Iceland
5 nights 4 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookWith 70% of its terrain uninhabitable by humans, Iceland is daunting in its eerily empty interior, and haunting in its supremely scenic landscapes. On the Arctic Circle edge, with lava fields and steaming geyser spouts, icicles clinging to waterfall cliffs, and coastal hamlets hunkered down in weather-beaten bays, its ostensibly inhospitable terrain is both curse and blessing, as the nation adds Man’s creativity to Nature’s creation to maximise the geothermal assets, heating the homes of its residents with the gift of the ground beneath them. Focused on the country’s southwestern area, this tour is a thrilling journey through awe-inspiring landscapes. Bookended by stays in the world’s most northerly capital, Reykjavik, to little villages on the Snaefellsnes peninsula; the high rim of Grábrók crater, the deep lava-tube of Vatnshellir cave, and the thermal pools of Hvammsvik Hot Springs. With dark night skies come the bright Northern Lights. Brilliant along the ocean edge, where light pollution is minimal, the elusive phenomenon cannot be guaranteed, but Iceland offers the best chance to catch them.
Fly from London to Keflavik and transfer to the capital for an overnight stay at the 4-star Fosshotel Reykjavik. In the late afternoon, meet with your guide at the hotel for a briefing on the tour.
Enjoy a short orientation tour of Reykjavik, small enough to stroll around but big on cosmopolitan atmosphere, and learn about the rich history and culture that shaped Iceland, ending at the Icelandic Lava Show in Reykjavík. Icelandic LAVA show is 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. Next, we travel to Borgarfjordur for two very different waterfalls, the crashing rapids and tragic legend of Barnafoss (‘Children’s Falls’), and the serene spread of Hraunfossar, a 900-metres-long cluster of streaming creeks and cascades, fed by glacial rivers from the lava field. Experience the Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area, where Europe’s largest hot spring pushes piping hot water from a rocky outcrop at 50 gallons per second; and continue to Reykholt for overnight at the 3-star Fosshotel Reykholt.
(B, D)
Visit the 170-metre high Grábrók crater, taking the boardwalk up to the rim to look down into the caldera and out to views of encircling mountains. Continue to two fishing villages on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, Arnarstapi, steeped in ancient Icelandic Saga folklore; and Hellnar, a once busy port with written records of seafaring from 1560, now a popular base for visitors and for birdlife on its cliffs. Explore the 8,000-year-old Vatnshellir lava cave, descending the spiral staircase to the depths of its 200m length, where lava formations paint the walls with vibrant rainbow colours; and drive to the 3-star Fosshotel Stykkishólmur for an overnight stay.
(B, D)
Visit the tiny town of Grundarfjördur, charming in its own right but visited for views of ‘Iceland’s most photographed mountain’, the steeple shaped Kirkjufell, standing alone at the edge of the ocean and dominating the land and seascape. On the way to Reykjavík, we stop at Hvammsvik Hot Springs, an unique and authentic experience in unspoiled nature away from the crowds. Enjoy the eight natural hot springs right by the ocean surrounded by majestic mountains and black beaches. Set on the shoreline and changing with the tides, the pools are a fusion of sea and geothermal waters. Return to the Fosshotel Reykjavik for a two-night stay.
(B)
Enjoy a day at leisure in the city, where landmarks include the harbour area, the hilltop Perlan museum with its rotating glass dome, the fantastic façade of the Hallgrimskirkja church, and the vibrant downtown district ‘101 Reykjavik’. Alternatively, join us on one of our optional tours: a guided, walking ‘Food Tour’ of hand-picked Reykjavik restaurants, to sample authentic Icelandic dishes and combine the cuisine with a sense of the country’s culture (pre-bookable); a relaxing interlude at the Sky Lagoon, just a short hop from the city but a world apart, its 70-metre infinity edge looking out to ocean, volcano and glacier views (pre-bookable); or a tour of the Golden Circle, home to the Gulfoss (golden falls), Iceland’s mightiest cascade, careering between 70m-high canyon walls; the famous Geysir hot spring, which lent its name to all the world’s geysers; and beautiful Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with mountain peaks, moss- softened magma fields, and the meeting point of exposed North American and Eurasian tectonic plates (pre-bookable).
(B)
Transfer to Keflavik airport for your return flight to London.
(B)
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.
Optional tours are not always exclusive for JV groups.
Enjoy a tasting of rúgbrauð, Icelandic rye bread, traditionally baked in a pot by burying it in the geothermal ground for 24 hours. The bread is crustless, dark and very dense, usually rather sweet, and keeps for a long time. It will be served with boiled eggs, pickled herring and a glass of Geysir schnapps.
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.
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.
A modern, simple 3-star hotel in the village of Reykholt, close to Deildartunguhver hot springs and the Hraunfossar and Banafoss waterfalls. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 83 rooms with hairdryer, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A simple, brightly decorated 3-star hotel by the sea in the fishing village of Stykkishólmur. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 87 rooms with hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
By a scenic route we reach Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park (1930) and UNESCO World Heritage Site (2004). We stroll around the country’s most sacred site, home of the oldest existing national parliament in the world, the Alþingi, and major events in the history of Iceland. Thingvellir is a place of fascinating natural beauty, a spectacular geological vista, set on a vast plain flanked by large fissures, right by Iceland’s largest lake, Thingvallavatn. The Mid-Atlantic rift is clearly visible; a rift that is forming as Iceland is being pulled apart by tectonic forces. Here the North-American and the Eurasian continental plates drift apart by 19mm a year and a rift valley is forming. Next we drive to the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss - the Golden falls - perhaps the most beautiful in the country. Here the glacial river of Hvítá (white river) tumbles 32 meters in a double cascade. On a sunny day a rainbow is very likely in the massive spray. After an optional lunch stop we explore the active geothermal area of Haukadalur which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur, and many other hot springs. Most active nowadays is Strokkur, erupting hot water and steam to elevation of 25 metres every 5-7 minutes. Then we drive on to Skálholt, an ancient bishopric, and for centuries the spiritual and educational heart of Iceland. We pass the greenhouse town of Hveragerði and continue over the mountain pass Hellisheiði, an area with large lava fields and steaming valleys.
Try authentic Icelandic food and get a taste for the culture while you indulge! You will taste at least 10 different traditional foods and learn about local traditions from your expert guide. With the selection of local cuisine, you can check off a lot of things from your Icelandic food bucket list and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed with the quality of the restaurants.
The traditions of bathing culture are integral to the Icelandic way of life, and they’re at the core of the Sky Lagoon experience. Step into the warm waters and breathe in the refreshing ocean air and float through a breathtaking canyon. Enjoy the magnificent view over the Atlantic Ocean from the infinity pool and cleanse your body and soul in the 7 step spa ritual.
Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.
You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.
Ice & Lights
27 Feb 25,13 Mar 25 and 5 more
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
From £3025 pp
incl Flight
Voyage to the Northern Lights
9 Feb 25,22 Nov 25 and 3 more
From the maze of myriad inlets forming Bergen’s busy bays, to the top-of-the-world wilds of Nature at the North Cape, this classic Norwegian Hurtigruten cruise visits very varied ports of call as it follows Norway’s spectacular coast in search of the Northern Lights
From £2375 pp
incl FlightWe need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
Air travel and taxes, transfers (Fly Bus), 4 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.
Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements.
Fosshotel Reykjavik
per night £130
Single supplement £100 (Nov £95)