Name: Northern Lights Exploration
Brand: GJ Travel
SKU: 1
Price: 2450 EUR
Availability: InStock

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70079

8 days / 7 nights

Availability : September - April

Keflavik International Airport

Min Age : 8+

Max People : 35

Tour Code

GJ-21

Explore the best of West & South Iceland

A winter bestseller group tour with up to 98% Northern Light sightings!

Discover the Golden Circle, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Black lava beaches. Climb a volcano, learn about Iceland’s earliest days at a Settlement Center, meet Icelandic horses, see turf farmsteads and churches. There is an optional ice cave tour at Vatnajökull glacier from October-April (weather permitting) and an optional Northern Lights by boat cruise from Reykjavík. Our Northern Lights Exploration series are designed to include the highlights of Iceland and aim to maximise the chances of seeing the elusive Northern Lights, most nights are spent in the darkness away from light pollution.

- Regular departures (maximum 35 people) on Fridays
- Small group departures (maximum 16 people) on Tuesdays

Highlights & Experiences

Track record of 85-98% chance of seeing the Northern Lights
See amazing Icelandic landscapes mixed with soft adventure and cultural experiences during the day
Climb a volcano crater and walk between two continental tectonic plates
Visit the Settlement Center in Borgarnes
Descend 35m underground into Vatnshellir cave situated under Snæfellsnesjökull glacier
Relax in the Blue Lagoon and learn about living with volcanoes
See Icelandic horses and taste freshly baked hot spring bread
Five evenings Northern Lights Academy
Program offered in two group sizes: maximum 16 or 40 persons
Optional ice cave tour at Vatnajökull glacier for departures between October-April (weather permitting)

Itinerary

Click on each day for more details

Day 1Arrival Day

Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle bus from Keflavik airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik. You may explore Iceland’s capital city on your own if time allows.

Overnight location:
Hotel Klettur or similar. Dinner is on your own. (50km / 31mi)

Day 2Reykjavik City Tour & Borgarfjordur Saga Valley

At 09:00 meet your tour guide who shows the group the highlights of Iceland’s exciting capital. Then we head west. We stop in Borgarnes and learn about Iceland’s earliest days at the Settlement Center. Next we head to Borgarfjörður, known as the Saga Valley because of its many important historical events. Get a chance to climb the Grábrók volcano crater and visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls pouring from beneath a wide lava field. Barnafoss – the Children’s falls, is nearby with its own tragic tale. The afternoon includes a lecture about Northern Lights. After dinner, step into the hotel garden in search of the Northern Lights followed by a hot cup of chocolate or tea.

Overnight location:
Hotel Hamar or similar. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (245km / 152mi)

Day 3Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Lava Cave

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, “the peninsula of the snowy mountain“, juts out from Iceland’s west coast like a long arm with a clenched fist at its tip, and is in many ways a microcosm of the whole island. A rugged mountain chain runs its length. Visit the fishing village of Grundarfjörður, a place with an impressive coastline and mountains, lakes and waterfalls behind the village. One of the most photographed mountains in Iceland, Kirkjufell, can be seen jutting out into the bay. Experience the area from below at Vatnshellir cave, where we take you 35 metres underground and about 200 metres into the lava tube beneath Snæfellsjökull glacier. After the visit, continue to Arnarstapi, a coastal area known for dramatic cliffs and rock formations. On the way back to Borgarnes, the guide shares practical tips on photographing the Northern Lights as part of the Northern Lights Academy programme. When darkness falls, we head outside to look for the Northern Lights and enjoy the hotel’s outdoor hot tubs.

Overnight location:
Hotel Hamar or similar. Breakfast & Lunch included. Dinner on your own. (300km / 186mi)

Day 4Golden Circle, Geothermal Taste & Icelandic Horse

Travel along the Hvalfjörður fjord. The first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel the Golden Circle route, see steam rising from the Geysir geothermal fields. Taste freshly baked hot spring bread served with Icelandic butter, boiled eggs and herring. On we travel to double waterfall of Gullfoss. In the afternoon, learn about the Icelandic horse, its unique qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse, before reaching the accommodation in South Iceland. Tonight, step into the darkness and search for the elusive Northern Lights in the peace and stillness of rural Iceland.

Overnight location:
Landhotel in Hella or similar. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (260km / 162mi)

Day 5Natural Wonders of South Iceland & Eyjafjallajökull Volcano

Today we travel along the South coast. At the Lava & Volcano Exhibition Center, learn about geology and active volcanoes. Further east we visit one of Iceland’s finest folk museums. This museum contains an outstanding collection of farm and domestic artefacts from Iceland’s past and several turf-built houses. Nearby is Skógafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. In the afternoon take a stroll on the black lava beach and along bird cliffs at Reynisfjara in South Iceland. We spend two nights near Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the Vatnajökull National Park region, located in darkness and ideal for Northern Lights search.

Overnight location:
Fosshótel Núpar or similar. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (225km / 140mi)

Day 6Vatnajökull National Park & Glacier including Glacial Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Today’s program is all about glaciers, ice and icebergs. We travel to Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, and we explore the amazing site and might see seals swimming in arctic waters. You can walk on the black sandy beach, the so-called Diamond beach, where large icebergs get stranded. In the afternoon we visit the tiny turf church at Hof and spend time at Europe’s largest national park, which has Iceland’s highest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe’s largest glacier. In the evening enjoy a film presentation about the Northern Lights as part of the Northern Lights Academy program. Be careful not to go to bed too soon in this remote and quiet location, or you may miss out one more chance of seeing the Northern Lights shimmering and dancing across the night sky.

Optional Ice Cave Tour offered between October-April (weather permitting) provides the opportunity to explore a natural ice cave in Vatnajökull National Park. The experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours and begins at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with a scenic 30-minute 4×4 transfer, followed by a 5–15 minute walk to the cave entrance. Inside, guests can observe naturally formed ice structures and blue ice shaped by winter conditions over time. The tour price is ISK 25,000 per person (subject to change), with a minimum age requirement of 10 years. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots are essential. This tour can be booked on day 2 of the Northern Lights Exploration tour. fter the cave visit, participants are driven back to the hotel, while the rest of the group continues the official programme. Guests joining the ice-cave tour will miss visits to Skaftafell National Park and Hofs church due to time limitations. The stop at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is included for all travellers.

Overnight location:
Fosshótel Núpar or similar. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (200km / 125mi)

Day 7South Shore & Blue Lagoon

From Kirkjubæjarklaustur we head across the Eldhraun lava field to the village of Vík, where we make a photo stop. The black lava beach with high bird cliffs and pounding waves is awe-inspiring. Further west we reach the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall which plunges from the mountain. In the afternoon we get to soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. We reach Reykjavík around dinner time for one last night.

Overnight location:
Hotel Klettur or similar. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (365km / 227mi)
The Blue Lagoon visit is in the afternoon. Tour ends around 7pm.

Day 8Departure Day

Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle bus from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport.

Breakfast included. (50km / 31mi)

NOTE: Accommodations are subject to change.

NOTE: Itineraries may be subject to change at short notice during severe weather conditions and certain outdoor activities/day trips may be cancelled during the winter season in Iceland. In these rare cases, where situations of force majeure apply, excursions/activities cannot be refunded but the local guides will try their best to find reasonable alternatives where and whenever possible.

Cancellation policy for the tour

Price & Details

Sep '26 | Price, inclusions & exclusions

EUR 3.060 per person (double/twin room, breakfast included)
EUR 4.290 per person (single room, breakfast included)

EUR 280 Extra Single Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast
EUR 300 Extra Double Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast

EUR 140 per car Upgrade for private airport transfer one-way 1-6 persons

Price Includes
• 7 nights accommodation at comfort tourist-class hotels
• 7x breakfast
• 1x lunch
• 6 days escorted bus tour with English-speaking guide/driver-guide
• Arrival & departure airport transfer by Flybus shuttle (no guide)
• Visit the Settlement Center in Borgarnes
• Guided tour into Vatnshellir cave
• Hot spring Tasting with geothermal cooked bread & eggs
• Visit Icelandic horse stable & geothermal greenhouse
• Visit Lava Exhibition Center
• Entrance to Skógar folk museum & turf houses
• Entrance with towel to Blue Lagoon
• Northern Lights program

Price Excludes
• Any private expenses
• Any additional services
• All meals not listed under “included”
• Single supplement (mandatory when in a single room)

Complementaries
• Entrance fees
• Free Wi-Fi on the bus
• Use of crampons for shoes
• Use of flashlight

Additional services
• Extra night in Reykjavik before/after the tour – on request
• Upgrade for private airport transfer
• Optional ice cave visit October-April (weather permitting)

Oct '26 | Price, inclusions & exclusions

EUR 2.640 per person (double/twin room, breakfast included)
EUR 3.570 per person (single room, breakfast included)

EUR 220 Extra Single Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast
EUR 240 Extra Double Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast

EUR 140 per car Upgrade for private airport transfer one-way 1-6 persons

Price Excludes
• Any private expenses
• Any additional services
• All meals not listed under “included”
• Single supplement (mandatory when in a single room)

Complementaries
• Entrance fees
• Free Wi-Fi on the bus
• Use of crampons for shoes
• Use of flashlight

Additional services
• Extra night in Reykjavik before/after the tour – on request
• Upgrade for private airport transfer
• Optional ice cave visit October-April (weather permitting)

Nov '26 - Apr '27 | Price, inclusions & exclusions

EUR 2.450 per person (double/twin room, breakfast included)
EUR 3.230 per person (single room, breakfast included)

EUR 170 Extra Single Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast
EUR 200 Extra Double Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast

EUR 140 per car Upgrade for private airport transfer one-way 1-6 persons

Price Excludes
• Any private expenses
• Any additional services
• All meals not listed under “included”
• Single supplement (mandatory when in a single room)

Complementaries
• Entrance fees
• Free Wi-Fi on the bus
• Use of crampons for shoes
• Use of flashlight

Additional services
• Extra night in Reykjavik before/after the tour – on request
• Upgrade for private airport transfer
• Optional ice cave visit October-April (weather permitting)

Sep '27 | Price, inclusions & exclusions

EUR 3.200 per person (double/twin room, breakfast included)
EUR 4.460 per person (single room, breakfast included)

EUR 290 Extra Single Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast
EUR 320 Extra Double Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast

EUR 140 per car Upgrade for private airport transfer one-way 1-6 persons

Price Excludes
• Any private expenses
• Any additional services
• All meals not listed under “included”
• Single supplement (mandatory when in a single room)

Complementaries
• Entrance fees
• Free Wi-Fi on the bus
• Use of crampons for shoes
• Use of flashlight

Additional services
• Extra night in Reykjavik before/after the tour – on request
• Upgrade for private airport transfer
• Optional ice cave visit October-April (weather permitting)

Oct '27 | Price, inclusions & exclusions

EUR 2.840 per person (double/twin room, breakfast included)
EUR 3.780 per person (single room, breakfast included)

EUR 230 Extra Single Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast
EUR 260 Extra Double Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast

EUR 140 per car Upgrade for private airport transfer one-way 1-6 persons

Price Excludes
• Any private expenses
• Any additional services
• All meals not listed under “included”
• Single supplement (mandatory when in a single room)

Complementaries
• Entrance fees
• Free Wi-Fi on the bus
• Use of crampons for shoes
• Use of flashlight

Additional services
• Extra night in Reykjavik before/after the tour – on request
• Upgrade for private airport transfer
• Optional ice cave visit October-April (weather permitting)

Nov '27 - Apr '28 | Price, inclusions & exclusions

EUR 2.630 per person (double/twin room, breakfast included)
EUR 3.340 per person (single room, breakfast included)

EUR 170 Extra Single Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast
EUR 200 Extra Double Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast

EUR 140 per car Upgrade for private airport transfer one-way 1-6 persons

Price Excludes
• Any private expenses
• Any additional services
• All meals not listed under “included”
• Single supplement (mandatory when in a single room)

Complementaries
• Entrance fees
• Free Wi-Fi on the bus
• Use of crampons for shoes
• Use of flashlight

Additional services
• Extra night in Reykjavik before/after the tour – on request
• Upgrade for private airport transfer
• Optional ice cave visit October-April (weather permitting)

Children discount: 20% discount for children 8-11 years of age if sharing room with 2 adults. Tour is not recommended for children younger than eight years of age. Triple rooms are double rooms with an extra bed and ideal for two adults and one child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I meet the guide?
Meet with your tour guide on day 2, just before 9:00 am in the lobby of your hotel.

When and where does the tour start?
The tour starts on day 2, just before 9:00 am in the lobby of your hotel.

What are first and last days for?
Arrival and departure days are to make your flight arrangements easier and to have a free day of leisure. The tour starts on day 2 and ends the second to last day.

Do you arrange airport transfers?
GJ Travel provides airport transfers with the Flybus, available on arrival hall at KEF airport.

In what language is the tour?
All of our tours are English-speaking.

When can we see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights season is from September to mid-April. We carefully choose locations to maximize your chances to see the northern lights with the help of a professional tour guide.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed on this trip?
The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis as they are also referred to are one of the many natural wonders of the world and are a natural phenomenon. As a naturally occurring phenomenon, the appearance of the Northern Lights is notoriously difficult to predict any further in advance than about two hours before it happens. So much is dependent on solar activity, we cannot accurately predict when they will occur nor how frequently. Every endeavour will be made on this trip to see the Northern Lights if it is the correct time of year to see the lights, however, this is not guaranteed. The tour includes Northern Light walks from the hotels. Also, most of the hotels are located away from light pollution.

Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Of course, we can help you book pre/post tour accommodation if you wish to stay in the same hotels as the ones we use on the tour. We always have some rooms on allotment for pre/post nights. If you would like to stay an extra day in Reykjavík before or after the tour, please contact our team.

I’m a solo traveller, is there a single supplement?
A single supplement is mandatory for this trip if you want to have your own room.

What is the age range?
The minimum age limit for this tour is 8 years old and we don’t recommend it for younger children. There is, on the other hand, no maximum age for this tour.

Are the flights included?
Flights before and after the tour are not included.

What is the suggested budget for meals?
Somewhere between 8.000 and 10.000 ISK per person per day is a good budget for meals while on the tour.

Are there locations to purchase food while we are on the trip or must the meals be pre-packed?
We will make stops during the tour at restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations where meals, drinks and snacks can be purchased while on the tour.

How much time is spent at each attraction?
We stop for about 40 minutes at each attraction.

Start & End Location

Keflavik International Airport (Flybus shuttle)

Departure Time

09:00 on day 2 at Hotel Klettur, Reykjavík (subject to change)

Map

Photos

51 Reviews

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Client from Trip a Deal

Solo Traveller

Way more stops + info than expected – loved this. Loved all the hotels, but Fosshotel wasn’t as fancy as others. Love buffet breakfasts. Too many hamburgers. Otherwise good 🙂

Þór is the best. Great humour + information. Helpful.

April 10, 2025

Client from Tourradar

Couple Traveller

Everything that was promised.

March 29, 2025

Client from Viator

Family Traveller

We booked with On The Go Tours and their local tour operator was GJ Travel. First, On the Go Tours price matched another tour operator who was offering the exact same 8-Days Northern Lights Exploration Tour. So, always ask before you make your final payment. It doesn’t hurt.

Our tour guide/driver was Gudmundur Andri and by far, he ranks as one of our top 3 tour guides (and that’s saying a lot coming from us). The difference with Andri was that he constantly checked the weather (during winter) and adjusted our itinerary to avoid the massive crowds and minimize walking in the rain. Our safety and well-being was the top priority. Note that we still hit every single landmark listed in the itinerary. That’s proper planning.

It also helped that we (9 tourists plus Andri) were EXTREMELY prompt, easy going and able to reach a consensus! So much so that Andri was able to add supermarket (the one with the pink pig logo) and bakery shopping sprees because we were on the hunt for Omnom chocolates, Black Lava salt, kleinur, hot dogs, ice cream, Iceland licorice, wool sweaters, and various souvenirs. He brought us where the locals shopped!

Since the Northern Lights were all on our bucket lists, Andri would even knock on our doors when the Aurora Borealis would make an appearance. Note that there are NO guarantees when it comes to nature but seeing it firsthand was an awesome experience. He also taught us the proper iPhone settings to capture it better.

Our biggest surprise was the Ice Cave optional tour. There were 7 senior citizens in our group of 9 so we were admittedly wary if we can handle the trek. We did stop more often than the other tour groups of younger folks but we were all able to do it. It was so worth the cost. Actually, it ended as a bonus Bucket List item for me.

The Blue Lagoon lived up to our expectations. Such a nice ending to the cold days of touring. Just remember which Zone your locker is located as a lot of people got confused with the zoning AND numbering system they had. Remember to bring your selfie stick and waterproof plastic pouch.

Strokkur, the other geysers, the waterfalls, the Icelandic ponies, Harpa, the Sun Voyager, Barnafoss,Hraunfossar, the lava bread, the glaciers, the Lava cave, the Golden Circle, Vatnajokull and the funny memorable moments trying to pronounce Icelandic names —they were all part of the journey. To Andri — A big Thank You for making this trip a Bucket List-worthy one!

March 17, 2025

Client from Viator

Family Traveller

The tour was fantastic with plenty of fun and great food and great people that were there. The tour guide was really fantastic and gave us all the opportunity to see the sights thru our own eyes.

March 3, 2025

Client from Viator

Couple Traveller

Excellent Tour with GJ Travel and Guide Guomundur Andri

Our recent trip with GJ Travel was an unforgettable experience, made even better by our exceptional tour guide, Guomundur Andri. From start to finish, he was incredibly informative, sharing deep insights about Iceland’s history, geography, and culture in a way that was engaging and easy to understand.

What stood out the most was his attentiveness to the group’s needs. He ensured that everyone felt comfortable, adjusted the pace when necessary, and was always available to answer questions. His passion for Iceland was evident, making every stop along the journey even more meaningful.

The itinerary was well-planned, covering breathtaking landscapes and must-see sights, all while allowing enough time to truly soak in each location. Thanks to Guomundur Andri and GJ Travel, this trip exceeded all expectations. Highly recommend!

February 15, 2025

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Northern Lights Exploration

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