After a hardy breakfast in our hotel a certified guide will take us into Iceland’s rugged and often impassable interior. Perhaps nowhere is the contradiction extremes more apparent- as snowy mountains literally steam from geothermal activity just below the surface. Likewise there is nothing like bathing in a hot river. Once you're in you won't want to leave. For sure you’ll never forget this uniquely Icelandic experience.

“With snow-capped mountains around us and everyone wrapped up with multiple layers against the freezing wind, we stripped off and bathed in the boiling water, finding our perfect temperature with the intersection of hot and cold streams. The heat created a microclimate up in the desert mountains, with soft peat and verdant growth extending just a few metres from the heat.”

 Adrian L., Australia

Some may instead chose to go horseback riding on an island in Reykjavik’s harbor where a landscape installation by Richard Serra and a special light sculpture by Yoko Ono are located. The abandoned fields and views of snow-capped Mount Esja make a striking contrast of the bustling modern city only a few meters away.

Others may chose to go diving in crystal-blue springs in tectonic fissure just outside Reykjavik.

A picnic lunch is included as most will be out in the wilderness during the day.

Those who just want to take it easy will stay in Reykjavik to explore opportunities in shopping, dining and gallery-going.

 In the evening we’ll attend a dinner party in a privately-owned 19th century sea-captain’s cottage in Reykjavik’s historic harbor district, where we’ll recount our good times. Every mouthful is ecstasy according to a philosophy of using fresh, local ingredients to prepare Icelandic classic cuisine with contemporary flair.

<PREV NEXT>