Delve Deep: Iceland (Winter)

Home to glaciers that give Elsa a run for her money, you’re in ICELAND. First things first: meeting the people you’re gonna be exploring this incredible place with – your awesome Topdeck travel fam. Then, we’re heading to an included dinner to really get to know one another. Ain’t nothing like good food and good company, right? After: an included beer tasting is on the cards to get your tastebuds Iceland ready for the week!

Prepare your eyes cos they’re gonna explode with the natural wonders we’re seeing today. First up: a tour of the Golden Circle. It doesn’t have gold status for nothing. We’ll stop at Thingvellir National Park: majestic rock formations, hills to get your booty in top shape and views outta this world? Yes pls. Then, it’s a mighty geyser’s turn to dazzle you with its magic. Strokkur is top of its game. Gulfoss waterfall is last up on the tour. Breathtaking doesn’t cover it. After, you’ve got an opportunity to stop at the Secret Lagoon. Brave the weather and swim in its thermal waters. Moments like these are next level. Tonight, we’re staying in a remote location. You know what that means? Prime opportunity to see the Northern Lights in all their glory. Just have a word with the old gods to keep the skies clear.

ðrottle1ðrottle1Wrap up warm, we’ve got another day of outdoor discovery. And what better way to start the day than with a visit to more awesome waterfalls. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss to see the world from a new angle. Learn the legend of Skógafoss and dare to find the treasure chest left by a Viking settler way back in the year 900. Then: discover the South Coast, including the Laki lava fields. You wanted to delve deeper into Iceland? This is it. Later: we’re exploring even more Icelandic beauty. This time, Skaftafell National Park – a UNESCO site made of fire and ice. Tonight, we’re heading to our stop in a remote village. Yep: there’s another opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Don’t say we don’t treat you.

Ready for some glacier action? We’ve got Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to get to – it legit looks like it’s been taken from a wintery fairytale. You’ve also got the opportunity to make use of your hiking boots. Get those legs burning (in the best way, obvs) up Vatnajökull glacier. Your prize at the end? Views your mates back home won’t believe. Or go below ground on a tour of Vatnajökull ice caves. No photo will ever do this place justice, so you gotta see it IRL. No cap. Then, hop back on the coach cos we’re going to the beach. It’s not any beach. It’s made of black sand. Haunting. Gooseflesh-worthy. Holy-Sh*t-this-is-ace vibes. Later: it’s back to where the adventure began. Get a taste of city life with your travel fam. Feed those rumbling bellies – order fermented shark, sheep heads or ram testicles for a taste of REAL Iceland. Try a load of craft beers. And hit a music venue. Skál to another day of real adventures.

Delve deeper into Iceland’s capital on a walking tour with our expert Trip Leader. They’re gonna give us a taste of Norse mythology and Viking life as we take in sights like Hallgrímskirkja Church, the Sun Voyager and the Old Harbour. Head filled with facts, we’re off to Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This place: unmatched. But first, we’ll stop at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls as well as Deildartunguhver hot spring. Make sure your phones are fully charged for all those TikToks you wanna make. Then, put them away and take in this moment. With these people. Wanna feel alive? Strip your clothes off and feel the bite of Iceland winter before plunging into thermal water on an optional visit to Krauma geothermal baths. Bliss. Tonight, swap your fave moments over a homemade dinner (farmhouse style) and look to the skies. The Northern Lights might bless you with an appearance!

Today’s all about Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Get a view of the Centre of the Earth aka Snæfellsjökull glacier. Known for its energy and mysticism among locals, this place is one of the world’s ancient sources of power. Then: visit the small village of Arnarstapi. It’s giving witchy vibes. Stykkishólmur’s up next – another lil fishing village with PLENTY of real good oceanic culture. After, feast your eyes on some Icelandic artwork at Liston’s stone carving studio. You could also saddle up for an optional horse riding adventure along one of the peninsula’s STUNNING beaches. Cue = all the feels. Then tonight, after another delish included dinner, we’ve got one last opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Huddle together in the winter air as the skies *fingers and toes crossed* transform. Magic.

Wave bless (what an awesome way to say bye!) to this beaut part of the world. We’re heading back to Reykjavík. Here, you’ve got an afternoon that’s all yours. Hit The National Musuem to get that last burst of history. Eat alll the local snacks. Skyr and chocolate-covered liquorice are must-haves. Stumble across one of the city’s six municipalities to delve deeper into local life. Float in the heated waters of a local swimming pool. Or (get ready for it), spot mammoth whales on an experience of a lifetime. Sighting one of these majestic creatures IRL? That feeling’s pretty damn special. Tonight, we have one final dinner together. Cheers (soz, skál) to a road trip none of us will ever forget!

This is it. The moment we say goodbye. Pinky swear to keep in touch on the TOPDECK LEGENDS group chat. Start planning the reunion. Where shall we meet up next year?