Description

Full Itinerary

Witnessing the elusive northern lights’ exotic dance is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! This special version of our best-selling Iceland Complete tour was created by our team of experts to combine the best of the Ring Road with the enchanting beauty of an Icelandic winter. Witness “must-see“ attractions such as the Golden Circle, the Glacier Lagoon, Lake Myvatn and Dettifoss, with extra-added magical snow, peacefulness, lights and shadows. Hunt for northern lights; northern lights wake-up calls are also available on most nights of your trip, ensuring you don’t miss your chance to see the lights.

Day 1: REYKYAVIK

If you are arriving earlier in the day, you might consider adding a day tour. We’d be happy to make suggestions based on your interests. One of our favorite activities after a long flight is to visit one of the neighborhood geothermal pools. It is so refreshing to relax in the warm water, breathing in the fresh Icelandic air. It’s a great way to get to see Icelandic daily life and maybe meet a few locals. It’s also nice to take a stroll in the old city center, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cozy café. You might even consider booking a transfer that includes a visit to the Blue Lagoon. (Please note the Blue Lagoon entrance must be booked in advance – we can help with that!)

Please note guaranteed early check-in is not included in the price. Most hotels begin check-in around 14:00 (2:00pm).

Overnight: Reykjavik

Day 2: GEYSIR – GULLFOSS – SKOGAR – DYRHOLAEY – VIK

Exploding Geysers – Waterfalls – Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore

After breakfast complete check out procedures. Your guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:45 (8:45am). Please be in the lobby with your luggage, ready for a great day in South Iceland.

After a quick introduction to our home city of Reykjavik, head to the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi. Head on to the Golden Circle natural wonders. Explore Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, and the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss before continuing to Dyrholaey and the black sand beaches of Iceland’s South Shore. Continue to the village of Vik.

If weather conditions are right, your guide will take you on a northern lights hunt on foot in the area outside your hotel tonight, or on one of the other evenings that you are staying in the countryside (subject to weather conditions)

Overnight: Vik (BD)

Day 3: VATNAJOKULL NATIONAL PARK – JOKULSARLON GLACIAL LAGOON – HOFN

Lava Fields – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier

After breakfast complete check out procedures. Today you will be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east. Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty dominated by several magnificent glaciers. Then view Svinafellsjokull, one of the most beautiful glacial “tongues” that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajokull. Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where you can enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m deep glacial lagoon. Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, where shrinking icebergs settle on the black sands before they drift out to sea.

Overnight: Hofn (BD)

Day 4: Hofn – East Fjords – Egilsstadir

Narrow Fjords – Steep Mountains – Picturesque Coastline – Legendary Lake Monster

After breakfast you will complete check out procedures. Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, and stop to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. Enjoy the amazing views. You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. One of these is the tiny village of Breiddalsvik visit the local Beljandi Microbrewery and sample some of the beer. This is a quirky brewery in a charmingly rustic building. The local community came together to create the brewery. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small town, as well as how great beer is made. The road brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. The area is also getting a name for itself for its excellent locally sourced cuisine, and you’ll enjoy some of it at dinner.

Overnight: Egilsstadir (BD)

Day 5: LAKE MYVATN AREA

Highland Desert – Bizarre Lava Formations – Geothermal & Volcanic Winter Wonderland

After breakfast complete check out procedures. Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful in its winter snows, as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area. You will do a stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colours. Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Myvatn area, including the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and the Laxa Salmon River.

Overnight: Myvatn (BD)

Day 6: LAKE MYVATN AREA – AKUREYRI – SIGLUFJORDUR

“Waterfall of the Gods” – Turf-roofed Folk Museum – The Beautiful Troll Peninsula

After breakfast complete check out procedures. Start the day by exploring the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. The name means “Dark Citadels“ in Icelandic, and they certainly look as this they were built by fantasy creatures. There are actually legends that elves live here. Visit the magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of the most important symbols of North Iceland, and the old turf farm Laufas. Enjoy a taste of some traditional Icelandic farmhouse refreshments and hear tales of life in the old days. Afterwards, visit Akureyri, the colourful northern “capital“ of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur Fjord. After spending some time in Akureyri, continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. This is a beautiful drive along steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and black sand coastline. The destination is Siglufjordur, set in a beautiful fjord of the same name. This town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. Siglufjordur is a very picturesque and easily walkable town for an evening stroll. You may even recognize some of the buildings; the town was a filming location for both seasons of the popular Icelandic thriller series Trapped. The town is actually a relaxing and friendly place, and it‘s great to spend an evening soaking in the hot tubs of your hotel while enjoying the scenic fjord views.

Overnight: Siglufjorður (BD)

Day 7: SKAGAFJORDUR – BORGARNES

Historical Museum – Fertile Farmlands – Glacial Rivers – Unique Viking Horse Demonstration

After breakfast complete check out procedures. This morning visit Siglufjordur’s award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Siglufjordur was transformed into a frontier-like boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. Afterwards, head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to Skagafjordur, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait – the tolt. Continue towards the village of Blonduos, built on both sides of the river Blanda. This is a part of Iceland known from the Icelandic literary work Vatnsdaela Saga. Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region that has been getting international recognition for its diverse types of scenery and its Viking history.

Overnight: Borgarnes (BD)

Day 8: BORGARFJORDUR – THINGVELLIR – REYKJAVIK

Europe’s Largest Hot Spring – Picturesque Waterfalls – National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO)

After breakfast complete check out procedures. Visit some of the beautiful natural wonders of West Iceland. Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colours. Drive through the scenic and mountain lined Hvalfjordur fjord to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world‘s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents. Afterwards, head to Reykjavik for a last night in the colourful capital city.

Overnight: Reykjavik (B)

Rates

Includes: Shared arrival and departure airport transfers in Reykjavik, 5-night escorted coach tour; sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary; meals as per itinerary.

Excludes: Beverages during meals except for tap water or tea/coffee.

**Solo travel option on the following dates

Obligatory supplements will apply for stays over Christmas and New Year, should your stay include either period please contact us for amended rates.

All rates will be converted at time of final payment according to ITT’s bank selling rates. Please double check the final ZAR amount with us on day of payment. All services are subject to availability at time of booking and subject to the General Terms and Conditions of ITT Inspirations Travel & Tours (PTY) LTD.