Northern Lights Exploration Small Group Journey

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to a bus stop near your hotel. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Join a short morning city tour of Reykjavik with your guide who will show you the highlights of Iceland’s exciting capital. Head west toward Borgarfjordur, known as the Saga Valley due to its many important historical events. You will have a chance to climb the Grabrok volcano crater and visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring which produces 108 liters of water per second at close to boiling temperatures. Later, visit Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls pouring from beneath a wide lava field. Barnafoss, or the Children’s Falls, is nearby with its own tragic tale. Your afternoon will include an introduction to the Northern Lights and, after dinner, you may step into the hotel garden in search of the Aurora Borealis, followed by a hot cup of chocolate or tea. Overnight in Borgarnes. (B,D)

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, just out from Iceland’s west coast, reaches like a long arm with a clenced fist at its wrist, and is in many ways a microcosm of the whole island. A rugged mountain chain runs its length which you will witness as you travel to the charming fishing town of Stykkisholmur for a curise in the Breidafjordur fjord. After a light lunch, enjoy a truly Icelandic treat at Bjarnarhofn, where they make Hakarl – fermented shark. Depending on the road and weather conditions, you will visit the fishing village of Grundarfjordur, a place with an impressive coastline and mountains, lakes and waterfalls behind the quaint village. Jutting out into the bay rises one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland, Mt. Kirjufell. On the way back to Borgarnes, the guide will give you some practical tips on how to photograph the Auroras as part of the Northern Lights Academy program. Once darkness falls, head to the hotel garden to chase the Aurora Borealis or to soak in one of the hotel’s outdoor hot tubs. Overnight in Borgarnes. (B,L)

Travel along the Hvalfjordur fjord to an Icelandic wool outlet store, just to see what they do with all those sheep! Continue inland to Pingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Journey through the Golden Circle route and watch steam rising from the geyser geothermal fields as you arrive to an area with a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant, but has been replaced by Strokkur, “The Churn,” which erupts every 5-10 minutes. The chef of the Restaurant Geysir invites you to taste freshly baked hot spring bread served with Icelandic butter, geothermally boiled eggs and herring. It is best served with a small glass of nearly freezing Geysir Schnapps. Continue on to Gullfoss, a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvita River. In the afternoon, you will learn about the Icelandic horse, the breed’s special qualities and history. You will also visit a geothermal greenhouse before reaching your hotel in Southern Iceland. Tonight, step into the darkness and search for the elusive Northern Lights, best enjoyed from a comfortable hot tub in the hotel garden, amidst the peace and stillness of rural Iceland. Overnight in Brjansstadir. (B)

Today you will travel along the south coast to the Lava & Volcano Exhibition Center to learn about geology and active volcanoes. Further east you will visit one of Iceland’s finest folk museums. This museum contains an outstanding collection of farm and domestic artefacts from Iceland’s past and several turf-built houses. Nearby is Skogafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. In the afternoon, take a stroll on the black lava beach and along bird cliffs at Reynisfjara in South Iceland. Spend two nights near Kirkjubaejarklaustur in the Vatnajokull National Park region, located in a darkened area perfect for Northern Lights spotting. Overnight in Vatnajokull National Park. (B)

Today’s program is all about glaciers, ice and icebergs. Travel to Jokulsarlon, a glacier lagoon filled with floating icebergs. Explore the extraordinary site and maybe spot seals swimming in the arctic waters. You may also take a walk on the black sandy beach where large icebergs become stranded. In the afternoon, visit the tiny turf church at Hof and spend time at Europe’s largest national park, home of Iceland’s tallest mountains, an alpine environment and Europe’s largest glacier. In the evening, enjoy a film presentation about the Northern Lights as part of the Northern Lights Academy program. Be careful not to go to bed too soon in this remote and quiet location or you may just miss out on one more chance to witness the incredible Borealis shimmering and dancing across the night sky. Overnight in Vatnajokull National Park. (B)

From Kirkjubaejarklaustur, head across the Eldhraun lava field to the village of Vik for a photo stop. The black lava beach with high bird cliffs and pounding waves is very impressive. Further west you will reach the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall which plunges down from the mountain. In the afternoon, return to Reykjavik and have a couple of hours at leisure to explore Iceland’s capital on your own, visit museums, do some shopping or simply rest after all of your excursions. In the evening, enjoy a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon hot springs. After an Icelandic farewell dinner at a local restaurant, go on one last nocturnal tour to seek out the Northern Lights. Overnight in Reykjavik. (B,D)

You will be transferred from the bus stop near your hotel to Reykjavik airport for your return flight home. (B)