Iceland Northern Lights
Iceland Northern Lights
Iceland Northern Lights
5 Days Starting and ending in London, UK
Visiting: Reykjavík, Raufarhólshellir, Urriðafoss, Hella, Skógafoss, Skógar Museum, Seljalandsfoss, Hótel Skálholt, Gullfoss Falls, Strokkur, Hotel Reykjavík Grand, Perlan, Aurora Guesthouse, Laugarvatn Fontana, Reykjanes, Reykjanes Lighthouse, Grindavik, Seltún Geothermal Area, Kleifarvatn
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BICE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Physical rating:
Medium, Moderate
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Seeing the Northern Lights* is a bucket-list item for many of us, but Aurora Borealis aside, Iceland offers a host of attractions, quite unlike anywhere else in the world. From geothermal dips to moonlit trips, this tour is a Who’s Who of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It may be the focus of our tour, but the Aurora Borealis is only one of the many natural wonders present in Iceland. It’s unlikely you’ll find another country with such extensive otherworldly appeal: lunar lava-formed landscapes, thunderous waterfalls, moody geysers and glistening glaciers — and those are just the geological bits! On our tour of ReykjavÃk, the world’s most northerly capital, it becomes clear that even Iceland’s man-made efforts have that same air to them — the cavernous and craggy Lutheran church of HallgrÃmskirkja, seemingly more suited to a spot in Middle Earth than the North Atlantic; and the parliamentary buildings of Alþingi, thought to be the oldest parliament in the world. Bucket list at the ready... *The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore unpredictable. The order of the itinerary may be changed to accommodate the best viewing conditions but no guarantees of seeing the phenomenon can be given.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Reykjavík, Raufarhólshellir, Urriðafoss, Hella
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Stracta Hotel, Hella
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from London on our flight to Keflavik (other airports available on request).
On arrival in Keflavik we first enjoy a visit to Raufarholsellir Lava Tunnel. Here we enjoy a unique experience exploring the inner workings of a volcanic eruption before heading to Eyrarbakki Village then onto the Urriðafoss Waterfall with its impressive volume of cascade in the whole of Iceland.
We then continue to Hella and our accommodation at the Stracta Hotel. Hella is situated in the south and is a particularly good area to see the Northern Lights, as there is little artificial light. You don’t have to go far this evening other than stepping outside of the hotel to see the Northern Lights if they are visible.
Day 2
Location: Skógafoss, Skógar Museum, Seljalandsfoss
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Stracta Hotel, Hella
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast this morning we take a full day tour of south Iceland including Skogafoss waterfall and a visit to Skogar Folk Museum, which will give you a taste of how Icelanders lived in past centuries. We also enjoy a wonderfully unique experience where we walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall. On our journey we see some stunning views of glaciers and the famous black sand coastlines.
Day 3
Location: Hótel Skálholt, Gullfoss Falls, Strokkur, Hotel Reykjavík Grand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Reykjavík
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning after breakfast we check-out of the hotel. We embark on a full day tour including the remote Skalholt church and Ï·ingvellir National Park, where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America meet. This creates the stunning landscape we admire today, including the Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir Geothermal Area where we can see Strokkur erupt.
We continue to Reykjavik where we check-in to our hotel, the Grand Hotel Reykjavik.
Day 4
Location: Reykjavík, Perlan, Aurora Guesthouse, Laugarvatn Fontana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Reykjavík
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast, we enjoy a city tour of tour of Reykjavik. We begin at the Hallgrίmskirkja Church, the capital’s landmark with its magnificent 73m high steeple. We move on to the Icelandic parliament ‘Alϸhingi’ which was founded in AD930 and is considered the oldest Parliament in the world. Following lunch (not included) we visit the stunning Perlan with its 360 degrees viewing platform overlooking the city. We shall also have an introduction to the Northern Lights at the Aurora Reykjavic (The Northern Lights Centre).
This evening we drive via the UNESCO site of Ï·ingvellir National Park, towards Laugarvatn Fontana where we can bathe in the geothermal bath (towels are provided).
Dinner will be served in a local restaurant before we go in search of the Northern Lights.
Day 5
Location: Reykjanes, Reykjanes Lighthouse, Grindavik, Seltún Geothermal Area, Kleifarvatn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, we head towards the Reykjanes Peninsula which lies on one of the world’s major plate boundaries, the Mid Atlantic Ridge. Here we have the opportunity to walk across the Bridge between the Continents, a small footbridge over a major fissure which provides clear evidence of a diverging plate margin between Europe and North America. We continue past Reykjanes Lighthouse towards the Gunnuhver Hot Springs, a highly active geothermal area of mud pools and steam vents and home to the biggest mud pool in Iceland. Nearby is the beautiful fishing town of Grindavik, where we will stop for lunch (not included).
After lunch we will continue our journey towards Reykjavik, with stops at the Seltún geothermal area and Kleifarvatn Lake, the largest lake in the peninsula.Â
We then return to the airport in time for our return flight to London.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Services of a professional tour manager
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
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Meals - as per the itinerary
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
Reviews of this Operator
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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