Iceland a small but fiery island where myth and magic meets modern life in spectacular style. By Matt Sanders

Only fully independent from Denmark since 1944, the proud republic has a strong national identity which is reflected in its rich and poetic history. Regular volcanic eruptions have hewn dramatic landscapes across Iceland’s islands, and the natural scenery is unparalleled around the world.

Although the coastal edges of Iceland have been claimed for towns and villages, the centre remains uninhabitable, and its spectacular alien vistas remain a strong draw for artists and tourists alike. The influence of the island’s underlying molten magma is never far from sight, with hot springs, geysers and boiling mud pools all to be explored. The volcanic heat is directly contrasted by Iceland’s snowy climate, though northerly temperatures are tempered by warm air from the Atlantic’s Gulf Stream, meaning that it is never uncomfortably cold.

Last month we booked one of our clients on a bespoke 5 night adventure to investigate this amazing destination, and enjoy some of the fascinating excursions on offer.

Staying at Hótel Ísland, which is centrally located next to the city’s financial district, and Laugardalur valley, a major centre for sports and recreation in the capital. Hótel Ísland offers refreshing accommodation just two kilometres from the city centre.  The hotel features 129 rooms with many offering views of the mountain range that surrounds Reykjavik.

Hotel Island is Iceland’s first dedicated wellness and medical hotel, where guests can access a team of doctors, nurses and healthcare specialists who offer world class treatments and solutions whilst promoting health and relaxation during the stay.

Optional excursions all arranged by Scott’s Travel

1)    Take a relaxing break in Iceland and dip in the warm and healthy waters of the Blue Lagoon! Include hotel transfers

2)    Join a mysterious tour, looking for the Aurora Borealis, on a dark winter night in Iceland. Far from the glow of the city, we hunt for the elusive Northern Lights.

3)    The Golden Circle tour allows you to visit some of Iceland’s most stunning sights, starting with the Geysir geothermal area where the Strokkur geyser shoots a column of water up to 30 metres (98 ft.) into the air every 4-8 minutes in a thrilling display of nature’s forces. The visit continues with Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall, created by the river Hvítá, which tumbles and plunges into a crevice some 32 m (105 ft.) deep. The Golden Circle tour also includes the historical and geological wonder that is Thingvellir National Park, where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimetres per year. Additionally, the tour includes a visit to the idyllic Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation centre, where you can learn about the magic behind growing delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes and cucumbers with the aid of the geothermal heat that Iceland has in abundance.

All of the above was achievable for a little as £960.50 for two people travelling this December. If you are considering a trip and would like us to put together an itinerary and price please contact a member of our team on 0208 882 0141