17 November 2019
Seeing the Northern Lights* is a bucket-list item for many of us, but Aurora Borealis aside, Iceland offers a host of attractions, quite unlike anywhere else in the world. From geothermal dips to moonlit trips, this tour is a Who’s Who of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It may be the focus of our tour, but the Aurora Borealis is only one of the many natural wonders present in Iceland. It’s unlikely you’ll find another country with such extensive otherworldly appeal: lunar lava-formed landscapes, thunderous waterfalls, moody geysers and glistening glaciers — and those are just the geological bits!
On our tour of ReykjavÃk, the world’s most northerly capital, it becomes clear that even Iceland’s man-made efforts have that same air to them — the cavernous and craggy Lutheran church of HallgrÃmskirkja, seemingly more suited to a spot in Middle Earth than the North Atlantic; and the parliamentary buildings of Alþingi, thought to be the oldest parliament in the world. Bucket list at the ready...
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*The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore unpredictable. The order of the itinerary may be changed to accommodate the best viewing conditions but no guarantees of seeing the phenomenon can be given.
What's included?
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Services of a professional tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals - as per the itinerary
Tour details
| Dates | 17 November 2019 - 21 November 2019 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days |
| Cost | £1,995 Deposit: £200 Single supplement: £300 Balance due by 25 August 2019 |
| Activity Level | Moderate |
| Tour code | BWICE19A |
Book Now or call 01334 657155 if you have any questions
17 November 2019: Itinerary
We depart from London on our flight to Keflavik (other airports available on request).
On arrival in Keflavik we head to the Urriðafoss Waterfall and Eyrarbakki Village towards the Raufarholsellir Lava Tunnel. Here we enjoy a unique experience exploring the inner workings of a volcanic eruption.
We then continue to Hella and our accommodation at the Stracta Hotel. Hella is situated in the south and is a particularly good area to see the Northern Lights, as there is little artificial light. You don’t have to go far this evening other than stepping outside of the hotel to see the Northern Lights if they are visible.
Meals include: Dinner
Hotel: Stracta Hotel, Hella
Following breakfast this morning we take a full day tour of south Iceland including Skogafoss waterfall and a visit to Skogar Folk Museum, which will give you a taste of how Icelanders lived in past centuries. We also enjoy a wonderfully unique experience where we walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall. On our journey we see some stunning views of glaciers and the famous black sand coastlines.
All meals included
Hotel: Stracta Hotel, Hella
This morning after breakfast we check-out of the hotel. We embark on a full day tour including the remote Skalholt church and Ï·ingvellir National Park, where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America meet. This creates the stunning landscape we admire today, including the Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir Geothermal Area where we can see Strokkur erupt. Lunch is included today.
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Grand Hotel Reykjavík
Following breakfast we head towards the Reykjanes Peninsula which lies on one of the world’s major plate boundaries, the Mid Atlantic Ridge. Here we have the opportunity to walk across the Bridge between the Continents, a small footbridge over a major fissure which provides clear evidence of a diverging plate margin between Europe and North America. We continue past Reykjanes Lighthouse towards the Gunnuhver Hot Springs, a highly active geothermal area of mud pools and steam vents and home to the biggest mud pool in Iceland. Nearby is the beautiful fishing town of Grindavik, where we will stop for lunch (not included).
After lunch we will continue our journey towards Reykjavik, with stops at the Seltun geothermal area and Kleifarvatn Lake, the largest lake in the peninsula.Â
This evening we drive via the UNESCO site of Ï·ingvellir National Park, towards Laugarvatn Fontana where we can bathe in the geothermal bath (towels are provided).
Dinner will be served in a local restaurant before we go in search of the Northern Lights.
Meals include: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Grand Hotel Reykjavík
Following breakfast this morning we head into the city centre for a tour of Reykjavik. We begin at the Hallgrίmskirkja Church, the capital’s landmark with its magnificent 73m high steeple. We move on to the Icelandic parliament ‘Alϸhingi’ which was founded in AD930 and is considered the oldest Parliament in the world. Following lunch (not included) we visit the stunning Perlan with its 360 degrees viewing platform overlooking the city. We shall also have an introduction to the Northern Lights at the Aurora Reykjavic (The Northern Lights Centre).
We then return to the airport in time for our return flight to London.
Meals include: Breakfast
17 November 2019: Additional Info
17 November 2019: Accommodation
This modern hotel is located along the Golden Circle in the south-western town of Hella. It offers free WiFi, a buffet restaurant and bar.
The stylish, minimalist accommodation at Stracta Hotel Hella includes a TV. Guests can choose from self-catering apartments and rooms with either private or shared bathroom facilities. Some options feature a private hot tub.
Gullfoss Waterfall, the Great Geysir and Thingvellir National Park are all within 51.6 miles of the property. Relaxing and hiking in the surrounding nature are common area activities.Â
This stylish hotel is 1.2 miles from Reykjavik city centre and its largest outdoor swimming pool, Laugardalslaug. It offers a free shuttle bus to the city 3 times a day.
Grand Hotel Reykjavik’s spacious rooms have satellite TV, tea/coffee facilities and a small fridge. Some rooms offer views of the city or Atlantic Ocean.
Leisure options at Grand Hotel include a spa and fitness centre. Guests can relax in the sauna or work out in the gym. Free WiFi is available throughout.
