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Days
8
Price from
4045EUR
Map of Icelandic Northern Lights including Iceland

Experience Iceland's magical dancing lights on the island's South Coast and Lake Myvatn

While the main focus of this eight-day tour is viewing the spectacular northern lights, there are plenty of sights to see throughout the day. Starting with a city tour of Reykjavik, drive inland to Gullfoss to see the spectacular Golden Waterfall before continuing on to Hvolsvollur for aurora spotting. Drive to Skaftafell National Park through fields of lava, visit the Glacier Lagoon, Reynisdrangar’s imposing basalt sea stacks, the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, then fly to Lake Myvatn to view the majesty of the dancing aurora in all its glory.

Start
Reykjavik, Iceland
Finish
Reykjavik, Iceland
Destination
Iceland
Style
Peregrine
Code
PEII
Physical rating
Trip rating
19 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • This is your chance to marvel at the spectacular dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis in the northern sky

  • Witness not only the lights but the breadth of Iceland's incredible natural phenomena – bubbling volcanic solfataras, rootless craters, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons

  • Stunning no matter when you see it, Gullfoss is more than simply Iceland's largest waterfall. In the sun, it's graced by a dazzling rainbow; in the cold, its cascades shimmer with ice

  • On your journey to Skaftafell, you'll drive through fields of lava created by Laki's famous volcanic eruption of 1793

  • Stay on a working family farm in the Icelandic country side. The accommodation is among the leading hotels in Iceland regarding environmental issues and the proud owner will show you around the estate to reveal more

  • Your leader will give you an insight into the science behind the aurora borealis before you head out in search of the magical Northern Lights

Is this trip right for you?

  • Iceland can be very cold at this time of year, especially in the Northern part where temperatures can reach -25 degrees centigrade, and snow is very likely. It's important to bring appropriate clothing, such as a down jacket, many layers, hand warmers etc.

  • On the rare occasion that your leader has to alter the itinerary due to adverse weather, alternative activities will be offered.

  • Many locations on this itinerary are remote, which means a few long drives. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know your fellow travellers.

  • While there is a strong chance of seeing the Northern Lights in all their colourful glory (thanks to the high latitude), there are no guarantees. Natural phenomena like these are at the mercy of nature's whims. Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies!

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. If you’d prefer not to share, a single-room supplement is available at an additional cost. Note that hotels in Iceland often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together or apart. Also, rooms in Iceland can be small, and at times you may be accommodated a short walk away from the main building.

Icelandic Northern Lights
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Aurora

Itinerary
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Take your complimentary transfer from Keflavik airport to the hotel, and get settled before you meet your tour leader and fellow transfer at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. There are no activities planned for today, but if you arrive early we recommend getting out and exploring the world's northernmost capital. Perhaps take a trip to the National Museum, where you can see its permanent exhibition depicting the history of Iceland from the 9th century to the present. After the welcome meeting, the evening is yours to explore.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Klettur or similar - Reykjavik (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer from Keflavik Airport
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive in time for today's welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.

A private arrival transfer from Keflavik Airport is included in the price of your trip. Please advise your travel consultant of your arrival flight details at the time of booking.

This morning head to the geologically and historically important Thingvellir (Parliament Plains), the original site of Iceland’s old parliament from AD 930. You will also visit the geothermal geysers and witness the spouting hot springs of Geysir and Strokkur, before driving to Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall). Here at Iceland’s largest waterfall, a rainbow is often visible on a sunny day. It's a beautiful sight amid the spray above the falls. Later this evening, you’ll stay on a working family farm in the Icelandic country side. The accommodation is among the leading hotels in Iceland regarding environmental issues and the proud owner will show you around the estate to reveal more. Far away from the lights of the city, your hotel is also an ideal base from which to see the spectacular Northern Lights. Look to the skies tonight in search of them.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Fljotshlid Smaratun Farm or similar - Hvolsvollur Valley (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Golden Circle (Thingevellir National Park, Strokkur Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall)
  • Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
You will cover a distance of approximately 250 km today / 4 hours. Please note that while there is a good chance of seeing the lights of the aurora this far north, there is no guarantee, as they are a natural phenomenon and weather conditions can affect visibility. There are a number of apps you can download that show current and forecast activity of the aurora around the world. Some of these apps have a function that allow you to be alerted at night when the aurora becomes visible in your current location. Remember to pack warm clothes, as temperatures can drop to below –5°C.

Begin the day by travelling through the lava fields of 1783’s Laki volcanic eruption, and event that shaped Iceland's history and culture. Next is Skaftafell National Park which is where you will have the opportunity to get face-to-face with Vatnajokull, Europe's biggest glacier. From there, drive on to Jokulsarlon, also known as the Glacier Lagoon. Take a walk around this astounding glacial lake and learn a little more about its history, perhaps taking some photos along the way. Then return to Skaftafell for your overnight stay.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Skaftafell or similar - Skaftafell National Park (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Skaftafell National Park
  • Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
You will cover a distance of approximately 600 km today / 7-8 hours

Drive through the beautiful scenery of Iceland’s South Shore. Wander past the enormous basalt sea stacks at Reynisdrangar, marvel at the colours of the glaciers spilling down the mountains in the distance and admire the spectacular Skogafoss, a waterfall on the Skoga River. At 60 metres high and 25 metres wide, it's one of the largest – and most impressive – waterfalls in Iceland. It has been used as the setting of several popular films including The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Thor: The Dark World. After spending some time taking in the glory of this stream continue to Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You can walk right behind the stream of rushing water to see it from another angle. Next, return to Reykjavik and enjoy an evening of free time. Perhaps try the famous lobster soup or the infamous fermented shark washed down with a shot of Brennivin (Icelandic schnapps) in the Old Harbour, or enjoy a beer in a cosy city bar.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Klettur or similar - Reykjavik (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Skogafoss Waterfall
  • Reynisfjara Black Beach and Reynisdrangar Rocks
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
You will cover a distance of approximately 300 km today / 4 hours

After breakfast, explore Reykjavik on a city tour, passing the old harbour, city centre, towering Hallgrimskirkja church and the dome-shaped Pearl. Around noon fly to Akureyri (approximately 45 minutes). Explore the charming little town centre of the capital of Northern Iceland, then transfer to Lake Myvatn where we spend the next two nights. This area is one of the most interesting geological areas in the northern hemisphere and Iceland.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Sel or similar - Skutustadir (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Reykjavik Walking Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
You will drive approximately 100 km today / 2 hours. The flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri will take approximately 45 minutes.

Today you’ll visit another of Lake Myvatn’s geological treasures, the Myvatn Nature Baths. Like the famous Blue Lagoon, Myvatn’s nature baths sit atop a geothermal area. Its alkaline waters are thought to benefit both the body and mind (it is said the minerals in the water can improve respiratory and skin problems) and have a temperature between 36 and 40⁰C (97-104⁰F). Due to its remote location in the north of Iceland the Myvatn Nature Baths are intimate and not particularly touristy. Spend time relaxing in the soothing waters of the lagoon, taking in the beautiful volcanic surrounds. In the afternoon walk past solfataras – natural volcanic mud pits that bubble and boil, omitting a rather strong odour. You'll also pass the craggy lava fields of Dimmuborgir and the strange pseudo-craters at Skutustadir. Look skywards for possibilities to see the northern lights (subject to weather conditions).
Accommodation
  • Hotel Sel or similar - Skutustadir (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lake Myvatn Nature Baths
  • Namaskard Boiling Mud Pools, Dimmuborgir & Skutustadir Crater Group
  • Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
Optional Activities
  • Craters of Hverfell and Viti - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Return from Akureyri to Reykjavik by plane. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. Iceland's capital has an eclectic art and music scene, an abundance of quirky cafes and a laid-back vibe. Perhaps window-shop in the central city or browse some of the city's excellent art galleries and museums. If you feel like something more active, you can take a ride on an Icelandic horse, or see killer whales just offshore on a whale watching expedition. Alternatively, if you are after another look at the Northern Lights, you can head out of town to chase them again this evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Klettur or similar - Reykjavik (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Settlement Exhibition - ISK1700
  • Saga Museum - ISK2200
  • Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK2900
  • Maritime Museum - ISK1700
  • Harpa Concert Hall - Free
  • Volcano House - ISK1790
  • Perlan Museum - ISK3900
  • Blue Lagoon - EUR40
  • Nauthólsvík Thermal Beach - Free
  • Fludir Secret Lagoon - ISK3000
  • Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths - ISK3800
  • Lava Tunnel Tour - ISK11400
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
You will drive approximately 100 km today / 2 hours. The flight from Akureyri to Reykjavik will take approximately 45 minutes.

Your Icelandic journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Blue Lagoon - ISK11000
  • Northern Lights Viewing Opportunity - ISK7000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If you are interested in visiting the Blue Lagoon please keep in mind that it has limited availability, and during peak times tickets sell out far in advance. We recommend you book your time slot online in advance if you would like to be sure of a certain time/date for your visit: bluelagoon.com.

Meals

7 breakfasts, 4 dinners

Transport

Private minibus

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (7 nights)

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer from Keflavik Airport
  • Golden Circle (Thingevellir National Park, Strokkur Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall)
  • Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
  • Skaftafell National Park
  • Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Skogafoss Waterfall
  • Reynisfjara Black Beach and Reynisdrangar Rocks
  • Reykjavik Walking Tour
  • Lake Myvatn Nature Baths
  • Namaskard Boiling Mud Pools, Dimmuborgir & Skutustadir Crater Group

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Important notes

ARRIVAL TRANSFER
An arrival transfer from Keflavik Airport to the start point hotel is included in the price of the trip. Please advise your travel agent of your flight times at the time of booking.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

2020-2021 WINTER SEASON ITINERARY CHANGES
From 18th January 2020 and in the 2020-2021 winter season this itinerary will no longer visit the Lake Myvatn area of Iceland, but will instead spend time on the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This change allows us to remove the previously included flights between Reykjavik and Akureyri thereby removing flight schedule reliability issues that were especially problematic during the winter months.

Essential trip information

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