Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights

Experience the iconic sights of Iceland as you gasp in awe at the exploding hot springs in Geysir and lose yourself in the Northern Lights dancing overhead in Reykjavik. From the thundering waterfalls of Skógafoss and the majesty of the Hekla volcano, to the allure of the Golden Circle and the earth shaking Mid-Atlantic Ridge, this one-week tour has it all. Uncover Iceland’s volcanic history at the Lava Centre en route to Vik, visit a geothermal bakery in Fontana where fresh bread is dug out of the hot ground before your very eyes and hone your horticulture skills at the massive greenhouse tomato farms in Friðheimar. Discover how Iceland was settled at a fascinating exhibit in Borgarnes and conclude your tour with a Local Expert in Old Reykjavik, as they guide you through the capital.
Dining Summary

6 Breakfast (B), 4 Dinner (D)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities, Reykjavik: Experience the magic of Iceland on an exhilarating flight-ride at FlyOver. This seated ride combines state-of-the-art technology and special effects to show you Iceland's spectacular scenery, it really feels like you are flying!, Reykjavik: Experience the natural wonders of Iceland on a visit to the Perlan Museum. Learn about glaciers, volcanoes and the Northern Lights through interactive displays.

Additional Included Highlights

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary., Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels., We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door., From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination., Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available)., If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Authentic Dining

Reykjavik: This evening, delight in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant where you round off your journey through one of the world's most naturally beautiful places.

Insight Choice

Reykjavik: Experience the magic of Iceland on an exhilarating flight-ride at FlyOver. This seated ride combines state-of-the-art technology and special effects to show you Iceland's spectacular scenery, it really feels like you are flying!, Reykjavik: Experience the natural wonders of Iceland on a visit to the Perlan Museum. Learn about glaciers, volcanoes and the Northern Lights through interactive displays.

Insight Experiences

Borgarnes: Meet the lovable horses of Iceland - the original Viking horses and vital servants of the first Icelanders to arrive in this vast, wild county. Learn why they have two more gaits than most other breeds of horses, and how their double-layered coat enables them to withstand Iceland's tough winters., Fridheimar: Explore a local farm and sample their sweet-tasting, homegrown tomatoes. Meet the family to learn about Icelandic horticulture and growing the tastiest tomatoes, all the while respecting the surrounding nature.

Make Travel Matter

Hellisheidavirkjun: Visit Iceland's newest geothermal heat and electric power station, the second largest of its kind in the world. Hear about how this plant has helped Iceland achieve 70% of the country's energy consumption through renewable energy sources. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

Top Rated Highlights

Reykjavik: Witness nature's most spectacular light show, the Aurora Borealis., Skogafoss: Admire the majestic beauty of these two impressive waterfalls., Hvolsvollur: See the magnificent volcanoes of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull., Thingvellir National Park: The Parliamentary Plains are the most important historic site in the country, as the meeting place of the Althing, the world's oldest parliament that was founded in A.D. 930., Reykjavik: Enjoy views of the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls as you drive through glorious landscapes., Reykjavik: Explore the city. See the old town centre, the parliament building, Höfði House, the colourful harbour and the Hallgrímskirkja., Gullfoss Falls: The spectacular two-tiered waterfall, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara falls, drops a total of 32 metres, while spanning the entire width of the Hvítá River., Geysir: Visit the famous spouting Geysir which has become synonymous with hot springs all around the world.

Well-being

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches., Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Day 1 / The Viking City of Reykjavík

Welcome to Iceland. At Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Join your Travel Director and traveling companions at 18:15 for your Welcome Reception and enjoy the opportunity to get to know each other, over a pleasant evening of wine and canapés. Afterwards, search for the most spectacular show on Earth— the northern lights. See the breathtaking night sky filled with the aurora borealis and its vast spectrum of colour. Please note the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Day 2 / South Shore Adventure to Vík Relaxed Start

Take a journey through the stunning landscape of Iceland's south coast and through the land of Njál‘s Saga–a region of breathtaking scenery and legendary stories. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun. Your journey continues, as you witness the majesty of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Stand awestruck by the beauty of these thundering waterfalls, before venturing on to view more spectacular phenomena. See the magnificent Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes. Arrive in the welcoming community of Vík. Later, perhaps enjoy another chance to go in search of the mystical northern lights?

Day 3 / The Golden Circle to Flúðir

Embark on a day of discovery around Iceland's Golden Circle, taking in some of the famous landmarks this magical country has to offer. Experience the mighty Gullfoss waterfalls - the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls, before continuing on to the exploding hot springs at Geysir. Next stop is Friðheimar, to learn about Icelandic greenhouse horticulture. Visit a family-run vegetable farm, specialising in tomatoes. Explore their greenhouses and sample the sweet, unique flavour of their lovingly grown crop. Our final stop today offers the perfect opportunity to unwind at the Secret Lagoon, or Gamla Laugin as it's locally known, in an optional experience of pure relaxation. Established in 1891, this historic pool is Iceland’s oldest, inviting you to soak in its warm, natural waters.

Day 4 / Thingvellir, Borgarnes and Húsafell Relaxed Start

Your first visit today will be to Thingvellir National Park, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The first meeting of the Icelandic parliament was held here in A.D. 930. Journey along the trail of Viking warrior and poet Egill Skallagrímsson. In Borgarnes, learn about Iceland's history with a fascinating visit to the Icelandic Settlement Centre. Enjoy the views of the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, as you traverse glorious landscapes before stopping at Sturlureykir Horse Farm, a local family-run breeding farm.The farm also features a natural hot spring, where geothermal water is used to bake rye bread underground. Savour the taste of this freshly baked rye bread, a family recipe for over 100 years.

Day 5 / Reykjavík sightseeing Relaxed Start

Journey back to the Icelandic capital and see Old Reykjavík, the 19th-century parliament building and Höfði House. In 1986, US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev met here for the famous Reykjavík Summit. Later, visit the colourful harbour and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja, the largest modern church in Iceland, standing 74.5 metres tall and visible from almost anywhere in  the city.  The afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 6 / Reykjavik Your Way Relaxed Start

Explore Reykjavík with Insight Choice. Choose to experience the magic of Iceland on an exhilarating flight-ride at FlyOver to see incredible scenery from sweeping glaciers to stunning fjords. Alternatively, visit the Perlan Museum with the Wonders of Iceland, one of a kind exhibition to experience Iceland’s natural beauty. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in the city. Perhaps unwind in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, take a stroll along the striking coastline, or explore the vibrant cafes and boutiques of the capital. With your newfound friends, toast to the culmination of your fascinating journey of discovery during dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7 / Farewell Reykjavík

Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.