Iceland in 3 days, upgraded
If you have around $2,500 for three days, you can do Iceland properly: a lagoon suite, private Golden Circle driver, and a tasting menu at Dill. Here is how to spend it.
Luxury hotel window overlooking Icelandic lava field
Where to sleep
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is the top-end move — suites from $1,600 a night with a private lagoon and Michelin-starred Moss restaurant on site. In Reykjavik, The Reykjavik EDITION on the harbour runs $550-700 a night with rooftop views to Mount Esja. Hotel Borg on Austurvollur square is the grand-dame choice at $400.
Book the Retreat for night one so jet lag drowns in silica water.
Day 1-2: Private Golden Circle and the South Coast
Hire a private guide with a Land Cruiser — companies like Hidden Iceland charge $900-1,200 a day for two people. You get Thingvellir before the tour buses, a stop at Efstidalur farm for ice cream from the cows outside, and a snowmobile add-on ($200) on Langjokull glacier.
Day 2, push further to Solheimajokull for a private glacier hike ($180 per person) then black sand beach at Reynisfjara. Overnight at Hotel Ranga near Hella ($480), a log-cabin lodge with hot tubs pointed at the sky for aurora hunting.
Day 3: Reykjavik at its best
Morning helicopter tour over the volcanic Reykjanes peninsula — $600 per person for 45 minutes with Reykjavik Helicopters, and you land on a lava field. Lunch at Matur og Drykkur (about $60 for the set) in the Old Harbour.
Book dinner at Dill weeks ahead — Iceland's original Michelin star. The tasting menu is $195, wine pairing $130. Finish with cocktails at Petersen Svitan rooftop above Gamla Bio, where a martini is $22 and the view of Faxafloi bay is free.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
For one night on arrival or departure, yes. The private lagoon and skipping the crowds is what you pay for.
$900-1,400 a day for a guide with a 4x4, split between up to 4 passengers.
Yes, 4-8 weeks ahead. It is Iceland's only Michelin-starred restaurant and books out.
Hotel Ranga near Hella — remote, dark skies, on-site astronomer, and a wake-up service when the aurora appears.
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