Northern lights in Iceland

Day 1. Arrival

You may arrive in Reykjavik at any time of the day. A transfer will be waiting for you at the airport exit, and within 40 minutes, you will find yourself in the centre of the world’s northernmost capital. Accommodation will be provided in one of the hotels from our collection, which will serve as your home for the duration of the journey.

If your flight arrives during the day, your introduction to Iceland will begin at the Blue Lagoon — a milky-turquoise geothermal lake surrounded by lava fields. Spending an hour and a half to two hours in the hot mineral water, with clouds of steam rising into the crisp northern sky, will be your first immersion into the country’s magical atmosphere. If your arrival is in the evening, the visit to the lagoon will be postponed until the final day, just before departure.

Day 2. Golden Circle and snowmobiles

This day is dedicated to the Golden Circle, a route that connects some of Iceland’s most recognisable landmarks.

The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift apart, forming a dramatic gorge. It was here in 930 that the first Viking parliament in Western Europe, known as the Alþing, was established.

Next, you will continue to the Haukadalur Valley, where the geyser Strokkur erupts every few minutes, shooting a column of boiling water high into the air. The valley is filled with steam and the distinctive smell of sulphur.

The highlight of the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall,” on the Hvítá River. The powerful torrent of glacial water plunges into a deep canyon, sending a thunderous roar as the air quivers and the sunlight catches the spray, often creating shimmering rainbows. You may also enjoy an exhilarating snowmobile ride on the Langjökull glacier.

In the evening, you will set off beyond the city limits in search of the Northern Lights. Away from Reykjavík’s glow, the sky comes alive with green and pink bursts dancing above the mountains. The excursion will be postponed until the following night if the weather is unfavourable.

Day 3. South coast and ice cave

Iceland's southern coast contains some of the island’s most remarkable natural wonders. Keep your camera ready, as each bend in the road reveals spectacular scenery: glittering waterfalls, glaciers, black-sand beaches, and quaint villages.

You will visit the Katla Ice Cave, also known as the “Secret Cave”. Its corridors of transparent, multi-layered ice have been formed over centuries. Black veins of volcanic ash are pressed between white and blue layers, creating striking natural patterns. Inside, it feels like stepping into a crystal hall, where the echo amplifies every sound.

Along the way, you will see the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. In winter, Seljalandsfoss is framed by ice and snow; unlike in summer, it cannot be walked around, yet it remains just as enchanting. Skógafoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the country, drops from a height of 60 metres, creating clouds of spray and rainbows on sunny days.

You will then continue to Reynisfjara, the famous black-sand beach, where Atlantic waves crash with force against basalt columns and fantastically shaped rocks. The light here is especially dramatic: the grey skies, black sand, and dark cliffs create a setting worthy of myths and legends. On the horizon rise the sharp peaks of Reynisdrangar, which legend says are the frozen fingers of a troll.

The journey continues to the village of Vík, Iceland’s southernmost settlement, where white houses and a hilltop church look out towards the black beach and Reynisdrangar cliffs. Finally, in the town of Hveragerði, located in a geothermal valley, you will witness steam rising directly from the ground — a reminder of the island’s volcanic soul.

Day 4. Snæfellsnes Peninsula or free day

You can spend today as you wish. We have prepared an additional route on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in miniature.”

Here you will find everything the country is famous for: frozen lava fields draped in a soft carpet of moss; volcanoes and the massive Snæfellsjökull glacier veiled in clouds; lighthouses perched on rugged cliffs where the waves crash against the rocks; and sandy bays where seabirds and seals can be spotted. A special highlight is Mount Kirkjufell, shaped like a wide-brimmed hat, with waterfalls cascading at its base. It has become one of the most recognisable symbols of Iceland, its silhouette appearing on photographs, postcards, and even in the series “Game of Thrones.”

If you decide to stay in the capital, you will have the opportunity to wander the streets of Reykjavík, visit its museums, and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of the northern city.

Day 5. Free day or continuation of activities

This day is yours to spend as you wish: stay in Reykjavík or add new experiences to your programme.

The capital is compact and easy to explore on foot. The morning might begin with an ascent to the observation deck of Hallgrímskirkja, the Lutheran church whose striking silhouette can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. On the waterfront awaits the Sun Voyager, the famous steel sculpture in the form of a ship, symbolising the spirit of discovery and the eternal journey northwards. In the evening, you may attend a performance at Harpa Concert Hall, its glass façade shimmering with light, making the building resemble a crystal rising at the ocean's edge.

For those seeking more nature, there are several options: a whale-watching cruise, an evening hunt for the northern lights by boat, or a helicopter flight over lava fields.

Day 6. End of the programme

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. End of the programme.

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