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INTRODUCTION – JULY TRIP The Land of Ice and Fire is dramatic, evocative and surreal - rugged, contrasting and otherworldly, it is hard to avoid the deep sense of adventure and wonder ever-present here. Its extreme northern location means its seasons are pretty unique - winter can be incredibly dark, but in the summer, there is barely any night at all! From May to late July, the midnight sun casts its rays across the land, providing some epic views and stunningly vibrant colours, and only adding to the surreal nature of this incomparable island nation. The rest of the world is finally catching on to the wonders of this incredible land, and as tourists, luxury travelers and adventurers alike begin to explore the country, we wanted to put together a bespoke package that takes in some of the most incredible, awe-inspiring and exciting sights and things to do in Iceland. DAY ONE 05.00 - Upon your arrival in Iceland (flights own arrangements), our representatives in Iceland will meet you with a nameboard and escort you to your private vehicle. Drive directly to Reykjavik, and check into Hotel Konsúlat. Enjoy some leisure time upon check-in to acclimatise to your new surroundings! 12:00 - Your driver will collect you from the hotel for a journey to the dramatic and spectacular peninsula of Reykjanes (30 minutes transfer). You will visit Lake Kleifarvatn with its black sandy shores, and the geothermal region of Krýsuvík, resplendent with hot springs, vents and solfataras. The moon-like landscape is ringed by dormant volcanoes and extensive landing fields, lending it an almost otherwordly feel. Krýsuvík is characterised by contrasting red, green and yellow hills around an expanse of steaming hot vents and boiling springs - this is one of the most striking landscapes in Iceland. A well-maintained boardwalk winds through the bubbling, hissing fields, allowing you to wander and explore as you wish, and information signage explains the geology of the area. The Gunnuhver geyser is particularly worth a visit, and you will also briefly stop at the bridge between two continents, as you cross the slowly widening gap between the Europe and North America's tectonic plates! After an afternoon of such exploration, you will transfer the short journey to the iconic Blue Lagoon! Indulge in a relaxing soak in incredible surrounds as you enjoy this unique natural pool of mineral rich geothermal water, located in the midst of a lava field set in the raw and majestic Icelandic wilderness. The Blue Lagoon is known for its beneficial effects on the skin, and attracts visitors from all over the world in search of health, relaxation and an unusual experience. Take a swim, bathe or simply chill in the pleasantly warm, healing waters, and even take a drink or two at the swim-up bar! Upon arrival here, you will be welcomed by an Exclusive Lounge staff member, who will lead you through the process and ensure you focus only on relaxation and enjoyment. The lounge has 6 private shower rooms, and will therefore never accommodate more than 12 guests. With 50 guest rooms, the Reykjavik Konsulate Hotel is a welcome addition to luxury and upscale Curio properties in cities around the world. The hotel’s interiors draw influence from Reykjavik’s heritage, with natural building materials used throughout and eclectic architecture reflecting the Icelandic aesthetic. The hotel’s spa incorporates an original 19th century stone wall, and its interior reflects the tradition of natural bathing in Icelandic culture. Award-winning restaurateur and Icelandair Hotel’s Executive Chef, Stefan Vidarsson, oversees the restaurant and bar, serving authentic Nordic cuisine and the highest quality ingredients. DAY TWO Today provides an opportunity to explore Iceland's capital (and only!) city - charming Reykjavik! Get to know the city at your own pace and at your leisure. Iceland revels in its reputation as one of the most modern and forward-thinking societies in Europe, and Reykavik is at the heart of this ethos. Stroll around the city, take in the sights, and stop to enjoy some of the traditional food items Iceland has to offer, such as smoked lamb, fermented shark and dried fishes! Hlemmur Food Hall is worth a stop; where 10 ambitious venders provide a sample of Icelandic delicacies. Taste some organic sourdough bread at an artisan bakery, authentic Mexican tacos, soup created from locally grown vegetables, freshly ground coffee or wholesome juices. 12.00 - Meet your driver in the lobby, ready for a private transfer to Hotel Rangá for the next three evenings. Hotel Rangá is a comfortable hotel built in a log-cabin style, which offers all the facilities and service of a first-class hotel, located only about 90 minutes by road from Reykjavík, on the banks of the Eystri-Rangá River in south Iceland. The restaurant at Hotel Rangá is an acclaimed gourmet restaurant overlooking one of Iceland's finest salmon rivers, East-Rangá River. The restaurant's motto is the concept of a "Farmers Market" - in effect using predominantly local ingredients of the highest quality and freshness - following seasonal availability. The wine list and bar selection is extensive and is sure to satisfy even the most demanding connoisseur. The Hotel Rangá Astronomical Observatory is the latest addition to the hotel. The roll-off roof observatory has room for up to 30 people, and is equipped with two high quality 11-inch computerized telescopes, making it the most advanced observatory in Iceland. It is located about 150 meters north of the hotel's main building to minimize light pollution. Scopes can be turned towards the stars to view amazing detail on Jupiter, see Cassini's Division in the rings of Saturn, and resolve details on the surface of Mars. Even the distant Uranus and Neptune are within your reach. Light pollution around the hotel is minimal, making it the optimal location for viewing the night sky. DAY THREE 09.00 - This morning you will rise and drive onto Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the most important natural and historic places in Iceland. Geologically it is the visible site of the mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, and it is the setting of the world´s oldest parliament - founded around 930AD. Thingvellir has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2004, and was also a filming location for Game of Thrones - you can follow in the footsteps of the White Walkers and walk down the impressive Almannagja gorge. Next, you will move onto the enormous, thundering Gulfoss waterfall, with a stop at the Geysir (the iconic geyser so famous that it provided the name for all water spouts of this type) - it’s time for a little action as you board some self-driven buggies for 2 hours of adrenaline filled fun! Climb the lunar-like landscape of the erosion blasted Haukadalsheiði platea, then head on to the rough and rocky Kjölur highland road, led by your expert guide. Possible sights en route are Langjökull glacier, Bláfell volcano and Sandvatn glacier lagoon, all depending on weather and conditions. Our Buggies are equipped with 4-point harnesses for your safety and automatic transmission for driving ease. All you need is a spirit for adventure, and a valid driving license for the driver. The mighty Gulfoss, with its two-tiered cascade, is just a short drive from your base of operations, as is the geysir geothermal area, where hot springs are in abundance, geysers explore, and boiling pools of mud bubble away. Although the original Geysir is not so active these days, its neighbour Strokkur more than makes up for it - spouting water 100 feet in the air every few minutes! As an eventful day draws to a close, transfer to Hotel Ranga and enjoy a meal at the hotel restaurant, where we have reserved you a table (payable locally)! DAY FOUR 09.00 - Meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Today you will have an opportunity to explore the magnificent glaciers and vast black sands of Iceland's South Shore - with a thrilling snowmobile adventure! Drive directly to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and after a safety briefing, jump onboard a SuperJeep and head up the infamous and unpronouncable Eyjafjallajökull glacier (which covers a volcano below, famous for its 2010 eruption which ground global air traffic to halt)! Your private snowmobile ride will take you away from any crowds and into the wildnerness - there is nothing quite like driving your own snowmobile across a glacier, surrounded in all directions by endless stretches of snow and ice! The incredible vistas in every direction are quite something to behold, and on a clear day you can see all of the South Shore, the Westman Islands and the Highlands. In the afternoon visit Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that has carved a cavern-like space behind, which you can walk into - giving a spectacular view through the curtain of water. Next up is another remarkable waterfall - Skogafoss - before heading onwards to Reynisfjara, with its basalt columns, crashing waves and volcanic black beach, before heading onwards to Dyrhólaey, where you enjoy more spectacular views of glaciers and black sand beaches. DAY FIVE 10.00 - Meet your driver and transfer from Hotel Rangá to Reykjavik. A table has been reserved for you at Apotek restaurant at midday (payable locally), and after lunch you will transfer for your onward flight (own arrangements). Sadly, a wonderful trip has drawn to an end!