Glaciers and Northern Lights: A Winter Discovery of Iceland
An exclusive five-day trip to Iceland's renowned natural wonders
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Bathe in the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon
- Get right up close to nature and explore the Vatnajokull ice caves
- Head out in search of the Northern Lights
- Snowmobile across Langjokull, Iceland's second biggest glacier
What's included
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Private tours and excursions
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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Meet and greet airport service
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Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
This action-packed five-day trip showcases the highlights of southern Iceland whilst shrouded in snow. A short and concise private tour, it brims with extraordinary natural experiences and unforgettable memories.
After a short stay in the vibrant capital of Reykjavik, we will head out to the countryside and away from the light pollution to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.. You’ll also get to soak in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Head further south, into the Golden Circle, where you will have the opportunity to walk on the ice field near Solheimajokull glacier discovering ice sculptures along the way. Your private tour of this region will also include a visit to the otherworldly Vatnajokull Ice Caves, and a superjeep tour of the mighty Langjökull glacier. Spend some time exploring the stunning Thingvellir National Park, and witness the mighty wonders of Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall.
Example trip itinerary
Reykjavik
Transfer
Meet and greet at Reykjavik airport
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik
Accommodation in Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Overview
Step back to yesteryear at this sophisticated property on the corner of Austurvöllur Square. Harking back to the days of the ’30s, Hotel Borg is adorned with art deco design; black and white photos line the walls and elegant fittings grace the interiors.
Fused with a Scandinavian influence, the rooms and suites feature modern style with top-notch amenities and custom-made furniture. What’s more, some enjoy lovely Austurvöllur Square views, while interconnected and superior guestrooms offer further space and luxury.
Dining-wise, the hotel boasts a Jamie’s Italian restaurant which is set in the Golden Hall, known for its unique oval ceiling mural. Here guests can enjoy everything from antipasti and nibbles, to classic sourdough pizzas and hearty pasta dishes.
→ Find out moreReykjavik
Overview
The Alda Hotel is located on the main shopping street, Laugavegur, in the center of Iceland’s vibrant capital city.
65 spacious, calm and stylishly Nordic rooms are available in a range of sizes, ideal for recharging your batteries after a day of exploring Iceland’s magnificent countryside or returning from the city centre, which is just one step away. Every room features access to high speed internet, HD TV and a walk-in shower in the bathroom. Fourth floor rooms allow access to a great balcony where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the colourful city and beyond to the fullest.
A gym is located on the ground floor, with access to an outdoor terrace, and offers top-of-the-line exercise equipment including a treadmill, stationary bikes, free weights and a dry sauna. In-room massages can also be arranged.
The hotel’s hip Barber Bar offers offers wine, champagne, fresh draught beer, spirits and cocktails, while a host of restaurants and the city’s vibrant nightlife are just all close by.
→ Find out moreReykjavik
Overview
This downtown residence, housed in a former high-end department store serves as the ideal spot from which to soak up the cultural landmarks of the city, such as the Harpa Concert Hall and the Reykjavik Art Museum. Initially constructed in the 20th century, the hotel’s refurbished interior is a polished blend of plush, mid-century furnishings, varied textiles and touches of colour, with neutral tones.
Discerningly decorated rooms are spacious in size and feature black and white framed paintings, depicting the hotel’s former department store days. Flooded with natural light and further illuminated by sleek, golden light features, the rooms are accompanied by glossy, cream-hued bathrooms.
GOTT Reykjavík, the on-site restaurant, is run by renowned local chefs and offers light fusion dishes in a casual setting. A healthy breakfast spread is served here every morning and you can muse over a coffee in the stylish lounge by the fire throughout the day.
Set within the softly-lit spa area, the enticing hot pool, backed by an original stone wall is a particular highlight, surrounded by seating and a sauna. A compact basement gym is also available for the more active guests.
→ Find out more
Visit the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. Temperatures in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 37–39 °C (98–102 °F) and the waters, rich in minerals like silica, are reputed to help some people suffering from various skin ailments. The lagoon is man-made and fed by the water output of the nearby geothermal power plant Svartsengi, where superheated water is vented from the ground near a lava flow and used to run turbines that generate electricity. After going through the turbines, the steam and hot water pass through a heat exchanger to provide heat for a municipal water heating system. Then the water is fed into the lagoon for recreational and medicinal users to bathe in.
Private Northern Lights Tour
This evening your guide will take you on a private tour to witness the magical Aurora Borealis: the Northern Lights. Depending on the cloud above Iceland, you may have the chance to see hues of greens, blues and violets dance across the night sky.
Reykjavik city tour
Reykjavik revels in its reputation as being one of the most modern, forward thinking societies in Europe. The city tour includes all the major landmarks. We visit Reykjavik’s spectacular coastline and harbour area including Harpa, the latest edition to the Icelandic and international cultural scene. The Höfdi house is the venue of the “end of the cold war” meeting in 1986 between President Reagan and General Secretary Gorbachev. We also visit Reykjavik’s colourful old quarter with its quaint wooden houses and narrow streets. This private city tour also includes a stop at the Perlan Museum, which opened in 2017. The first exhibition is the Glaciers and Ice Cave exhibition which features a man made ice cave and an interactive show on glaciers in Iceland.
Wonders of Iceland exhibition
Today you will see, hear and feel the power of volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal energy at the Perlan museum's Wonders of Iceland exhibition, where you'll also find a 360° Observation deck as well as a real indoor ice cave.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in the Golden Circle
Golden Circle
Accommodation in Golden Circle
Golden Circle
Highlights
- 10 cabins
- Basalt stone hot pools
- Restaurant
- Garden
- Lounge
- Horse riding
- Helicopter sightseeing
- Hiking
- Glacier tours
- Buggy adventures
- Kayaking and River rafting
Overview
The remoteness of this snug hideaway is a most attractive feature to those looking to flee from the flurry of city life. Set in close proximity to Iceland’s Golden Circle, within driving distance of the Great Gullfoss waterfall and the Great Geysir, Torfhús Retreat encompasses 25 inky-black cabins, lined with turf.
Interiors are accentuated by alpine wooden ceilings, panels and furniture, merged with leather seating, soft rugs and warm lighting. A cosy lounge area allows guests to unwind in the comfort of their cabin, or if they’re wanting to relax while taking in the rugged scenery, they can make use of the basalt hot tub outside.
A homely communal area calls for board games in between sips of mulled wine, and the on-site restaurant offers an ever-changing menu, inspired by local produce and the catch of the day. A classic Icelandic breakfast is served every morning, and hearty soups and fresh bread are available during the day, ensuring ample sustenance for adventuring in the wilderness.
If guests can pull themselves away from the salubrious waters of the tub, various day excursions are available, such as horse riding, helicopter sightseeing, fishing, mountain hikes and glacier tours.
→ Find out moreSouthern Iceland
Overview
Found in the perfect spot of Southern Iceland for outdoor lovers, the log-cabin Ranga Hotel is a cocoon of warmth, ideal for relaxing after Northern Lights viewing and glacier touring.
This cosy hideaway boasts uninterrupted panoramas from all parts of the property. Guestrooms look out to the East Ranga River or Mount Helka which are best enjoyed with a soak in your private jacuzzi – drink in hand. If you fancy something a little quirkier, opt for one of the lavish suites. Themed on the seven continents, they are filled with weird and wonderful touches such as Aztec wall-hangings, a didgeridoo, bearskin and bison head.
Facing the salmon-filled river, the reputable restaurant features a farmer’s market concept. Local produce and freshly-caught seafood is prepared here to create delicious Nordic dishes with a Mediterranean twist.
Venturing outside to the barely polluted rural skies, the luxury amenities continue. Three outdoor hot tubs heated with geothermal water provide an unforgettable place to watch the aurora borealis dance across the sky, while the astronomical observatory with its roll-off roof and telescopes offers superb stargazing.
→ Find out moreSouthern Iceland
Overview
This brand new lodge is located between the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss – two of the main attractions along Iceland’s southern coast.
The hotel has been built as an extension to the Skálkot family farm where your hosts live, giving you a real sense of staying with locals. The decor is inspired by the Art Deco period and there are 14 simple but elegant bedrooms.
The Manor Hotel Restaurant offers delicious food using local products and seasonal specialities such as Arctic char, salmon, langoustine or shellfish, homegrown vegetables and homemade bread. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, a weekend brunch, coffee and cake in the afternoon and dinner in the evening.
After a day exploring Iceland’s incredible landscape, relax in the hot tub under a starry sky. Alternatively, curl up with a blanket and a glass of wine in the portico and look out towards the Westman Islands.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including horse rides with the beautiful Icelandic horses that also call this farm home.
→ Find out more
Private tour of southern Iceland
Today you'll be taken to Solheimajokull glacier to walk on the ice field and discover ice sculptures, ridges, and deep crevasses. Then explore an extraordinary black lava beach with icebergs scattered along the strand on this private-led tour.
Vatnajokull Ice Caves
The Vatnajökull Glacier is the largest glacier in Europe and covers about 8% of Iceland. Various tongues edge down steep mountainsides, gently dominating the region’s coastline. Drive up the glacier aboard a super jeep for a short hike into a spectacular series of ice caves. Exploring these natural wonders makes for fantastic photography, with the caverns' glassy blue roof and tunnels strange formations creating otherworldly scenes.
Golden Circle and Langjökull Superjeep Tour
The Golden Circle route is the most popular sightseeing tour in Iceland. Its proximity to the capital city definitely plays a part in that, but furthermore it shows you samples of some of the greatest sights Iceland has to offer. You’ll visit Thingvellir National Park, a stunning area on the UNESCO preservation list with amazing geological history and the place where the world’s oldest parliament was formed. Whilst you're there you will take a walk through Almannagjá gorge. Next stop will be at the world-famous Geysir hot spring, surrounded by dozens of other geothermal wonders. You will also see Gullfoss 'Golden Falls' waterfall. Then onto the mighty Langjökull glacier and then on your way down from the glacier you can enjoy serious jeep fun.
Snowmobiling in the Golden Circle
Snowmobile through incredible Icelandic landscapes, enjoying the epic views and adrenaline rush.
Transfer
Private transfer to Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Transfer
Private transfer to Reykjavik Airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Glaciers and Northern Lights: A Winter Discovery of Iceland
How we work
This action-packed five-day trip showcases the highlights of southern Iceland whilst shrouded in snow. A short and concise private tour, it brims with extraordinary natural experiences and unforgettable memories. After a short stay in the vibrant capital of Reykjavik, we will head out to the countryside and away from the light pollution to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.. You’ll also get to soak in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. Head further south, into the Golden Circle, where you will have the opportunity to walk on the ice field near Solheimajokull glacier discovering ice sculptures along the way. Your private tour of this region will also include a visit to the otherworldly Vatnajokull Ice Caves, and a superjeep tour of the mighty Langjökull glacier. Spend some time exploring the stunning Thingvellir National Park, and witness the mighty wonders of Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall. | Whats included?
|
Days 1-3 |
Reykjavik |
|
Flights & transfers
Meet and greet at Reykjavik airport |
|
| Private transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik | |
|
Accommodation in Reykjavik
•
Hotel Borg - $$$$$
Step back to yesteryear at this sophisticated property on the corner of Austurvöllur Square....
•
Alda Hotel - $$$$$
The Alda Hotel is located on the main shopping street, Laugavegur, in the center of...
•
Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel - $$$$$
This downtown residence, housed in a former high-end department store serves as the ideal spot...
|
|
| Visit the Blue Lagoon The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. Temperatures in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 37–39 °C (98–102 °F) and the waters, rich in minerals like silica, are reputed to help some people suffering from various skin ailments. The lagoon is man-made and fed by the water output of the nearby geothermal power plant Svartsengi, where superheated water is vented from the ground near a lava flow and used to run turbines that generate electricity. After going through the turbines, the steam and hot water pass through a heat exchanger to provide heat for a municipal water heating system. Then the water is fed into the lagoon for recreational and medicinal users to bathe in. |
|
| Private Northern Lights Tour This evening your guide will take you on a private tour to witness the magical Aurora Borealis: the Northern Lights. Depending on the cloud above Iceland, you may have the chance to see hues of greens, blues and violets dance across the night sky. |
|
| Reykjavik city tour Reykjavik revels in its reputation as being one of the most modern, forward thinking societies in Europe. The city tour includes all the major landmarks. We visit Reykjavik’s spectacular coastline and harbour area including Harpa, the latest edition to the Icelandic and international cultural scene. The Höfdi house is the venue of the “end of the cold war” meeting in 1986 between President Reagan and General Secretary Gorbachev. We also visit Reykjavik’s colourful old quarter with its quaint wooden houses and narrow streets. This private city tour also includes a stop at the Perlan Museum, which opened in 2017. The first exhibition is the Glaciers and Ice Cave exhibition which features a man made ice cave and an interactive show on glaciers in Iceland. |
|
| Wonders of Iceland exhibition Today you will see, hear and feel the power of volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal energy at the Perlan museum's Wonders of Iceland exhibition, where you'll also find a 360° Observation deck as well as a real indoor ice cave. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in the Golden Circle |
|
Days 3-5 |
Golden Circle |
|
Accommodation in Golden Circle
•
Torfhús Retreat - $$$$$
The remoteness of this snug hideaway is a most attractive feature to those looking to flee...
•
Ranga Hotel - $$$$$
Found in the perfect spot of Southern Iceland for outdoor lovers, the log-cabin Ranga Hotel is...
•
Skálakot Lodge - $$$$$
This brand new lodge is located between the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss –...
|
|
| Private tour of southern Iceland Today you'll be taken to Solheimajokull glacier to walk on the ice field and discover ice sculptures, ridges, and deep crevasses. Then explore an extraordinary black lava beach with icebergs scattered along the strand on this private-led tour. |
|
| Vatnajokull Ice Caves The Vatnajökull Glacier is the largest glacier in Europe and covers about 8% of Iceland. Various tongues edge down steep mountainsides, gently dominating the region’s coastline. Drive up the glacier aboard a super jeep for a short hike into a spectacular series of ice caves. Exploring these natural wonders makes for fantastic photography, with the caverns' glassy blue roof and tunnels strange formations creating otherworldly scenes. |
|
| Golden Circle and Langjökull Superjeep Tour The Golden Circle route is the most popular sightseeing tour in Iceland. Its proximity to the capital city definitely plays a part in that, but furthermore it shows you samples of some of the greatest sights Iceland has to offer. You’ll visit Thingvellir National Park, a stunning area on the UNESCO preservation list with amazing geological history and the place where the world’s oldest parliament was formed. Whilst you're there you will take a walk through Almannagjá gorge. Next stop will be at the world-famous Geysir hot spring, surrounded by dozens of other geothermal wonders. You will also see Gullfoss 'Golden Falls' waterfall. Then onto the mighty Langjökull glacier and then on your way down from the glacier you can enjoy serious jeep fun. |
|
| Snowmobiling in the Golden Circle Snowmobile through incredible Icelandic landscapes, enjoying the epic views and adrenaline rush. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Reykjavik |
|
Day 5 |
Reykjavik |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Reykjavik Airport |
