If you think you know Iceland and have seen everything you wanna see through Instagram and TikTok – think again.
Why did I choose this trip? Because why not! Iceland is the ultimate bucket list destination that I’ve been longing to visit.
Plus, I had never been on a Winter trip before, so I wanted to give myself a little culture shock and experience the cold, winter and snow in a new place!
This was also my 4th Topdeck trip and I have to say – I think this one tops them all!
Going to Iceland during the winter absolutely slaps and will exceed all your expectations!
We’re talkin’ glaciers, chasing waterfalls, stunning scenery, Northern Lights spotting and allll of it whilst sharing stories and good times with the people on your group trip who are from all over the world.
Also, this is my 3rd Delve Deep trip, and I think this style suits me because I like a bit more comfort in a hotel room, but I love to explore MORE in a place from its food and culture to its history and really soak in everything a country has to offer.
You’ll vibe with it too if you enjoy:
👯 A small group experience – there were 19 awesome folks on my trip, meaning I felt like I had a connection with each person.
🎒 Taking part in different immersive adventures, from remotely located hotels to Northern Lights spots, to ice caves and glacier hiking!
🐟 Feastin’ on the local cuisine. Iceland is HUGE on fish and lamb, plus we got to enjoy arrival and farewell dinners with our group along with extra included meals throughout the trip.
🌎 Local Trip Leaders who know their stuff – Siggy was ours, and he was incredible. Born and raised in Iceland, he knew exactly how to make the best of visiting the country and livin’ like a local.
My trip highlights
Ughhhhh don’t make me pick one! 😩
There are toooo many to choose from!
Seeing all the amazing waterfalls was a highlight for me, as every single one was STUNNING and literally took my breath away with how magnificent they looked. From Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss – just BEAUT.
I also really enjoyed the included Icelandic beer tasting experience we had on the first night of the tour – it was a great way to mingle with my group and break the ice (soz for the pun) by getting to know the people I’d be spending the awesome week with.
We also had two epic optional activities which I think I speak on behalf of the whole group that they were collectively our faves – hiking Vatnajökull glacier and a doing crystal ice cave tour, where we got to literally stand in an ice cave and crawl through the black cave (scary, but awesome!)
Plus, relaxing after a few very busy days at Krauma geothermal baths, where I even braved a cold plunge 🥶
Oh, and not forgetting the moments I spotted the Northern Lights and got to watch the sunrises and sunsets – no words 😍
I could go on…
Food and drink
As mentioned, I’m a HUGE foodie, and the combo of Delve Deep and Iceland was perfect, because I got to try some tasty (and interesting) food. 🥣
Iceland is well known for its local fish, as it’s central to its culture, economy, and is a staple to the Icelandic diet – our Trip Leader gave us heaps of info about it and took us to plenty of small fishing villages on the trip.
I tried alllll the local fish I could possibly try – from Atlantic cod in fish soup, haddock, Iceland stickleback and Halibut (which you could cut through with a spoon!)
One of the included dinners during the trip was a visit to “Grandma’s House” in a remote location, where we were treated to a farmhouse cooked dinner full of amazing delicacies including (more) local fish, lamb, baked potatoes, pumpkin pie and so much more that I almost BURST.
We even got to try fermented shark… it’s interesting and has a unique flavour, but mix it with a shot of vodka to complement it for the ultimate Icelandic experience. Don’t knock it before you try it.
Must-visit places on the trip
I was expecting to see and visit lots of places, but didn’t quite realise just how many places our Trip Leader would combine to make for an epic day of sightseeing
Obvs you have to visit Reykjavik, the capital city, which is so Nordic and pretty. I’d recommend visiting Reykjavik Roasters for the best coffee, going inside the stunning Hallgrímskirkja (Church of Iceland) and just allowing yourself to explore freely.
You also can’t visit Iceland without doing the Golden Circle – luckily, our Trip Leader gave us the full tour and was able to give us plenty of historical facts on and off the coach.
Diamond Beach and Glacier Lagoon defo gave the WOW factor.
And if you’re after doing something a bit… different… check out the Icelandic Phallological Museum… I won’t say more 🍆
If you’re looking for the ultimate Winter adventure, get yourself on the Delve Deep: Iceland (Winter) trip asap. It’s gonna be very hard to top this one…
If you wanna live your best life like Elsa from Frozen, then you should defo hit up this trip. There are some last-min departures for late 2024 and early 2025 for the Winter edition of this Iceland trip, or plan ahead and book for Winter 2025 >>> https://www.topdeck.travel/tours/europe/delve-deep-iceland-winter
