Iceland volcanic landscapes: Standing between continents

Iceland is such a young country, and it is true to say that the earth's crust does feel very thin here. This morning, as we disembark for our first proper walk on Icelandic soil, I can see it in the group's faces – that mix of anticipation and wonder that comes from knowing you're about to witness something truly extraordinary. 

The lectures we've attended during our sea days have prepared us well. The quality of the talks is second to none, and now, as we set foot on volcanic rock, those geological explanations become real. This isn't just information anymore. This is the earth showing us its power.

Being able to stand with one foot on the Eurasian tectonic plate and the other on the North American tectonic plate is absolutely jaw-dropping. Our group falls silent as we position ourselves in this remarkable spot. The sheer scale of what we're witnessing, the realisation that we're standing where the planet itself is pulling apart, is astonishing. 

This is what walking gives us – the privilege of being here, on foot, in the landscape rather than viewing it through a bus window. We can touch the rock, feel the texture of this young earth beneath our hands, understand in a visceral way what makes Iceland so geologically unique.

The geysir Strokkur performs for us, and I've never heard a group so delighted. The anticipation builds as water bubbles and swells, then suddenly – that explosive release, water shooting skyward in a turquoise column. The geysirs are magnificent, and it's a real privilege to see them performing.

 For guests to be able to see such marvels all in the course of a walk is just fabulous. We're not racing from one viewpoint to another. We're walking through this landscape, our pace slow enough to notice everything, fast enough to cover ground and discover what lies around each bend.

Peering into the turquoise depths of the Viti crater lake is an unforgettable sight. The colour is so vivid it seems almost unreal, as if someone has added dye to emphasise the otherworldly nature of this place. Around us, the volcanic landscape stretches away – black sand, steaming vents, the raw power of a planet still very much alive. 

We explore the interior and the coast, seeing the landscape from the bus, on foot, and from the sea. So many contrasting ways to enjoy this remarkable country. Each perspective reveals something new, another layer to this complex geological story.

We experience the contrast between bustling life in Reykjavik and tiny remote fishing ports like Grundarfjordur. Each location offers something different. The energy of the capital. The quiet determination of communities carved out of volcanic rock and sustained by the sea. 

The group loves being able to explore some remote places that they wouldn't have got to under their own steam. They like the opportunity to be led on walks they would never have found for themselves. They also appreciate being given enough free time to do their own explorations in the port before getting back on the ship.

One of the leader roles on this type of adventure is to ensure that there are opportunities on the sea days for group members to meet up, perhaps for a walk, lunch, or a drink together, if they want to. It is up to guests to choose how they will spend their time on sea days. I enjoy being able to help strike a nice balance for guests to achieve relaxation as well as to have some fun with the group. 

This balance extends to our days ashore too. The walks challenge us, yes, but they're designed to be achievable. We're here to experience these landscapes, not to test our limits. Though I notice, as we return to the ship each evening, faces flushed from fresh air and exercise, that we're all perhaps fitter than we realised.

Back on board, that special afternoon tea awaits. Held in the Observatory, one of the ship's best lookout spots, it gives stunning views of the landscape as we sail away each day. Tiny sandwiches, warm scones, and speciality teas with an ocean view. Unique, really. 

The camaraderie we have each evening at dinner is very special. Everyone varies where they sit each evening so we can get to know each other better. The warmth and friendliness of the waiting staff is infectious, and the atmosphere in the restaurant is wonderful. 

We always have one and often two teams competing in the nightly bar quiz. The laughter carries through the lounge, and I find myself thinking: this is what shared adventure creates. Not just memories of places, but connections between people.

Tomorrow brings Gullfoss. I know it will be spectacular – one of Iceland's outstanding waterfalls – but I'm keeping the details to myself. Some experiences are better discovered than described. 

The group is ready. The sea days have given us rest. The walks so far have built our confidence. And Iceland still has so much more to show us.