Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík & Private Walking Tour of Iceland’s Capital
Upon arrival at Keflavík Airport, your private driver will meet you for the transfer into Reykjavík, a journey of approximately 45 minutes through lava fields and rugged coastal landscapes before arriving in the heart of the world’s northernmost capital city.
After settling into the stylish Sand Hotel on Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main cultural and shopping street, enjoy a privately guided walking tour designed as an introduction to Icelandic life, history, and culture.
Private Reykjavík Walking Tour
Meet your local guide and explore the compact center of Reykjavík on foot, where colorful corrugated houses, Nordic design, and maritime history create a city unlike anywhere else in Europe.
During your guided experience, you will visit some of Reykjavík’s most iconic landmarks, including:
- Hallgrímskirkja Church, Iceland’s striking modern cathedral, is inspired by basalt lava formations
- Harpa Concert Hall, the city’s award-winning glass concert hall overlooking the harbor
- The historic old harbor district and waterfront
- Austurvöllur Square and the Icelandic Parliament area
- Laugavegur’s cafés, boutiques, and local design stores
Along the way, your guide will introduce you to Icelandic traditions, Viking heritage, geothermal living, and modern Reykjavík culture, giving you a deeper understanding of daily life in Iceland.
Overnight: Reykjavík
Day 2: The Golden Circle: Iceland’s Most Iconic Landscapes
Meet your private driver in the lobby of your hotel as you set out to discover the legendary Golden Circle, Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, combining geology, waterfalls, tectonic landscapes, and geothermal power into one unforgettable day.
Þingvellir National Park
Your first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most historically important locations in Iceland.
Walk through the dramatic rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly separate, creating a landscape of fissures, lava fields, and rugged cliffs.
Your guide will explain both the geological significance of the area and its role as the birthplace of Icelandic democracy, where the Alþingi parliament was founded over 1,000 years ago.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Continue into Iceland’s geothermal heartland, where bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and erupting geysers showcase the island’s volcanic energy.
At Strokkur Geyser, watch boiling water erupt dramatically into the air every few minutes, while your guide explains the geothermal forces shaping Iceland beneath the surface.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Your final major stop is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful and iconic waterfalls.
Here, the Hvítá River plunges dramatically into a deep canyon, creating immense spray and thunderous cascades that can be viewed from multiple vantage points. Your guide will also share the story of Sigriður Tómasdóttir, whose efforts helped protect Gullfoss from industrial development.
Overnight: Reykjavík
Day 3: Iceland’s South Coast: Waterfalls, Volcanoes & Black Sand Beaches
Traveling with your private driver, experience waterfalls cascading from ancient cliffs, volcanic beaches, and landscapes shaped by glaciers and lava as you journey east along Iceland’s spectacular South Coast.
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
Begin at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, where a walking path allows you to pass behind the curtain of falling water.
Nearby, discover Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall concealed within a narrow canyon. Enter through the rocky opening to reveal this lesser-known natural wonder tucked away behind the cliffs.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Continue to Skógafoss, where a massive wall of water crashes 60 meters into the river below.
Climb the staircase beside the falls for panoramic views over Iceland’s southern lowlands, while your guide shares Viking legends associated with the waterfall and the surrounding region.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Later, arrive at Reynisfjara, Iceland’s world-famous black sand beach near the village of Vík.
Walk along volcanic sands framed by towering basalt columns and powerful Atlantic waves while your guide explains the geology and folklore of the area, including the dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean offshore.
Overnight: Vík
Day 4: Glacier Landscapes, Icebergs & Diamond Beach
Today brings you deeper into southeastern Iceland, where glaciers dominate the landscape, and ice meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Private Skaftafell Glacier Hike
This morning, meet your certified glacier guide for an unforgettable guided hike on Falljökull Glacier, an outlet glacier of the vast Vatnajökull ice cap.
After being fitted with crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe, begin your guided trek across the glacier itself, navigating deep crevasses, sculpted ice formations, moulins, and frozen ridges.
Throughout the experience, your guide will explain how glaciers form, move, and continually reshape Iceland’s landscapes.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Continue to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where enormous icebergs drift silently across glassy waters after breaking away from the glacier.
Walk along the lagoon shoreline while watching seals swim among the floating ice, and take in one of Iceland’s most iconic natural scenes.
Diamond Beach
Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, where fragments of glacial ice wash ashore onto black volcanic sand.
Scattered across the beach like crystal sculptures, these luminous ice formations create one of Iceland’s most surreal and photogenic landscapes.
Return to Vík in the evening.
Overnight: Vík
Day 5: Return to Reykjavík Along Iceland’s South Coast
After breakfast, begin your scenic return journey to Reykjavík with your driver.
Rather than simply retracing the route, today offers the flexibility to revisit favorite South Coast highlights or discover additional hidden viewpoints, waterfalls, lava fields, and coastal scenery along the way.
Your guide can tailor the stops to your interests, whether you prefer photography opportunities, quieter natural areas, or additional time at locations you particularly enjoyed earlier in the journey.
Overnight: Keflavík
Day 6: Arrival in Oslo: Norway’s Elegant Capital
This morning, take the short walk from your airport hotel to Keflavík Airport for your onward flight to Norway.
Upon arrival in Oslo, a private transfer will meet you and take you directly into the city center.
The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to relax after your journey or begin exploring nearby streets, cafés, and harbourfront areas around your hotel.
Overnight: Oslo
Day 7: Scenic Rail Journey Through Norway to Flåm
On day 7, you’ll enjoy one of Scandinavia’s most spectacular rail journeys.
The Flåm Railway
At Myrdal, connect to the legendary Flåm Railway, widely regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
Descending steeply through narrow valleys, waterfalls, and towering mountains, the railway offers constantly changing views as it winds toward the fjord village of Flåm.
Arrive in Flåm this afternoon and settle into the historic Fretheim Hotel beside the fjord.
Dinner is included this evening.
Overnight: Flåm
Day 8: Fjord Safari, Zipline & Scenic Cycling in Flåm
Join a small-group fjord safari aboard a high-speed RIB boat.
Travel deep into the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, passing sheer cliffs, waterfalls, remote farms, and untouched natural landscapes while your guide shares stories about local culture and fjord life.
The small-group format allows for a far more intimate experience of the fjords than larger cruise vessels.
Flåm Railway, Zipline & Cycling Adventure
Board the Flåm Railway once again, ascending high above the valley to begin a thrilling afternoon of outdoor adventure.
At Vatnahalsen, experience Scandinavia’s longest zipline, soaring above the dramatic Flåm Valley before descending toward Kårdal.
From there, continue by bicycle through spectacular fjord-side scenery, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes as you make your way back toward Flåm at your own pace.
Overnight: Flåm
Day 9: Scenic Fjord Cruise from Flåm to Bergen
This remarkable 5.5-hour cruise takes you through some of Norway’s most breathtaking fjord scenery, passing towering cliffs, remote villages, waterfalls, and winding waterways that showcase the scale and beauty of western Norway.
Arrive in Bergen this evening and settle into your waterfront hotel beside Bryggen Harbor.
Overnight: Bergen
Day 10: Flight to Dublin, Ireland
A private transfer will take you comfortably to Bergen Airport in plenty of time for your flight to Dublin, where you will be met by your driver to take you to your accommodation in the heart of the city.
Day 11: Dublin Exploration & Journey West
Before traveling west, begin with an introduction to Dublin’s historic heart.
Visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most important religious landmarks, and Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s oldest university and home to the world-famous Book of Kells.
After your Dublin visits, begin the journey west toward the Atlantic coast and your accommodation in the Doolin area.
Overnight: Doolin / West Ireland
Day 12: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Your driver-guide collects you for one of Ireland’s most iconic natural experiences: the Cliffs of Moher.
Rising over 200 meters above the Atlantic, the cliffs offer dramatic views across the ocean and toward the Aran Islands. Your guide will explain the folklore, geology, and wildlife of the area, including the seabirds that nest along the cliff edges.
Continue south toward County Kerry, with a stop at Torc Waterfall near Killarney National Park. Here, you’ll see the cascade flowing from the slopes of Torc Mountain into the surrounding woodland.
Before returning to your accommodation, enjoy a walk through Killarney National Park, toward Ross Castle and the lakeside scenery of Lough Léin. Your guide will share stories of the park, its wildlife, and the history of the O’Donoghue chieftains.
Overnight: Killarney
Day 13: The Ring of Kerry
Today is dedicated to the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most famous scenic drives.
Traveling with your driver-guide, follow the coastal route around the Iveragh Peninsula, where mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches, and villages combine to create one of Ireland’s most memorable landscapes.
The route includes opportunities for scenic stops, viewpoints, and short walks, with your guide tailoring the day to the weather and your interests. Rather than simply a drive, this is a full-day experience of Kerry’s landscape, culture, and Atlantic scenery.
Return to Killarney in the evening.
Overnight: Killarney
Day 14: Blarney Castle & Flight to Scotland
After breakfast, your driver-guide collects you from your Killarney accommodation and begins the journey toward Cork Airport.
En route, visit Blarney Castle, best known for the legendary Blarney Stone, said to grant eloquence to those who kiss it. You’ll also have time to explore the castle grounds and learn about the site’s deeper medieval history.
After your visit, continue to Cork Airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.
On arrival in Edinburgh, your private driver-guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation.
Overnight: Edinburgh
Day 15: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile & Holyroodhouse
Today is dedicated to exploring Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital.
Guided Best of Edinburgh Walking Tour
Begin at Edinburgh Castle, set high above the city on Castle Rock. Inside, you’ll discover the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the castle’s long history as royal residence, fortress, military garrison, and prison.
Continue along the Royal Mile, the main route through Edinburgh’s Old Town, where cobbled streets, closes, and historic buildings reveal the city’s medieval character.
Your tour can also include JK Rowling’s handprints, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official royal residence in Scotland, including the historic apartments associated with Mary, Queen of Scots.
Overnight: Edinburgh
Day 16: Edinburgh to Inverness via Scone Palace & The Highlands
Today, leave Edinburgh and travel north toward Inverness, the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Into the Scottish Highlands
Cross the Queensferry Crossing, where you’ll see the three great bridges spanning the Firth of Forth, each built in a different century.
Continue to Scone Palace, the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings, including Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II. Your guide will explain the significance of the Stone of Destiny and the palace’s role in Scotland’s royal history.
Later, stop in Pitlochry, a charming Victorian town and gateway to the Highlands, before continuing to Queen’s View, a famous viewpoint overlooking Loch Tummel.
Your journey continues through Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the UK, before arriving in Inverness.
Overnight: Inverness
Day 17: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Loch Lomond to Glasgow
On day 17, you’ll start your journey south toward Glasgow.
Start with a visit to Loch Ness, where you’ll enjoy a cruise across the deep, mysterious waters of the loch. From the boat, take in views of Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castle ruins, set dramatically on the loch’s shoreline.
Continue through the Highlands toward Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most powerful and atmospheric mountain landscapes. Your guide will take you to key viewpoints, including areas around the Three Sisters, while sharing the history and stories connected to the glen.
Later, travel past Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in the UK, and stop in the picturesque village of Luss on its shores.
Overnight: Glasgow
Day 18: Glasgow to London
A late afternoon or evening flight is recommended to allow a comfortable pace. On arrival at London Heathrow, your private driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and transfer you safely to your London accommodation.
Overnight: London
Day 19: Royal London, Westminster & Covent Garden
Today, explore London’s royal and political heart with your driver-guide.
Begin with an external visit to Buckingham Palace, the official London residence and working headquarters of the monarch.
Continue to Westminster for an external visit to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, where your guide will explain the role of the Palace of Westminster, the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the historic importance of Westminster Hall.
Visit Westminster Abbey, with tickets included. Inside, discover the Coronation Chair, royal tombs, Poets’ Corner, and the graves and memorials of monarchs, writers, scientists, and national figures.
Later, enjoy included tickets for the London Eye, offering panoramic views across the Thames, Westminster, and the wider city skyline.
Finish the day in Covent Garden, known for its historic market buildings, cobbled lanes, shops, restaurants, and street performers.
Overnight: London
Day 20: Stonehenge & Bath
Your driver-guide collects you from your London accommodation for a full-day journey west.
Begin at Stonehenge, with tickets included. Here, you’ll explore one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and learn about the archaeology, mythology, and unanswered questions surrounding this ancient stone circle.
Continue to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its Roman heritage and Georgian architecture.
Visit the Roman Baths, where you’ll see the Sacred Spring, Roman Temple, bathhouse, and museum exhibits that explain daily life in Roman Britain.
Continue to Bath Abbey, where you can admire the Gothic architecture, stained glass, chapels, memorials, and fan-vaulted ceiling before returning to London.
Overnight: London
Day 21: Windsor Castle & Departure from Heathrow
For your final day in England, your driver-guide collects you from your London accommodation and takes you to Windsor Castle before your departure from Heathrow.
With tickets included, explore the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Highlights include the State Apartments, royal artworks, historic interiors, and the castle grounds.
You’ll also visit St George’s Chapel, one of England’s most important royal chapels and the resting place of monarchs including Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, Charles I, Prince Philip, and Queen Elizabeth II.
After your visit, enjoy lunch in Windsor at a restaurant or eatery of your choice.
Your driver-guide will then transfer you to London Heathrow Airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Departure from London Heathrow.