Iceland's Classic Northern Lights

5 Days | Search for aurora and find glaciers, geysers and geothermal pools in Iceland’s Golden Circle

4.8 out of 5 based on 6 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
NZD $2,895
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Pursue mother nature’s most spectacular show on a five-day winter adventure of Iceland’s southern coast. Experience the highlights of Iceland’s Golden Circle – soaking in the steamy geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon and marvelling at the eruptions of the Strokkur Geysir, before strapping on the crampons and hiking across the Solheimajokull Glacier and feeling the mist of pristine waterfalls on your face. Rug up in your finest thermals and search the night sky for dancing lights.

Trip overview

Map of Iceland's Golden Circle In Depth including Iceland
Start
Reykjavik, Iceland
Finish
Reykjavik, Iceland
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Iceland
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
BIKW
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Make the most of Iceland’s long winter nights by tracking down the shimmering lights of the aurora borealis.
  • Explore one of Europe’s largest ice caps on an adventurous walk over the alien landscape of Solheimajokull Glacier, and bask in the spray of the spectacular Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss falls.
  • Get a taste for Iceland’s local flavours with a visit to a workshop where they use native ingredients to make herbal teas, jams and salts, all created by a family of sustainability champions.
  • See the sights that make Iceland’s famous Golden Circle so celebrated, from Gulfoss Waterfall to Strokkur Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.
  • There are few things more quintessentially Icelandic than soaking in a geothermal pool – experience it for yourself during a visit to the lesser-known Secret Lagoon.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The northern lights are most visible during the colder months, when temperatures can reach -15 °C or below and snow is very likely. It's important to bring appropriate clothing such as a down jacket, thermals layers, gloves and suitable footwear.
  • While there is a strong chance of seeing the northern lights in all their colourful glory (thanks to the high latitude, time of year and itinerary), nature makes no guarantees. On the rare occasion that your leader must alter the itinerary due to adverse weather, alternative activities will be offered.
  • A remote location and high-performing currency are just two reasons Iceland can be an expensive destination. This affects things like museum entrance fees and outdoor activities but is especially noticeable when eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on ways to get the best value during your visit.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Iceland's Golden Circle In Depth including Iceland

Inclusions

Meals

4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Activities
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Herbal tea and salt workshop visit
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Gunnuhver hot springs
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Bridge between Continents
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Strandarkirkja
  • Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
  • Fludir - Secret Lagoon
  • Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
  • South Coast - Kvernufoss Waterfall Hike
  • South Coast - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • South Coast - Skogafoss Waterfall visit
  • South Coast - Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
  • Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
  • Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
Add on activities
  • Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik - ISK28490
  • Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour - ISK13900
  • Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition - ISK2900
  • Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK4300
  • Reykjavik - Saga Museum - ISK3600
  • Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
  • Reykjavik - Maritime Museum - ISK2350

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip starts in Reykjavik on Day 1 at 6pm. This trip finishes in Reykjavik at approximately 2pm on Day 5. Please do not book any flights until after 6pm.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 6 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Georgios · Traveled March 2024
Great experience, the most that i like with intrepid is that in 5 days i saw things that propably i would have missed if i was there just by myself. the knowlegable local tour leader makes the difference, Thanks Siggi.
Review submitted 28 Mar 2024

Douglas · Traveled February 2024
Feel free to use any comments I have entered on this survey
Review submitted 24 Feb 2024

Linda · Traveled February 2024
Thanks to our guide Jura, the visit to Iceland was incredible! I never would have gotten so much educational value by traveling solo, and made so many new friends during this trip. We got so lucky seeing the Aurora Borealis and experienced such good food and saw so many beautiful Southwestern Icelandic Landmarks. Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Sólheimajökull were particularly stunning and visiting all the little towns were so incredibly cool. Thank you again for such a lovely time!
Review submitted 09 Feb 2024

Farah · Traveled February 2024
The weather was not good at all but everything else was excellent, our tour leader, our group and scenery.
Review submitted 10 Feb 2024

Alice · Traveled February 2024
This trip exceeded my expectations. We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on two nights! Jura, our Guide, was amazing. So knowledgeable of Iceland's history, culture and lifestyle, and also told us really entertaining stories of trolls and other folklore. The group got on so well and bonded from the get go. Hotels we stayed at were great too.
Review submitted 12 Feb 2024
Iceland's Classic Northern Lights
From
NZD $2,895