Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Small Group, Winter

Welcome to Iceland. At Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Join your Travel Director and traveling companions at 18:15 for your Welcome Reception and enjoy the opportunity to get to know each other, over a pleasant evening of wine and canapés. Afterwards, search for the most spectacular show on Earth— the northern lights. See the breathtaking night sky filled with the aurora borealis and its vast spectrum of color. Please note the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Take a journey through the stunning landscape of Iceland's south coast and through the land of Njál‘s Saga–a region of breathtaking scenery and legendary stories. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun Your journey continues, as you witness the majesty of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Stand awestruck by the beauty of these thundering waterfalls, before venturing on to view more spectacular phenomena. See the magnificent Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes.  Arrive in the welcoming community of Vík. Later, perhaps enjoy another chance to go in search of the mystical northern lights?

Embark on a day of discovery around Iceland's Golden Circle, taking in some of the famous landmarks this magical country has to offer. Experience the mighty Gullfoss waterfalls - the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls, before continuing on to the exploding hot springs at Geysir. Next stop is Friðheimar, to learn about Icelandic greenhouse horticulture. Visit a family-run vegetable farm, specialising in tomatoes. Explore their greenhouses and sample the sweet, unique flavour of their lovingly grown crop. Last stop will be your chance to relax in the Secret Lagoon, known locally as Gamla Laugin, which is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland since 1891.

First visit today will be Thingvellir National Park, this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge line, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The first meeting of the Icelandic parliament was held here in A.D. 930. Journey along the trail of Viking warrior and poet Egill Skallagrímsson. In Borgarnes, learn about Iceland's history with a fascinating visit to the Icelandic Settlement Centre. Continue with a stop at Sturlureykir horse breeding farm that is run by a local family. The farm has a natural hot spring, and the hot water is used to bake rye bread underground. Enjoy a taste of this freshly baked rye bread, a family recipe for over 100 years. Enjoy views of the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls as you drive through glorious landscapes. Your travels continue to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, before dining at your hotel this evening.

Journey back to the Icelandic capital and see Old Reykjavík, the 19th-century parliament building and Höfði House. In 1986, US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev met here for the famous Reykjavík Summit. Later, visit the colourful harbour and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja, the largest modern church in Iceland, standing 74.5 metres tall and visible from almost anywhere in  the city.  The afternoon is at your leisure.

Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to experience the magic of Iceland on an exhilarating flight-ride at FlyOver to see incredible scenery from sweeping glaciers to stunning fjords. Alternatively, visit the Perlan Museum with the Wonders of Iceland, one of a kind exhibition to experience Iceland´s natural beauty. This afternoon, you may choose to unwind in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon (or a comparable location) on our optional experience, subject to seasonal availability. Surrounded by lava fields and snow-capped mountains, the lagoon is a wonder of nature and offers a unique experience for both body and soul. With your newfound friends, toast to the culmination of your fascinating journey of discovery during dinner at a local restaurant.

Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.