AI Iceland Itinerary- would you change anything?
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Anonymous
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DH and I want to do a trip to Iceland in June for our anniversary, no kids. We’ll use points as much as possible so hotels will depend on that, but something in the Amex FHR and or Marriott or Hilton is preferred. Could prob squeeze a 6th day if possible (traveling while our kids will be gone doing their own school trip).
This AI itinerary has us in one location for the full 5 days but perhaps we move hotels half-way thru so that we can experience both the city and countryside. Any thoughts on this? For anyone who has done Iceland before, what’s missing? We are looking for great food, scenery, spas and tours. We aren’t huge hikers. Thanks!!! This 5-day luxury itinerary for a couple in early June, without a car, focuses on high-end experiences and private guided tours from the Reykjavik area. Transportation will be handled by private drivers and tour operators, ensuring an stress-free and comfortable experience. Luxury Hotels You can base yourself in Reykjavik or a countryside luxury retreat. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland or Hotel Borg by Keahotels or Hotel Ranga, an SLH Day 1: Arrival & Reykjavik Luxury Spa Upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), an arranged private transfer will take you to your hotel in Reykjavik or the Blue Lagoon area. Arrive and check into your luxury hotel. Relax and rejuvenate at the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon, with pre-booked private or premium access for a luxurious geothermal spa experience. Enjoy a fine dining dinner in Reykjavik. Consider dining at a high-end restaurant like Moss Restaurant at the Retreat at Blue Lagoon or exploring the vibrant food scene in the city. Day 2: The Golden Circle in Style Embark on a private, guided super jeep or luxury vehicle tour of the iconic Golden Circle. This ensures a personalized experience without the hassle of driving or navigating. Þingvellir National Park: Walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Geysir Geothermal Area: Witness the eruption of the Strokkur geyser every few minutes. Gullfoss Waterfall: Marvel at the power of this massive, multi-tiered waterfall. Optional luxury add-on: A private snowmobiling tour on the nearby Langjökull glacier. Day 3: South Coast Wonders & Glacier Exploration Take a private guided tour along the South Coast to see some of Iceland's most dramatic landscapes. Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss: Visit these iconic waterfalls, with the chance to walk behind Seljalandsfoss. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: See the striking black sand beach and basalt columns. Luxury experience: Explore a natural ice cave beneath the Katla volcano or a guided glacier hike on Vatnajökull glacier (requires traveling further east, potentially an overnight stay in the countryside). Alternatively, a private helicopter tour over glaciers and volcanoes can be arranged. Day 4: Reykjavik Culture & Cuisine Spend the day immersing yourselves in Reykjavik's culture, utilizing private drivers as needed for convenience. Early June is a great time to be in the city with national holidays and events. Visit city attractions like the Hallgrímskirkja church for panoramic views and the Harpa Concert Hall. Explore the local art scene and boutique shops. Indulge in a "Food Lovers Tour" or a "Beer & Booze Tour" for a curated culinary experience. Enjoy a final luxury dinner at a top city restaurant. Day 5: Departure After a leisurely breakfast, a private transfer will take you back to KEF airport for your departure. This itinerary provides a blend of natural wonders and urban luxury, with all logistics handled by private services, ensuring a relaxing and memorable trip without the need for a rental car. |
Anonymous
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This sounds like a fever dream, not an itinerary.
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Anonymous
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I would not do the full day in Reykjavik-it’s tiny and there’s not that much to see. I’d add a tour of the Snaefelsnes Peninsula instead. (Sorry for any spelling errors)
The thing I most regret not seeing when I went was the glacier lagoon and diamond beach on the south coast (we were there off season so days were shorter and fewer tours). It’s a long day trip from REK, you could consider staying somewhere closer for a night. It’s puffin season, any interest in a puffin or whale watching tour? |
Anonymous
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If that itinerary works for you, go for it.
We spent four nights in Iceland. We had a car rental and spent two night at Glacier Lagoon area (Fosshotel was excellent) and then a short term rental near Golden Circle. There is much to see along the way that doesn’t require a hike. Diamond Beach was a highlight. Just know that arriving on your first day might be tough. We flew from IAD and landed at 630a Iceland time. (230a ET). We got tired after a few hours and required a short nap. Then we muscled thorough it 🙂) |
Anonymous
| Ice caves are only open in the colder months, not June. Also, would you rather rent a car and drive yourself? I like that better than group tours. |
Anonymous
| This may be controversial but I think the glaciers are kind of boring - if you're not a hiker, I would skip that. If you've never ever seen a glacier, maybe you would find it interesting. |
Anonymous
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I would stay in Hotel Ranga. It’s nice and close to many cool sites.
Blue Lagoon is far from everything. Reykjavik is cute to visit but I prefer stay closer to natural beauty. Actually, there is another luxe hotel that has private springs - that is a better option imo. |
Anonymous
It's always a "leisurely" breakfast. Nobody ever rushes through breakfast in the AI offices. |
Anonymous
| I've done all of these things, but we rented a car instead of going with a tour. It was super easy to drive ourselves, so maybe consider renting your own car. It will give you more time at the stops, as well as flexibility. Those tour days are LONG, so being able to meander, get out and take photos, choose your own food, etc might be more attractive. |
Anonymous
Here is the other hotel - I haven't seen it in person but it looks cool. https://www.torfhus.is/ Definitely just rent a car and check out the sites yourself. Don't do tours. |
Anonymous
| If you do the day in rejkjavik once you are there you can book a boat tour to see puffins and arctic terns and maybe even whales. We booked a tour in a speed boat type raft and it was just our family and we got up really close to the nords in an island. They give you the warm clothes and it was a highlight for us. |
Anonymous
| Birds. Not “nords”. |
Anonymous
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Iceland is incredibly tourist friendly. You don't need tours, except for maybe more extreme terrain - glacier, ice caves, etc.
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Anonymous
| Driving back and forth from Reykjavik is not ideal IMO. You use up so much time that way. Also, rent a car and drive yourself. It’s so easy to drive in Iceland in June and you’re not beholden to tour schedules. With 5 days, I’d do Reykjavik, Snæfellsnes, Golden Circle, and South Coast. |
Anonymous
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Thank you so much- this is really helpful! I’ll take a close look at all of your suggestions and come back with another itinerary.
Appreciate the advice on renting a car. |