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Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Northern Lights and South Coast Exploration Tour

Iceland Small Group Tour - Example 5 Day Tour
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Take part in a small group adventure that will take you to Iceland's most remarkable sights. For five days, visit the famed Golden Circle's features, an ice cave, Diamond Beach, and beautiful waterfalls. Then, join thrilling searches for the Northern Lights after sightseeing, and view the natural light display in the most unexpected places. Finally, admire the auroras while sailing across the North Atlantic Ocean.
Strokkur burstsFjaðrárgljúfur CanyonSkógafoss WaterfallGullfoss The Golden FallsThingvellir LandscapeIce CaveSeljalandsfossJökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Highlights
  • Explore the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with strewn icebergs of diverse sizes and forms
  • Enjoy the Skogafoss Waterfall, where the water descends from 60 meters
  • Witness the Strokkur Geyser's natural spectacle bursts
  • Visit the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Reykjavik | Northern Lights Boat Tour

Get situated before the excursion by checking in to your hotel around 2:00 PM. Then, go to the ticket office at the Old Harbor in Reykjavik in the evening and get ready to board the boat. Expert guides closely monitor the aurora forecast and are adept at finding prime viewing spots in the bay.

The boat will navigate away from city lights to ensure an optimal, unobstructed view of the Northern Lights. Enjoy the tranquil sail across the North Atlantic while witnessing the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis overhead. Watch video presentations featuring Icelandic folklore, photos, and interesting facts about the Northern Lights.

For added comfort, the boat has a cozy café and bar, where you can stay warm and entertained while awaiting the light show. Overalls are also available for those wishing to remain comfortable on the deck. After the spectacle, transfer back to the harbor to return to your hotel for the night.

Reykjavik Lights Hotel or similar

Day 2: Golden Circle | The Northern Lights in Vik

Today's tour takes you to Iceland's renowned Golden Circle, featuring three main attractions: Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.

Your journey begins at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic site of Iceland's first Parliament, founded in 930 CE. Thingvellir's unique geological features include a rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, continuously expanding as the plates drift apart.

Next, visit the Geysir Geothermal Area, where the dormant Geysir is overshadowed by the active Strokkur geyser, erupting spectacularly every 10 minutes with jets of water reaching up to 25 meters high.

The final stop on the Golden Circle tour is Gullfoss, Iceland's most famous waterfall, where the Hvita River cascades in two stages, creating a golden mist and often accompanied by vibrant rainbows.

After exploring the Golden Circle, continue towards the South Coast, offering picturesque views of Mount Hekla en route to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you can walk behind for a unique perspective.

Spend the night near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, providing an ideal opportunity to witness the Northern Lights away from city lights. You may be treated to a dazzling display of auroras dancing across the night sky with favorable weather conditions.

Hótel Geirland or similar

Day 3: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon | Ice Caving

After breakfast, your journey heads eastward, passing through diverse landscapes, including lava fields, deserts, and glimpses of distant glaciers, notably Vatnajökull, Iceland's largest. This 5-day tour continues with visits to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, where icebergs float serenely and resemble sparkling diamonds on the black sand. Afterward, head to Skaftafell for a winter glacier hike or a summer visit to Katla Ice Cave near Vik. The night's accommodation is in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area, followed by an adventurous Northern Lights hunt against snowy peaks and glaciers.

Hótel Geirland or similar

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

 

Day 4: South Coast Sightseeing

Day 4 of the itinerary focuses on exploring the South Coast and its highlights. Weather permitting, a brief detour may lead to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, famously known as "Bieber's Canyon."

Following this, you can discover the iconic Eldhraun lava field with insights from a knowledgeable guide. The journey continues to Reynisfjara black sand beach, renowned as one of the world's most beautiful non-tropical beaches. It features towering Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks and dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The next stop is Skógafoss waterfall, where water plunges 60 meters. For the adventurous, 527 steps offer access to the top of the waterfall, where, weather permitting, you can view the prominent Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

In the evening, travelers return to Reykjavik for accommodation in a city hotel. En route, you may stop to chase the Northern Lights, weather and conditions permitting.

Reykjavik Lights Hotel or similar

Day 5: Free Day in Reykjavik

  • 1 Breakfast
Today's agenda is dedicated to exploring Reykjavik! With the entire day at your disposal, you can immerse yourself in the city's culture.

Reykjavik offers a plethora of activities. You can start by exploring local boutiques, quaint coffee shops, and museums, some of which offer immersive Northern Lights experiences.

For those preferring outdoor activities, a stroll along the old harbor or the Atlantic Ocean shoreline awaits.

Guests seeking the quintessential Icelandic experience should remember to pack their swimsuits! Relaxation awaits at the numerous spas and swimming pools scattered across the city.

Finally, indulging in traditional Icelandic cuisine and local beverages is a must-do to complete the day's exploration.

Accommodations

Kirkjubæjarklaustur - Hotels

Reykjavik - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,281 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.

Notes

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Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 4 Breakfasts
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

Jan
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Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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