Welcome to Iceland! Arrive in Reykjavik and check into your hotel. In the morning, explore the city's charm with a visit to Hallgrimskirkja, a stunning Lutheran church offering panoramic city views from its tower. In the afternoon, head to Perlan, a unique glass dome where you can learn about Iceland's natural wonders through interactive exhibits. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along Laugavegur, the main shopping street, and enjoy local cuisine.
Hallgrimskirkja: Free, 1-2 hours
Perlan: $20 per person, 2-3 hours
Laugavegur: Varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Grái Kötturinn Located in the heart of Reykjavik, Grái Kötturinn is a cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options. Indulge in their mouthwatering pancakes topped with fresh berries and whipped cream, or try their traditional Icelandic breakfast with smoked salmon, pickled herring, and rye bread. Average cost for a meal is about 2000 ISK per person.
Lunch: Saegreifinn For a unique and fresh seafood experience, head to Saegreifinn (The Sea Baron). This charming seafood shack offers a variety of delicious dishes, including their famous lobster soup and skewers of grilled seafood. Enjoy your lunch in a cozy atmosphere while savoring the flavors of Iceland's ocean bounty. Average cost for a meal is about 3500 ISK per person.
Dinner: The Grillmarket If you're looking for a memorable dining experience, The Grillmarket is the place to be. This upscale restaurant specializes in Icelandic cuisine and offers a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in their perfectly cooked Icelandic lamb or enjoy their mouthwatering seafood dishes. With its modern ambiance and exceptional service, The Grillmarket is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Average cost for a meal is about 8000 ISK per person.
Sunday, December 3: Golden Circle Adventure
Embark on the famous Golden Circle tour. Start your day with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. In the afternoon, marvel at the powerful Gullfoss waterfall and witness the geothermal activity at Geysir. End the day with a relaxing soak in the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot spring.
Thingvellir National Park: Free, 2-3 hours
Gullfoss Waterfall: Free, 1-2 hours
Geysir: Free, 1-2 hours
Secret Lagoon: $30 per person, 2-3 hours
Monday, December 4: South Coast Exploration
Discover the stunning beauty of Iceland's south coast. Start your day with a visit to Seljalandsfoss, a unique waterfall you can walk behind. Continue to the picturesque village of Vik, where you can explore the black sand beaches and see the iconic rock formations. In the afternoon, make a stop at the breathtaking Skogafoss waterfall and hike along the scenic trails. On your way back, visit the Solheimajokull glacier for a glacier walking tour.
Seljalandsfoss: Free, 1-2 hours
Vik: Free, 2-3 hours
Skogafoss: Free, 1-2 hours
Solheimajokull Glacier: $120 per person, 3-4 hours
Restaurants
A great breakfast option in the area is Cafe Bryggjan in the town of Vik. They offer delicious pastries and a selection of breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 2000 ISK per person.
For lunch, head to Halldorskaffi, a charming restaurant located near Skogafoss waterfall. They serve traditional Icelandic cuisine and have a variety of lunch specials. The average cost for a meal here is about 3000 ISK per person.
For dinner, try the renowned Black Beach Restaurant in Vik. This cozy restaurant offers a diverse menu with fresh seafood and Icelandic specialties. The average cost for a meal here is about 5000 ISK per person.
Tuesday, December 5: Reykjanes Peninsula Adventure
Explore the rugged Reykjanes Peninsula. Start your day with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa known for its healing waters. Enjoy a relaxing soak and indulge in spa treatments. In the afternoon, drive to Reykjanesviti, Iceland's oldest lighthouse, and marvel at the dramatic coastal cliffs. End the day by exploring the otherworldly landscapes of the Krýsuvík geothermal area.
Blue Lagoon: $80 per person, 3-4 hours
Reykjanesviti: Free, 1-2 hours
Krýsuvík: Free, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, December 6: Whale Watching Experience
Embark on an exciting whale watching adventure. Board a boat from Reykjavik's Old Harbor and set sail to Faxaflói Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for magnificent whales, including humpbacks and orcas, as well as other marine wildlife. Learn about these incredible creatures from knowledgeable guides. After the tour, explore the Maritime Museum or enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Whale Watching Tour: $90 per person, 3-4 hours
Maritime Museum: $10 per person, 1-2 hours
Seafood Dinner: Varies, 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 7: Departure
It's time to say goodbye to Iceland. Check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your departure. If time permits, you can do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Reykjavik or visit the nearby Reykjanesviti lighthouse before heading home.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While in Reykjavik, don't miss the chance to visit the Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo. It's a perfect attraction for families, offering a variety of animals to see and interactive exhibits. Another hidden gem is the Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, where you can relax in hot tubs and enjoy the geothermal seawater. For a unique experience, consider taking a guided tour of an ice cave, such as the Langjökull Ice Cave, where you can explore the magical world beneath Iceland's glaciers.