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Days
8
Price from
3620USD
Map of Icelandic Northern Lights including Iceland

Hunt aurora and discover Iceland’s natural wonders

Designed to maximise your chances of catching mother nature’s most spectacular show, this eight-day Northern Lights tour reveals more than the aurora. Search the sky for dancing lights from Hvolsvollur to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula by night and discover natural wonders on land by day. Go inland to view the mighty Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall), drive through hardened lava fields in Skaftafell National Park, see the eerily calm waters of the Glacier Lagoon and wander among Reynisdrangar’s imposing basalt sea stacks.

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

Why you'll love this trip

  • This trip is designed to give you the best chance at seeing the spectacular dancing lights of the aurora borealis in the northern sky.

  • Experience the breadth of Iceland's incredible natural phenomena – bubbling volcanic solfataras, rootless craters, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons.

  • The waterfall at Gullfoss is stunning no matter the season, graced by opaque rainbows in the sunlight and shimmering with ice in the cold.

  • Stay in an eco-lodge on a working family farm in the Icelandic countryside, where meat and produce from the land is served in the restaurant.

  • Travel with a local leader who can narrate your nightly sky watching with the science behind aurora borealis.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The northern lights are most visible during the colder months, when temperatures can reach -25 °C in the north and snow is very likely. It's important to bring appropriate clothing such as a down jacket, thermals layers, gloves and suitable footwear.

  • On the rare occasion that your leader must 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, time of year and itinerary), nature makes no guarantees.

  • 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
Aurora

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 11 Jan 2020 to 31 Mar 2021.
 View the 2019 itinerary

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
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. 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.

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. Then leave the city behind and head to the Borgarfjordur area. See the lava-formed waterfalls of Hraunfossar and the folklore-heavy Barnafossar (Children’s Falls). Continue to Deildartunguhver, where water bursts from the ground at a scalding 97°C. Take a soak in the nearby thermal pools of Krauma, where the mineral-rich water is cooled to a more tolerable temperature. Finally, continue to your lodgings in the south of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Meet the group for dinner in the evening.
Accommodation
  • Langaholt Guesthouse (or similar) - Snaefellsnes (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Reykjavik Walking Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
You will drive approximately 200 km today / 3 hours.

Today you will explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning with the Snaefellsjokull glacier, an icecap that covers a dormant volcano. Visit the birders paradise of Arnarstapi, the black pebble beach Djupalonssandur, and the pretty fishing village of Grundarfjordur. Here you’ll stop and meet a local artist by the name of Liston, who will show you his workshop. This is a great opportunity to have a look at his stone carving pieces and to interact with a local artisan. Continue to a horse ranch, where you’ll watch a cooking demonstration and enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal of local fare. After dinner, return to the hotel. Depending on the weather, rug up in warm clothing and head out in search of the northern lights tonight.
Accommodation
  • Langaholt Guesthouse (or similar) - Snaefellsnes (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Return to Reykjavik (approximately 3 hours). 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 200 km today / 3 hours.

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

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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.

Essential trip information

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