Signature: Iceland's Winterscapes, Golden Circle & Northern Lights - 6 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  "Please note that health requirements and recommended inoculations vary by destination. To ensure your well-being, it is your responsibility to consult with a specialized travel physician for up-to-date medical guidance well before departure.We highly recommend carrying a personal first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and any essential prescription medications. Because our itineraries frequently trace paths through remote regions far from advanced medical facilities, legal regulations prohibit our National Geographic Expedition Leaders from administering any medication, including standard over-the-counter pain relievers. While local pharmacies along our route may stock familiar remedies, they are often produced under regional names, so we advise bringing the generic chemical name of any critical prescription. Before finalising your plans, please carefully review the itinerary and physical requirements to ensure your personal fitness aligns with our style of exploration. To safeguard the well-being of the group, we reserve the right to excuse any traveller from all or part of an itinerary if, in the professional judgment of our Expedition Leader, continuing would pose an undue risk to themselves or their fellow travellers."

• Are there any specific safety considerations for this itinerary?

  For peace of mind while on the move, we strongly advise using a concealed neck wallet or money belt to secure your passport, travel documentation, and currency. We suggest leaving exceptional jewelry at home, as it is unnecessary for our style of travel; instead, make use of the safety deposit boxes available at most of our accommodations. Securing your luggage with a reliable lock is also highly recommended.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  No optional activities

• What are the joining instructions?

  For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the the tour operator App or contact your travel agent.An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through National Geographic Signature Journeys in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Your flight must arrive by or before 07:00 on Day 1.Upon arriving at the starting property, where check-in begins typically by 3:00PM, please look for a dedicated notice from your National Geographic Expedition Leader at the reception desk. This message will outline the specific details for our evening welcome reception and meeting—typically held between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.—where you will gather with your Expedition Leader, Expedition Expert, and fellow travellers to look ahead at the days to come. Should you arrive later in the evening and miss this initial gathering, your Expedition Leader will leave a comprehensive briefing note for you at reception detailing the next morning's schedule.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Walk the fractured chasm between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Þingvellir, Bake rye bread in geothermal earth and relax in the thermal baths of Laugarvatn Fontana, Search the night sky to witness and photograph the dancing colours of the Aurora Borealis, Visit the Lava Centre and analyse Iceland's tectonic forces alongside a volcanologist, Go behind the scenes at Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant with a specialist guide.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  "Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers.When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number."When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Private vehicle, walking.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  "To ensure a seamless and elevated experience throughout your National Geographic Signature departure, gratuities have been fully taken care of for all included meals, activities, and luggage porterage.On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day. Tipping is neither required nor expected for your National Geographic Expedition Expert.For the independent moments on your itinerary, tipping is generally not expected across Central Asia. However, should you wish to reward exceptional service during independent dining or activities, a modest gratuity of 3–5% is entirely appropriate and warmly received by local community members."

• What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?

  While personal spending habits naturally vary, we recommend factoring in your individual preferences for shopping, tipping, and beverages to ensure a seamless experience. In addition to these day-to-day comforts, we kindly ask that you maintain access to a minimum of USD $200 (or its equivalent) as a dedicated emergency fund; though exceptionally rare, unpredictable circumstances such as changing weather patterns or natural events may occasionally necessitate a shift from our planned route, and this reserve ensures we can navigate any path ahead with peace of mind.

• What general safety tips and free-time guidelines should I follow?

  "To ensure your well-being and security throughout our explorations, we recommend consulting your home government's regularly updated international travel advisories prior to departure. For peace of mind while on the move, we strongly advise using a concealed neck wallet or money belt to secure your passport, travel documentation, and currency. We suggest leaving exceptional jewelry at home, as it is unnecessary for our style of travel; instead, make use of the safety deposit boxes available at most of our accommodations. Securing your luggage with a reliable lock is also highly recommended.When travelling on a departure, your National Geographic Expedition Leader maintains the authority to modify or adapt any portion of the itinerary should environmental conditions or safety considerations require it. Your Expedition Leader accompanies the group on all scheduled activities, but you will also enjoy unstructured time to pursue personal interests, relax, or discover locales at your leisure. While your leader is delighted to suggest local options for these independent periods, please note that these optional choices do not form part of our curated itinerary, and we make no representations regarding their operating standards; we encourage you to exercise your own discerning judgment.While the destinations we visit are welcoming during the daytime, navigating urban environments at night requires mindfulness. We recommend exploring in small groups and utilizing local taxis when dining out or moving about after dark. Furthermore, should you encounter public demonstrations or political gatherings, please prioritize your safety by leaving the vicinity immediately rather than remaining for photographs, as these situations can evolve rapidly.Water-based experiences carry inherent risks. To ensure your protection, we recommend participating in aquatic activities only when accompanied by professional guides. Our commitment to safety means that our Expedition Leaders are strictly prohibited from facilitating unguided water activities on your behalf. Please note that swimming and snorkelling are always undertaken at your own risk. For further insights on enhancing your personal safety during your voyage, please visit www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/"

• What is Planeterra?

  "Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into the tour operator’ itineraries globally. the tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.the tour operator Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects."

• What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?

  Max 22.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work. Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Króna and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at the tour operator and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What's Included

  Your G for Good Moment: Solheimar Ecovillage Visit, Selfoss Your Welcome Moment: Welcome meeting at Reykjavík hotel, Reykjavik Your Foodie Moment: Fontana Geothermal Baths & bread making, Laugarvatn Signature Moment: Visit to the Geothermal Hellisheiði Power Plant, Hengill Signature Moment: Lava Centre Visit with a Vulcanologist, Hvolsvollur. Arrival and Departure Transfers. Guided walk at Þingvellir National Park. Greenhouse tour at Friðheimar. Visit Sólheimar Eco-Village. Geysir Geothermal Field Visit. Gullfoss Waterfall Visit. Fontana Geothermal visit & bread making. Fontana Geothermal Baths & Steams by the lake. Night excursions to see the Northern Lights. Private visit of the Geothermal Hellisheiði Power Plant. Lava Tunnel visit. Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Private Guided visit of Skogar Museum. Visit the the Lava Centre with volcanologist. Visit Skeidvellir Icelandic Horseworld. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Hotels (5 nts).

• Who do I contact for arrival issues or in the event of an emergency?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the National Geographic Expedition Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our the tour operator Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.AIRPORT TRANSFER If you have purchased an arrival through the tour operator or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERSthe tour operator Berlin office: +441858378000If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 394 5416 Calls from UK: 0800 041 8146 Calls from Germany: 0800 181 9454 Calls from Australia: 1 800 204 905 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 424 389 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

• Who will be leading the group?

  National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout.