Meals

5 breakfasts

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. Private minibus with free Wi-Fi

Others

Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit South Coast - Dyrholaey Viewpoint Vatnajokull - Glacier Hike Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour

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. Guesthouse (3 nights), Hotel (2 nights)

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. On this trip your group leader is also your driver, taking you from start to finish in a comfortable vehicle. All Intrepid group trips in Iceland are accompanied by one of our group leaders, who will also be the driver. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Optional

Fludir - Secret Lagoon - ISK3000 Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition - ISK1950 Reykjavik - Saga Museum - ISK2500 Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK3400 Reykjavik - Maritime Museum - ISK1950 Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free Reykjavik - Perlan Museum - ISK4490 Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip - ISK21900 Nauthólsvík - Thermal Beach - Free Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour - ISK11400 Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon - ISK13380

Flights

International flights not included.

Others

Arrival and departure airport transfers. Entrance fees. Tipping. Other meals, snacks and drinks. Pre and post tour accommodation. Single supplement (Optional).

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Reykjavik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Reykjavik

Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. The world’s northernmost capital of Reykjavik lies 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, and boasting a vibrant arts and nightlife scene, Reykjavik’s contrasts are utterly beguiling. Why not 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, to the present day, or join locals who gossip and chatter in the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.
Day 2 Day 2: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area

Depart Reykjavik early this morning and follow the route of the ’Golden Circle’. Visit Þingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s first parliament, founded in AD930, 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 metres into the air. Be spellbound by the immense beauty and sheer power of the Gullfoss Waterfall, also know as Golden Falls, before continuing on to the Hvolsvollur Valley, where you’ll spend the night on an Icelandic farm that has been converted into a guesthouse. Far away from the city lights, the guesthouse is an ideal Northern Lights base. If the skies are clear tonight, why not take a stroll out into the snow and look skywards for the dancing green lights.
Day 3 Day 3: South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Start the day with a trip to the eerily beautiful Skógafoss waterfall, one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland. Skógafoss is a giant of a waterfall, 25 metres wide and also dropping down 60 metres. You can get up close and feel its power, and also climb a (long) windy set of stairs up to a stunning 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 Dyrhólaey, and the night black sand beach of Reynisfjara, this is one of the country’s most scenic regions. En route you will pass the lava of the Laki eruption of 1782 to 1783. In the afternoon, you will visit the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a stunning sea of floating icebergs whose blue contrast with the charcoal coloured sand 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.
Day 4 Day 4: Vatnajokull Glacier / Vik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Vatnajokull Glacier / Vik

Today you’ll take a walk on Europe’s biggest ice cap – Vatnajokull – which has around 30 glaciers flowing out from it. No experience is necessary to partake in the hike. It’s sobering to think that the glacier is retreating due to rising world temperatures, and in some years the glacier may be gone. Alternatively, if you would like to opt out, just embark on a hike to the glacier’s tongue or return to the glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon or Fjallsarlon. If you prefer a relaxing morning you can explore the surroundings of the farmstay and head to the Thorbergur Centre. Later on today, journey on to the black sand seaside town of Vik. With the sea on one side and high cliffs on the other, this dramatically positioned quaint little village is Iceland’s most southerly mainland settlement.
Day 5 Day 5: Reykjavik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Reykjavik

This morning we make our way to the beautiful waterfall of Seljalandsfoss, and then back to Reykjavik. Upon arrival take a short guided walk of Reykjavik to get an enhanced appreciation of the city around its landmark attractions and points of interest. Visit the old harbour, the city center and the famous Hallgrimskirkja church. Iceland’s capital has an eclectic arts and music scene, an abundance of quirky cafes and a laid-back vibe. Perhaps browse some of the city’s great art galleries. If you haven’t had enough of the Northern Lights yet, you could head out of town to chase them again this evening, or while away the hours with a soak in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. Whatever you choose, tonight perhaps gather together your fellow Icelandic adventurers and celebrate the end of this Northern Lights Escape.
Day 6 Day 6: Reykjavik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Reykjavik

Today is departure day and time to say ’sjaumst’. As there are no activities planned, you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time is at midday. If you are departing later, you can arrange to store your luggage at the hotel. If you would like to stay longer, we are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Perhaps browse some of the city’s great art galleries. If you feel like something more active, book yourself on a Silfra Fissure snorkelling adventure, where you’ll discover this underwater ridge with water visibility of up to 120 metres.

6 days tour

Northern Lights Escape

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Northern Lights Escape

Day 1: Reykjavik

Day 2: Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area

Day 3: South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Day 4: Vatnajokull Glacier / Vik

Day 5: Reykjavik

Day 6: Reykjavik

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania