Compare Northern Lights Quest of Iceland by CIE Tours vs Natural Wonders of Iceland - Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1

Reykjavik Panoramic Tour | Perlan Observation Deck| Northern Lights Quest by Boat

Your tour starts in your hotel at 2:00 PM. Discover the capital city Reykjavik on a panoramic tour, experiencing its charming architecture and beautiful, brightly colored rooftops. Visit the Perlan Observation Deck to see magnificent 360 degree views of the city and its surroundings. Return to your hotel for a welcome drink and canapes with your group, followed by free time for dinner on your own. Then head to the harbor for your Northern Lights boat quest. Enjoy beautiful views of the city and surrounding mountains as you sail away, watching for aurora borealis.

Day 2

Golden Circle | Secret Lagoon | Fridheimar Tomato Farm

Head out on the famed Golden Circle, starting with the spectacular Thingvellir 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 Fridheimar 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 all of Iceland. Move on to your hotel below the Hekla volcano and enjoy dinner with your group. After dark, you might soak in the hotel's outdoor hot tub while watching for the Northern Lights. (B, L, D)

Day 3

LAVA Center| Skogar Folk Museum | Skogafoss Waterfall | Black Sand Beach

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 Skogar 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. Visit the nearby Skogafoss Waterfall, where on sunny days a double rainbow is often visible. Dine tonight at your hotel which is perfectly situated for Northern Lights viewing; it offers wake-up service if the lights are visible after bedtime (B, D)

Day 4

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon | Diamond Beach | Skaftafell Wilderness Area

Travel into Vatnajokull National Park to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, dotted with crystal-blue icebergs. Marvel at small icebergs flowing into the Atlantic or breaking up along the black sand of Diamond Beach. Enjoy lunch with a view of the surrounding countryside. Visit Skaftafell Wilderness Area with its enormous glaciers, snow-capped volcano and nearby lava fields. Return to your hotel where you can dine independently. It may be another perfect night to step into the darkness and search for the elusive Northern Lights. (B, L)

Day 5

Seljalandsfoss | Reykjavik | The Blue Lagoon

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 Reykjavik, possibly visiting any itinerary sights you might have missed due to weather. Spend the rest of the afternoon independently exploring the city. In the evening visit the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa in a man-made lake surrounded by a lava field, share in a farewell dinner and lagoon entry with your group (B, D)

Day 6

Tour Ends in Reykjavik

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) All visits are weather dependent. B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Day 1: The Smoky Bay of Reykjavík

Welcome to Iceland. On arrival at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel on your complimentary Insight shuttle operated by Gray Line. Join your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:15 for a Welcome Drink served with canapés.

Fosshotel Reykjavík.

Day 2: Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Vík

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun. Later, travel on to the ancient bishopric of Skalholt and see the historic church, set in a remote location amid magnificent natural scenery. Continue to the hot springs at Geysir and the mighty Gullfosswaterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls. In the afternoon, visit the majestic south coast waterfalls ofSeljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing to your hotel in Vik.

Hótel Kría, Vik.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: By Glaciers and Icebergs to Höfn

Travel along the southern coast of Iceland, beside the black sand beaches and basalt rock formations.Continue through the National Park at Skaftafell and see the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.Travel on to the luminous blue icebergs of Lake Jökulsárlón, the highlight of the day. This dramatic setting was featured in two James Bond films.Arrive in the small harbour town of Höfn, an active lobster fishing hub. From here, your Travel Director will lead a short orientation.Dine at your hotel's restaurant tonight and experience what the local produce has to offer.

Hótel Höfn.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Eastern Fjords to Egilsstaðir Relaxed Start

Explore yet another face of Iceland, as you drive through narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs and past small fishing villages. Catch a glimpse of Friar Island, once the home of Gaelic monks who settled here before the arrival of the Vikings. Continue to the lakeside town of Egilsstaðir.

Icelandair Hotel Herad, Egilsstadir.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: By Desert, Lakes and Divine Waterfalls to Akureyri

Continue on to the beautiful Lake Mývatn and explore a wide spectrum of geological formations and the concentrated geothermal activity produces mud pools and spectacular coloured deposits. This afternoon is a taste of the local rúgbrauð, a sweet and dense rye bread which is buried underground and baked by the heat from nearby hot springs.After an introduction how they use the Dimmuborgir lava fields for the cooking process enjoy a sample of the delicious bread served with butter. Continue to Akureyri where you have the evening to relax or explore at your leisure. Perhaps embark on an optional whale watching experience? (available during whale season)

Icelandair Hotel Akureyri.

Breakfast

Day 6: From the Capital of the North to Borgarnes Relaxed Start

Enjoy an orientation of Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, first established as a trading centre in 1602. Travel past mountains, waterfalls and green coastal regions. Later, continue on to the southwest coast of Borgarnes.

Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park

Travel along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull National Park, known as the Jewel of West Iceland and home to the country’s most famous volcano. See the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. En route, admire the impressive landscapes of Búðir, offering a mixture of sandy hills, black lava fields and a yellow beach. Next, take a stroll along the sea cliffs of Arnastapi with its unique column rock formations and take in the beautiful scenery.

Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Thingvellir, Blue Lagoon and on to Reykjavík

Journey south to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, discover Reykjavik's top sights on a walking tour with your Local Expert and stop along the way to sample local specialties.This evening, delight in a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant where you round off your journey through one of the world's most naturally beautiful places.

Fosshotel Reykjavík.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 9: Farewell Reykjavík

Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.

Breakfast