Take a journey into Iceland's mystical winter on this 3-day Iceland Escape. Arctic winter is the best time to view the elusive Northern Lights, when the sky is at its darkest and the lights often dance colorfully across the northern sky. Admire the snow-covered beauty of Iceland's classic sites, such as the famed Golden Circle and the stunning seaside cliffs of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This 3-day tour is an ideal exposure to Iceland's fantastic winter landscape!
Highlights
Search for the Northern Lights during the dark winter months
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel of choice before meeting the tour at 12pm. We set our sites toward the Golden Circle and Thingvellir National Park, home to Iceland's historic parliament and one of the longest-running parliaments in the world. Here we will also explore Thingvellir's great geological wonders and site locations of the TV show of Game of Thrones. We continue on with our tour of the Golden Circle, stopping next at the Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur Valley. Though the Great Geysir is no longer active, the neighboring Strokkur routinely shoots impressive jets of superheated water every eight to ten minutes. This is not an experience to be missed!
Our final Golden Circle stop is the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall. The falls drop an incredible 32 meters from their source at the Langjökull Glacier. Don a raincoat and try to take a photo of the commonly-spotted rainbow around the falls!
After a full day of adventure you’ll be dropped off in downtown Reykjavik for dinner on your own. Head to City Hall at 8:30pm, equipped with your camera and extra layers as we set out in search of the Northern Lights. Our guides carefully monitor weather and aurora conditions before setting out, and will drive our group to the ultimate aurora-spotting locations. Learn about this extraordinary natural phenomena as you search for the mystical lights.
Return to Reykjavík around midnight. Overnight at Reykjavik Lights Hotel or similar.
Rise early for a hearty breakfast at the hotel buffet before meeting your guide. Head west, enjoying the scenic coastline and fun stories and legends about Iceland's history along the way. Our first stop is the legendary Borgarfjöður Valley at Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Here we will witness Iceland's powerful nature up close: This water provides heat to all the neighboring towns.
As we make our way toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, we will stop for photographs at the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Hraunfossar, meaning “lava falls,” is an elegant shower of rivulets streaming down from the impressive Hallmundarhraun lava field. At Barnafoss we will learn of the tragic legend of these cloudy waters.
Leave the scenic Borgarfjörður area behind and arrive at the famous Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where we will stop at the mesmerizing basalt columns of Gerðuberg. These columns were formed eons ago when steaming hot lava collided suddenly against the ice cold ocean, causing the columns to rise starkly from the sea.
Settle into our comfortable hotel for the evening. If weather permits, head outside for a sighting of the Northern Lights.
Overnight at Hotel Rjukandi or similar.
Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
1 Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at our charming farm hotel before driving west along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula coastline. Stop first to explore the fishing village of Arnarstapi, offering a glimpse into rural Icelandic life. We then head to the lava fields, where we can venture deep into the Vatnshellir lava tube cave (additional costs apply). For those not wishing to tour the cave, your guide will take you on a walking tour around this interesting natural area.
After a quick stop for lunch we arrive at the Djúpalónssandur Beach. Take a short hike along the pebblestone beach and explore ruins from a ship wreck. Hop back on the bus and continue onwards to the famous Mt. Kirkjufell, a favorite for photographers and well-known among Game of Thrones fans.
After a full day on the Peninsula we set our sites back toward Reykjavík, searching one last time for the mystical Northern Lights.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge. prior to departure
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
