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Iceland - Gastronomy, Northern Lights and the Golden Circle
Overview
Combine renowned Icelandic sights with adventures into Reykjavik’s vibrant food scene in this four-night foodie escape. You’ll search for the Northern Lights, taste a variety of incredible cuisine and explore the famed Golden Circle.
What's included?
ALL OF THE EXPERIENCES AND SERVICES LISTED BELOW ARE INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE
- Transfers: return scheduled Flybus airport shuttle transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights in a standard twin or double room in the Exeter Hotel.
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Activities: Reykjavik Walking Food Tour, Northern Lights hunt by bus, Lunch at Food Cellar, Fly Over Iceland Tour, Dinner at Höfnin, Northern Lights Cruise, Golden Circle Tour with a stop at Fontana Natural Wellness Spa, Dinner at Monkeys.
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- 24/7 assistance from our UK-based operations team and in-destination support from our local partners
Iceland, the North Atlantic’s volcanic gem, is an island world-renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and the chance to see the Northern Lights. It also has an amazing gastronomy scene with international influences, exciting fusions, and a strong local food culture.
This four-night holiday combines cuisine, exploration, and the Northern Lights. You’ll enjoy a guided foodie tour of Reykjavik, trying various flavour-filled dishes, as well as having the chance to dine at some of the most renowned restaurants in the city. Explore the culture and history of Iceland with a visit to the whale museum and experience the dramatic landscapes and stunning beauty that surrounds Reykjavik with a tour of the famous Golden Circle.
Iceland sits in prime Northern Lights territory, so we have made sure to include two nights dedicated to searching for the Aurora Borealis. First, you will travel by bus into the countryside, away from any light pollution, searching the skies for the mystical Northern Lights. Then, you will switch from land to sea, enjoying a Northern Lights cruise which provides a unique perspective of the night sky, as you sail across the cool, dark waters that surround this island. Iceland really is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.
© Iceland Excursions, Iceland Full Circle, Iceland Pro Travel and Dawn Kitson
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Key facts
| Duration: | 4 nights |
| Pace: | Balanced |
Dates & Prices
Price Comparison Guarantee
Expertise and knowledge are key to witnessing the Northern Lights. We’ve been running Aurora hunting holidays longer than any company in the UK and with no lead in prices, no hidden costs and more included, we’re confident our tours will come out on top.Please note that the prices below are subject to change due to availability at the respective hotels; supplements may apply.
Activities: please note that if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Prices
| Departure dates between | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Sun 01 Oct 2023
to Mon 18 Dec 2023 |
Adults £ 1,495 To £ 1,674 | |
|
Wed 03 Jan 2024
to Sun 31 Mar 2024 |
Adults £ 1,525 To £ 1,708 |
Prices are based on 2 people sharing. Please note that flights are not included in the holiday price so that the best possible fares and schedule can be found at the time of booking. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with a quote and arrange flights on your behalf.
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum numbers required for this holiday to run vary from 2 to 8 people (depending on departure date). Maximum 30 people (approximately). Please speak to our Travel Experts for further information.
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.
Unless otherwise stated in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Aurora Zone holiday is typically 12 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this, we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this, we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
Booking Activities Locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade https://www.mfat.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Brexit information for British Passport holders
Information for British Passport Holders
It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport and/or any required visas are up to date for your holiday. Please take special note of rules relating to passport validity as these have changed since Brexit. You can find more general advice from the UK government on their Passport rules for travel to Europe and then country specific advice on the Foreign Travel Advice page under the entry requirements section.
Please also check the UK Governments ‘Get Travel Smart’ campaign for up to date information on travel advice by country, information on Travel Insurance and information on how to renew your passport if required.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.theaurorazone.com/booking-conditions
Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Arrival, Transfers and Check-In
Once your plane touches down at Keflavik International Airport, you will transfer via the scheduled Flybus service to your hotel. The world’s northernmost capital city is small but perfectly formed, with museums, galleries, and a plethora of bars and restaurants to entertain visitors of all kinds. After checking in at the Exeter Hotel, the harbourside hotel which will serve as your home for the next four nights, your first night has been left free for you to explore.
Please note: no meals are included today, but reservations at restaurants can be arranged.
Included Meals: None -
DAY 2
Reykjavik Walking Food Tour and Northern Lights Hunt by Bus
Although your stay at the Exeter hotel includes a buffet breakfast, we wouldn’t recommend you fill up too much this morning. At 11:30am, a local guide will collect you from the hotel and take you on a 3-hour walking food tour of Reykjavik, introducing you to a range of local foodie haunts. Dishes can include lobster soup, Icelandic pancake, Skyr cake, Icelandic hot dogs and rye bread ice cream (a delicacy far more delicious than it sounds) to name but a few - and enjoy learning about the city from an expert guide. Reykjavik is renowned for world-class food and this foodie tour will give you a fantastic taster experience of Iceland's specialities and international cuisine: it really is gastronomy heaven!
The rest of your afternoon is free to spend enjoying Reykjavik’s city centre, which has a wealth of museums and galleries, as well as the architectural marvel that is Harpa concert hall. Opened in 2011, this cultural hub hosts art exhibitions and a wide variety of theatrical performances and concerts including the Reykjavik Jazz festival every September. The first building to be completed in Iceland in the aftermath of the 2008 economic recession, it doubled as a beacon of hope to local residents as the construction industry restarted.
Tonight, you will head out in search of the Northern Lights via bus, departing at approximately 9pm. Travelling through the Icelandic wilderness, you’ll be out for roughly 3 hours tonight; hopefully, luck will be on your side and you’ll catch sight of the Aurora Borealis
Warm clothes, a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes are recommended. Bring a winter hat, scarf, mittens/gloves, and warm socks, and ask the guide about your camera settings!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch -
DAY 3
Lunch at Food Cellar, Fly Over Iceland Tour, Dinner at Höfnin and Northern Lights Cruise
Take advantage of the hotel’s gym and sauna facilities this morning, and be nice and refreshed for your 12pm lunch at Food Cellar, where you can sample Icelandic Cuisine with a modern twist.
Following lunch, your afternoon takes you to the harbourside where you will experience all of Iceland. Using state of the art technology, from your seat suspended before a 20-metre spherical screen, you will feel as if you are literally ‘flying over Iceland’ as you explore the vast glaciers, majestic fjords, dramatic ravines and many other attractions. Special effects, including wind, mist and scents, combine with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience.
Your evening meal will be held at Höfnin, which roughly translates to ‘the port’. Höfnin is a family run restaurant with a beautiful seaside view overlooking the Old Harbour.
If you can manage the fifteen-minute walk back to the harbour after so much delicious food, your evening will close with a Northern Lights Cruise, which departs at 9pm. With heated inside areas, an onboard café and a 360° viewing platform to ensure panoramic views, hunting for the Aurora via cruise ensures a truly unique experience. The expert Aurora guides on board help you enjoy the lights by giving you information about the Auroras as well as answering any questions you may have. They even take pictures on the tour which you can request by email when you get back home! You can borrow one of the overalls to keep warm, just remember to bring a hat and gloves.
Note: you must be at the pier minimum of 15 minutes before departure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Golden Circle Tour and Fontana Natural Wellness Spa and Dinner at Restaurant Monkeys
Today you will enjoy a tour of the famous Golden Circle via bus. The golden circle combines some of Iceland’s most popular natural attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, the geyser geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall.
Þingvellir National Park was Iceland’s first National Park and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It was the first area of Iceland to be inhabited and later became the sight of the world’s first parliament. Geology enthusiasts may already be familiar with this area as it is the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which creates some stunning geological sights.
The Geyser geothermal area is located in the Haukadalur Valley and at this site, you will find two remarkable geysers which have been active for around 10,000 years. Great Geysir only erupts every few months at most, so you will need to be exceptionally lucky to catch that one, but nearby Strokkur geyser erupts every 6-10 minutes and can shoot hot water as high as 40 metres into the air.
Finally, on your tour, you will visit Gullfoss waterfall. This is one of Iceland’s most iconic and most photographed attractions. The waterfall has two 'drops' which together total 32 metres. The power of the water is mesmerising and on sunny days it is possible to view rainbows shooting from the spray.
During your tour, you will also make a stop at the Fontana Wellness Spa, a natural hot spring, which is also used as a natural, local bakery for the village. You’ll learn about the methods used to bake their famous rye bread in a hot spring and watch while they dig up a freshly-baked sample for you to taste.
After that, you’ll have time to take a dip in the hot springs and enjoy the spectacular views, so don’t forget to bring your swimming costume! Today’s tour will last approximately 9 hours. Lunch is not included, but there are several places to buy lunch along the way.
After returning to Reykjavik, you will dine at Restaurant Monkeys, where a table has been reserved for you at 7pm. This restaurant offers a fantastic selection of fusion dishes and is the perfect place to enjoy your final evening in Iceland.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
DAY 5
Departure
Sadly, today marks your last day in Reykjavik. Enjoy breakfast and pick up something in the in-house Deig Bakery to take to the airport, as well as some knitted souvenirs. Your scheduled bus transfer to the airport will drop you off two hours before your departure flight, giving you plenty of time to clear check-in and reflect on a wonderful holiday.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Exeter Hotel
Nights: 1-4
Exeter Hotel sits in an ideal location, within easy walking distance to a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars, offering a fantastic choice of cuisine and atmosphere. Situated close to the old harbour, there are several museums and galleries nearby, giving you the chance to soak up the culture of this fascinating city.
It is a modern, comfortable hotel, built with style and relaxation in mind. The on-site bakery is the perfect place to grab some freshly cooked delights, open daily from 7am-4pm. Make use of the hotel’s sauna and unwind after exploring Iceland by day.
Room Type
Standard double/twin rooms: these stylish and comfortable rooms are furnished in a modern design. All rooms are en-suite and have a shower, hairdryer, tea/coffee maker, safe, fridge, TV and desk. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Other options
Hotel Grandi
Hotel Grandi is situated in the centre of Reykjavik’s booming creative quarter, within close proximity of a local bars, restaurants and cafes. The harbour is just a short walking distance.
Grandi offers classic comfort with a modern, industrial finish and has an onsite restaurant and bakery. Open daily, Hygge bakery is the perfect pitstop after a wander around Reykjavik, and Héðinn Kitchen & Bar offers a great selection of tasty dishes.
Gallery
Photos (10)
