Iceland – Reykjavík & the Northern Lights - 4 days

Day 1

Fly to Reykjavík's Keflavik Airport, meet your tour manager and make the short transfer into the capital. You'll have the rest of the day free. The fascinating city of Reykjavík, or Smoky Bay sits on a promontory jutting into the crystal clear waters of Faxaflói Bay, and is framed by majestic Mount Ejsa. The city’s brightly painted wooden buildings stand in sharp contrast to the stunning beauty of its setting, surrounded by water, distant ice and lava fields dotted with geysers and thermal springs. With a host of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops, Reykjavík justifies its claim to be among Europe’s hippest cities, despite its remote location. This evening, why not head to one of the many eateries in the compact city-centre, which range from the usual fast-food outlets to a host of restaurants serving traditional Icelandic and international cuisine? Seafood is hugely popular, and don’t miss the Icelandic lamb – said to be the best in the world. Wine is notoriously expensive, but beer is a refreshingly cheaper option, with several recently opened craft breweries adding local choice alongside the international brands.

Day 2

This morning’s included guided tour will be the ideal way to get acquainted with Reykjavík and its surroundings. Among the highlights will be the extraordinary Pearl, a collection of disused water tanks now crowned with a glass dome and converted into a conference centre and meeting place. Take in the views of the city and the harbour beyond from its viewing platform. You’ll also see the Presidential Residence, in its idyllic shore-side setting at Bessastaðir, and the brightly coloured fishing town of Hafnarfjord, as well as the Icelandic Houses of Parliament, the Lutheran Cathedral, the University Quarter and the towering Hallgrim’s Church, Iceland’s tallest – and most memorable – building. This afternoon you'll have the chance to explore Reykjavík further under your own steam, although many will want to join our optional excursion to the world-renowned Blue Lagoon outdoor spa. No visit to Iceland is complete without a dip in these bubbling geothermal pools.

Day 3

Today gives you the opportunity to experience "Iceland in a Nutshell", on our hugely popular Golden Circle tour. Join our tour manager for an unforgettable day that includes visits to extraordinary Þingvellir, a great lava arena deep in the Continental Rift valley where the world’s oldest national parliament (the Alþingi) was established in 930AD, and to Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest freshwater lake. You’ll also see the active geothermal area site where the original Geysir is now all but extinct, but where its near neighbour, the Strokkur waterspout, erupts impressively every 10 minutes or so. Your fascinating tour will end with a visit to the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, perhaps Iceland’s most beautiful natural wonder. This evening brings the highlight of your break – your included trip out of the city in search of a sighting of the Northern Lights. This truly awe-inspiring celestial wonder is caused by the interaction of solar particles with the polar atmosphere, and is a never-to-be-forgotten sight should you be lucky enough to see it. It's a fitting end to your final night in Iceland.

Day 4

Transfer back to the airport to board your flight back to the UK at the end of a wonderful few days.