Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour

Your journey starts in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital. The best museums, galleries, retail districts, dining establishments, and historic sites are all conveniently close to your hotel since it is centrally located. Take a stroll down Laugavegur, one of the city's oldest retail avenues. Visit one of the city's top-notch museums, such as the National Museum, the Reykjavik Museum of Photography, or the Culture House, to satisfy your desire for culture. Visit the Phallological Museum for a more bizarre cultural experience. What started as a collector's strange hobby has grown into the only museum dedicated to the subject worldwide. From the landmark Hallgrmskirkja church, which was modeled after Skaftafell's Svartifoss Waterfall, you can get a bird's-eye perspective of Reykjavik. Enter the capital's thriving nightlife once the sun goes down. But before that, make sure to take a boat journey to Iceland to look for the enchanted Northern Lights! Set your route towards a completely dark sky, the ideal environment for the emerald light display. You learn all you could ever want to know about the lights from a knowledgeable aurora guide.
 

On day two, you get picked up from your hotel and head directly to some of Iceland's most famous sights. Begin at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you take in its geological, historical, and cultural significance. This is where the ancient Icelandic Parliament, known as Althing, was established in the year 930 CE—the oldest democratic parliament still in existence today. Þingvellir sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, marking the tectonic plate boundary between the Eurasian and North American continents.  

The adventure picks up upon arrival at the Geysir Geothermal Area. Witness Strokkur, the region's most active geyser, shooting scalding water into the air every five to ten minutes. This is also home to the Great Geysir, the hot spring that gave the English language the word "geyser."  

Next, visit Gullfoss Waterfall, also known as "the golden falls." Feel the power of the roaring Hvítá River as it plunges into the canyon below, surrounded by a golden mist.  

On the way to your hotel near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Although both stand 196 feet (60 meters) tall, each has its own unique charm. Skógafoss flows powerfully from what were once sea cliffs, while a hidden trail behind Seljalandsfoss offers a rare and breathtaking view from behind the cascading water.

Continue along the South Coast route to the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach. Just offshore, catch a glimpse of the majestic Reynisdrangar peaks that rise from the sea.

Leave the beach behind and head for icy glaciers. Embark on a three-hour glacier hike at Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park. Discover Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, which covers 8% of Iceland’s landmass.

Return to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the world's most well-known ice lagoon. Watch as brilliant blue ice floes drift through the lagoon. Then, walk to Diamond Beach, where coal-black sands are scattered with glistening blue and white icebergs brought in by the tide.

From October to April, replace the glacier hike with an unforgettable adventure into the Crystal Ice Cave, a breathtaking natural wonder.

Experience the breathtaking Myrdalsjokull Glacier, home to the infamous Katla Volcano. Several other volcanic mountains surround the area, including the notorious Eyjafjallajokull.

The minimum age requirement for a Glacier Hike is eight years old.

Travel through Iceland’s scenic East Fjords, passing Lon, Pvottarskridur landslides, and Alftafjardar Fjord. Stop in Djupivogur, a historic fishing village known for its eco-friendly initiatives. Visit local museums, parks, and the famous Eggin i Gledivik sculpture, showcasing 34 bird-inspired stone eggs.

Continue to the Wilderness Center, an immersive history and adventure hub set in Northern Europe's largest wilderness. Hike, bike, or ride Icelandic horses while exploring traditional highland life. Visit the museum, enjoy local cuisine, and relax in the center’s warm bathing house.

End the day in Egilsstadir, where you spend the night in a cozy country hotel.

Start the day with a trip from Egilsstadir to Studlagil Canyon, home to some of the world’s most striking basalt rock formations. Then, head to Lake Myvatn, where you explore Namaskard’s steaming geothermal fields and the dramatic Dimmuborgir lava formations, known as the Dark Castles.

For a relaxing break, visit Myvatn Nature Baths, the "Blue Lagoon of the North" (optional). Soak in warm geothermal waters and unwind in saunas with views of the rugged landscape. 

Before reaching Eyjafjordur, make a final stop at Godafoss, a historic waterfall steeped in legend. End the day in Akureyri, where a rural hotel awaits for an overnight stay.

Start the day with a visit to North Iceland’s traditional fishing villages, offering scenic views of Eyjafjordur Fjord and Hrisey Island.  

Head out on a three-hour whale-watching tour from Eyjafjordur, where you have a chance of spotting humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and even blue whales.  

Next, visit Siglufjordur, once the herring capital of the Atlantic. Learn about the town’s fishing heritage and explore its charming harbor. Drive along Trollaskagi (Troll Peninsula), where dramatic ocean views and towering mountains line the route.  

End the day in Laugarbakki, where you spend the night.

The breathtaking sights of West Iceland are on display on the last day before heading back to Reykjavik. This area continues to be a top choice among travelers even though Lonely Planet named it one of the greatest places to visit in 2016. Your first stop is Grabrok, a lava-encrusted, ancient volcanic crater created by a fissure eruption. You hike with your guide to get a birds-eye perspective of the crater and surroundings. You'll also visit the spectacular Hraunfossar cascade, a huge water curtain made up of small rivulets that careen out of a lava field. After that, halt at Barnafoss waterfall, also known as "the children's falls," which got its name from a tragic folktale. The most potent hot spring in all of Europe, Deildartunguhver, is the next interesting location.

In Reykholt, the hometown of the renowned poet and author of Icelandic sagas, Snorri Sturluson, history, literature, and nature converge. Look into Snorralaug's natural pool, where Snorri is reputed to have taken a bath. Pass through the beautiful Hvalfjorur (also known as the "whale fjord") on the way back to Reykjavik. At about 5 or 6 p.m., return to the city. Drop-off takes place at the Reykjavik Lights Hotel. Leave the flashing lights behind and go in search of the Northern Lights once you are back in the city. For the best aurora viewing, theminibus excursion takes you far into the forest. The knowledgeable guides check the aurora forecast to determine the ideal location to take in this amazing light show.
 

Once more, visit Reykjavik to take advantage of the opportunity to discover this dynamic city. Explore new routes by foot or by bicycle. Have you had enough of Iceland's pristine landscapes? Both the peninsulas with mountain views, Seltjarnarnes and Mosfellsbaer, may be reached from Reykjavik by bus.

For a glimpse of Iceland's biodiversity, visit the Reykjavik Botanical Gardens. Learn about the hot springs where Reykjavik women once did their laundry. The largest swimming pool in Iceland, Laugardalslaug, is surrounded by these magnificent gardens. It's up to you whether you want to explore more of the outdoors, go shopping, unwind at coffee shops or restaurants, visit another museum, or do one last-day trip.