Depart your home city for Reykjavík, Iceland.

Upon arrival at Reykjavík Keflavik International Airport, make your way through immigration to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. After completing customs, you’ll meet a the SST/GOH Travel representative who will accompany you to the legendary Blue Lagoon, with a breakfast stop at Viking World en route. Nestled among the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon offers a unique experience in its milky blue, mineral-rich waters, celebrated for their revitalizing and therapeutic qualities. The lagoon’s geothermal waters, a mix of 70% seawater and 30% freshwater, are naturally heated by volcanic activity deep below the earth's surface. Take a rejuvenating soak in the lagoon's soothing warmth, or visit the scenic viewing deck for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

From here, continue to Reykjavík for an introduction to Iceland’s vibrant capital. Your first stop is Hallgrímskirkja, a strikingly modern church and Iceland’s largest. Named after poet and hymn composer Hallgrímur Pétursson, the church is home to Iceland’s largest organ, an awe-inspiring instrument with 5,275 pipes. Enjoy some free time for lunch, giving you the chance to explore Reykjavík’s culinary scene at a local eatery of your choice.

Later, check in at Hótel Borg, ideally situated near Austurvollur Square. A SST/GOH representative will be available at the Hospitality Desk to assist with recommendations for dining, maps, and further exploration of the area. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception at the hotel, marking the start of your Icelandic adventure. Dinner is at your leisure, with an abundance of Reykjavík’s renowned restaurants to choose from. (R)

Explore the charm and history of Reykjavík, known as the "smallest big city in the world" and dating back to its founding in 870. Originally home to an Augustinian monastery and early settlers who relied on fishing, farming, and wool production, Reykjavík has evolved into a modern, cosmopolitan capital rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. Begin your day at Perlan, a striking glass-domed natural history museum built atop six geothermal water tanks, offering spectacular 360-degree views of the city and surrounding landscapes from its observation deck.

Afterward, take time to enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants nearby. The afternoon includes a visit to the National Museum of Iceland, where you’ll gain insight into the country’s unique history and culture through its fascinating exhibits. Conclude your exploration with a leisurely stroll through Reykjavík’s historic midtown, where vibrant, colorful houses and the urban charm of Icelandic life await.

Dinner tonight is at your leisure, with options available from the recommendations at the SST/GOH Travel Hospitality Desk. As night falls, prepare for the first of your exciting evening excursions in search of the Northern Lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, this mesmerizing phenomenon paints the night sky with streaks of green, pink, and purple. Though elusive, witnessing this natural wonder is an unforgettable experience. (B)

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, preparing for an extraordinary exploration of Iceland’s Golden Circle. This iconic route is renowned for its rugged natural beauty and cultural significance, showcasing three of Iceland’s most treasured sites. Begin at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, creating a dramatic landscape of lava plains, deep rifts, and clear lakes. Þingvellir is also steeped in cultural history as the site of Iceland's ancient parliament, the Althing, founded over a thousand years ago.

From Þingvellir, continue to Gullfoss, the “golden waterfall.” Here, the glacier-fed Hvítá River cascades 96 feet over two tiers into a rugged canyon, creating a powerful and mesmerizing spectacle. Enjoy lunch in the Geysir geothermal area of Haukadalur, where panoramic views of the surrounding landscape add to the experience. Afterward, witness the famous Strokkur geyser as it erupts every 10 minutes, sending jets of boiling water high into the air—a thrilling display of Iceland's geothermal activity.

On the return journey, stop at the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant, one of the largest of its kind, to learn about Iceland’s pioneering use of geothermal energy as a sustainable power source. Back in Reykjavík, dinner is on your own, with dining recommendations available at the Hospitality Desk. Later, join your group for another thrilling evening excursion to chase the Northern Lights, hoping to witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis illuminate the night sky. (B, L)

Begin your day with breakfast before setting out on a scenic drive from Reykjavík along Iceland’s southwestern coast to Akureyri, known as the capital of the north. Nestled at the base of Eyjafjörður fjord, Akureyri is surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Midway, stop for a delicious lunch at Hotel Blönduós in the quaint town of Blönduós, located on the banks of the glacial river Blanda, where the picturesque scenery enhances the dining experience.

Continue the journey through the Skagafjörður region, renowned for its rich equestrian heritage. Here, visit the Varmilækur Horse Farm for an insightful tour on the history and unique traits of Icelandic horses, known for their distinctive gait and resilience. Enjoy coffee and biscuits as you learn more about these remarkable animals.

Upon arrival in Akureyri, settle into the historic Hotel Kea, an iconic landmark perfectly situated in the heart of the town. Later, unwind with a visit to the Forest Lagoon in Vaðlaskógur forest, where two geothermal pools nestled among the trees offer a relaxing, rejuvenating experience in a serene natural setting. Return to the hotel for a leisurely evening and dinner on your own. If conditions allow, wrap up warmly for another nighttime excursion, hoping for a chance to see the dazzling Northern Lights illuminate the northern skies. (B, L)

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, preparing for a full day of exploration beginning with Goðafoss, or the “Waterfall of the Gods.” This stunning waterfall, with a 40-foot drop fed by the Skjálfandafljót River, holds a legendary place in Iceland’s history. During Iceland’s shift from Norse paganism to Christianity, Thorgeir Thorkelsson, a lawspeaker of the Althing (Iceland’s parliament), is said to have cast wooden idols of Norse gods into the falls as a symbolic gesture of conversion, resulting in its name. According to legend, the Norse gods split the waterfall in anger, forever marking this site as the “Waterfall of the Gods.”

Next, travel to Lake Mývatn, a volcanic lake surrounded by a unique landscape of craters and lava formations. Enjoy a Nordic lunch at Fosshotel Mývatn, where panoramic views enhance the dining experience. Afterward, visit Námaskarð, a geothermal area renowned for its sulfuric cauldrons, steaming vents, and vivid, mineral-rich terrain. The landscape’s hues of red, yellow, green, and orange create an otherworldly setting that vividly illustrates Iceland's geothermal power.

Continue to Dimmuborgir, a surreal lava field filled with towering pillars, natural caves, and formations resembling a dark castle, lending the area an eerie, mystical quality. This volcanic marvel is rich in folklore and known as one of Iceland’s most unique geological sites. Return to Akureyri in the evening for dinner on your own, and prepare for a final evening excursion in hopes of catching the elusive Northern Lights as they dance across the Icelandic sky, providing a mesmerizing end to a day steeped in Iceland’s natural beauty and ancient legends. (B, L)

After breakfast, set out for Siglufjörður, a charming fishing town on Iceland’s northern coast. Once the bustling heart of the North Atlantic herring industry, Siglufjörður played a significant role in Iceland’s economic and cultural history during the first half of the 20th century. Stroll through the town’s scenic streets and delve into its rich heritage at the Herring Era Museum, Iceland’s largest maritime museum, housed in five beautifully restored buildings. Explore the salt house, factory, and former freezing plants to gain insight into the lives of the fishermen and workers who fueled the “herring boom” that defined the town.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at the Siglo Hótel, known for its warm ambiance and views of the harbor. Continue to the quaint village of Hauganes, where you’ll stop for a soothing experience in coastal thermal baths along Eyjafjörður. Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and stunning fjord views.

Return to Akureyri for a memorable dinner with your group at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and embark on a scenic journey back to Reykjavík, with a memorable stop at Hraunfossar. Known as the "Lava Falls," Hraunfossar is a breathtaking series of waterfalls cascading over a lava field, creating a stunning, layered effect against the surrounding landscape. Take in the natural beauty of these unique falls before continuing to Hraunsnef, a family-run farmhouse restaurant that offers an authentic Icelandic farm-to-table experience. Here, enjoy a hearty lunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients, showcasing traditional Icelandic flavors.

Upon arriving in Reykjavík, settle into the elegant Hótel Borg. The afternoon is yours to explore the city one last time or relax at your leisure. Later, gather with fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception & Dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the memorable experiences and friendships formed throughout this journey in Iceland. This final evening provides the perfect opportunity to savor Iceland’s culinary delights and reflect on your unforgettable adventure. (B, L, R, D)

After breakfast, transfer to Reykjavík Keflavik International Airport. Arrive in your home city and go through immigration and customs.