Your epic journey through lush lava fields and the windswept landscapes of Iceland begins in the quirky capital of Reykjavík. The northernmost capital of the world seems infused with vivid color, from the bustling byway of Laugavegur to the enthusiasm of the city’s friendly locals. Spend time exploring Iceland’s Viking heritage, pay tribute to the sun and snap a selfie in front of The Sun Voyager or stroll around the lively Old Harbor, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers at 18:00 for a drink and Canapes to kick-start your love affair with Iceland. This evening, you’ll check into the Grand Hotel Reykjavík, our Stays With Stories accommodation, where nods to local mythology and nature provide the perfect introduction to a city that celebrates art around every turn. Admire the dramatic glass artwork by local artist Leifur Breiðfjörð, on proud display in the lobby as you check in for your first night in mystical Iceland.

Explore the small capital city of Reykjavík on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director this morning. View all the city’s major attractions including the Parliament, the Harpa Concert Hall, and the city’s main landmark, the Hallgrímskirkja Church, perched at the top of a hill in the heart of the city. Leave the city behind and travel through the undersea tunnel Hvalfjörðr to Akranes, whose local Folk Museum you visit before enjoying views of the rugged coastline from the town’s lighthouse. View Deildartunguhver, Europe’s highest-flowing hot spring, followed by a visit to Reykholt, famously the former 13th-century home of one of Iceland’s most loved authors, Snorri Sturluson. Nature takes center stage this afternoon, when you view Hraunfoss and nearby Barnafoss, both beautiful waterfalls in their own right and a soul-stirring way to end your day.

Bundle up warmly as you make your way to the wild, sea swept landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula this morning. You’ll soon discover why the Peninsula is fondly referred to as ‘Iceland in miniature’ for encompassing every one of Iceland’s most magnificent natural treasures – volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers, waterfalls and more – in just 55 miles (90 km). Explore on your own or consider joining an Optional Experience on a cruise of Breiðafjörður Bay. Soak up the sights, sample Viking ‘sushi’ and marvel at the quaint fishing villages. Return to your hotel in Borgarnes to enjoy an evening at leisure.

As you travel around Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’, Mother Nature’s magic touch can be seen around every turn. Visit the ‘Golden Waterfall’ of Gullfoss, saved at the turn of the last century by the tenacity of a farmer’s daughter who threatened to throw herself into its depths if it was developed for hydroelectric power. Then, head to the world-famous hot spring area of Geysir and see Strokkur shoot a spectacular plume of water and steam high into the air. You’ll see first-hand how the movements of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates have carved into the Earth’s crust, in the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. This evening, Connect With Locals with a local storyteller and her songwriter husband, and delve into their colorful family history, then join them for dinner at an exclusive Be My Guest experience. Continue to Selfoss later, where you’ll stay overnight.

Start the day with a visit to Iceland’s newest geothermal heat and electric power station in Hellisheiði, the second largest of its kind in the world. During this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience learn why Hellisheiðarvirkjun is a world leader in the utilisation of geothermal energy. You can almost feel the Earth simmering under the surface as you journey across Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark. This is the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level. View Strandarkikja and let some of its legendary powers bring you good luck. Then, watch as sulphurous steam emerges from the lunar landscapes surrounding Lake Kleifarvatn. Dive Into Culture at the world-famous Blue Lagoon (please remember to pack your swimwear), whose steaming turquoise waters are said to have healing powers. For an extra special treat, rub some of the lagoon’s famous silica-mud on your skin and enjoy a sauna with lagoon views. This evening, we reminisce over the myths and legends we’ve encountered along the way, during dinner with newfound friends and your Travel Director.

For now, it’s time to say a fond farewell to Iceland after an unforgettable trip.