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Type of tour:
Guided Tours
Best Seller

Iceland Complete – Winter Aurora Edition

Price p.p. from

Languages:

English

Duration:

9 days/8 nights

Operation:

1 Sep 2019 - 7 Apr 2021

Type of traveller

Adventurer
Nature Lover
Photographer

Experience the special “Aurora Edition” of our best-selling Iceland Complete Ring Road tour! You will visit all the main attractions of the legendary Ring Road, but with the added beauty—and northern lights—of an Icelandic winter.

It’s the “Aurora Edition” of our best-selling Ring Road Tour! You‘ll visit all the must-see attractions of the legendary Ring Road with the added beauty of an Icelandic winter. You‘ll also have the added value of overnighting in areas ideal for spotting northern lights on cold, clear nights! Plus traveling during this time of the year means fewer crowds and more of Iceland’s peaceful, tranquil nature. Popular places visited include the Glacier Lagoon, Lake Mývatn and all the famous sights of the Golden Circle.

Highlights

See Iceland‘s most popular sites and attractions along the famed Ring Road
Visit the world-famous Golden Circle natural wonders
Walk on the black sand beaches and see Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls along the south shore
Take in the majesty of Vatnajokull National Park that includes Skaftafell, the Glacier Lagoon and the Diamond Beach
Explore the magnificent East Fjords, home of wild reindeer and a legendary sea monster
Visit Akureyri, Siglufjordur and the Lake Myvatn region in North Iceland
View the hidden treasures of beautiful Borgarfjordur in West Iceland
Enjoy Icelandic cuisine made with fresh local ingredients
Take advantage of the Northern Lights wake-up calls and optional tours to increase your chances of seeing the amazing Northern Lights
Discover Iceland with our hand-picked local guides

Included

Guided Coach Tour from day 2 to day 8
Expert local English speaking guide from day 2 to day 8
Free Wi-Fi on board motor coach
2 hotel nights in standard rooms with private facilities in Reykjavik
6 hotel nights in standard rooms with private facilities in countryside
Daily Icelandic breakfast (except arrival day)
6 three-course local-cuisine dinners in the countryside with coffee/tea
Entrance to Laufas Folk Museum including Icelandic-style refreshments (day 6)
Horse Show in Skagafjordur (day 7)
Northern Lights hunting kit (use of flashlight, blanket)
Entrance to the Herring Museum (day 7)
Seat rotation during the tour
Great photo stops
Customer care service during office hours
24-hour Iceland Travel emergency line assistance while you are in Iceland

Added Value: Northern Lights Wake-Up Calls at selected hotels

Not Included

Breakfast on arrival day
International airfare
Round-trip transfers between Keflavik airport and Reykjavik
Dinners in Reykjavík (day 1 and 8)
Lunches
Beverages with meals other than coffee/tea and fresh tap water
Baggage porterage at airport and hotels
Guaranteed early check-in or late check-out (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland is 14:00 (2:00pm)
Optional tours and activities
Any service not specifically listed under “included”

Important

Little walking is required on this tour other than walking on mostly flat and paved or smooth paths.
- Day 5: Dettifoss- Good to know that the walking path between the parking lot and the waterfall is about 15- 20 minutes. It is an easy walk overall, heading downhill to the falls and uphill back to the parking lot.
Note: We reserve the right to alter routes without prior notice, due to road conditions
The Northern Lights are subject to the correct weather conditions and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Maximum size: 36 participants

Minimum size: Guaranteed with 2 participants

What to bring:

Comfortable outdoor shoes are recommended as there is some easy level walking on the tour
Bring wind and waterproof outerwear with you to Iceland
The weather in Iceland can change rapidly, we recommend dressing in layers for optimal comfort

Activity/Difficulty Level: 1 out of 5 (Very Easy)

Day 1: Arrival

Highlights: Reykjavik

On your own, transfer to Reykjavik. Airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers. If your flight lands early in the day, a great suggestion is to explore Reykjavik, the largest municipality in Iceland.

Ingolfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland, built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavik stands today. The town got its name “Smoky Bay” after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a deep impression on the first settlers.

Dinner is on your own. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.

Please note guaranteed early check-in is not included in the price. Most hotels begin check-in around 14:00 (2:00pm).

For all Northern Lights enthusiasts we recommend joining a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik tonight. Please let us know upon booking if you are interested in this option.

Important: If you have added extra nights in Reykjavík before your tour, the guide will meet your group for the start of the tour on Day 2 according to the standard “Winter Iceland Complete” itinerary.

*Northern Lights tours are subject to the correct weather conditions and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Day 2: Geysir - Gullfoss - Skogar - Dyrholaey - Vik

Highlights: Geysir Gullfoss Hekla Eyjafjallajokull Seljalandsfoss Skogafoss Reynisdrangar Cliffs Vík

Exploding Geysers – Waterfalls – Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore

Approximate distance: ca 325 km / 201 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Start the day with a short city sightseeing of Reykjavik. From Reykjavik head through the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi. Head on to the Golden Circle natural wonders. Explore Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, and the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss before continuing to Dyrholaey and the black sand beaches of Iceland’s South Shore. Continue to the village of Vik.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Vik area at either Icelandair Hotel Vik or Hotel Kria (according to advised accommodation list).

*Northern Lights wake-up call available on this night

Day 3: Skaftafell National Park - Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon - Hofn

Highlights: Katla Eldhraun Lava Field Skaftafell National Park Vatnajokull National Park Vatnajokull Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon Hofn

Lava Fields – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier

Approximate distance: ca 279 km / 173 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Continue your journey on the Ring Road. Cross Eldhraun, the largest lava flow recorded on the planet in historical times. Visit Kirkjubaejarklaustur town, the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. The tour continues over Skeidararsandur sands to Skaftafell, a beautiful glacial area within Vatnajokull National Park. Continue to the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon to see the birthplace of icebergs. Throughout the day you will also enjoy magnificent views of the mighty Vatnajokull Glacier.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Hofn area at Hotel Hofn (according to advised accommodation list).

*Northern Lights wake-up call available on this night

Day 4: Hofn - East Fjords - Egilsstadir

Highlights: Egilsstadir Lagarfljot Hallormsstadur

Narrow Fjords – Steep Mountains – Picturesque Coastline – Legendary Lake Monster

Approximate distance: ca 259 km / 161 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. Enjoy the amazing views: keep an eye out for wild reindeer, which can sometimes be seen in the area during the winter months. You’ll also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. The road brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. The area is also getting a name for itself for its excellent locally-sourced cuisine.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Egilsstadir area at Icelandair Hotel Herad (according to advised accommodation list).

*Northern Lights wake-up call available on this night

Day 5: Lake Myvatn Area

Highlights: Hverfjall Myvatn Krafla Dettifoss Vatnajokull National Park

Highland Desert – Bizarre Lava Formations – Geothermal & Volcanic Winter Wonderland

Approximate distance: ca 255 km / 158 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area. On the way, stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Myvatn area, including the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and the Laxa Salmon River.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Myvatn area at Sel-Hotel Myvatn (according to advised accommodation list).

*Northern Lights wake-up call available on this night

Day 6: Lake Myvatn Area - Akureyri - Siglufjordur

Highlights: Dimmuborgir Godafoss Akureyri Trollaskagi – Troll Peninsula Siglufjordur

“Waterfall of the Gods” – Turf-roofed Folk Museum – The Beautiful Troll Peninsula

Approximate distance: ca 215 km / 134 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Start the day by exploring the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Visit the magnificent Godafoss waterfall and the old turf farm Laufas. Afterwards, visit Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital „of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur Fjord. After spending some time in Akureyri, continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. This is a beautiful drive along steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and black sand coastline. The destination is Siglufjordur, set in a beautiful fjord of the same name. This town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. Siglufjordur is a very picturesque and easily walkable town for an evening stroll.

Dinner and overnight in Siglufjordur at Hotel Siglo (according to advised accommodation list).

*Northern Lights wake-up call available on this night

Day 7: Skagafjordur - Borgarnes

Highlights: The Herring Era Museum Skagafjordur Fjord Drangey Island Grabrok Borgarnes

Historical Museum – Fertile Farmlands – Glacial Rivers – Unique Viking Horse Demonstration

Approximate distance: ca 310 km / 193 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. This morning visit Siglufjordur’s award-winning Herring-Era Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Siglufjordur was transformed into a herring boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. Afterwards, head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to Skagafjordur, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait – the tolt. Continue towards the village of Blonduos built on both sides of the river Blanda. Hrutey Island, a protected nature reserve, sits within the centre of this popular Salmon River. Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau through Borgarfjordur to the beautiful town of Borgarnes.

Dinner and overnight stay in Borgarnes area at Icelandair Hotel Hamar (according to advised accommodation list).

*Northern Lights wake-up call available on this night

Day 8: Borgarfjordur - Thingvellir - Reykjavik

Highlights: Deildartunguhver Barnafoss Hraunfossar Hvalfjordur Fjord Thingvellir National Park Reykjavik

Europe’s Largest Hot Spring – Picturesque Waterfalls – National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO)

Approximate distance: ca 205 km / 127 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls before continuing via Hvalfjordur fjord to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world‘s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet.

Overnight stay in Reykjavik at Icelandair Hotel Natura (according to advised accommodation list). Dinner is on your own.

For all Northern Lights enthusiasts we recommend joining a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik tonight or contact your hotel reception to reschedule your tour if you booked a tour on your first night and it was not operated.

*Northern Lights tours are subject to the correct weather conditions and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Day 9: Departure

Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning departure flight. Transfer to the airport not included. We advise departing your hotel no later than three hours before your international flight. Airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your arrival day, you might use the opportunity to stop there now on your way to the airport.

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Iceland Complete Winter Aurora

Average rating:

1 reviews

Mar 9, 2019

by Heather on Iceland Complete Winter Aurora

Recently did the "Iceland Complete Winter Tour" with my boyfriend. We were not sure what to expect when we booked after deciding we didn't want to drive in Iceland during winter. We were really happy with our decision as it took so much stress out of the trip planning and we got to see so much in the 8 days, much more than we would have seen by ourselves and got lots of great context from guide who was great. Lots of scenery, culture, and photo stops - loved the introduction to the horses, learning about the sagas, and all the waterfalls.

Food was good, not fantastic but good, and we were really pleased that breakfast and dinner were included on most days. Our rooms each night were also clean and good quality - no complaints.

Would book with Iceland Travel again!

Map

FAQ

Where do I take the FlyBus from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik?

The FlyBus operates in connection with all arriving flights and your seat is always guaranteed. The FlyBus departs from Keflavik Airport 35-40 minutes after each flight arrival.

Tickets are sold at a booth and in a ticket automat in the arrivals hall – look to your right after you come out of customs, you can’t miss it! If you have a voucher, you need to exchange it for a ticket in the booth, before boarding the bus.

The bus takes you to BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, where passangers board smaller busses that take them to some of the major hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik. Total duration of the trip is 50-75 minutes from the airport to your hotel.

Can I use my credit card in Iceland?

Absolutely. Major credit cards are widely accepted in Iceland. Just keep an eye out for the credit card stickers on the doors. Unlike some other cities, there is no credit card minimum for purchases in Iceland. The only time you will find where credit cards are not accepted, will be for concerts/shows at smaller venues that have door charges. Some of the museums may not accept credit cards either. You may ask these places if they accept US dollars or Euros, but you may want to be prepared to bring ISK with you, or a debit card to take some out of an ATM.

Does my cell (phone) work in Iceland?

All European phones will work but most North American phones won’t, because Iceland is on the European system. However, if you have an unlocked phone, you maye use an SIM card from Iceland – Vodafone, Simin, and Nova are the largest providers in Iceland. You can either buy a package on Icelandair, or find one of the retailer locations for the providers. Siminn for example offers a 2000ISK package which includes credit for the same amount. You can always buy more credit, and refill credit, if you would like. Some providers may also offer data/internet plans if you have a smartphone.

Practical Information about Iceland

Business hours. Banks are open from 09:15 to 16:00. As general rule offices are open from 09:00 to 17:00, in some cases during the summer these hours are from 08:00 to 16:00. Shops are open from 09:00 to 18:00 on weekdays. Kringlan and Smaralind shopping malls as well as souvenir and some bookshops in the city centre are open on weekends.

Major Cultural Events & Public Holidays. Please note that the following established cultural events could result in restricted vehicle access to the city centre and that some service sectors might have surcharges during these events: 17June (Independence Day) Culture Night/Reykjavik Marathon (3^rd weekend in August) and Iceland Airwaves (beginning of November). Public Holidays in Iceland, New Year’s Day / Good Friday / Easter Sunday / Whit Sunday / Independence Day (17 June) / Commerce Day (first Monday in August) / Christmas Eve (after 12:00 on 24 December) / Christmas day (25 December) / New Year’s Eve (after 12:00 on 31 December)

Currency and Money exchange. The Icelandic monetary unit is the “krona” (ISK). Coins are in denominations of: 100 kr. 50 kr, 10 kr, 5 kr, 1 kr. Bank notes are in denominations of: 10.000 kr, 5.000 kr, 2.000 kr, 1.000 kr and 500 kr. All major currencies can be exchanged at the airport, banks and currency exchange bureaux.

Credit cards. The major credit cards in Iceland are Visa and MasterCard, although other cards are widely accepted as well. Credit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and organisations. You will need to enter your PIN number when using credit cards, so please make sure you know your PIN number when traveling in Iceland.

Tipping. In Iceland gratuity is always included in the bill therefore tipping is not required. This applies to everything: restaurants, taxis, cafés, room service and more. However if you do feel that you have received great service, Icelanders appreciate a tip and will gladly accept it.

Car rentals. The driver must present a valid driver’s licence held for minimum of one year at the time of rental. While nearly all national driver’s licenses are recognized in Iceland, if your driver’s license is not in Roman script, you must obtain an international driver’s license. The minimum age for rentals in Iceland is 20 years for passenger car. For 4WD and minibuses the minimum age is 23 years. A credit card in the main driver’s name is required for booking and renting a vehicle.

Taxis. Taxis accept all major credit cards and should to be reserved in advance. At Keflavik airport, Reykjavík domestic airport, Akureyri airport, Egilsstaðir airport and in some major cities and towns you will find taxi stations where you can line up to get a car.

Porterage Service (Baggage and Luggage). There is limited luggage porterage service available at hotels in Iceland. It can be requested and pre-ordered at 4 star hotels in Reykjavík and Akureyri, not guaranteed. Compared to other countries, most Icelandic hotels are small, and this service is simply not available. We always advise that you should pack light. A good rule of thumb is to bring no more than what you can comfortably carry between the bus and your hotel room.

Hotel Room Information. Iceland Travel chooses hotels in Iceland that we feel offer good service to our guests. Hotels are clean and comfortable, and in the countryside are often located in beautiful natural areas. It‘s important to keep in mind during your trip that Icelandic hotels are similar to those in many other European countries. Hotel rooms are often smaller in size when compared to hotel rooms in countries such as the USA or Canada. Double occupancy rooms also usually have twin beds. If you request a double bed, two twin beds are usually connected together to make one comfortable bed. Some Quality standard hotels, mainly in the Reykjavik area, have rooms with queen size beds. King size beds are not available at most hotels.

Tax-free shopping/tax refund. A refund of the local Value Added Tax is available to visitors to Iceland. The refund will result in a reduction of up to 15% of the retail price, provided departure (of the goods) from Iceland is within 90 days after the purchase. The purchased amount must be no less than ISK 4.000- (VAT included) per sales receipt, and all goods (except woollens) must be packed in sealed bags or containers.

Travel Insurance. Please note that individual travel insurance is not included in the tour prices. It is therefore important that travellers arrange for their own travel insurance before visiting Iceland. We consider adequate travel insurance to be essential. Iceland Travel cannot accept responsibility for any cost for you or any of your travel party that may incur as a result of failing to take out insurance cover. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance covers all your activities during your holiday, for example, water sports, riding tours, snow scooter tours and winter sports. Please read your policy carefully and take it with you on your holiday. Our road trips (a.k.a. self-drive packages) include basic insurance (CDW).

Health care. Medical assistance and health care are readily available in Iceland.

Passport and Visa. All travellers must ensure that they have a valid passport and all required visas. The passport should be valid for the proposed duration of stay. Travellers should check whether any additional period of validity on the passport beyond this is necessary. However, as regulations can change with little or no prior notice, or for any unexpected delay to return date, we recommend that a passport is valid for at least three months after departure.

Travelling with pets. Iceland is one of the few European countries without rabies, therefore traveling to Iceland with a dog or cat requires a strict application process with several forms, an import application fee, and four weeks of quarantine.

Time Zone. Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year, and does not adjust to daylight saving time.

Phone calls. The international code for calling Iceland is 354 followed by the telephone number. To call internationally from Iceland, first dial 00 followed by the country code and telephone number. For directory assistance, dial 1818.

Language and People. The Icelandic population is around 330.000, with approximately 2/3 of the population living in the greater Reykjavík area. Icelanders are friendly and a welcoming nation, enormously proud of their country and eager to show it to visitors. The spoken language is Icelandic and has changed very little since the settlement; however, English is widely spoken and understood.

Electricity. Icelandic electrical standards are European (50Hz, 240 volts) so many North American electrical devices will require converters. Plugs are generally two-pinned, so devices brought in from the UK and North America will require adapters.

Alcohol and smoking. Wine, beer and spirits are sold in government stores called “Vinbudin”. The age limit for buying alcohol is 20 years. Smoking is not permitted in public buildings or other places open to the public. The age limit for buying tobacco is 18 years.

What should I bring on the tour with me?

Depending on the nature of your tour, you may want to pack a bit more or less than usual. If you are going to be doing some hiking or a lot of walking, it is recommended that you bring a good pair of boots that are sturdy for walking on uneven paths. The weather can also be unpredictable, so it is better if your boots and jacket are weatherproof. For a more details breakdown, please see our handy blog on what to pack for your Iceland tour or see the infographic below for essentials.

Refreshments will also depend on the tour. If you would like, you are welcome to bring snacks of your own, but your guide may also stop at local gas stations that offer a selection of snacks, and sometimes hot food as well.

Terms & Conditions

Iceland Travel offers a variety of tours, packages tickets and services ("products") through its website (icelandtravel.is).

Iceland Travel’s Terms and Conditions contain legal obligations; therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you read them carefully. They form the basis on which bookings are accepted by Iceland Travel.

The purchase of any travel services offered by Iceland Travel constitutes a contractual arrangement between the person making the booking and Iceland Travel, and represents acceptance of Iceland Travel's Terms and Conditions described here.

Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these Terms & Conditions prior to booking.

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Iceland Complete – Winter Aurora Edition

Highlights

Included

Not Included

Important

Day 1: Arrival

Optional Tours:

Airport transfer with Flybus Plus

Airport transfer: Arrival via Blue Lagoon

Northern Lights Mystery

Northern Lights Boat Tour

Northern Lights Hunt – Super Jeep Tour

Sails, Lights & Winter Nights in Reykjavik

Day 2: Geysir - Gullfoss - Skogar - Dyrholaey - Vik

Day 3: Skaftafell National Park - Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon - Hofn

Day 4: Hofn - East Fjords - Egilsstadir

Day 5: Lake Myvatn Area

Day 6: Lake Myvatn Area - Akureyri - Siglufjordur

Day 7: Skagafjordur - Borgarnes

Day 8: Borgarfjordur - Thingvellir - Reykjavik

Optional Tours:

Northern Lights Mystery

Northern Lights Boat Tour

Northern Lights Hunt – Super Jeep Tour

Day 9: Departure

Optional Tours:

Airport transfer with Flybus Plus

Airport transfer: Blue Lagoon upon departure

Gallery

Reviews

Map

FAQ

Where do I take the FlyBus from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik?

Can I use my credit card in Iceland?

Does my cell (phone) work in Iceland?

Practical Information about Iceland

What should I bring on the tour with me?

Terms & Conditions