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See the best of Iceland, and witness the elusive northern lights
Trip Code: IT04
Countries Experienced: Iceland
Price From: R 47 500
Trip Type : Professional Journey - Group
Witnessing the elusive northern lights’ exotic dance in the night sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! This special northern lights edition of our bestselling Iceland Complete tour was created by our team of experts to combine the best of the Ring Road with the enchanting beauty of an Icelandic winter. Witness “must-see" attractions such as the Golden Circle, the Glacier Lagoon, Lake Myvatn and Dettifoss, but with extra-added magical snow, peacefulness, light, and shadows of an Icelandic winter. Northern lights wake-up calls are available on most nights of your trip, ensuring you don’t miss your chance to see the lights up close.
Witnessing the elusive northern lights’ exotic dance in the night sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! This special northern lights edition of our bestselling Iceland Complete tour was created by our team of experts to combine the best of the Ring Road with the enchanting beauty of an Icelandic winter. Witness “must-see" attractions such as the Golden Circle, the Glacier Lagoon, Lake Myvatn and Dettifoss, but with extra-added magical snow, peacefulness, light, and shadows of an Icelandic winter. Northern lights wake-up calls are available on most nights of your trip, ensuring you don’t miss your chance to see the lights up close.
Why you will love it
Why you will love it
Get an excellent overview of Iceland and its unique wonders at a comfortable pace
We’ll take you to many of the classic natural wonders, including the Golden Circle, the Glacier Lagoon, Reynisfjara Beach, Dettifoss waterfall and Myvatn nature reserve
Enjoy a glimpse into Icelandic life with authentic local activities and delicious dinners– great experiences that also add great value
Discover and learn about Iceland from our hand-picked local guides, who are passionate and knowledgeable about Iceland
Things to consider
Things to consider
Level of comfort: Savour
This is a small group guided trip
Accommodation: Hotel (8nts)
Meals included: 8 Breakfast, 6 Dinner
Single supplement available if you would like your own room
Microbrewery visit and beer tasting in Breiddalsvik (day 4)
Entrance to Laufas Folk Museum including Icelandic-style refreshments (day 6)
Horse show in Skagafjordur (day 7)
Entrance to the Herring Era Maritime Museum (day 7)
Use of crampons/cleats (if needed) for walking on snow/ice covered surfaces
Detailed itinerary - Iceland complete
Detailed itinerary - Iceland complete
Day 1: Arrival in Iceland
Arrival at Keflavik International Airport. Transfers to Reykjavik are not included in the tour. We would be happy to arrange shared or private transfers for you, so let us know at booking time.
If you are arriving earlier in the day, you might consider adding a day tour. We would be happy to make suggestions based on your interests. One of our favorite activities after a long flight is to visit one of the neighborhood geothermal pools. It is so refreshing to relax in the warm water, breathing in the fresh Icelandic air. It’s a wonderful way to get to see Icelandic daily life and maybe meet a few locals. It’s also nice to take a stroll in the old city center, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cozy café.
Optional: Airport Direct Economy with Hotel Connection |Private airport transfer |Northern Lights Boat Tour |Northern Lights & Stargazing |Northern Lights Hunt - SuperJeep Tour |Airport transfer: Arrival or Departure via Blue Lagoon |Private Airport Transfer via the Blue Lagoon Day 2: Geysir – Gullfoss – Skogar – Dyrholaey – Vik | Exploding Geysers – Waterfalls – Black Sand Beaches
Breakfast at your hotel. Your local guide will meet you in the lobby of the hotel. Please be in the lobby with your luggage, ready for an enjoyable day in South Iceland!
After a quick introduction to our home city of Reykjavik, head to the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi. Continue to the Golden Circle natural wonders. Explore Gullfoss waterfall, a spectacular sight in winter when frozen mid-cascade. Continue to the geothermal fields of Geysir with bubbling mud pools and the high-spouting Strokkur hot spring (and other geysers). Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss before continuing to Dyrholaey and the black sand beaches of Iceland’s South Shore. Continue to the village of Vik.
Dinner and overnight in the Vik area.
If weather conditions are right, your guide will take you on a northern lights hunt on foot in the area outside your hotel tonight, or on one of the other evenings that you are staying in the countryside.
Approximate Driving Distance: 325 km / 201 miles
Day 3: Vatnajokull National Park – Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon – Hofn | Lava Fields – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will be in a world of glaciers! You’ll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe! Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east. Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty dominated by several magnificent glaciers. One of these is Svinafellsjokull, one of the most beautiful glacial “tongues” that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajokull.
Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where you can enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon (make sure your camera is loaded and ready!) Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, where shrinking icebergs settle on the black sands before they drift out to sea.
Dinner and overnight in Hofn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajokull glacier.
Approximate Driving Distance: 285 km / 177 miles
Day 4: Hofn – East Fjords – Egilsstadir | Narrow Fjords – Picturesque Coastline – Legendary Lake Monster
Breakfast at your hotel. Get ready to enjoy some amazing views today! Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to an area of towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. Keep your hand on your camera and keep an eye out for wild reindeer, which can sometimes be seen in the area during the winter months.
You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. One of these is the tiny village of Breiddalsvik. Here, you’ll visit the local Beljandi microbrewery and sample some of the beer. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small town, as well as how great beer is made. The road next brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. The area is also getting a name for itself for its excellent locally sourced cuisine, and you will surely enjoy some of it at dinner.
Dinner and overnight in the Eastfjords area.
Approximate Driving Distance: 260 km / 162 miles
Day 5: Lake Myvatn Area | Highland Desert – Bizarre Lava Formations – Volcanic Winter Wonderland
Breakfast at your hotel. Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful in its winter snows, as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area. On the way, stop at Dettifoss, Europe's largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may the same way. It’s such a surreal experience!
Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Myvatn area, including the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and the Laxa Salmon River. You will probably see why this area, especially during the wintertime, has been so popular for movie makers.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Myvatn area.
Approximate Driving Distance: 255 km / 158 miles
Day 6: Lake Myvatn Area – Akureyri – Siglufjordur | "Waterfall of the Gods" – Turf-roofed Folk Museum – The Beautiful Troll Peninsula
Breakfast at your hotel. Start the day by exploring the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir.The name means “Dark Citadels" in Icelandic, and they certainly look as though were built by fantasy creatures. There are local legends that elves live here.
Visit the magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of the most important symbols of North Iceland, and the old turf farm Laufas. Enjoy a taste of some traditional Icelandic farmhouse refreshments and hear tales of life in the old days. Afterwards, visit Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital" of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord.
After spending some time in Akureyri, continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. This is a beautiful drive along steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and the black sand coastline. The day’s destination is Siglufjordur, set in a beautiful fjord of the same name. This town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. Siglufjordur is a very picturesque and easily walkable town for an evening stroll. You may even recognize some of the buildings; the town was a filming location for the popular Icelandic thriller series Trapped.
Dinner and overnight in Siglufjordur.
Approximate Driving Distance: 220 km / 137 miles
Day 7: Skagafjordur – Borgarnes | Historical Museum – Mountain Views – Unique Viking Horse Demonstration
Breakfast at your hotel. This morning visit Siglufjordur’s award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Siglufjordur was transformed into a frontier-like boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. The museum will transport you back to that exciting time.
Afterwards, head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to Skagafjordur, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait, the tolt.
Continue towards the village of Blonduos, built on both sides of the river Blanda. This is a part of Iceland known from the Icelandic literary work Vatnsdaela Saga. Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region that has been getting international recognition for its diverse landscapes and its Viking history.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Borgarnes area.
Approximate Driving Distance: 310 km / 193 miles
Day 8: Borgarfjordur – Thingvellir – Reykjavik | Europe's Largest Hot Spring – Picturesque Waterfalls – National Park with Geological Wonders
Breakfast at your hotel. Visit some of the beautiful natural wonders of West Iceland. Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with a more brilliantly blue color. There is an interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall.
Drive through the scenic and mountain lined Hvalfjordur fjord to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland's largest lake, and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world’s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents! Afterwards, head to Reykjavik for a last night in the colorful capital city. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel.
Overnight stay in Reykjavik. Dinner is on your own.
Approximate Driving Distance: 205 km / 130 miles
Optional: Northern Lights & Stargazing |Northern Lights Boat Tour |Northern Lights Hunt - SuperJeep Tour Day 9: Farewell to the Land of Fire and Ice
Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning flight. Transfer on your own to the international airport for your departure flight. The airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers.
Breakfast at your hotel. Start the day by exploring the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir.The name means “Dark Citadels" in Icelandic, and they certainly look as though were built by fantasy creatures. There are local legends that elves live here.
Visit the magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of the most important symbols of North Iceland, and the old turf farm Laufas. Enjoy a taste of some traditional Icelandic farmhouse refreshments and hear tales of life in the old days. Afterwards, visit Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital" of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord.
After spending some time in Akureyri, continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. This is a beautiful drive along steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and the black sand coastline. The day’s destination is Siglufjordur, set in a beautiful fjord of the same name. This town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. Siglufjordur is a very picturesque and easily walkable town for an evening stroll. You may even recognize some of the buildings; the town was a filming location for the popular Icelandic thriller series Trapped.
Dinner and overnight in Siglufjordur.
Approximate Driving Distance: 220 km / 137 miles
Day 7: Skagafjordur – Borgarnes | Historical Museum – Mountain Views – Unique Viking Horse Demonstration
Breakfast at your hotel. This morning visit Siglufjordur’s award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Siglufjordur was transformed into a frontier-like boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. The museum will transport you back to that exciting time.
Afterwards, head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to Skagafjordur, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait, the tolt.
Continue towards the village of Blonduos, built on both sides of the river Blanda. This is a part of Iceland known from the Icelandic literary work Vatnsdaela Saga. Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region that has been getting international recognition for its diverse landscapes and its Viking history.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Borgarnes area.
Approximate Driving Distance: 310 km / 193 miles
Day 8: Borgarfjordur – Thingvellir – Reykjavik | Europe's Largest Hot Spring – Picturesque Waterfalls – National Park with Geological Wonders
Breakfast at your hotel. Visit some of the beautiful natural wonders of West Iceland. Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with a more brilliantly blue color. There is an interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall.
Drive through the scenic and mountain lined Hvalfjordur fjord to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland's largest lake, and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world’s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents! Afterwards, head to Reykjavik for a last night in the colorful capital city. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel.
Overnight stay in Reykjavik. Dinner is on your own.
Approximate Driving Distance: 205 km / 130 miles
Optional: Northern Lights & Stargazing |Northern Lights Boat Tour |Northern Lights Hunt - SuperJeep Tour Day 9: Farewell to the Land of Fire and Ice
Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning flight. Transfer on your own to the international airport for your departure flight. The airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers.
We have various options to extend your Iceland adventure.
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