Iceland's Classic Northern Lights

Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not hit the streets and explore the city's boutiques and cosy cafes. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head into town with the group and get to know each other over dinner.

Take a moment to breathe in the fresh Icelandic air before heading out to the Reykjanes Peninsula, stopping at the Bridge between Continents along the way – this footbridge spans the fissure between the North American and Eurasian continental plates. Visit the eerie mud pools and steam vents of Gunnuhver, named after the angry ghost that’s said to have been trapped in the hot springs 400 years ago. Then, check out Hafnarfjordur and a local artist’s community. You’ll see their space on a guided tour where you’ll meet the artists and learn about the history of the building and the community. Have lunch in the harbor town of Keflavik then continue through the geothermal areas of Krisuvik and Seltun. Your final stop today will be Strandarkirkja – a Lutheran church that’s been a landmark for seafaring travellers since the 12th century. After a busy day, you’ll head for your accommodation near the town of Hveragerdi and settle in for the night.

Today is all about exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Head to the geyser geothermal area to check out Strokkur and watch as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting 20 to 30 m into the air. Take in the sheer power of the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River, then, after witnessing these natural wonders, it’s time to reap the benefits of Iceland’s geothermal activity yourself. Your group will head out for a winter soak in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon – fed by various hot springs, this spot is the oldest pool in Iceland. When you're fully destressed (or before your fingers start to prune), head back to your accommodation, where you can relax for the night or head outside to search the skies for colour.

Start the day by visiting the mighty Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and take a walk behind its cascade for a different perspective. Continue chasing waterfalls at the powerful Skogafoss – one of Iceland's biggest falls at 25 m wide and with a drop of 60 m. From here, embark on a short hike to Kvernufoss Waterfall, hidden in a nearby valley. These falls are framed by moss-coated cliffs of lava rock, adding to its otherworldly appearance. After you’ve had your fill of falls, take a walk on one of Europe's biggest ice caps – the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier. No experience is necessary to partake in the hike – your guide will brief you on all you need to know so you can explore the glacier safely. This evening, you’ll enjoy a comforting dinner at your accommodation before looking to the skies in search of dancing lights.

It’s time to head back to Reykjavik. On the way, stop at Thingvellir National Park to see the Parliament Plains – the site of Iceland’s first parliament. Thingvellir also contains the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. The resulting gap is partly filled with fresh water and is clearly visible. When you get back to Reykjavik, your leader will take you out on a walking tour to discover more of the history and culture of this fascinating city. After, your trip comes to an end and there are no further activities planned. If you’d like to extend your stay in the city and keep searching for the Northern Lights, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.