Explore incredible Iceland with Sir Chris Bonington
Exclusive for MoS readers: Join the legendary mountaineer in a magical land of fire and frost
ICELAND is an extraordin a r y p l a c e . To weri n g waterfalls, mountains, ice, fire, and landscapes that look as if they belong on another planet. It’s no wonder more of us are going to experience it for ourselves.
Such an astonishing country deserves a special tour – and that’s exactly what you will find on this one-off itinerary with our partners Intrepid Travel next spring.
Not only will you take in the great sights, from the capital Reykjavik to mighty waterfalls and geysers, you will also meet one of Britain’s greatest mountaineers and adventurers: the brilliant Sir Chris Bonington.
An inspiring figure, Sir Chris will join you on the tour and accompany you on a glacier walk on Vatnajokull, Europe’s biggest ice cap. As well as exploring Iceland’s beautiful and dramatic scenery, you will hear Chris talk about the incredible peaks and troughs of his adventur- ous career in some of the most precarious places on Earth. And don’t worry, you won’t need crampons for this journey: this is an accessible, ‘soft’ adventure that will give you lasting memories of an amazing destination.
FIVE REASONS TO BOOK Discover Reykjavik
Explore the northernmost capital on Earth, which is also one of the world’s quirkiest cities. The arts scene is thriving, as is its cafe and bar culture, and the city enjoys a spectacular setting between forbidding mountains and the steely grey seas of the North Atlantic. You will have time to admire the city’s creative flair and striking contemporary architecture, as well as to enjoy its excellent restaurants.
Sir Chris Bonington talks
For a man who has achieved so much, Chris is remarkably down to earth and engaging. Hear the extraordinary story of his life’s adventures in some of the world’s most extreme places – and put your own questions to him in a private talk and Q&A. You will also receive a complimentary copy of Chris’s superb autobiography, Ascent.
Glacier walk
Join Chris on a hike on Vatnajokull – your chance to see the largest ice cap in Europe up close. This is part of a vast, beautiful area of wilderness that is protected under Icelandic law. You do not need any special experience to go on the walk.
The Golden Circle
Travel around the so-called ‘Golden Circle’, Iceland’s classic sightseei ng r oute. Your f i r s t s t op is Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s first parliament, where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates are gradually pulling the land apart. Then you will stop at the renowned Geysir geothermal area, where you will see t he Strokkur geyser shoot water 100ft into the air, before witnessing the spellbinding beauty and power of Gullfoss Waterfall.
Secret Lagoon
You will have a chance to soak up – quite literally – Iceland’s geothermal power with a visit to the Secret Lagoon, unspoiled thermal baths about 90 minutes outside of Reykjavik, where you can relax in waters that stay at a constant 38C40C throughout the year, then have a drink in the bar afterwards.