Search for the ethereal Northern Lights on this unique, eight-night land journey designed to immerse you in one of nature’s most incredible displays. Set off to explore this Nordic nation, from cosmopolitan Reykjavík to the picturesque harbor town of Siglufjörður and beyond. By day, immerse yourself in the rustic splendor of this “land of fire and ice;” by night, enjoy guided excursions to chase the aurora borealis dancing across the sky. See Iceland’s “Big Three” wonders, known as the Golden Circle — the UNESCO World Heritage site of Þingvellir National Park; the “Golden Waterfall” of Gullfoss; and Strokkur, an active geyser. Play hide and seek around the towering lava formations of Dimmuborgir, gaze at gurgling sulfur pools and step back in time at the Herring Era Museum, just miles from the Arctic Circle. Visit a family-run tomato greenhouse, meet Icelandic horses and sink into the warm, soothing waters of the thermal Blue Lagoon. This outstanding itinerary features authentic farm-to-table experiences, local cuisine tastings, museum visits, and local expert enrichment. Accommodations are at the elegant Hótel Borg in Reykjavík and the Icelandic-style Hótel Kea in the heart of Akureyri.
Program Overview
Program HighlightsTo see more about day, click on any of the Day by Day buttons
Day by Day
Day 1
Depart home cityDay 2
Reykjavík, IcelandDay 3
ReykjavíkDay 4
Golden CircleDay 5
AkureyriDay 6
Dimmuborgir/Lake Mývatn/Námaskarð/GoðafossDay 7
Akureyri/SiglufjörðurDay 8
Akureyri/Hraunfossar/ReykjavíkDay 9
Reykjavík/Return to Home CityTo see more about day, click on any of the Day by Day buttons
- • Journey to Iceland and enjoy stays at landmark hotels: 4 nights at Hótel Borg in Reykjavík and 3 nights at Kea Hótel in Akureyri.
- Specially arranged excursions in search of the otherworldly beauty of the naturally occurring aurora borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights.
- Featured Guest Speakers Elín Björk Jónasdóttir, a climate science and policy expert at the Icelandic Ministry for Environment, Energy and Climate, and Sævar Helgi Bragason, a science educator and expert on the Northern Lights.
- Discover Iceland’s first permanent settlement in Reykjavík, which is today the most northern national capital city in the world.
- Explore the wondrous Golden Circle, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Þingvellir National Park; the two-tiered “Golden Waterfall” of Gullfoss; and Strokkur, an active geyser.
- Included meals | 1 reception, 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 1 dinner.
Depart your home city for Reykjavík, Iceland.
Arrive at Reykjavík Keflavik International Airport. Proceed through immigration to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After a customs screening, meet a Gohagan & Company representative and travel to the legendary Blue Lagoon, stopping for breakfast at Kaffi Gola on the way.
Surrounded by rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the milky blue, mineral-infused waters of the Blue Lagoon are famous for their revitalizing and healing properties. A blend of 70 percent seawater and 30 percent freshwater, these geothermal spa waters are heated by volcanic activity some 6,500 feet below the earth’s surface.
Enjoy a soak in the lagoon’s soothing waters, or opt to visit the viewing deck for an unforgettable panorama.
Continue to Reykjavík, where you will begin your discovery of Iceland’s capital city with a visit to Hallgrímskirkja. This modern church is the largest in Iceland and was named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, the country’s beloved religious poet and hymn composer. The church also is home to Iceland’s largest organ, an instrument with 5,275 pipes.
Seek out a local eatery for lunch on your own before checking in to Hótel Borg, ideally located near Austurvollur Square. A Gohagan & Company representative will be available at the hotel hospitality desk to assist with restaurant recommendations, as well as suggestions for touring in the area, with maps provided.
Join your fellow passengers for a Welcome Reception in the hotel this evening, followed by dinner on your own at one of Reykjavík’s many restaurants.
Surrounded by rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the milky blue, mineral-infused waters of the Blue Lagoon are famous for their revitalizing and healing properties. A blend of 70 percent seawater and 30 percent freshwater, these geothermal spa waters are heated by volcanic activity some 6,500 feet below the earth’s surface.
Enjoy a soak in the lagoon’s soothing waters, or opt to visit the viewing deck for an unforgettable panorama.
Continue to Reykjavík, where you will begin your discovery of Iceland’s capital city with a visit to Hallgrímskirkja. This modern church is the largest in Iceland and was named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, the country’s beloved religious poet and hymn composer. The church also is home to Iceland’s largest organ, an instrument with 5,275 pipes.
Seek out a local eatery for lunch on your own before checking in to Hótel Borg, ideally located near Austurvollur Square. A Gohagan & Company representative will be available at the hotel hospitality desk to assist with restaurant recommendations, as well as suggestions for touring in the area, with maps provided.
Join your fellow passengers for a Welcome Reception in the hotel this evening, followed by dinner on your own at one of Reykjavík’s many restaurants.
Following breakfast at the hotel, continue exploring the city with a morning excursion.
Known as the “smallest big city in the world,” Iceland’s capital dates to 870. An Augustinian monastery was founded here during the medieval era, followed by centuries of settlers who fished, farmed and established a center for wool production. This modern, cosmopolitan city is rich in culture, natural beauty and a thriving tourist economy.
Behold panoramic views of Reykjavík from the 360-degree observation deck at Perlan, a glass-domed natural history museum built atop six geothermal water tanks. Find a nearby restaurant for lunch on your own, followed by an afternoon visit to the National Museum of Iceland. Admire Reykjavík’s historic midtown with its colorful houses and urban Icelandic charm on the drive back to the hotel, where you may enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Join one of our illustrious Featured Guest Speakers for an enriching lecture tonight.
Dinner is on your own this evening. The hospitality desk will be available to provide recommendations.
Tonight, weather conditions permitting, you may embark on the first of your evening excursions in search of the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon, also known as the aurora borealis, is a sight to behold.
Wake this morning to breakfast at the hotel. Then, set off to experience the wonder of Icelandic’s iconic Golden Circle.
Admire the rugged splendor of the “big three” — Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir National Park — on this unforgettable tour. Begin by exploring the natural lava plains and cultural beauty of Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the nation’s top attractions. From there you will watch the glacier fed Hvítá River plunge 96 feet over two falls and seemingly disappear into a crevasse at the “golden waterfall” of Gullfoss.
Continue to the family-owned Fridheimar Stables and Greenhouses. Here, tomatoes are grown year-round using sustainable methods of geothermal heat and green energy. Learn about the farm’s eco-friendly practices, see Icelandic horses in the stables and sit down to a lunch featuring homemade soup and breads.
After, gaze in wonder at the marvelous Strokkur geyser — which shoots a jet of boiling water and steam into the air approximately every 10 minutes. Next, learn more about the power source that keeps Iceland running as we stop by the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant on the way back to the hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening. Consult the hospitality desk for restaurant recommendations.
Dinner is on your own this evening. Consult the hospitality desk for restaurant recommendations.
Admire the rugged splendor of the “big three” — Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir National Park — on this unforgettable tour. Begin by exploring the natural lava plains and cultural beauty of Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the nation’s top attractions. From there you will watch the glacier fed Hvítá River plunge 96 feet over two falls and seemingly disappear into a crevasse at the “golden waterfall” of Gullfoss.
Continue to the family-owned Fridheimar Stables and Greenhouses. Here, tomatoes are grown year-round using sustainable methods of geothermal heat and green energy. Learn about the farm’s eco-friendly practices, see Icelandic horses in the stables and sit down to a lunch featuring homemade soup and breads.
After, gaze in wonder at the marvelous Strokkur geyser — which shoots a jet of boiling water and steam into the air approximately every 10 minutes. Next, learn more about the power source that keeps Iceland running as we stop by the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant on the way back to the hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening. Consult the hospitality desk for restaurant recommendations.
Dinner is on your own this evening. Consult the hospitality desk for restaurant recommendations.
Depart Reykjavik and enjoy a scenic drive to Akureyri, known as Iceland’s capital in the north. Upon arrival, check in to the Hótel Kea, an Akureyri landmark ideally situated in a historic building. With a population of under 20,000, Akureyri is a compact and welcoming city with fabulous scenery.
This afternoon you will enjoy a visit to the Forest Lagoon, located in the Vaðlaskógur forest and built into the hillside on the eastern side of Eyjafjörður. Savor a soak in one of the spa’s two geothermal pools.
Return to the hotel for dinner on your own. You can head to the main street for an Akureyri-style hot dog, served with red cabbage, cocktail and remoulade sauces and tangy mustard.
If weather permits, you will bundle up for another outing in search of the Northern Lights.
This afternoon you will enjoy a visit to the Forest Lagoon, located in the Vaðlaskógur forest and built into the hillside on the eastern side of Eyjafjörður. Savor a soak in one of the spa’s two geothermal pools.
Return to the hotel for dinner on your own. You can head to the main street for an Akureyri-style hot dog, served with red cabbage, cocktail and remoulade sauces and tangy mustard.
If weather permits, you will bundle up for another outing in search of the Northern Lights.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by excursions to the Godafoss waterfall and Lake Mývatn.
Falling 40 feet, the waterfall fed by the Skjálfandafljót River earned its name from the time when Christianity was introduced to Iceland and ultimately prevailed as the country’s main religion. Under pressure from Norway to convert from its polytheistic traditions, the country was under threat of a potential Norwegian invasion. Legend has it that Thorgeir Thorkelsson, a law speaker in the Althing, Iceland's parliament, threw wooden idols of Norse mythology into the falls, which angered Thor, Loki and other Norse deities. The gods split the waterfall into two and the majestic falls have been known as “Waterfall of the Gods” ever since.
Continue to Lake Mývatn and savor a Nordic lunch at Fosshotel Mývatn — set amid the breathtaking scenery of the volcanic lake and its chain of craters. From there you will travel to Namaskard, a high temperature thermal field where the sulfur cauldrons, steam vents and land colored by elements in shades of red, yellow, green and orange create an otherworldly landscape. Next, admire the dramatic lava rock formations at Dimmuborgir. The lava field is filled with pillars, towers, caves and other formations that resemble a dark castle, which is the meaning of Dimmuborgir.
Later this evening, return to Akureyri and enjoy dinner on your own. As night falls, if cloud patterns are favorable, prepare for another possible outing in pursuit of the aurora borealis.
Falling 40 feet, the waterfall fed by the Skjálfandafljót River earned its name from the time when Christianity was introduced to Iceland and ultimately prevailed as the country’s main religion. Under pressure from Norway to convert from its polytheistic traditions, the country was under threat of a potential Norwegian invasion. Legend has it that Thorgeir Thorkelsson, a law speaker in the Althing, Iceland's parliament, threw wooden idols of Norse mythology into the falls, which angered Thor, Loki and other Norse deities. The gods split the waterfall into two and the majestic falls have been known as “Waterfall of the Gods” ever since.
Continue to Lake Mývatn and savor a Nordic lunch at Fosshotel Mývatn — set amid the breathtaking scenery of the volcanic lake and its chain of craters. From there you will travel to Namaskard, a high temperature thermal field where the sulfur cauldrons, steam vents and land colored by elements in shades of red, yellow, green and orange create an otherworldly landscape. Next, admire the dramatic lava rock formations at Dimmuborgir. The lava field is filled with pillars, towers, caves and other formations that resemble a dark castle, which is the meaning of Dimmuborgir.
Later this evening, return to Akureyri and enjoy dinner on your own. As night falls, if cloud patterns are favorable, prepare for another possible outing in pursuit of the aurora borealis.
Following breakfast, depart for Siglufjördur, a picturesque fishing town along the northern coast.
During the first half of the 20th century, Siglufjördur was the center of the herring fishing industry in not just Iceland, but the North Atlantic. Stroll through delightful Siglufjördur and step into its past at the Herring Era Museum — featuring five restored buildings, including a salt house, factory and former freezing plants. Stop for lunch at Siglo Hotel before continuing to the small village of Hauganes. Here, visit the family-run Baccalá Bar and enjoy a tasting of the renowned salted codfish.
During the first half of the 20th century, Siglufjördur was the center of the herring fishing industry in not just Iceland, but the North Atlantic. Stroll through delightful Siglufjördur and step into its past at the Herring Era Museum — featuring five restored buildings, including a salt house, factory and former freezing plants. Stop for lunch at Siglo Hotel before continuing to the small village of Hauganes. Here, visit the family-run Baccalá Bar and enjoy a tasting of the renowned salted codfish.
Check out of the hotel after breakfast and enjoy a scenic excursion back to Reykjavík, traveling through Hraunfossar. Savor a hearty lunch at the family-run Hraunsnef farmhouse restaurant, which offers an authentic Icelandic farm-to-table experience.
Upon arrival in Reykjavík, check in to the Hótel Borg with the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the city for a final evening at your own pace. Then, join fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Upon arrival in Reykjavík, check in to the Hótel Borg with the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the city for a final evening at your own pace. Then, join fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, transfer to Reykjavík Keflavik International Airport. Arrive in your home city and go through immigration and customs.
All rates are in U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, including taxes. Deposit amount is $1,500 per person. Final Payment is due at least 120 days prior to departure. Single accommodations are subject to availability.
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These Special Savings consist of $500 Early Booking and $500 Pay‑in‑Full savings. The Special Savings rate is valid if you book by 7/7/25 and pay in full at the time of booking.
View Terms and Conditions here
These Special Savings consist of $500 Early Booking and $500 Pay‑in‑Full savings. The Special Savings rate is valid if you book by 7/7/25 and pay in full at the time of booking.
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Elín Björk Jónasdóttir
Iceland native Elín Björk Jónasdóttir is a climate science and policy expert at the Icelandic Ministry for Environment, Energy and Climate. She is a former head of the Icelandic Meteorological Office’s (IMO) natural hazard monitoring and weather forecasting department and has considerable experience in land, aviation and marine forecasting. For the past 15 years, she has worked on numerous severe weather events in Iceland as a weather forecaster and coordinator, including volcanic eruptions. Jónasdóttir spent over seven years delivering the evening weather forecast on the Icelandic national television station and working on numerous science communications projects.
At her current position, Jónasdóttir works on diverse projects involving climate change policy and climate science. She also teaches at the University of Iceland Institute of Continuing Education and lectures on weather, climate and climate change. During her time at the IMO, Jónasdóttir oversaw training and recruiting new forecasters and natural hazard specialists.
Elín earned a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree from the University of Oslo. She is working on a second master’s in international relations from the University of Iceland.
At her current position, Jónasdóttir works on diverse projects involving climate change policy and climate science. She also teaches at the University of Iceland Institute of Continuing Education and lectures on weather, climate and climate change. During her time at the IMO, Jónasdóttir oversaw training and recruiting new forecasters and natural hazard specialists.
Elín earned a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree from the University of Oslo. She is working on a second master’s in international relations from the University of Iceland.
Sævar Helgi Bragason
Sævar Helgi Bragason is a science educator and communicator. He has a background in geology and astronomy with years of experience teaching astronomy to all ages. Bragason is a frequent radio guest about science, he hosts a prime-time TV show on science and technology, and he is the author of best-selling books on science for kids and adults. What he enjoys the most is looking up at a starry sky and showing others the wonders of the universe, be it with the naked eye or through a telescope.
Bragason has received numerous awards and recognitions for outstanding science communication. He is happy to visit with us to share the beauty of the night sky.
Bragason is the author of the book “Iceland at Night: Your Guide to Northern Lights and Stargazing in Iceland,” as well as the owner and editor of the number one source for aurora and stargazing info in Iceland by the same name, www.icelandatnight.is.
Bragason has received numerous awards and recognitions for outstanding science communication. He is happy to visit with us to share the beauty of the night sky.
Bragason is the author of the book “Iceland at Night: Your Guide to Northern Lights and Stargazing in Iceland,” as well as the owner and editor of the number one source for aurora and stargazing info in Iceland by the same name, www.icelandatnight.is.
Hótel Borg, Reykjavík
A sophisticated landmark in the heart of Reykjavík, Hótel Borg has been welcoming heads of state and travelers for nearly a century. Overlooking the gardens and cafes of Iceland’s main square, the hotel is surrounded by such illustrious landmarks as the Parliament Building and the National Cathedral. Revel in the understated elegance of Art Deco interiors, including custom furnishings, large bathtubs and heated marble floors. The lower level offers a dedicated spa, while shops, restaurants and cafes are just steps away.
Hótel Kea, Akureyri
Set in the heart of Akureyri, Iceland’s second city, and overlooking a stunning fjord, Hótel Kea exudes a classic ambiance. Enjoy the hotel’s welcoming service and refined interiors. Climb the grand steps to the Church of Akureyri next door or stroll to nearby shops, museums and gardens from this boutique property’s prime location.
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Selected Program: Iceland & the Northern Lights
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