This exclusive adventure blends Iceland’s iconic landscapes with hidden retreats, offering a seamless fusion of nature and indulgence. Unwind at the Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon, where mineral-rich waters soothe body and soul. Savor Michelin-starred flavors, explore Reykjavík’s creative heartbeat with a private guide, and take in sweeping aerial views from a helicopter. Traverse the geothermal wonders of Borgarfjörður, then hike into the heart of Þórsmörk’s untouched wilderness. Every moment reflects Arctic Face’s dedication to crafting experiences that feel both deeply personal and utterly extraordinary.
Touch down at Keflavík Airport, where your private guide awaits. A smooth journey leads you to The Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon—your gateway to Icelandic tranquility. Slip into the warm embrace of the lagoon’s mineral-rich waters and feel the world melt away. A signature in-water massage sets the tone for the days ahead.
Blue Lagoon - In-water Treatments
The Retreat - Hotel and Spa
As evening falls, the culinary artistry of Moss Restaurant awaits. This Michelin-starred experience brings Iceland’s raw ingredients to life in an elegant, seasonally inspired tasting menu. Opt for the Kitchen’s Table for an intimate connection with the chefs, or descend into the subterranean wine cellar, encased within ancient lava walls, where hand-selected vintages add to the evening’s allure.
Reykjavík is a city that whispers its secrets to those who wander. With your private guide, stroll its colorful streets, uncovering tales woven into its art, architecture, and culinary scene. The scent of freshly baked rye bread mingles with the sea breeze, and each turn reveals another hidden gem—a tucked-away gallery, a cozy café, a sculpture framed against the sky.
The afternoon takes you skyward. A private helicopter lifts off, tracing the city skyline before landing on a remote mountaintop. Champagne in hand, soak in the stillness and the sweeping views—just you, the horizon, and the crisp Arctic air.
Back at The Retreat, a refined dinner at Lava Restaurant offers a perfect close to the day. A feast of flavors, inspired by the land and sea, where every dish tells a story.
Helicopter Sightseeing - Happy hour Tour
Leaving behind the serene luxury of The Retreat Hotel and Spa, the road ahead leads west, unfolding into the storied landscapes of Borgarfjörður. This is a land where steaming earth meets rolling valleys, and where the whispers of old sagas linger in the air.
The journey winds past quiet rivers and open fields, where Icelandic horses stand like living paintings against the backdrop of distant mountains. Along the way, nature reveals its quiet marvels. At Hraunfossar, ribbons of water emerge from beneath an ancient lava field, spilling gracefully into the river below—a sight so delicate, it feels like a secret. Just a short walk away, the rushing waters of Barnafoss hold a darker tale, their restless current shaped by legend as much as by time. Further on, Deildartunguhver commands attention—Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where scalding water surges from the earth, sending plumes of steam curling into the sky.
By afternoon, the warmth of Hotel Húsafell welcomes you. Here, modern comfort meets untamed nature, offering a place to pause and breathe in the quiet. As the day softens, step into the Giljaböð Canyon Baths, where warm geothermal waters collect in stone pools, cradled by sheer cliffs. The setting is wild, untouched—water, rock, and sky in perfect harmony.
As evening settles, a thoughtfully prepared dinner awaits at the hotel. Local flavors, candlelit warmth, and the deep quiet of the Icelandic night create a simple but perfect end to the day.
This is Iceland in its truest form—not just a place to see, but a place to feel.
Canyon baths at Húsafell - A hidden gem in Húsafell
Húsafell Hotel
If there’s an ultimate adventure day, this must come close. The journey south leads to landscapes shaped by fire and ice, where every turn reveals something unexpected.
The day begins underground, stepping into the remnants of a volcanic eruption at Raufarhólshellir Lava Cave. Here, hardened lava tunnels stretch into the darkness, their walls streaked with fiery minerals. This is a place where time stands still—where you can trace the raw power that once flowed through the earth, leaving behind a frozen river of rock.
Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir
Named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder, Þórsmörk is a valley that feels like it belongs to another world. Cradled between glaciers and braided rivers, its landscape is a wild mix of deep canyons, rugged cliffs, and mossy slopes that glow green against the black volcanic earth. Once a grazing ground for sheep, it became a protected nature reserve after the 1918 Katla eruption, allowing nature to reclaim it in all its untamed beauty.
Þórsmörk is a hiker’s paradise, home to winding trails that lead through birch forests and across rocky ridges. This is where the legendary Laugavegur trail begins—a path that has challenged and rewarded those who walk it for generations. But even without a long trek, simply being here is enough. The air is crisp, the silence deep, and the landscape alive with the quiet power of nature.
órsmörk is a land of endless trails, each one revealing something new—hidden canyons, glacier-carved ridges, and valleys wrapped in moss. Even a week wouldn’t be enough to explore them all, but today, we set out to experience some of the most striking paths this nature reserve has to offer.
Nauthúsagil Gorge (20 min each way / moderate)Before reaching Þórsmörk, this narrow gorge invites you into a world of moss-draped rock walls and trickling waterfalls. Ropes and chains help guide the way across slick stones, leading deeper into the canyon’s hushed atmosphere. At the end, a towering waterfall crashes into the riverbed—a hidden gem that feels like stepping into a forgotten world.
Stakkholtsgjá Canyon (1.5 hrs each way / moderate)This deep ravine, flanked by sheer cliffs, is the kind of place that stirs the imagination. The trail follows a winding river through a labyrinth of mossy slopes and volcanic rock, with the sound of rushing water echoing between the walls. At the end, a waterfall tumbles down into a secluded grotto—a reward for those who venture deep enough to find it.
Valahnjúkur Peak (2 hrs / easy)A short, steady climb to Valahnjúkur Peak opens up a world of sweeping views. Along the way, traces of Iceland’s early settlers can be found in the form of ancient ruins and cave shelters. At the summit, the entire Þórsmörk valley stretches out before you, glaciers looming in the distance. It’s the kind of place where time slows, and the vastness of nature settles in.
Tindfjall Mountains Ring Road (4.5 hrs / moderate)This trail winds through the heart of the Tindfjall Mountains, where steep slopes and rugged ridges lead to one of Þórsmörk’s more mysterious landmarks—Tröllakirkja, the “church of trolls.” A cavernous rock formation, it’s said to be a gathering place for these mythical beings. The path continues past glacial viewpoints and highland ridges, revealing the valley from dramatic new angles.
Merkurrani Plateau (2 hrs / easy)
Crossing the Merkurrani plateau feels like walking through a painter’s landscape, where layers of mountains and rivers unfold in every direction. The trail leads toward Valahnúkur Peak, offering a perfect moment to pause, breathe, and take in the raw beauty of Þórsmörk.
As the mountains of Þórsmörk fade in the rearview mirror, the road leads back to Reykjavík—a city that blends Nordic charm with a creative pulse. You’ll settle into the refined Reykjavík Edition Hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace.
Your guide is on hand with insider tips, ready to point you toward Reykjavík’s lesser-known gems and local favorites. Wander through the city’s vibrant streets, where every corner has a story to tell. Stop by Hallgrímskirkja Church and take in the view from its tower. Stroll along Laugavegur, where boutique shops and cozy cafés line the way. At Tjörnin Lake, watch the city’s rhythm slow as swans drift across the water. Down by the Old Harbour, the striking glass façade of Harpa Concert Hall catches the changing light, and the Sun Voyager sculpture stands against the sea—a tribute to Iceland’s spirit of adventure.
Later, your guide will arrange a visit to Sky Lagoon, an oceanfront geothermal retreat sculpted into rugged lava formations. Here, the warmth of the lagoon meets the crisp sea air, with panoramic views of the North Atlantic stretching to the horizon. You’ll follow the rejuvenating seven-step Skjól Ritual—a cycle of warm and cold water therapy, steam, mist, and a mineral-rich scrub that leaves you feeling renewed.
As evening falls, dive into Reykjavík’s culinary scene. Savor a bowl of slow-simmered lamb soup, grab a world-famous hot dog from a local stand, or indulge in rich, creamy ice cream—because in Iceland, it’s always ice cream weather. With the city’s energy buzzing around you, it’s the perfect way to end the day.
Sky Lagoon
The final morning in Reykjavík is yours to enjoy—whether it’s a quiet coffee overlooking the harbor or one last stroll through the city’s winding streets. As your journey comes to a close, a private transfer will take you to Keflavík Airport, the landscapes of Iceland fading into the distance. You leave with more than just memories—the crisp Arctic air, the rhythm of waterfalls, and the stillness of Þórsmörk stay with you, a quiet reminder of the time spent in this wild and beautiful land.