A fantastic wellness itinerary in the land of fire and ice!
Recently, I talked about Iceland being a perfect place for a self-drive vacation. I actually can’t decide whether I’d rather do a self-drive vacay, or participate in this amazing experience that I’m outlining below! This 7-day wellness itinerary includes staying 5 of the 7 nights in a small town outside of the capital city and doing tons of wellness activities and sightseeing, followed by the final two nights in the capital to enjoy the Blue Lagoon and sightseeing there. It’s a perfect combination, and a fantastic way to see this incredible country! You get to be with a small group of people, but also have free time to explore on your own. It’s pretty amazing.
Day 1: Arrival – From Reykjavík International Airport to Selfoss
After arriving in Reykjavik, you will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel in Selfoss. This is a country town approximately one hour away from Reykjavik, where you will have the rest of the day free for leisure to explore your surroundings. Enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant nearby in the evening.
Day 2: Selfoss
After breakfast and a wellness activity, enjoy a morning at leisure to recover from your flight and explore the rural community of Selfoss. This afternoon you will immerse yourself in some traditional practices of Iceland. First, visit a wool studio where you will be treated to an exclusive presentation about how wool was dyed in the old ways, learning about the history of wool in Iceland. Next, visit an Icelandic farm. Learn more about Iceland’s local flora & fauna at this very scenic locale. Tonight, you can participate in an afternoon wellness class before exploring the local restaurant scene on your own or with your group.
Day 3: Iceland's South Coast
Start with a morning wellness practice before taking off for an adventure to Iceland’s South Coast. First, head to Skógafoss waterfall. At 203 feet, it’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Next, wander past streams and the volcanic black sand beaches of Vik, a perfect scene for photography. The remote sea village of Vik will serve as your lunch stop before continuing on.
In the afternoon, visit the Sólheima Glacier, an area surrounded by some of Iceland's most grand volcanoes. A glacier lagoon forms in front of the glacier during summertime, visible all year round and often frozen during winter. Sometimes you’ll see icebergs floating in the lagoon. The last stop will be Seljalandsfoss, a graceful ribbon-like waterfall, which drops from an overhanging lava cliff. You can walk behind it, but don’t expect to stay dry! After this memorable day, return to Selfoss for an evening at leisure.
Day 4: Golden Circle and Fontana Spa
Start with a wellness practice before visiting some of Iceland’s most famous natural sites. On the Golden Circle, your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thingvellir is a place of fascinating natural beauty, set on a vast plain flanked by large fissures, right by Iceland’s largest lake, Thingvallavatn. The Mid-Atlantic rift is clearly visible, which is forming as Iceland is being pulled apart by tectonic forces. Here the continental plates drift apart just under an inch each year.
Next, check out the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss. At the falls, the glacial river of Hvítá falls 96 feet in a double cascade. On a sunny day, you’ll often see a single or double rainbow. After grabbing lunch, explore the active geothermal area of Haukadalur with geysers Geysir and Strokkur, and many other hot springs. Strokkur is the only erupting geyser emitting hot water and steam to an elevation 75 feet every 5-7 minutes.
This afternoon, stop for an Icelandic wellness practice: a plunge in some hot springs. Fontana Spa is known for its steam baths, outdoor mineral pools & Icelandic sauna - the nation’s national pastime. Feeling completely refreshed, return to your hotel for the remainder of the evening at your leisure.
Day 5: Geothermal Power Plant and Lava Cave
Begin with a wellness practice and then check out of your hotel. Today, head to the capital, Reykjavik, stopping at some points of interest en route. Tour the Hellisheiði Power Station, the eighth-largest geothermal power station in the world and largest in Iceland.
Afterwards, check out Raufarhólshellir, the fourth-longest lava tube in Iceland. Walk the path of lava that flowed during the Leitahraun eruption, about 5,200 years ago. This afternoon, check into your central Reykjavik hotel and participate in an afternoon wellness class after getting settled. Tonight, enjoy the evening in the capital: visit one of
Day 6: Reykjavik and Blue Lagoon
After an early wellness activity and breakfast, make your way to the Blue Lagoon for an invigorating soak in these famous pools. The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, a natural geothermal pool in the middle of a large and dramatic lava field. Enjoy your time with a refreshing plunge in the inviting, rejuvenating and pleasantly warm mineral-rich water, which is famed for its healing properties. Bathing in this surreal environment is a unique experience no one should miss. The Blue Lagoon’s warm water and naturally active ingredients like mineral salts, silica, and blue-green algae will help you relax and escape the stress of daily life.
This afternoon, explore the city of Reykjavik at your own pace. Your tour guide will be available to make recommendations based on what you’re interested in.
Tonight, join your group for a farewell dinner to toast the culmination of your adventure in Iceland at a local restaurant in the city.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast and one final morning wellness session, conclude your adventure with a transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
If Iceland wasn’t on your bucket list previously, it might just be there now, after finding out about this great itinerary! I love that each day starts with a wellness activity, followed by all the best local connections and sightseeing. Breakfast is included daily, plus a few additional lunches and dinners. It’s a really great combo of guided and group activities, plus time on your own for exploration. Let me know if you want to do this Iceland wellness trip, and I’ll get you all the details!
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