Reykjavik, Hella & Kerlingarfjoll — Beyond the Familiar

Reykjavik

Meet your private driver-guide upon arrival for a private transfer to Reykjavik, with a guided tour of the "back garden of Reykjavik", the Reykjanes Peninsula. Pass through otherworldly, lunar-like landscapes, witnessing green moss clinging to black volcanic ground, pitted with craters and rugged boulders strewn from the earth’s inner mantle thousands of years ago. Watch mountains appear out of nowhere as you come over hills and wrap around bends, making your way to Kleifarvatn, a small, serene lake nestled between a series of volcanoes and black sand beaches. Over the course of your day, you’ll also head to Seltun to walk a beautiful geothermal hill trail, then get blasted by ocean spray from the wild Atlantic as it splashes up on the seaside viewing platform at Brimketill. See a supernatural-meets-industrial wasteland at Gunnuhver, spot a lighthouse on a cliff peering out over the ocean at Reykjanesviti, and even walk between the North American and Eurasian continental plates at the Bridge Between Continents. Conclude your tour on arrival to your hotel in Reykjavik, where your English-speaking assistant will assist you with hotel check in and answer any questions you have.. Your welcome package, including your full itinerary and any relevant documents for your trip, will be waiting on arrival in destination .. The city of Reykjavik, though small in size, presents a wide range of sites and stops you can make during a leisurely self-guided stroll through the city. Between towering architecture, famous landmarks and impressive street art, a day spent sauntering through Iceland’s capital is a day well spent. Within your final trip documents, you’ll receive a supplemental composition which showcases our self-guided stroll suggestions, as recommended by Memori Tours Destination Experts.

Accommodation: Alda Hotel (B) (Deluxe Room), Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Setting out as a small group of 11 participants or fewer, you’ll embark on a tasty half-day guided walking tour through the delicacies and food culture of downtown Reykjavik. Making a selection of stops, you'll visit a variety of casual, fine dining, and cozy family-run restaurants. Some are well-known, while others are secret local hangouts. In all instances, the most delicious traditional cuisines of Iceland (and not the most bizarre ones) will be highlighted during your included tastings. Learn what the Vikings ate and how Icelandic people have survived harsh winters thanks to special cooking techniques and preservation methods in this immersive gastronomic adventure. Please note, some of the dishes include alcohol, meat, and fish.. Skim across Faxafloi Bay on a small-group RIB for an up-close wildlife adventure that blends speed with standout sightings. After a quick stop by nearby puffin islands during nesting season, your captain and naturalist head into open water to look for whales, dolphins, and seabirds, with the low profile of the boat making each surfacing feel especially close. On the way back, Reykjavik’s shoreline comes into view from the water for a scenic finish. No two outings are the same, with wildlife sightings always dependent on nature.. Reykjavik’s evenings invite effortless self-guided discovery, year-round. After a day exploring the city or surrounding nature, step into the rhythm along Laugavegur Street, where colorful storefronts, historic facades, and creative energy beckon. Wander hidden alleys, pause in lively squares, or follow the hum of the city as it glows with evening life. Begin with an aperitif or a drink after dinner, moving between spots that each offer their own character. Ascend to The Reykjavik EDITION for rooftop views and locally inspired cocktails, or linger at Kaldi Bar Cafe with signature drinks and a curated wine list. Port 9 pairs international wines with small bites, Vinstukan Tiu Sopar balances natural and classic wines with tapas-style plates, and Dillon Whiskey Bar brings Icelandic and international whiskies to life with live music. For a quieter, more intimate note, let acoustic sets, jazz, and singer-songwriters pull you into Hus Mals og Menningar, a cozy corner alive with books, conversation, and gentle rhythms. Follow the city’s glow, linger where it captivates, and let Reykjavik reveal itself one street, one drink, one sound at a time.

Accommodation: Alda Hotel (B) (Deluxe Room), Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Hella

This morning, meet your private driver-guide and depart from your hotel for a full-day exploration of Iceland's remarkable South Shore, one of the country's most scenic regions, featuring fertile farmlands, stunning waterfalls, glaciers, and a majestic environment. After a leisurely drive along the Ring Road, arrive at Fljotshlid for a private ATV excursion. Ride with an expert ATV tour leader through rugged terrain, across streams, and alongside volcanic slopes. Reach a secret cave where your tour leader has set up a quaint lunch with tables and chairs inside, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Back on the ATV, enjoy another 40-minute ride before rejoining your private driver-guide to continue your journey along the South Shore. Visit two of the region's most revered waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, where graceful water spouts pour off grassy cliffs into misty pools below. Next, head to Reynisfjara, a stunning black sand beach where a massive mountainside meets the cool waters of the North Atlantic, revealing a rock face with hundreds of picture-perfect rock pillars. Conclude your adventure in Hella.. Nestled within the charming log-style Hotel Ranga, Ranga Restaurant offers a culinary journey through seasonal Icelandic cuisine. Renowned for its commitment to excellence in South Iceland, the restaurant boasts a menu deeply rooted in Nordic traditions, highlighting the region's finest local ingredients. Reserve your table today to indulge in an exceptional dining experience. Please note this is a dining suggestion only, and not included as part of your itinerary. Please speak with your Destination Expert if this is something you would like to pre-arrange, otherwise reservations can be made when you check in. Meal payable on the spot.

Accommodation: Hotel Ranga (B) (Deluxe), Reykjavik

Hella, Kerlingarfjoll

Experience the unparalleled beauty of Iceland's natural wonders on a private transfer to the Highlands in Kerlingarfjoll, stopping to marvel at the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall and the mesmerizing Strokkur geyser along the way. Begin your journey with a visit to one of Iceland's most iconic landmarks, the mesmerizing Strokkur geyser. Marvel as it shoots hot water up to 100 feet high in spectacular eruptions every 6 minutes or so, leaving you in awe of nature's forces. Climb up the mountain behind Strokkur for a stunning view out across a valley initially hidden from site. Next, experience the mighty Gullfoss waterfall with a drop of over 100 feet. Cascading tiers of glacial water plunging into a breathtaking canyon, create a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates all. As the journey continues towards the enchanting Highlands, immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Iceland's interior, where volcanic landscapes and sweeping vistas unfold beyond imagination painting a canvas of serene greens, tranquil blues to vibrant reds and orange colors. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with fascinating insights into Iceland's geological wonders and cultural heritage, ensuring an enriching and enlightening experience at every turn. Conclude your day upon arrival to Highland Base Hotel.

Accommodation: Highland Base Hotel (B) (Deluxe Room), Hella

Kerlingarfjoll

Delve into Iceland's captivating geothermal landscape on a private tour led by your expert guide, exploring the secluded wonders of Kerlingarfjoll, in the rugged interior highlands. Your adventure begins in Hveradalir, a hidden gem nestled within this mountainous terrain, where nature's forces create a mesmerizing display of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vibrant hot springs, painting the landscape with a rainbow of colors. Tailored to your preferences and fitness level, the journey offers a choice between exhilarating hikes and serene strolls, ensuring a personalized experience.  Traverse rust-colored mountains enveloped in swirling steam, capturing breathtaking photographs or simply immersing yourself in the raw beauty of this unique environment.  With a packed lunch included, savor moments of tranquility amidst Iceland's wilderness, where every step unveils a new facet of natural splendor and discovery.

Accommodation: Highland Base Hotel (B) (Deluxe Room), Kerlingarfjoll

Kerlingarfjoll, Reykjavik

Set off on a private full-day transfer from the Highland Base, through Kerlingarfjoll Highlands  to Reykjavik, with stops along the way to visit a local tomato greenhouse farm and the renowned Thingvellir National Park. Begin your adventure at the Fridheimar Tomato Greenhouse farm, where the art of tomato cultivation is unveiled in a private presentation. Here, be treated to a delectable lunch featuring fresh, locally grown tomatoes, and savor the flavors of this innovative greenhouse, which thrives under the Icelandic sun. The journey continues to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history and geological wonders. As the site of the world’s first parliament, dating back over 1,000 years, and the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, you'll have the opportunity to wander through breathtaking landscapes that have borne witness to centuries of Icelandic history. The park offers dramatic scenery and woodlands that change colors throughout the year, making the area a photographer’s delight. Conclude your day upon arrival in Reykjavik.

Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavik Saga (B) (Deluxe Double Room), Kerlingarfjoll

Reykjavik

Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.