X

Callback Request



X

Join our newsletter

Be the first to hear of Special Offers and travel news. To receive our monthly newsletters with more information, on the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun and all the countries Baltic Travel can take you to, and special offers, please enter your email address and press the sign up button.

We never allow third parties to use your data and we do not keep financial information. We protect your data as if it was our own, because we're people too!


Northern Lights by Visit IcelandNorthern Lights by Iceland.is

Northern Lights & Spa Experience


from £1,565 pp - 8 days / 7 nights

Print this package
 
Photo by Blue Lagoon

Overview:

Iceland is a destination for the body and soul and here you can discover the energy of the elements: earth, water, air, and fire - basic things that are the core of life. Water and its role in wellness is a focus in this new escorted coach tour. During its six days, you will experience the health-giving benefits of nature with the therapeutic effect of thermal bathing and relaxing walks in fresh air. Explore beautiful natural sights in Southwest Iceland and the remote interior highlands where you can experience pure winter magic, on a true getaway from a busy life. Five evenings during this week-program are spent searching for the Northern Lights, enjoying fine dining and relaxing in geothermal pools, saunas, steam baths or hot pots. This is truly the most amazing escorted winter holiday in Iceland.

Package price is £1,565 per person based on availability and two people sharing a double or twin room. Single supplement is £270 per person.

2014 departure dates:

Departure Return
23 Mar 30 Mar

.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1, Sunday: Welcome to Iceland

Arrival in Reykjavik. Transfer by Flybus shuttle bus from Keflavik airport to your accommodation in Reykjavík where you‘ll spend the night at Grand Hotel Reykjavik & Spa. We‘ll provide some ideas to help you explore Iceland's capital on your own.

Day 2, Monday: South Iceland

Meet your tour guide and start your escorted tour program by heading out along the south coast. You’ll pass volcanic mountains, plenty of geothermal vents, and then get out near the active volcano that is beneath the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Skógafoss waterfall is 60 meters high and one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. At the seaside, you will stroll on the black lava beach to see the amazing bird cliffs at Reynisfjara near Vík. In the afternoon stop at the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which plunges over the mountain. There's a trail that goes behind the falling water and offers interesting views, if you are prepared to get wet!
We will spend two nights at Hotel Highland, one of Iceland's most remote hotel locations in the interior highlands of Iceland. This region can only be described as black and white, where the arctic snow covers the black sands and lava fields of the high Icelandic desert. During clear nights, you might be able to see what looks like billions of stars. This is also a place where you can experience calm and quiet, and perhaps even total silence. Due to the high altitude and the seemingly endless views from here, Hotel Highland is one of the best locations in Iceland to see the Northern Lights, if conditions are right. After a 3-course dinner, there will be a presentation about one aspect of the Northern Lights, and then you can step into the darkness to search for the magical Aurora Borealis. Simply enjoy the company of those billions of stars, or relax in the hotel's sauna and outdoor hot pot. (In the rare occasions that weather and road conditions don’t allow us to reach Hotel Highland, we will stay at an alternative location.)

Day 3, Tuesday: Interior Wilderness

How about a late breakfast and then a short guided walk into the wilderness? The weather is the boss in this stretch of Iceland. Today's program is simply powered by wind and snow conditions as well as by your willingness to spend a day away from your ordinary life. Today we explore the neighbourhood on foot, feeling a bit like the Icelandic outlaws from the past (which this area is quite famous for). We walk into the Arctic landscape where snow covers the black sand and lava fields most of the winter time. Here we can experience some moments away from modern noise and stress. We might listen to the wind and perhaps some ghost stories, but we will also listen to our inner self. Let's enjoy the calmness and open spaces of this unique location in the Icelandic highlands. We can take time to breathe in fresh air, take photographs, walk alone or with the group. Let's take time to find food for the soul in the power of a landscape that is full of contrasts and extremes at the same time. Lunch is included.
Back at the hotel you can enjoy a northern lights lecture and video presentation. If Iceland’s interesting cuisine catches your fancy, today offers a chance to immerse yourself in it, by joining in a 2 ½ hour cooking demonstration where you will help to "cook" your own Icelandic 3-course dinner. This activity is complimentary, but must be booked prior to arrival to Iceland as space is limited. After dinner, once darkness falls, you’ll be out chasing the Northern Lights and soaking in the hotel’s outdoor hot tubs.

Day 4, Wednesday: Waterfalls, Geysers and Geothermal Steam Baths

Heading down from the highlands, we start the day with a visit at Hjálparfoss waterfall that is split in two, with a beautiful pond in front, and surrounded by extraordinary basalt rock formations. The beautiful valley of Þjórsárdalur is dominated by Hekla, one of Iceland's most active volcanoes. At a local candle making workshop you might find your favorite candle made of volcanic ash for your stay at the next hotel.
At noon, we reach the Geysir geothermal fields. Here there are a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools including the original geyser, which is now dormant, but which has been replaced by the nearby Strokkur „the Churn“, which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals. Then it’s on to Gullfoss “the golden falls“, a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá river and attracts travelers in summer and winter. The last stop today is at the new thermal baths FONTANA in Laugarvatn, where healing geothermal heat simmers directly from the ground and the landscape is painted with beautiful mountain ranges. Laugarvatn FONTANA will be a highlight of any wellness retreat in Iceland where you find three geothermally heated baths, a sauna, a warm sand beach, and access to the pristine waters of Lake Laugarvatn. A visit to the open-air baths at Laugarvatn FONTANA will also give you the opportunity to experience the ever-changing Icelandic weather, as the thermal baths can be enjoyed all year around. In fact, wintertime makes the visit to the thermal baths an even warmer experience.
We continue to the small greenhouse town of Hveragerði in South Iceland. You will stay for two nights at the Hotel Frost & Fire, beautifully located on the Varmá River, with a geothermal swimming pool, several outdoor hot tubs, steam and kneipp bath, and a relaxation room. After dinner, you can check if the Northern Lights are visible. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, these spectacular sky-light shows can frequently be seen in Iceland from September through April on clear and crisp nights. White and green are usually the dominant colors of northern lights but sometimes there are considerable color variations. As they are ephemeral, however, sightings are not guaranteed.

Day 5, Thursday: Relaxation, Horse Show & Coastal Villages

The morning is free to enjoy the wellness facilities of Frost & Fire Hotel, taking pictures of the incredible geothermal surroundings or to join an easy, guided walk together through the greenhouse village of Hveragerði with several surprising attractions. In the afternoon we travel to the coastal villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki with many old and colorful houses and visit a local folk and maritime museum. We stroll along the black sands at one of the local beaches. Later you´ll learn about the history and special gaits of the Icelandic horse at a nearby horse farm. This is slow travel at its best! After a nice lobster dinner at a nearby seashore restaurant, it’s outside to watch out for the magical Northern Lights before returning to the hotel.

Day 6, Friday: National Park, Farm Visit, Blue Lagoon & Gourmet Dinner

Today you’ll travel to Thingvellir National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can join a relaxing walk through history and geological wonders. We will then continue to the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord to visit a local farm, where you can learn about rural life and farming and have lunch with some of the farmers.
In the afternoon you can soak in the healing waters of the famous Blue Lagoon, surrounded by a beautiful lava field. Then it’s back to Reykjavík where you’ll spend the last two nights at Grand Hotel Reykjavík & Spa. A 3-course gourmet dinner is included at the Perlan revolving restaurant offering a beautiful view over Iceland's capital and surroundings. If the night is clear, you might be lucky to see the Northern Lights swirling in a wild and carefree dance across the heaven in dramatic shapes, colors, patterns and sizes. We celebrate the Northern Lights Spa tour by sending your own peace light into the sky.

Day 7: Saturday: Reykjavík City Tour and afternoon at leisure

In the morning enjoy a two hour long city tour of the world's northern-most capital. The afternoon is available for sightseeing, museum visits, shopping, spa treatments or optional whale watching tour.

Day 8, Sunday: Departure from Reykjavik  

Depending on the flight schedule, you may have some time to explore Reykjavik a bit more before taking the Flybus airport shuttle from your accommodation in Reykjavík to Keflavík airport.

Note:

In rare cases, change of itinerary might be necessary during winter programs in Iceland, should snow, road and weather conditions not allow to follow the scheduled itinerary, and certain outdoor activities might be cancelled. In this case we will try the find reasonable alternatives where and whenever possible.

Package Includes:

  • Direct flights from London or Manchester
  • Arrival & departure airport transfer by Flybus
  • Fully escorted 6 day coach tour with English speaking guide as per program
  • 3 nights accommodation at Grand Hotel Reykjavik & Spa
  • 2 nights accommodation at Hotel Highland in the interior of Iceland
  • 2 nights accommodation at Hotel Frost & Fire in Hveragerði
  • 7x breakfast, 2x lunch, 5x dinner and 4x midnight refreshments
  • Cooking demonstration & helpful hints to prepare dinner if you wish
  • Visit to candle making workshop
  • Entrance with towel at Fontana Steam Baths
  • Visit to folk and maritime museum in Eyrarbakki
  • Horse show in South Iceland
  • Farm visit at Hvalfjörður fjord
  • Entrance with towel at Blue Lagoon
  • Northern Lights programme with 5 evenings of lectures, presentations, film and guided searches

Enquire now »
 

Grand Hotel Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland - 4 stars
Grand Hotel Reykjavik is a 4 star hotel situated in a quiet area of Reykjavik, within a short distance from all services, recreation and business centres and about 20 – 30 minutes walk from the center. 

Highland Hotel

South Iceland - 3 stars
Highland Hotel is virtually located on Iceland’s most impressive and active volcanic area. There is a short distance to many of the most beautiful and popular tourist attractions and sights in the Icelandic highlands.

Frost & Fire Hotel

Hverhamri, Iceland - 3 Stars 
Frost and Fire Hotel in Hveragerði is in a convenient distance from the hustle and bustle of city life and open all year and is located on the banks of the river Varmá in a beautiful setting amidst bubbling hot springs.

  • Photo by Iceland Tours
  • Photo by Visit Iceland
  • Photo by Iceland Tours
  • Photo by Visit Iceland

Will I see the Northern Lights?

Please scroll down to see the specifics for the country you wish to visit:

Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.

Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm. 

In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.

Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.

The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.

As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.

Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:

Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.

Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.

Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.

Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.

 

This tour is in Iceland and is a Northern Lights, Winter Holiday, Guided Tour, Spa and Wellness Break, Activity Holiday, Luxury Holiday, Coastal Holiday, Country Holiday, Family Holiday, Individual Tour, Honeymoon and Solo Traveller


Similar holidays:

independent
travel
Photo by Visit Iceland
5 days/4 nights
from £1,135 pp

Nature & Northern Lights Short Break in Iceland

Experience the best that Iceland’s nature has to offer and find yourself being an adventurer and an explorer during the fascinating Nordic wintertime. The hot springs, spouting geysers, powerful waterfalls, glittering glaciers, black lava beaches, soothing Blue Lagoon and dancing Northern Lights are all great reasons for a holiday to Iceland in the winter.

group
tour
Photo by Iceland.is
8 days/7 nights
from £2,295 pp

Northern Lights Explorer

Best seller tour from 2014 onwards! Join this tour to experience winter in Iceland at its best! Experience the Icelandic highlights as we focus on maximizing our chances to see the Northern Lights. Head towards the countryside to discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula regions and Vatnajökull glacier. Join us to search for the Northern Lights far from the lights in the city.

Join our newsletter

Be the first to hear of Special Offers and travel news. To receive our monthly newsletters with more information, on the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun and all the countries Baltic Travel can take you to, and special offers, please enter your email address and press the sign up button.

We never allow third parties to use your data and we do not keep financial information. We protect your data as if it was our own, because we're people too!