Compare Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Small Group, Winter 2021 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations vs Solo Travel: Iceland with Golden Circle & Northern Lights by Great Value Vacations
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Trip |
Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Small Group, Winter 2021 2022 Small Group
by
Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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Duration | 7 days | 5 days |
Price From | $ 4,095 | $ 1,530 |
Price Per Day | $ 585 | $ 306 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes | N/A | N/A |
Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
Activities | N/A | N/A |
Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description | Experience the iconic sights of Iceland as you gasp in awe at the exploding hot springs in Geysir and lose yourself in the Northern Lights dancing overhead in Reykjavik. From the thundering waterfalls of Skógafoss and the majesty of the Hekla volcano, to the allure of the Golden Circle and the earth shaking Mid-Atlantic Ridge, this one-week tour has it all. Uncover Iceland’s volcanic history at the Lava Centre en route to Vik, visit a geothermal bakery in Fontana where fresh bread is dug out of the hot ground before your very eyes and hone your horticulture skills at the massive greenhouse tomato farms in Friðheimar. Discover how Iceland was settled at a fascinating exhibit in Borgarnes and conclude your tour with a Local Expert in Old Reykjavik, as they guide you through the capital. |
Iceland is at your fingertips! Spend 4 nights in Reykjavik as you discover Iceland. You'll have two included tours during your trip. You'll take a full-day tour of the Golden Circle, with all of Iceland's incredible nature and geography on display! You'll also have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights on an evening tour! Spend the rest of your time as you please. You may wish to visit the Blue Lagoon, various museums depicting the Viking culture and history, or the Hallgrimskirkja church. Be sure to try Icelandic cuisine during your trip! |
Day 1: The Viking City of Reykjavík
Welcome to Iceland. At Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.Join your Travel Director and travelling companions at 18:15 for your Welcome Reception and enjoy the opportunity to get to know each other, over a pleasant evening of wine and a light buffet. Afterwards, search for the most spectacular show on Earth—the northern lights. See the breathtaking night sky filled with the aurora borealis and its vast spectrum of colour.Please note the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Day 2: South Shore Adventure to Vík Relaxed Start
Take a journey through the stunning landscape of Iceland's south coast and through the land of Njál‘s Saga–a region of breathtaking scenery and legendary stories. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun Your journey continues, as you witness the majesty of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Stand awestruck by the beauty of these thundering waterfalls, before venturing on to view more spectacular phenomena. See the magnificent Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes. See the magnificent Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes and visit the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur, dedicated to Iceland's history of volcanic activity and earthquakes. Arrive in the welcoming community of Vík. Later, perhaps enjoy another chance to go in search of the mystical northern lights?
Day 3: The Golden Circle to Flúðir
Embark on a day of discovery around Iceland's Golden Circle, taking in some of the famous landmarks this magical country has to offer. Experience the exploding hot springs at Geysir before continuing on to the mighty Gullfoss waterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls. Next stop is Friðheimar, to learn about Icelandic greenhouse horticulture. Visit a family-run vegetable farm, specialising in tomatoes. Explore their greenhouses and sample the sweet, unique flavour of their lovingly grown crop. Continue on to your hotel in Flúðir for another chance to catch nature's theatre unfolding in the night sky.
Day 4: Thingvellir, Borgarnes and Húsafell Relaxed Start
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Fontana on a visit to a geothermal bakery. Here, sample delicious rye bread, dug out from the steaming hot ground and served with butter. Continue to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge line, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The first meeting of the Icelandic parliament was held here in A.D. 930. Journey along the trail of Viking warrior and poet Egill Skallagrímsson and stop at Reykholt for an orientation with your Travel Director. In Borgarnes, learn about Iceland's history with a fascinating visit to the Icelandic Settlement Centre. Enjoy views of the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls as you drive through glorious landscapes. Your travels continue to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring.
Day 5: Reykjavík sightseeing Relaxed Start
Journey back to the Icelandic captial, where a Local Expert will show you Old Reykjavík, the 19th century parliament building and Höfði House. In 1986, US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev met here for the famous Reykjavík Summit. Later, visit the colourful harbour and the Hallgrímskirkja, a modern church and landmark that can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 6: Choice in Reykjavik Relaxed Start
Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to experience the magic of Iceland on an exhilarating flight-ride at FlyOver to see incredible scenery from sweeping glaciers to stunning fjords. Alternatively, relax in the Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by lava fields and snowcapped mountains, the lagoon is a wonder of nature and offers a unique experience for both body and soul. With your newfound friends, toast to the culmination of your fascinating journey of discovery during a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Farewell Reykjavík
Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.
Day 1 Welcome to Reykjavik!
Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival at Reykjavik/Keflavik Airport, you’ll take a Flybus transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik. (The transfer coaches are parked outside the arrival hall, and are marked “Flybus”). The remainder of the day is yours at leisure, to begin exploring this vibrant city! This evening, you’ll be picked up at your hotel for the Northern Lights tour. Watching the fantastic colors of the Northern Lights dance across the arctic sky is an unforgettable experience, and Iceland is one of the best places to see them. They are mostly observed on crisp, still evenings, and the tour heads away from the city lights to give you the best chance of witnessing this spectacular natural phenomenon. Please note: this tour is only operated under good weather conditions – so if it is canceled, or if you are not able to view the Northern Lights while on the tour, you can re-book again for the following evening (or the next), without any extra charge.
Day 2 Reykjavik
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a full-day, guided tour of Iceland’s most incredible “must-see” natural wonders and geological phenomena – the famed Golden Circle.
Day 3 Reykjavik
Enjoy a full free day at leisure. Although the city of Reykjavík is a metropolis in every sense, it's been carefully developed and crafted around a number of easily accessible recreational areas and country parks. With an extensive network of well-maintained footpaths and cycling routes winding through the city’s numerous parks and nature reserves, you won’t have to travel far to take a quick break from city life and explore nature. Don't forget to stop by the famous church; consider climbing up to the top for sweeping views of the city below!
Day 4 Reykjavik
Spend today exploring Reykjavik at leisure. Explore the culture house or one of the many art museums. Or perhaps you'd like to stroll through the colorful streets and shop the boutiques. Please note: At some point today, please ask the hotel staff for assistance with confirming your Flybus Plus transfer to the airport tomorrow.
Day 5 Depart Iceland
If your flight is in the afternoon, use your last moments to walk along the harbor seafront and breathe the fresh Atlantic breeze. Based on your pre-arranged time, you will be met by Flybus at your hotel, and transferred to the airport for your flight home.