Iceland Northern Lights

5 days
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Small Group Tour
Go in search of the most dramatic lightshow on Earth on this aurora-hunting adventure in Iceland. Guided by an expert local tour leader, we head into the Icelandic countryside, where the dark skies (and real-time data) give us our best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Here, we also discover roaring waterfalls, icebergs littered on the black volcanic sand...
26%
$3,443
From$2,550
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Journey across southern Iceland with an expert tour leader in search of the Northern Lights
    • Stay in the countryside, where dark skies improve aurora displays
    • Complete the Golden Triangle of Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park
    • Marvel at the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
    • See the brilliant blue ice of Falljokull on a glacier walk
    • Walk among great ice bulks on the black volcanic sands of Diamond Beach

What's this trip about?

    Go in search of the most dramatic lightshow on Earth on this aurora-hunting adventure in Iceland. Guided by an expert local tour leader, we head into the Icelandic countryside, where the dark skies (and real-time data) give us our best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Here, we also discover roaring waterfalls, icebergs littered on the black volcanic sands of Diamond Beach, and the Golden Triangle of Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.Explore the dramatic countryside of Iceland in search of the aurora borealis, tumbling waterfalls and glittering glaciers

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityReykjavik
End CityReykjavik

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • High Adventure
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • Aurora Borealis
  • Skiing, Snowboarding & Snow Sports

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 6

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts
    • All accommodation (see accommodation section)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Airport shuttle bus transfers for everyone

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Reyjkavik

Our tour begins at our hotel in Reykjavik in the late afternoon. The compact capital of Iceland is well worth exploring, and we strongly recommend a couple of extra days before or after your tour. We have a welcome briefing this evening, usually around 6.30pm, and our...

Day 2 Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls; search for the Northern Lights

Leave Reykjavik, driving east along the scenic southern highway. Our first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a 195ft (60m) high waterfall with fantastic ice features in winter. We can walk behind the cascade, providing conditions are not too icy. Suitable footwear is a must; ho...

Day 3 Drive to Falljokull for a glacier walk, and Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon; hunt for the Northern Lights

We set out across Skeidararsandur, a vast sand plain with wavy rivers, to the Falljokull glacier. Upon arrival, we walk to an accessible section, strap on crampons, grab ice axes, and walk on the glacier. The terrain is not challenging and even those with no similar e...

Day 4 Drive along the south coast passing Eyjafjallajokull volcano; visit Gullfoss waterfall, spouts at Geysir and explore the rift valley at Thingvellir National Park; on to Reykjavik

We return along the south coast then head inland via Hvolsvöllur. We stop for lunch then head to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. We also visit Geysir, home to the inimitable hot spouts. The most reliable eruption comes fro...

Day 5 End Reykjavik

Our trip ends with a Flybus transfer to Keflavik Airport. Your leader will not accompany you on the Flybus; however, you are provided with a number to call for assistance, should it be needed. If you have time, you may wish to explore Reykjavik, visiting one of the l...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,550
Price per day$510
Last Updated: 12/18/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
22 Jan 2025
26 Jan 2025
$2,775
$3,255
8 spots left
12 Feb 2025
16 Feb 2025
$2,550
$3,030
8 spots left
19 Feb 2025
23 Feb 2025
$2,550
$3,030
8 spots left
12 Mar 2025
16 Mar 2025
$2,550
$3,030
5 spots left

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

4 nights hotel 3 and a half days sightseeing Glaciers, geysers and waterfalls Wonderful photographic opportunities
We aim to use hotels that provide good value for money (in Icelandic terms) along with a comfortable experience. In Reykjavik, we either stay at Hotel Klettur or Hotel Cabin, depending on availability. Hotel Klettur The property is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the main shopping street, Laugavegur, so it’s easy to enjoy the cafes, bars and restaurants of the capital. If you’d prefer to relax at the hotel, there’s a ground-floor bar serving Icelandic beers and cocktails (look out for the happy hour from 5pm to 8pm) and a games room with a pool table and Northern Lights selfie wall. Hotel Cabin Hotel Cabin offers the same standard of accommodation and facilities, but is approximately 2,625ft (800m) further from the city centre. It also has a bar serving Icelandic beers and cocktails (with a happy hour on draft beer from 4pm to 6pm). Hotel Laki Within the rugged countryside, this 64-room hotel is ideally placed for spotting the Northern Lights. The property is run by farmers-turned-hoteliers Salome and Hörður. Their restaurant uses suppliers that pay a fair price to farmers and serves locally sourced, seasonal produce. It also offers expansive views over the countryside, meaning guests can eat their food while gazing over Vatnajökull glacier or the Northern Lights when they come. Each room has a garden view plus a kettle should you wish to stay up late with a hot drink.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts are included. There are several different lunch stops, which we believe fit well with the itinerary, such as the cafe near the Skogafoss waterfall. In the east of Iceland, we stop at local restaurants for dinner. In Reykjavik, there are plenty of restaurants to cover all tastes and budgets. Traditional Icelandic dishes consist of salmon, cod, lamb and puffin. The old town cafes are particularly cosy, packed with comfy chairs and antique furniture, with wonderful selections of coffees, cakes and treats. Vegetarian and vegan options are generally available, although in the east of Iceland these may be more limited than in Reykjavik. If you follow a restricted diet of any kind, please expect options to be limited.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 4 Classic nights (hotels)
  • Flybus transfer to meet any flight
  • Travel by air-conditioned minibus
  • Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip ID
exodus-CZT

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