Iceland Golden Circle & Northern Lights Experience
Tour the Golden Circle & chase the Northern Lights
This 4-night getaway gives you the chance to experience the vibrant city of Reykjavik, with a guided visit to the stunning Golden Circle route in southwest Iceland, connecting Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to see the incredible Northern Lights!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Reykjavik into Keflavik Airport (KEF)
- Arrival and departure transfer via Flybus Airport Shuttle
- 4 nights in Reykjavik at the Hotel Klopp, CenterHotel Skjaldbreid, CenterHotel Plaza, or similar
- Golden Circle Classic Full-Day Guided Tour
- Northern Lights Guided Evening Tour
- Daily breakfast
Great Ways to Explore
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Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland is a bucket list destination every traveler has to see.
- See Iceland’s most popular attraction, the Golden Circle, a UNESCO National Park of Geological Wonders.
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Experience the Northern Lights - a spectacular natural phenomenon that only takes place during winter months.
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Reykjavík is cosmopolitan and small-town; vibrant and sophisticated; young-at-heart and yet full of history.
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During your exploration of Iceland you’ll see a range of landscapes from thundering waterfalls to exploding geysers!
Iceland’s land and culture were forged by fire and ice – creating a place of dramatic contrasts; where steaming lava fields reflect a volcanic nature and where massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords.
Reykjavík – the northernmost capital of the world – also embodies these bold contrasts: it is both cosmopolitan and small-town; vibrant and sophisticated; young-at-heart and yet full of history. With top-class restaurants and cuisine, unique culture, sparkling nightlife and amazing attractions within easy reach, Reykjavik has it all.
Your vacation includes a full-day guided tour of the must-see “Golden Circle” – made up of the Geysir geothermal field, Gullfoss Waterfall, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Thingvellir National Park – and a guided evening tour to hunt for the Northern Lights – the spectacular natural phenomenon also known as Aurora Borealis.
In addition you’ll have a full, free day to enjoy Reykjavik’s famous natural offerings, arts and culture, renowned dining, local designer shopping, health and wellness facilities, and/or exciting nightlife!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Reykjavik into Keflavik Airport (KEF)
- Arrival and departure transfer via Flybus Airport Shuttle
- 4 nights in Reykjavik at the Hotel Klopp, CenterHotel Skjaldbreid, CenterHotel Plaza, or similar
- Golden Circle Classic Full-Day Guided Tour
- Northern Lights Guided Evening Tour
- Daily breakfast
-
Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland is a bucket list destination every traveler has to see.
- See Iceland’s most popular attraction, the Golden Circle, a UNESCO National Park of Geological Wonders.
-
Experience the Northern Lights - a spectacular natural phenomenon that only takes place during winter months.
-
Reykjavík is cosmopolitan and small-town; vibrant and sophisticated; young-at-heart and yet full of history.
-
During your exploration of Iceland you’ll see a range of landscapes from thundering waterfalls to exploding geysers!
Iceland’s land and culture were forged by fire and ice – creating a place of dramatic contrasts; where steaming lava fields reflect a volcanic nature and where massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords.
Reykjavík – the northernmost capital of the world – also embodies these bold contrasts: it is both cosmopolitan and small-town; vibrant and sophisticated; young-at-heart and yet full of history. With top-class restaurants and cuisine, unique culture, sparkling nightlife and amazing attractions within easy reach, Reykjavik has it all.
Your vacation includes a full-day guided tour of the must-see “Golden Circle” – made up of the Geysir geothermal field, Gullfoss Waterfall, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Thingvellir National Park – and a guided evening tour to hunt for the Northern Lights – the spectacular natural phenomenon also known as Aurora Borealis.
In addition you’ll have a full, free day to enjoy Reykjavik’s famous natural offerings, arts and culture, renowned dining, local designer shopping, health and wellness facilities, and/or exciting nightlife!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
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Day 1. Welcome to Reykjavik!
Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival at Reykjavik/Keflavik Airport, you’ll take a Flybus transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik. (The transfer coaches are parked outside the arrival hall, and are marked “Flybus”). The remainder of the day is yours at leisure, to begin exploring this vibrant city!
This evening, you’ll be picked up at your hotel for the Northern Lights tour. Watching the fantastic colors of the Northern Lights dance across the arctic sky is an unforgettable experience, and Iceland is one of the best places to see them. They are mostly observed on crisp, still evenings, and the tour heads away from the city lights to give you the best chance of witnessing this spectacular natural phenomenon.
Please note: this tour is only operated under good weather conditions – so if it is canceled, or if you are not able to view the Northern Lights while on the tour, you can re-book again for the following evening (or the next), without any extra charge.
Transfer to Reykjavik hotel
This family-friendly Reykjavik hotel is a minute walk away from the nearest bust station and a 15-minute walk from the Laugavegur, Hallgrimskirkja, and Reykjavik City Hall. The National Museum of Iceland and Perlan are also within two miles.
You will enjoy modern, Scandinavian style decor in these warm and comfortable accommodations. Guest rooms include all the amenities a traveler needs to stay comfortable, such as a TV, private bathroom, mini-bar, and free Wi-Fi.
Guests can indulge in the breakfast buffet in the morning, and relax in the bar or sitting area at night. The hotel also offers a Northern Lights wake-up service.
Be in the center of the action at CenterHotel Skjaldbreid, located on Reykjavik’s main shopping street in close vicinity to cafés, restaurants and colorful shops. Each of the 33 bright and comfortable rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee and tea making facilities and minibars. A complimentary breakfast buffet is served from 7am to 10 am daily, and guests can relax in a posh sitting area with computer access. You will be within short walking distance from the National Gallery of Iceland, Hallgrímskirkja cathedral and the stainless-steel Sun Voyager sculpture.
Northern Lights Evening Guided Tour
Tonight you’ll be picked up at your hotel for the Northern Lights tour! Watching the fantastic colors of the Northern Lights dance across the arctic sky is an unforgettable experience, and Iceland is one of the best places to see them.
Your guide will take you on an escape away from the city lights, giving you the best chance to to give you the best chance of witnessing this spectacular natural phenomenon.
Day 2. Reykjavik
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a full-day, guided tour of Iceland’s most incredible “must-see” natural wonders and geological phenomena – the famed Golden Circle.
Golden Circle Classic (Full Day)
The Golden Circle Tour takes you on a wondrous circular journey through the heart of Iceland’s Southern Region, stopping at some of Iceland’s most iconic sites. You will visit historical places of Iceland and see incredible Icelandic nature, all in one day. The Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall have their own stories to tell.
Rich History & Colliding Continents at Thingvellir National Park: The first stop during the Golden Circle tour is at Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir is an attraction of great historical, geological, and cultural significance. Thingvellir is located in a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. The UNESCO designated World Heritage Site is also the birthplace of the Althing - Iceland’s parliament founded in 930 AD, where the nation’s most powerful leaders would meet to decide on legislation and carry out brutal Viking-age justice. Thingvellir became Iceland’s first national park in 1930. It is also home to Iceland’s largest natural lake, Thingvallavatn.
Majestic Gullfoss Falls: Another stop during Iceland Golden Circle is Gullfoss (Golden Falls). Gullfoss waterfall gets its name from the golden color of its water as it churns up silt and sediment. The magnificent waterfalls lie in the Hvitá River and are fed by Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. In total, Gullfoss is 105 feet high, falling two tiers that are 35 and 65 feet high, respectively. Gullfoss is also at the center of one of Iceland’s most famous acts of environmental activism. Back in the early 20th century, developers wanted to dam the mighty waterfall to generate electricity, but through the will and determination of Sigriður Tómasdóttir, Gullfoss was saved. Extra time is allotted at this location for a lunch break at Gullfoss Café.
Bubbling with Excitement at Geysir Geothermal Area: The last stop on the Golden Circle tour is at Geysir geothermal area, which is located in the Haukadalur valley and is the scenic home of the infamous Geysir hot spring. To visit is to pay your respects to the progenitor of all geysers, as Geysir is the geyser for which all others are named. Geysir doesn’t erupt often but is surrounded by bubbling cauldrons of super-heated mud, steaming pools, and Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every 6-10 minutes. The smells, colors, and eruptions at this popular destination are a window into all the geothermal activity happening across (and beneath) Iceland, making all those hot tubs, swimming pools, greenhouses, and geothermal energy possible.
Day 3. Reykjavik
Enjoy a full free day at leisure. Although the city of Reykjavík is a metropolis in every sense, it's been carefully developed and crafted around a number of easily accessible recreational areas and country parks. With an extensive network of well-maintained footpaths and cycling routes winding through the city’s numerous parks and nature reserves, you won’t have to travel far to take a quick break from city life and explore nature.
Don't forget to stop by the famous church; consider climbing up to the top for sweeping views of the city below!
Day 4. Reykjavik
Spend today exploring Reykjavik at leisure. Explore the culture house or one of the many art museums. Or perhaps you'd like to stroll through the colorful streets and shop the boutiques.
A Tip For Your Trip: At some point today, please ask the hotel staff for assistance with confirming your Flybus Plus transfer to the airport tomorrow.
Day 5. Depart Iceland
If your flight is in the afternoon, use your last moments to walk along the harbor seafront and breathe the fresh Atlantic breeze. Based on your pre-arranged time, you will be met by Flybus at your hotel, and transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Transfer to Reykjavik airport (KEF)
Fly home!
Where available, the Flexible Change Plan allows you to change your travel date for ANY reason (between 30 days and 14 days before planned departure). You will receive a Future Travel Credit for the entire amount you paid. Please note that prepaid instant purchase airfares and group airfare are not eligible for the Flexible Change Plan and are subject to airline-imposed change or cancellation fees based on airline rules at the time that the change is requested. You must rebook using the original air carrier at least 14 days prior to your originally scheduled departure and complete travel at least 1 year from original booking date. Additional fees may apply. Future travel credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and may not be redeemed for cash.