern coast of the peninsula, the tiny hamlet of Búðir is home to the famous Black Church, Búðakirkja. Originally built in 1703 and reconstructed in 1987, the church stands alone amidst a field of lava rocks, exuding a peaceful, romantic charm. It features a historic graveyard, original bell, and chalice and is recognized as a listed building under the protection of the National Museum of Iceland. Despite its solitude, it remains one of the most photographed and cherished landmarks in the region.

Arnarstapi, Hellnar, and the Coastal Arch – The charming fishing village of Arnarstapi boasts dramatic sea cliffs formed by ancient lava flows meeting the relentless Atlantic waves. Often considered one of Iceland’s most scenic harbors, the area features natural stone arches and an impressive marine blowhole created by centuries of erosion.

Ytri Tunga Beach and Seal Colony – Unlike the typical black sand beaches of Iceland, Ytri Tunga offers golden sands and a special surprise—a resident seal colony. These playful and curious creatures are often seen lounging on the offshore rocks or swimming close to shore. It’s a tranquil spot where nature lovers can quietly observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

Conclude your day by returning to the hotel situated in the vicinity of Borgarnes.

After breakfast, set off on a journey to the Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most renowned and breathtaking routes. This scenic circuit showcases some of the country’s most remarkable geological and historical sites.

Þingvellir National Park – Begin your day at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart. This rare geological phenomenon offers one of the clearest views of continental drift in the world. Þingvellir is also home to Iceland’s largest natural lake, teeming with diverse bird and fish life. Beyond its natural beauty, this site holds deep historical significance—Iceland’s first parliament (Alþingi) was established here in 930 A.D., making it one of the oldest parliaments in the world. The name “Þingvellir” translates to “Parliament Plains” in Icelandic.

Brúarfoss Waterfall Next – visit Brúarfoss Waterfall, a hidden gem known for its strikingly vivid blue waters. The waterfall’s unique color comes from the glacial minerals in the water, and its cascading streams create a breathtaking scene against the rugged Icelandic landscape. The hike to Brúarfoss provides a peaceful and less-traveled experience, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Geysir Geothermal Area – Continue to the Geysir Geothermal Area, home to vibrant hot springs and erupting geysers. This geothermal wonderland features Geysir, the namesake of all geysers worldwide, which, though now largely dormant, was once one of the most active geysers in the world. Fortunately, nearby Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 40 meters into the air, offering a spectacular display of nature’s power.

Gullfoss Waterfall – Conclude your Golden Circle adventure at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most magnificent waterfalls. Fed by meltwater from Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Gullfoss plunges into a dramatic canyon, creating a breathtaking spectacle. On sunny days, the mist from the falls often forms a brilliant rainbow, making it a picture-perfect moment.

Optional Activities:

1) Snowmobile

Go on a snowmobile tour of Iceland’s second-largest ice cap. Once you are at our base camp we suit up for the tour, we offer snowsuits, gloves, helmets, and shoe covers if needed. We go over a safety briefing before heading out to the Snowmobile tour so that everyone feels safe and secure to start the tour. ­

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2) Dog-sledding

This tour will operate with a sled on snow or with a kart on DRY- LAND, depending on the conditions. Feel the power, excitement, and energy of our amazing sled dogs as they are harnessed to go. During the ride, your Musher guide will drive your team while sharing his knowledge and passion for dog sledding. ­

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3) Snorkeling in Silfra

While snorkeling in Silfra you’ll find yourself between two tectonic plates, the North American continent, and the European continent, floating in pure filtered glacier water and ticking off your bucket list the ultimate tour in the world’s clearest waters. The best part? You’ll receive free GoPro photos after your tour. ­

After a day filled with incredible sights, you will be spending the night on the south coast area at a 3-star hotel in a private room.

After breakfast, you will start heading to the South Coast of Iceland. ­

Seljalandsfoss – The adventure begins when your arrival is announced by the powerful theatrics of Seljalandsfoss. Bring a raincoat and you’ll be able to make the short hike behind the falls. The scene behind the waterfall and the trembling ground from the power of the falling water make for an automatic Instagram blockbuster! ­

Skogafoss – Further west along the coast is Skógafoss waterfall. Skógafoss is an incredibly picturesque sight. Tucked in a little gorge, the river Skógá tumbles down a 60-meter cliff before continuing down the landscape towards the Atlantic Ocean. Alongside the gorge, a staircase can take you to the shelf above the waterfall for stunning views. See if you can count your steps on your way up. ­

Reynisfjara, the Black Sand Beach – Heading further west, we visit the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, where the massive waves of the Atlantic meet the unique basalt columns in the cliffs above the sand. Rock pillars in the water and the cliffs of Dýrhólaey are seen in the distance. This area of the south is also a paradise for bird lovers, as Puffins and dozens of other unique species nest on top of these cliffs in the summertime from June to August. ­

Optional Activities:

1) Glacier Hike in Sólheimajökull

Sólheimajökull is a part of Mýrdalsjökull, one of the biggest glaciers in Europe. It is featured in detail in the 2012 documentary “Chasing Ice,” an award-winning investigation of climate change. Once you reach the ice, you’ll be given plenty of time to marvel at the eerie silence and feeling of isolation, as if you and your fellow hikers are alone in a vast, empty world of ice and snow. You’ll view millennia-old blue ice, created when oxygen bubbles are trapped in the snow and compressed into ice by the enormous weight of the glacier pressing down upon it. You’ll be able to gaze deep into a glacier moulin, a vertical shaft like a well, which can go all the way to the bottom of the glacier. ­

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2) DC3 Plane Wreck

Visit the famous plane wreck on Solheimasandur. This plane wreck of the US Navy has been sitting on the vast black sand since 1973. ­ Spend the night on the south coast.

After a day of exploring breathtaking sights, you’ll unwind for the night in a private room at a comfortable 3-star hotel along Iceland’s scenic South Coast.

After a delightful breakfast, you will begin your journey to the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon – This remarkable 200-meter-deep glacial lagoon, fed by Breiðamerkurjökull—an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest ice cap—constantly receives enormous icebergs throughout the year. These icebergs drift southward, filling the lagoon with floating ice.

During the summer months, you have the opportunity to book an exhilarating boat ride through the lagoon, offering an up-close view of these ancient ice formations. If you prefer to stay on land, a peaceful walk alongside the lagoon will allow you to admire the breathtaking scenery and the serene silence of Icelandic nature.

Diamond Beach – On the opposite side of the road, the icebergs from the lagoon are carried by tides into the Atlantic Ocean, where they are tossed back to shore. This striking black sand beach, known as Diamond Beach, is scattered with ice chunks in various shapes, glistening like diamonds under the sunlight. The vivid contrasts of the white and blue ice create a truly mesmerizing spectacle, perfect for capturing stunning photographs.

You will begin your journey back through the South.

Optional Activity:

1) Amphibian Boat Tour

Have an exciting boat trip on the lagoon in an amphibian boat. During the summer, you will sail among the huge icebergs in the picturesque scenery of Jökulsárlón. On the boat, you get to taste the 1000-year-old ice, and if you are lucky, you might even see some seals. The excursion takes 30–40 minutes and includes an English-speaking guide who explains to you the geology and facts of the lagoon. Other languages may be offered upon request. ­

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2) Zodiac Tour

During the summer, you sail among the huge icebergs in the picturesque scenery of Jökulsárlón. On the Zodiac, we can cover large areas of the lagoon and get closer to the icebergs than on the amphibian. When possible, the Zodiac goes almost up to the glacier (as close as safe). Passengers are provided with flotation suits and life jackets. We don’t recommend taking children under the age of 10 on the Zodiac tour. ­ Spend the night in Reykjavik.

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3) Blue Ice Cave

During the winter (late October – April), you will get the opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy one of the world’s greatest wildernesses, Iceland’s largest glacier. You are driven in a specially modified car to the glacier, where you get to explore the glacier environment, enjoy a view out of this world, go into and underneath the glacier, and experience the glacier’s beauty from the inside! The Blue Ice Cave Exploration is truly a unique experience.

After a day filled with remarkable sights, you will relax and unwind for the night in a private room at a cozy 3-star hotel, conveniently located near the town of Hella.

Reykjavik offers a wealth of experiences to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing or simply immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. For breathtaking panoramic views, visit the Perlan glass dome, where the 360-degree viewing platform provides some of the finest vistas in the city.

Hallgrímskirkja Church – Inspired by Iceland’s volcanic rock formations, this architectural masterpiece can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Take the elevator to the top for breathtaking panoramic views.

Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur – Bustling shopping streets filled with designer boutiques, quirky cafés, and unique local shops.

The Old Harbour – A historic waterfront area with fantastic seafood restaurants and scenic ocean views.

Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Center – A striking glass building known for its modern design and cultural performances.

Tjörnin Pond – A peaceful lake in the city center, home to swans and ducks, located next to Reykjavík City Hall.

Sun Voyager (Sólfar) – A stunning sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, symbolizing dreams, hope, and exploration.

Optional Activity:

1) Wonders of Iceland & Áróra Northern Lights Show

Located in Reykjavik’s most iconic building, Perlan offers unforgettable experiences of Iceland’s rare and astonishing natural wonders. See, hear, and feel the power of volcanoes, earthquakes, & geothermal energy. Step inside the only planetarium in Iceland and take a visual journey through the unique landscape of Iceland to observe the Northern Lights. Enter a real indoor ice cave and learn about Iceland’s glaciers, their effect on the land, and their bleak future. Last, enjoy the observation deck with an amazing 360° view of Reykjavik.

2) Northern Light Cruise (Sep – Apr)

If you’re visiting between September and April, consider embarking on a winter cruise to see the Northern Lights. The cruise takes you away from city lights, giving you the best chance to witness the auroras in their full beauty as they shift in color and movement under the dark and clear sky.

You will spend the evening in Reykjavik, enjoying a comfortable stay at a well-appointed 3-star hotel.

Enjoy your day at your own pace before your departure.

If you have some extra time before your flight and you have not done any of the below, consider enhancing your experience with one of the optional extras:

• Sky Lagoon

If you’re unsure whether you have enough time for the additional activities, feel free to email us directly at hello@marinatravel.is — we’re happy to assist you!