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Northern Lights Circle Tour

(8 days / 7 nights)

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Experience Iceland in all its winter glory

This tour will take you to the top attractions around Iceland’s famed Ring Road during the tranquil winter season. By day, you will get to see roaring waterfalls, vast glaciers, black sand beaches and the stunning glacier lagoon. There is also the opportunity to do an optional glacier walk (October) and a glacier walk/ice cave combination tour (November-March). By night, you can relax with your fellow explorers at cosy, carefully selected countryside hotels. The properties are far from the bright city lights, giving you a better chance to see the northern lights dance and flicker above.

8 days / 7 nights

Price p.p. from

ISK

Approx 330665 ISK

The amount will be charged in ISK

Find your price
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Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Groups limited to 16 travellers
  • Hassle-free travel experience
  • Quality & value for your money
  • Trusted local experts in Iceland
  • 100% guaranteed departures

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Tour Highlights

  • Watch the northern lights dance and flicker in the sky
  • Visit the massive floating icebergs at the glacier lagoon
  • Marvel at the moon-like landscapes of the Lake Mývatn area
  • Walk the quaint streets of Akureyri, the unofficial capital of north Iceland
  • Photograph the jagged basalt columns & sweeping black sand beaches
  • Tour the famous Golden Circle attractions
  • Have the option of doing a glacier walk and ice cave tour (Nov-March)
  • Roam beautiful Borgarfjörður, a scenic slice of West Iceland
  • Enjoy the cascading waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss
  • Stay at Magma Hotel, one of the 10 best-rated hotels in Iceland

 

Travel style

Guided Small Groups i

Interest

Classic i, Northern Lights i

Pace level

Level 2 (Classic) i

Activity level

Level 1 (Easy) i

Season

Oct - Mar

Max group size

16

Driving distance

1873/1163 km/mi

Guaranteed departures

Group size: Maximum group size is 16 participants.

  • Arrival
    Price
    Availability
  • Tuesday 2 October 2018
    330665 ISK
    10+ spaces left
  • Thursday 4 October 2018
    Sold out
  • Tuesday 9 October 2018
    330665 ISK
    10+ spaces left
  • Thursday 11 October 2018
    Sold out
  • Thursday 18 October 2018
    330665 ISK
    4 spaces left
  • Thursday 25 October 2018
    330665 ISK
    10+ spaces left
  • Thursday 1 November 2018
    330665 ISK
    10+ spaces left
  • Thursday 8 November 2018
    330665 ISK
    3 spaces left
  • Thursday 15 November 2018
    330665 ISK
    4 spaces left
  • Thursday 31 January 2019
    330665 ISK
    10+ spaces left
  • Thursday 7 February 2019
    330665 ISK
    10+ spaces left
  • Thursday 14 February 2019
    330665 ISK
    10+ spaces left
  • Thursday 21 February 2019
    330665 ISK
    10+ spaces left
  • Thursday 28 February 2019
    330665 ISK
    10+ spaces left
  • Thursday 7 March 2019
    330665 ISK
    10+ spaces left
  • Thursday 14 March 2019
    330665 ISK
    10+ spaces left
  • Thursday 21 March 2019
    330665 ISK
    10+ spaces left

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Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

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  • Day 1: Arrival & Sightseeing in Reykjavík

    On arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you will be greeted by a driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the city centre of Reykjavík. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant capital city with its abundance of museums, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. If you're interested in checking out Icelandic design or experiencing the city's thriving coffee culture, head to the main street, Laugavegur, and enjoy its various shops and cosy cafes. At 18:00, you will meet your group and guide for a welcome drink and a short introduction about the itinerary and some useful information about the coming days.

    Spend the night at Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina or similar. 

    For those arriving early today you have the option to upgrade your journey from the airport with a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa before heading to the city. It´s the perfect way to start your Iceland adventure!

    Included:
    • Private meet and greet airport transfer on arrival
    • Welcome drink and group information meeting with your guide

    Average Driving Distance: 49 km / 30 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 50 Minutes

     

    Attractions Optional Activity

  • Day 2: Wonders of the Golden Circle

    This morning your guide will pick you and your fellow travellers up at the hotel.  The first leg of the journey takes you around the famous Golden Circle, a popular route containing some of the best-known natural sites in Iceland. Highlights include Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO heritage site; the Geysir geothermal hot spring area and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. The tour will also visit the geothermally-heated greenhouses at the Friðheimar tomato farm, where we will get to taste the fresh tomato products.

    Spend the night at Hótel Selfoss or similar.

    Included:
    • Visit to the Golden Circle, ÞingvellIir, Geysir, Gullfoss
    • Visit to the Friðheimar Tomato Farm Greenhouse
    • Breakfast: Continental Breakfast Buffet at the Hotel

    Average Driving Distance: 198 km / 123 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 9 - 11 Hours

    *Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon. If weather conditions and visability are not favourable, the guide will inform you about the matter. 

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 3: Waterfalls, volcanic beaches & Northern lights

    Today you will explore majestic waterfalls, black sand beaches and learn about the unique geology of Iceland. You will start with a visit to the Lava Centre, a one of a kind interactive exhibition about Iceland’s volcanic activity, its frequent earthquakes and how Iceland evolved over millions of years. Next up is the  fairy tale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the icy cascade on a footpath. Close by your guide will take you to Skógarfoss, an empressive 60-metre high waterfall located at the foot of a mountain range. 

    The last stop before continuing to your accommodation is at the black sand volcanic beach near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Here, you will be able to see the spectacular rock arch and steep cliffs of along with the Reynisdrangar basalt columns just off the shore.

    Next, you will travel to your carefully selected charming boutique hotel, situated far from the city lights to give you the best chance of seeing the northern lights. Enjoy dinner at Magma Hotel with the group.

    Spend the night at the Magma Hotel. 
    For travellers departing on the 2nd or 9th of October, accommodation will be at Icelandair Hotel Klaustur.

    Included:
    • Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfall
    • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
    • Entrance fee to the Lava Center
    • Breakfast: Continental Breakfast Buffet at the Hotel
    • Dinner at Magma Hotel

    Average Driving Distance: 227 km / 141 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8 - 9 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 4: The Glacier lagoon & Diamond beach

    Start the day bright and early as you have a full day of exciting icy highlights ahead of you. After a delicious breakfast at Magma Hotel, the tour will head to the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, famous for its floating icebergs in shades of milky white and bright blue. On a clear day, you may even get a good view of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier behind the lake. Next to the glacier lagoon, we will stop at the Diamond Beach where you will see large chunks of ice that have washed up on shore after being shaped and polished in the surf of the glacier lagoon. It´s truly a beautiful sight and a great photo opportunity!

    For those that want a little adventure, there is an option today to get up close and personal with some ice in Iceland. In October, you can choose to do an optional glacier walk, and from November-March, a combination glacier walk and ice cave tour is an option*.

    After some time at the Diamond Beach, you will be driven to your accommodation for the night. A delicious local dinner will be served, and after, you can end the evening by putting on some warm clothes to gaze at the sky waiting for the northern lights to appear. 

    Spend the night at Hótel Framtíð or similar.

    Included:
    • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
    • Diamond Beach
    • Breakfast: Continental Breakfast Buffet at the Hotel
    • Dinner at Hotel Framtíð

    *Please note that glacier walks and ice cave tours are dependant on weather conditions and could be cancelled with short notice.

    Average Driving Distance: 318 km / 197 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 10 - 11 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Activity

  • Day 5: The mystical East Fjords & Mývatn nature baths

    Today you will get to experience a slice of Iceland that few travellers get to explore. Your group's drive takes you along majestic East Iceland, with gorgeous scenery that includes tranquil fishing villages, narrow fjords, rugged tundra and sweeping landscapes. If you are lucky, you might spot a reindeer or two as they come down from the mountains to stay close to the sea during the winter months.

    Among other highlights, you will stop in the small villages of Stöðvarfjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður, the latter known for its French heritage and a fascinating northern lights photo exhibition. The final destination of the day is the otherworldly Lake Mývatn area. Here, you have the option of either relaxing at the hotel after today´s drive or going to visit the  warm alkaline geothermal lagoon and saunas at the Mývatn Nature Baths, with a view to mountains and lava fields (optional: not included).

    The Lake Mývatn area is known for being one of the best places in Iceland to view the northern lights due to the altitude and the lay of the land. We therefore highly recommend that you are on the lookout for the Aurora Borealis tonight!

    Spend the night at Hótel Laxá or similar.

    Included:
    • Entrance fee to the Northern Lights Photo Exhibition in Fáskrúðsfjörður
    • Charming fishing villages of the East Fjords
    • Lake Mývatn
    • Mývatn Nature Baths (optional: not included)
    • Breakfast: Continental Breakfast Buffet at the Hotel

    Average Driving Distance: 393 km / 244 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8 – 9 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Activity

  • Day 6: Lake Mývatn & charming Akureyri

    Start the day by exploring the unusual, moon-like landscapes of the Lake Mývatn area, including the Námaskarð pass and the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters—sights that are even more surreal in wintertime. You will also have a chance to see  Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, which is among the most beautiful falls in the country. While the waterfall is not very tall, the cascade is divided into two horseshoe-shaped falls, making it unique among Icelandic waterfalls. You will then have some free time in Akureyri to explore on your own. Akureyri is a charming town with museums, shops, cafes and a picturesque harbour area, before heading to Skagafjörður, where your will dine and stay at Hofsstaðir (dinner is included).

    Spend the night at Hofsstaðir or similar.

    Included:
    • The Wonders around Lake Mývatn
    • Goðafoss Waterfall
    • Time to explore on your own in beautiful Akureyri
    • Breakfast: Continental Breakfast Buffet at the Hotel
    • Dinner at Hofsstaðir

    Average Driving Distance: 244 km / 152 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 7 - 8 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 7: West Iceland & return to Reykjavík

    Before heading back to Reykjavík, you will get the chance to explore the incredible western part of Iceland along beautiful Borgarfjörður. Your guide will stop at Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, the beautiful and the spectacular twin waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Hraunfossar is a thrilling series of waterfalls that seemingly originating in a field without a river or lake. The water is actually streaming through rivulets in the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Meanwhile, Barnafoss is more like a series of rapids caused by the water of Hvitá entering a narrow passage. Next, you will be driven to the historical sites at Reykholt, which is rich in Saga history. Reykholt is the home of 13th century writer, poet and scholar Snorri Sturluson.

    After being dropped off at your accommodation, you can spend the evening at your leisure in the city centre of Reykjavik.

    Spend the night at Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina or similar.

    Included:
    • Highlights of West Iceland
    • Breakfast: Continental Breakfast Buffet at the Hotel

    Average Driving Distance: 395 km / 245 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8 - 9 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 8: Departure from Reykjavik

    When it’s time for your Iceland adventure to end, you will be picked up from your hotel by a shuttle bus about three hours before your flight. If you’re flying in the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to relax in the warm mineral waters before continuing to the airport (optional: not included).

    If you are interested in extending your stay, we can book extra nights and activities in the Reykjavík area or even combine this tour with a visit to one of our other Nordic destinations.

    Included:
    • Breakfast: Continental Breakfast Buffet at the Hotel
    • Shuttle Transfer to Keflavík International Airport on Departure

    Average Driving Distance: 49 km / 30 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 50 Minutes

     

    Attractions Optional Activity
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Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

8 days / 7 nights

Price p.p. from

ISK

Approx 330665 ISK

The amount will be charged in ISK

Find your price
Request info

Reviews

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Impressed with everything

I was just so impressed with everything.  From the minute I made my first enquiry, till the point I was dropped off at the airport on my return, I felt that I was important to Nordic Visitor and nothing was too much trouble. Can I pay particular tribute to Karolina our tour guide. She is an absolute credit to your company. She really went out of her way to ensure we all had a wonderful holiday. She was professional, diligent, so hardworking and we all fell in love with her.  

Sandra,United Kingdom

Northern Lights Circle Tour, February 2017

There are no words…

The tour was amazing. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the geology and history of Iceland. She pointed out many things we would have missed on our own. There was trouble with the sound system on the bus the first day, but she arranged a replacement. We have been talking about going to Iceland for a chance to see the northern lights for over ten years. This trip exceeded all of my expectations. We were lucky enough to see the northern lights at the beginning of the trip, which fulfilled the dream. When people ask how the trip was, I struggle to answer them. There are no words to describe how wonderful everything was!

Lindsey,United States

Northern Lights Circle Tour, November 2015

Fantastic tour

Overall, I really have a great experience for this tour. The tour guide, Trausti (hope never spell wrongly) is a great guide and very knowledgeable. He also show his professionalism when chasing the Northern Lights till the last night of the tour (Last night of the tour he still bring us to see Northern Lights) This is a fantastic and great tour.

Kong,Singapore

Northern Lights Circle Tour, October 2015

Professional, Knowledgeable, Friendly and Accomodating

We are very pleased with our tour guide, Trausti. He is very professional, knowledgeable, friendly and accomodating.  We are also, very happy that we were able to take this tour and thank Nordic Visitor for being accomodating as well. My sister and her husband are planning to visit Iceland next year and they will be booking with you.

Mahira and Zakir,United States

Northern Lights Circle Tour, March 2015

A most enjoyable trip

Hinrik was exceptional in his quality of service.  Very knowledgeable and helpful, and always cheerful, despite a family bereavement, which he didn't disclose until after the tour, obviously as it might have affected our enjoyment of the trip. An outstanding person.
A most enjoyable trip.
 

Deirdre,Australia

Northern Lights Circle Tour, March 2015

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort

The accommodations for this tour include comfortable three-star (or similar quality) hotels or well-appointed guesthouses that hav..

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Price per person from

ISK

Approx 330665 ISK

The amount will be charged in ISK

Request info

Monthly price comparison Our best price per person when booking for two.

2018
2019

Tour Information

IMPORTANT & USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TOUR
We recommend that all of our travellers read through the following information about what the tour includes, what to pack for your holiday and useful information about the activities included on the tour.  Please note that this tour is not recommended for families with young children.

OUR NORDIC VISITOR GUIDES
Our team of local expert guides at Nordic Visitor are highly recommended by our travellers and staff with years of experience. What they offer is local knowledge, love for their country, their stories, favourite places and sites where travelers, on their own, would not hear about or visit. They always have some trick up their sleeves and hidden gems to surprise our clients and therefore we recommend that you join our guided small group tours to get a personal experience for your Icelandic adventure. There will be one guide per tour, who will drive and lead the tour.

For winter tours, our guide will provide you with blankets and crampons to borrow at any time. The guide will also have a tripod for guests to use if needed.

ACCOMMODATION
-For travellers departing on the 2nd of October, you will spend the night at Icelandair Hotel Klaustur.
-For travellers departing on the 9th of October, you will spend the night at Hotel Laki.
Our team of local travel experts at Nordic Visitor have put together a list of wonderful hotels for your stay in Iceland. The hotels that we use are based on our top favourites in Reykjavik and in the countryside, with an emphasis on quality, excellent ratings and comfort.

To view the detailed list of hotels available for this tour, please click “VIEW” in the accommodation overview section for “Comfort”.

Note: Triple rooms are not available for this tour, only single and double rooms. Please contact us for booking assistance if your group contains three or more people.

FOOD & DRINK 
Daily breakfast buffet is included at the hotels during your stay. You will also enjoy three included dinners at Magma Hotel. They will include either a set dinner menu or a dinner buffet with a good variety of local fresh ingredients.  You can choose meat, fish or vegetarian dishes by notifying your travel consultant in advance of any dietary restrictions.

Other meals are not included, but the guide will make sure to stop along the way for you to pick up snacks, drinks and lunch. Drinks are also not included during the trip. You will find a great selection of restaurants in Reykjavik during your stay for the first and last night in the city.

The average cost of meals depends on the type of restaurant, but for lunch we’d say that the average cost is from 2500 ISK to 3500 ISK. The average cost of dinner can range from 3000 ISK up to 6500 ISK for the main entree. Three course dinners at restaurants are priced around 7000 ISK to 11000 ISK.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, ICE CAVE AND GLACIER WALKS
Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed. You will stay in a rural hotel to maximise your chances of seeing the northern lights.

Please be advised that the  ice cave & glacier walk tour is  very weather dependent. Sometimes the tour has to be cancelled with short notice due to weather conditions or other safety concerns. After periods of adverse weather, the caves can become flooded, unstable or unsafe to enter. If this happens, a full refund will be provided for the tour . Also, please keep in mind that your group might not be the only group visiting the ice cave during the tour.

WHAT TO PACK

  • A small backpack to store your items on the bus
  • Warm outdoor clothing. including a thermal base layer
  • Warm socks
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Hats and gloves
  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Camera
  • Lip balm & moisturizer
  • Swimsuit & towel are recommended
  • Water bottle to enjoy the clean Icelandic water
  • For more information on what to pack, please visit our Online Travel Guide.

SAFETY, DAYLIGHT HOURS & WEATHER CONDITIONS
Please note that the programme is dependent upon weather and road conditions, and may be altered if conditions are not favourable. In the case of major changes to the programme, you will be notified and we will do our best to make sure that your experience will not be affected.

For information on weather conditions and daylight hours we recommend visiting our extensive Online Travel Guide.

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