Iceland Hidden Gems: Exclusive Small-Group Journey - September 2026
Sept 22nd - Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Your first feeling of Iceland starts right at the airport as the Leifur Eiriksson Keflavik airport is small, on international level, and easy. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arriving hall, welcoming you to Iceland. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel in the city center.
Check-in at the hotel starts at 15:00. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in the city center.
In the evening you’ll join your private guide and the rest of the group for a welcome dinner at a Restaurant in the center of Reykjavik.
Hotel: Hotel Canopy
Meals: Dinner
Sept 23rd - Reykjavik city - Whale Watching - Museum
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, is a small city on an international scale but it makes up for it with its friendly atmosphere. There is a lot to do in Reykjavik, including museums, famous buildings or just sit down at a coffee-house and watch Icelanders go about their business.
Spend the morning at leisure in Reykjavik, popular sights to visit include:
- House of Parliament: A classic 19th century structure, built in 1881. It houses Althingi, the Icelandic parliament.
- Harpa: A concert hall conference center by the Reykjavik harbor.
- Hallgrimskirkja: Standing on top of a hill, Hallgrimskirkja church towers over the city of Reykjavik.
After lunch time the guide meets the group in the hotel lobby and the adventures in Iceland begin. We visit the Marshall house. Here we will have a couple of visits in the same building, Living Art Museum and Kling & Bang Gallery. Living Art Museum is a not-for-profit, artist-run exhibition platform for innovative and experimental contemporary art. Kling and Bang Gallery is a nonprofit gallery featuring contemporary works from emerging & established, local & global artists. It was established by ten artists in the beginning of 2003.
From the downtown harbor we board a yacht and go for a Whale Watching tour.
Whale watching is a very popular activity to do while in Reykjavik.
- Whale watching: There are around 20 species of whales in the ocean around Iceland. You set sails from the Old harbor and while you are waiting to see the whales you can enjoy the view of Reykjavik from a different angle.
Óx restaurant – the Michelin recommended restaurant is a hidden gem in down town Reykjavik. It offers a private and captivating dining experience that embodies the essence of creative Icelandic cuisine.
Hotel: Hotel Canopy
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Sept 24th - Thingvellir - Rye Bread Tour - Geysir - Gullfoss - Kerlingafjoll
Iceland’s main attraction is the Golden Circle, It combines most of what Iceland has to offer, beautiful landscape, powerful geysers and the most magnificent waterfall.
- Thingvellir National Park. A huge part of Iceland’s history since the first Althingi in 930. It is also a Geological phenomenon, standing on two tectonic plates that are gradually moving away from each other. Thingvellir is listed as a UNESCO World heritage site.
- Geysir area: Home to a number of hot spouting geysers. The most famous one is Great Geysir itself but the most energetic one is Strokkur, it spouts every few minutes up to the height of 40 meters.
- Gullfoss waterfall: Iceland‘s most famous waterfall, plummeting down 32 meters in two stages directly to the canyon below. The water in Gullfoss comes from the second biggest glacier in Iceland, Langjokull glacier.
This afternoon, you will enjoy a rye bread tour and learn how the bread is baked, followed by tasting of freshly baked hot spring bread. A local rye bread that is buried in the geothermal ground for 24 hours. Served with Icelandic butter, boiled eggs (also boiled in the geothermal area) and herring.
From Gullfoss we enter the highland road Kjolur, the highland road to Kerlingarfjoll mountains. When the paved road disappears and you enter the rocky desolation of the highlands, you might feel as if you’ve left planet Earth.
Please note that highland roads are un-even terrain, so may not be suitable for people with ongoing back and neck conditions.
Check in at Kerlingarfjoll highland base in the afternoon and enjoy dinner with the group at the hotel’s restaurant.
Hotel: Kerlingarfjoll Highland base
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Sept 25th - Kerlingarfjoll highland base - Geothermal hike or E-Mountain biking
Iceland highlands at its best with glaciers, geothermal areas and mighty mountains. Mt. Kerlingarfjoll is one of the most precious natural attractions in Iceland with breathtaking views and Langjokull Glacier is the second largest glacier in Iceland. Be ready for endless hiking opportunities, breathtaking views and the possibility of bathing in a hot spring.
Mt. Kerlingarfjoll: 10,000-year-old mountain range that is a part of volcanic system. It’s famous for its picturesque rhyolite mountains topped with small glaciers where the snow and ice meet rising towers of steam. Minerals that have emerged from the hot springs color the ground red, yellow, and green. The hills constantly change color in the passing light, creating an enchanting atmosphere and an unforgettable landscape.
Today you can choose if you go on a guided hike to the geothermal valley or on a mountain bike tour.
Hiking in the hidden geothermal gem of Hveradalir:
- Hveradalir Geothermal Area: One of the largest and most captivating geothermal areas in Iceland with variety of colors and breathtaking landscape with steaming vents, clay geysers and bubbling hot springs.
E- Mountain biking
- Hop on an e-MTB and join us for a ride through the stunning highlands. This tour starts at the hotel and takes you along picturesque trails, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The trails are ideal for both beginners and experienced riders. We’ll take several breaks to make sure you can really soak it all in. Our electric mountain bikes boost your pedaling power, making the ride smoother and more enjoyable, while still providing a great workout.
Hotel: Kerlingarfjoll highland base
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Sept 26th - Fridheimar – Lava tunnel – Reykjanes
Check out from hotel in the morning and we start heading down from the highlands. You’ll enjoy a visit to Fridheimar Geothermal Green Houses on the way and a step into a lava tube.
- Fridheimar: At Fridheimar they grow tomatoes all year round, despite Iceland’s long, dark winters, under artificial lighting in greenhouses. They welcome visitors to see their greenhouses and then enjoy a taste of the crop.
- Lava Tunnel: A journey into Raufarhólshellir cave is a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as one walks in the path of lava that flowed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred about 5200 years ago.
Now it’s time to head to Reykjanes peninsula, the home to the famous Blue Lagoon. The peninsula is marked by active volcanism under its surface, and large lava fields, allowing little vegetation.
We end the day at the Retreat hotel for some time at leisure in breathtaking surroundings. The Blue lagoon is one of the most popular visiting places for everyone that travels around Iceland. Fortunately, they’ve made a way to make it more exclusive and special. The Blue lagoon retreat is a hotel next to the main lagoon. Guests at the Retreat have access to a more secluded, private lagoon and access to the Spa of the Volcanic Earth.
Hotel: Retreat at the Blue Lagoon
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
Sept 27th - Retreat Spa at leisure
The Blue lagoon retreat is a Hotel next to the main lagoon. Guests at the Retreat have access to a more secluded, private lagoon and access to the Spa of the Volcanic Earth.
The spa journey culminates with the Blue Lagoon Ritual where you cover your body with the three treasures of the geothermal seawater; Silica, Algae and Minerals. Each with their own, unique quality such as anti-aging, cleansing and exfoliation. The Retreat Hotel is an award-winning sanctuary, enjoy the Blue Lagoon and the Retreat Spa.
In the evening you will enjoy a Farewell dinner in a private room at the hotel. Moss restaurant is a Michelin star restaurant on the Blue Lagoon premises. With menus that move effortlessly from the mountains to the rivers to the seas, each dish opens the door to the diverse delights of Iceland’s endless bounty of nourishment.
Hotel: Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Sept 28th - Departure
Now it’s time for your departure, your private driver will pick you up.
Depending on your flight time, enjoy the last hours of your stay soaking in the Blue Lagoon and relaxing in the Retreat Spa.
Hopefully what you are left with, after your stay in Iceland, are great memories of rough but beautiful nature and fun activities. Safe travels and we hope to see you again sometime.
Meals: Breakfast
Basic Itinerary
Sept 22nd – Arrival – Welcome dinner
Hotel Canopy – Premium Double room
Sept 23rd – Reykjavik City – Whale watching yacht – Museum – ÓX
Hotel Canopy – Premium Double room
Sept 24th – Thingvellir – Rye Bread Tour – Geysir – Gullfoss – Kerlingarfjoll
Kerlingarfjoll highland base – Deluxe room
Sept 25th – Geothermal hike or E Mountain biking
Kerlingarfjoll highland base – Deluxe room
Sept 26th – Fridheimar – Lava tunnel – Reykjanes
Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel – Jr. Suite
Sept 27th – Retreat Spa at leisure
Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel – Jr. Suite
Sept 28th – Departure
Inclusions
Accommodation:
Sept 22nd – (2 nights) Hotel Canopy by Hilton – Premium Double Room
Sept 24th – (2 nights) Kerlingarfjoll Highland base – Deluxe Room
Sept 26th – (2 nights) Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel – Moss Jr. suite
Transfers:
Arrival and Departure transfer with a Private Driver
Private Guide and Private Driver**
Touring with a Private vehicle (in two vehicles if 16 passengers or more)
All transfers/touring as listed in the itinerary
Activity:
Visit to Marshall House museums
Private Whale Watching yacht tour
Private Rye bread baking tour
Private Geothermal hike
Private E-Mountain biking
Fridheimar Geothermal Farm
Semi Private Cave Tour
Entrance to Retreat Spa, Blue Lagoon and Retreat Lagoon (*while staying at the Retreat Hotel)
Meals:
Breakfast included every day
3x Lunches (soft drinks included + 1x alcoholic beverage)
5x Dinners (soft drinks included + 2x alcoholic beverages)
Extras:
- Water and snacks in private vehicle
- Drinks included with meals
- Welcome drinks
- Wine Pairing with Farewell Dinner & Óx dinner
Exclusions
Meals and Drinks outside of those mentioned in the inclusions
Optional activities (outside of those mentioned in the itinerary)
Incidental fee’s (at hotels or during daily activities)
Notes:
*Entrance to facilities at the Blue Lagoon while guests are staying at the property. Check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
**If the number of participants is below 10 pax then the local tour director will also be the private driver for the group.
***If participants are 8 people or less, the Óx restaurant will be replaced with other exclusive dining experience in Reykjavik.
Price per person: 9.900 EUR (based on two people sharing a room)
Single supplement: 3.000 EUR
*Min 6 persons to run the trip – Max 18 persons on the trip
Accommodation
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre
The Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik is a modern hotel situated in the heart of the city. Housed within six interconnected buildings, the hotel reflects its eclectic past as a furniture factory, music venue, and arts hub. Its central location offers easy access to Reykjavik’s vibrant shopping streets, cozy cafes, lively nightlife, and iconic attractions such as Hallgrimskirkja church and the Harpa concert hall. Guest rooms are designed with minimalist Icelandic aesthetics, featuring hues inspired by the country’s natural landscapes, such as ocean blue and volcanic grey. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a coffee machine, walk-in shower, and free Wi-Fi.
Kerlingarfjoll Highland Base (2nts)
Highland Base offers a welcoming refuge of warm hospitality and the gateway to a mesmerizing mountain range. Accommodations range from the deluxe to the premium, but coziness is intrinsic in every space. Underground passageways connect the hotel with the restaurant and the Highland Baths, enabling guests to traverse the grounds without battling the elements.
If conditions are good this is perfect place to witness the incredible Northern Lights dancing above our heads.
The Retreat Hotel
The Retreat at The Blue Lagoon is an award-winning luxury resort, encompassing a 62-suite hotel, a subterranean spa, Michelin-recommended dining, and a private lagoon, sourced from the same healing waters as the Blue Lagoon.
Northern lights
The Season for Northern lights in Iceland extends from the tail of the summer from September through the winter and well into April. The best time to see the Northern lights, however, is in the middle of the winter when the weather is the coldest and the nights are pitch black. Crisp cold evenings with skies clear enough to see stars is a prime indicator for auroral activity.*
- Northern lights: Beautiful green, and sometimes red, lights dancing upon the dark midnight sky, a sight you might never witness gain.
*The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore is something we cant guarantee
Enquire now to reserve your place on Iceland’s Hidden Gems – September 2026
Private Travel Iceland invites you to discover the soul of the North in comfort, style, and wonder.
If you are interested in joining this extraordinary journey, please don’t hesitate to email us at freyja@pti.is – we’ll be delighted to assist you personally.
