Iceland: Lagoons & Lava Fields

Gobsmacking scenery. Richer-than-rich culture. Bucket-list topping activities. Plus all the weird, whacky and wonderful in between – welcome to Iceland. With these out-of-this-world landscapes, you might as well have landed on the moon.

Dump your stuff at the hotel and say halló to your fellow explorers. We may be a mixed bunch but we're in this together – like it was meant to be. Then? We'll head to a local haunt to kick things off with an included dinner and tasting (of the local Icelandic beer variety). This is going to be good. Stay: Hotel Orkin or similar (D)

Bless (read: bye) Reykjavík – we'll be back for you later. We've got a bit of drive today – so sink into a window seat and soak up all the screensaver-worthy scenery as we head north.

Fun fact: the small fishing village of Dalvík has produced four Eurovision Song Contest entrants. Must be something in the (ice-cold) water here. Hum a tune as your expert Trip Leader points out the village highlights.

Then: prepare for a whale of a time (we went there) and take to the seas for an unforgettable whale-watching experience. If we're lucky, we'll hear the thunderous crash and see the saltwater spray as these mighty creatures come up for air. Cue: alll the goosebumps. Last but not least, it's time to make tracks towards Akureyri for the lowdown on the ‘Capital of the North'. Stay: Hotel Norðurland or similar (B)

You want fire, water, earth and air all in one day? Greedy, but luckily Iceland's got all the elements covered. First, we'll check out Mother Nature's mad skills at Goðafoss Waterfall – aka the Waterfall of the Gods.

Then we'll switch to the dark side at Dimmuborgir lava field. This jigsaw of spiky rocks was formed by a volcanic eruption over 2,000 years ago, and it's said the devil landed here when he was chucked out of heaven. Ouch.

Next: hold your nose. Don't blame your trip mates for that eggy smell – it's the sulfurous gases rising from Námafjall's bubbling geothermal pools. This place looks like Mars, and you'll definitely wish you had a space helmet on. Finally, we'll treat our peepers to rip-roaring Dettifoss waterfall before rolling into our hotel for the eve. What.A. Day. Stay: Eiðar - Hostel & Apartments or similar (B)

Ready to see Iceland live up to its name? We'll ooohh and aaahhh our way through the mystical East Fjords for a slice of real Icelandic life. Think snow-capped mountains, charming villages, and maybe even a puffin or two.

Next up: Vatnajökull glacier. This jaw-dropping, ginormous ice cap covers around 8% of the country in a blanket of kryptonite-style blue ice and thick layers of volcanic ash. Watch out for White Walkers – Game of Thrones' ‘North of The Wall' was filmed here. Tonight, dinner's on us when we settle into the oh-so-beautiful Jökulsárlón region this evening. Stay: Gerði Guesthouse or similar (B/D)

Another day, another memory-making frozen landscape. Keen to delve deeper? Channel all the Indiana Jones vibes and explore Vatnajökull's eye-popping ice caves. It's like being dropped into a snow globe. Or opt for a boat trip around Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon to gawp at some enormous icebergs (not in a Titanic way) and maybe spot a resident seal.

Next? We'll seek out the immense Svínafellsjökull glacier before rounding off the day in a gorgeous spot along the South Coast. All the icy adventuring got you yawning so loud it rivals an orca? Grab a bite to eat and get to bed. We've got another jam-packed day tomorrow! Stay: Sólheimahjáleiga Guesthouse or similar (B)

If beaches went goth, they'd look like this. This morning we'll sink our toes into the black sand of Reynisfjara. The dramatic basalt columns here are actually trolls that got turned into stone (allegedly).

Next, we'll lay eyes on super-scenic Seljalandsfoss waterfall before exploring the legendary Golden Circle. 300 kilometres of phenomenal Icelandic landscapes. Natural wonders don't get any better than this. Trust us. We'll check out the roaring Gullfoss Falls. ‘Holy sh*t' our way around the Great Geysir. And soak up all the amazingness at UNESCO World Heritage–listed Thingvellir National Park.

Tummies rumbling, it's time to hunt down some street food – traditional sheep soup and fish stew are a must. Then? Locate a local bar and hit the dancefloor with your trip mates. Stay: Hotel Orkin or similar (B)

This is your day to delve deeper into Iceland's quirky capital. Need some suggestions? Get the blues in the best way possible soaking in the magical geothermal pools of the Blue Lagoon (we recommend you book this in advance as it sells out during busy times. You can book it through the official Blue Lagoon website – pick the option including transport!).

Make eyes at the magic of The Lava Tunnel – a volcanic work of art – on an optional tour (it's been there for 5,200 years, so it's time to see it). Check out the Saga Museum, National Museum of Iceland or Phallological Museum (for something a bit... different). Or sink your ‘Jaws' into a traditional local delicacy – fermented shark. Tonight: we'll give this incredible Icelandic adventure the send-off it deserves at our final group feed. Stay: Hotel Orkin or similar (B/D)

You tried the food. You met the locals. You said yes to culture. Yes to history. Yes to the new and the unique. You embraced it all. And now, it's over (no crying). Head down to breakfast and swap those socials – you'll need them for that meet-up on mainland Europe. Where to next? (B)