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Iceland and the Northern Lights

Program Overview

Experience the otherworldly beauty of the naturally occurring Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights, on this unique, 7-night land program. Discover Iceland’s “Big Three” wonders, known as the Golden Circle—the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park; the two-tiered “Golden Waterfall” of Gullfoss; and Strokkur, an active geyser that erupts every few minutes. Experience an excursion to the Bridge Between Continents, the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates—where rifts have formed as the land gradually drifts apart—and join guides as you chase
the iconic lights at the optimum time of year.

Program Details

October 19 to 27, 2024 October 26 to November 3, 2024 November 2 to 10, 2024 November 9 to 17, 2024
From $3,595 plus air View Terms & Conditions
  • Enjoy surreal views of lava fields surrounding the thermal waters in the Blue Lagoon. 
  • Discover Iceland’s first permanent settlement in Reykjavík, which is today the most northern national capital city in the world and the most western capital city of Europe. 
  • Explore The Reykjanes Peninsula with a visit to the Geldingadalur Volcano. 
  • Embark on a city tour of Akureyri, nicknamed the "Capital of North Iceland" and an important port and fishing center.  
  • Walk among the surreal “dark castle” lava formations of Dimmuborgir and drive along the shores of Lake Mývatn. 
  • See Siglufjörður, one of Iceland’s most dramatically sited towns, and visit its Herring Era Museum, which recreates the history of fish salting and oil processing during the early 20th century. 

Day 1 - Depart home city 

Day 2 - Arrive in Reykjavík, Iceland 

Day 3 - Reykjavík 

Day 4 - Reykjavík/Golden Circle 

Day 5 - Reykjavík to Akureyri  

Day 6 - Akureyri/Dimmuborgir/Mývatn/Námaskarð/Goðafoss 

Day 7 - Akureyri/Siglufjörður 

Day 8 - Akureyri/Snaefellsnes/Reykjavík

Day 9 - Reykjavík/Return to home city 

Hotel Borg, Reykjavík 

A sophisticated landmark in the heart of Reykjavík, Hotel 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.

Hotel Kea, Akureyri 

Set in the heart of Iceland’s second city overlooking a stunning fjord, Hotel Kea exudes a classic ambience in the center of Akureyri, the gateway to Iceland’s north. 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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Program Itinerary

Day 1 Depart from home city

Depart your home city for an overnight flight to Iceland.

Day 2 Arrive in Reyjavik, Iceland

Arrive in Iceland’s capital of Reykjavík and enjoy breakfast at the world-famous Blue Lagoon, surrounded by the spectacular views of the lava fields. Pack a swimsuit and water shoes in your carry-on if you’d like to take a restorative dip in these mineral‑rich waters as your journey begins. 

Depart the Blue Lagoon and head to the city center, less than an hour away. Enjoy free time before checking into the historic Hotel Borg, a newly renovated boutique hotel located just steps from the National Cathedral and the Icelandic Parliament.

Day 3 Reykjavik, Iceland

Tour this Nordic nation’s most popular city, beginning with a visit to hilltop Perlan (also knownas The Pearl)—a museum with a rotating glass dome.Take in 360° views from the observation deck before visiting Hallgrímskirkja, a monolithic Lutheran church that serves as an ode to modernism and Iceland’s unique landscape.  

After lunch, walk back through time at the National Museum where you can trace the nation’s history from the Settlement Age, then stroll the old neighborhood where you’ll find time-worn lanes adorned with colorful historic houses and charming shops. 

Tonight, enjoy your first guided excursion in search of the Northern Lights.

Day 4 Reykjavik/Golden Circle

Embark on Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle Tour and discover the nation’s “Big Three,” beginning with the scenic lava plains at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 30 minutes outside of the city. Continue on to the spectacular Golden Waterfall, at Gullfoss Falls. 

From there, head to the geothermal region for lunch at Hotel Geysir, a meticulously designed property owned by an esteemed family with deep roots in the region. Catch Strokkur in action as it sprays a fountain of water and steam high into the air. On the road back to Reykjavík, see how Icelanders makes the most of geothermal forces during a short visit to Hellisheidi Power Plant.

Day 5 Reykjavík to Akureyri

Check out of the hotel and enjoy a scenic drive to Akureyri, the “Capital of North Iceland” where you will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and check in to the Icelandic-style Hotel Kea. This afternoon, travel to Hauganes, a small fishing village on the western coast of Eyjafjörður bay, for an immersive excursion that includes the opportunity to take a relaxing soak in the thermal baths. With a population of less than 150 people, this idyllic region is known for its stunning coastal scenery, whale watching, and warm geothermal waters. Later, embark on another guided quest for the Northern Lights.

Day 6 Akureyri/Dimmuborgir/Mývatn/Namaskarð/Goðafoss

Visit Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” where the wooden idols of Norse mythology were cast into the rushing waters as Icelanders voted to adopt Christianity. Enjoy lunch at the idyllic Fosshotel Mývatn Hotel and take in the breathtaking scenery of Lake Mývatn and the tiny craters of Skutustadir. See Namaskarð’s gurgling sulfur cauldrons and the “dark castle” lava formation of Dimmuborgir.  

As night falls, prepare for a final outing in search of the Aurora Borealis.

Day 7 Akureyri/Siglufjördur

Embark on an excursion to Siglufjörður, the northernmost town in Iceland, located 28 miles from the Arctic Circle. This picturesque area, tucked between rugged mountains at the tip of the Tröllaskagi peninsula, is the herring fishing capital of the North Atlantic. Step into Siglufjörður’s past as a tiny fishing hub at the Herring Era Museum, featuring a restored salt house and factory. Savor a fresh seafood lunch at Siglo Hotel, a cozy spot overlooking the marina. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Day 8 Akureyri/Snaefellsnes/Reykjavík

Journey back to Reykjavík on a full-day excursion via the spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Búðir, famed for the dramatic black lava landscape and yellow sand beach. Enjoy a stop in Djúpalónssandur to explore the cove that once housed roughly 70 fishing stations. Stop in Malariff to see the 20-meter lighthouse and continue to the small fishing community of Arnarstapi for lunch. Arrive in Reykjavík to check back into the Hotel Borg. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 9 Akureyri/Reykjavik/Return to Home City

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to your home city.