Iceland in a Nutshell: Scenery & Serenity in the West
More Puffins than People
- Snaefellsnes, Westfjords, Husafell
14 people per group (max)
9 Days / 8 Nights
From 10,850 USD Per Person
Iceland’s Forgotten Coast.
Most of Iceland’s visitors follow the same route. This program doesn’t. The Westfjords host less than 1% of the country’s tourists — towering bird cliffs, red-sand beaches, and a pace of life that the rest of Iceland has largely left behind. Snæfellsnes opens the journey with its own extraordinary landscapes. Nine days through the parts of Iceland that the crowds never reach.
Explore your journey with our interactive tour map.
We build meaningful, unforgettable and unique journeys for the discerning traveler
From $10,850
9 Days
Depart Months: JUL, SEP
Remote & Scenic Iceland
8 Breakfasts
1 LUNCH
5 Dinners
14 Experiences
Classic sightseeing with gentle activity – typically 1 to 3 miles of walking per day, mostly on flat terrain, though you may encounter cobblestones, stairs, or uneven surfaces. Nothing strenuous, but reasonable mobility is required.
Activity Level
Light
Journey Overview
days 1-2
Snæfellsnes
Your Icelandic adventure begins in Reykjavik with introductions to your Local Host and fellow travelers, before the drive west to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — a stretch of Iceland so varied in its landscapes that locals call it Iceland in miniature. The welcome cocktail at Hotel Búðir, a remote and beautifully positioned hotel on the edge of a lava field, is where the journey really begins. The following day is spent exploring: lava craters, dramatic coastal cliffs, black and golden beaches, and the glacier that Jules Verne imagined as the gateway to the center of the earth. The day’s standout stop is a family-run shark museum where the owner — known simply as the Shark Man — offers you a piece of fermented Greenlandic shark. It is an acquired taste. Most acquire it.
spend 2 nights at
Hotel Búðir offers a luxurious escape on Iceland’s remote Snæfellsnes Peninsula, featuring elegant rooms with stunning ocean or lava field views. Savor gourmet dining and explore nearby glaciers, black beaches, and the iconic Búðakirkja church.
Welcome cocktail and dinner
Snæfellsnes Peninsula explored
Volcano and glacier scenery
Volcano and glacier scenery
Coastal cliffs and beaches
Meet your Local Host
days 3-4
Westfjords
Leaving Hotel Búdir behind, embark on a ferry to Flatey Island, a serene haven brimming with birdlife where time seems to pause. After a refreshing lunch amidst this tranquil setting, continue to the Westfjords, one of Iceland’s most untouched regions. Day 4 immerses you in the area’s unique natural beauty. At Látrabjarg bird cliffs, marvel at the immense number of seabirds, including puffins, in Iceland’s westernmost point. Later, stroll along Rauðasandur beach — red and golden sand stretching to the horizon, framed by mountains and an almost total absence of other people. Dinner at the hotel closes an exceptional day.
spend 2 nights at
Fosshotel Westfjords offers sleek, modern comfort in Iceland’s remote western edge. Perfect for nature lovers, it’s a prime base for spotting puffins, exploring towering cliffs, and experiencing the untouched beauty of the Westfjords.
Ferry to Flatey Island
Car-free island tranquility
Látrabjarg puffin cliffs
Rauðasandur red sand beach
Iceland’s westernmost point
Dinner at the hotel
days 5-6
Ísafjörður and Heydalur
The drive to Ísafjörður pauses at Dynjandi — one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, a cascading series of drops that widens as it falls, like a bridal veil spread across the mountainside. Ísafjörður itself is the Westfjords’ largest town and a genuinely characterful place: colorful historic buildings, a lively harbor, and time to explore on your own before a private tour and tasting at the region’s craft brewery. The group then transfers to Heydalur, a remote valley retreat with outdoor hot tubs, a natural geothermal pool, and dinner by the fire. The following day is built around a guided hike through the surrounding hills, with wide views across the fjord and a valley that sees very few visitors. Horseback riding and kayaking are available for those who want more.
spend 2 nights at
Heydalur Country Hotel is a charming retreat in the heart of the Westfjords, offering cozy, rustic accommodations, natural hot springs, and farm-to-table dining. It’s ideal for kayaking, hiking, and spotting wildlife in Iceland’s wilderness.
Dynjandi waterfall
Ísafjörður city visit
Private brewery tour and tasting
Guided hike in the valley
Geothermal pool and hot tubs
Dinner at Heydalur
days 7-9
Husafell
Transition south to Hotel Husafell, nestled between a glacier and a lava field, where the day’s drive includes stops at a quaint fishing town and a historic settlement. Witness the spectacular Hraunfossar waterfalls, a natural marvel where fire and ice converge. At Husafell, unwind in serene luxury before heading out to explore geothermal pools at Húsafell Canyon Baths and delve into a lava cave. For those seeking more adventure, walking through man-made tunnels in Iceland’s second largest glacier is an option. Conclude your Icelandic journey with a return to Reykjavik, reflecting on a trip filled with breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable experiences, and newfound friendships.
spend 2 nights at
Hotel Húsafell offers a blend of modern luxury and natural wonder, with stylish rooms, geothermal pools, and glacier views. Perfectly situated for hiking, ice-caving, and exploring the nearby Hraunfossar waterfalls and Langjökull Glacier.
Historic Reykholt settlement
Hraunfossar lava waterfalls
Husafell Canyon Baths
Lava tube cave tour
Ice caving (add-on)
Farewell dinner
Departures & Prices 2026
Departures & Prices 2027
Request a Tailored Private Departure
This journey may be arranged as a private departure for your group, with dates, pacing, and experiences tailored to your preferences – without compromising the itinerary’s inherent excellence.
Reflecting local hospitality through the finest amenities
Our travelers tell us that hotels are an integral part of their travel experiences. So, our staff handpicks each property for its unique character, local charm, and attention to detail. In our selection we treat comfort, location and service as “simply the basics,” so our vetting process goes well beyond that. Furthermore, our travelers tell us that they want boutique hotels. Not big, chain ones, because they want to be constantly reminded of the authenticity of the destination. Those hotels must reflect the region’s hospitality through their amenities and cultural touches. Therefore, we select hotels with the goal of making every night of your journey as remarkable as the days spent exploring.
Authentic Gratitude from SilverOpus Travelers
Our Promise to You Rests on Four Pillars
Respect
Simply fundamental. All that we do must, first and foremost, ensure that our clients, our partners, our staff and all those who live in our destinations feel entirely respected. The land must be respected. Nature must be respected. The people must be respected. All people. Honesty, fairness, care and much more are joined in a foundation of respect for all.
Authenticity
We study our destinations to understand what characterizes its beauty and relevance. Then, we fill our programs with what is most authentic about those destinations. We showcase nature, cuisine, hospitality and cultural experiences which are most valued by locals, not what is determined by the travel industry as most sellable. It is our way to stay true to authenticity, to enrich our programs with it.
Exclusivity
Our tribe is at the heart of what we do, every day. So, we don’t attempt to appeal to all. Instead, we put our efforts into creating excellence for those who love seeing the world like our tribe does. This philosophy restricts our audience to an exclusive set of travelers, and we don’t fight that. We embrace it and give them our everything.
Happiness
We are very serious about our work, but we can’t forget why we travel. And we travel because it makes us happy, joyous. Happiness from the scenery we see, the foods we taste, the people we meet and even from the hiccups that become fun stories, later on. So, we never forget that our work, serious as it is, is here to make you happy.
Answering All Your Pressing Questions
What is included in the tour price? And what isn’t?
Your tour price covers all accommodations, in‑program transfers and transportation, several included meals and guided experiences led by local experts (see the ‘Highlights’ section, above, for details), the continuous presence of your expert Local Hosts, on‑location support, and all applicable taxes and fees. No surprises! Flights to and from the tour are not included, nor are alcoholic beverages (unless specified), travel insurance, or any services not listed in the program. Our team can, however, assist with flight and insurance arrangements. We’re always happy to guide you through what’s included and help tailor your experience.
Can you book flights to and from the tour?
Yes. We are happy to assist with booking your flights to and from the tour destination, ensuring your journey is seamless from start to finish, at no additional cost to you. Simply reach out and we’ll walk you through the best options.
Can you help us extend our trip?
Are solo travelers welcome? And is a solo‑occupancy supplement required?
Solo travelers are very welcome on our tours. Unless otherwise specified, a solo‑occupancy supplement applies, ensuring private accommodations throughout the journey. We’ll gladly assist you in choosing the program that best fits your travel style.
Do your group tours include free time?
Yes. Each itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance guided experiences with open time for personal exploration, so you can relax, wander, or discover your own favorite corners at your own pace.
Can I privatize a departure just for me and my friends and family? Can you create a custom journey for me?
Certainly. If you have a group of eight or more travelers, you can enjoy special rates and a fully privatized version of the program, exclusively for your friends and family. Prefer something even more personalized? We’ll be delighted to design a custom journey tailored specifically to your interests, schedule, and pace, drawing on our extensive local knowledge and insider connections to create a seamless and unforgettable experience. Simply reach out, and we’ll craft your ideal journey together.
How many people will be in my group?
Our small-group journeys are intentionally intimate, with a maximum of 14 guests and a minimum of 4. Most departures operate with 6 to 12 travelers, striking the perfect balance between companionship and personal space, while ensuring meaningful access to local experts and experiences.
I have dietary restrictions. Can you accommodate them?
How much physical activity does this tour include? Does it require much walking?
Each SilverOpus program features an Activity Level Meter, found in the “Highlights” section, to help you choose the journey that best fits your comfort and pace:
- LIGHT: Classic sightseeing with gentle activity – typically 1 to 3 miles of walking per day, mostly on flat terrain, though you may encounter cobblestones, stairs, or uneven surfaces. Nothing strenuous, but reasonable mobility is required.
- BALANCED: A blend of active and relaxed exploration, averaging 1 to 4 miles of walking per day. Activities may include light hiking, kayaking, or leisurely cycling, offering a dynamic yet comfortable pace.
- ACTIVE: Designed for travelers who enjoy movement and gentle outdoor adventures. Expect more than 4 miles of walking on certain days, sometimes on steep or uneven paths, with possible activities such as hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, or biking.
If you’re unsure which level is right for you, our team will gladly guide you in selecting the perfect match.
Where can I find your Terms & Conditions and cancellation policy?
You can review them by using this link. They outline important details regarding payments, changes, and cancellations.
How can I purchase insurance for my trip?
Do you offer suggestions for packing, tipping, and dining?
Is this tour guaranteed to run?
I’m ready to book! How do I secure my spot?
Wonderful! Simply contact us with your chosen program and preferred dates. We will send you a booking form and a secure payment link for your deposit. Once received, your spots are confirmed – and we’ll handle every detail from there as your adventure begins. We look forward to welcoming you on an unforgettable SilverOpus journey.
Begin Your SilverOpus Journey in Three Simple Steps:
01. Fill out the brief form below to introduce yourself.
02. Watch for our confirmation email (it may land in spam).
03. Tell us how you would prefer to get started — the email will outline your options.
