Unknown Iceland With Sam
Iceland in winter: it’s been travelled by many, but not like this. Five days of remote adventures, Northern Lights spotting and thundering waterfalls – how could you not?
What's Included
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
October 23rd – October 27th 2025
ABOUT SAM WALSH @thenonmumnetwo
Hello fellow travellers, I’m Sam, a midlife travel junkie, writer, and founder of The Non-Mum Network. My optimism took a nosedive in my 30s after failed IVF attempts, which cost me my marriage. Travel became my sanctuary, leading me on a solo tour of Thailand to recharge. I later created The Non-Mum Network to connect with other childless and childfree women. At 48, I’m happy and grateful for my health and freedom, and I’m thrilled to take NMN on tour. Join me as we explore Unknown Iceland with Flash Pack, seeking out the Northern Lights, bathing in geothermal pools, and traversing the Valley of Thor by super Jeep while getting to know one another. Ready to join me?
About your trip
Iceland: it’s been travelled by many, but not like this.
Private super Jeep expeditions across the dramatic Valley of Thor – no other vehicles in sight. A remote hike and exclusive Icelandic lunch on a vast, shimmering glacier. Silica mud masks and geothermal spa healing at the iconic Blue Lagoon and, of course, Northern Lights spotting every single night, often from the warmth of a hot tub beneath the stars.
From your expert local guide who happens to be an expert at seeking the Northern Lights to some of the best, most unique meals that the country has to offer; nothing on this five-day adventure is off-the-shelf.
Yes, it’s definitely still Iceland, but this is Iceland done differently.
- Check in to your stylish boutique hotel in Reykjavík’s central 101 district; take time to explore the historic waterfront and vibrant streets
- Get to know your group over a four-course welcome dinner; expect delicious dishes of Icelandic cuisine from seafood to local lamb (veggie options available)
- Hike across the vast Sólheimajökull Glacier using ice axes and crampons, your experienced guide leading you through the labyrinth of ice caves and crevasses
- Enjoy a spectacular alfresco picnic on the ice, toasting your Flash Pack group with a shot of whisky on the rocks
- Visit the black-sand Reynisfjara beach, with its spectacular basalt columns, and stand beside the mighty Skógafoss waterfall
- Embark on an off-road, Super Jeep adventure across the Valley of Thor (the Viking god of Thunder), crossing rivers and highland passes usually unreachable
- Stop to walk behind a roaring waterfall and explore a dramatic canyon that featured in Game of Thrones
- Relax at your remote wilderness lodge; the outdoor jacuzzi is the perfect place for spotting the Northern Lights
- Explore the Golden Circle, taking in the famous Geysir waterspout (after which all others are named) and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall with its rainbow-coloured mist
- Pick your own tomatoes at Fridheimar tomato farm before tasting the most delicious tomato soup in the greenhouse restaurant
- Soak in the geothermal water of the world-famous Blue Lagoon, before enjoying a farewell dinner at the spectacular Lava Restaurant
- Say goodbye to your Flash Pack group as you make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local transfer
- Back home, you’ll feel humbled by memories of untameable landscapes, geothermal wonders and a unique culture. Magic does exist, after all
Our Favourite Hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Hótel Vos
Nordic design meets the great outdoors at this modern, family-run retreat. Set on a farm near Iceland’s oldest village, you can soak up the scenery from the outdoor hot tub (ideal for Northern Lights watching).
Exeter Hotel, Reykjavík
With its loft-style interiors and industrial chic vibe, this contemporary design hotel is right in the heart of District 101. The city’s buzzing nightlife is close at hand, plus the hotel’s lively bar ensures an upbeat ambience.
Hotel Vos
Nordic design meets the great outdoors at this modern, family-run retreat. Set on a rural farm in Iceland’s oldest village, you can soak up the scenery from the outdoor hot tub (ideal for Northern Lights watching).
Hotel Exeter, REYKJAVIK
With its loft-style interiors and industrial chic vibe, this contemporary design hotel is right in the heart of District 101. The city’s buzzing nightlife is close at hand, plus the hotel’s lively bar ensures an upbeat ambience.
Important Notes
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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into and out of Reykjavík-Keflavík International Airport (KEF).
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Please arrive in Reykjavik before 4 pm on Day 1. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 6 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 45 minutes away from the airport.
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What time should my flight depart on the final day?
On your final day, we recommend booking flights in the afternoon as you might want to relax in the morning. You are required to arrive in airport two to three hours before your flight.
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Do you include airport transfers?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Airport transfers from Keflavik Airport (KEF) are by coach. You’ll be provided with a pre-paid ticket for the ‘Flybus’ before travelling.
Once you have collected your baggage and have passed through immigration, please follow the clear signs for the Flybus.
Flybus will take you into the centre of Reykjavik and within walking distance of your hotel. In most cases you will need to change to a smaller coach at Reykjavík bus station which is the first stop on the way from the airport. You will be advised by the Flybus staff every step of your journey.
The departure transfer is not included, but your Pack Leader can help you arrange this.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader / Driver: 2500 ISK per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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Do I need a visa?
You do not normally need a visa if you’re visiting as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada. Please check with your local consulate/embassy if the country you are travelling from requires a visa or visit this website: https://island.is/s/utlendingastofnun.
From 2024, ETIAS travel authorisation will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to European countries https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en.
We recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.
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Will I see the Northern Lights?
You can see the Northern Lights from late August to May, but it’s best to visit between October and April.
The night skies will be much darker, improving your chances but please note that sightings are never guaranteed.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
We recommend budgeting 7,000 ISK, the equivalent of 40 GBP / 55 USD per day.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip?
This adventure is fast-paced and the glacier hike will challenge you. However, no specific level of fitness is required. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above to make sure you are happy partaking in the activities mentioned. Please get in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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Will the itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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What should I pack?
There’s a lot to think about when packing for your Icelandic adventure. You’ll need a range of clothes for the wide variety of activities and the cold weather conditions. The key is to bring plenty of layers to stay warm.
What you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Iceland, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.
Baggage
- Large backpack or suitcase – It’s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase, but either way, a soft-sided bag is best for packing into transfer vehicles.
- Day bag – This needs to be around 20-25 litres to fit your daily essentials in, such as water and your camera.
Clothing
- Layers – Breathable thermal materials are best as a base layer for activities. You will need additional warm layers because the weather can drop very quickly.
- Warm winter coat – Having a warm coat is essential as the temperatures in Iceland can be freezing.
- Waterproof jacket – It could rain at any time of the year, so you’ll need to bring a waterproof jacket.
- Fleeces/jumpers – You’ll need to bring lots of warm jumpers/fleeces with you.
- Windproof clothing – This is essential as wind chill can make the temperature feel a lot lower than it is.
- Outdoor trousers – Outdoor trousers that you don’t mind getting dirty will be perfect for hiking.
- Evening clothes – What you wear in the evening is up to you, but you might want some nicer clothes for going to bars and restaurants.
- Sunglasses – The sun can reflect brightly off the glacier, so we recommend protecting yourself with sunglasses.
- Warm scarf/hat/gloves – It can get very cold in Iceland, especially at night, so we suggest bringing a warm scarf and a hat, along with some gloves.
- Swimwear – For the hotels’ sauna and hot tub as well as your cold water therapy experience.
Shoes
- Waterproof hiking shoes and warm socks – You’ll need a comfortable pair of waterproof hiking boots for glacier hiking. Thick socks are also essential.
- Comfortable, breathable shoes (trainers/sneakers) – A pair of trainers/sneakers are perfect for general wear.
- Evening shoes – Some people might want to bring a pair of shoes to wear out to restaurants and bars.
Accessories
- Your phone, camera, chargers, etc
- Plug socket adapters – The standard plug socket in Iceland is type C, which is the standard European plug and has two round prongs.
- Refillable water bottle – Refilling a bottle instead of buying single-use bottles will help to reduce our plastic footprint.
- Eye mask and earplugs – If you’re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs.
- Pocket warmer – If you feel the cold, a pocket warmer may be useful.
Toiletries/medical
- Any personal medication you require
- Personal toiletries
- Shampoo and conditioner – Most hotels will provide these, but we recommend bringing your own to reduce plastic usage.
- Painkillers
- Anti-bacterial gel
- Lip balm with SPF
- Moisturiser
- High-factor SPF suncream
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