Iceland is a country of sharp contrasts. A place where fire and ice co-exist. Where dark winters are offset by the summer’s midnight sun. A country where insular existence has spurred a rich and vibrant culture. 
 
The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in South Iceland, covering about 300 km looping from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back. The three primary stops on the route are the national park Þingvellir, the waterfall Gullfoss (meaning "golden falls"), and the geothermally active valley of Haukadalur, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. Though Geysir has been inactive for a long time, Strokkur, on the other hand, continues to erupt at every 5 to 10 minutes interval.
  • Day 1

    On arrival to Keflavik Airport, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After checking in, the rest of the day is open for you to explore the city centre and its variety of museums, small galleries, design boutiques, cosy cafes and relaxing thermal pools and spas. This small capital city is ideal to explore on foot as most attractions are within easy walking distance. Spend the next three nights in Reykjavik.

    Hot spots in Reykjavik city: National Museum, Reykjavík: The Settlement Exhibition, Hafnarhús Art Museum, Tjörnin, Austurvöllur, Ráðhús

    Hot spots for food lover: Reykjavík Roasters, Ostabúðin, Snaps, Grillmarkaðurinn, Dill, Grái Kötturinn, Gló, Bakarí Sandholt, Valdi's

  • Day 2

    Reykjavík Sightseeing and Northern Lights

    After breakfast, go to tour around the greater Reykjavík area with private guide. This gives you a great overview of the most significant places in the capital and surrounding towns, such as the Presidential Residence at Bessastaðir, the unique Perlan ("The Pearl") building, the Hallgrímskirkja church and Hafnafjörður, the town where the “hidden people” and humans live together in harmony.

    Later in the evening, if weather conditions allow, you will be taken for a tour in search of the magnificent northern lights, also known as aurora borealis.

  • Day 3

    Once in a Lifetime Volcano tour

    This morning pick you up at your accommodation and go on a super-jeep tour to see the area affected by the Eyjafjallajökull volcano.The excursion takes us to Gigjökull which is a glacier fall from Eyjafjallajökull. From Gígjökull the melted ice from the eruption at Eyjafjallajökull came bursting down and created a destructive flood on its way to sea.

    From Gigjökull and the destruction of the eruption we continue our tour to the beautiful Seljalandsfoss where the sure-footed can walk behind the cascade. On the way, explore a spectacular hidden canyon with a unique flora, green moss walls and a beautiful waterfall, stop at a friendly restaurant where we have an authentic two course country lunch (included).

    After lunch the tour takes us through areas where no normal vehicle can go, travel through areas which were badly hit by ash fall in the beginning of the eruption and drive across glacial rivers on our journey to be able to view the eruption site (if possible due to weather conditions) at the height of 600-700 meters above sea level for an amazing view. Now it’s the Atlantic Ocean with vast panoramic views. Drive long the shore-line on dramatic black beaches on our way to the impressive Skógafoss before we head back to Reykjavik.

  • Day 4

    Blue Lagoon and transfer to Hotel Ranga

    Revitalize your mind, body and spirit the Icelandic way! Begin the day with a relaxing visit to Iceland’s treasured Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa renowned for its therapeutic, mineral-rich waters surrounded by moon-like lava formations. After a nice soak, transfer to Hotel Ranga to continue the trip. Start to chasing the Aurora Light at night time.

  • Day 5

    Icelandic Horse experience including picnic lunch & Aurora Light Hunting

    Your hosts will begin today by introducing you to the Icelandic horses and its special gaits. You’ll get to know the special tölt – a trot specific to the Icelandic Horse. It is a smooth four-beat gait in which the horse’s hind legs should move well under the body and carry more of the weight on the hind part, allowing the front to rise and be free and loose. Each rider will be matched with a suitable horse. First ride will start out along trails through birch forests in the Haukadalur valley.

    Enjoy a relaxed day of riding through a stunning scenery of mountains, valleys and the glacier-fed river Hvíta. Return to the farm in the evening and the opportunity for another search for the Aurora.

  • Day 6

    Guided Golden Circle Tour & Aurora Light Hunting

    Visit some of Iceland’s most famous attractions with a guide around the classic “Golden Circle” route in South Iceland. One of the major highlights on this journey is Þingvellir National Park, a place of great historical and geological signifiance that is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Other attractions include the beautiful two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall and spouting hot springs such as Geysir and Strokkur. On return to Reykjavik, you will also see the Skálholt church, the ancient seat of the Icelandic bishops, and Hveragerði, a small village will numerous geothermal-heated greenhouses.

  • Day 7

    Iceland departure 

    Transfer to International airport at early morning and time to back home! 

Details

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Hotels
Day 1 - Day 3 
  • Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina or Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura or Hotel Borg
Day 4 - Day 6 
  • Hotel Range

Keep in mind that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

The flashlights provided at the northern lights hut is for navigating in the dark. Blankets will also be offered to help you keep warm.

Included in your package are daily breakfast and 3 evening dinners when staying outside Reykjavik. Menus are set menus or buffets. Your guide will inform you about the menus and dinner time each day. Lunches are not included but you will be stopping at locations where you can buy your own lunches.

Bring windproof/waterproof outerwear and plenty of warm layers for the outdoor activities. The winter climate in Iceland is generally mild compared to other northern European countries, but the temperatures drop below freezing at times.

Please note that this itinerary may be subject to change due to weather and road conditions.

This tour is not recommended for families with young children.

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