Iceland Winter Group Trip 2023: Week 2 Recap

a Iceland Winter Group Trip

Iceland Winter Group Trip 2023: Week 2 Recap

Iceland is a country you won’t just want to visit once… this is actually my 4th group trip to the land of fire and ice! Each trip I’ve been fortunate enough to co-host with our expert local guide, Kris. We chase waterfalls, soak in geothermal lagoons, hunt for northern lights and so much more!

You can see highlights from past Iceland trips here: ICELAND GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS 2022 & WINTER ICELAND ROAD TRIP 2023: GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS WEEK 1

Here’s everything we go up to over 8 amazing days in Iceland together.

Iceland Winter Group Trip

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Sky Lagoon & Welcome Dinner

We kicked off the trip in the capital city, Reykjavik. Many of the ladies arrived on an early morning flight so we headed immediately to the Sky Lagoon to soak in the geothermal waters overlooking the ocean. We sipped on champagne and opted for the more luxury package so we could also complete the 7 step spa ritual. Needless to say, it was the perfect way to unwind after a long flight!

When we finished up at the lagoon, we made our way into downtown Reykjavik for some of the famous Icelandic hot dogs. After we wandered through the city center and did some shopping, we headed back to our hotel to freshen up before our welcome dinner!

Day 2: Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon

The next day we kicked things off with a driving tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle. This well-loved tourist route brings you past geysers, waterfalls and incredible scenic landscapes.

After a full day of exploring out in the cold, we ended our day at the Secret Lagoon.

After a long hot soak, we checked into our accommodation for the night. We had dinner onsite at our hotel which was a cozy little farm-to-table and family-owned spot.

Day 3: Black Sand Beach, Vik, Glacier Lagoon

After a great breakfast at our hotel, we hit the road towards Vik!

Along the way we stopped at waterfalls, scenic outlooks, and of course, the black sand beach.

We continued our drive until we reached the Glacier Lagoon.

Our local guide Kris is an absolute expert and knows all the best viewpoints without the crowds.

So we indulged in a sunset toast at a private glacial overlook. It was absolutely one of the trip highlights! Afterwards, we checked into our hotel and had more fantastic Icelandic cuisine for dinner.

Day 4: Glacier Visit & Blue Lagoon

The next morning, we visited Europe’s largest glacier just behind our hotel. The colors are truly spectacular and the entire viewpoint is just breathtaking.

Another trip highlight? The two minutes of silence we took while overlooking the glacier. (Again totally alone at this glacial outlook!)

After our morning at the glacier, we hit the road back to Reykjavik stopping at more waterfalls and scenic overlooks along the way.

That evening, we arrived at the famous Blue Lagoon just in time for golden hour. We snapped pictures before the sunset and then simply enjoyed being inside the lagoon after dark. The stars were spectacular and the crowds were totally dispersed!

Day 5: Nature Walk, Krauma Baths & Horse Farm

In the morning, we began driving towards West Iceland. Along the way, we stopped at incredible winter landscapes including a bright blue glacial river.

We went for lunch and spent the afternoon soaking at Krauma Geothermal Baths. The ladies braved the ice plunge bath while alternating back and forth between different temperature spas and pools.

That evening, we checked into a cozy horse farm with little cabins all around the property. In the evening, our local host prepared us a fantastic home cooked meal with Icelandic recipes!

Day 6: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Sights

The next day we had more insanely perfect weather. We witnessed a spectacular sunrise over a historic church on the coast.

We continued to sight see all day along the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. From coastal walks to stunning beaches.. this day was jam-packed with beautiful views.

We stayed a second night at the horse farm cabins. So this meant a second delicious home-cooked Icelandic meal. Kris also brought dried fish, black death and fermented shark for everyone to try! We laughed ourselves silly while attempting to sing an Icelandic folk song all together. Our pronunciation of the Icelandic language gave our host and local guide a good laugh as well.

That night we played games and had drinks in the cabins!

Day 7: Morning with horses, Reykjavik sights & farewell dinner

In the morning, we visited the horses at the farm. Icelandic horses are so friendly and curious so they ran right up to us wanting to be pet and scratched.

After we said goodbye to our hosts, we continued on to see some historic turf houses and a quick but fascinating exhibit about Iceland’s settlement.

After lunch, we continued back to Reykjavik for free time to explore the town. That evening we had a fantastic farewell dinner, cried many tears goodbye & ended the evening with a celebratory pub crawl downtown!