James Bond Origins: Discover the Icelandic Connection in our Hour-long Lecture

Uncover James Bond’s Icelandic roots in an hour-long lecture. Explore untold WWII stories and the Canadian-Icelandic industrialist’s influence on 007.

Duration: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • True Spy Iceland - On October 21, 1962, Ian Fleming wrote: “James Bond is a highly romanticized version of a true spy. The real thing is … William Stephenson.” In just an hour, the tale of Icelandic/Canadian Sir William Stephenson is recounted—a man who significantly influenced the outcome of WWII. How was Stephenson linked to Churchill, Roald Dahl, FD Roosevelt, Ian Fleming, and was he the muse for James Bond?
What's Included
  • Step back in time to August 1942 atmosphere.
Additional Information

The narrative of Sir Stephenson is as captivating as it is not as widely known, especially in comparison with other personas featured in this riveting tale such as Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and William J. Donovan, amongst others. The project is laden with compelling anecdotes compellingly conveying the influence of the…

Location
True Spy Iceland
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(36 Ratings)
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Kirsten
Jul 22, 2025
A masterpiece in true crime - True Spy was a captivating and thought-provoking lecture that kept us engaged from start to finish. With a compelling narrative that blended historical espionage with modern intelligence insights, David masterfully drew listeners into the clandestine world of spies. The storytelling was sharp, the pacing deliberate, and the real-life anecdotes brought an authenticity that made the subject feel both thrilling and unsettling. Engaging throughout, True Spy left us questioning what lies beneath the surface of global politics—and who might be watching. Highly recommend 5/5
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Sherpa35983831653
Jun 26, 2025
True Spy - an afternoon well spent! - My wife and me decided to check this lecture out without knowing what to expect and have to say it was an excellent way to be pleasantly surprised. The life story of William Stephenson and his influence on history is massively impressive - presented to us by David in a very informative way. He was always open for questions and obviously a wealth of knowledge on the topic. Could not recommend more! The perfect opportunity for all that like to delve into history and intrigue.
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Sightsee18410096283
Jun 5, 2025
Outstanding, fantastic, fascinating ! Loved every minute of it !!! - Absolutely outstanding !!! David was fantastic, very knowledgeable and all the information he shared was fascinating ! We have learned so much about history (war stories), spying techniques, James Bond... Really, to anyone Who's interested in those topics, it's a can't-miss ! The place is fantastic. You have to book in advance. We were lucky, there was no one else so David answered all of our questions, making the "conference" 2 hours instead of 1... It was so interesting and he was so knowledgeable, we could have stayed for a week without getting bored ! Also, David spoke perfect English as he has lived in Canada. They will soon open an escape room as well which will probably be amazing, so we'll have to come back for it ! Thanks, it was really amazing !!!
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117danilon
May 13, 2025
Not your average lecture. This one is actually really good! - This was a very interesting lecture, our host was very open for questions and he is really knowledgeable on the subject. I had always seen the ads around town and was very curious but never actually booked a time until last weekend when I went with a group of friends and I have to say that I truly enjoyed myself. This is a great plan if you are into history and real-life mysteries. Totally recommend!
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Asberga
May 13, 2025
Live and Let Spy: The Story of a WWII Espionage Legend - True Spy in Reykjavík is a surprising and memorable experience that sheds light on the life of Sir William Stephenson, a WWII spy with Icelandic heritage who played a pivotal role in Allied intelligence. The presentation offers a compelling mix of historical depth, personal intrigue, and global context, including his possible influence on Ian Fleming’s creation of James Bond. While primarily informative, the show is far from dry. The storytelling is sharp, well-paced, and keeps you engaged throughout. The unassuming entrance adds to the sense of secrecy, setting the tone for what feels like stepping into a classified briefing. Perfect for anyone interested in espionage, WWII history, or behind-the-scenes power struggles, True Spy is a smart and well-executed show that stands out among Reykjavík’s cultural offerings.
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S1ll1
May 13, 2025
A Hidden Gem – Fascinating Story - This was a truly interesting and memorable experience — a hidden gem that sheds light on the untold story of William Stephenson. I had only a vague idea of who he was before, but I left with a real appreciation for his remarkable role in history. David, our guide, did a fantastic job. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the subject. His storytelling brought the material to life and made the experience feel both informative and personal. This is a great activity for history buffs, curious travelers, and anyone looking for something off the beaten path. It’s suitable for adults and older kids, and the pace and setting make it accessible for most visitors. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something a little different and genuinely eye-opening.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Raineybookworm
Nov 22, 2024
A Fascinating Dive into History and Espionage! - A Fascinating Dive into History and Espionage This tour is an absolute gem for history buffs and spy enthusiasts alike! You'll be captivated by the incredible story of Sir William Stephenson, a man whose life reads like a gripping thriller and whose legacy had a profound influence on the outcome of World War II. Through masterful narration, you'll uncover how this Icelandic/Canadian hero was intricately linked to iconic figures like Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ian Fleming, and even Roald Dahl. The connections are fascinating: Was Stephenson really the inspiration behind the legendary James Bond? The evidence presented will leave you marveling at his extraordinary life and impact. The storytelling is engaging and packed with intriguing details, making history come alive in an unforgettable way. Whether you’re familiar with Stephenson’s role in WWII or learning about him for the first time, you’ll walk away with a deep appreciation for this unsung hero. For anyone visiting, this is more than a history lesson—it's an inspiring and eye-opening journey into the life of a real-life spy who shaped the world as we know it. Don’t miss it!
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Peterinbermuda
Oct 20, 2024
Time well spent in Reykjavik - Fantastic Experience! My son and I had a great time listening to the fascinating story of Sir William Stephenson and his exploits. The interwoven story of Churchill, Ian Fleming and so many others was intriguing and captivating. Highly recommended if interested in history, James Bond, and the what ifs of WWII. Our narrator was engaged and has enthusiasm was clear.
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868renzos
Oct 12, 2024
Great afternoon on our last day in Iceland - We are so happy for the wonderful time we had with David. He took the time to explain thoroughly all the intriguing life of Sir William Stephenson's life. We highly recommend this experience!
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Ericsg1750ws
Sep 23, 2024
Fun experience that gave the group lots to talk about! - Super fun time and just a quick experience to keep you wanting more. We all had lots to look into after and rewatch some Bond in new light. David was incredible and super knowledgeable on topics we had no idea existed. Very cool for any James Bond Or WW2 history fan!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $24
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).