An Iconic Iceland Expedition by Private Helicopter

You’ve packed your bags. You’ve taken your seat and buckled up. Now what? Well, your journey begins in the lively city of Reykjavik surrounded by incredible nature and filled with creative sights and attractions. Upon touching down just before sunrise, you’ll be met by a local representative and assisted through customs and security with VIP services. In just under an hour, you’ll reach the 101 Hotel in downtown Reykjavik where you can check-in early and then shake off jetlag in your sleek accommodations. After some light lunch and a chill afternoon all to yourself, head on over to a special welcome reception where you can meet other guests before dining at a restaurant featuring modern Icelandic fare in a private setting.

This morning, you’ll check out and head out on a private, scenic thirty-minute drive into the Blue Mountains. Here, you’ll embark on a one-hour hike to the Thrihnukagigur Volcano Crater (also known as the Three Peaks Crater) for an exciting exploration inside of the volcano with an expert geologist guide. Fun fact: you can fit a full-sized Statue of Liberty in the magma chamber below! After this unforgettable tour, hike back to your vehicle and continue on to Fridheimar Tomato Farm & Restaurant for lunch. Here, you’ll meet the founder of the farm and learn about his fascinating establishment as he welcomes you for a delicious lunch amidst a lush geothermal greenhouse.

After lunch, spend the afternoon continuing your exploration of the Golden Circle highlights. With the help of expert guides, you’ll traverse the mouth of the mighty Geysir and take in views of the wondrous Gulfoss Waterfall. While the Great Geysir has been in retirement for decades, its eruptions reached heights of at least eighty meters while active. The giant gorges and the powerful crashing water of Gulfoss Waterfall are truly humbling and awe-inspiring. On sunny days, you may be lucky enough to witness the thousands of rainbows refracting across the expanse: a natural reaction with the misty clouds spewing from the tumbling falls. At the culmination of Golden Circle tour, you’ll check into the homey Torfbaer Room of Torfhús Retreat, a relaxed, authentically Icelandic eco-luxury retreat. The dinner at Viking Langhus is sure to be fit for a warrior after your first full day of exploration.

Today, you’ll set out and embark to a brand new location: the South Coast. After checking out with breakfast in your belly, you’ll be taken on a riveting tour that includes Thorsmörk (Thor’s Valley), Seljalandfoss waterfall, and Nauthusagil canyon. Climb aboard modified super jeeps and drive around the Icelandic Highlands and traverse stunning landscapes, from barren deserts and cool glaciers to the colorful flora blanketing the valleys.  And in true Thor-like form, you can cap off your exploration of the land with a traditional barbecue Viking feast before venturing to your stay at Hotel Ranga, a retreat that places you at nature’s doorstep.

Adventure waits for no one, so make sure to rise early and check out so you can make it to your transfer to the small village of Vík, not before stopping along the way to see the majestic Skogafoss waterfall. On arrival in Vík, switch over to those familiar super jeeps and drive inland towards Katla glacier. On arrival, take a short walk to reach the natural blue ice cave where an expert local guide will provide insights into how the cave was formed and how these glacier tongues are always morphing to fit the changing climates in Iceland.

After your tour, board your private helicopter and transfer to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach for a picturesque and unforgettable landing surrounded by icebergs, seals, and ice-diamonds scattered around the volcanic sand beach. After time to explore and wonder at the sights, your helicopter will take you on a flightseeing tour north to Deplar Farm, a remote stay in the valleys below towering mountain peaks. As one of the most sought after Eleven Experience lodge’s in the world, you’re sure to be in excellent hands here.

Every adventurer deserves a moment of reprieve, and your seventh morning on this expedition is your moment. Take advantage of Deplar Farm’s Viking Sauna, an unforgettable experience that combines breathing techniques and contrasting intense heat with ice-water plunges to reset your body’s equilibrium. After lunch, embark on a brief afternoon hike to a nearby waterfall in the lush Troll Peninsula. Absorb the wild yet lush landscape on all sides before returning to the hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day eight begins with a morning ride on an electric mountain bike to explore the various terrains of the Troll Peninsula. After you cruise through the network of mountain and valley trails, you can treat yourself to Deplar Farm’s Lake House for a lunch and dip in their hot tub. If you’re looking for a bit more action to cap off your day, the hotel has plenty of activities such as skeet shooting, fishing or kayaking.

We’re going full-circle on your second-to-last day in Iceland with a private helicopter back to Reykjavik after breakfast and check-out at Deplar Farm. En route, you may have the chance to view the Fagradalsfjall Volcano from your unique vantage point high in the air. Continue to your spa retreat at The Retreat Hotel Blue Lagoon where you’ll have plenty of time in the afternoon to take advantage of the luxurious wellness services provided at this unique property, especially a dip in the aquamarine geothermal waters that flow across the hotel grounds. Later this evening, join your group of voyagers for a farewell dinner at Moss restaurant. Indulge in a seven-course tasting menu with a wine pairing as you celebrate your final evening in Iceland and recount the wonderful adventures and memories made.

After a truly magical expedition, it’s time to head home. You’ll have time for some final pampering in the pastel blue waters before checking out and heading on a twenty-minute ride to the Keflavík International Airport. On your way, you can recount all your incredible journeys as you pass through familiar landscapes and depart on an airline home.