NORTHERN LIGHTS AROUND ICELAND – 8 days

This incredible Northern Lights photo was taken by Jónína Guðrún Óskarsdóttir in the small fishing village of Fáskrúðsfjörður in East Iceland. “Awe-inspiring, magical, breathtaking, spellbinding, mesmerizing”, these are a few of the words to describe the Aurora Borealis or - as they are more commonly called - the Northern Lights. In fact, no amount of words or, indeed, images could ever do real justice to the Aurora. It is one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular natural phenomena. This winter adventure goes to North, East and South Iceland. Join us for a group tour around the country in pursuit of Northern Lights. 

HIGHLIGHTS and EXPERIENCES:

• Circle tour around Iceland
• Explore Akureyri, Lake Mývatn and the East Fjords
• Visit Vatnajökull glacier and Jökulsárlón ice lagoon
• Discover Eyjafjallajökull volcano and Golden Circle classics 
• Hot spring bathing and short walks in volcanic landscapes
• Domestic flight from Reykjavík to North Iceland

ITINERARY:

Day 1, SUN: WELCOME TO ICELAND (50 km/31 mls)

The Flybus shuttle (no guide) brings travelers from Keflavík International Airport to the accommodation in Reykjavík where you spend the night. We provide you with ideas how to explore Iceland's capital on your own, dinner suggestions too! Food lovers will be pleased and perhaps even impressed by the number of diverse restaurants in Reykjavík. Many award winning chefs create delicious Icelandic cuisine that is characterized by an imaginative use of local ingredients such as fresh seafood, organic lamb and wild game; but be sure to try the fabulous Icelandic hotdog and pizza too! 

Day 2, MON: THE CAPITAL OF NORTH ICELAND & LAKE MÝVATN (140 km/87 mls) 

At 07:45 meet your tour guide and travel by air to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. We explore this charming town of 17,000 inhabitants and travel to Goðafoss, the waterfalls of the Gods. We continue to Lake Mývatn which is known for its geological wonders, active bird life and being Iceland’s winter wonderland, but also for having Iceland's coldest temperatures. We stop at bizarre lava formations, walk around pseudo craters and hike in a lava field at Dimmuborgir “the dark castles”. In the evening, join a lecture about Northern Lights, relax at Mývatn Nature Baths and get ready to chase the elusive Northern Lights. 

Day 3, TUE: TRAVEL EAST (220 km/137 mls) 

We start the day at Mývatn bird museum and travel to the hot spring area of Námaskarð with bubbling mud pools and steaming solfataras. We head through the uninhabited highlands and a moonlike surrounding to East Iceland. With some luck with might spot an Arctic fox or see some reindeer. We stay at Hotel Hallormsstaður located in Iceland’s largest forest. This setting is perfect for hunting the magical auroras.

Day 4, WED: WALK IN THE WOODS, VISIT FISHING VILLAGES & MEET THE LOCALS (120 km/75 mls) 

After a walk through the Hallormsstaður arboretum we travel to Eskifjörður, a charming seaside village in the East Fjords. We visit the local maritime museum, take a private tour through a historic seaman‘s lodge and get the opportunity to taste locally produced shark meat, dried fish and Brennivín snaps. The local photographer and Aurora hunter, Ms. Jónína Guðrún Óskarsdóttir, shows us some of her best Northern Lights photos, tells us about her Aurora encounters and if the weather conditions are suitable, leads us to her secret Northern Lights spot just outside the village. Overnight at Fosshotel East Fjords.

Day 5, THU: FJORDS, GLACIER AND ICE (385 km/239 mls) 

We start the day with a visit to Petra’s incredible collection of stones and minerals. On we travel to admire the dramatic fjord landscape and its tiny fishing villages at the end of twisty roads in the East Fjords. Soon we see Vatnajökull, Europe’s biggest glacier and we stop at Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs. We travel to the tiny turf church at Hof and continue through the largest national park in Europe.  Be careful not to go to bed too soon in this remote and quiet location, or you may just miss out one more chance of seeing the Northern Lights shimmering and dancing across the night sky. Overnight in the region.

Day 6, FRI: SOUTH COAST (255 km/158 mls) 

A beautiful drive with many natural wonders awaits us today as we head across the Eldhraun lava field. We see sandy deserts, mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls. We stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara and stop at Skógafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. At the Eyjafjallajökull Information Center we learn about living next to a glacier and an active volcano. We continue to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall. After dinner we enjoy a film presentation about Northern Lights which is part of the Northern Lights educational program. Naturally, once darkness falls, we are out to chase the Northern Lights and to soak in the hotel’s outdoor hot tubs. Overnight in South Iceland.

Day 7, SAT: GOLDEN CIRCLE (190 km/118 mls) 

We explore the Golden Circle sights: Geysir geothermal fields, Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we return to Reykjavík, we show you highlights of the world's northernmost capital. Last stay in Reykjavík. 

Day 8, SUN: DEPARTURE HOME (50 km/31 mls)

Individual transfer by Flybus airport shuttle (no guide) from your accommodation in Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport.