Fun-Filled 3-Day Northern Lights Winter Stopover in Reykjavik with the Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon
Description
Summary
Description
Enjoy a quick winter getaway in Iceland with this three-day vacation that lets you visit the country's most popular sights, including the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon. Travelers who want to visit Iceland in the northern lights season and only have a short time to see the sights will love this holiday package.
Planning your own trip to Iceland can be tricky — you want to ensure you see the best sights and enjoy your time without stress. We'll do the hard work for you, organizing your accommodation and tours so you can have a fun-filled vacation without worry. You also don't need to worry about navigating Iceland's wintery roads, which can be challenging for those unaccustomed to driving in snow and ice.
We'll provide you with a detailed itinerary for your trip, with detailed information about the sights and tours you'll take part in. You'll also have 24/7 access to a personal travel agent if you have any problems or questions. If your plans change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure and receive a full refund.
This top-rated package is perfect for those looking for a quick weekend getaway or a compact trip to the land of fire and ice. You'll visit the scenic and historic Thingvellir National Park, see the bubbling mud pools and erupting hot springs at Geysir geothermal area, watch ice-cold glacial water plummets down into a rugged canyon at Gullfoss waterfall, and unwind in the warm mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon.
If you're looking for further adventures, you can add more exciting activities to your trip. Go snorkeling between two continental plates in the Silfra fissure, race across the white expanse of Langjokull glacier, or enjoy a relaxing ride around the countryside on a friendly Icelandic horse.
You'll spend two nights in comfortable accommodation in Reykjavik, the cosmopolitan Icelandic capital. You'll enjoy a day of sightseeing on your first day before spending day two exploring the highlights of the Golden Circle, Iceland's most popular tourist route. You can spend your final day relaxing in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon before your flight home.
The package also includes a free northern lights hunting tour. You can choose whether to chase the lights by bus or boat. Watching the aurora borealis dancing in the winter sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a must-do if visiting Iceland in winter.
Make the most of your days in Iceland and visit the country's most iconic attractions with this winter stopover package. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Iceland
Spend your first day in Iceland exploring the best attractions in Reykjavik and enjoying a northern lights hunting tour.
On arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you'll board a shuttle bus to take you into downtown Reykjavik. You'll pass the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula on the way, giving you an excellent first look at this beautiful country.
You can check into your accommodation to drop off your luggage. When ready, you'll spend the rest of the day exploring Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital. Its population is about 120,000 people, but it's the largest settlement in Iceland and has plenty to keep visitors occupied.
Start by walking down the Laugavegur shopping street. There are numerous restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutique stores here. You could start looking for the perfect souvenir while warming up with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa.
Continue walking around the city to see more of its best sights. The Old Harbor provides a beautiful sea view and a look at the striking Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center.
You could also choose to visit a museum — Reykjavik is home to several fantastic art galleries, including the Einar Jonsson Museum and Sculpture Garden. Wander through the garden and look at the beautiful sculptures.
If you prefer to do as the locals do, you could head to the nearest swimming pool for a few laps and then a long soak in the geothermal waters of a hot tub. Even in the winter, Icelanders flock to the swimming pools, with many preferring to do so in cold weather. They claim there's nothing better than soaking in the warm waters with the cold winter air in your lungs.
In the evening, you can hop aboard a bus or a boat and spend the night searching for the elusive but beautiful northern lights. After a fantastic tour, you'll return to your accommodation in the city center for a good night's rest.
Day 2 - The Golden Circle
Discover the wonders of the Golden Circle on a small-group tour of Iceland's best-loved sights.
After breakfast in Reykjavik, you'll board a minibus and meet the expert local guide leading you on the day's adventure. When everyone in the group has joined, you'll travel out of the city to the first attraction of the day, the historic Thingvellir National Park.
Iceland's parliament, the Althingi, was founded in this national park over 1,000 years ago when Viking settlers came to settle disputes and create new laws. The park also has fascinating geography. It's situated in a rift valley between two tectonic plates that are drifting apart.
Usually, this type of rift isn't visible above ground — Iceland is the only place in the world where you can see the rift above sea level. Your guide will tell you about the area's geology as you explore.
If you want to add more excitement to your trip, you can go snorkeling in the Silfra fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Swim in the crystal-clear glacial meltwater and enjoy the view. You need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.
From Thingvellir, you'll continue to the Geysir geothermal area, home of hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and erupting glaciers. You'll get the chance to take some fantastic pictures as you watch the Strokkur geyser shooting hot water up into the sky. It erupts every few minutes, meaning you'll have plenty of chances to capture the perfect shot.
Next is the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall in the glacial river Hvita. The rumbling sound created as the river tumbles down two tiers into an ancient canyon is unforgettable, and you'll feel the mist of the cascade on your face from one of two viewing platforms.
Another optional tour for today is an exciting snowmobiling tour on top of the Langjokull glacier, one of Iceland's largest. If you've booked this extra, you'll board another minibus from Gullfoss and enjoy a thrilling ride over the ice cap.
You can take a horseback-riding tour instead if you want a more relaxing afternoon. Icelandic horses are known for their friendly temperaments and smaller size. They're perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike — ride through the Icelandic countryside and enjoy the view.
After a busy day, you'll return to Reykjavik for another night in your accommodation.
Day 3 - Farewell
Relax and unwind in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon spa before your departure.
Depending on your flight time today, you might have time for some more sightseeing in the morning or before lunch. Walk around the city to visit attractions you missed on your first day. You could visit the Perlan Museum's observation deck for a panoramic view of the city or walk to the Hallgrimskirkja church to climb its tower.
If you haven't had enough Icelandic culture yet, why not visit another museum? The Whales of Iceland Museum is an excellent place to learn about the sea creatures living in Iceland's waters. Alternatively, you could visit the Icelandic Punk Museum to discover the history of punk music in Iceland.
Ensure you leave enough time to visit the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. The naturally heated pools are in the middle of a moss-covered lava field.
Relax in the warm, milky-blue waters as you reflect on your minibreak to Iceland. You can also use a face pack to soothe your skin before your flight.
If you need to leave early and won't have time to visit the lagoon today, speak to your travel agent. They'll help you book your entry ticket for the day of your arrival instead.
After relaxing for a while in the geothermal waters, you can get ready and go to the airport.
We wish you a safe journey home and hope to see you in Iceland again!
What to bring
Good to know
Some optional activities might require that you have a valid driver's license, and some might require you to send additional information to your personal travel agent.
Those who opt to go snorkeling must be comfortable in the water, able to swim, and must present medical documents before snorkeling or diving.
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and, therefore, cannot be guaranteed. This itinerary is designed to maximize your chances to see them if the weather allows.
In the event of extreme weather, certain activities may be canceled at short notice. If your chosen activity is canceled, you can contact your personal travel agent to help you with rearranging your activity or booking another. Any potential price difference will be refunded to you.
Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the winter. We recommend bringing shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers, which you can purchase in many supermarkets and gas stations around Iceland.
Accommodation
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. 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 centre or in close vicinity. Breakfast is included.
Rooms at four-star design hotels in the city centre with a private bathroom at the absolute best locations downtown such as Hotel Alda. Breakfast is included.
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