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Ice & Lights

Iceland

6 nights 7 Departures Available

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With dramatic landscapes at your feet and the brilliant Aurora Borealis in the skies above, this is a tour to remote locations and remarkable sights, from Iceland’s glacial lagoon to its largest icecap, steaming geysers, gleaming icebergs, and frozen waterfalls

Overview

Touring the west and south coasts of Iceland, with a detour inland, on the Golden Circle route, to Geysir geyser and the Gullfoss iced cascade; this is a Nature spectacular, where sparkling white, jade green, and bright blue icebergs echo the dancing colours of the Northern Lights. While, of course, this natural phenomenon cannot be guaranteed, the chances of seeing these astonishing skies are greater the further north you go, and the more remote from atmospheric pollution. Iceland ticks those boxes, and this tour maximises them, leaving the city lights of Reykjavik for isolated settlements and unlit Atlantic Ocean shores. Bookended by time spent in the world’s most northerly capital, the journey heads south for Hnappavellir, with Iceland’s highest mountain looming large behind it, Europe’s largest glacier on its doorstep, and geological and geothermic eye-openers creating a scenic masterpiece in its surrounds. Skaftafell is sculpted by ice and fire, age-old glaciers, and volcanic eruptions, its eerie ice formations edging deep crevasses; Selfoss is the launch pad for the Geothermal Valley hot springs, and Thingvellir National Park; and the Blue Lagoon is a tranquil seawater spa, and a triumph of Man and Nature.

Highlights

  • Aurora Borealis search
  • Explore colourful Reykjavik
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Discover South Icelandic villages
  • Tour the Golden Circle Route
  • Optional soak in Blue Lagoon
Ice & Lights Map 2023

Itinerary

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Day 1 - Fly to Keflavik and transfer to Reykjavik

Fly from your chosen airport to Keflavik and transfer to Reykjavik, your introduction to city life, Icelandic style, surrounded by natural wonders. Stay overnight at the 4-star Fosshotel.

Day 2 - Explore the local natural landmarks

Visit the LAVA Centre in Hvolsvöllur, its full title ‘Iceland Volcano & Earthquake Centre’, its high-tech show revealing the epic forces of nature which created Iceland 20million years ago. Explore the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, with its huge basalt stacks and Atlantic waves; and the twin cascades of the Systrafoss (Sisters’ Falls). Continue to Hnappavellir, spread around the base of vertical cliffs which were once the country’s coastline, for two nights at the 4-star Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. Travel to Skaftafell or Jökulsárlón in search of the Northern Lights (might take place the following evening).
(B, D)

Day 3 - Enjoy the Vatnajökul Glacier National Park and hike to Svartifoss

Visit ethereal Jökulsárlón (‘glacial river lagoon’), where icebergs calve from the glacier edge, cracking and crackling as they move, with the wind and tide, down the river and into the lagoon; and the dazzling ‘diamond beach’, sparkling with cubes and crystals of ice. Explore Skaftafell, at the southern edge of the Vatnajökul Glacier National Park; and hike to Svartifoss (black waterfall) surrounded by lava columns and crashing over a cliff (1½ hrs, weather permitting).
(B, D)

Day 4 - Visit waterfalls and the Dverghamrar rock formations

Follow the south Icelandic coast to the majestic, 60m-high Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and nearby Skógafoss, equally tall and 25m wide. Visit Skógar Folk Museum of cultural heritage, with thousands of craft artefacts; and continue to Dverghamrar (‘Dwarf Cliffs’), with striking rock formations, hexagonal basalt columns, and legends of local elves. Two nights at the 3-star Landhotel, near Selfoss, with the opportunity to see the Northern Lights (conditions permitting).
(B, D)

Day 5 - Enjoy a Golden Circle tour and farm visit

The Golden Circle tour takes us to Iceland’s mightiest and most iconic cascade, Gullfoss (‘golden falls’), its dual-level, 32m drop careering between 70m-high canyon walls; to the famous Geysir hot spring, which lent its name to all the world’s geysers; to hauntingly beautiful Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with mountain peaks, moss-softened magma fields, and the exposed North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; and to Frioheimar geothermal farm, famed for its horse-breeding stables and for its flourishing greenhouses. Enjoy a tasting of Icelandic rye bread, baked in the geothermal earth.
(B, D)

Day 6 - Visit local villages before a Reyjavik tour

Visit the little villages of Stokkseyri, known for its birdlife, beautiful shoreline, and the Elf-Troll; and Eyrarbakki, its quaint and colourful buildings including the Húsio (house) museum, one of Iceland’s oldest houses. Continue to Reyjavik for a tour of the city, small enough to stroll around but big on cosmopolitan atmosphere. Optional visit to the Blue Lagoon, built into a lava field, its 38-degree water supplied by the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station (pre-bookable only). Overnight at the 4-star Fosshotel.
(B)

Day 7 - Fly home from Keflavik

Transfer to Keflavik airport for the return flight to your chosen airport.
(B)

Day 1 - Fly to Keflavik and transfer to Reykjavik

Fly from your chosen airport to Keflavik and transfer to Reykjavik, your introduction to city life, Icelandic style, surrounded by natural wonders. Stay overnight at the 4-star Fosshotel.

Day 2 - Explore the local natural landmarks with a lava show

Visit the LAVA show, the only place in the world where you can safely experience hot molten lava in close proximity! The show recreates a volcano eruption, similar to what Eyjafjallajökull and Katla volcano are famous for, by pouring molten lava (1100°C / 2000°F) into the showroom and over ice. It is an epic battle between the elements and a unique opportunity to get close to red-hot lava, see it flowing, hear it sizzling, and feel the intense heat that radiates from it. Explore the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, with its huge basalt stacks and Atlantic waves; and the twin cascades of the Systrafoss (Sisters’ Falls). Continue to Hnappavellir, spread around the base of vertical cliffs which were once the country’s coastline, for two nights at the 4-star Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. In search of the Northern Lights over the following four evenings, you will enjoy guided tours, lectures and presentations.
(B, D)

Day 3 - Explore the Vatnajökul Glacier National Park and hike to Svartifoss

Visit ethereal Jökulsárlón (‘glacial river lagoon’), where icebergs calve from the glacier edge, cracking and crackling as they move, with the wind and tide, down the river and into the lagoon; and the dazzling ‘diamond beach’, sparkling with cubes and crystals of ice. Explore Skaftafell, at the southern edge of the Vatnajökul Glacier National Park; and hike to Svartifoss (black waterfall) surrounded by lava columns and crashing over a cliff (1½ hrs, weather permitting). 
(B, D)

Day 4 - Visit waterfalls and the Dverghamrar rock formations

Follow the south Icelandic coast to the majestic, 60m-high Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and nearby Skógafoss, equally tall and 25m wide. Visit Skógar Folk Museum of cultural heritage, with thousands of craft artefacts; and continue to Dverghamrar (‘Dwarf Cliffs’), with striking rock formations, hexagonal basalt columns, and legends of local elves. Two nights at the 3-star Landhotel, near Selfoss.
(B, D)

Day 5 - Enjoy a Golden Circle tour and farm visit

The Golden Circle tour takes us to Iceland’s mightiest and most iconic cascade, Gullfoss (‘golden falls’), its dual-level, 32m drop careering between 70m-high canyon walls; to the famous Geysir hot spring, which lent its name to all the world’s geysers; to hauntingly beautiful Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with mountain peaks, moss-softened magma fields, and the exposed North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; and to Frioheimar geothermal farm, famed for its horsebreeding stables and for its flourishing greenhouses. Enjoy a tasting of Icelandic rye bread, baked in the
geothermal earth.
(B, D)

Day 6 - Explore Reykjavik with an optional blue lagoon visit

Drive through Hveragerði to Reykjavik for a tour of the city, small enough to stroll around but big on cosmopolitan atmosphere. Optional visit to the Blue Lagoon, built into a lava field, its 38-degree water supplied by the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station (pre-bookable only). Overnight at the 4-
star Fosshotel Reykjavik.
(B)

Day 7 - Fly home from Keflavik

Transfer to Keflavik airport for the return flight to your chosen airport.
(B)

Notes:

Success in viewing of the Northern Lights is not guaranteed.

Some walking on snow-covered terrain is involved and visits are subject to local conditions and weather.

On occasion the evening drive on Day 2 may operate on an alternative day.

Optional tours are not always exclusive for JV groups.

Reviews

Unique Experience

Accommodation

Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.

Fosshotel Reykjavik, Reykjavic, Iceland, Exterior

Fosshotel - Reykjavik

A stylish 4-star hotel close to Laugavegur shopping street and great views to the city and sea. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 320 rooms with hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

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Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, Hnappavellir, Iceland, Exterior

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon - Hnappavellir

A new 4-star hotel between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Restaurant, bar, sauna, hot tub and WiFi (free). 104 rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

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Landhotel, Hella, Iceland, Outside

Landhotel - Hella

A modern 3-star hotel with Scandinavian interior in the Selfoss area. Restaurant, sauna, spa and WiFi (free). 69 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

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Optional Extras

Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.

Optional Excursions

The Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

Travel by coach from Reykjavik and discover the waters of the Blue Lagoon. Experience a wonder of the world. Harmonize with nature.

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Stay Extra Nights...

Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.

- Travel Guides -

You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.

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