Northern Lights Quest of Iceland

Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM for a panoramic tour of Reykjavik, to see the capital city's charming architecture and beautiful, brightly-colored rooftops. See the striking Hallsgrimskirkja church and the Harpa concert hall. Return to your hotel for a welcome drink and canapés with your group, followed by free time for independent dining. Then head away from the city lights on a search for the elusive Northern Lights. Enjoy peaceful stillness and nighttime views as you search for the aurora borealis.

Begin your journey on the famed Golden Circle, starting with the spectacular Þingvellir National Park, a meeting place of old Icelandic clans. It is also where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet above ground. Journey to the Secret Lagoon: small and intimate, it's where savvy travelers go to enjoy the Icelandic spa experience. Don't forget your swimsuit! Enjoy lunch in the greenhouse of Friðheimar Tomato Farm. Then it's on to the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 10 minutes. Stop at Gullfoss Waterfall, one of the most photographed spots in Iceland. Later, dine with your group at your hotel located on the foot of Hekla volcano. After dark, you might soak in the hotel's outdoor hot tub while watching for the Northern Lights. (B, L, D)

Visit the LAVA Center to learn about Iceland's volcanoes, and how their eruptions and lava flows have shaped the country over time. Visit the Skógar Folk Museum to explore Iceland's cultural heritage and learn about the lives of Iceland's early settlers through an array of tools, books, and handicrafts. See the Skógafoss Waterfall nearby and then Reynisfjara's black sand beach and rock formations. Dine tonight at your hotel, which is perfectly situated for Northern Lights viewing. (B, D)

Visit the Skaftafell Wilderness Area and see glaciers, waterfalls, a snow-capped volcano and lava fields. Take in the expansive view during lunch at the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. Visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where bright blue and white icebergs dot the waters. At nearby Diamond Beach, marvel at glistening natural ice sculptures on the black sands. Dine on your own at your hotel this evening. (B, L)

Journey to the beautiful Seljalandsfoss Waterfall where, weather permitting, the sure-footed can walk the trail that takes you behind the 60-meter falls. Travel back to Reykjavík, and spend the afternoon independently exploring the city. In the evening, visit the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa in a man-made lake surrounded by lava fields; relax in the heated waters before a farewell dinner of locally sourced Icelandic specialties with your group. (B, D)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)>