Scenic 10-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package Tour around Iceland

On day three of your winter vacation in Iceland, you get to experience one of Iceland's most popular sightseeing routes, the Golden Circle. This scenic route spans around 190 miles (300 kilometers) and is home to three of the most visited attractions in the country.

You will start your day with a journey to Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO site is not only home to some breathtaking scenery but is also the site of the world's oldest parliament, Althing. 

One of the most exciting aspects of Thingvellir National Park is that it is the place where two tectonic plates meet. Here, you can explore the rift valley and canyon separating the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates. 

Stunning geological formations and vibrant vegetation surround you.

Next to visit is the Geysir geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley. This area is a fascinating visual representation of Iceland's geothermal and volcanic history. While exploring the field, you'll see steam vents, fumaroles, and hot springs.

The main attraction of the valley is a geyser called Strokkur, which forces a massive jet of hot water out of the ground every five to ten minutes. This burst can rise to around 66 feet (20 meters) in the air.

The impressive Gullfoss waterfall is the last destination on the Golden Circle sightseeing route. Its name means Golden Falls.

Gullfoss waterfall's rapid waters cascade down a 105-foot (32-meter) drop into a narrow canyon of the Hvita River. The dramatic fall of water creates an incredible mist that reflects rainbows on a sunny day. 

While in the area, you can choose from multiple viewing options to admire and photograph its beauty.

At the end of the day, you will retire to your accommodation in the Golden Circle area near the town of Hella. You'll have an excellent chance to see the northern lights if the skies are clear.

On day four of your winter vacation package, your small group will take a trip along the stunning South Coast of Iceland. 

The South Coast is a scenic region near Reykjavik known for its stunning natural landscapes. Waterfalls, glaciers, coastal areas, and black-sand beaches will welcome you here.

Your first stop for the day will be Seljalandsfoss waterfall, an incredibly tall and majestic waterfall. Its location and unique beauty make it a top-rated stop, even in winter. 

Seljalandsfoss waterfall features a staggering drop of approximately 197 feet (60 meters). Besides its stunning water curtain, the waterfall is unique because you can view it from behind and from different angles. 

A small cave goes behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall's cascade, where travelers can walk.

The next stop is Skogafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's largest waterfalls with a 197-foot (60-meter) cliff height, the same as Seljalandsfoss waterfall. 

The waters drop onto an almost flat platform, which creates a magnificent spray. Sometimes, the mist created by the Skogafoss waterfall gives off a double rainbow.

You can go on a glacier hike in Solheimajokull glacier for an exciting addition to your day. This tour is included in the price of the package. Solheimajokull Glacier is an outlet glacier on the South Coast with crevasses, ice walls, and rugged terrain fit for thrill-seekers.

You can experience the thrill of standing on top of an ice sheet with glistening colors of blues and whites beneath you. The views from the top of a glacier are an experience few get to witness.

An expert guide will accompany you on the glacier hiking experience to ensure your safety and enjoyment. 

Your final stop of the day is the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach, one of the most fascinating places in Iceland. The black sand is a reminder of Iceland's volcanic past and present.

You will rest at your accommodation in South Iceland at the end of your day.

The fifth day of your winter vacation package in Iceland includes an ice cave adventure and a trip to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. 

The day starts with ice caving. The location of the ice cave will depend on what month you are traveling in.

In September or October, you will visit an ice cave at Myrdalsjokull Glacier, the glacier on top of the Katla volcano. Myrdalsjokull Glacier is the fourth-largest glacier in Iceland and is known for its spectacular landscapes and ice formations.

If you are here from November to March, it will be near Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. The Vatnajokull glacier covers at least 10% of Iceland’s total landmass. This winter season, two beautiful ice caves have been discovered in the Vatnajokull National Park: the Western Ice Cave and the Eastern Ice Cave. On this amazing adventure, you will get to visit the best ice cave accessible on the day, taking into account the weather conditions and visibility to ensure the ultimate ice-caving experience.

Deep inside this ice cave, you will see a fascinating contrast of ice walls mixed with ashy black streaks running through like veins. An expert guide leads your trip, telling you more about the composition and history of the winter attraction.

You will then visit a place known as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Iceland, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

This vast lagoon is filled with ice-cold water, and icebergs drift and reform here as they slowly head out to sea. Visitors will see giant icebergs floating in Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon’s waters that almost glow in shades of blue and white. 

Seals have also been spotted in the area, swimming and sunning themselves on the ice.

Yow will be able to follow the icebergs as they meet the sea. The area where they enter the ocean is a black sand beach. 

The whites and blues of ice against the dark backdrop give the beach a jeweled appearance, which is why this area has been affectionately named ‘Diamond Beach.’

You will spend the night near this area in South Iceland, giving you plenty of time to hunt the skies for the northern lights.

On your eighth day in Iceland, you'll explore Akureyri before heading north to discover more villages and geographical features.

Your first stop is Akureyri to explore this picturesque coastal town. Before the guide takes you on a drive further north, you can visit its excellent shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

From Akureyri, you will head towards the scenic village of Hauganes, located on Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjordur. The fjord, spanning around 47 miles (70 kilometers), is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, rugged cliffs, and lush valleys.

While you are free to explore Hauganes village, a whale-watching tour is included in the price of this package. This wildlife tour offers an opportunity for an up close and personal experience with Iceland's gentle giants. 

As the boat sets sail, you'll cruise along the stunning coastline of North Iceland, with its dramatic cliffs and picturesque fjords. 

The guides will share fascinating insights about the local geography, wildlife, and conservation efforts, providing a deeper understanding of the area's natural wonders.

As you venture further into the ocean, keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent creatures that call these waters home. 

Eyjafjordur is renowned for its abundant marine life, and there's a high chance of encountering various species of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins.

While admiring and photographing these curious creatures, the guide will tell you exciting trivia and stories about them. Your guide will tell you about their surfacing behaviors, migration patterns, and ways to protect them.

After your time in the Eyjafjordur region, you will head west, stopping on the way to appreciate the towering rock stack, Hvitserkur.

Hvitserkur rock formation is also known as "White Shirt" in Icelandic, thanks to the abundance of guano covering this natural structure. 

Many travelers and locals claim the rock stack resembles a troll, while others consider it a dragon or elephant leaning down to drink from the ocean.

You will then head back to Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, where you will spend the night.