Signature: Iceland's Winterscapes, Golden Circle & Northern Lights

Signature: Iceland's Winterscapes, Golden Circle & Northern Lights

• Trip code: 433X027
• Dauer: 6
• Stil: National Geographic Signature

In winter, Iceland is elemental. Walk the fractured rift between two tectonic plates at Þingvellir, feel the ground hum above ancient lava tubes, and experience an island that has learned to live with fire. Alongside dedicated volcanologists and local pioneers, explore the Golden Circle's geothermal fury — then step out into the Arctic night and wait for the aurora borealis to find you.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (5 nts)

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Hiking pants (Please bring long pants that are not jeans or cotton in fabric. We suggest hiking pants, windproof pants, or waterproof pants in order for you to be comfortable.)
• Locks for bags
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel (For visits to hot springs and rivers)
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 22

Highlights

Walk the fractured chasm between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Þingvellir, Bake rye bread in geothermal earth and relax in the thermal baths of Laugarvatn Fontana, Search the night sky to witness and photograph the dancing colours of the Aurora Borealis, Visit the Lava Centre and analyse Iceland's tectonic forces alongside a volcanologist, Go behind the scenes at Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant with a specialist guide

Introduction

In winter, Iceland is elemental. Walk the fractured rift between two tectonic plates at Þingvellir, feel the ground hum above ancient lava tubes, and experience an island that has learned to live with fire. Alongside dedicated volcanologists and local pioneers, explore the Golden Circle's geothermal fury — then step out into the Arctic night and wait for the aurora borealis to find you

Meal Budget

Plane USD175-230 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein. Allow USD130-170 for meals not included

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

von Reykjavik

Transport

Private vehicle, walking

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Besuch im Ökodorf Solheimar**, Selfoss
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome meeting at Reykjavík hotel, Reykjavik
Dein Foodie-Moment: Fontana Geothermal Baths & bread making, Laugarvatn
Signature Moment: Visit to the Geothermal Hellisheidi Power Plant, Hengill
Signature Moment: Lava Centre Visit with a Vulcanologist, Hvolsvollur. Arrival and Departure Transfers. Guided walk at Þingvellir National Park. Greenhouse tour at Friðheimar. Visit Sólheimar Eco-Village. Geysir Geothermal Field Visit. Gullfoss Waterfall Visit. Fontana Geothermal visit & bread making. Fontana Geothermal Baths & Steams by the lake. Night excursions to see the Northern Lights. Private visit of the Geothermal Hellisheidi Power Plant. Lava Tunnel visit. Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Private Guided visit of Skogar Museum. Visit the the Lava Centre with volcanologist. Visit Skeidvellir Icelandic Horseworld. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Meals Included

5 Frühstück, 2 Mittagessen, 3 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Reykjavik/Selfoss

Welcome to Iceland. Your expedition begins as you touch down on this volcanic island, greeted by crisp Arctic air.You will be met and transferred to Reykjavík, for an introductory gathering with your fellow travellers, National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert. From here, venture into the landscapes of Þingvellir National Park to walk between the towering tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia. Next, visit an innovative geothermal greenhouse farm. Learn about zero-waste, earth-powered agriculture before sitting down to a fresh farm-to-table lunch. Settle into your countryside lodging this afternoon. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner highlighting sustainable local flavours

Day 2 Selfoss

Under the soft mantle of Nordic winter darkness, visit Sólheimar Ecovillage to learn about this pioneering community's self-sufficiency. From there, head into the volatile heart of the Golden Circle. Witness the Geysir geothermal field, where the restless Strokkur geyser violently ejects boiling columns into the crisp air. Nearby, watch the thundering Gullfoss waterfall plunge dramatically into an icy canyon. Conclude at Laugarvatn Fontana, baking traditional rye bread in the geothermally heated earth before a relaxing soak in lakeside thermal baths. In the evening, venture into the dark with your Expedition Leader to scan the skies for the dancing green ribbons of the elusive aurora borealis

Day 3 Selfoss/Hella

Feel the ground hum as you plunge into the restless forces shaping Iceland's volatile crust. Descend into a pioneering geothermal power plant to examine the brilliant innovations and cutting-edge technology shaping the future of green energy.Transition from modern technology to raw geology as you step into the cool, silent sanctuary of a subterranean volcanic lava tube. Follow your Expedition Leader along the ancient pathways of underground fire, where specialised illumination reveals spectacular frozen rivers of multi-hued basaltic rock. Afterward, travel to the steaming geothermal valley of Hveragerði, where you have free time for lunch on your own before returning to your hotel to enjoy dinner

Day 4 Hella

Travel along the dramatic southern coast, where the raw power of ice and rock takes centre stage. Stand before Seljalandsfoss waterfall as glacial meltwaters from Eyjafjallajökull glacier cascade down an ancient, moss-draped cliffside. Continue to the thunderous torrent of Skógafoss, feeling the cool mist from its immense hydraulic power. Following a lunch of local seasonal flavours, step through a living portal of Icelandic resilience at the Skógar Museum. Explore historic turf houses and delicate artefacts that reveal how early settlers survived this unforgiving landscape. After a rest at the hotel, join your Expedition Leader for a nocturnal search for the shifting colours of the aurora borealis

Day 5 Hella

Uncover the fiery heart of the island at an interactive lava centre. Alongside a volcanologist, analyse the powerful seismic forces that drive iconic peaks like Hekla, Katla, and Eyjafjallajökull. Head to a heritage horse farm for a private session that illuminates living history. Meet purebred Icelandic horses, learning how their unique genetics have been intertwined with the human saga since the days of early settlement. Return to the hotel for some downtime before gathering for a farewell dinner and presentation decoding the science of the aurora borealis and celebrating an amazing time in Iceland

Day 6 Hella/Reykjavik

Savour a final breakfast as the frost-dusted countryside catches the soft morning light, then transfer to the airport for your onward travel

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Reykjavik/Selfoss

Day 2 Selfoss

Day 3 Selfoss/Hella

Day 4 Hella

Day 5 Hella

Day 6 Hella/Reykjavik