Volcanic Iceland

Welcome to Iceland! This happy nation, plonked near the top of the globe, makes for an arresting sight as you land, flying past volcanic and glacier-covered terrain. A short bus transfer from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) to the capital, Reykjavik, will allow you to decompress from your flight. Here you'll meet your fellow travellers at 6pm – as well as our local insider who will accompany your group throughout the trip. Tonight, you’ll start your adventure with a three-course dinner at Sæata Svinið – expect delights such as Icelandic beef or lamb, lobster and Arctic char, all washed down with local beer.

On your first full day in Iceland, you’ll venture into the lesser-trodden Borgarfjörður region to visit the Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls. You’ll also have the chance to wander through the charming village of Reykholt, home of the great Icelandic saga writer Snorri Sturluson. Tonight, enjoy the seasonal menu at the hotel before soaking in the Giljaböð hot springs while you try to spot the Northern Lights – depending on the strength of the solar activity and weather conditions.

Today you’ll experience the three main highlights on the Golden Circle tour – Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall. Explore in style on a private super jeep tour. Stop at the Geothermal Bakery Fontana to taste their extraordinary bread, then soak in the hot springs. In the afternoon, you’ll take part in a snowmobile tour of the glacier – a real bucket-list experience. Come nightfall, toast the day with Icelandic spirit brennivín, followed by a local delicacy – fermented shark.

A waterfall you can walk behind? Yup, it’s as cool as it sounds. But don't forget to pack your wet-weather gear when you're visiting Seljalandsfoss today. One more waterfall after this, Skógafoss, then you’ll head to Dyrholaey, the southernmost tip of Iceland, where you can view a rock arch and awe-inspiring cliffs. Meander down to the black Reynisfjara beach and watch as it's pummelled by the Atlantic Ocean. To keep your adrenaline pumping, you’ll set out on a three-hour hike this afternoon across the Sólheimajökull glacier. Warm up afterwards with a hot drink, snack and shot of whisky before returning to the hotel for a hearty farewell evening meal.

It’s nearly time to bid Iceland adieu. However, there’s one more stop before you make your way to the airport. The Blue Lagoon, a series of powder-blue geothermal pools surrounded by black lava fields, sits at an average temperature of 39C (102F); the silica in the water is said to have many skin benefits so be sure to bring your swimmers. Once you’re all bathed out, bid farewell to the group by 1pm and catch your transfer to Keflavík International Airport (KEF), a 15-minute drive away.