Northern Lights Escape
Northern Lights Escape
$2635
Tour Overview
Gurgling hot springs, cascading waterfalls, extinct (and live) volcanoes and Europe’s biggest glacier – this is Iceland! On a six-day adventure, you’ll discover the raw natural beauty of this Nordic wonderland, getting up close to epic glacial sheaths, feeling the icy spray of the Gullfoss waterfall and becoming acquainted with the culture and cuisine of an Arctic island outpost unlike any other. Spend the days hiking, waterfall chasing and soaking in the gorgeous landscapes, and spend the nights searching for the Northern Lights – this is the north! ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in the world's northernmost capital of Reykjavik, just below the Arctic Circle. The city sees around four hours of sunlight a day in winter and 22 hours or more in summer. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and crystalline ocean, the city boasts a vibrant arts and nightlife scene. It’s recommended you arrive early and head to the National Museum, which depicts the history of Iceland from the 9th century, when the first Vikings from mainland Scandinavia arrived and settled. You could also chill with the locals at the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool. Tonight, maybe head out to dinner and get to know your new fellow travellers. ...more ...less
Day 2: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area
Location: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Reykjavik early this morning and follow the route of the Golden Circle. Visit Pingvellir National Park – the site of Iceland's first parliament, founded in AD 930 and a geological wonder, where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. If you notice a big ridge of water in the landscape, you’re probably looking at the Silfra fissure! Next, head to Iceland's Geysir geothermal area, where you'll see the Strokkur geyser shoot water 30 m into the air. Witness the sheer power of the Gullfoss Waterfall (also known as Golden Falls) before continuing to the Hvolsvollur Valley, where you'll spend the night on an Icelandic farm that’s been converted into a guesthouse. Far away from the city lights, the guesthouse is an ideal base to try and spot the Northern Lights. If the skies are clear tonight, why not take a stroll out into the snow and look skywards for the dancing green lights.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Location: South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a trip to the Skogafoss waterfall – one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, Skogafoss is 25 m wide and drops 60 m. To get close, maybe climb the long, windy set of stairs up to the scenic viewpoint. On a sunny day, you should be able to spot a rainbow or two in the spray. Continue along Iceland's South Shore to take in more of the country’s renowned natural wonders. From the stepping-stone rock formations of Reynisdrangar, the promontory of Dyrholaey, and the night black sand beach of Reynisfjara, this is one of the country's most scenic regions. This afternoon, visit the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – a sea of floating icebergs whose blue contrast with the charcoal sands of the beach. Stop for the night at a farm stay on the South Coast. Weather permitting, there will be another opportunity to step outside and witness the natural wonders of the Northern Lights tonight.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Vatnajokull Glacier / Vik
Location: Vatnajokull Glacier / Vik
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, go for a hike on Europe's biggest ice cap, Vatnajokull, which has around 30 glaciers flowing out of it. The glacier is retreating due to rising world temperatures, and in a few years, the glacier may be gone. Alternatively, you can just walk to the glacier's tongue or return to the glacial lagoon at Jokulsarlon or Fjallsarlon. If you would prefer a more relaxing morning, you can explore the farm stay and head to the Thorbergur Centre. Later, journey to the black sand town of Vik. With the sea on one side and high cliffs on the other, this dramatically positioned village is Iceland's most southerly mainland settlement.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make your way to the beautiful waterfall of Seljalandsfoss, then it’s back to Reykjavik. When you arrive, take a short walk of the city, to the old harbour, the city centre and the famous Hallgrimskirkja Church. After, maybe browse some of the city's great art galleries. If you haven't seen the Northern Lights yet, you could head out of town to chase them again this evening, or head for a soak in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. Tonight, maybe gather your fellow adventurers and celebrate the end of the adventure with dinner.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
There are no further activities scheduled after breakfast today and it’s time to say 'sjaumst'. If you'd like to extend your stay and book yourself on a Silfra Fissure snorkelling adventure, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Guesthouse (3 nights), Hotel (2 nights) -
Meals
5 breakfasts -
Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
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Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
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Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
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Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon
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Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
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South Coast - Dyrholaey Viewpoint
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Vatnajokull - Glacier Hike
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Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Included Activities
- Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
- Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
- Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
- Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon
- Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
- South Coast - Dyrholaey & Reynisfjara Rocks
- Vatnajokull - Glacier Walk
- Reykjavik - Walking Tour
Transport
- On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that there are some long travel days and some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time. All our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- FACILITIES
- Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. Iceland can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to outdoor activities, but especially in terms of eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on how to save money. In remote areas the only option for dinner will be at the guesthouse we are staying at. Stock up on food at a supermarket prior to arrival if you would like to opt out eating at the guesthouse's restaurant. Please make sure you read the trip notes carefully in order to know what is and what isn't included in the trip price.
Mode of Transport
- On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that there are some long travel days and some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time. All our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
The Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) are a natural display of coloured lights in the night sky of the northern hemisphere. While Northern Light displays can never be guaranteed, as they are a natural phenomenon, you have a higher chance of seeing them in locations at high latitudes, such as Iceland. Please note that weather conditions and overall activity can affect visibility.
Iceland can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to visiting a cafe, but especially in terms of eating out. To provide you with an example, a main meal outside of Reykjavik can be around the ISK 4,500 mark. Your leader will be able to advise on how to save money. In remote areas the only option for dinner will be at the guesthouse we are staying at. Please stock up on food at a supermarket prior to arrival if you would like to opt out eating at the guesthouses' restaurants.
Iceland can be extremely cold at this time of year. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. There may be the rare occasion where your leader has to alter the itinerary and activities due to the weather which can cause roads being blocked, sites closure etc. Your leader will discuss the necessary changes and alternatives where possible.
Due to the remote locations we visit, there are a few long drives on this trip. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know the other members of your group. ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Northern Lights Escape
6 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik
Visiting: Reykjavik, Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area, South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Vatnajokull Glacier / Vik ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BMSW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99