7-Day Iceland Adventure - October 27 to November 2, 2023
Friday, October 27: Arrival in Reykjavik
Welcome to Iceland! After arriving at Keflavik International Airport, transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik. Spend the morning exploring the charming city center with its colorful buildings and unique street art. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church for panoramic views of the city. As the evening sets in, indulge in Icelandic cuisine at a local restaurant.
Reykjavik City Center: Free, 2-3 hours
Hallgrimskirkja Church: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Dinner at a local restaurant: $30-50 per person
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Loki located near Hallgrimskirkja Church. Enjoy traditional Icelandic dishes such as rye bread with smoked trout and pickled herring. Average cost for a meal is about 1,500 ISK per person.
For lunch, visit Icelandic Street Food located in the city center. Try their famous Icelandic lamb soup or fisherman’s favorite, the fish stew. Average cost for a meal is about 2,000 ISK per person.
For dinner, try The Grillmarket, a popular restaurant known for its innovative and creative Icelandic cuisine. Taste dishes like grilled local fish or Icelandic lamb. Average cost for a meal is about 6,500 ISK per person.
Saturday, October 28: Golden Circle Tour
Embark on a full-day Golden Circle tour. Start at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can walk between the tectonic plates. Continue to the Geysir Geothermal Area and witness the erupting Strokkur geyser. Lastly, marvel at the impressive Gullfoss waterfall before returning to Reykjavik.
Golden Circle Tour: $80-100 per person, 8-10 hours
Sunday, October 29: South Coast Adventure
Explore the stunning landscapes of Iceland's South Coast. Visit the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Discover the black sand beach of Reynisfjara with its dramatic basalt columns. If time permits, hike to the Solheimajokull glacier tongue or explore the charming village of Vik.
South Coast Tour: $100-120 per person, 10-12 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near the South Coast is Bergid, known for its delicious Icelandic pastries and coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 ISK per person.
For lunch, try the cozy and quaint Halldorskaffi, offering traditional Icelandic dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 2500 ISK per person.
For a delightful dinner, visit the charming Sudur Vik restaurant, serving fresh seafood dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 4500 ISK per person.
Monday, October 30: Reykjanes Peninsula
Discover the unique geological features of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Start with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa renowned for its healing waters. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Gunnuhver geothermal area and the Bridge Between Continents, where you can stand between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Blue Lagoon: $60-80 per person, 4-6 hours
Reykjanes Peninsula Tour: $80-100 per person, 8-10 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Duus, a charming café located in the beautiful village of Grindavik. Enjoy their homemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee while overlooking the scenic harbor. The average cost for a breakfast at Café Duus is about 15 USD per person.
For lunch, head to Bryggjan Brugghús, a popular craft brewery and restaurant in Reykjavik. Indulge in their mouthwatering burgers and sip on their signature beers, brewed on-site. The average cost for a lunch at Bryggjan Brugghús is about 25 USD per person.
In the evening, satisfy your taste buds at Fiskfelagid, an upscale seafood restaurant located in downtown Reykjavik. Delight in their creative and innovative seafood dishes, prepared with the freshest ingredients. The average cost for a dinner at Fiskfelagid is about 50 USD per person.
Tuesday, October 31: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Embark on a full-day tour of the enchanting Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Explore the picturesque Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall. Visit the charming fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, known for their stunning coastal scenery. Marvel at the Snæfellsjökull glacier, said to be the entrance to the center of the Earth.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour: $120-150 per person, 10-12 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Café Nora in the town of Stykkishólmur. They serve freshly baked pastries, hearty sandwiches, and a variety of hot beverages. The average cost for a meal is about 2,000 ISK per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Tony's Pizza in Grundarfjörður. They offer a wide selection of pizzas with various toppings, as well as salads and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 2,500 ISK per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, try Fjöruhúsið Restaurant in Ólafsvík. They specialize in serving delicious seafood dishes, such as lobster tails and pan-seared cod, in a cozy and rustic setting. The average cost for a meal is about 6,000 ISK per person.
Wednesday, November 1: Reykjavik Exploration
Spend the day exploring Reykjavik at your own pace. Visit the Perlan Museum for a glimpse into Iceland's natural wonders. Explore the quirky street art of the city's neighborhoods. Relax in one of the local geothermal pools or indulge in some shopping for Icelandic souvenirs.
Perlan Museum: $20-30 per person, 2-3 hours
Geothermal pool admission: $10-20 per person
Thursday, November 2: Departure
Say goodbye to Iceland as you depart from Keflavik International Airport. If time allows, explore Reykjavik's local markets and pick up some last-minute gifts before heading to the airport.
Reykjavik Markets: Free, 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Iceland, don't miss the lesser-known gems that locals love. Visit the lesser-known glacier, Langjökull, and embark on a thrilling snowmobile ride. Explore the mystical beauty of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs float in a stunning glacial lake. For a unique experience, soak in the natural hot springs of the Secret Lagoon, away from the crowds of the Blue Lagoon.
Discover local folklore and history at the Settlement Center in Borgarnes. Enjoy a traditional Icelandic meal at a local farm-to-table restaurant and savor the flavors of the freshest ingredients. Don't forget to try some traditional Icelandic delicacies like hákarl (fermented shark) and rúgbrauð (dense rye bread).
For a true local experience, consider embarking on a guided horseback riding tour through Iceland's beautiful landscapes or joining a whale watching excursion to catch a glimpse of the majestic marine life.