Out & About Autumn 2019

Out&About lifestyle

Land of fire and ice Iceland is a rugged place where Viking history meets volcanic ridges. From horseriding on black sand beaches to discovering foodie gems, the spotlight is firmly back on this raw country TRAVEL

valley your guide can take you to a hidden waterfall where the sun creates rainbows of light from the spray. Take lunch in a greenhouse at Friðheimar where tomatoes form the base of the menu or sample freshly-caught seafood in a wooden shack that overlooks the black-sand beaches of the Southern Shore, where you will find creative art hubs celebrating wool-weaving, local art and hip new restaurants. Your guide can also change the itinerary at a moment’s notice in tune with inclement weather or procure last- minute reservations at farm-to-table hotspots, they can show you grass-topped Viking houses or take you hiking through ridges to the first Viking parliament. Caving equipment is in the jeep and they will find the mossy entrance within minutes. Go for an artisanal ice cream where where your guide can answer questions such as why Iceland grows by an inch every year and how to pronounce volcano names like Eyjafjallajökul. Reykjavik Many trips start and end in Iceland’s burgeoning capital Reykjavik. The striking cathedral Hallgrímskirkja iconic spire is visible throughout the city and is worth a look before settling into one of the many micro-breweries-cum-bars for a craft beer. Stay six nights from £3,995 per person, B&B including flights and private guiding.

5-star luxury at the Blue Lagoon The milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon are an enticing part of any itinerary to Iceland. Minimalist hotel The Retreat offers a more private lagoon experience. The spa, with a network of steam caves, mud chambers and lava springs, brings you out into a secluded corner of the thermal lagoon. Enjoy dinner at The Moss, where the 7-course tasting menu is presented like works of art – Icelandic lamb atop embers of wood, and langoustine in garlic and butter.

Waterfalls and glaciers A local guide means a chance to get up close to where geysers shoot into the air and rushing waterfalls carve through boulders, snowmobile on volcano glacier Vatnajökull or snorkel in a lake between the tectonic plates that separate Europe and North America. In the Thórsmörk

Feeling inspired? Contact Bailey Robinson: Call 01488 689 700 or email travel@baileyrobinson.com

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