Perfect 10 Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package to Iceland with Glacier Ice Caving

On the second day of your ten-day winter vacation, you will depart Reykjavik to begin your journey around the country. Your first destinations are some of the country’s most famous, presenting you with a brilliant introduction to Iceland: the sites of the Golden Circle.

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You’ll be picked up nice and early by your friendly, local guide, who will spend the next eight days escorting you around the island. After introductions, they will drive you into the beautiful nature of the south-west to your first major attraction, Thingvellir National Park.

Located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the cliff-edges of which are clearly visible, the landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site consist of stunning forests, waterways and lava fields. Surrounding it are spectacular volcanoes and the country’s largest natural lake.

As if Thingvellir needed any more appeal, it is also historically significant, being the original site of Iceland’s first parliament, formed over a millennium ago.

After strolling through the park’s walkways, you’ll continue to the Golden Circle’s second major attraction, the Geysir Geothermal Area. Named after its explosive geysers, you’ll be most awed by the magnificent Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, often ejecting water over twenty metres into the air.

Once you have had your fill marvelling over the geothermal forces of Iceland’s nature, you’ll be driven just a short distance down the road to the Golden Circle’s final attraction, Gullfoss waterfall. Over thirty metres tall, and tumbling into a dramatic valley in two steps, you’ll be left in little wonder as to why this is one of the country’s most photographed and famous features.

While sightseeing these attractions is a wonderful way to spend the day, you can add a horseback riding adventure to immerse yourself in Iceland’s nature further.

Icelandic horses are incredibly lovely animals, renowned for their curiosity, intelligence and friendliness; riding one is a great way of experiencing what life was like for the early Vikings who first settled here. Furthermore, this tour can be tailored for you; if you’ve never ridden before, you’ll have an easy introduction, whereas experienced equestrians will get to show off their skills.

Once your adventures for today are complete, you’ll retire at a hotel in one of the countryside villages of the south-west. If the sky is clear, be sure to look out for the aurora borealis before you rest.

On the third day of your winter holiday in Iceland, you will explore the magnificent sites of the South Coast. Similar to the Golden Circle, this is one of the most acclaimed sightseeing routes in the country due to its proximity to the capital and the diversity of its attractions.

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Setting out on the Ring Road that fully encircles the country, the first major landmark you will come across is the waterfall of Seljalandsfoss. Though narrow and gentle, this is still a breathtaking site due to the fact it falls from a height of sixty metres and because of the enormous cavern that has been carved by nature behind it.

Skogafoss is the second main attraction of the South Coast; another waterfall, it is just as tall as Seljalandsfoss but far more powerful. It thunders to the ground with awe-inspiring force, tossing off great clouds of spray as it does. Those interested in folklore will be fascinated in the legend surrounding this feature; it is said to conceal a treasure chest, just out of reach.

If you elected to do so while booking, you will leave the Ring Road shortly after your visit here to embark on a glacier hiking tour. You’ll be escorted to the glacial outlet of Solheimajokull, a tongue of the country’s third-largest ice cap, Myrdalsjokull, where you’ll be dressed in all the necessary safety gear before beginning your adventure.

Glacier hiking is a fantastic way to marvel over the phenomenon of the ice caps, which though rare around the world cover over ten percent of Iceland’s surface. The crevasses, formations, vivid colours and walls of ice are spectacular to admire up close, and if the weather is clear, you’ll also be able to enjoy some marvellous views of the South.

Following this unforgettable experience, you will continue along the Ring Road until you reach some magnificent coastal attractions. Dyrholaey is first, a gargantuan rock arch that curves from a set of dramatic cliffs into the ocean; the space here is so large that daring pilots have been able to navigate their small planes through it.

Next, you will come to the beach of Reynisfjara. With volcanic black sands stretching as far as the eye can see, this area has a haunting beauty, unlike anything else on earth. The site is made all the more spectacular and fascinating by the enormous sea-stacks that tower just off-shore: Reynisdrangar.

Like many of the rock monuments around Iceland, Reynisdragar is steeped in legend. It was said that they were formed when a pair of trolls attempted to pull a human ship to shore, but were caught in and frozen by the light of the sun before they could finish the job.

Just adjacent to Reynisfjara is the village of Vik, where you’ll retire for the night. If the conditions are right, you may be blessed with a beautiful display of the aurora borealis over the beach.

On day four of your winter vacation in Iceland, you will get to delve deep into arguably the country’s most spectacular corner as you explore the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and, if you elected to do so while booking, an otherworldly ice cave.

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Leaving Vik, your journey east will take you across lava plains and black sand deserts, before glacier tongues of the largest ice cap in Europe, Vatnajokull, begin to materialise through the mists of the mountains to your left. After enjoying this beautiful journey, you will enter Vatnajokull National Park as you pull up to Jokulsarlon.

The deepest lake and largest glacier lagoon in the country, Jokulsarlon is often referred to as the Crown Jewel of Iceland for great reason. Within its waters are thousands of icebergs, some towering many metres above the surface, in shades of gleaming white and electric blue. Marvellous in their own right, wildlife lovers will rejoice when they see that countless seals can also be found at this site.

Adjacent to the glacier lagoon is the Diamond Beach. Another black sand stretch of shoreline, it is renowned for being the place where the icebergs wash up after escaping the lagoon. The volcanic sands, gleaming ice and foaming surf contrast dramatically, making this a marvellous place to take a stroll.

For those who booked an ice caving excursion, the beauty of today is just beginning. You’ll be picked up from Jokulsarlon’s car park in a super jeep and whisked to a remote corner of Vatnajokull, where you’ll be equipped with all the necessary safety equipment. Once everyone is ready, you’ll be led into one of the world’s most unreal and spectacular phenomena.

The crystal ice caves have shades of blue so vivid they defy the imagination; the way light passes through the ice is mesmerising, and the various formations and textures add to the otherworldly experience. You’ll no doubt spend your whole time in the cave in absolute awe, feeling more like you have stepped into the pages of a fantasy novel than an Icelandic attraction.

Once you’ve marvelled over the magical sites in this corner of Vatnajokull National Park, you’ll be driven to the town of Hofn. You’ll spend the night here, in a perfect position to explore the majestic East Fjords tomorrow.

On the fifth day of your ten-day winter vacation around Iceland, you will set out to explore the mesmerising East Fjords. On the far side of the country from Reykjavik, and during their off-peak season, you will be thrilled to find that the tourist crowds that can gather at some of the country’s more accessible locations are nowhere to be found here.

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As you drive towards the East Fjords, you’ll first come to two mountains that, despite being very similar, are starkly different from other peaks in Iceland: Vestrahorn and Eystrahorn. Composed of unusual gabbro rock, both stand out for their ominously dark colouration and their jagged peaks, making them particularly photogenic features.

Continuing along the Ring Road, the unbelievable beauty of the East Fjords will begin to unfold before you. Plunging bays with glistening seas; majestic mountains; views of Vatnajokull glacier; and countless, minuscule fishing villages that feel as old as time will all make this drive unforgettable.

Each of these villages has its own unique charm. Djupivogur, for example, is a gorgeous settlement that stands out for its striking works of public art and its coastal hot pools.

Adding to the beauty of East Fjords of Iceland is the abundant wildlife of the region. It is, for example, the only part of the country where reindeer can be found wild, and winter is the best season to see them as they move to lower lands to graze. Furthermore, many seabirds clutter the spectacular cliffs, and the waters of the fjords themselves are bountiful with life; seals, dolphins and even whales can often be spotted from the shore.

You’ll make plenty of stops at the most stunning coastal viewing points en route, before turning inland to reach your final destination for the day, the town of Egilsstadir. To reach this settlement, you will drive by two more iconic features of the region: Iceland’s largest forest, Hallormstadaskogur, and the serene Lake Lagarfljot, which is steeped in folklore.

Both of these will form beautiful backdrops for a display of the Northern Lights, should they materialise before you retire for the night.

On the sixth day of your ten-day package to Iceland, you’ll immerse yourself in the spectacular beauty of Lake Myvatn. To reach this geothermal region, you’ll be driven through the dramatic, lunar landscapes that define north Iceland.

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A series of magnificent lakes, Myvatn is particularly spectacular in winter, when its waters are frozen, its surrounding landscapes are blanketed in snow, and its geological marvels are caked in ice. In terms of these geological monuments, the most impressive are the towers of twisted lava; the rows of perfectly formed pseudocraters; and the lava fortress of Dimmuborgir.

Dimmuborgir is particularly significant for its role in folklore; it is said to be the home of the Icelandic Yule Lads, otherwise known as thirteen Christmas trolls, adding to the festive feeling of your winter visit. Furthermore, it was featured in Game of Thrones.

The Lake Myvatn area is highly volcanic, and there are two places where you can best see these forces at work. Namarskard is a mountain pass littered with steam vents belching poisonous gasses into the sky in such volume that no life can grow anywhere around.

The Myvatn Nature Baths, meanwhile, are a luxurious spa nestled right by the lakes, with refreshing pools and revitalising steam baths. If you want admission into the spa, be sure to arrange it when booking.

After marvelling over the wonderful sites of Myvatn, you will head to the Waterfall of the Gods, Godafoss. Not only is this a spectacular attraction, roaring down a magnificent river surrounded by dramatic terrain, but it has a strange role in Iceland’s religious history, marking the place where the Old Norse Gods were symbolically abandoned.

At the end of the day, you’ll reach the largest town in north Iceland, Akureyri. After checking into your hotel, feel free to explore to get more of a taste of Iceland’s culture; like Reykjavik, Akureyri has bustling bars and excellent restaurants, alongside some beautiful architecture and views of nature.

On day seven, you will get to know more about the spectacular region of north Iceland. Before setting out on your journey, however, you have the option of being driven up the gorgeous fjord of Eyjafjordur and embarking on one of two unique tours.

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The first of these is a whale-watch from the little village of Hauganes. This journey will take you out into some beautiful waters, surrounded by colossal mountains, on the search for some of the world’s most incredible creatures. White-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and orcas are all seen regularly here, and you may even see a few great whales that didn’t migrate, such as Minkes and Humpbacks.

Secondly, you could visit a brewery in the village of Arskogssandur to take a hot-tub dip into a bath of young beer. This unusual experience is surprisingly refreshing and reportedly therapeutic, and if you are over twenty, you can enjoy it all with a pint in hand.

Following your choice of tour, you will continue your journey through north Iceland, passing through quaint villages and dramatic landscapes. As you travel, you’ll make several stops, such as at the Vatnsnes Peninsula.

This underrated corner of Iceland is home to the massive natural fortress of Borgarvirki and the dramatic coastal monolith of Hvitserkur, which many compare to a drinking elephant. It is also one of the best places in Iceland to find large seal colonies.

Your guide will soon drive you into the rural landscapes of the west as you make your way to your destination for the evening: the coastal, historic settlement of Borgarnes. This is a wonderful place to seek out a display of the auroras over the ocean before retiring.

On day eight of your Icelandic winter holiday, you’ll tour the sites of west Iceland; you’ll even be waking up in one of the region’s major attractions, Borgarnes. This is one of the first places in the county to be settled and is home to the fascinating Settlement Centre museum as a result. The town also has some stunning views over the surrounding nature.

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After enjoying Borgarnes, you’ll pass through some gorgeous countryside to visit the twin waterfalls of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar. Though just a minute’s walk apart, their differences are stark; Barnafoss is narrow, rapid and dramatic, whereas Hraunfossar is spaced across a plateau of lava, pouring in gentle rivulets.

Another incredible attraction in the west is the highest flowing hot spring in all of Europe, Deildatunghver. Not only is this an unusual and spectacular natural phenomenon, but it fuels the adjacent Krauma Spa, and heats many of the surrounding towns and villages.

The next major site of west Iceland is Reykholt, an idyllic village with far more history than its quaint appearance would first suggest. As the town’s Snorrastofa Museum details, this was once the home to Snorri Sturluson, one of the medieval era’s most important writers and historians, and one of the country’s most historically significant chieftains.

As night falls, you will head to the final destination for the day: the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This iconic feature, however, is 90 kilometres long and packed with attractions, meaning you’ll have all day to explore it tomorrow. Before retiring at your hotel on the Peninsula, see if you can spot the auroras over its magnificent landscapes.

On your final day exploring the nature of Iceland, you will get the pleasure of touring the many sites of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Considered a microcosm of the country, this region has something to appeal to all kinds of travellers.

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On its southern shore, you will come across geological marvels, such as the Gerduberg Cliffs and the Raudfeldsja Gorge. The former is a cliff face decorated with columns of hexagonal basalt so geometrically perfect they seem like they were carved by hand, whereas the latter is a striking cleft through a mountainside.

Wildlife lovers will find Ytri Tunga beach and the Londrangar basalt plug just a short distance from both of these attractions, which are renowned for their birdwatching and seal-watching respectively.

If you are interested in culture, you’ll find a wealth of fishing villages around the Peninsula, some still surviving as they have always done, off the bounty of the seas, and some long abandoned, slowly being reclaimed by nature. Many of the natural attractions are also steeped in folklore, associated with legends of giants, wizards and berserkers.

The highlight of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, however, is Snaefellsjokull, the subglacial volcano that adorns its tip. Its two peaks dominate much of the scenery, gleaming a pristine white, leaving visitors in no doubt as to why artists, novelists and mystics have long been drawn to and inspired by its beauty.

Due to its natural and cultural importance, Snaefellsjokull is protected in a National Park of its own name.

Finally, on the northern shore of the Peninsula is Kirkjufell mountain, a feature that, since its appearance on Game of Thrones, has become almost as famous as the glacier itself. Shaped like a pyramid and next to a waterfall that freezes in midwinter, its dynamic presence makes it a favourite stop for photographers.

If you would like to fit one final adventure into your holiday, you can choose to partake in a thrilling caving adventure into Vatnshellir before leaving the Peninsula. Lava caving allows you to marvel over the otherworldly, subterranean world beneath Iceland’s landscapes, which boasts vivid colour and mesmerising ice formations.

After a full day of exploration, both above and below the surface, you’ll return to Reykjavik for your final night. If you want to toast to the end of your epic trip, you’ll find the city has a wealth of lively bars and esteemed restaurants to do so in.

On day ten, you’ll take your pre-planned shuttle bus back to the airport and catch your flight home. If your flight is not until later, however, you can use the time to explore Reykjavik or relax in the Blue Lagoon.

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The museums and galleries of the capital city are great places to visit for a final perspective on Iceland; whether you are interested in the country’s music, nature, history or artists, you’ll find a fascinating place to go. Otherwise, the streets are a wonderful place to take a stroll, with beautiful views over nature, some striking buildings, and a festive, wintry spirit.

For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you will finish off your stay unwinding before you head to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters as you look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice.

If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey.