Iceland & the Northern Lights

• Exclusive journey to incredible Iceland, in search of the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights, dancing across the sky.
• Created in our tradition of innovative programming and educational travel.
• Included excursions throughout your program.
• Specially arranged visits to try to catch the otherworldly beauty of the naturally occurring aurora borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights.
• One UNESCO World Heritage site — Þingvellir National Park. 

Blue Lagoon. 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 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.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive from Reykjavík on Iceland’s southwestern coast to Akureyri, capital of the north, at the base of the Eyiafjordur fjord. Stop for a delectable lunch at the Hotel Blönduós in the town Blönduós, situated on the glacial river Blanda. 

Continue to Akureyri and check in to the Hotel Kea, an Akureyri landmark ideally situated in a historic building. This afternoon you will enjoy a visit to the Forest Lagoon, located in the Vaðlaskógur forest. Savor a soak in one of the spa’s two geothermal pools.

Return to the hotel for dinner on your own. 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.

Godafoss. 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 lawspeaker 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, prepare for a final outing in search of the aurora borealis.

Following breakfast, depart for Siglufjördur, a picturesque fishing town along the northern coast.

Siglufjördur. 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 Hótel before continuing to the small village of Hauganes. On the way back to Akureyri, you will be able to enjoy a soak in relaxing thermal baths along the coast of Eyiafjordur.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with the group this evening.

Check out of the hotel after breakfast and enjoy a scenic excursion back to Reykjavík, traveling through Hraunfossar. Savor a hardy 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.

Join fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.