Iceland – The Land of Ice, Fire and Aurora Borealis
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There is nowhere else quite like Iceland. It is a country with many firsts and a country of many extremes in both historical milestones and geological attractions.
During the late ninth century, Iceland was officially first claimed by the Vikings who settled there. The world's first parliament was recorded in 930 in the Þingvellir National Park. Iceland has continued to be very progressive politically and socially and had the first female democratically voted president in the world, the first openly gay prime minister and was also among the first countries to make it a legal requirement to pay both men and women equally.
Even for those who have not previously been particularly interested in physical geography, you will soon remember your school textbooks as you explore some of the dramatic landscapes Iceland has to offer. The islands position in the middle of the Mid-Atlantic Rift is geologically significant because it marks the boundary between where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and separate. This is the reason why Iceland boasts over 200 different volcanoes, geysers and volcanic fissures.
During your trip, you will visit some of the most spectacular natural attractions Iceland has to offer.
Important Information
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 will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival.
Itinerary
When you land at Keflavik Airport and collect your luggage you will head to the meeting point for the Flybus. This regularly scheduled service makes frequent trips to Reykjavik and will drop off at all the major hotels. If you would prefer to upgrade to private taxi transfers, please speak to your Travel Expert.
Once you have arrived and settled into your room, we recommend making use of its central location to explore Reykjavik’s buzzing atmosphere. We would recommend the FlyOver Iceland experience. The ride commences every 15 to 20 minutes and the whole experience is a great introduction to this remarkable country. It takes around 35 minutes in total, you can see the price and more information in the Extras section of the website. Finally this evening, we would recommend sampling one of the local restaurants close to your hotel – there are several on the same street as well as the hotel restaurant also.
Included Meals: None
After breakfast, you will be picked up for a tour of the famous ‘Golden Circle’. This will be a small group tour with a maximum of 20 people.
The golden circle combines some of Iceland’s most popular natural attractions. You will travel to the southern highlands visiting Þingvellir National Park, geyser geothermal area and 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.
Finally, you will make a stop at a tiny village in the countryside where the farms use the heat generated beneath the earth’s surface to power their greenhouses. After a short tour, you will head to a local secret spot to bathe in a hot spring (don’t forget your swimming costume!) before heading back to the city.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today you will be transferred to the brand-new Sky Lagoon which opened in 2021 just a few kilometres from downtown Reykjavik. Sky Lagoon has been designed to draw inspiration from the local nature and heritage but with a modern, luxurious twist.
The awesome new spa experience has a huge (264ft long!) natural geothermal infinity pool overlooking the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean. It is home to a great sauna which, thanks to the largest window in Iceland, boasts some epic views of the wild landscape outside.
Once you have checked in, you will be invited to start on the 7-step spa experience which is based on Icelandic traditions designed as a “rejuvenating journey that awakens your senses and leaves your skin healthy and glowing. It combines warm and cold waters, warm steam, dry heat and fresh air.”
After you are fully refreshed and glowing from your time in the spa, you will be transferred back to Reykjavik.
Later this evening, around 21.30, you will be picked up to set off on a small group Northern Lights tour away from the artificial lights in the city. Your driver-guide will take you to some of the most successful viewing locations to enjoy an Aurora display if the conditions are in your favour. Viewing the Northern Lights can never be guaranteed, but that is all part of their charm. Your guide will also be able to answer any questions you have about the Aurora and will give you an introduction to the science behind their magical appearance.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be picked up and driven 30 minutes or so to the Raufarhólshellir cave, which is one of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland.
The total length of the tunnel is an impressive 1360 meters, and it is up to 30 metres wide and 10 tall in places. This makes it one of the most expansive lava tunnels in Iceland. Near the entrance of the tunnel, the ceiling has caved in creating three beautiful columns of light inside the tunnel. At the end of Raufarhólshellir, the tunnel branches into three smaller tunnels where magnificent lava falls and formations are clearly visible.
After returning to Reykjavik, we have included a three-course dinner for you this evening at the Seafood Grill (drinks not included). Please advise us of any dietary requirements when making a booking.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today it is time to head home from Iceland! If you would like to extend your stay then please speak to one of our Travel Experts who would be happy to accommodate any requests.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Return airport transfers and all activity transfers
- 4 breakfasts and 1 dinner at Seafood Grill
- 4 nights standard double/twin room at Hotel Frón (or similar) (upgrades available subject to availability; supplements may apply)
- Golden Circle tour with Secret Lagoon
- Sky Lagoon visit
- Northern Lights hunt
- Lava tunnel tour at Raufarhólshellir
- Emergency contact during your time in Iceland
Excluded
- Flights are not included – please speak to our Travel Experts for a quote if you wish to include these
Accommodation
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Hotel Frón has a great location in downtown Reykjavik. It is located just a few minutes walk from the main shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries and museums that this vibrant city has to offer. The staff are really welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable and are more than happy to help with anything guests need during their stay. There is a range of room types available at Hotel Frón. As well as standard double/ twin rooms there are also apartments (both standard and deluxe, studio, one or two-bedroom) and also suites if you are looking for a little more luxury during your stay. Please ask our Travel Experts for more information and a quotation if you are interested. |
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Additional Info
Please note: This holiday is a city break and as such operates quite differently to some of our other holidays in more remote locations. Because of your central base in the city, your activities will start at various meeting points (full details and directions will be provided in your final travel documents) which you will need to walk to (or arrange your own taxi unless otherwise stated) in good time for the activity to begin. You will then normally be met by a bus which will either take you directly out on your activity or to a central meeting point from where you will then head out on your adventure.
For environmental reasons and to pass on the cost saving benefit to our clients on some of our holidays based within a city, we may also make use of scheduled shared airport shuttle buses. These will stop near your hotel but there may be a short walk (with your luggage) due to traffic restrictions. To check what is standard within your itinerary please check the ‘what’s included’ section. We can arrange private taxi transfers if you prefer (upgrade costs will apply). Our travel experts will be happy to provide more information.
Due to the city location, the group sizes for activities and transfers will be larger than some of our other holidays. We have lots of itineraries to suit everyone. So, if you enjoy the buzz of a city and like to explore its sights and sounds in your free time, then this holiday is a great option for you. If you prefer a more remote destination with activities on site, then please ask one of our travel experts who would be very happy to make some suggestions.
Price is based on 2 persons travelling
Tour terms, click here
Booking conditions click here
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists