Discover the magic of Iceland, one of the premier destinations to experience the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis. Explore iconic landmarks like the Golden Circle, the dramatic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the rejuvenating Blue Lagoon, and the stunning Glacier Lagoon. Along the way, you’ll meet the legendary Icelandic horses, visit charming turf farmsteads, and enjoy five nights in remote locations, all offering prime opportunities for witnessing the Northern Lights. This captivating adventure promises unforgettable moments and photos you’ll treasure for a lifetime!
DAYS 1/2—WELCOME TO ICELAND!
Following your overnight flight, begin your Icelandic adventure with a delicious breakfast on the way to Reykjavik, the charming capital of over 140,000 proud Viking descendants. Enjoy a guided tour through its colorful streets and experience the world’s first recreated volcanic eruption at the LAVA Experience. Tonight, we will come together as a group for a welcome dinner. B, D
DAY 3—SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA
Journey west to discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a stunning microcosm of Iceland with its iconic Kirkjufell mountain. Next, visit the historic Budir Church and see the striking basalt cliffs at Hellnar before heading to Hotel Hamar. Since the sun sets early, you will have ample time for viewing the skies right after diner and a photography lesson on how-to tips to capture the Northern Lights! B, L, D
DAY 4—INTO THE GLACIER/BORGARFJÖRÐUR
Start the day on the award winning Into the Glacier tour which will lead you deep inside ice tunnels of Iceland’s second largest glacier—a true bucket list adventure! This afternoon experience an optional Húsafell Canyon Bath excursion or time to explore Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and marvel at the stunning Hraunfossar waterfalls cascading from a lava field. Later, enjoy an Aurora Borealis lecture before stepping into the hotel garden for a chance to photograph the Northern Lights, complete with a warm cup of cocoa. B, L, D
Option: Húsafell Canyon Bath If you are feeling adventurous, sign up for this easy hike with 64 steps through remote Icelandic wilderness ending with a geothermal soak in pools nestled in the magnificent highland canyon. Price: $90 per person
DAY 5—GOLDEN CIRCLE
This morning, follow the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site and the birthplace of the first Parliament. Follow the Golden Circle to Laugarvatn Fontana to savor rye bread baked in the ground and paired with salmon and schnapps. Take in the beauty of the double Gullfoss waterfall before a remarkable visit to an Icelandic horse farm for a private Horse Show! After dinner at the Landhotel, step into the tranquil night for another chance to view the Northern Lights. B, D
DAY 6—NATURAL WONDERS OF SOUTH ICELAND
Discover the wonders of the South Coast, starting at the Lava & Volcano Center to learn about Iceland’s fiery geology. Continue on to visit a charming folk museum with turf houses, then admire the impressive and breathtaking 60-meter Skógafoss waterfall. Next, we’ll wander the iconic black sands of Reynisfjara before arriving at our hotel for two nights bringing two more opportunities to see Aurora Borealis. B, D
DAY 7—GLACIAL LAGOON/DIAMOND BEACH
Following a delicious breakfast, venture to Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon for unforgettable views of sparkling icebergs. Stroll along the glittering black sands of Diamond Beach where we’ll watch for seals playing in the icy waters! Then, visit Hof’s enchanting turf church before wandering through Vatnajökull National Park, home to Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s tallest peak and Europe’s largest glacier. B, D
DAY 8—SOUTH SHORE/BLUE LAGOON
This morning, we cross the Eldhraun lava field to the picturesque village of Vík, framed by black sands, soaring bird cliffs, and crashing waves. Pause at the mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss waterfall, tumbling gracefully from rugged cliffs. Unwind in the warm soothing sea waters of the geothermal Blue Lagoon, revitalize with a silica mud mask, and step into a steam cave and under the massage waterfall to complete the ethereal experience. B, D
DAY 9—TAKK, ICELAND!
Enjoy one last Icelandic breakfast before returning home with memories of Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and enchanting Northern Lights. B
Quality Accommodations
Night 2: KEA Storm Hotel, Reykjavik
Nights 3-4: Hotel Hamar, Borgarnes
Night 5: Landhotel, Hella
Nights 6-7: Hotel Klauster, Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Night 8: KEA Storm Hotel, Reykjavik
Dates:
Feb 22-Mar 2, 2026
Price Per Person:
Double $5,647
Single $6,547
Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
$258/night
Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL
Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Reception and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotles
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Departure Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our pre and post hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Free parking is offered during the tour at our hotel in Chicago with a pre or post night booked.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved on our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate. Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
Most natural sites such as waterfalls, beaches, and lava fields require walking on unpaved, uneven surfaces rendered slippery by ice and rain. Sturdy non-slip comfortable footwear such as hiking boots are recommended since this tour involves a considerable amount of walking and sometimes for long durations over paved and unpaved walkways. Be sure your footwear is already broken in. In addition, you should know that you may be required to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law often does not allow travelers to remain on the motorcoach while it is parked for a scheduled stop.
Average Temps
High of 34°, low of 26°
Currency
Icelandic Krona
Time Zone
GMT (5 hours ahead of New York)
Hotel Amenities
All rooms feature hair dryers, free Wi-Fi, and a tea/coffee maker.
Additional Information
The northern lights are in the Northern Hemisphere from September through April and are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. As this tour is weather dependent, sightings of the northern lights are not guaranteed. In Iceland, days are much shorter in winter – allowing for more dark sky opportunities to experience the northern lights. Keep in mind that as they are a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 600 feet in the Skogar Region.
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
A valid US passport is required for travel to/from the United States.
Land tours begin one day later. Airport transfers are not included with land only tours.
Dress on tour is casual. Pack warm layers and footwear for the cold temperatures.
Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
