Magical 13-Day Northern Lights Package Tour of the Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula

On the third day of your winter vacation in Iceland, you will visit the attractions of the Golden Circle sightseeing route.

Your eight-day adventure on the road begins today, and your first route will be the most traveled in Iceland, the Golden Circle sightseeing route. 

You will meet your expert guide and fellow travelers once you've been picked up from your hotel or at a designated bus stop in the morning.

The Golden Circle sightseeing route is a popular destination for its proximity to the Icelandic capital and its three highlight attractions.

The comfortable minibus will take you to your first location on this famous route, the Thingvellir National Park, Iceland's first UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The park is the setting for Iceland's first parliament, the Althingi, which is still in operation today, although now located in Reykjavik.

The park sits upon the continental rift where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift apart, and you can walk straight down its middle. Walk between continents and enjoy the area's abundant natural and cultural qualities.

Then, it's only a short drive to two more stunning attractions, the Geysir geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall. 

The Geysir Valley is a geothermally active area home to many hot springs and geysers. The most active of these is the Strokkur geyser, which blasts water up to 66 feet (20 meters) in the air every five to 10 minutes.

You will see Gullfoss waterfall at the next stop, whose name translates to 'Golden Falls.' Prepare to be awe-struck by this massive cascade that spits glacial torrents into the vast canyon beneath it. 

You can admire the icy sculptures around the rocks heading off the falls in winter.

You will then retire to your accommodation in the Golden Circle area or the quaint village of Hella in South Iceland. Remember to look to the sky in the evening to search for the elusive northern lights.

On day four of your winter vacation in Iceland, you will enjoy some adventures on the South Coast, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, dramatic black sand beaches, towering waterfalls, and vast stretches of rugged coastline.

In the morning, wake up and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey. Gaze out the window as you travel through vast valleys covered in snow, with quaint farms scattered throughout the landscape. 

Along the way, you'll see some breathtaking waterfalls, including the awe-inspiring Skogafoss waterfall and the enchanting Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Both waterfalls stand tall at around 200 feet (60 meters).

During the tour, you can step off the bus and capture the beauty of these natural wonders with your camera. 

One of the undeniable highlights will be your visit to Reynisfjara, the frosted black beach renowned for its dramatic basalt columns and the defiant Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The contrast of the dark sand against the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean creates a truly mesmerizing sight.

However, the day's highlight awaits as you embark on an exhilarating adventure, ascending the majestic Solheimajokull glacier. You'll be rewarded with uninterrupted vistas of the surrounding mountains and the rugged coastline from the glacier's summit, a sight you will never forget.

An experienced local guide leads this glacier hiking experience. Your guide will ensure that you're safe and enjoying the tour while exploring the crevasses and ice plains of the ice cap. Your guide will give you all the necessary safety equipment, like crampons and harnesses.

After this thrilling glacier experience, you'll make your way to your accommodation for the evening in South Iceland, nestled near the charming coastal village of Vik i Myrdal. 

The picturesque settlement has a church atop a hill, offering a picture-perfect scene, especially if the ethereal northern lights dance across the sky.

On the fifth day of your winter vacation in Iceland, you'll continue your travels along the South Coast and Ring Road. You'll come across Vatnajokull National Park. Vatnajokull is the largest glacier in Europe and covers approximately 10% of Iceland's landmass.

The national park boasts diverse terrain and natural landscapes. You'll visit its most beautiful and popular attractions on today's itinerary.

You will cross the black sand desert Skeidararsandur as the wonders of Skaftafell Nature Reserve come into view. Gaze out the window and see the diverse natural features, including mighty mountains, frozen forests, and glittering ice caps.

Skaftafell Nature Reserve was a national park before becoming part of the much larger Vatnajokull National Park in 2008.

From Skaftafell Nature Reserve, you'll next visit one of Iceland's most impressive sites, nicknamed the 'Crown Jewel of Iceland.' 

Jokulsarlon is a glacier lagoon formed as huge icebergs break away from the outlet glacier Breidamerkurjokull and float on serene waters before they drift off to sea. You'll see icebergs of different sizes and colors pass you by. Remember to watch for resident seals, sometimes visible from the shore, playing on the icebergs.

Just beside the lagoon is Diamond Beach, known for its glistening icebergs that wash ashore on a black volcanic sand beach, creating a fascinating contrast.

You can then enter some of the most amazing natural phenomena Iceland offers, the otherworldly ice caves. The mesmerizing cave walls and stunning surrounding nature are a unique experience.

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.

If you visit between November and March, you will see the blue cave in the Vatnajokull glacier. During any other month, you will visit the Katla ice cave inside Iceland's fourth largest glacier, Myrdalsjokull.

You will spend the evening in one of the cozy accommodations in Southeast Iceland near Vatnajokull National Park, a remote location where you can enjoy the northern lights.

On the sixth day of your winter vacation in Iceland, you will visit the beautiful Eastfjords, a remote region in Iceland. 

Often overlooked by visitors because of its distance from Reykjavik, the Eastfjords represent the best rural Iceland offers. 

During your minibus tour here, your small group will see fantastic scenery, remote fishing villages, sparkling lakes, dense forests, and traditional farms.

An area still relatively wild, the region is known for its abundant animal activity. You may be able to spot wild reindeer roaming the wintery open plains. Brought initially to Iceland from Norway to be farmed, the reindeer now roam freely as their agricultural value failed to prosper.

There will be several stops throughout the day. One of the most exciting is your time at Lake Lagarfljot, rumored to be inhabited by a mythical sea snake. This wyrm is said to be a cousin to Scotland's more famous Loch Ness monster. 

Besides the lake, other highlight stops include the coastal villages of East Iceland. 

Today, you also have the option to join a horse riding tour. Saddle up and take in more breathtaking scenery from the back of an Icelandic horse. The breed is one of the oldest and purest in the world, famous for its calm and friendly temperament and prepared for the cold with its thick, shaggy coat.

You can also enjoy the geothermal waters of the Vok Baths next to Egilsstadir. Geothermal bathing is an excellent way to relax after a day of sightseeing in the cold winter environment of the region. 

You will end the day in comfortable accommodation in  East Iceland, near the capital, Egilsstadir. The town is the region's primary service, transportation, and tourism center. 

While in the area, take your chance to stroll along its charming streets with quaint shops and restaurants.

On your eighth day in Iceland, you'll explore more of Akureyri and the hidden gems of the northern region. Before leaving the town, find out why it serves as the country's second-largest urban center and explore downtown to get a glimpse of the local culture through its restaurants and cafes.

From Akureyri, you will head west to the picturesque village of Hauganes. From here, you will embark on a thrilling whale-watching adventure, marveling over marine creatures such as humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

Your whale-watching tour will take you on a boat ride from Hauganes to the Eyjafjordur fjord, the longest fjord in Iceland. As your boat glides across the tranquil fjord, surrounded by stunning mountainous landscapes, the anticipation builds.

Hopefully, you won't have to wait long to spot the gentle giants of the sea. The fjord is home to these majestic creatures, even when the country is covered in snow from September to March.

Throughout the tour, the experienced guides will share their wealth of knowledge about the marine ecosystem, its inhabitants, and the importance of conservation efforts. 

You'll learn exciting trivia and folklore about the wildlife and landscapes of the region to make your experience more thrilling.

When your time in Hauganes is over, you will head to the "Troll of the Northwest," Hvitserkur rock stack. This peculiar miracle of nature stands at around 49 feet (15 meters) high and resembles a horse, elephant, or dragon bending down to drink.

If you have time, you can hike down Hvitserkur for a closer look or to the nearby viewing deck. You can marvel at or photograph its beauty from a distance on the viewing deck.

In the evening, you will stay in your comfortable accommodation in West Iceland, where you can enjoy the relaxing hot tubs and look out for the northern lights above.

On the ninth day of your winter vacation in Iceland, you’ll discover the Snaefellsnes peninsula, a region renowned for its diverse and awe-inspiring features, earning it the nickname "Iceland in Miniature."

Snaefellsnes Peninsula features rugged cliffs, black sand beaches, and the iconic Snaefellsjokull volcano, often referred to as the "gateway to the center of the Earth" in Jules Verne's novel. 

As you encounter the charming fishing towns along the peninsula's coastline, prepare to be enchanted. You will immerse yourself in the picturesque beauty of these rustic settlements, discovering their essence and unique character. 

One of the major stops for today's itinerary is the iconic Mount Kirkjufell, a mountain of distinct shape that proudly towers over the village of Grundarfjordur. Its photogenic allure has made it one of the most photographed mountains in all of Iceland.

Continuing your exploration, you'll travel through the Snaefellsjokull National Park, where you can see more natural beauty. Marvel at the stark and imposing beauty of the mountain that gives the park its name.

A magnificent ice cap sits on top of the mountain. This ethereal sight makes the landscape even more beautiful. It towers over the peninsula at around 4,744 feet (1,446 meters).

After your immersive experience in the Snaefellsnes peninsula, you can embark on a thrilling lava-caving adventure in the spectacular cave of Vidgelmir. 

Venture deep underground into the earth and witness the mesmerizing formations and geological wonders created by ancient volcanic activity. Select this option when booking to add excitement to your itinerary today.

As the day winds down, you will head toward your accommodation for the evening in West Iceland. Before enjoying a comfortable night's sleep, venture out of your hotel and gaze upon the skies to see the aurora borealis.

Be sure to get plenty of sleep as your adventures in Iceland will continue tomorrow.