Winter in Iceland: Waterfalls & Aurora Nights
Overview
Itinerary
Nestled in the middle of the wild North Atlantic, Iceland's dramatic natural features stand in contrast to Reykjavik's colourful, modern buildings and vibrant culture. We welcome you to Iceland, and invite you to prepare for a winter adventure like no other, with stunning natural landscapes, elven folklore and shimmering northern lights in the overhead sky. Arrive in Reykjavik at any time and transfer to your hotel. Meet your CEO and fellow group members at the evening welcome meeting to gather information about your upcoming adventure. Afterwards, walk to a nearby restaurant for a welcome dinner.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- Shuttle: Please go to the Flybus booth inside the arrival hall before exiting the airport, and advise staff about your name and that you're doing a G Adventures trip. They will then hand you a ticket for the bus that brings you to your start hotel. The bus shuttles leave regularly (approx. every 30 minutes) from the airport to Reykjavik and you can take any of them with this voucher.
Head away from the city today as you immerse yourself headfirst into Iceland's dramatic natural landscapes. Visit majestic waterfalls and and even get the opportunity to walk behind one of them, feeling the power of the thundering water cascade from the heights. Witness the mighty Sólheimajökull Glacier and have the opportunity to hike on it or delve deeper into the Iceland's heritage at the Skógar Museum. In the evening set off on the first of hopefully many opportunities to see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. Travel from Reykjavik and stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls, some of Iceland's most iconic natural features. Continue to Sólheimajökull Glacier for a choice of guided tour before arriving to the hotel in the evening. Later, set out on foot with your CEO for a short walk in search of the Northern Lights.
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Visit: Seljalandsfoss is a 60m (196 ft) tall waterfall located along the popular ring road. Behind the flow of water is a path, allowing visitors to peek behind the curtain of water cascading over the rocks above.
- Skógafoss Waterfall Visit: Visit Skógafoss, one of the largest and most recognisable waterfalls in Iceland. The 60m (200 ft) high falls form a constant mist that floats in the air, if viewed in the sunlight the mist can create rainbows. The sound and view of the thundering water cutting through the green hills make the falls a must-see on any trip to Iceland.
- Glacier Hiking or Skógar Museum: Option 1: Strap on your crampons for an unforgettable hike on this majestic outlet glacier of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap Option 2: Step back in time with a guided tour of the Skógar Museum, where Iceland’s rich heritage comes alive through historic buildings, traditional artifacts, and captivating stories. Explore centuries of rural life, craftsmanship, and culture in the heart of South Iceland.
Keep your camera handy today as you visit the highlights along the famed Golden Circle route where you'll visit Thingvellir National Park and a geyser that spouts water high up into the sky. Savour scrumptious lunch at a local greenhouse surrounded by tomato vines then stand in awe at the power of Gulfoss Waterfall, where the water cascades down two tiers before falling into the churning waters below. Next, slip into the thermal waters at the Secret Lagoon to cap off the day of exploration. With the stars as your companion, set off again in the evening in search of the glorious Northern Lights in the sky. Transfer from Hella to the Golden Circle route, with stops at Thingvellir, Geysir and Gulfoss Waterfall with a lunch stop at a local greenhouse. Visit the Secret Lagoon geothermal hot springs for a swim before returning to the hotel for a free evening and another opportunity for a walk to see the Northern Lights with your CEO.
- Secret Lagoon: The Secret Lagoon natural hot springs are the Golden Circle's best kept secret. The pool's natural surroundings and steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. Warm water stays at 38-40 celsius all year. There are several geothermal spots and a little Geysir which erupts every 5 minutes. Swimsuit and towel rentals are available.
- Thingvellir National Park Visit: Stop at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, to see the tectonic faults created by North American and Eurasian tectonic plates shifting apart. The Oxara river cuts through the largest rift in the valley, Almannagja, and leads to the Oxarafoss waterfall. Iceland’s parliament was also established in the area in 930. The park was later created to protect the remains of the open-air assembly grounds.
- Geysir Visit: See a variety of geothermal pools and the erupting hot spring Strokkur. Geysir is one of the oldest geysers recorded in the world, but is most often dormant. Strokkur erupts a spray of boiling hot water straight into the air about every ten minutes.
- Gullfoss Waterfall Visit: Discover one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, Gullfoss, and complete the circuit known as the Golden Circle. This massive waterfall cascades over three “steps” before spilling into a large crevice. Fed by a glacier lake, the water passing through the falls can be a dark grey depending on how much sediment gets pushed through the river.
Icelandic horses are completely unique; forged by centuries of isolation and the dramatic local climate. They're resilient, independent, and are known to possess a gentle spirit, and you'll have the opportunity to meet them today at a working farm. Then, back in Reykjavik choose to pass the afternoon as you like; perhaps visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church or explore the National Museum of Iceland where you can better connect with the culture and understand how Iceland became the haven it is today. Regroup in the evening for a dinner out on the town.
- Horse Farm Visit: Engage in a guided stable tour to learn about the Icelandic horse, its history, and unique characteristics.
- Free Time: There's plenty to see and do in Reykjavik; now is your chance to explore. Choose to visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church or the or dive into the island's rich history at the National Museum of Iceland.
- Hallgrímskirkja Church Visit: Though it can be seen from almost anywhere you are in Reykjavik - step inside and get a closer look at the Hallgrímskirkja Church. Designed in 1937 by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, this masterpiece took nearly 50 years to complete. Enjoy some time to walk around and explore the church on your own - notice that the columns are meant to reflect the basalt columns found on Reynisfjara black sand beach in Vik.
- The National museum of Iceland Visit: Explore Iceland's rich history from settlement to modern times through engaging exhibits and artifacts.
The adventure finishes today, and you can depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Walk behind the misty curtain of Seljalandsfoss and feel the full force of Iceland’s wild waterfalls.
- Unwind in the geothermal bliss of the Secret Lagoon surrounded by steamy natural beauty.
- Join your CEO for evening walks in search of the Northern Lights.
- Visit a local farm to meet Iceland’s famously small horses.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your OM
- G Day: Glacier Hiking or Skógar Museum, Sólheimajökull
- Your Wellness Moment: Secret Lagoon, Fludir
- Complimentary arrival transfer
- Welcome Dinner
- Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Skógafoss waterfall visit
- Two CEO-led walks in search of the Northern Lights
- Þingvellir National Park visit
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Visit Gulfoss waterfall
- Local Icelandic horse farm visit
- Free time in Reykjavik
- Farewell Dinner
- All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage
- Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations
- Private Bus, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels (4 Nights)
- 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Geluxe Active Adventures put comfort first. Stay in handpicked accommodations, including one unforgettable “OMG Stay” for its wow-factor. Each trip features an “OMG Day” with two extraordinary experiences to suit hikers, history buffs, and food lovers.
Enjoy extras like pre-paid tips, arrival transfers on most trips and more included dining than other G Adventures styles. Geluxe “rolls out the purple carpet” for travellers seeking style, depth and total comfort.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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