Icelandic Lights

Arrive in Reykjavík and make your own way to your centrally located hotel. Settle in and enjoy some free time to explore the Icelandic capital before meeting your guide and fellow travellers. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner and introduction to the journey ahead.

After breakfast, travel through Iceland's famous Golden Circle. Your first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a fascinating geological and cultural history. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where steam rises from the bubbling geothermal fields. At Restaurant Geysir, taste freshly baked hot spring bread served with Icelandic butter, boiled eggs and herring. The journey continues to Gullfoss, Iceland's spectacular double waterfall.

In the afternoon, learn about the Icelandic horse, its unique qualities and history, before visiting Friðheimar, a geothermal greenhouse where Icelanders use natural heat to grow crops year-round. Continue to your countryside accommodation in South Iceland.

This evening, step into the darkness and search for the Northern Lights in the peaceful surroundings of rural Iceland.

Today, travel along Iceland's dramatic South Coast, where volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and cultural heritage come together. At the LAVA Centre, learn about Iceland's geology and active volcanoes. Continue to the Skógar Folk Museum, one of Iceland's finest folk museums, with an impressive collection of farming and domestic artefacts, including traditional turf-built houses. Nearby, admire Skógafoss, one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls, plunging 60 metres from the cliffs.

Continue east to Reynisfjara, Iceland's striking black lava beach, with its dramatic bird cliffs and powerful waves. Your accommodation for the next two nights is in the Vatnajökull National Park region, surrounded by dark skies and well positioned for Northern Lights searches.

Today is dedicated to Iceland's glaciers, icebergs and dramatic winter landscapes. Travel to Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs. Take time to admire this extraordinary landscape and, if you're lucky, spot seals swimming in the icy waters. Continue to Diamond Beach, where large pieces of ice from the lagoon are washed onto the black volcanic sand.

In the afternoon, visit the tiny turf church at Hof before spending time in Vatnajökull National Park. The park is home to Iceland's highest mountains, an alpine environment and Europe's largest glacier. An optional ice cave tour may be available, subject to conditions and availability.

This evening, enjoy a film presentation about the Northern Lights as part of the Northern Lights Academy programme. Weather permitting, step outside once more to search for the aurora in the dark skies around your accommodation.

Leave the Vatnajökull National Park region and travel west across the vast Eldhraun lava field towards Iceland's South Coast. Stop in the village of Vík for photographs of the dramatic black lava beach, high bird cliffs and powerful Atlantic waves. Continue west to Seljalandsfoss, a distinctive waterfall that plunges from the mountain cliffs.

In the afternoon, unwind at the famous Blue Lagoon, soaking in its warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by Iceland's volcanic landscape. Your Comfort admission includes a silica mud mask, towel and your first drink. Continue to Reykjavík, arriving around dinner time for your final night in Iceland.

After breakfast, your Icelandic adventure comes to an end. Make your own way to Keflavík International Airport for your onward journey. Optional private airport transfers are available at an additional cost.