Follow in the Footsteps of Alexander Armstrong in Iceland

With the Land of Fire and Ice hitting the small screen again as ‘Iceland with Alexander Armstrong’ airs on Channel 5 in October, be inspired to take your own adventure in this compact mid-Atlantic island that packs a mighty punch.

Iceland boasts some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world creating one of Europe’s biggest adventure playgrounds. Just under 3 hours from the UK, this north Atlantic destination has a unique charm and a cultural identity like no other. From the first view of its dramatic lava fields to marvelling at its many waterfalls, Iceland is somewhere that gets under your skin and one visit is never enough.

The new three part travelogue sees Pointless presenter Alexander Armstrong adventuring around Iceland to discover the allure of this island nation.

On his travels, Alexander meets elves, the pure-bred Icelandic horse and many natural wonders including witnessing a live volcano. The series starts in Reykjavik before he ventures out on the Golden Circle. Rotten shark on the menu in the northern port of Husavik, a delicacy for many Islanders, as the presenter continues to explore enjoying whale watching, a game of golf at midnight as well as a ‘beer’ spa and exploring the island of Heimaey, Iceland’s Pompeii, which was virtually destroyed by a volcano in 1973.

He also visits Iceland’s newest geothermal spa, the Sky Lagoon with its stunning views out to the Atlantic Ocean and impressive 230-foot infinity pool.

Follow in the footsteps of Armstrong on our well-researched itineraries or let our travel specialists tailor make something for you.

• Reykjanes Peninsula and Volcano Explorer is a 3 night self-drive break based at the Northern Light Inn perfect for exploring Iceland’s wild Reykjanes Peninsula and viewing the incredible Fagradalsfjall volcano as it continues to erupt. A trip in the autumn also brings high chances of seeing the aurora.
• Wonders of the South West take you to Hotel Ranga which is well placed for visiting keys sites in the south coast before moving onto Hotel Husafell in the north west amidst the mountains of Borgarfjordur, with access to nearby Langjokull glacier. Like Armstrong come in the summer for long days of natural wonders including volcanoes, waterfalls and glaciers are topped off with fine dining and stylish relaxation.

Iceland’s first official touring route – the Arctic Coast Way – winds 900km through across the north coast taking in some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. Discover wild peninsulas, teeming bird cliffs, picturesque villages and marine life offshore. You can choose to take a dip in the unusual baths at Beer Spa as Alexander did and head out whale watching from Husavik aboard the eco-friendly schooner, Opal. We’ve developed two itineraries – one for summer one for winter – following the route and packed with detours aplenty.

• Arctic Coast Way – North Coast Highlights is an 11-night self drive. Visit in spring or summer when the coast is bathed in the golden light of the midnight sun. Or early autumn with the chance of witnessing the aurora. Divided into three sections, explore geological wonders, discover the coastal heritage and touch on Icelandic folklore.
• Arctic Coast Way – Winter Highlights is a 7-night self-drive following a portion of the route. Showcasing the dramatic scenery of the north west, explore coastal roads and geo-thermal oddities, take a winter whale watching trip and relax in natural spas. You’ll also be able to watch out for the northern lights each evening.

Experience the contrasting elements of Iceland’s fire and ice for yourself on a self drive focusing on the south west. See lava fields, erupting geysers, waterfalls and rugged cliffs, where in the summer puffin colonies reside. Turn up the heat at the Lava Centre with its interactive displays and witness the impact of Iceland’s volcanoes on a day trip to the Westman Islands.

Ensure your trip has the ‘cool’ factor by including an optional glacier excursion and perhaps add-on an extra night or two to head east to Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon where hundreds of icebergs scatter across a large coastal lake.

• Volcanic Explorer is a 5-night self drive. Marvel at iconic waterfalls and journey around the famed Golden Circle route. Take in the basalt-column cliffs and dramatic sea stacks from Reynisfjara beach near Vik and hop across to the Westman Islands where you can visit a part-buried town. Join an optional guided glacier walk on a massive creaking tongue of ice that is Solheimajokull and explore newly formed lava on the Reykjanes Peninsula taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon.

Feeling inspired?

Browse the full collection of Iceland holidays, which includes a year round choice of travel or talk to our Travel Specialists on 01737 214 250 or if you prefer a virtual face-to-face, request a video chat when you send an enquiry.