Iceland shines brightly during the long nights of winter; the Aurora Borealis flickers over the countryside and illuminates the landscape. Steam from the heated water of the Blue Lagoon drifts up the banks of snowy foothills, and glacial caves glow indigo from the sunlight to pierce the icy surface. The more time you spend to explore the natural phenomenon of Iceland, the more you believe in the myths that have shaped the culture and the landscape. Your custom tailored tour provides you with a...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Reykjavik – Soak in the Blue Lagoon and Hunt for the Aurora Borealis
In the winter, a layer of snow frames the Keflavik International Airport; the white sheet spreads to the coastline and touches the dark blue water. Your private transfer meets you at baggage claim for a quick drive to the famous Blue Lagoon en route to the heart of Reykjavik. The warm waters of the Blue Lagoon steam against the cold winter air; the milky blue water contrasts the bleached-white edges of the snow-covered hills. The water averages a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year; the mineral-rich water helps to soothe and even cure skin ailments.
A nearby geothermal power plant feeds the refreshing water into the lagoon after a lava flow vent quickly heated it. The underground geological layers create the soothing mineral content of the water. After your flight to Iceland, the heated lagoon is a perfect place to wind down and refresh your body and mind. Maximize your time and the calming effect of the lagoon with a water massage, then lay out on a private platform with the steam from the water heating your body. The masseuse uses relaxing massage oils taken from the minerals of the lagoon.
Sink into deep comfort in the rich landscape all around you, your body soothed. Rinse off in the spa shower and continue your journey to Reykjavik, already settled into Iceland’s winter. After dinner, your guide will meet you at the hotel and leads you into the countryside. Intermittent sparkling stars break through the cloak of night’s darkness; the glow of Reykjavik disappears behind the horizon, and you catch your first glimpse of the electric shine of the Northern Lights. Green, purple and yellow beams dance across the sky, moving like electrical pulses. As the lights continue to glow, your guide shares Icelandic myths and legends centered on the Aurora Borealis.
What's Included:
Day 2
Reykjavik – Discover the Stunning Landscape along the Golden Circle
Day 3
Vik – Traverse the Landscape and Coastline on a Tour of the South Shore
Day 4
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Trek along the Glacier
Day 5
Jökulsárlón - Full Day Glacier Hike in Vatnajökull National Park
Day 6
Reykjavik – Relish a Tour of Reykjavik at your Leisure to Enjoy the City
Day 7
Reykjavik – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Witness the glowing lights of the Aurora Borealis against the backdrop of clear night sky
- Discover the radiant blue hues of the ice cave ceilings near the southern coast of Iceland
- Explore the Golden Circle to witness the majestic natural landscape of Iceland, filled with erupting geysers and incredible waterfalls
- Refresh your body and mind with a massage in the water at the famous Blue Lagoon hot spring
- Traverse the clear water of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on a zodiac boat for an up-close view of ancient icebergs and a receding glacial wall
- Enjoy the mythology of Iceland during the unique show at the Fákasel Horse Theater, which uses actual horses to share in the inspiring legends of Iceland
- Relish the scenery during an interactive drive to the south coast that includes waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic peaks
Detailed Description
The volcanoes of Iceland continue to shape the landscape in extraordinary ways as they turn a simple prairie into a fantastical ridge and a beach into a black sand masterpiece framed by towering cliffs. Geysers spout boiling water as ice covers volcanic craters; mountains drift apart near the convergence of tectonic plates. Your 7-day Iceland wintertime excursion shares the cinematic scope of Iceland and blends the natural elements with adventure and the past mythology with the current contemporary culture. Your tour begins with your arrival at Keflavik International Airport, just 12 miles away from the celebrated Blue Lagoon.
The lagoon is one of the most famous sites in Iceland. Your private transfer meets you at the airport to escort you to the spa for a moment of relaxation after your flight. Indulge in a massage in the hot spring before you continue to Reykjavik. After dinner, your guide meets you at the hotel to escort you into the countryside in the hunt for the Aurora Borealis. Next day, embark on the Golden Circle, a loop around famous landscapes across a 120-mile area. Visit Thingvellir National Park and witness the thundering waters of Gullfoss Falls as the geothermal activity continues to affect the erupting geysers. The following day, continue your travel south towards the town of Vik, located on the South Shore.
The scenic drive takes you alongside waterfalls and gorges. Visit a volcano visitor center to see the effects of a recent eruption, and stroll along a black sand beach to see the frozen sea and towering basalt pillars. Next day, travel to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to crisscross along the water during a zodiac tour for a close view of the icebergs and the glacial wall. Next, enter Vatnajökull National Park to wander through the ice cave at the mouth of Svinafellsjökull Glacier.
Return to Reykjavik to enjoy a performance of the Fakasel Horse Theater. The following day is yours to discover the delights of Reykjavik at your leisure. Stroll through the historic streets and visit the magnificent museums that provide a sense of history to the communities around the island. Embark on a whale watching tour in search of the pods that comb the coastline. Conclude your trip as your private transfer will meet you at the hotel to escort you to Keflavik International Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$4,000 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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