Icelandic Northern Lights
Location: Iceland
Highlights
- 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
Trip Overview
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.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik
Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland's quirky capital, and settle into your hotel. There are no activities planned until tonight's group meeting, but if you arrive early, take a stroll and acquaint yourself with the world's northernmost capital. Perhaps take a trip to the National Museum to see the permanent exhibition on the history of Iceland from the 9th century to the present.Day 2: Reykjavik / Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area
After breakfast, explore Reykjavik on a city tour, passing the old harbour, city centre, towering Hallgrimskirkja church and the dome-shaped Pearl. Continue to the geologically and historically important Thingvellir (Parliament Plains), the original site of Iceland’s old parliament from 930 AD. 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. Tonight 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. While there is a good chance of seeing the lights of the aurora from this far north, there is no guarantee, as weather conditions can affect visibility. Remember to pack warm clothes, as temperatures can drop to below –5°C.Day 3: Skaftafell National Park / Jokulsarlon / Vik
Begin the day by visiting 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 for several settings in popular film. After spending some time taking in the glory of this stream, drive to Skaftafell National Park. En route, you'll travel through the lava of 1783’s Laki volcanic eruption, and event that shaped Iceland's history and culture. 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 continue to the small village of Vik on Iceland's south cost for your overnight stay.Day 4: South Coast / Blue Lagoon / Reykjavik
Drive through the beautiful scenery of Iceland’s South Shore. Wander past the enormous basalt sea stacks at Reynisdrangar, marvel at the colours of Solheimajokull Glacier and admire the spectacular Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You can walk right behind the stream of the latter to see it from another angle. Afterwards you will stop at the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing bath in this geothermal spa, a quintessential Icelandic experience. 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.Day 5: Akureyri / Lake Myvatn
After an early morning flight (approximately 45 minutes) to Akureyri, transfer to Lake Myvatn, one of the most interesting geological areas in the northern hemisphere and Iceland. 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).Day 6: Lake Myvatn
Enjoy a free day to explore Lake Myvatn and its surrounds. There are plenty of options to keep you occupied. Perhaps visit Husavik (Iceland's prime area for whale watching), relax in the Myvatn Nature Baths or head to Godafoss (if you haven’t had enough of stunning waterfalls). In the evenings, enjoy dinner at the hotel and look skyward for the incredible northern lights again.Day 7: Reykjavik
Return to Reykjavik by plane (approximately 45 minutes). 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, hire a bike and cycle around the harbour front, go on a self-guided tour through the cemetery or browse some of the city's excellent art galleries. 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.Day 8: Reykjavik
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). Gallery
Trip Dates
Start date - End date Trip Status Price 17/NOV/2018 - 24/NOV/2018 FS DG AU$5180
(single supplement $660)24/NOV/2018 - 01/DEC/2018 FS DG AU$5180
(single supplement $660)01/DEC/2018 - 08/DEC/2018 FS DG AU$5180
(single supplement $660)08/DEC/2018 - 15/DEC/2018 FS DG AU$5180
(single supplement $660)15/DEC/2018 - 22/DEC/2018 FS DG AU$5180
(single supplement $660)05/JAN/2019 - 12/JAN/2019 FS DG AU$5440
(single supplement $660)19/JAN/2019 - 26/JAN/2019 FS DG AU$5440
(single supplement $660)16/FEB/2019 - 23/FEB/2019 FS DG AU$5440
(single supplement $660)02/MAR/2019 - 09/MAR/2019 FS DG AU$5440
(single supplement $660)16/NOV/2019 - 23/NOV/2019 FS AU$5440
(single supplement $660)23/NOV/2019 - 30/NOV/2019 FS AU$5440
(single supplement $660)30/NOV/2019 - 07/DEC/2019 FS AU$5440
(single supplement $660)07/DEC/2019 - 14/DEC/2019 FS AU$5440
(single supplement $660)14/DEC/2019 - 21/DEC/2019 FS AU$5440
(single supplement $660)04/JAN/2020 - 11/JAN/2020 FS AU$5440
(single supplement $660)18/JAN/2020 - 25/JAN/2020 FS AU$5440
(single supplement $660)15/FEB/2020 - 22/FEB/2020 FS AU$5440
(single supplement $660)29/FEB/2020 - 07/MAR/2020 FS AU$5440
(single supplement $660)
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