Discovery & Wellness in Iceland

Arrive in Reykjavik and take a taxi to the Sand Hotel, located near the bustling harbor and the iconic Harpa music hall. Most flights from the US to Iceland are overnight, allowing the morning to be a time for relaxation. Unwind from your travels and take a leisurely walk around Reykjavik to get a feel for the city’s charming streets and vibrant atmosphere.

In the afternoon, meet our host, Thorey, and the rest of the group for an introduction and orientation meeting. This will be a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with fellow travelers and learn about the exciting adventures that await. Following the meeting, enjoy a delightful stroll around the city center, taking in Reykjavik’s unique blend of modern and traditional architecture.

As the evening approaches, prepare for a culinary experience at a renowned Icelandic restaurant. Savor superb Icelandic cuisine, expertly paired with fine wines, as you dine with the group. This dinner promises to be a highlight, offering a taste of Iceland’s rich gastronomic heritage amidst great company.

Start your day with an invigorating yoga session at the hotel, followed by a hearty breakfast. Then, set off to explore Iceland’s south shore, known for its majestic waterfalls and striking landscapes. Enjoy the ever-changing weather, otherworldly lava fields, moss-covered hills, and volcanic rocks.

First, visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascade. Enjoy a refreshing waterfall meditation in the cavern behind the drop, soaking in the moment with mindfulness.

Next, head to Skogafoss famous for its powerful spray and stunning rainbows. Admire the waterfall from below or take the 400 steps up to the top for a different perspective. Afterward, savor a freshly prepared lunch at the Bistro Cafe with a picturesque view of Skógafoss.

Continue to Reynisfjara black beach, where you’ll have free time to explore the mythical black sands, flanked by basalt cliffs and wild ocean waves. Look for rock formations in the sea and immerse yourself in the legends of night trolls turned to stone. After capturing the area’s raw beauty, drive back to Reykjavik for a relaxing evening and dinner with new friends.

After morning yoga and breakfast, we will meet our host and begin our day with a visit to the lava fields created by the recent Fagradalsfjall volcanic eruption. The cooling lava forms stunning designs that gradually integrate into Iceland's landscapes, often covered by moss. We will explore these new lava fields and practice a walking meditation technique for the rest of the week.

Following our walk, we’ll drive to a nearby fishing village for a warm bowl of lobster soup, with vegetarian options available. After lunch, we’ll head to the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most renowned thermal pool. This geothermal pool, with temperatures between 37°C and 40°C, is a mix of seawater and freshwater rich in silica, algae, and minerals known for their cleansing properties. Our premium package includes three face masks, a bathrobe, towels, slippers, and a drink at the swim-up bar.

We’ll end the day with dinner at the Blue Lagoon's Lava Restaurant, starting with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a seasonal Icelandic dinner crafted from the finest local ingredients.

Today, you can sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. We’ll leave Reykjavik later than usual, allowing you free time for last-minute shopping in town. Our journey then takes us to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO-listed site and the heart of Iceland’s birth. Thingvellir, or “Parliament Plains,” is where the National Parliament was established in 930 and convened annually until the late 18th century. Today, it’s a well-maintained park with a network of trails and marked paths.

From Thingvellir, we'll continue to the beautiful ION Adventure Hotel, far from urban development, offering peace and tranquility. The outdoor pool is a favorite spot, as is the glass observatory lounge with its sprawling views. Ask for a hiking trail map to explore the various lava field trails around the hotel.

We’ll enjoy lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, and you'll have time in the afternoon to discover the nearby hiking trails or relax in the heated thermal outdoor pool. In the evening, we’ll reconvene for a group dinner at the hotel’s premium restaurant, where locally sourced meals are served with panoramic views.

After dinner, why not enjoy one last dip in the thermal pool? It’s the perfect way to end the day.

We’ve saved the most famous day for last. Begin with a morning meditation and yoga session at ION’s beautiful yoga room, followed by a leisurely breakfast with stunning views.

Today, we’ll finish the Golden Circle, starting at the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, where water drops 31 meters through a narrow canyon. Capture its beauty from the main viewpoint or the elevated platform.

Next, we’ll visit the Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysers, where eruptions surprise and delight. Then, we’ll explore Icelandic horses and greenhouse horticulture. At Friðheimar, Iceland’s largest tomato farm, enjoy a guided tour and a lunch made from homegrown ingredients, including a soup buffet with bread. Don’t miss the tomato beer.

After lunch, enjoy a private demonstration of Icelandic horses, an indigenous breed unique to the country. Get up close with the horses in the stables. We’ll return to Hotel ION for free time before an afternoon meditation and movement session. In the evening, we’ll gather for a final farewell drink and dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Reykjavik around 11am where our time together in Iceland ends. Depending on the time of your flight back home is, spend the day exploring.