Iceland Circle & Northern Lights
8 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Reykjavik, Akureyri, Egilsstadir, Vatnajokull National Park, Vík
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ICE8W
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 30
Age range:
18-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Iceland Circle & Northern Lights" tour, starting and ending in Reykjavik. This cultural adventure takes you through Iceland's most stunning landscapes, from the volcanic craters and fjords of Akureyri to the geothermal wonders of Lake Myvatn. Enjoy guided hikes, explore charming fishing villages, and relax in the Myvatn Nature Baths. Marvel at the dramatic fjords, glaciers, and black sandy beaches of Vatnajokull National Park, and visit iconic waterfalls like Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Discover the Golden Circle's geysers, waterfalls, and Thingvellir National Park, with an optional Northern Lights evening cruise. Stay in comfort at 3 and 4-star hotels, with daily breakfasts and one welcome dinner included. Transportation is provided in heated coaches, with complimentary Wi-Fi where available.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Natura Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar - 4 Star
Welcome to the land of fire and ice! Upon arrival to the airport, your transfer is by FlyBus to take you to your hotel.
As we make our suggestions, the rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant capital.
AccommodationNatura Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar - 4 Star
Day 2: Volcano Crater, Seals, Fjords &Amp; Mountains, Akureyri
Location: Akureyri
Accommodation Name: Akureyri Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar - 3 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We meet our guide at 09:00 and depart from the hotel to travel west, passing the town of Borgarnes and then climb the Grábrók volcano crater.
Later in the afternoon we visit a natural history & seal museum in a small fishing village in Northwest Iceland and stroll around the local harbor.
Further north we stop at the turf church of Vidimyri, considered one of the purest and most beautiful examples of traditional Icelandic architecture.
We continue along scenic fjord landscape and through mountain passes until we reach the capital of North Iceland, Akureyri, a charming town of 17000 inhabitants.
Welcome Dinner in the evening.
AccommodationAkureyri Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar - 3 Star MealsBreakfast Included ActivitiesClimbing Volcano CraterSightseeing Icelandic architecture & scenic fjordsWelcome Dinner
Day 3: Akureyri, Lake Myvatn &Amp; Geothermal Baths
Location: Akureyri
Accommodation Name: Mývatn - Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, we explore Akureyri, visit the botanical garden and enjoy the panoramic view over the breath-taking fjords.
In the afternoon, we explore an important site in Iceland's history, Godafoss, the waterfalls of the Gods.
We arrive at Lake Myvatn for the rest of the day, known for its geological wonders and active bird life in summer.
We see the bizarre lava formations and take a walk around the many pseudo craters, and end the day with a relaxing soak.
Myvatn Nature Baths contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms that benefit both skin and spirit alike.
AccommodationMývatn - Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar - 4 Star MealsBreakfast Included ActivitiesSightseeing of the dark castlesSightseeing of NamaskarSightseeing of East Iceland Optional ActivitiesLunch
Day 4: Lava Labyrinth, Hot Springs &Amp; Egilsstadir
Location: Egilsstadir
Accommodation Name: Hérað Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar - 3 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
We kick the morning off hiking in a lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir “the dark castles”, said to host trolls, keep your eyes open! After an optional lunch, we visit the hot spring area of Námaskard with bubbling mud pools and steaming solfataras.
We drive through the uninhabited vast highlands to East Iceland, Egilsstadir.
If you are lucky you might even see an Arctic fox or see reindeer on the way.
AccommodationHérað Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar - 3 Star MealsBreakfast Included ActivitiesSightseeing of East IcelandSightseeing of Egilsstadir Optional ActivitiesLunch
Day 5: Fjords &Amp; Glaciers, Vatnajokull Np, Kirkjubajarklaustur
Location: Vatnajokull National Park
Accommodation Name: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon or similar - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will admire the dramatic fjord landscape with tiny fishing villages at the end of twisty roads of fjords.
Past the town of Höfn, we stop at a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs to explore the magical region, and perhaps even see seals, or walk on the black sandy beach where large icebergs get stranded.
We travel along the southern part of the glacier and spend time at Europe's largest national park, which has Iceland's highest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
We spend the night at Icelandair Hotel Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
AccommodationFosshotel Glacier Lagoon or similar - 4 Star MealsBreakfast Included ActivitiesSightseeing of Europe's 2nd largest national park
Day 6: Waterfalls &Amp; Volcanoes
Location: Vík
Accommodation Name: Stracta Hotel Hella or similar - 3 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready for many incredible natural wonders as we head across the Eldhraun lava field, cross the sandy desert of the south coast, overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls.
We stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara near Vík.
In the small village of Skógar there is the impressive 60-metre-high Skógafoss waterfall.
Further west we stop at the Eyjafjallajökull Information Centre to learn about living among glaciers and active volcanoes.
Next, we visit the high and narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and bring along your raincoat! AccommodationStracta Hotel Hella or similar - 3 Star MealsBreakfast Included ActivitiesWalking on the black volcanic beach.
Day 7: Icelandic Horses &Amp; Golden Circle, Reykjavík
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Natura Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we visit a must-see of Iceland, the Golden Circle.
Firstly, at Fridheimar, you learn about the Icelandic horse, its special qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse.
Later, we see steam from the Geyser geothermal fields, a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools.
The geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur “the Churn” erupting every 5-10 minutes.
Our next stop is Gullfoss, “the golden falls”, an amazing 34-metre-high double waterfall.
We travel inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before we make our way back to Reykjavík and an optional Northern Lights evening cruise.
As we arrive, we do a short city tour to show you the highlights of the world's northernmost capital.
AccommodationNatura Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar - 4 Star MealsBreakfast Included ActivitiesSightseeing Golden CircleGullfos WaterfallThingvellir National Park Optional ActivitiesNorthern Lights evening CruiseCruise - Prices vary, please check online.
Day 8: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, and check-out of the hotel in Reykjavík.
The FlyBus shuttle will take you back to the airport from your hotel.
MealsBreakfast
What's Included
-
Accommodation
4 and 3 star, comfort tourist class hotels
-
Meals
7 Breakfasts & 1 Dinner
-
Transportation
Transportation in heated coaches
-
Airport Transfer(s)
Arrival and departure airport transfers by FLYBUS Plus shuttle.
-
Tour Guiding
Services of local guide from day 2 to day 7, guided hike to Grabrok volcano crater
-
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi (where available)
-
Included Activities
Climbing Volcano Crater, Sightseeing Icelandic architecture & scenic fjords, Welcome Dinner, Sightseeing of the dark castles, Sightseeing of Namaskar, Sightseeing of East Iceland, Sightseeing of Egilsstadir, Sightseeing of Europe’s 2nd largest national park, Walking on the black volcanic beach, Sightseeing Golden Circle, Gullfos Waterfall, Thingvellir National Park
What's Not Included
Lunch, Northern Lights evening Cruise, Cruise - Prices vary, please check online.
Mode of Transport
Travel in heated coaches with arrival and departure airport transfers provided by FLYBUS Plus shuttle.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort with 4 and 3-star tourist class hotels, including Natura Berjaya Iceland Hotels, Akureyri Berjaya Iceland Hotels, and Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon.
Add Ons
Local Payment: £0
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 4 and 3 star, comfort tourist class hotels.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
-
Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided in heated coaches.
-
Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, arrival and departure airport transfers by FLYBUS Plus shuttle are included.
-
Will there be a tour guide during the trip?
Yes, the services of a local guide are provided from day 2 to day 7, including a guided hike to Grabrok volcano crater.
-
Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi is available where possible.
-
What activities are included on Day 2 of the tour?
On Day 2, activities include climbing the Grábrók volcano crater, visiting a natural history and seal museum, strolling around a local harbor, and sightseeing the turf church of Vidimyri and scenic fjords. The day ends with a welcome dinner.
-
What can I expect to see at Lake Myvatn on Day 3?
At Lake Myvatn, you will see geological wonders, active bird life, bizarre lava formations, and pseudo craters. The day ends with a relaxing soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths.
-
What is special about the Myvatn Nature Baths?
The Myvatn Nature Baths contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates, and geothermal micro-organisms that benefit both skin and spirit alike.
-
What are the highlights of Day 4?
Day 4 includes hiking in the lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir, visiting the hot spring area of Námaskard, and driving through the uninhabited vast highlands to East Iceland, Egilsstadir.
-
What will I see at Vatnajokull National Park on Day 5?
At Vatnajokull National Park, you will see Iceland's highest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe's largest glacier. You will also explore a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs.
-
What natural wonders are included on Day 6?
Day 6 includes the Eldhraun lava field, the black lava beach of Reynisfjara, the Skógafoss waterfall, the Eyjafjallajökull Information Centre, and the Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
-
What is the Golden Circle and what will I see there on Day 7?
The Golden Circle is a must-see in Iceland. You will visit Fridheimar to learn about the Icelandic horse, see the Geyser geothermal fields, the Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park.
-
Is there an optional activity on Day 7?
Yes, there is an optional Northern Lights evening cruise available on Day 7.
-
How does the tour end on Day 8?
The tour ends with breakfast and check-out from the hotel in Reykjavik. The FlyBus shuttle will take you back to the airport.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.