London and Reykjavík: From Royal Heritage to Geothermal Wonders

While London's history dates back nearly 2,000 years, today travelers will spend time exploring the history of the last 1,000. The tour will begin with a coach drive past some of London's most famous landmarks before embarking on foot to explore the city with a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral. The day will be full of history and discovery! Tomorrow awaits the mysterious of Stonehenge.

Following our coach drive past some of London’s most famous landmarks we will visit St. Paul’s Cathedral as their doors open. We will explore the masterpiece designed by Wren in 1673 with a professional guide, taking time to listen to the 1695 organ that Mendelssohn once played and visit the tombs of Nelson and Wellington. On Sundays when there is restricted viewing at the Cathedral, there will be an opportunity to enter and enjoy one of the services. If, on a rare occasion, St. Paul’s Cathedral is closed, you will have an extended panoramic tour of London instead. Departing the cathedral there will be a photo stop outside Westminster Abbey before we head to The Mall to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony as one of the Queens Household Regiments march from St. James Palace to Buckingham Palace dressed in their world famous tunics and busbies. If the Changing of the Guard is not taking place you will still see Buckingham Palace. Next there will be free time for lunch; your guide will be happy to recommend places to eat (food/drink not included). The afternoon part of the tour includes a visit to the Tower of London. Your guide will give you insights into the history of this Royal Palace and fortress built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. There will be time to view the Crown Jewels and the White Tower, as well as, wander around. To finish the tour we take a short cruise on the River Thames as we enjoy excellent views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and Shakespeare’s Globe.

Stonehenge, arguably one of England's most popular tourist attractions (for good reason), is about 500 to 1,000 years older than the first pyramids and even more mysterious as to their purpose. Today travelers get to visit this ancient site and hear the theories of its existence. This final day in England will sure to be a highlight before the journey to Iceland tomorrow.

Wander around the large stone circle surrounding the village of Avebury at your leisure with an English speaking driver-guide. Some of the first stones in the circle predate those at Stonehenge by at least 200 years. Next, continue on to Stonehenge to explore while pondering how this monument, with some stones weighing up to 50 tons, was erected 5,000 years ago. Includes entrance to one attraction and parking.

Today’s Golden Circle tour offers travelers a remarkable journey through Iceland’s natural and historical wonders. The day begins at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia meet. Guests will walk through this awe-inspiring rift valley, marvel at one of Iceland’s largest natural lakes, and explore the site where the world’s oldest parliament, Alþingi, was established in 930 AD. The tour continues to the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, where travelers can feel the spray of glacial waters plunging into the rugged Hvítárgljúfur Canyon. Next, the adventure takes guests to the famous Geysir hot spring area, where they’ll witness the explosive force of Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every few minutes. With stunning geothermal features and scenic landscapes, this tour is an unforgettable experience. Tomorrow, travelers can look forward to unwinding in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon, a perfect way to relax after today’s exploration.

The outing begins with an exploration of Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia are slowly pulling apart. Guests will witness one of Iceland's largest natural lakes and learn the remarkable story of how the Icelandic parliament, Alþingi, was established in 930 AD. Known as the ‘Assembly Fields’ or ‘Parliament Plains,’ this site, located about 28 miles east of the capital, was the birthplace of one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions. From Þingvellir, the tour continues through picturesque landscapes toward two of Iceland's greatest natural wonders: Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. At Gullfoss, guests can take a short walk down a pathway to get up close to the powerful waterfall, feeling the mist of glacial water as it cascades into the narrow Hvítárgljúfur Canyon. After departing Gullfoss, the next stop is the Geysir hot spring area, where guests will walk among hissing steam vents, sulfurous mud pots, and witness an erupting geyser. This area, home to "The Great Geysir" hot spring from which all geysers are named, is an impressive display of bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and colorful algae deposits. It also features Strokkur, one of the world’s most reliable fountain geysers, which blasts a column of superheated water up to 65 feet into the air every 4 to 8 minutes.

On this final day in Iceland, travelers can fully rejuvenate with a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon, one of the country's most iconic geothermal spas. Nestled in a lava field, this mineral-rich lagoon is renowned for its milky blue waters, naturally heated by geothermal activity. Rich in silica, algae, and minerals, the Blue Lagoon’s waters are believed to have therapeutic properties that soothe both body and mind. Guests can take in the surreal landscape while soaking in the warm, mineral-infused waters, surrounded by rugged volcanic rock. It’s the perfect way to unwind before departing for home tomorrow, leaving Iceland with unforgettable memories.

Guests can enjoy a tranquil experience at the Blue Lagoon, an extraordinary geothermal spa set in a surreal landscape where lava meets thermal water. The Premium Level entrance includes the bathing fee, towel rental, and access to the mud bar where guests can use a silica mud mask and an algae mask. They will also receive one drink of their choice at the in-water bar, with options including beer, wine, sparkling wine, cider, soda, skyr boozt, or slush. The Premium Level also provides the use of a bathrobe and slippers, and optional reservations at the Lava Restaurant, with sparkling wine included if dining there. The Blue Lagoon's warm waters, enriched with natural active ingredients like mineral salts, silica, and blue-green algae, promote relaxation and rejuvenation. The white silica mud gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin, while the mineral salts help to balance and soothe both body and soul.

After an unforgettable 7-day adventure through England and Iceland, guests return home with a treasure trove of memories. From the historic streets of London, where iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace captured their imagination, to the charming countryside, each day was filled with rich cultural experiences. The journey continued in Iceland, where travelers marveled at the stunning landscapes of the Golden Circle and relaxed in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon. As they head home, guests carry with them stories of ancient parliament sites, majestic waterfalls, and geothermal wonders—experiences that blend history, nature, and modern luxury into one remarkable trip. This adventure, marked by exploration and relaxation, leaves travelers inspired and rejuvenated.