Discounted

Iceland Northern Lights Adventure

Iceland - Trip code INL Discovery
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85Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Tick the Northern Lights off your bucket list on this short break in the heart of Iceland's Golden Circle. Explore the very best of the country's dramatic landscapes - from waterfalls to glaciers - and take advantage of the shorter days, watching the night sky to catch the Aurora Borealis.

Why we love this trip
  • Northern Lights - Stay up and watch the incredible phenomena of the Aurora Borealis lighting up the night sky.
  • Dramatic scenery - Discover the thundering Gullfoss waterfalls and the black basalt cliffs at Vik I Myrdal.
  • Golden Circle - Explore the remarkable natural wonders of Thingvellir and Geysir.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 4

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

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    Accommodation

    4 nights comfortable hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Reykjavik

Our adventure begins today in Reykjavik. We use the public FlyBus shuttle bus service to transfer from Keflavik Airport (KEF) to our hotel. On arrival at Keflavik Airport please proceed to the FlyBus desk which is located in the arrival hall. A FlyBus representative will give you a voucher and direct you to the buses which leave every 35-40 minutes. The drive to the hotel takes approximately 45 minutes, via the main bus terminal where you might be asked to board a smaller bus for the final part of the journey to your hotel. On the drive from the airport to the hotel, you'll get your first glimpse of the blackened and rocky volcanic scenery found on this part of the island.

There are no activities planned today so you're free to arrive at any time. After checking in to the hotel, you might have time to explore a little of the world's most northerly capital. Bustling with cosmopolitan energy and surrounded by pure, unpolluted nature, Reykjavik is a city of striking contrasts. Small colourful corrugated iron houses nestle next to futuristic glass buildings; state-of-the-art facilities lie beside rugged volcanic terrain and international influences mingle with Icelandic national traditions. All this creates a unique culture where the old embraces the new.

On this holiday, our tour leader will join you for days 2 to 5 but this evening, you're free to settle in and enjoy this charming city.

Travelling to Iceland in the winter months gives us the best chance to see the incredible natural phenomena of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Short daylight hours mean additional hours of darkness to watch the skies in the hope of spotting the ethereal green lights dancing across the sky. The 'lights' are actually electrically charged particles, high up in the atmosphere which make the thinner air fluoresce. White and green are the most common colours to spot, but purples and reds are seen when the lights are forming at higher altitudes.

On this trip, we'll keep a close watch on the night skies in the hope of seeing the aurora. If you wish to capture the lights on camera you'll need a tripod or something to balance your camera on as a long exposure is needed. It's worth the effort though as the images captured by a camera are often far brighter than our eyes can see.

Accommodation:

Hotel Storm (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Visit Reykjavik city, Thingvellir National Park and Selfoss

This morning, we'll meet our tour leader and spend the morning exploring Reykjavik. The city is a wonderful mix of traditional houses clad in corrugated iron and modern architecture. There are plenty of green spaces here but the highlight is walking along the waterfront. Fishing has long been Iceland's main industry and watching the ships coming in and out of the harbour shows us the lifeblood of this small island nation.

A must-see for any visit to Reykjavik is Hallgrimskirkja, the Lutheran church that can be seen throughout the city. The dramatic design resembles the basalt columns we'll see later at Vik I Myrdal Beach.

After exploring the city, we'll visit Thingvellir National Park, a rare site of both historical and geological importance. Meaning 'Parliament Plains', this was the location of Iceland's first National Assembly for 800 years from 930AD and as such, is hugely significant in the country's cultural heritage. The impressive landscape sits on a unique spot where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge can be seen on dry land before disappearing to the ocean floor. This provides the quirky opportunity to place one foot on the North American tectonic plate and one foot on the Eurasian plate.

We'll then drive to our hotel, far away from any light pollution which will maximise the chance of a good sighting of the aurora.

Accommodation:

Hotel Gullfoss (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Explore Iceland's south shore and the waterfalls at Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss

We have a packed day ahead of us today as we explore the best of southern Iceland.

This morning, we'll drive through the Eyjafjallajokull region, where in 2010 a volcanic eruption caused the now infamous ash cloud, disrupting worldwide air travel for several days. The volcano is now quiet again and your local Leader will be able to talk about the impact the eruption had on the local community.

We'll spend time at Vik I Myrdal, a rocky beach with its incredible basalt cliffs which are said to have inspired the church we visited yesterday. The beach is often incredibly windy and there are great photo opportunities of the waves crashing against the cliffs.

After some lunch, we'll see one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, Skogafoss. Standing at 62 metres/204 feet tall it's an impressive sight, and if we are lucky with the light we should spot rainbows in the spray. We'll also stop at the Lava Museum to learn about the geology that formed the country's dramatic landscapes.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is almost as tall as Skogafoss but, weather permitting, we'll have the chance to walk behind the curtain of water! The pathway shows off the falls from the front, circling around the back and emerging on the other side. Because of the constant spray, the path is always slippy and can be closed in winter when the path freezes over.

We'll make our way back to our hotel for the evening to relax and look out for the Northern Lights.

Accommodation:

Hotel Gullfoss (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Discover the highlights of the Golden Circle: Gullfoss waterfalls and Strokkur Geysir

Today, we'll explore the famous Golden Circle, which includes some of Iceland's most iconic sights.

Our hotel is the ideal base from which to visit the magnificent Gullfoss waterfalls which is known locally as the 'Golden Waterfall', due to the way it cascades into a deep gorge with tremendous force. They may be biased but locals regard it as one of the most beautiful falls in the world!

Close by is Haukadalur, home of the Great Geysir. With the claim to fame of being the first spouting spring known to Europeans, Geysir has given all such springs their name. However, it is the Strokkur, meaning 'The Butter Churn', which is the main attraction, due to its impressive 30 metre/98 foot eruptions every few minutes. There will be an optional visit to the Secret Lagoon.

We'll return to Reykjavik this afternoon. The food scene in Reykjavik is impressive and this evening is free for a final dinner in one of the capital's many restaurants.

Accommodation:

Hotel Storm (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Trip ends in Reykjavik

Our trip ends after breakfast this morning.

The transfer back to Keflavik Airport (KEF) will be by the public FlyBus shuttle bus service and your tour leader will provide you with details of your pick-up time and your voucher for the service.

Please note, the itinerary for this tour is subject to amendment due to weather or road conditions. Winter is a beautiful time to visit Iceland, but the weather can be unpredictable, and snow can have a big impact on travel times. Consequently, it may be necessary to alter the order of the itinerary or to change inclusions whilst on tour.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Iceland

Climate

Iceland has a cool and temperate climate and, despite its location just south of the Arctic Circle, its northerly latitude is counteracted by the warm waters of the North Atlantic Drift which encircles the island. Temperatures in winter can fluctuate between about 10°C and -10°C and precipitation in the form of rain, sleet or snow is to be expected at any time. Days will be short, with daylight often only guaranteed between about 11 am and 4 pm in December. The best time for seeing the Aurora Borealis is October to March. Summer is generally cool with average temperatures for June and July around 12 - 15 degree centigrade in Reykjavik, although is known to be warmer in other parts of the country. In June and July you can enjoy continuous daylight and see the Midnight Sun, whilst late spring and early autumn offer long twilights.

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

National Church of Iceland

Language

Icelandic

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Secret Lagoon - Approx. 3300 ISK per person entrance fee, 900 ISK towel rental and 1000 ISK for transport there and back. Relax in this natural hot springs, with the water temperature around 38 degrees all year round and a small geyser that erupts every few minutes which you can watch as you soak in the water.

Clothing

In Iceland weather conditions can change rapidly - sunshine, drizzle, rain and snow may all occur in the same day. You'll need to take warm clothing for outdoor activities so pack layers. A good quality heavy duty wind and waterproof jacket and trousers are essential and in winter add thermal layers to your packing list.

We recommend taking walking boots with a sturdy tread or trainers. Soft indoor shoes are recommended as it is normal in Iceland to have special house shoes.

Equipment

Iceland's winter demands strategic packing! Layering is key: bring warm, waterproof, and windproof outer layers (coat and trousers), insulating mid-layers like fleece, and moisture-wicking base layers to stay dry and comfortable. For your feet, sturdy, waterproof, insulated hiking boots with excellent grip are essential, and for extra safety on ice, over-shoe ice grips and/or walking poles will be available on the bus.

Don't forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF - even in winter, sun glare can be intense. We also recommend packing a small torch, binoculars for wildlife spotting, and a personal medical kit. To capture the breathtaking scenery, including the Northern Lights, a camera with a spare memory card and battery is a must; for optimal aurora photos, a tripod and a camera with a long-exposure setting are highly advisable.




Tipping

Explore leader
At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
Local crew
Tipping is not a recognised part of life in Iceland for meals etc, though if you do wish to tip your local representative (entirely at your discression) it will no doubt be appreciated.

Iceland

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£14.00-20.00
Dinner price
£20.00 - 35.00
Beer price
£8.00 - 10.00
Water price
£2
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Icelandic Krona (ISK).
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Both GBP and USD are readily exchanged at banks and post offices.
Where To Exchange
Both GBP and USD are readily exchanged at banks and post offices
ATM Availability
Cash can be drawn on credit cards from ATM's in Reykjavik and at the airport.
Credit Card Acceptance
Most shops and restaurants take credit cards.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus

Accommodation notes

During this tour of Iceland, we stay in two comfortable-graded hotels, Hotel Gullfoss and Hotel Klettur.
Hotel Klettur is a contemporary, three-star hotel located a 30-minute walk from Reykjavik city centre. The twin-share, en-suite rooms are bright and comfortable. Each room has tea and coffee facilities and there is free WiFi throughout. In the local area, you'll find plenty of cafes and restaurants, as well as local sites and shops.
Hotel Gullfoss is a three-star highland hotel located by the Hvita River. Rooms are twin-share with en-suite facilities - all cosily decorated. There are tea and coffee-making facilities in each room and free WiFi throughout. While the local area is teaming with natural wonders to explore, there are no shops or dining options within easy reach so we'll dine in the hotel's restaurant.

Iceland

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Iceland: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.

Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Iceland

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory; tetanus recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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Print Trip Notes

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