This Winter wilderness experience will take you on an exciting weeklong journey where you can explore magical ice-clad volcanic landscapes, frozen waterfalls and towering glaciers and glistening crystal ice caves, with the possibility of observing the incredible ghostly night shows of the Northern Lights (Aurora borealis).

A comfortable and harbourside Icelandic hotel in the heart of Reykjavik provides an ideal start and end point for this experience. Your first night will involve an exciting Super Jeep ride into the Icelandic wilds to chase the Northern Lights.
Come nightfall, we will take you in search of the Northern Lights on at least three nights to areas free from the interference of artificial light. Amidst the excitement of chasing the Northern Lights, we will take you to explore some of Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscapes, which during the winter months look truly magical, enrobed in snow and ice. You will visit the spectacular 32 metre high Gulfoss waterfall, the famous Geysir hot springs and Thingvellir National Park where you can witness one of the only two tectonic rift valleys in the world. You will also explore the dramatic black sand beach on the South Coast as well as Europe’s biggest glacier.
Your first full day will kick of with a journey to The Golden Circle, renowned for its extraordinary geological formations and to explore it you will travel in the comfort of a small-group minibus. This journey will begin in Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, home to Iceland’s first parliament. Here you will be able to walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and witness one of the only two tectonic rift valleys in the world. This exciting exploration will take you to the spectacular 32 metre high Gulfoss waterfall, the famous Geysir hot springs and Kerið crater (nicknamed the ‘‘Eye of the Earth’’) – a striking blue 6,500-year-old crater containing a vivid blue lake and surrounded by steep slopes. In amongst exploring these geological wonders, you will take a pit stop at the Secret Lagoon – Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, which harnesses geothermal power to keep the water at a constant 100.4° - 104°F (38° - 40°C) year-round.
On this jam-packed week, we will also send you to the Silver Circle, where you will explore the raw beauty of West Iceland, including witnessing Europe’s most powerful hot spring, being amazed by waterfalls cascading through ancient lava cliffs and visiting an Icelandic horse farm. You will also get the unique opportunity to navigate your way through Langjökull Ice Tunnel, which is the largest of it’s kind in the world.
For one night we will take you out of Reykjavik to a country hotel in the Skaftafell area as part of a two-day exploration of the South Coast.
We will take you to the stunning Jökulsárlón Ice Lagoon, characterised by huge floating icebergs and famous for being the set for several blockbuster movies, including Batman Begins and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. You will also experience the unique beauty of the renowned Crystal Cave, which you can only visit during Winter and where you can capture unparalleled photographic opportunities.
After all the inland exploration and geological excitement, we will then take you out off the coast of Reykjavik in search of whales. Of course, nothing is guaranteed in Nature, but species most often spotted include minke, humpback, blue, fin, sei, sperm, orca and pilot whales.
Only a moderate level of fitness is required for all activities and day trips undertaken during your stay in Iceland.
Itinerary
7 Day Sample Itinerary
Please note that this itinerary can be shortened, lengthened and changed to incorporate any of the other short trips you can find through the Iceland Home Page on our website.
Day 1: Arrive Reykjavik
Please Contact Us to receive a flight quotes.
You will step onboard a pre-arranged shuttle to your hotel.
If you arrive early enough, you will be able to join a free walking tour of Reykjavik.
You will be spending 5 out of the next 6 nights in a comfortable hotel, located within the heart of Reykjavik, conveniently located overlooking the harbour, close to shops, restaurants and bars. Hotel upgrades can be arranged.
Tonight you will go in search for the Northern Lights in the comfort of a super jeep on a 3-4 hour trip, to where the tour buses cannot and learn all about this amazing light display from an expert guide in a small group setting. You will be dropped back to Reykjavik afterwards.
Day 2: Explore the Silver Circle & visit Langjökull Ice Tunnel
After pick up from Reykjavik, you will first head towards the hot springs of Deildartunguhver. So powerful is this geothermal pool, that it is used to hear Icelandic homes in the area. It is in fact Europe’s most powerful hot spring, with a flow rate of 180 litres (47.6 gallons) per second. Here you will stroll through the geothermal field and past steaming, bubbling pools that consistently reach temperatures of 97°C (207°F).
Next you will head to two of Western Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, which emerge from an ancient lava field: the first – Hraunfossar, which consists of a series of tiny cascades, while the second – Barnafoss flows in the middle of a narrow canyon, with the twists and turns of the stream generating a flurry of milky blue/ white foam.
Afterwards you will explore Langjökull Ice Tunnel, the largest of its kind in the world. You will spend around an hour navigating its frozen corridors and its built-in chapel.
Day 3: Whale Watching from Reykjavik
This morning you will take to a boat in search of whales in Faxafló Bay from Reykjavik with an expert crew and specially trained marine biologist guides. During this whale watching trip, you will be on the lookout for such species as minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. If you’re lucky you may even encounter orcas, fin whales or long-finned pilot whales.
Day 4: Golden Circle Safari, Secret Lagoon & Northern Lights
After pick up from Reykjavik, you will take a 40-minute drive to your first stop: Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, which was once home to Iceland's first parliament, Althingi. As you survey your surroundings, you'll be able to get a sense the power of standing in a rift valley, proof of our Earth's constant movement. Exploring the park, you'll walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Next you will venture to Gulfoss, translated to "Golden Waterfall’’, which receives glacial waters from Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier. This majestic two-tiered cascade plummets an impressive 102 feet (32 meters) and is truly mesmerising to watch.
You will then head to the Geysir Geothermal Area, which is famous for being home to Iceland's most well-known geysers. This area is actually the namesake of all geysers! Here, you will take a wonder around bubbling water pools, clear geothermal springs, and steam vents. The most active and impressive geyser, Strokkur, erupts every 4 to 10 minutes, giving you many chances to see boiling water shoot up between 49 and 65.6 feet (15 to 20 meters) into the air.
After a busy few hours seeing wonderous geological sights, you’ll next be able to soak up the scenery and recharge in geothermal waters at Iceland's oldest swimming pool, Secret Lagoon. Located in the moss-covered lava fields, this pool harnesses geothermal power to keep the water at 100.4° - 104°F (38° - 40°C) throughout the year. As you swim, look out for a small geyser erupting near the edge!
The final stop of the day is definitely worth the wait. Kerið (‘’Eye of the Earth’’) is a striking volcanic crater comprising a vivid blue lake and surrounded by steep slopes. The crater is around 6,500 years old, yet it’s still vibrant with colour and texture. In summer, its walls appear to be painted red and green by moss and minerals, while in winter, the blue lake contrasts beautifully with the white snow. He you can take a leisurely walk around the rim to view this fascinating lake from many angles.
You will be dropped back to your hotel in Reykjavik, where you will be able to freshen up and grab a bite to seat. You will then be picked dup again at around 20:30 by your expert Aurora guide, who will drive you out to secret viewpoints with as little light pollution as possible to view the Northern Lights.
Day 5: Two day exploration of the South Coast, Ice Cave & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
After being picked up from Reykjavik, you will first head to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's greatest iconic waterfalls. Here you'll have the opportunity to walk behind the magnificent wall of water and feel the immense power generated by the fall.
Next you will visit the majestic Skógafoss Waterfall. Here you will be able to walk right up to the 60-meter-high thundering waterfall and feel the spray on your face. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even walk up the 527 steps to gain a bird’s eye view of the cascading water and rainbows.
You will journey through fertile farming lands and small villages of south Iceland, an area rich in Viking history and heritage, towered over by the infamous Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla volcanoes, the former of which was responsible for the notorious 2010 ash cloud. On clear days, you’ll have an excellent view of these renowned volcanoes and the Westman Islands off the coast.
Afterwards, you will head towards Reynisfjara, where you can stroll along the black sand beach known for its famous basalt columns and caverns. Witness the Reynisdrangar cliffs and basalt rock stacks that rise from the sea; Icelandic legend has it that they are mischievous trolls turned into rock by the rising sun.
You’ll have a stop off in the quaint village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur before reaching your accommodation near Skaftafell.
If conditions are right, tonight you will go in search of the Northern Lights, accompanied by your guide.
Day 6: Vatnajökull National Park, Glacier Lagoon & Ice Cave
After breakfast you will head to Vatnajökull National Park, Europe’s largest glacier. Your first stop will be at the beautiful Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you will witness huge icebergs majestically glide across the water, some of which wash up like sparkling jewels on nearby Diamond Beach.
Next you will visit an ice cave, depending on the season it will be Crystal Ice Cave or Katla Ice Cave, both of which are shaped by the glaciers natural melt-and-freeze cycle. Consequently, each year they look different. Here you will have unparalleled photo opportunities, as the compressed glacial layers of intense blue ice glisten and shimmer as natural light filters through.
Afterwards you will visit the enchanting village of Vik, nestled along the Atlantic coast, surrounded by cliffs and black sand beaches.
As you make your way back to Reykjavik, you’ll be able to keep an eye on the skies in the hope of catching sight of the Northern Lights.
Day 7: Depart Reykjavik
After breakfast, a shuttle transfer bus will come to your hotel and take you to the airport. Alternatively, if you are departing on the afternoon flight, you will have the morning free to explore Reykjavik and spend as you wish, perhaps with a visit to the world famous geothermal spa of the Blue Lagoon.
Dates
Available: 26th August 2025 - 15th April 2026
Please contact us for past month-by-month whale watching species list.
Price includes
All accommodation (based on standard double / twin room bed and breakfast)
All guided activities and equipment as specified in the itinerary
Return airport transfers
Price excludes
Flights
Travel insurance
Items not specified
Activity level Your choice: from easy to moderate.
Special note for day 5-6: the itinerary may vary slightly depending on the date and daylight hours.
If you are travelling solo and do not request a single supplement, you will be paired with another participant of the same gender.
Sometimes road conditions mean that access to certain ice caves is unavailable and/or unsafe. If the main ice cave is not available, then an alternative ice cave will be visited. If nether are an option, then a glacier walk will be undertaken instead.