While many travel groups often opt to travel to warm places, some choose to daringly venture to colder destinations, such as Iceland. This is one of the main reasons Larif Hamm, CEO and Founder of Peculiar Travel, created an annual trip there: Black Ice, an Icelandic experience for the culture.
“I am often asked the question, ‘Why Iceland?'” said Hamm. “My response is always, ‘Why not?'”
Black in Iceland:
Known as The Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland is characterized by its many waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches. The Nordic island nation is also the home of the world-renowned wonder known as the Blue Lagoon.
Black Ice allows guests to experience a variety of memorable and relaxing excursions, including the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle Tour, South Coast Tour, Northern Lights, and Black Ice-themed events that offer a great balance of cultural immersion and turn-up!
An impressive itinerary
During these expeditions, the group took in all the natural beauty the country had to offer, visiting the picturesque waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Gullfoss, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the Geysir Geothermal Area.
“We also enjoyed Fly Over Iceland, an attraction with motion seating and a wraparound screen that simulates flying over mountains and glaciers. Peculiar Travel’s Official DJ (international DJ KDOT) traveled with us and had the opportunity to spin at Iceland’s newest hip-hop club, HAX Nightclub. He destroyed the place! The Icy Girls of Black Ice also did an impromptu Flashmob of Beyonce’s ‘Cuff It’ challenge and a soul train line in the streets of Reykjavik.”
Trip highlights:
One of the highlights of the trip was the group photoshoot at Harpa Concert Hall. Peculiar Travel rented out Iceland’s largest concert hall to make Black history with a themed group shoot entitled Shades of Grey. An architectural work of art, the concert hall’s crystalline facade consists of a steel framework designed with geometric-shaped glass panels, giving it the appearance of being constructed from ice.
The group trip was the second time Black Ice took over Iceland. The first time, in 2019, was special and memorable in many ways, one being that it was when Hamm officially launched his travel curation company.
The return
“Black Ice was originally a trip planned ‘pre-Peculiar Travel’ days. In 2019, I found a flight deal to Iceland for only $350 roundtrip. I posted trip details on my personal Instagram page and 25 people signed up for the trip. The inaugural Black Ice took place in November 2019 and was truly the talk of the town.”
“On the last evening of this trip, I pre-launched Peculiar Travel to the group. This was the start of my amazing travel community which has grown to over 100 people in just three years. This is why I found it important to return for Black Ice – The Sequel with a brand new group.”
Want to join?
Registration is now open for Black Ice – Season 3, which will take place November 8-13, 2023. Peculiar Travel’s other signature curated trips include School’s Out, a vacation experience specifically for educators. For more information on these and other trips, visit www.peculiartravel.com and follow @peculiartravel on Instagram.
Related: Traveler Story: Conquering An Icelandic Volcano In Luxury & Style
