Aurora & Adventure in Iceland

Once you arrive in Reykjavik, you'll share a bus transfer to your hotel, Fosshotel Baron. This evening, it's a ten-minute stroll to eat and drink at Bastard, a downtown restaurant that brews their beer on-site. Try the beer flight to sample all four blends. Feast on a Fat Bastard (that's a seriously massive burger with all the trimmings) or a Skinny Bastard if you're feeling more virtuous. Hey, we're not judging (D).

Prepare to unwind today. You'll spend some time at the Krauma geothermal baths. There's a cold bath to get your circulation firing, but five warm ones to soothe achy limbs. Pure. Utter. Bliss. You'll hit the road next, heading to a fishing village to climb to the top of a lighthouse for panoramic views. Bring your walking shoes for a 6km hike to the Eldborg Crater. Then it's on to a secret waterfall. You'll dine at your hotel in Reykholt tonight. This is the town where Snorri Sturluson lived, a medieval chronicler of Norse sagas and histories and his influence can still be felt around Reykholt. In the winter, the mood darkens with unpredictable weather, bringing a captivating moodiness to Iceland. It'll be dark, and that means the Northern Lights may appear. Your leader will be on the lookout but don't forget to glance up just in case… (B).

It's a busy day today, but you're used to a packed schedule, right? You'll venture further into Iceland today, first visiting the Thingvellir National Park. The Thingvellir plain is in on the boundary where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates are pulling away from each other, creating dramatic rivers and fissures across the landscape. Next, you'll see Geysir, known as the original hot water geyser which gave all the others their name. You'll look over a valley of eerie blue pools and mud pots, then continue to Gullfoss on the Hvita River to see a two-tiered waterfall cascading into a canyon.

The waterfall may be partially frozen, testament to the brutal climate this country endures in its darkest months. At Fridheimar Greenhouse, you'll see how they grow Mediterranean vegetables in the Icelandic climate using clean geothermal energy. This is where you'll stop to eat, sampling their home-grown tomatoes. Dinner is served at Olverk Pizzeria and Brewery tonight. You'll get a tour and tasting before feasting on delicious pizza and sinking a well-earned G&T, poured over 500-year-old glacier ice. Later, you'll take a midnight dip in the Reykjadalur Hot Creek – it'll be a welcome cocoon of warmth again the brutal winter weather. If you're lucky, the Northern Lights will emerge (B).

Today you'll hunt down two of Iceland's spectacular waterfalls: Skogarfoss and Kvernufoss. You can get up close and personal, standing near the bottom to appreciate their thunder, or climb the steps to the top. Fully kitted out with crampons, an ice axe and helmet, you'll unleash your inner adventurer on a glacier walk. The adventure continues on an ATV tour. It's similar to a quad bike, and you'll drive it over black volcanic sand to the abandoned wreck of a 1973 US Navy plane. Tonight, you'll dine alongside the locals in a Reykjavik restaurant (B).

It's a relaxed start today. You'll head to the exquisite Blue Lagoon for a day of silica mud masks and relaxing in the milky-blue, mineral-rich waters, before taking an afternoon flight back to London (with enviably silky skin!) (B).