Reykjavik: An Icelandic Long Weekend

Whether it’s beneath the blaze of the Midnight Sun or the flicker of the Aurora. Reykjavik makes for the perfect city break all year round. Striking the perfect balance between urban chic and rural escapade, it’s as much a place for indulgence as it is for adventure. With so much on offer in Iceland, we’ve done our best to pack in incredible natural wonders, unique and mesmerising adventures whilst not compromising an inch on luxury and relaxation. With a stay in one of our favourite wellness retreats anywhere on the planet, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, this is the short five-night escape your body and soul have been crying out for.

An Icelandic Food Tour

Upon arrival, you’ll stay at the chic Reykjavik EDITION, the first 5-star modern luxury hotel in Iceland’s capital. But don’t get too comfortable as we’ve got an immersive food tour lined up for you – perfect for eating away any trace of jet lag. Discover Iceland’s innovative cuisine alongside an expert guide before returning to the hotel where quad bikes will be waiting for you for a nighttime spin. Leave the bustle of Reykjavik behind in order to gain a unique perspective of one of nature’s greatest spectacles, the Northern Lights. To say you’ll be completely awestruck is a complete understatement; just don’t forget your camera – you’ll want to show this one off. Come summer, it’ll be the midnight sun that lights your way.

Venture into the wilderness

After a cosy night’s sleep, there’s no hanging about as today we’re taking you out of the city and into the country’s famous Golden Circle. Visit the beautiful Þingvellir national park as well as the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and get a sense for Iceland’s geothermal beauty. For lunch, we’ll take you to one of our favourite spots, Friðheimar. A spectacular greenhouse, but lunch is arguably the star of the show here as you try their delicious tomato soup at a table surrounded by tomato vines.

Tomorrow, you’ll head down to the south coast to experience the geological spectacle of Skógafoss and Sejalandfoss waterfalls. And for a behind the scenes experience, we’ll get you walking behind Sejalandfoss for that Kodak moment. Continue the adventure by hiking and climbing the glacial wonderland of Sólheimajökull, where we’ll get you testing your climbing skills on vertical ice walls. Panic not if this is your first time, our guides are the best in the industry and we’ll teach you everything you need to know. What better way to say you’ve conquered Iceland?

Volcanic Discoveries

Next, we’ll whisk you away to the ruggedly beautiful Reykjanes Peninsula with its hot springs, tectonic rifts, volcanic craters and other moon-like landscapes. This breath-taking area with its rugged treeless landscape is located directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and we’ll take you across the “bridge between continents”, something you can’t experience anywhere else in the world. From one unique experience to another, we’ll then take you into the chamber of the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano. Reached by a hike over a lava field, this is a real bragging rights experience. Visiting in winter? Fear not, there’s still something incredible to experience as you instead journey into Raufarhólshellir through its lava tunnels where, each winter, spectacular ice sculptures are formed inside the entrance of the cave making the sight all the more breathtaking.

Back to civilisation

Returning to Reykjavik, it’s all out wellness from here as you spend your final two nights at the stunning Retreat at Blue Lagoon. Step inside and discover a jaw-dropping subterranean spa and private access to the lagoon, as well as chic modern suites and fine dining. You’ll soon forget all your worries as you slip into those geothermal waters and forget the chilly outside air temperature with the water here averaging a reassuring 37 degrees celsius. Spend your final day in a taste on unadulterated bliss as you indulge in a wide range of therapeutic treatments including energising massages and steam baths before boarding your flight home the next morning.