Premium Iceland in Winter - 8 Days

Velkommin! Welcome to Reykjavik – the world’s most northerly capital and the starting point of your adventure. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group and local leader. If you arrive early, maybe take a trip to the National Museum to see the permanent exhibition of Iceland’s history. After the welcome meeting, celebrate the start of a new adventure at dinner with your group, where your leader will introduce you to Icelandic cuisine.

This morning, head to the geologically and historically important Thingvellir National Park. The national park may seem to be just a natural wonder, but your leader will be on hand to provide historical context and explain that this was the original site of Iceland’s old parliament from AD 930. Visit the spouting hot springs of Geysir and Strokkur before driving to the spectacular Gullfoss – Iceland’s largest waterfall. After your visit, head to your base for the evening in Fludir. This afternoon, maybe visit the Secret Lagoon – a natural geothermal pool warmed by the nearby hot springs. This evening will be a good opportunity to turn your head to the skies in search of the Northern Lights.

Start the day by travelling through the lava fields of the Laki volcanic eruption in 1783, as your leader explains how this devasting event shaped not only Iceland’s landscape, but also its culture. Next is Vatnajokull National Park, where you’ll come face-to-face with Vatnajokull – Europe's biggest glacier. Carry on to some of the country’s most impressive, uninterrupted scenery and wander past the enormous basalt sea stacks at Reynisdrangar. Later, head to the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – your Feature Stay for the night. This modern and contemporary hotel carefully considers its surroundings as spacious rooms with huge windows show off views of the mountains and sea, while the interiors reflect the colours of the world outside. This evening, you’ll have dinner at the on-site restaurant that serves up a creative list of dishes made with local Icelandic produce.

Start the day with a short drive on to Jokulsarlon, also known as the Glacier Lagoon. Take a walk around the glacial lake and learn a little more about its history. Continue through the beautiful scenery of Iceland’s South Shore and admire the spectacular Skogafoss – a waterfall on the Skoga River. At 60 m high and 25 m wide, it's one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. Your leader will be on hand to explain how these geographical wonders came to be. Continue to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk right behind the stream of rushing water to see it from another angle. Next, return to Reykjavik for a free evening. Perhaps head to the Old Harbour to try the famous lobster soup, or if you’re feeling brave, the infamous fermented shark washed down with a shot of Brennivin (Icelandic Schnapps).

After breakfast, see Reykjavik’s through the eyes of a local on a tour of the city with your leader. Learn the history of the Old Harbour and pass through the city centre. Visit the Hallgrimskirkja church and the dome-shaped Pearl, then head to the remote and geographically fascinating Snaefellsnes Peninsula – your home for the next two nights. On your way visit the Borgarfjordur area, you’ll pass waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafossar, then continue to Deildartunguhver – Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Take a relaxing dip in the Krauma thermal pools, where waters from the hot spring mix with glacial waters to create the perfect temperature. Tonight, have dinner at your accommodation before looking to the skies in search of dancing lights.

Today, you’ll explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning with the Snaefellsjokull glacier – an icecap that covers a dormant volcano. Travel to the small fishing village of Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs will reveal rich birdlife. Stop by Djupalonssandur – a basaltic pebble beach framed by strange lava formations – then visit the village of Grundarfjordur, famous for its views of Mt Kirkjufell. Travel to the horse farm of Lysuholl, where a local will welcome you for a home-made dinner. Head back to your accommodation, and depending on the weather, rug up in warm clothing and head out in search of the northern lights.

Today, you’ll return to Reykjavik. On the drive, your leader may share some stories of Norse mythology, so keep an eye out for elves and fairies along the way! Iceland's capital has an eclectic art and music scene, and this afternoon you may like to browse some of the city's excellent galleries and museums. If you feel like something more active, you can take a ride on an Icelandic horse, or see killer whales just offshore on a whale watching expedition. If you are after another look at the Northern Lights, you can head out of town to chase them again this evening. Ask your leader for more information on these activities.

Your Icelandic journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.