Day one: Reykjavik calling
Just a short drive from the airport, Reykjavik makes a logical – and laid back – base for exploring the nearby sights. If the weather’s good, swap the highway for the longer, quieter Route 420. This will give you your first taste of Iceland’s lunar landscape with black lava fields rolling into the Atlantic.
After an hour’s drive, you’ll reach the comfort of some of Iceland’s best hotels. One of our favourites is Tower Suites Reykjavik, a collection of hip suites at the city’s highest point – ideal for wintry rooftop views.

Settle in, warm your toes, then venture out into the city for a wander. Reykjavik is surprisingly small and easy to explore on foot and, if you start to feel the chill, pop into one of the many cafes. For a top-notch coffee or hot chocolate (or both at the same time) it has to be Mokka. This Reykjavik institution has been serving locals and visitors since 1958 and is as warm and welcoming as ever.
After a quick visit to the striking Hallgrimskirkya and the sleek Harpa concert hall, put your feet up and watch the stars come out. If the skies are clear, and the northern lights forecast is favourable, you could even take a short trip to the outskirts of the city for some early aurora borealis spotting.