Delve Deep: Iceland

Gobsmacking scenery. Richer-than-rich culture. Bucket-list topping activities. Plus all the weird, whacky and wonderful in between – welcome to Iceland. With these out-of-this-world landscapes, you might as well have landed on the moon. Dump your stuff at the hotel and say halló to your fellow explorers. We may be a mixed bunch but we’re in this together – like it was meant to be. Then? We’ll head to a local haunt to kick things off with an included dinner and tasting (of the local Icelandic beer variety). This is gonna be good.

Bless (read: bye) Reykjavík – we’ll be back for you later. Ngl, we’ve got a bit of drive today – so snag a window seat and soak up all the screensaver-worthy scenery as we head north. Fun fact: the small fishing village of Dalvík has produced four Eurovision Song Contest entrants. Must be something in the (ice-cold) water here. Hum a tune as your expert Trip Leader points out the village highlights. Then: prepare for a whale of a time (we went there) and take to the seas for an UNforgettable whale-watching experience. If we’re lucky, we’ll hear the thunderous crash and see the saltwater spray as these mighty creatures come up for air. Cue: alll the goosebumps. Last but not least, it’s time to make tracks towards Akureyri for the lowdown on the ‘Capital of the North’.

You want fire, water, earth and air all in one day? Greedy, but luckily Iceland’s got all the elements covered. First, we’ll check out Mother Nature’s mad skills at Goðafoss Waterfall – aka the Waterfall of the Gods. Then we’ll switch to the dark side at Dimmuborgir lava field. This jigsaw of spiky rocks was formed by a volcanic eruption over 2,000 years ago, and it’s said the devil landed here when he was chucked out of heaven. Ouch. Next: hold your nose. Don’t blame your trip mates for that eggy smell – it’s the sulfurous gases rising from Námafjall’s bubbling geothermal pools. This place looks like Mars, and you’ll deffo wish you had a space helmet on. Finally, we’ll treat our peepers to rip-roaring Dettifoss waterfall before rolling into Egilsstaðir for the eve. What. A. Day.

Ready to see Iceland live up to its name? Enter: Vatnajökull glacier. This jaw-dropping, GINORMOUS ice cap covers approx 8% of the country in a blanket of kryptonite-style blue ice and thick layers of volcanic ash. Watch out for White Walkers – Game of Thrones’ ‘North of The Wall’ was filmed here. Next, we’ll ooohh and aaahhh our way through the mystical Eastfjords for a slice of real Icelandic life. Think snow-capped mountains, charming AF villages, and maybe even a puffin or two. Finally: the Lobster Capital of Iceland is a must, right? Dinner's on us when we settle into the remote fishing town of Höfn this evening.

Another day, another mind-blowing frozen landscape. Keen to delve deeper (literally)? Channel all the Indiana Jones vibes and explore Vatnajökull’s eye-popping ice caves. It’s like being dropped into a snow globe. Or opt for a boat trip around Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon to gawp at some enormous icebergs (not in a Titanic way) and maybe spot a resident seal. Next? We’ll seek out the immense Svínafellsjökull glacier before rounding off the day in the picture-perfect seaside village of Vík. All the icy adventuring got you carb-craving? Swing by Smiðjan Brugghús brewpub for chunky burgers, loaded fries and local craft beer. Skál (read: cheers)!

If beaches went goth, they’d look like this. This morning we’ll sink our toes into the black sand of Reynisfjara. The dramatic basalt columns here are actually trolls that got turned into stone (allegedly). Next, we’ll lay eyes on super-scenic Seljalandsfoss waterfall before exploring the legendary Golden Circle. 300 kilometres of phenomenal Icelandic landscapes. Natural wonders don’t get any better than this. Trust us. We’ll check out the roaring Gullfoss Falls. ‘Holy sh*t’ our way around the Great Geysir. And soak up all the amazingness at UNESCO World Heritage–listed Thingvellir National Park. SD cards full and tummies rumbling, it’s time to hunt down Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for the world’s best hot dog (as voted by Bill Clinton). Or go authentic with some street food – traditional sheep soup and fish stew are a must. Then? Download ‘appy hour’, locate Lebowski Bar and hit the d-floor with your trip mates.

This is your day to delve deeper into Iceland’s quirky capital. Need some suggestions? Get the blues in the BEST way possible soaking in the magical geothermal pools of the Blue Lagoon. Check out the Saga Museum, National Museum of Iceland or Phallological Museum (for something a bit... different). Head to Álfaskólin elf school for a diploma in magical creatures (no bullsh*t). Or sink your ‘Jaws’ into a traditional local delicacy – fermented shark. Here during winter? Don your thermals and practice those panos – there’s the option to chase the illusive Northern Lights this evening. Visibility can’t be guaranteed (obvs), but if you do catch them, you’ve got bragging rights for life. Tonight: we’ll give this incredible Icelandic adventure the send-off it deserves at our final group feed.

You tried the food. You met the locals. You said yes to culture. Yes to history. Yes to the new and the unique. You embraced it all. And now, it’s over (no crying). Head down to breakfast and swap those socials – you’re gonna need them for that meet-up on mainland Europe. Where to next?