Hidden Powers and Northern Lights Hunt
Reykjavik Iceland
Discover the unforgettable hidden powers that helped shape Iceland on this best-selling tour. Experience first-hand the island’s natural wonders such as Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, the Glacial Lagoon, Eyjafjallajokull Volcano and the Blue Lagoon. Several overnights are in excellent locations for northern lights hunting.
Highlights
- Make great use of your time with this introductory tour of Iceland and its unique wonders
- View first-hand many of the classic natural wonders, including the Golden Circle area, the Glacier Lagoon and Reynisfjara Beach
- Walk between two continents at Thingvellir National Park
- Experience the amazing variety in Iceland’s landscape, with volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls
- Discover the powers of earth, water and fire and how they created Iceland—and our planet
- Walk along the banks of the amazing, iceberg-filled Glacier Lagoon
- Take stunning photographs at the dramatic Diamond Beach
- Relax in the brilliant azure waters of the Blue Lagoon
- Learn how Icelanders use geothermal power, including for baking
- See famous Icelandic volcanoes and their impacts on the area around them
- Relax each evening in specially-selected, quality hotels with private facilities
- Discover and learn about Iceland from our hand-picked local guides, who are passionate and knowledgeable about Iceland
- Take advantage of great value with included meals and activities
- Day 1 - Arrival to Reykjavík
- Day 2 - Thingvellir - Geysir - Gullfoss
- Day 3 - South Shore - Eyjafjallajokull Volcano
- Day 4 - Skaftafell National Park - Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
- Day 5 - Volcanic Areas - Hveragerdi - Blue Lagoon - Reykjavik
- Day 6 - Departure
- Additional Information
Highlights: Reykjavik Hallgrimskirkja Tjornin National Gallery The Sun Voyager Perlan Parliament House
Important: If you have added extra nights in Reykjavík before your tour, the guide will meet your group for the start of the tour on Day 2 according to the standard “Hidden Powers and Northern Lights” itinerary.
Overnight stay in Reykjavik. Airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers.
Quality Category - Fosshotel Reykjavik
Comfort Category - Fosshotel Lind/ Fosshotel Raudaura / Hotel Skuggi
Fosshotel Reykjavik
Fosshotel Reykjavík, Iceland’s largest hotel stands prominently in Reykjavík’s business district, only a short walk from the main shopping area. Here, from the heart of the city, you can easily explore Reykjavík's magnificent architecture, captivating history, vibrant markets and rich culture – ideal starting point for experience the best of everything the city has to offer.With 16 floors, many of our rooms offer magnificent views of the city and the bay area. The top floor features seven suites, 2 that can be used as meeting rooms and on the second floor you will find first class conference facilities. Unwind at the Beer Garden with local Icelandic draught beer and enjoy select dining at Fosshotel Reykjavík's restaurant, Haust.BusTravel Iceland offers free tour pick-ups outside the hotel.
Highlights: Gullfoss Geysir Thingvellir National Park
Approximate distance: ca150km / 93miles
Northern Lights Centre – National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) – Exploding Geysers – The Famous Golden Falls
Start the day by visiting the fascinating Northern Lights Centre in Reykjavik for an exciting and informative presentation on the Northern Lights.
Then head onwards to Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site) where the world’s oldest parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake.
Continue through farmland areas to the geothermal fields of Geysir with bubbling mud pools and the high-spouting Strokkur hot spring. Last but not least, visit the dramatic two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, a spectacular sight in winter when frozen mid-cascade. Stop at Skalholt, Iceland’s capital during the Middle Ages and now a culture centre with a beautiful church. During the day you will also visit Laugarvatnshellir cave where two Icelandic families built a cozy homestead and farm during the early 20th century. The furnishings and buildings in the cave has been restored to show how the residents once lived.
Dinner and overnight in the south coast area.
Quality Category - Hotel Selfoss / Icelandair Hotel Fludir
Comfort Category - Hotel Selfoss
Icelandair Hotel Fludir
The bountiful south Iceland - Natural wonders and fresh food in beautiful surroundings.Icelandair Hotel Fludir is a stylish hotel in the Icelandic countryside, only about an hour drive from Reykjavik. While there are unique wonders of nature all around, three national parks are nearby: Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir. Together, these make up the Golden Circle, a gem of Southern Iceland and easily accessible from Icelandair Hotel Fludir. At our restaurant, enjoy fresh vegetables and other local ingredients close to the source. South Iceland has adventures waiting nearby for everyone, whether it is visiting the greenhouses, fishing for salmon or horseback riding on Icelandic ponies, you can be sure to find something for everyone. When the adventures are done for the day, grab a bite and a drink from our bar and grill and head over to the garden to relax. In the garden, you can enjoy a tranquil evening soaking in a geothermal heated hot tub or cozied up with a blanket by the fireplace, under dancing northern lights or the midnight sun. It’s not a typical hotel experience, it is a night to remember.
Highlights: Eyjafjallajokull Seljalandsfoss Skogafoss Vík Reynisdrangar Cliffs
Approximate distance: ca229km / 143miles
Waterfalls – Lava Centre – Glacial Views – Black Sand Beaches
Drive along the south shore, an area of Iceland that is beautiful to view in the winter. This is one of the main farm regions of the country, and the road will pass by typical Icelandic farms, often with Icelandic horses in the fields.
This part of Iceland is home to the new Lava Centre, an interactive, high-tech educational exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years. Enjoy both the exhibit and viewing an interesting film about Icelandic volcanoes at the center’s cinema.
Stop at the spectacular waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Head onwards, passing by Myrdalsjokull Glacier, to visit Reynisfjara beach. Take a walk on the black sands, and admire the extraordinary rock formations and thundering waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.
Quality Category - Hotel Klaustur
Comfort Category - Fosshotel Nupur / Hotel Kria
Icelandair Hotel Klaustur
Located in the South-Eastern part of Iceland, a place famous for its scenery of the biggest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull, and right opposite lava fields, Hotel Klaustur opened its doors in 1993. Our emphasis has always been to provide a warm welcome for our guests, from family travelers to celebrity movie directors and photographers pursuing the magical views of local nature. The hotel was renovated in 2018 and re-opened recently with a unique brand identity – a fusion of modern Icelandic culture and historical heritage of the country.Our hotel acquired the name of its village – Kirkjubæjarklaustur, or “Klaustur” as it is usually referred to by locals, a small village located on the famous Ring Road between the two of Iceland’s most famous glaciers, Vatnajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Several tourist attractions are situated near the town, including Vatnajökull National Park, the canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur, the Laki craters, the Church floor, the Dwarf Rocks and the Glacier Lagoon. Furthermore, while driving to Klaustur, you can enjoy scenic views of waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss and the black beach Reynisfjara.To learn more about these attractions, please view section “Attractions” here on our website. At that time the sea level was higher, and so waves are thought to have caused the peculiar look of the rocks. According to Icelandic folklore, the cliffs are home to both dwarves and elves, resulting in the site’s name. Today Dverghamrar are a protected national monument and they are located only about 10 kilometers from our hotel.
Highlights: Skaftafell National Park Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon Vatnajokull National Park
Approximate distance: ca255km / 158miles
Western Europe’s Largest National Park – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier
Today enter the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. This national park is also the largest one in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east en route to the Vatnajokull area. Visit Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon where you can enjoy a breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. Then view Svinafellsjokull, one of the most beautiful of the glacial outlets emerging from Vatnajokull. Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty dominated by Vatnajokull glacier.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Quality Category - Hotel Klaustur
Comfort Category - Fosshotel Nupur / Hotel Kria
Icelandair Hotel Klaustur
Located in the South-Eastern part of Iceland, a place famous for its scenery of the biggest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull, and right opposite lava fields, Hotel Klaustur opened its doors in 1993. Our emphasis has always been to provide a warm welcome for our guests, from family travelers to celebrity movie directors and photographers pursuing the magical views of local nature. The hotel was renovated in 2018 and re-opened recently with a unique brand identity – a fusion of modern Icelandic culture and historical heritage of the country.Our hotel acquired the name of its village – Kirkjubæjarklaustur, or “Klaustur” as it is usually referred to by locals, a small village located on the famous Ring Road between the two of Iceland’s most famous glaciers, Vatnajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Several tourist attractions are situated near the town, including Vatnajökull National Park, the canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur, the Laki craters, the Church floor, the Dwarf Rocks and the Glacier Lagoon. Furthermore, while driving to Klaustur, you can enjoy scenic views of waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss and the black beach Reynisfjara.To learn more about these attractions, please view section “Attractions” here on our website. At that time the sea level was higher, and so waves are thought to have caused the peculiar look of the rocks. According to Icelandic folklore, the cliffs are home to both dwarves and elves, resulting in the site’s name. Today Dverghamrar are a protected national monument and they are located only about 10 kilometers from our hotel.
Highlights: Hveragerdi The Blue Lagoon
Approximate distance: ca348km / 217miles
Greenhouse Village – Thundering Waves – Geothermal Lagoon
Head towards the village of Hveragerdi, which is one of the few sites in the world located directly in the middle of a geothermal area. Hveragerdi is often called “The Flower Village” because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs. Follow along the coastline with its breathtaking waves and through a deserted community that once was a flourishing centre for the region.
On to the Reykjanes peninsula, where you can enjoy a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon, a unique wonder of nature with pleasantly warm, mineral-rich water in the middle of a black lava field.
Return to Reykjavik, where the evening is at your own leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Quality Category - Fosshotel Reykjavik
Comfort Category - Fosshotel Lind/ Fosshotel Raudaura / Hotel Skuggi
Fosshotel Reykjavik
Fosshotel Reykjavík, Iceland’s largest hotel stands prominently in Reykjavík’s business district, only a short walk from the main shopping area. Here, from the heart of the city, you can easily explore Reykjavík's magnificent architecture, captivating history, vibrant markets and rich culture – ideal starting point for experience the best of everything the city has to offer.With 16 floors, many of our rooms offer magnificent views of the city and the bay area. The top floor features seven suites, 2 that can be used as meeting rooms and on the second floor you will find first class conference facilities. Unwind at the Beer Garden with local Icelandic draught beer and enjoy select dining at Fosshotel Reykjavík's restaurant, Haust.BusTravel Iceland offers free tour pick-ups outside the hotel.
Highlights: Reykjavik Reykjavik City Museum Kjarvalsstadir National Museum Laugardalur
Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning departure flight. Transfer to the international airport for your departure flight. Airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange arrange shared or private transfers. We recommend you depart your hotel no later than three hours before your departure flight.
Included
- Guided Coach Tour from day 2 to day 5
- Expert local English-speaking guide from day 2 to day 5
- Free Wi-Fi on board motor coach
- Accommodation 2 nights in a standard room with facilities in Reykjavik
- Accommodation 3 nights in a standard room with facilities in the countryside
- Icelandic breakfast (except arrival day)
- 3 One-course local-cuisine dinners in the countryside with coffee/tea (Day 2, 3, 4)
- Entrance fee to the Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre (day 2)
- Instructions and assistance with setting up your camera for photographing the northern lights (day 2)
- Visit to outdoor geothermal bakery and taste of steam-baked rye bread (day 2)
- Entrance fee to the LAVA Centre and volcano film at the LAVA Centre Cinema (day 3)
- Blue Lagoon admission, including towel rental, silica mud mask and one drink (day 5)
- Use of crampons/cleats (if needed) for walking on snow/ice covered surfaces
- Great photo stops
- Seat rotation during the tour
- Northern Lights guided hunt on foot one selected evening
- Northern Lights hunting kit (use of flashlight, blanket and a hot drink)
- Customer care service during office hours
- 24-hour Iceland Travel emergency line assistance while you are in Iceland
Also (Added Value): - Northern Lights “wake-up call” option during the night on days 2-4 (please note: available at most countryside hotels)
Not Included
- Breakfast on arrival day
- International airfare
- Baggage porterage at airport/hotel
- Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Swimsuit at the Blue Lagoon (rentals available)
- Round-trip transfers between airports and hotels
- Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary
- Guaranteed early check-in (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland starts between 14:00 and 16:00 (2:00pm and 4:00pm)
- Guaranteed late check-out
- Any service not specifically listed under “included”
Important
- Please note that northern lights are dependent on weather conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.
New for 2019-2020: Special Departures:
Foodie Focus Version: Enhance your experience with added tasty treats and insights into Iceland’s culinary heritage
Special New Year’s Eve Version– Includes a New Year’s Eve celebration
All departures are guaranteed with minimum of 2 participants
Maximum group size: 36 participants.
Please note this is an advised hotel list and subject to change. Accommodation- Quality Category
This tour stays in comfort hotels with private bathrooms, generally a mix of four- and three-star hotels.
gallery
