Northern Lights Escape

6 Days | Travel to Iceland and experience its astounding natural features

4.9 out of 5 based on 255 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
GBP £1,765
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Gurgling hot springs, majestic waterfalls, volcanoes alive and extinct, Europe’s biggest glacier – Iceland, where adventures a la naturale await. Discover the raw natural beauty of this spectacular Nordic wonderland on a 6-day trip that will have you stalking close to epic glacial sheaths, feeling the icy spray of the Gullfoss waterfall and becoming acquainted with the culture and cuisine of an Arctic island outpost unlike any other.

Trip overview

Map of Northern Lights Escape 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
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
BMSW
This trip generates 12 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. And on top of that all our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • There's a lot more to Iceland than ice and vikings. Follow the scenic 'Golden Circle', visiting geothermal springs and geysers, the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss and the site of the nation's first parliament at Thingvellir
  • Drive along the island’s spectacular South Shore past the Reynisdrangar Rocks and volcanic black sand beaches
  • Head to Skaftafell National Park and get adventurous with a hike to Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier
  • The aurora borealis is the best lightshow on Earth, and this trip is your ticket. Stay up late to see the northern sky dance with green light (subject to weather conditions and activity)

Is this trip right for you?
  • The Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) are a natural display of coloured lights in the night sky of the northern hemisphere. While Northern Light displays can never be guaranteed, as they are a natural phenomenon, you have a higher chance of seeing them in locations at high latitudes, such as Iceland. Please note that weather conditions and overall activity can affect visibility.
  • Iceland can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to visiting a cafe, but especially in terms of eating out. To provide you with an example, a main meal outside of Reykjavik can be around the ISK 4,500 mark. Your leader will be able to advise on how to save money. In remote areas the only option for dinner will be at the guesthouse we are staying at. Please stock up on food at a supermarket prior to arrival if you would like to opt out eating at the guesthouses' restaurants.
  • Iceland can be extremely cold at this time of year. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. There may be the rare occasion where your leader has to alter the itinerary and activities due to the weather which can cause roads being blocked, sites closure etc. Your leader will discuss the necessary changes and alternatives where possible.
  • Due to the remote locations we visit, there are a few long drives on this trip. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know the other members of your group.

Itinerary

Map of Northern Lights Escape including Iceland

Inclusions

Meals

5 breakfasts

Transport

Private minibus with free Wi-Fi

Accommodation

Guesthouse (3 nights), Hotel (2 nights)

Activities
  • Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
  • Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon
  • Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
  • South Coast - Dyrholaey Viewpoint
  • Vatnajokull - Glacier Hike
  • Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
Add on activities
  • Fludir - Secret Lagoon - ISK3600
  • Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition - ISK2500
  • Reykjavik - Saga Museum - ISK3600
  • Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK4300
  • Reykjavik - Maritime Museum - ISK2350
  • Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
  • Reykjavik - Perlan Museum - ISK5390
  • Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip inc return transfer from Reykjavik - ISK28490
  • Nauthólsvík - Thermal Beach - Free
  • Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour - ISK11400
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon inc return transfer - ISK18980

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 note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Iceland can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to outdoor activities, but especially in terms of eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on how to save money. In remote areas the only option for dinner will be at the guesthouse we are staying at. Stock up on food at a supermarket prior to arrival if you would like to opt out eating at the guesthouse's restaurant. Please make sure you read the trip notes carefully in order to know what is and what isn't included in the trip price.

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

4.9 out of 5 based on 255 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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Ric · Traveled March 2024
Our Iceland trip with Stefan exceeded all of our expectations--and we went in with very high expectations. Everything was well organized and well executed. The scenery is beyond description. But what really makes a trip successful is the people. Our tour guide, Stefan, was exceptional and the others in our tour group were fun and considerate. The trip could not have been better. The Northern Lights were our primary reason for the trip. We saw the lights and so much more. On a scale of 1-5, I give this trip and our guide Stefan a 10.
Review submitted 12 Mar 2024

Carole · Traveled March 2024
The March Northern Lights Tour did not disappoint. From seeing the Northern Lights on the first night out, to beautiful ice rocks at Diamond Beach, the black sand of Black Sand Beach, stunning waterfalls, hiking an ice cave, and so much more, this was a wonderful tour of the Southern area of Iceland. I would highly recommend using Intrepid for tours. The small group number made it much more enjoyable. I only wish Stefan could be the tour guide on all your tours. He was knowledgeable, organized, accessible and just plain fun to hang out with.
Review submitted 10 Mar 2024

Georgina · Traveled March 2024
The trip overall was excellent, Margret was fantastic - great local knowledge, very entertaining and made the trip so enjoyable. We were able to see the main highlights of Iceland in a relatively short time without feeling rushed. Hiking into a glacier cave, visiting beautiful waterfalls and staying in locally run guesthouses made this trip very special.
Review submitted 09 Mar 2024

ANNETTE · Traveled March 2024
This trip was absolutely incredible! Our tour guide Margret was the best - she was so knowledgeable about the country and its history, and her pleasant and witty personality made the trip even more enjoyable. The transport was perfect with USB charging facilities and wifi. We saw so much of Iceland, from the stunning waterfalls to the impressive geysers and the highlight of the trip - a glacier hike. There was never a dull moment and we always had plenty of opportunities to stop for snacks and drinks. The accommodation we stayed in was perfect, and we were even lucky enough to see the northern lights. This was my first solo traveling tour, the entire experience was seamless and stress-free, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the beauty of Iceland. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure. Thank you, Intrepid, for an amazing experience!
Review submitted 08 Mar 2024

Joanne · Traveled March 2024
Our tour guide Margret really made this trip special with her great organising and good sense of humour. Trip highlights included ice cave, glacier walk and glacier lagoon as well as countless waterfalls and beaches along the way. We were also fortunate to see the Northern Lights multiple times.
Review submitted 07 Mar 2024
Northern Lights Escape
From
GBP £1,765