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Guided Small Group Tours

8-Day Northern Lights Circle Tour - Iceland Winter Adventure

Embark on the ultimate 8-day winter adventure around Iceland's legendary Ring Road, designed specifically for northern lights enthusiasts and winter explorers. This small group guided tour takes you on a complete circle of Iceland during the magical winter months when the aurora borealis dances across the Arctic sky. From the iconic Golden Circle to the otherworldly landscapes of Lake Mývatn, from massive glaciers to dramatic black sand beaches, you'll experience the full spectrum of Iceland's winter wonders. With accommodations strategically located away from city lights and expert guides who know the best viewing spots, this tour maximizes your chances of witnessing the northern lights while exploring Iceland's most spectacular natural attractions.

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TOUR CODE
NL-14
SEASON
Winter
travel style
Guided Small Group Tours
Duration
8 Days
Location
Ring Road, South Iceland, North Iceland
accessibility
Not Recommended

The Itinerary

This itinerary can be offered throughout the year (some adjustments might be required depending on travel dates).

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Reykjavík

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When you arrive at Keflavík International Airport, a private driver will meet you and take you directly to your accommodation in downtown Reykjavík. After settling in, you'll have the rest of the day free to discover Iceland's vibrant capital city at your own pace. Stroll down Laugavegur, the main shopping street, where you'll find Icelandic design boutiques and cozy cafes serving exceptional coffee. Visit museums, try local restaurants, or simply wander the colorful streets soaking in the unique Nordic atmosphere. Overnight: Fosshótel Reykjavík or similar

Attractions of the day
Reykjavík City
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Laugavegur Shopping Street
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Hallgrímskirkja Church
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Harpa - Music Hall
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Sun Voyager - The Solfar Sculpture
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Day 2: Golden Circle Wonders

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Your guide will collect you from your hotel this morning to begin your journey around Iceland's famous Golden Circle route. This classic touring circuit showcases some of Iceland's most celebrated natural wonders. You'll explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk between two continental plates. Watch the powerful Strokkur geyser shoot boiling water high into the air at the Geysir geothermal area, then stand in awe before the thundering Gullfoss waterfall as it plunges into a dramatic canyon. A special highlight today is your visit to Friðheimar, an innovative farm where tomatoes grow year-round in geothermally heated greenhouses. You'll taste their famous tomato soup and meet their beautiful Icelandic horses. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your travel companions at your accommodation. Overnight: Hotel Grímsborgir or similar

Attractions of the day
Þingvellir National Park
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Geysir
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Gullfoss Waterfall
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Friðheimar
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Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches, and Northern Lights

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Today brings an incredible journey along Iceland's dramatic South Coast. Your first stop is the Lava Centre, an interactive exhibition that brings Iceland's volcanic history to life through innovative displays about earthquakes, eruptions, and geological evolution. Next, you'll visit Seljalandsfoss, a unique waterfall where you can walk behind the cascading water on a footpath for a truly magical perspective. Continue to Skógafoss, an impressive 60-meter-high waterfall that creates powerful spray and often displays beautiful rainbows. After exploring the Skógar Folk Museum to learn about traditional Icelandic life, you'll head to the striking Reynisfjara black sand beach near the village of Vík. Here, dramatic basalt columns called Reynisdrangar rise from the ocean, and steep cliffs create an otherworldly landscape. Your accommodation tonight is located far from city lights, providing an excellent opportunity to search for the northern lights after dinner. Overnight: Magma Hotel or similar

Attractions of the day
Seljalandsfoss
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Skógafoss
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Skógar Folk Museum
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Reynisfjara - Black Sand Beach
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Dyrhólaey
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Day 4: Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

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A full day of glacial wonders awaits you today. You'll begin by exploring Skaftafell, a stunning area within the vast Vatnajökull National Park known for its incredible natural beauty and surrounded by Iceland's highest peaks and largest glaciers. The highlight of the day is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs in shades of brilliant blue and pure white float serenely in the glacial waters. On clear days, you can see the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier stretching behind the lagoon. Just across the road, you'll walk along Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice from the glacier lagoon wash up on the black sand shore. Polished smooth by the ocean waves, these ice pieces glitter like diamonds in the sunlight, creating perfect photo opportunities against the dark volcanic sand. After dinner at your accommodation this evening, step outside to watch for the aurora borealis in the clear winter sky. Overnight: Hótel Höfn or similar

Attractions of the day
Vatnajökull glacier
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Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
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The Diamond Beach
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Kirkjubæjarklaustur
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Höfn
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Day 5: The Mystical East Fjords and Mývatn Nature Baths

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Today you'll discover one of Iceland's most remote and beautiful regions. Your guide will take you through the majestic East Fjords, where tranquil fishing villages nestle between narrow fjords and rugged mountains. During winter months, you might spot reindeer that have descended from the highlands to spend the season near the sea. You'll stop in the charming villages of Stöðvarfjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður. The latter is particularly interesting for its French heritage and houses a fascinating Northern Lights Photo Exhibition. Your final destination is the remarkable Lake Mývatn area, known for its unusual volcanic landscapes and as one of Iceland's premier locations for viewing the northern lights thanks to its favorable altitude and geography. Overnight: Hótel Laxá or similar

Attractions of the day
Egilsstaðir
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Fáskrúðsfjörður
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Lake Mývatn
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Northern Lights
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Day 6: Lake Mývatn Wonders and Charming Akureyri

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Begin your day exploring the surreal, moon-like landscapes around Lake Mývatn. You'll visit Námaskarð geothermal area with its bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, and the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, unique geological formations created by steam explosions when lava flowed over wetlands. These winter landscapes take on an especially magical quality with snow and ice adding to their otherworldly appearance. Next, you'll stop at Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods," one of Iceland's most beautiful and historically significant waterfalls. You'll then have free time to explore Akureyri, Iceland's charming northern capital. This coastal town offers excellent museums, boutique shops, cafes, and a picturesque harbor area. After browsing Akureyri, you'll continue through the Skagafjörður region to your accommodation for dinner. Overnight: Hofsstaðir Country Hotel or similar

Attractions of the day
Lake Mývatn
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Námafjall Geothermal Area
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Skútustaðir Pseudo Craters
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Goðafoss
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Akureyri
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Day 7: West Iceland and Return to Reykjavík

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Your journey continues through West Iceland's beautiful Borgarfjörður region today. You'll visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, where you can feel the incredible geothermal power as steam rises from the earth. Nearby, you'll see the spectacular twin waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, where crystal-clear water flows out from beneath a lava field. The final cultural stop is Reykholt, a site rich in Icelandic saga history as the home of Snorri Sturluson, the famous 13th-century writer, poet, and scholar. After this historical visit, you'll return to Reykjavík where you'll be dropped at your accommodation. The evening is yours to enjoy the capital city one last time. Overnight: Fosshótel Reykjavík or similar

Attractions of the day
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
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Hraunfossar Waterfalls
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Barnafoss Waterfall
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Reykholt
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Reykjavík City
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Day 8: Departure from Iceland

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Your Icelandic winter adventure comes to an end today. A shuttle bus will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to Keflavík International Airport in time for your flight home. If your flight departs later in the day, you have the option to add a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on your way to the airport, providing a relaxing conclusion to your journey through Iceland's winter wonderland.

Attractions of the day
Reykjavík City
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What's included in the tour

Included

  • Private airport transfer from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík
  • 7 nights accommodation in carefully selected hotels
  • Continental breakfast buffet daily at your accommodation
  • 3 dinners (Days 2, 3, and 4)
  • 1 welcome dinner with your group (Day 2)
  • Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour
  • Comfortable transportation in a modern vehicle
  • Entrance to Friðheimar greenhouse farm and tomato tasting
  • Entrance to the Lava Centre interactive exhibition
  • Entrance to Skógar Folk Museum
  • Entrance to Northern Lights Photo Exhibition in Fáskrúðsfjörður
  • Northern lights hunting opportunities on multiple evenings
  • All taxes and fees

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Not included

  • International flights to and from Iceland
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Lunches throughout the tour
  • Dinners on Days 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8
  • Optional Blue Lagoon visit (available as upgrade on arrival or departure day)
  • Personal expenses

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Discover local activities and adventures

Let your personal travel consultant know what other activities catch your eye and we’ll add them to your custom-made trip itinerary.

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Unwind in the perfect accommodations

We handpick accommodations to ensure memorable stays for every type of traveler.

Comfort

Experience a higher level of comfort with our carefully selected comfort accommodations, each offering private facilities including a shower and toilet for your convenience and privacy. These lodges fall under the 3-star hotel category, providing a perfect blend of quality and value. Most properties boast an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of meals without needing to venture far. In Reykjavik, all comfort accommodations are ideally situated in central locations, giving you easy access to the city’s main attractions, shopping districts, and vibrant cultural spots. This category represents a significant upgrade in both comfort and service compared to budget options, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a cozy yet affordable stay. To make your mornings hassle-free, a delicious breakfast is included with your stay.

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Quality

Our quality accommodations feature spacious private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, offering the choice of a relaxing bath or a refreshing shower, along with a private toilet to ensure maximum comfort and privacy. These rooms represent the best available lodging options, found within prestigious 4-star hotels or the finest, highest-quality lodges across each region. In Reykjavik, all quality accommodations are centrally located, placing you within easy reach of the city’s key attractions, shopping areas, and vibrant dining and cultural scenes. These accommodations provide an elevated experience with superior comfort, thoughtful amenities, and attentive service designed to make your stay truly memorable. To enhance your visit, a complimentary breakfast is included each morning, helping you start your day well-nourished and ready to explore.

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Luxury

Our luxury accommodations feature exquisite suites and premium rooms within top-tier lodges and resorts, offering an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. Designed with refined decor and upscale touches, these accommodations provide a seamless blend of style, comfort, and exclusivity. Personalized services cater to your every need, ensuring a truly indulgent and tailored experience. In Reykjavik, all luxury accommodations are centrally located, placing you at the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural scene, fine dining, shopping, and key attractions. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an immersive urban experience, these upscale lodgings deliver the perfect base. Classy, elegant, and supremely comfortable, our luxury options strive to provide a first-class stay marked by exceptional amenities, impeccable service, and attention to detail. Every aspect is carefully crafted to make your visit not just memorable, but extraordinary.

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Good to know

Prepare for your adventure with these essential tips and information for a smooth journey.

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What are my chances of seeing the northern lights on this tour?

This tour is specifically designed to maximize your northern lights viewing opportunities. You'll spend multiple nights in remote locations away from light pollution, and your guide will monitor aurora forecasts throughout the trip. However, the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings depend on weather conditions and solar activity. This tour operates during the winter months (typically September through April) when viewing conditions are optimal.

What is the group size for this tour?

This is a small group tour, which means you'll travel in an intimate setting with up to 16 like-minded travelers. Small groups allow for a more personalized experience, easier communication with your guide, and the flexibility to adjust plans if needed for optimal northern lights viewing.

What should I pack for this winter tour?

Iceland's winter weather requires proper preparation. Bring warm, waterproof layers including a quality winter jacket, waterproof pants, warm fleece or wool layers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good traction. Even in winter, weather can change quickly, so layering is essential. Don't forget your camera with extra batteries, as cold weather drains them quickly.

How much driving is involved each day?

Daily driving times vary from 7 to 11 hours depending on the itinerary, but this includes multiple stops at attractions, photo opportunities, and meal breaks. Your guide will ensure regular breaks, and Iceland's dramatic scenery makes the journey part of the adventure. The comfortable modern vehicle and small group size make long travel days enjoyable.

Can I add the Blue Lagoon to my tour?

Yes! You can upgrade your airport transfer on either arrival (Day 1) or departure (Day 8) to include a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. This is an optional extra and must be arranged in advance. It's a wonderful way to begin or end your Icelandic adventure with a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich geothermal waters.

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