Iceland: Waterfalls, Lava Tubes, and Tomato Soup Worth Booking a Trip For

Written By Krista Nannery

Beautiful Reykjavik

Let’s be clear: Iceland is not a "figure-it-out-when-you-land" destination. This is a country where the GPS will take you to a sheep field, weather apps lie to your face, and restaurants book out weeks in advance. But it’s also one of the most jaw-dropping, life-affirming places you can visit on this planet—if you do it right. And that’s where I come in.

I just planned a personalized Iceland trip that hit everything – volcanoes, food, whales, puffins, black sand beaches, hot springs, glaciers, and yes, a tomato greenhouse bistro (you’ll thank me later). Here’s a taste of what it looked like—and why working with me is the best way to unlock this wild little island. Read to chat all things Iceland? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

👀Keep reading to the end because when you get there, I’ve suggested seven other ways you can experience Iceland!

Reykjavik: Jet Lag? Meet Lava Bread and a Food Walk

First stop: a few nights in Reykjavik to decompress. Early check-in, breakfast baskets delivered to the door, and a digital key so no one fumbled with reception after an overnight flight. The day kicked off with a city food tour where, thankfully, fermented shark was not on the menu. Instead: warm rye bread, local cheeses, seafood stew, and stories from a local who made the city come alive.

The rest of Reykjavik itinerary was DIY magic—from FlyOver Iceland to the hot dog stand Baejarins Beztu, the National Museum, and the Lava Show (yes, real molten lava poured in a showroom).

A lava tube!

Lava Tubes & Whale Watching

Next up: crawling into a lava tunnel from a 5,200-year-old eruption. If you've never walked the path of ancient lava flows while ice sculptures hang overhead, it’s a must. Then a geothermal hike to a hot spring river where you soak like a Viking in nature’s own spa.

Later that day? Whale watching from Reykjavik’s old harbor, with marine biologists guiding the way. Puffins, gannets, and the quiet awe of seeing a whale breach against the Icelandic skyline.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Earth’s Mood Board

This stretch of west Iceland is like a highlight reel of everything the country offers: charming towns, seal-covered beaches, black churches, glacier-topped volcanoes, sea cliffs, lava fields, and the iconic Mt. Kirkjufell (aka the one from Game of Thrones).

Thingvellir

Golden Circle Done Right: Hot Bread and Tomato Wine

Sure, we did the big three: Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. But we also pulled hot rye bread out of the earth with our own hands at a geothermal bakery and had lunch at a tomato greenhouse where they serve tomato beer and homemade ice cream under the vines.

Then, a long soak in the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. No need for frills when you have sulfur-rich water piping straight out of the earth. Have I got your attention about Iceland yet? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

Vestmannaeyjar: Puffins, Lava, and the Unexpected

Ferrying out to the Westman Islands felt like stepping into a history book. A town nearly wiped out by a volcanic eruption in 1973, now rebuilt with a museum buried in the actual lava. Hike a volcano, visit a beluga whale sanctuary, and spot puffins from cliffs that feel like the edge of the world.

The South Coast & Vatnajökull: Waterfalls and Icebergs

Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui, Skogafoss... names that sound made up, each more dramatic than the last. Then black sand beaches, lava fields, and moss-covered cliffs as the landscape shifted hour by hour.

We visited Icelandic horses, trekked behind waterfalls, and eventually hit Vatnajökull National Park—Europe’s largest. There, clients hiked a glacier with crampons and an ice axe, navigated crevasses, and touched thousand-year-old ice. Later that day? A boat ride through a lagoon filled with icebergs, followed by Diamond Beach where ice chunks sparkle against black sand.

Vik, Iceland

Final Stretch: Vik, Mud Pools, and the Long Goodbye

The trip wound down with one last stop in Vik, known for its moody beauty and basalt cliffs. From there, we snaked back toward Reykjavik via bubbling mud pools, volcanic craters, and Kleifarvatn lake.

No airport chaos, no "where do we drop the car" panic. Just smooth transitions and a final nod to the elements before heading home.

Iceland Is Wild. Your Trip Shouldn’t Be.

Iceland is magical. But it’s not forgiving. One wrong hotel, missed ferry, or forgotten dinner reservation can throw off your whole day. When I plan your trip, I think about everything: timing, logistics, weather, food, backup plans, comfort, access, experience.

You get the freedom to explore with none of the stress.

But I get it…self-drive isn’t for everyone! Here are seven other ways to experience Iceland…

👉Ready to do Iceland the right way? Let’s talk. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England. My 20 year career in the investment management industry and my personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation to anyone looking to plan their next trip.

Ways I Can Help You

Krista Nannery
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