Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Iceland and Norway's arctic Svalbard archipelago
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
- Tours of Reynisfjara and Skogarfjara black sand beaches
- Exciting horse ride discovering the Icelandic south coast
- Snowshoeing through the wilds of Kvaloya Island
- Crossing the wilderness of Svalbard on a husky sleigh
What's included
- Private tours and excursions throughout your journey
- Husky sleigh ride and snowmobile tour of Svalbard
- All accommodation, flights and transfers mentioned
- Full support from your Travel Designer and Concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
Throw yourself into the great outdoors on a 12-night trip that takes in Iceland‘s spectacular landscape and the arctic beauty the world’s northernmost perennial settlement, Svalbard.
Your epic journey begins in Rekyjavik where, after a tour of the city, you’ll saddle up and explore the south coast in the company of smart and hardy Icelandic horses. You’ll then drive out of the city to Thingvellir, passing canyons, geysers, waterfalls and lakes.
A jeep excursion takes you deep into the rugged central highlands and Thorsmork, and you’ll visit the famous waterfalls and black sand beaches of the southern coast. Before you depart for Norway, there’s time for a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon.
After a stopover in Oslo, continue your exploration to historic Tromso, inside the Arctic Circle, for a snowshoe trek through the wilds of Kvaloya Island, before flying north to Svalbard. Spend three final ‘nights’ exploring the icy tundra of this incredible archipelago, experiencing the midnight sun from the back of a snowmobile and crisscrossing the white wilderness by husky sleigh.
Example trip itinerary
Reykjavik
Transfer
Meet and greet at Reykjavik airport
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik
Accommodation in Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Overview
Based in central Reykjavík, Kvosin is styled with a simple, clean and modern character and enjoys a home away from home feel.
While a keypad and code replaces your typical hotel room key, the guestrooms are reminiscent of mini apartments with bundles of space and contemporary comforts including a fully-equipped kitchenette. Adding to the hotel’s quirky vibe, accommodation sizes are divided up – not as generic rooms and suites – but as ‘Normal’, ‘Bigger’, ‘Biggest’ and an impressive ‘Larger than Life’.
A friendly team go one step further to enhance Kvosin’s amiable ambience and remind you to head up to the top-floor terrace to soak up lovely lake views and then down to the wine bar for a fantastic range of drinks.
→ Find out moreReykjavik
Overview
The Alda Hotel is located on the main shopping street, Laugavegur, in the center of Iceland’s vibrant capital city.
65 spacious, calm and stylishly Nordic rooms are available in a range of sizes, ideal for recharging your batteries after a day of exploring Iceland’s magnificent countryside or returning from the city centre, which is just one step away. Every room features access to high speed internet, HD TV and a walk-in shower in the bathroom. Fourth floor rooms allow access to a great balcony where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the colourful city and beyond to the fullest.
A gym is located on the ground floor, with access to an outdoor terrace, and offers top-of-the-line exercise equipment including a treadmill, stationary bikes, free weights and a dry sauna. In-room massages can also be arranged.
The hotel’s hip Barber Bar offers offers wine, champagne, fresh draught beer, spirits and cocktails, while a host of restaurants and the city’s vibrant nightlife are just all close by.
→ Find out moreReykjavik
Overview
Step back to yesteryear at this sophisticated property on the corner of Austurvöllur Square. Harking back to the days of the ’30s, Hotel Borg is adorned with art deco design; black and white photos line the walls and elegant fittings grace the interiors.
Fused with a Scandinavian influence, the rooms and suites feature modern style with top-notch amenities and custom-made furniture. What’s more, some enjoy lovely Austurvöllur Square views, while interconnected and superior guestrooms offer further space and luxury.
Dining-wise, the hotel boasts a Jamie’s Italian restaurant which is set in the Golden Hall, known for its unique oval ceiling mural. Here guests can enjoy everything from antipasti and nibbles, to classic sourdough pizzas and hearty pasta dishes.
→ Find out moreSet among snow-topped mountains and volcanic surrounds, Reykjavik is the energetic gateway city to a land of rugged adventures. As the planet's most northerly capital, Reykjavik greets you with a crisp, clean Icelandic breeze before charming you with its blend of small village feel and big city passion. Looking out across the sea to glacier views, this little city is split in half by the brilliant waters of Tjornin Lake and brims with highbrow museums, first-class geothermal pools and stylish restaurants.
Amble around these friendly and colourful streets before uncovering Iceland's more remote and isolated pockets that hold all-natural wonders of otherworldly lava fields and bubbling mud pools.
Reykjavik revels in its reputation as being one of the most modern, forward thinking societies in Europe. The city tour includes all the major landmarks. We visit Reykjavik’s spectacular coastline and harbour area including Harpa, the latest edition to the Icelandic and international cultural scene. The Höfdi house is the venue of the “end of the cold war” meeting in 1986 between President Reagan and General Secretary Gorbachev. We also visit Reykjavik’s colourful old quarter with its quaint wooden houses and narrow streets. This private city tour also includes a stop at the Perlan Museum, which opened in 2017. The first exhibition is the Glaciers and Ice Cave exhibition which features a man made ice cave and an interactive show on glaciers in Iceland.
Get to know the hardy, smart and characterful Icelandic horse on a half day's ride across the north's incredible landscape.
Drive to Thingvellir, the site of the oldest democratic parliament in the world, and the point where the slowly separating North American and Eurasian tectonic plates can be clearly seen. During the tour, visit Geysir, the geyser which gave its name to all other erupting hot springs, and one of the most active geysers in the area, Strokkur. Continue on to the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, then follow the main rift down to Lake Thingvallavatn.
Southern Iceland
Today you'll be taken to Solheimajokull glacier to walk on the ice field and discover ice sculptures, ridges, and deep crevasses. Then explore an extraordinary black lava beach with icebergs scattered along the strand on this private-led tour.
Accommodation in Southern Iceland
Southern Iceland
Overview
Found in the perfect spot of Southern Iceland for outdoor lovers, the log-cabin Ranga Hotel is a cocoon of warmth, ideal for relaxing after Northern Lights viewing and glacier touring.
This cosy hideaway boasts uninterrupted panoramas from all parts of the property. Guestrooms look out to the East Ranga River or Mount Helka which are best enjoyed with a soak in your private jacuzzi – drink in hand. If you fancy something a little quirkier, opt for one of the lavish suites. Themed on the seven continents, they are filled with weird and wonderful touches such as Aztec wall-hangings, a didgeridoo, bearskin and bison head.
Facing the salmon-filled river, the reputable restaurant features a farmer’s market concept. Local produce and freshly-caught seafood is prepared here to create delicious Nordic dishes with a Mediterranean twist.
Venturing outside to the barely polluted rural skies, the luxury amenities continue. Three outdoor hot tubs heated with geothermal water provide an unforgettable place to watch the aurora borealis dance across the sky, while the astronomical observatory with its roll-off roof and telescopes offers superb stargazing.
→ Find out moreSouthern Iceland
Overview
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a brand new hotel in Hnappavellir, a popular climbing area. The location is perfect for nature lovers, as it is right between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, two of Iceland’s most spectacular natural attractions; a hiker’s paradise. Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon offers 104 rooms with all necessary amenities as well as a restaurant and bar.
→ Find out moreSouthern Iceland
Overview
Based in the country’s southern-most village, Hótel Vík í Mýrdal is a slice of contemporary elegance wrapped in natural wonders.
Accommodation comes in the form of swanky rooms which face cliffs, sea or the striking Reynisdrangar Pillars. These natural views are echoed in the rooms’ decor with light and natural interiors and are decked out with all the expected trimmings.
Head out to explore the magnificent but peaceful Vik village and its surrounding Myrdalur Valley on superjeep and snowmobiling tours. Look out for the resident puffins and unearth sights such as glaciers and black sand beaches, before returning to the hotel for first-rate dining at the Restaurant Berg and a cosy drink by the lobby bar’s fireplace.
→ Find out moreSpend your time in Iceland discovering a myriad of natural marvels. Explore active volcanoes and dancing geysers on scenic hikes and trek to the thundering Skogafoss Waterfall, black sand beaches, the jaw-dropping Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon and Europe's largest glacier, the immense Vatnajokull. The South is also Iceland's agricultural heartland and is strewn with charming traditional farms.
Venture to Landmannalaugar in the central highlands of Iceland, passing Laki volcano and across lava fields, black ash and scoria deserts. Landmannalaugar is an area of great contrasts with black ridges and colourful mountains of green, red, yellow and orange.
Aboard a heavily modified 4x4, safari into Thorsmork. This is one of the most beautiful areas of the country, surrounded by rugged and beautiful mountains, glaciers and glacial rivers, decorated with small birch woods and humming brooks. Here find some 170 plant, moss and lichen species in this lush area, which was a fjord some 12,000 years ago. Enjoy a barbecue lunch in the Land of the Gods before heading back to Reykjavik.
Visit Skaftafell National Park. The landscape here is almost alpine, but it has been formed in thousands of years by fire - volcanic eruptions - and water - from glaciers and rivers. Svartifoss waterfall is one of Skaftafell's best known attractions, mainly for the stark basalt column walls that flank it. The park is renowned in Iceland for its agreeable climate and the sunny days in summer, unusual for the area, and is home many species of birds and arctic foxes.
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. Temperatures in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 37–39 °C (98–102 °F) and the waters, rich in minerals like silica, are reputed to help some people suffering from various skin ailments. The lagoon is man-made and fed by the water output of the nearby geothermal power plant Svartsengi, where superheated water is vented from the ground near a lava flow and used to run turbines that generate electricity. After going through the turbines, the steam and hot water pass through a heat exchanger to provide heat for a municipal water heating system. Then the water is fed into the lagoon for recreational and medicinal users to bathe in.
Transfer
Private transfer to Reykjavik Airport
Flight
Flight from Reykjavik to Oslo
Oslo
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Oslo
Accommodation in Oslo
Oslo
Overview
With enough avant-garde design to make the most discerning art collector turn green, impressive views steal your attention every way you turn at The Thief. From inspiring contemporary art gracing guestrooms to Julian Opie animations playing in the elevators and an Andy Warhol piece sitting in the restaurant – and not forgetting those fjord panoramas – this is Oslo’s exciting, cutting-edge design hotel.
Facing the water’s edge in the Tjuvholmen district, now deemed a hotspot for innovative design, with the Astrup Fearnely Museum of Modern Art next door and superb restaurants scattered among pedestrianised streets and squares, this boutique bolt-hole fits perfectly into its creative environment.
Closely tied to its Norwegian setting, The Thief is adorned with local designers’ furniture while the restaurant’s seasonal menu is peppered with regional accents. Drinks and views then come hand in hand up at the gorgeous roof terrace, though each room and suite also offers private vistas from floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies.
Scenery isn’t the only thing your room provides either. Infused with gadgets, carefully chosen artwork and luxuries including rainforest showers, bespoke woollen blankets, slippers and bathrobes, the accommodation here is superb.
→ Find out moreSitting at the head of a fjord, with the forests behind it, the Norwegian Capital is gifted with a unique combination of vibrant city life and easy access to the outdoors. Although the most populous city in Norway, Oslo is the perfect size for exploring on foot. You'll be drawn in by an eclectic mix of old and new architecture, world-class museums, animated nightlife and plenty of outdoor activities. The trading roots of this ancient Viking city are reflected in the importance of the buildings surrounding its harbours. It's here that you'll find the Town Hall, The Nobel Peace Centre, the medieval Akershus Fortress and the National Opera House.
Transfer
Private transfer to Oslo airport
Flight
Flight from Oslo to Tromso
Tromso
Transfer
Private transfer to your Tromso hotel
Accommodation in Tromso
Tromso
Overview
Perfectly placed along the waterside, Scandic Ishavshotel enjoys a fantastic setting just two minutes from the city’s shops and restaurants and is surrounded by beautiful mountain and Straits of Tromso views.
Soak up these vistas from your room – or balcony if you opt for a suite. Modern facilities are strewn throughout the property, from well appointed rooms to heated bathroom floors to excellent restaurants. Breakfast is an utter feast here, while traditional Norwegian specialties provide tasty meals during the rest of the day.
If you’re after a glimpse of the Northern Lights, ask reception for an Aurora wake-up call to ensure you don’t miss a second of the magical sight.
→ Find out moreTromso
Overview
This modern design hotel, now an important cultural venue, first opened its doors in May 2014. It occupies a privileged spot on the port in the city centre, affording it great views over the fjord and the mainland, as well as easy access to Tromso’s main attractions.
A large hotel of 290 rooms, The Edge has built a reputation for warm and intimate service. Guests will enjoy the experience of dining at the Kitchen & Table restaurant, run by Swedish Master chef Marcus Samuelsson, and there is also an atmospheric cocktail lounge in which to unwind. Each of the en suite guest rooms are furnished with the usual modern conveniences, including a television, desk, hair dryer and mini-bar.
Easily reached from the airport, The Edge is a premier choice for a stop over, but its proximity to Tromos city’s attractions – and the level of comfort you’ll encounter – mean that you may well want to stay for longer. You’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy the centre’s nigh life and shopping, including the Nerstrand and Jekta malls. The famous Polaria Aqarium, the Polar Museum, Ishavskatedralen ‘Midnight’ Cathedral, Art Museum of Northern Norway and Mack Brewery are all also close by.
→ Find out moreAs you arrive in Tromso, ‘the arctic capital’, you experience a sudden rush of excitement: you're at the last outpost of civilisation before the wild icy sweeps of the Arctic Ocean. But while the streets and harbor may reflect a past of polar adventure, Tromsø is more than just a dropping off point for Arctic expeditions - it's a vibrant cultural centre for a region of small fishing villages.
Located on an island connected by bridges to the mainland, the center is famous for its charming, old wooden houses, cathedral and ancient cinema. The atmosphere is as lively as you'd expect of a bustling port town, which is also the site of the most northerly university on the planet, and you'll find many fine restaurants, cafes and bars here.
This evening, enjoy dinner at one of the best restaurants in the city, where you will taste Arctic specialties and excellent quality fish.
This morning head into Tromso to acquaint yourself with the vibrant city and visit some of its best museums. During the tour you will see the Polar museum and Polaria, the world's most northerly aquarium.
Head out with your mountain guide for a snowshoeing trek through the wilds of Kvaloya Island.
Transfer
Private transfer from Tromso hotel to Tromso airport
Flight
Flight from Tromso to Longyearbyen
Svalbard Islands
Transfer
Private transfer to your accommodation in The Svalbard Islands
Accommodation in Svalbard Islands
The Svalbard Islands
Overview
Decked out in a traditional trapper style with driftwood, sealskin and slate, this rustic hotel will perfectly set the tone for your experience in the wild lands of Svalbard.
The thoroughly unique hotel has 16 rooms, each decorated in traditional trapper style with lovely views over the town and mountains. The cosy lobby is stocked with fascinating arctic books and the “Cognac loft” offers guests a comfortable vantage point from which to see the illuminated night sky and relax after dinner – Svalbard is one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights, both by day and night.
Located in the heart of Longyearbyen, the Trapper’s Hotel is conveniently placed for easy access to the town’s restaurants, pubs and shops and your point of departure for expeditions into the wilderness. For skiing enthusiasts, there are several magnificent mountains just a day trip away from the hotel and bike rental is also easily arranged.
→ Find out moreSat in the Arctic Ocean halfway between Norway and the North Pole, the Svalbard archipelago an arctic wilderness half covered by glaciers and home to polar bears, reindeer, arctic fox, sea birds and whales. Spitsbergen with its main town Longyearbyen, is the largest and only permanently inhabited island of the archipelago. No roads connect its settlements, providing a unique opportunity for snowmobiling or traveling by boat.
Your experience will differ depending on the season you decide to visit. In summer, animals and fauna thrive during the long stretch of constant light and it’s the best time for exploring fjords and glaciers, kayaking and trekking. The polar winter night means that the Northern Lights are bright and the freezing conditions are great for snowmobiling, skiing, husky sledding and visiting ice caves.
On this trip we will enjoy the exotic midnight sun from the back of a snowmobile. Driving in the middle of the night in full daylight is a special experience.
Today you will head out on an exciting husky sleigh ride. Learn how to prepare the sleighs following directions from your guide and choosing the appropriate dogs. Then go through the Bolterdalen valley in a crossing of about six hours. Surrounded by the Svalbard mountains and with the silence as a companion, hear the sound of your skis as they slide over the snow before arriving at frozen caves. Enjoy an expedition lunch and then return to the farm for a hot cup of tea or coffee around the bonfire as you share your stories from the day.
In the evening, from around 6 to 11pm, sail out into the arctic wilds on an expedition boat. The focus will be on finding wildlife and seeing spectacular glaciers under the midnight sun, with a chance of spotting maybe seals, whales, polar bears and thousand of birds. En route there will be a warming expedition dinner at a scenic place.
Discover the remote wilderness of the tundra on an exciting hike through a wide range of landscapes. Rugged, barren mountains, often covered with ice and snow, sit alongside miles and miles of gentle tundra, making this area a joy for hiking. The more serious minded hikers can go on full day hikes further into the wilderness of Spitsbergen, which has been seen by more reindeer and polar bears than people.
This evening enjoy a delicious dinner on your final night in Svalbard.
Transfer
Transfer to Longyearbyen airport
Flight
Flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo (via Tromso)
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.