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Iceland: Reykjavik &...
 

Iceland: Reykjavik & the Northern Lights

6 days |  8 days with West Iceland & Reykjavik extension
6 days |  8 days with West Iceland & Reykjavik extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.5 star rating

291
Physical activity
green northern lights floating above mountains in iceland
aerial view over the city of reykjavik iceland during the winter
eruption of strokkur geyser in iceland at sunrise
blue and green northern lights floating over city of reykjavik in iceland
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Discover a whole new side of “The Land of Fire and Ice.”

Iceland develops a completely different appeal during the winter months. Occasional snowfalls make the landscape even more otherworldly, roaring waterfalls freeze into icicles, and the night sky often lights up with one of nature’s most staggering phenomena: the northern lights. Discover the sites of Reykjavik’s city center before setting off to admire glaciers, geothermal marvels, and the ethereal beauty of the aurora borealis.

Your tour package includes

  • 4 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 4 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 1 dinner with beer or wine
  • 4 sightseeing tours
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Included highlights

  • Reykjavik
  • The Golden Circle
  • Great Geysir geothermal area
  • Gullfoss
  • Eyjafjallajökull volcano
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Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Reykjavik today.

Reykjavik4 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Reykjavik
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Iceland! Enjoy a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion.

This evening, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Blue Lagoon Spa Visit

From $145 per person

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Reykjavik & northern lights excursion
Included meal: Breakfast

Get a feel for Reykjavik, often called "the greenest city on Earth," with your Tour Director leading the way.

  • Soak in views of the city from the Perlan Observation Deck
  • See the iconic Höfði House and the presidential residence at Bessastadir
  • Visit Hallgrim’s Church and the University District
  • Pass the Old Town Center, Parliament House, and modern City Hall
  • Glimpse the artwork of Ásmundur Sveinsson and Einar Jónsson, both famous Icelandic artists

Spend a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion.

Tonight, set off in search of the famous northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. You’ll transfer one hour outside of Reykjavik, where less artificial light pollution makes for clearer night skies.

Please note: This excursion is weather-dependent and seeing the aurora borealis is not guaranteed.

The Lava Tunnel

From $155 per person

Day 4: The Golden Circle & northern lights search
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Leave the bustle of Reykjavik behind as you travel along the Golden Circle, a ring of some of Iceland’s most magnificent natural wonders.

  • Stop at Thingvellir National Park to see the Althing, an open-air governmental assembly that was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798
  • Sit down for an included lunch at Fridheimar Farm, where fresh produce is grown in a greenhouse heated by geothermal energy
  • Explore the Great Geysir geothermal area, located in the Haukadalur Valley
  • Discover Gullfoss, or “the Golden Waterfall,” a natural wonder and one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe

Then, head out of the city to “chase the lights” as you search the sky for the aurora borealis.

Please note: This excursion is weather-dependent and seeing the aurora borealis is not guaranteed.

Day 5: The South Coast
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Embark on an excursion to the South Coast, a lowland region of lush farmland, striking waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, and picturesque villages.

  • View the Eyjafjallajökull volcano
  • View the South Coast’s black sand beaches
  • Stand behind the impressive Seljalandsfoss  waterfall
  • Marvel at the beauty of the Sólheimajökull glacier (weather permitting)

Celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner this evening.

Flight Home
Day 6: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to continue exploring Iceland.

Extension to West Iceland & Reykjavik
Just when you think things can’t get any more impressive, you can extend your stay alongside your Tour Director to see the wonder that is West Iceland. With its lava fields, cascading waterfalls, and abundant animal life, the region is an out-of-this-world gem worth writing home about.
West Iceland1 night
Day 6: West Iceland & Langjökull Glacier
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to West Iceland today, stopping to admire the region’s dramatically varied landscapes.

  • Marvel at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring
  • Admire Hraunfossar, clear falls that stream over a lava field, and see the nearby cascades of Barnafoss
  • Visit Reykholt, a historic village that was home to medieval writer and chieftain Snorri Sturluson
  • Drive in a specially modified snow truck on the Langjökull Glacier, Iceland’s second largest, and walk through the glacier’s interior ice tunnels

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Reykjavik1 night
Day 7: Reykjavik via Borgarnes
Included meal: Breakfast

On your way back to Reykjavik, stop in the town of Borgarnes to visit an Icelandic settlement exhibition and learn more about Viking history.

Flight Home
Day 8: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport to board your flight home.

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Reviews

4.5 star rating

Overall rating 4.5 out of 5

Based on 291 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    This tour was incredible
    2/26/22 by 2nd-time traveler Lisa

    I loved our guide, the hotels, destination choices, and dining choices included in this tour. It was an incredible experience.

    5.0 star rating

    Bucket list item ✅
    3/11/23 by 4th-time traveler Claire

    Had a fantastic tour, checking off a bucket list item of seeing the Northern Lights! And let me tell you, they didn't just show up—they showed OFF. Never seen anything quite like it! It was incredibly cold there and many of the waterfalls were semi-frozen over, preventing us from walking behind the ...

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    4.0 star rating

    Iceland
    3/24/23 by 1st-time traveler Holland

    Good overall

    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Center Hotels Midgardur Reykjavik
    Center Hotels Midgardur Reykjavik

    This modern hotel is located in the Hlemmur neighborhood. Guests enjoy a spa, bar, and restaurant. Nearby you’ll find the Sun Voyager sculpture, Hallg...

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    Hotel Húsafell
    Hotel Húsafell

    This modern luxury hotel is located in Húsafell in Iceland’s central highlands. Guests enjoy a pool, restaurant, and bar and lounge. Nearby, you’ll fi...

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    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • In order to enter Iceland, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
    • Beginning in 2024, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
    • Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2024, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ICL.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including wet, slippery gravel and paved paths with some uphill climbs.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own luggage at times, as well as getting in and out of ferries.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Reykjavik. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • Depending on the time of year, some travelers may be required to spend an extra night in the U.S. before boarding their connecting flight home. In these cases, Go Ahead Tours will reserve your hotel and you'll arrive home one day after the last day of the tour.
    • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • Winters in Iceland are generally cold. To ensure you’re comfortable for outdoor sightseeing and evening northern lights excursions, we recommend packing a warm coat, hat, gloves, winter socks, as well as rainwear.
    • We also suggest packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can easily be layered. Avoid wearing cotton whenever possible, as it is an ineffective insulator.
    • A warm sturdy pair of walking shoes or winter boots is strongly recommended for sightseeing. You may also want to consider bringing ice cleats for better traction.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
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    Health
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ICL.
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    Cuisine
    • Icelandic cuisine relies on traditional, locally sourced ingredients from the Atlantic ocean and the surrounding mountains. Both fresh and dried fish, including herring, cod, and shark, are important culinary staples. Other must-tries include Icelandic lamb, which is considered to be some of the best in the world, as well as pylsa (hot dogs) and skyr cheese.
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    Electricity
    • Iceland operates on 230 volts and uses Types C or F plugs with two round pins.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
    • Your hotels may provide irons, hairdryers, and other appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity 
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
    • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • Iceland is one hour behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and four hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 4pm in Iceland.
    • The amount of daylight in Iceland greatly varies based on the season. Expect as much as ten hours of daylight in the summer and as little as 4.5 hours of daylight in the winter.
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    Currency
    • You will use the Icelandic krona on tour.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks, as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping 
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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    Purchasing excursions on tour 
    • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
    • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
    • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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