Iceland Adventure

We'll all meet together in Reykjavík for a drink and a hello before we head to our accommodation. We'll be staying a little outside of Reykjavík as the skies are clearer away from the city and this will increase our chances of seeing the elusive Northern Lights. Here you will be given your trip-packs which give the details of all the planned elements of our time in Iceland. At our accommodation and each trip-mate will have their own bed, but please be prepared to share a room. Depending on the availability of accommodation, some rooms have bunk beds. You will be introduced to anyone you are sharing a room with ahead of the trip. After settling in, we shall head to a great bar for a drink and a meal and get to know each other a bit more. No serious plans on night-one. You're able to explore into the evening and the night if you would like to, but after a long flight, you may also prefer to get some rest. The following day we'll have time to explore Reykjavík and then we'll come together for an evening meal before our adventures really begin.

Today we will travel to the three stunning landmarks that make up Iceland's famous Golden Circle. There will be lots of opportunities to stop off along the way, but our first stop will be Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and incredibly beautiful. We will take in the dried magma fields, covered in Icelandic moss, which have been carved by glacial springs and are surrounded by a bowl of ancient mountain peaks. This park is home to one of the only place is the world where you can see the exposed North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Walking along the plate before descending into the valley below is incredible.

We will then continue onto Geysir. Geysir is a world famous geothermal area of the Haukadalur Valley, and has lent its name to geysers all around the world. We will see the ground shoot vast jets of boiling water from 20 metres (65 feet) up to 40 metres (130 feet) high. It erupts every five to ten minutes so there'll be lots of opportunities for the perfect photo!

Our thrid stop on the Golden Circle will be Gullfoss. Gullfoss (translated to ‘Golden Falls’) is Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon. The water in Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss’ two stages in a dramatic display of nature’s raw power. We'll then head back to our accommodation before heading into Reykjavík for our evening.

Today we will begin our journey along Iceland’s legendary southern coast. We will pass the notorious and beautiful Eyjafjallajökull glacier, whose snow-carpeted icecap, grounded the majority of Europe’s air-fleet, when it erupted in 2010. We will begin at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is famous for its cylindrical jet of powerful water that crashes down into the valley beneath and the unique cave which allows us to travel behind the fall and enjoy it from a completely different perspective. The Skogafoss waterfall, is equally beautiful, and has a rushing cascade that vaults 60 meters down the cliff face into the pool below. A winding path is cut on the hill beside it, offering the chance to climb the hill and be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Along this path are two fascinating rock formations, nicknamed the trolls, which local legend holds are two petrified trolls that were turned to stone by the sun.

As we continue on towards the mighty Solheimajokull glacier, we could stop off at Dyrholaey, a craggy rock arch that is like a deep blue window into the sea. There's also the chance of seeing some of Iceland's famous puffins! We will then head to the magnificent black beach at Reynisdrangar, where white-crested waves contrast beautifully with the dark volcanic sands, and the stunning basalt cliffs have been cut into incredible cylindrical rock formations that will leave you breathless.

Next, our journey will take us across the volcanic plains of Sólheimasandur, whose alien scenery and lonely abandoned plane, make it a favourite with everyone who sees it. We could also visit the Skógasafnið Museum or Gljúfrabúi, a stunning waterfall situated amidst yet more gorgeous scenery. We will end up in Vik where we will spend our evening.

The next part of our route will take us to the legendary Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the entire world. It is renowned for the gleaming chunks of glassy ice that float across its turquoise surface, a spellbinding, jaw-dropping sight that words really don’t do justice. Film buffs may recognize it from Die Another Day, Batman Begins, Tomb Raider and more. This incredible natural wonder might even be topped by the iconic Diamond Beach which lies just below it, where gleaming diamond-like icebergs sparkle like jewels on its dark black volcanic sands.

We will then begin our journey back towards Reykjavík, but don't worry - there is so much to see on the way! We will find the photogenic Lómagnúpur Mountain, which rises 690 metres above sea level and towers above a crystal-clear lake, before arriving at Núpsstaðir, famed for the grass-carpeted building that are literally built into the hillside. Next on the itinerary is Dverghamrar (the Dwarf Rocks), a series of cylindrical basalt columns that stand on a lonely hill and are strangely beautiful. It is believed that they were formed at the end of the last Ice Age when sea levels were much higher, which would explain their strange location. The next stop is Kirkjugólf, whose hexagonally shaped basalt stones are nicknamed ‘the church floor’ and despite their manmade appearance, were actually crafted by the elements!

As we continue through the famous Icelandic highland region, we will see Katla, a powerful volcano that is hidden beneath the ice-cap of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. The road passes through Mýrdalssandur an otherworldly volcanic desert with magical alien scenery and the gargantuan Eldhraun lava field, which was formed after an eruption of 934 that produced the largest lava flow that the planet has ever seen. We will arrive back in / near Reykjavík in time for an evening meal together.

Today is our final day togteher and there is no better way to end our time in Iceland than to visit the world famous Blue Lagoon. The magnificent geothermal Lagoon is the world’s finest naturally occurring spa. Its milky-blue waters are incredibly rich in nutrients and heated by subterranean lava flows to an ideal temperature for bathing. Local doctors regularly prescribe a soak in the Blue Lagoon to cure skin conditions, making it perfect for a replenishing experience amidst truly stunning natural scenery. After our visit to the Lagoon, we will end our trip with one final evening in Reykjavík.

It's departure day. After taking in the incredible sights of the south of Iceland, it won't be long before you bring your friends back to this remarkable country!