Northern Lights
Reykjavik to Reykjavik
8 Days
From
US$ 2,505
View Tour Notes
In eight days maximise your chances of seeing the spectacular Northern Lights as well as packing in some of the top highlights of Iceland. Discover active volcanoes, admire tumbling waterfalls, see Icelandic horses and take a dip in the relaxing warm waters of the Blue Lagoon. Staying in handpicked hotels, we chase the northern lights on this whirlwind Icelandic adventure.
About this tour
- Type of Travel: By Coach
- Group Size: Average 30-45, Maximum 45
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Physical Rating:
- Country: Iceland
Itinerary
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Day 1 to 1 - Arrive Reykjavik
On arrival at Keflavik Airport, a shuttle transfer will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. Tonight you have free time to explore the capital for yourself. The city is alive in colour, culture and creativity and you can easily explore it on foot. There are a huge amount of restaurants to choose from, serving traditional Icelandic cuisine, as well as lively bars and cafes.
Included Excursions
This tour has six opportunities to see the Northern Lights,Arrival shuttle bus airport transfer with FlyBUS
Optional Excursions
Northern Lights tour from €47 (The receptionist at your Hotel can assist with booking this excursion on arrival)
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels Centerhotel Plaza or similar 
Day 2 to 2 - Saga Valley & Borgarnes
The adventure begins when you meet your group and tour leader at 9am. You will be taken on a quick city tour where you can learn about the main sights of Iceland's capital. Leaving Reykjavík we drive west, stopping first at the Saga Valley. Here you get a first taste of Iceland's beautiful landscapes. We have the chance to climb Grábrok Volcano crater and visit Europe's most powerful hot springs, Deildartunguhver. We visit Hraunfossar which is home to a series of magnificent waterfalls pouring from a vast lava field.
Tonight we stay in the small town of Borgarnes. Learn about the Northern Lights on an included lecture before dinner. Once the meal is over you will get your first chance at witnessing this spectacular phenomenon for yourself before settling down for the evening with a warm cup of hot chocolate. Remember, the Aurora Borealis can be a bit of a tease, and patience will be your best virtue when chasing the lights. If you don't see the magical light display tonight then don't worry, there will be plenty of chances to spot them throughout this adventure!
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels Icelandair Hotel Hamar or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 3 to 3 - Borgarnes
From Borgarnes, we visit the fishing town of Stykkishólmur where you can enjoy an included cruise into the Breiðafjörður fjord. Flanked by mountains and glaciers, Breiðafjörður is a shallow bay the separates the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the West Fjord peninsula. Stand on the deck and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding islands, fjords and bays, keeping an eye for spectacular bird species patrolling the skies!
Next we head to Bjarnarhöfn, where you have the opportunity to try the Icelandic specialty, Hákarl – fermented shark. Our adventure continues, and depending on weather conditions we may be able to visit the charming fishing village of Grundarfjörður. It offers sensational views of the mountains, waterfalls and lakes that surround the village, including the famous Mount Kirkjufell. Returning to Borganes, your guide will give you photography tips on how to best capture the Northern Lights. Tonight you get the chance to witness them as well as enjoying the hotel's outdoor hot tubs.
Included Excursions
Breiðafjörður fjord cruise
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels Icelandair Hotel Hamar or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 4 to 4 - Selfoss
We now travel along the Hvalfjörður fjord towards Selfoss, with plenty of stops along the way. First we stop at an Icelandic wool outlet store before heading inland to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Translated to 'Parliament Plains' many of Iceland's historical events have taken place here. We continue along the Golden Circle route passing steaming geysir geothermal fields. Explore the many hot springs and visit Strokkur 'the Churn' which erupts every 10 minutes! Sample freshly baked hot spring bread with Icelandic butter as well as geothermally boiled eggs! Wash it down with icy cold glass of Geysir Schnapps, for a true Icelandic experience!
Later this afternoon we visit an Icelandic Horse Stable. Learn about the role the horses have in Iceland and how they adapt to the cold weather conditions. You will also visit a geothermal greenhouse. Tonight you can soak up the tranquility of South Iceland, and continue your search for the Northern Lights.
Included Excursions
Visit to Icelandic Horse stables and a geothermal greenhouse
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels Fosshotel Hekla or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 5 to 5 - Kirkjubajarklaustur
Travelling across the south coast of Iceland, we stop at the Eyjafjallajökull Information Center. Here we will learn about life living next to a glacier and an active volcano, and the impact it has on the landscapes that surround it. Next we visit an Icelandic folk museum, packed to the brim with artifacts from Iceland's farming past. This afternoon we take a walk along the black lava beach and the bird cliffs in Reynisfjara before heading to our hotel near Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the Vatnajökull National Park region.
Included Excursions
Eyjafjallajökull Information Center,Entry to Skogar Folk Museum & Turf Houses
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels Fosshotel Núpar or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 6 to 6 - Jökulsárlón, Skaftafell National Park & Kirkjubajarklaustur
From our base near Kirkjubæjarklaustur we explore Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon famous for its floating icebergs and arctic waters. Keep an eye out for seals swimming here and walk along the black sandy beach where sometimes icebergs get stranded on.
This afternoon we visit a small turf church and explore Skaftafell National Park, home to Europe's largest glacier and beautiful alpine landscapes. Tonight you can enjoy a film presentation about the Northern Lights before heading out for your penultimate search for the elusive lights.
Optional Excursions
Vatnajökull Ice Cave tour - from €190 (available from 15/11 to 03/11)
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels Fosshotel Núpar or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 7 to 7 - Reykjavik
Heading back towards Reykjavík we stop for photos at the small village of Vík. Watch the waves crashing against the high bird cliffs from the black sand beach here. Next we visit the Seljalandsfoss waterfall that plunges in a narrow fashion for 60 meters. We arrive back in the capital in the afternoon so you have time to explore more of the city and pick up any final souvenirs. Tonight we will visit the famous Blue Lagoon where you can soak in the warm waters before enjoying a traditional Icelandic dinner.This will be your final night to get your best shot of the Northern Lights in all their glory!
Please note: Please order your complimentary FlyBUS airport shuttle transfer with the hotel receptionist this evening, prior to departure the following day. The FlyBUS office is open 24 hours a day and your tour leader will be able to help if you have any questions.
Included Excursions
Visit the Blue Lagoon
Optional Excursions
Whale Watching tour - from €73 (The receptionist at your Hotel can assist with booking this excursion on arrival)
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels Centerhotel Plaza or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
Day 8 to 8 - Depart Reykjavik
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Today your adventure in Iceland will come to an end. Your complimentary transfer will pick you up from your accommodation to Keflavík Airport. Your travel documents should include a separate voucher for this transfer.
Included Excursions
Departure shuttle bus airport transfer with FlyBUS
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
What you need to know
- We will try to run your tour as close to the itinerary as conditions will allow. On very rare occasions, local events may affect the way your itinerary operates. We ask for your flexibility and understanding in these situations.
- The minimum age on this tour differs from our other group tours - please contact your Adventure Specialist for more information
- There is a compulsory supplement if you are not sharing a room. This applies to people travelling on their own or in a group with odd numbers. This supplement has seasonal pricing therefore please contact your Adventure Specialist for further information.
- There is limited daylight, about 5-6 hours, for departures mid-November to end of January. The shortest daylight in Iceland is on the 21st of December, about 4 hours.
What's Included
Excursions & Activities
- This tour has six opportunities to see the Northern Lights
- Arrival shuttle bus airport transfer with FlyBUS
- Breiðafjörður fjord cruise
- Visit to Icelandic Horse stables and a geothermal greenhouse
- Eyjafjallajökull Information Center
- Entry to Skogar Folk Museum & Turf Houses
- Visit the Blue Lagoon
- Departure shuttle bus airport transfer with FlyBUS
Accommodation
7 night(s) in hotels
Transportation
Private Vehicle
Meals
7 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
What's Not Included
- Visas and travel insurance
- Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
- International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
- Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.
- Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.
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