Iceland Road Trip: Reykjavik Summer Stopover

Here are our recommendations of what to do in Reykjavik. Explore the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik at your own pace. You could begin your day with a visit to the splendid Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral. Visible across the city, the design of the shrine draws inspiration from the natural geological formations in the country. Enjoy beautiful views of the city from the observation deck at the top of the cathedral. Head to Harpa Concert Hall, one of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks with it sleek, colored glass façade and modern design. You could enjoy a guided tour or a live performance at this all-purpose cultural center. Afterwards, walk along the city’s waterfront, halting to take pictures of the gleaming Sun Voyager steel sculpture. Make your way to the trendy Laugavegur street with its boutique stores and hip restaurants. Enjoy a hearty meal or grab a quick bite before you check out the quirky street art lining the paths along the downtown area. (Self-explore Activity; Transfers, entrance fees and meals are not included; Choose from our recommendations what best suits your interests and pace. Please note that you may not be able to do all recommended activities)

Savor the many cultural delights of Reykjavik with a walking tour of its most-loved culinary destinations. Sample at least ten different kinds of local dishes, ranging from artisanal seasonal cheese to delectable hand-make Icelandic ice cream, on this customized food excursion. Learn from your guide about the country’s food heritage as you try authentic Icelandic seafood and grass-fed and free-roaming lamb. See colorful street art and quintessential Reykjavik landmarks as the culinary setting changes from relaxed fine dining to intimate family-run restaurants and local hangouts like a popular hot dog stand. If you’re feeling really adventurous, your guide will also recommend places where you can try traditional Viking dishes like fermented shark, ram testicles and sour sheep heads! (Duration: 3 hrs; Shared Activity; No Transfers; Meeting Point: Klapparstígur 25, Reykjavík; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform us in advance of special dietary requirements. Please note minimum age for activity is 4 yrs.)

Head out from Reykjavik to discover the scenic attractions along the popular Golden Circle route. Begin your exploration at the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. This scenic park was the site of the country’s first Parliament and is home to waterfalls and aquifers. Capture stunning images of the scenery, made famous by Game of the Thrones series. Journey on to the Geysir geothermal area that sits tucked into the Haukadalur valley. Stop at Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysir for breathtaking views. Drive on to the gorgeous Gullfoss waterfall and watch it cascade into a river canyon. From your vantage point, you can also take in splendid views of Langjokull glacier. Capture stunning images before it’s time to turn back. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity with Chauffeur Guide; Transfers included; Entrance Fees & Meals are not included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Treat yourself to luxurious wellness experiences at the Retreat Spa, included in your Hotel Blue Lagoon stay. Wake up to a refreshing Yoga session, followed perhaps by a guided group hike. Next, head to the sprawling Retreat Spa to rejuvenate your senses with a wide range of therapies, from hot-stone massages to signature beauty treatments. Explore mystical subterranean spaces or bask in crisp outdoor settings. Experience in-water treatments infused with geothermal ingredients like silica, algae and mineral salts. Later, enjoy complimentary coffee and Icelandic pastries in the lounge before you wind up a blissful day. (Duration: Full Day; Activity includes complimentary access to the hotel’s private Retreat Lagoon and 1 premium admission per guest to the Blue Lagoon, 3 masks, use of towel, bathrobe, slippers & drink of your choice, Blue Lagoon skin care amenities and 15% off Blue Lagoon skin care products; Meals Included: Coffee & Icelandic Pastries; Guests from 2-15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian)

Experience the ethereal beauty of Blue Lagoon with your complimentary Silica Hotel access. Pamper your senses in the lagoon’s iconic blue geothermal heated waters. Soak in the goodness of the water or explore the wellness options of a sauna and steam room. Rejuvenate with the healing properties of silica, algae and mineral salts at the mask bar, and later relax with in-water facilities for refreshments. (Duration: Full Day; Activity includes complimentary access to the hotel’s private Silica Lagoon and 1 premium admission per guest to the Blue Lagoon, 3 masks, use of towel, bathrobe, slippers & first drink of your choice; Meals Not Included; Guests from 2-15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian)