Premium Iceland in Winter

Trip Type: Explorer

Iceland | 8 D | 1 - 12 People

Starts From:

NZD 5,788.00 /Person

Search the sky for dancing lights by night and discover natural wonders by day on this eight-day Premium adventure.

Premium Iceland in Winter

Search the sky for dancing lights by night and discover natural wonders by day on this eight-day Premium adventure. Travel with a local leader who brings the landscape to life as you view the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, drive through hardened lava fields in Skaftafell National Park, see the eerily calm waters of the Glacier Lagoon and wander among Reynisdrangar’s imposing basalt sea stacks. Take in dramatic views from your Feature Stay hotel, enjoy included dinners of fresh produce, take part in amazing Exclusve Experiences and journey from Hvolsvollur to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in pursuit of mother nature’s most spectacular show.

Itinerary

Velkommin! Welcome to Reykjavik – the world’s most northerly capital and the starting point of your adventure. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group and local leader. If you arrive early, maybe take a trip to the National Museum to see the permanent exhibition of Iceland’s history. After the welcome meeting, celebrate the start of a new adventure at dinner with your group, where your leader will introduce you to Icelandic cuisine.

This morning, head to the geologically and historically important Thingvellir National Park. The national park may seem to be just a natural wonder, but your leader will be on hand to provide historical context and explain that this was the original site of Iceland’s old parliament from AD 930. Visit the spouting hot springs of Geysir and Strokkur before driving to the spectacular Gullfoss – Iceland’s largest waterfall. After your visit, head to your base for the evening in Fludir. This afternoon, maybe visit the Secret Lagoon – a natural geothermal pool warmed by the nearby hot springs. This evening will be a good opportunity to turn your head to the skies in search of the Northern Lights.

Start the day by travelling through the lava fields of the Laki volcanic eruption in 1783, as your leader explains how this devasting event shaped not only Iceland’s landscape, but also its culture. Next is Skaftafell National Park, where you’ll come face-to-face with Vatnajokull – Europe's biggest glacier. Carry on to some of the country’s most impressive, uninterrupted scenery and wander past the enormous basalt sea stacks at Reynisdrangar. Later, head to the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – your Feature Stay for the night. This modern and contemporary hotel carefully considers its surroundings as spacious rooms with huge windows show off views of the mountains and sea, while the interiors reflect the colours of the world outside. This evening, you’ll have dinner at the on-site restaurant that serves up a creative list of dishes made with local Icelandic produce.

Start the day with a short drive on to Jokulsarlon, also known as the Glacier Lagoon. Take a walk around the glacial lake and learn a little more about its history. Continue through the beautiful scenery of Iceland’s South Shore and admire the spectacular Skogafoss – a waterfall on the Skoga River. At 60 m high and 25 m wide, it's one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. Your leader will be on hand to explain how these geographical wonders came to be. Continue to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk right behind the stream of rushing water to see it from another angle. Next, return to Reykjavik for a free evening. Perhaps head to the Old Harbour to try the famous lobster soup, or if you’re feeling brave, the infamous fermented shark washed down with a shot of Brennivin (Icelandic Schnapps).

After breakfast, see Reykjavik’s through the eyes of a local on a tour of the city with your leader. Learn the history of the Old Harbour and pass through the city centre. Visit the Hallgrimskirkja church and the dome-shaped Pearl, then head to the remote and geographically fascinating Snaefellsnes Peninsula – your home for the next two nights. On your way visit the Borgarfjordur area, you’ll pass waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafossar, then continue to Deildartunguhver – Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Take a relaxing dip in the Krauma thermal pools, where waters from the hot spring mix with glacial waters to create the perfect temperature. Tonight, have dinner at your accommodation before looking to the skies in search of dancing lights.

Today, you’ll explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning with the Snaefellsjokull glacier – an icecap that covers a dormant volcano. Travel to the small fishing village of Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs will reveal rich birdlife. Stop by Djupalonssandur – a basaltic pebble beach framed by strange lava formations – then visit the village of Grundarfjordur, famous for its views of Mt Kirkjufell. Travel to the horse farm of Lysuholl, where a local will welcome you for a home-made dinner. Head back to your accommodation, and depending on the weather, rug up in warm clothing and head out in search of the northern lights.

Today, you’ll return to Reykjavik. On the drive, your leader may share some stories of Norse mythology, so keep an eye out for elves and fairies along the way! Iceland's capital has an eclectic art and music scene, and this afternoon you may like to browse some of the city's excellent galleries and museums. If you feel like something more active, you can take a ride on an Icelandic horse, or see killer whales just offshore on a whale watching expedition. If you are after another look at the Northern Lights, you can head out of town to chase them again this evening. Ask your leader for more information on these activities.

Your Icelandic journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Inclusions

Meals
7 Breakfast(s), , 4 Dinner(s)

Transport
Private Vehicle (Ford Transit van or similar)

Accommodation
Comfortable hotel (6 nights), Feature stay (1 night)

Included Activities

Reykjavik - Welcome Dinner
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geysir & Gullfoss Waterfall
Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
Skaftafell - National Park
Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
South Coast - Laki Lava Fields
South Coast - Reynisdrangar & Solheimajokull Glacier
South Coast - Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls
Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon
Krauma - Geothermal Baths Visit
Borgarfjordur - Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
Borgarfjordur - Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Snaefellsjokull, Arnarstapi & Stykkisholmur
Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Liston's Stone Carving Workshop
Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Homemade Farmhouse Dinner

Trip Highlights

Experience the breadth of Iceland's incredible natural phenomena, including ancient volcanic rock formations, black pebble beaches, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons.
Take part in two incredible Exclusive Experiences – a home cooked dinner on a local farm and a relaxing dip in the wonderfully scenic Krauma thermal pools.
Stay in the stylish Fosshotel for your Feature Stay, offering up priceless views of the surrounding landscape, modern comforts and an excellent restaurant that uses the freshest Icelandic produce.
Travel with an experienced local leader who will explain geographic features, share stories of Iceland’s history and folklore and narrate your nightly sky watching with the science behind aurora borealis.
Get the best chance at seeing the spectacular dancing lights of the aurora borealis in the northern sky.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Trip Notes

The northern lights are most visible during the colder months, when temperatures can reach -15C or below and snow is very likely. It's important to bring appropriate clothing such as a down jacket, thermals layers, gloves and suitable footwear. Many locations on this itinerary are remote, which means a few long drives. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know your fellow travellers. While there is a strong chance of seeing the northern lights in all their colourful glory (thanks to the high latitude, time of year and itinerary), nature makes no guarantees. On the rare occasion that your leader must alter the itinerary due to adverse weather, alternative activities will be offered.

Dates & Availability

Departing

Finishing

Booking Enquiry

Destination Details

Iceland | 8 D | 1 - 12 People

Trip Location

Trip Starts:
Iceland

Trip Finishes:
Iceland

Countries Visited:
Iceland

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