Northern Lights & Hidden Gems

Welcome to the lively capital of Iceland, Reykjavik! Get ready for an exciting adventure full of cultural wonders, picturesque views - and best of all, an opportunity to chase the famous Northern Lights.

If you arrive early, today is a free day to explore the city at leisure. Why not check out some of the museums, galleries, restaurants and historic landmarks that line the streets?

Take a walk along Reykjavik's oldest shopping street, Laugavegur or get a bird's eye view of the city from the iconic Hallgrimkirkja Church, which was inspired by the Svartivoss Waterfall. Visit one of the city's exciting museums - the National Museum, the Reykjavik Museum of Photography, Culture House, or even the Phallological Museum (the only one in the world) all come to mind!

In the evening, you will get the chance to join a Northern Lights boat tour, accompanied by an expert aurora guide. Setting course under pitch-black skies, we will search above for the wonderous emerald light show.

Reykjavik - Kirkjubajarklaustur. Today we visit exciting sites along Iceland's Golden Circle route. Our first stop is Thingvellir National Park, where you'll be amazed by the geological marvels shaped by the shifting tectonic plates. Stand on the historic grounds of the world's oldest parliament and feel the deep connection to Iceland's past. Afterwards, prepare to be mesmerized by the mighty Strokkur geyser erupting at the Geysir Geothermal Area, a thrilling display of nature's power.

Next, we'll witness the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, known as the 'Golden Waterfall' for its majestic beauty. Our adventure continues as we explore the enchanting Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, offering unique experiences to walk behind the cascading water and witness captivating rainbows.

As the day comes to a close, we'll settle into the peaceful village of Kirkjubajarklaustur. During winter, our rural hotel becomes an ideal base for spotting the magical Northern Lights.

Kirkjubajarklaustur - Hofn. We continue along the South Coast route today. Our first stop is Reynisfjara black sand beach, known for its remarkable waves, stunning basalt columns and pitch-black volcanic sand.

After the beach, there will be a change of scenery as we head towards icy glaciers. If visiting between October and April, we will enjoy a guided tour through the Crystal Ice Cave. Otherwise, we will embark on a 3-hour hike through Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park. This will give us the opportunity to get up close and personal with Europe's biggest glacier, Vatnajokull.

Next stop will be the jaw-dropping Myradalsjokull Glacier, home to the Katia Volcano, and her neighbour, the notorious Eyjafjalljökull. Afterwards, we visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the most famous ice lagoon in the world. Witness the crystalline icefloes before walking towards Diamond Beach, another stunning coastline beach decorated with icebergs and coal-black sand.

Tonight, we will arrive in Hofn - the lobster capital of Iceland. The dark nights in the area are, once again, perfect for spotting the elusive Northern Lights!

Hofn - Egilsstadir. Heading away from Iceland's traditional tourist path, we journey along the coastline of the Eastern Fjords to the charming fishing village of Djúpivogur in the unspoiled East Fjords. View the renowned sculpture work, Eggin of Gleðivík, representing the eggs of 34 bird species nesting in the area.

Next, embark on a fabulous scenic hike to Iceland's second-highest waterfall, Hengifoss, and witness the enchanting Litlanesfoss waterfall. Keep an eye out for Iceland's iconic reindeer as we drive along and enjoy some reindeer gazing and photography if we spot them.

Tonight, we rest in the riverside town of Egilstaðir, ready for more exciting adventures tomorrow.

Egilsstadir - Akureyri. Leaving Egilsstaðir, we head to Möðrudalur, the highest inhabited farm in Iceland, with a delightful surprise - the country's highest coffee house.

Weather permitting, our first stop will be a visit to the awe-inspiring Dettifoss Waterfall. Prepare to be mesmerized by the thunderous cascades and intense roaring waters.

At mystical Lake Mývatn, we explore Námaskarð's geothermal wonderland and visit Hverfjall Crater and Dimmuborgir lava formations for more breathtaking views.

Relax at the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can opt to bathe in soothing mineral-rich blue waters (pay locally), and then visit the historic Goðafoss waterfall, rich in Icelandic history, and the site where Icelanders first embraced Christianity in the year 1000 AD.

We spend the night in Akureyri, known for its stunning fjords, charming downtown, and excellent restaurants.

Akureyri - Laugarbakki. Today we hope to get up close to some of the giants of the natural world. Iceland is well known for the diversity of whales and dolphins that inhabit its waters. Our three-hour whale-watching cruise departs from the fishing town of Dalvik, and we hope to see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and perhaps even a blue whale - though the species to spot will depend on the time of year you travel. You can also try some fishing if you fancy, with a chance to taste what you catch!

After whale-watching, we explore Dalvík its with stunning views and a reputation for skiing. Continuing to Sigluförður, admire colorful houses reflecting the town's herring-based past.

Afterwards, we drive along the Trollaskagi Peninsula, taking in quaint fishing hamlets and agricultural areas. On the way to our accommodation, we'll pass through Skagaförður, a beautiful fjord featuring islands like Drangey. This island, with steep sea cliffs from a 700,000-year-old volcano, is the setting of Grettis Saga, where the outlaw Grettir found refuge with his brother Illugi and slave Glaumur.

Arriving in Laugarbakki, we will have another chance to look for the Northern Lights in the evening.

Laugarbakki - Reykjavik. We make our return journey to Reykjavik today. There are numerous stops along our route through Borgarfjordur, Iceland's western region. These include the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring and the legendary Barnafoss waterfall. We also see the Hraunfossar cascade, the low and wide falls where the water emerges straight from the lava field. There's also a stop in picturesque Reykholt before we arrive back in the capital.

We'll pass through the scenic Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), before arriving in Reykjavik between 17:00 - 18:00.

In the evening, join our Northern Lights minibus tour. Our expert guides monitor the aurora forecast to ensure the perfect spot to witness the magical Northern Lights. Get ready for an enchanting experience, and perhaps your last chance to witness the stunning emerald aurora!

A leisurely day for you to further see the sights of this beautiful city, as the tour comes to an end after breakfast.

Take this chance to wander down new paths, go for a scenic bike ride, or enjoy nature. Seltjarnarnes and Mosfellsbær are both mountain-view peninsulas easily reached by bus from Reykjavik. A visit to Reykjavik Botanical Gardens is also a great option - visit the hot spring pools where women used to do their laundry or take a dip in Laugardalslaug, Iceland’s largest swimming pool.

With endless options, from nature, to shopping, to restaurants and museums, be sure to make the most of your final day in the vibrant Reykjavik!