9-Day Summer Itinerary: Six Days in Iceland’s Natural Wonders & Three Days in Spain’s Vibrant Cities

Day 1: Arrival & Reykjavik Explore

Reykjavik, Iceland on August 1, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at Keflavik International Airport

Land in Iceland's main international airport. Take the Flybus shuttle or collect your rental car for flexible travel.
ISK 0 (airport arrival), 1h0m

11:00am

Check-in at CenterHotel Arnarhvoll

A centrally located hotel with excellent views of the harbor, ideal as a base for your Iceland adventure.
ISK 21000 per night approx., Check-in duration

12:30pm

Lunch at Icelandic Street Food

Try traditional Icelandic staples like lamb soup and fresh fish stew in a casual setting.
ISK 2800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church

Ascend the tower of Reykjavik's iconic modernist church for panoramic city views. Open 9am - 9pm.
ISK 1000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Laugavegur Shopping Street

Enjoy Reykjavik’s main shopping strip filled with boutiques and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Messinn

Known for fresh seafood dishes focusing on Icelandic langoustine in a warm, rustic atmosphere.
ISK 6000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Golden Circle Highlights

Reykjavik & Golden Circle, Iceland on August 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Brauð & Co.

Start your day with freshly baked Icelandic pastries, opens from 7am.
ISK 1500, 30m

8:30am

Golden Circle Self-Drive or Guided Tour

Visit Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall, key Icelandic natural attractions.
Car rental & gas approx ISK 8000; park entry free., 8h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Friðheimar Tomato Farm

Enjoy lunch surrounded by tomato plants in a greenhouse; famous for tomato soup and fresh bread.
ISK 3500, 1h0m

5:30pm

Return to Reykjavik and unwind

Head back to your hotel and have leisure time to rest or explore further.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Grillmarkadurinn

A refined restaurant offering innovative Icelandic cuisine featuring local produce and game.
ISK 7000, 1h30m
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Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls

Iceland South Coast on August 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Enjoy artisanal breads and pastries, open from 7am.
ISK 1500, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls

Explore the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall where you can walk behind the falls and the hidden nearby Gljúfrabúi waterfall.
Free, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Gamla Fjósið

Farm-to-table dining serving delicious Icelandic lamb near Skogafoss waterfall.
ISK 4500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Skogafoss and Kvernufoss Waterfalls

Experience majestic Skogafoss with great hiking opportunities and the hidden gem Kvernufoss nearby.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Reykjavik

Drive back to the city for overnight stay.
Fuel approx ISK 2000, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Icelandic Fish & Chips

Enjoy a casual meal of fresh seafood with a local twist.
ISK 2500, 1h0m
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Day 4: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Day

Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland on August 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for a packed day exploring the diverse Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Included with hotel stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Snæfellsnes

About 2.5-hour drive west of Reykjavik, known as 'Iceland in Miniature' with volcanic landscapes and coastal villages.
Fuel approx ISK 3000, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bjargarsteinn Mathús

Eat in the scenic village of Arnarstapi, specializing in fresh local catch and traditional dishes.
ISK 4000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Arnarstapi Cliffs & Hellnar

Enjoy scenic walks along striking coastal cliffs with basalt rock formations and abundant birdlife.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Djúpalónssandur Black Pebble Beach

Beautiful beach with shipwreck remains and unique lava formations.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Reykjavik

Drive back to the city to relax after a fulfilling day.
Fuel approx ISK 3000, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Kopar Restaurant

Located in the Old Harbour, this restaurant offers seafood with Icelandic flair and harbor views.
ISK 7500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik Leisure

Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon, Iceland on August 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a well-rounded breakfast before your spa day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Blue Lagoon

45-minute drive to the iconic geothermal spa for relaxation and rejuvenation.
ISK 9000 entry, 4h0m

2:00pm

Return to Reykjavik

Head back to the city for an afternoon at leisure or exploration.
Fuel approx ISK 2000, 45m

4:00pm

Explore Reykjavik’s Old Harbour Area

Enjoy cafes, small galleries, and maritime atmosphere on a stroll through the harbor.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dill Restaurant

Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern Icelandic cuisine using seasonal ingredients. Book in advance.
ISK 12000, 2h0m
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Day 6: Reykjavik Museums & Departure to Spain

Reykjavik, Iceland / Madrid, Spain on August 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Begin your last morning in Iceland with a relaxing breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit National Museum of Iceland

Discover Iceland's history from settlement to modern times, open 10am-5pm.
ISK 1900, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Loki

Traditional Icelandic dishes near Hallgrimskirkja with excellent rye bread and fish specialties.
ISK 3000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return rental car and head to Keflavik Airport

Prepare for afternoon flight to Madrid, arrive evening.
Fuel approx ISK 1000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Flight Reykjavik to Madrid

Approximate flight time 4 hours, arriving later this evening.
EUR 160 approx., 4h0m

9:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Catalonia Atocha, Madrid

Comfortable hotel in central Madrid close to Retiro Park and main attractions.
EUR 150 per night, Check-in

9:30pm

Light Dinner at Mercado de San Miguel

A lively market offering various tapas and drink options open late; perfect for a casual welcome to Madrid.
EUR 20, 1h0m
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Day 7: Madrid Cultural Day

Madrid, Spain on August 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Elegant spot near the Royal Palace serving traditional Spanish breakfasts.
EUR 12, 45m

9:30am

Visit Royal Palace of Madrid

Explore the lavish palace and its gardens. Open 10am-8pm in summer.
EUR 15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Stroll through Plaza Mayor

Historic square with cafes, shops, and street performances.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Botín

The world’s oldest restaurant serving classic Spanish dishes such as cochinillo (roast suckling pig).
EUR 35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Prado Museum

One of the world’s leading art museums open 10am-8pm. Focus on European masters.
EUR 18, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Enjoy more traditional Spanish cuisine in a historic setting near Plaza Mayor.
EUR 40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Toledo Day Trip

Madrid to Toledo, Spain on August 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before your day trip to Toledo.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Toledo

A 33-minute high-speed train from Madrid Puerta de Atocha station to Toledo, a historic city south of Madrid.
EUR 15 round trip, 1h30m (round trip including transit)

10:00am

Explore Toledo Old Town

Discover medieval churches, the Alcazar fortress, and Jewish Quarter on foot.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante Adolfo

Enjoy regional Castilian specialties with panoramic city views.
EUR 30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return Train to Madrid

Travel back to Madrid for final night.
Included train ticket, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Retiro Park

Stroll or boat on the park’s lake, a serene end to your trip.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at El Botánico

Celebrate your final evening with contemporary Spanish cuisine near Retiro Park.
EUR 50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Departure

Madrid, Spain on August 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Madrid.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Check-out and Airport Transfer

Taxi or Aerobus to Madrid-Barajas Airport for your onward flight.
EUR 6 (Aerobus) or EUR 25 (taxi), 45m
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