10 Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package Tour around Iceland with Free Days in Reykjavik
Description
Details
Description
Experience the best of Iceland on this 10-day winter package. Traveling around the Ring Road seeing the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the remote Eastfjords, and then heading north to Akureyri, all the while having plenty of time search for the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis.
This tour is perfect for those who want to witness the magic of Iceland in winter but enjoy the comfort and convenience of having the details taken care of while traveling with an experienced local guide.
You will be taken to some of the best-known spots in Iceland as well as a few lesser-visited gems. You will visit the famous Golden Circle, the picturesque South Coast with its black sand beaches, waterfalls and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the untouched natural beauty in the Eastfjords, and the intriguing landscapes of the Mývatn National Park.
Glacier hiking, whale-watching, and ice caving are included in the trip, and you can add horseback riding and geothermal bathing opportunities.
One of the best parts of this vacation is that all of the details are taken care of. An experienced, local guide will pick you up, and all of your accommodation and travel are taken care of.
This package is an incredible opportunity to see some of the most spectacular sights Iceland offers while traveling in comfort and ease. Enjoy the incredible landscapes and unforgettable experiences against the snowy backdrop of this remarkable holiday destination.
Don’t miss out on the chance to see for yourself why Iceland in winter is a holiday destination filled with adventure and magic. Check availability by choosing a date.
Included
Map
Attractions
Activities
Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival
Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins now!
Once you have arrived at Keflavík airport, there are already two options awaiting you. You can choose to head straight to Iceland's capital city, Reykjavík, or you can opt for a pampered experience at the famous Blue Lagoon Spa.
If you happen to arrive before 3 pm, a direct transfer is available from the airport to the Blue Lagoon. If your flight arrives after 3 pm don't worry, you can add the Blue Lagoon on another day, which means you won't miss out on this incredible experience.
Situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most sought-after attractions. It is an unexpected treat to see the sparkling blue waters of this mesmerizing attraction in the middle of a lava field. The warm waters are known for their healing properties, which both relax and revitalize. It's an incredible way to unwind after a flight before beginning the next leg of your journey.
If you choose to add the experience of the Blue Lagoon to your vacation, there are two options available. The comfort entrance gives you all you need for some relaxation. The premium entrance provides you with extras like a silica mud mask, towel, bathrobe, slippers, and a table reservation at the acclaimed LAVA restaurant.
You will then arrive in the nation's capital, Reykjavík. Here you will have a chance to take in the sights and sounds of an incredibly vibrant city which also has the title of the most northern capital in the world. You can spend the rest of your day exploring, taking in the famous landmarks, and enjoying the local flavors and atmosphere before you retire to your accommodation.

Day 2 - Free Day in Reykjavik
Today is an opportunity to get to know Reykjavík. If you haven't been able to visit the Blue Lagoon yet, today provides the perfect chance to have a soak in its relaxing waters. If you choose to add this activity, a transfer is provided, and again it's available with comfort and premium levels.
If you are a fan of sightseeing, today is a great chance to take in the city's surroundings. You could take a walk around town. Reykjavík's small size makes it a perfect place to take it all in on a stroll. You should make sure to visit Hallgrímskirkja. It's the largest church in Iceland, and a trip up to the top of Hallgrímskirkja's tower gives an incredible view of the city.
Another fantastic place to see the city is the Perlan Museum and Observation Deck. You could also wander down towards the sea and see the Harpa Concert hall.
If adventure is what you crave, you can also add some to your free day. If you are here in September or October, you can explore the inside of a volcano. The now dormant Þríhnúkagígur caldera is your window to another world. The interior of this magma chamber is filled with color and geological history.
You could also choose to go whale watching from the old harbor in Reykjavík. A boat will take you into the natural habitat of gentle giants, and you might even get an enchanting glimpse at some of the unique birdlife off the coast of Reykjavík.
You will then return to your accommodation in Reykjavík.

Day 3 - The Golden Circle
Today you get to experience one of the most popular sightseeing routes in Iceland, The Golden Circle.
You will start your day with a journey to Þinvellir national park. This UNESCO site is not only an incredibly beautiful area, but it’s also the place of the world’s oldest parliament. Here you can also see where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.
You will then visit the alien-like world that is the Geysir geothermal valley. This area is a fascinating visual representation of the volcanic history of Iceland. One of the geysers, called Strokkur, forces a massive jet of hot water out of the ground every five minutes. This burst can rise up to 66 feet (20 meters) in the air and is always accompanied by an uncontrollable sound of awe from onlookers.
The last destination on the Golden Circle is the impressive Gullfoss waterfall. Its name means Golden Falls, and Gullfoss’ rapid waters cascade down a 105-foot (32-meter) drop. The dramatic fall of water creates an incredible mist that can almost not be believed.
At the end of the day, you will retire to your accommodation in the Golden Circle area near the town of Hella.

Day 4 - The South Coast
Today will see you taking a trip along the stunning South Coast of Iceland. Your first stop will be Seljalandsfoss waterfall, an incredibly tall fall. It has a staggering drop of 197 feet (60 meters). Its location and unique beauty make it a top-rated stop.
The next stop is Skógafoss, one of Iceland's largest waterfalls with a 197 feet (60-meter high cliff) height, the same as Seljandsfoss. The waters drop onto an almost flat platform which creates a magnificent spray. On some days, the mist created from Skógarfoss gives off a double rainbow.
For an exciting addition to your day, you can go on a glacier hike, included in the price. 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.
Your final stop of the day is the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach, one of the most fascinating places in Iceland. The pitch-black sand is a reminder of Iceland's volcanic past and present.
At the end of your day, you will take a rest at your accommodation near the town of Vík.

Day 5 - Jokusarlon Glacier Lagoon
Today is all about the winter wonderland aspects of Iceland, starting with an ice cave adventure. The location of the ice cave will depend on what month you are traveling in.
In September or October, you will see an ice cave at Mýrdalsjökull, the glacier on top of the Katla volcano. If you are here from November to March, it will be near the Vatnajökull glacier.
Ice caves are naturally forming, and each one is as individual as a fingerprint. No two experiences of an ice cave are ever the same. Deep inside this ice cave, you will see a fascinating contrast of ice walls mixed with ashy black streaks running through like veins.
You will then visit a place known as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Iceland: Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
This vast lagoon is filled with ice-cold water and where icebergs drift and reform as they slowly head out to sea. Visitors to the area will see giant icebergs floating in Jökulsárlón’s waters that almost glow in shades of blue and white. Seals have also been spotted in the area, swimming and sunning 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 the ‘Diamond Beach.’
You will spend the night near this area, which will give you plenty of time to hunt the skies for the northern lights.

Day 6 - Eastfjords
Today you will head to a sanctuary of diverse wildlife in Iceland, the Eastfjords.
This area of the country is mainly untouched and provides a haven for various native birds and other animals. It’s also the only place in Iceland where you can spot wild reindeer.
As you travel throughout the Eastfjords, you will catch a glimpse of some spectacular views.
You will pass through the many small fishing villages. These places are a fascinating snapshot of how the sea always ruled the lives of Icelanders in the past. These towns are rich in culture and history, which gives you a chance to learn more about the roots of Iceland.
You will also travel alongside a lake that is home to a mythical monster. Lake Lagarfljót is home to a mysterious wyrm monster. The best way to describe this elusive mythical creature would be to call it the Loch Ness Monster of Iceland.
You can choose to add a unique animal encounter to your day. You can add riding an Icelandic horse. This breed of horse is known throughout the world for its small and sturdy frame and pleasant disposition. Nothing can compare to seeing the Icelandic countryside on horseback, and the Icelandic horse is perfectly adapted for this rugged terrain.
You can also choose to finish the day by heading to the Vok Baths This spa and wellness center harnesses the natural geothermally heated water to create a soothing and relaxing experience. Even in winter, these outdoor baths are incredibly warm, relaxing, and healing. If the sky is clear, you might also be treated to a show of the aurora borealis while you soak.
You will spend your night in the Eastfjords

Day 7 - Myvatn
Today is about getting in touch with the geothermal forces that shaped Iceland.
You will head to the region around Lake Mývatn. This alien landscape is filled with images showing why Iceland as a holiday destination is so unique. The area around the Mývatn area is filled with geothermal activity. You will see bubbling mud pools, rock formations made from lava and feel the power of heat coming from the earth.
You will visit the Námaskarð pass, an area of high geothermal activity. Here you will see steam rising out of the ground as the earth boils. The reds and oranges of the landscape make the area seem more like Mars than anywhere on planet Earth.
You will then travel to Dimmuborgir and an area of mystic beauty. The area is filled with strange lava pillars and cliffs, which almost form a rock labyrinth. Dimmuborgir is believed to be the home of elves, trolls, and the 13 Icelandic Santas known as the Yule Lads.
You will then head to Iceland's unofficial capital of the north, Akureyri. Before you arrive, you will visit the stunning natural feature, Goðafoss, known as "Waterfall of the Gods", where you can snap a few photos for your social media.

Day 8 - Akureyri, Hauganes & Hvitserkur Rock Stack
Beginning your eighth day in Akureyri, you will immediately head out towards the scenic village of Hauganes, located on Iceland’s deepest fjord, Eyjafjörður.
While you are free to explore the village on your terms, a whale watch is included in the price, providing you with an intimate experience with Iceland’s gentle giants.
After your time in the Eyjafjörður region is over, you will head westward, stopping en route to appreciate the towering rock stack, Hvítserkur, known as “White Shirt” in Icelandic, thanks to the abundance of guano covering this natural structure. Many people 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.

Day 9 - Free Day in Reykjavik
Today is your last full day in Reykjavík. You will have spent an incredible last week exploring the country and now is a chance to take in the city once more.
There’s an almost endless list of things to do in Reykjavík, which means that you can take a day to do some sightseeing, or you can choose to add some final adventures to your Icelandic experience.
You could join a day tour to the incredibly captivating Snæfellsnes peninsula. This charming region contains most of the variety of landscapes available in Iceland. Rugged mountains, black sand beaches, ice caps, and volcanic fields are all present in this small corner of the country, which has led to Snæfellsnes being nicknamed ‘Iceland in miniature.’
You can decide to see some of Iceland from a completely different perspective on a snorkeling tour. On this incredible experience, you will take a look at the underwater world between two continents in the Silfra Fissure that sits in the Þingvellir National Park. The area where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet is filled with crystal clear water. A snorkeling tour here reveals underwater mountains with incredible visibility.
If you are here in September and October and haven’t already done it, you can use this day to delve into a volcano.
You will be able to finish your day by retiring to your accommodation in Reykjavík. If the skies are clear, you might even wish to set your eyes towards the sky for more Northern Lights hunting.

Day 10 - Departure
Today is your final day in Iceland. Although your trip has come to an end, there is still some time to get some last glimpses of the incredible sights of Reykjavík.
Before you depart, you could use your time to take one more stroll down the high street of Reykjavík, Laugavegur. This is the perfect place to find those last-minute souvenirs of your time in Iceland.
Downtown Reykjavík is also a place immersed in coffee and food culture. Many incredible restaurants and cafés throughout the city boast fantastic food paired with a cozy atmosphere.
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 your flight is later, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey.
When you are ready to say goodbye to this incredible country, you will take a bus to Keflavík airport.
What to bring
Good to know
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and therefore cannot be guaranteed, but this itinerary is designed to maximize your chances to see them if the weather allows. Please be aware that your itinerary may have to be rearranged to better fit your arrival date and time.
Some optional activities might need a valid driver's license, or you might need to send additional information to your travel planner. Please note that you need to know how to swim and present medical documents should you choose to go snorkeling or diving.
It can happen, in the case of extreme weather, that an activity is canceled. If your chosen activity is canceled, we will assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when possible, and any potential price difference will be refunded to you.
Note that Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the wintertime. We recommend you bring shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers. The covers can be purchased in most supermarkets and gas stations around the country.
Accommodation in Reykjavik
See our accommodation levels below and our preferred accommodation partners under each day in the daily itinerary. Super budget level accommodations will be arranged in hostel dorm beds. For budget and comfort levels, bookings for one person will be arranged in single rooms, and bookings for two or more people will share a twin/double or triple room(s). For quality level, odd number groups will always be allocated a single room. If you are travelling in a group, but prefer a single room, please make separate bookings. Teenagers and children will be arranged in the same room with parents. If additional room(s) is needed, additional costs will incur.
For multi-day guided tours, accommodation cannot be upgraded and the levels below do not apply. Guide to Iceland will provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking from our preferred partners. If our preferred partners are fully booked at the time of your booking, we will find another suitable accommodation for you of similar level.
We always do our best to accommodate special requests, which may incur additional costs. Press choose a date to find availability.
Dormitory beds with shared bathrooms in guesthouses or hostels, such as HI Hostels. Located in the capital region. Breakfast is not included.
Private rooms with shared bathroom in guesthouses or hostels such as Capital Inn Guesthouse. Located in the capital region. Breakfast is not included.
Rooms with a private bathroom at three-star hotels such as Hótel Klettur, or quality guesthouses. Located in the city center or in close vicinity. Breakfast is included.
Rooms at four-star design hotels in the city center with a private bathroom at the absolute best locations downtown such as Hotel Alda. Breakfast is included.