Iceland's Classic Northern Lights
Experience Overview
Pursue Mother Nature’s spectacular show of colour and light on this five-day winter adventure of Iceland’s Southern Coast. Experience the highlights of Iceland’s Golden Circle – soaking in the steamy geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon and marvelling at the eruptions of the Strokkur Geysir. Strap on the crampons and hike across the Solheimajokull Glacier, feeling the mist of thunderous waterfalls on your face. As the sun falls, rug up in your finest thermals and search the night sky for dancing lights.
Highlights
- Make the most of Iceland’s long winter nights by tracking down the shimmering lights of the Aurora Borealis.
- Revel in an I’m-so-far-from-home moment as you explore one of Europe’s largest ice caps on an adventurous walk over the Solheimajokull Glacier, and bask in the spray of the spectacular Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss falls.
- Visit a local art workshop and chat with the artists in a rugged, off-the-beaten-track harbour town.
- See the sights that make Iceland’s famous Golden Circle so celebrated, from Gulfoss Waterfall to Strokkur Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.
- Soak in a geothermal pool at the lesser-known Secret Lagoon – is there anything more quintessentially Icelandic?
Trip Details
Product Code: 1627
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: BIKW
Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland
Finishes: Hvolsvollur, Iceland
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (4), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2636 ($527 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not hit the streets and explore the city's boutiques and cosy cafes. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head into town with the group and get to know each other over dinner.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a moment to breathe in the fresh Icelandic air before heading out to the Reykjanes Peninsula, stopping at the Bridge Between Continents along the way – this footbridge spans the fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Visit the eerie mud pools and steam vents of Gunnuhver, named after the angry ghost that’s said to have been trapped in the hot springs 400 years ago. Then, head to Hafnarfjordur and check out a local artists’ community. You’ll see their space on a guided tour where you’ll meet the artists and learn about the history of the building and the community. Have lunch at a local restaurant, then continue through the geothermal areas of Krisuvik and Seltun. Your final stop today will be Strandarkirkja – a Lutheran church that’s been a landmark for seafaring travellers since the 12th century. After a busy day, you’ll head to your accommodation near the town of Hveragerdi and settle in for the night.
Included Activities:
- Reykjanes Peninsula - Gunnuhver hot springs
- Reykjanes Peninsula - Bridge between Continents
- Reykjanes Peninsula - Strandarkirkja
- Hafnarfjordur - Local artist community visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is all about exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Head to Thingvellir National Park to see the Parliament Plains – the site where Iceland’s first parliament was founded in AD930. You’ll also see the Silfra fissure where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. Then, you’ll visit the geyser geothermal area to check out Strokkur and watch as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting 15 to 20 m into the air. Next, take in the sheer power of the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River. After witnessing these natural wonders, it’s time to reap the benefits of Iceland’s geothermal activity yourself. Your group will head out for a winter soak in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon – fed by various hot springs, this spot is the oldest man-made pool in Iceland. When you've had your dose of relaxation (or before your fingers start to prune), head back to your accommodation, where you can relax for the night or head outside to search the skies for colour.
Included Activities:
- Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
- Fludir - Secret Lagoon
- Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day by visiting the mighty Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and take a walk behind its cascade for a different perspective. Continue chasing waterfalls at the powerful Skogafoss – one of Iceland's biggest falls at 25 m wide with a drop of 60 m. From here, embark on a short hike to Kvernufoss Waterfall, hidden in a nearby valley. These falls are framed by moss-coated cliffs of lava rock, adding to their otherworldly appearance. After you’ve had your fill of falls, take a walk on one of Europe's biggest ice caps – the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier. This evening, you’ll enjoy a comforting dinner at your accommodation before looking to the skies in search of dancing lights.
Included Activities:
- South Coast - Kvernufoss Waterfall Hike
- South Coast - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- South Coast - Skogafoss Waterfall visit
- South Coast - Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
It’s time to head back to Reykjavik. When you arrive, your leader will take you out on a walking tour to discover more of the history and culture of this fascinating city. After, your trip comes to an end and there are no further activities planned. If you’d like to extend your stay in the city and keep searching for the Northern Lights, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Included Activities:
- Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
- Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
Optional Activities:
- Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik (28490 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour (13900 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition (3000 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum (4300 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Saga Museum (4000 ISK)
- Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
- Reykjavik - Maritime Museum (2450 ISK)
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Georgios - Traveled, March 2024
Great experience, the most that I like with intrepid is that in 5 days I saw things that probably I would have missed if I was there just by myself. the knowledgable local tour leader makes the difference, Thanks Siggi.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Douglas - Traveled, February 2024
Feel free to use any comments I have entered on this survey
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Linda - Traveled, February 2024
Thanks to our guide Jura, the visit to Iceland was incredible! I never would have gotten so much educational value by traveling solo, and made so many new friends during this trip. We got so lucky seeing the Aurora Borealis and experienced such good food and saw so many beautiful Southwestern Icelandic Landmarks. Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Sólheimajökull were particularly stunning and visiting all the little towns were so incredibly cool. Thank you again for such a lovely time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/09/2024
Farah - Traveled, February 2024
The weather was not good at all but everything else was excellent, our tour leader, our group and scenery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2024
Alice - Traveled, February 2024
This trip exceeded my expectations. We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on two nights! Jura, our Guide, was amazing. So knowledgeable of Iceland's history, culture and lifestyle, and also told us really entertaining stories of trolls and other folklore. The group got on so well and bonded from the get go. Hotels we stayed at were great too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Nancy - Traveled, February 2024
This was a trip that I always dreamed of and more. Saw Northern Lights twice and got outstanding scenery as a bonus.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
