❄️✨ Discover Iceland: The Land of Fire, Ice & Dancing Lights ✨❄️
Experience the raw beauty of Iceland as you chase the aurora borealis across an otherworldly landscape. When night falls, set out on a serene, starlit cruise in search of the northern lights shimmering across the sky.
By day, journey along the famed Golden Circle, where Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders await. Stand in awe at Thingvellir National Park, feel the mist of the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, and witness the power of the earth at the bubbling geothermal fields of Geysir.
Step back in time at Skógar Museum, home to traditional turf-built houses that tell the story of Iceland’s past. Walk along a dramatic black volcanic sand beach, and marvel at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, where icebergs drift silently across crystal-blue water.
Finally, unwind in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the world-famous Blue Lagoon, letting the steam rise around you as you soak in pure relaxation.
From breathtaking days filled with natural wonders to magical nights spent searching for the elusive aurora, this is Iceland at its most unforgettable.
Explore the full tour itinerary below!
September 14-20, 2027
Overnight Flight
You’re on your way to Iceland, a land and culture forged by fire and ice — where steaming lava fields and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. In this land of many natural wonders, enjoy the rare opportunity to search for the aurora borealis, one of nature’s most dazzling light displays, also known as the northern lights.*
Reykjavík, Iceland
Welcome to Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík. Your room is available on arrival, so make yourself comfortable before refueling with breakfast. This afternoon, get acquainted with Old Town Reykjavík on a walking tour with a local guide to see the vibrant harbor, City Hall, the Parliament building, and the iconic Harpa Concert Hall with its stunning geometric glass façade. Gather with your fellow travelers at a popular restaurant for dinner featuring Icelandic cuisine. This evening, take an adventurous northern lights cruise and sail into the darkness of Faxaflói Bay in search of the aurora borealis. (B, D)
Reykjavik - Golden Circle - Vik
Travel the Golden Circle to see Geysir, the double-cascade Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park, where you can stand on the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In the afternoon, visit the Lava Exhibition Center before continuing to Seljalandsfoss — a rushing waterfall you may walk behind for a unique inside-out view. Continue to Vík and begin three nights of aurora borealis searches in the countryside to increase your likelihood of seeing these elusive lights.*
(B, D)
Vik - Reynisfjara - Vik
Begin your day with a journey to Reynisfjara, the volcanic black-sand beach famous for its basalt columns and rugged sea stacks just offshore. Connect with the resilient spirit of Iceland at the Skógar Museum, where its farm, domestic artifacts, and preserved turf-built houses bring rural Iceland to life. Afterward, stand in awe before the impressive Skógafoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls. Cap off your day with a visit to Sólheimajökull Glacier, Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier. After dinner, gaze at the sky in search of the northern lights.* (B, D)
Vík - Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - Vík
This morning, embark on a spectacular journey east along the coast to the world-famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Witness the breathtaking sight of an iceberg calving from a glacier and floating serenely towards the Atlantic Ocean. Keep an eye out for seals swimming in cold waters. Explore the “Diamond Beach,” where ice sculptures from the lagoon wash ashore and glitter brilliantly against the stark black sand. After soaking in this unforgettable landscape, return to Vík. Following dinner, continue searching for the northern lights dancing across the night sky.* (B, D)
Vík - Blue Lagoon - Reykjavík
Drive along the south shore towards the Reykjanes Peninsula. Known for its rugged landscape, lava fields, and numerous hot springs, the peninsula is home to the Blue Lagoon. Take a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the geothermal pool, located in the heart of a dramatic lava field. Return to Reykjavík for your farewell dinner and overnight stay. (B, D)
Reykjavik - Tour Ends
Depart for home with many incredible memories of your time in Iceland.
Or choose to stay longer in Reykjavik and explore the city more! (B)
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Days 2 - Centerhotel Grandi, Reykjavik
Day 3-5 - Hotel Dyrholaey, Vik
Days 6 - Centerhotel Grandi, Reykjavik
On some dates, alternate hotels may be used.
Double Occupancy: $5,599/person
Triple Occupancy: $5,549/person
Single Occupancy: $6,599/person
Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Bismarck Municipal Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers.
Upgrade your in-flight experience with Elite Airfare
Additional rate of: Business Class $2,990
Pre-Night: Reykjavik
Get a head start … add a pre-tour overnight stay in Reykjavik at the Centerhotel Plaza.
$500 per room
Post-Tour Extension: Reykjavik
Keep the good times going … add a post-tour overnight stay at Centerhotel Plaza in Reykjavik.
$500 per room
Not included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $599 per person.
The purchase of travel insurance is recommended. Request to purchase travel insurance in your booking form.
Deposit of $698/person due at the time of registration. Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Deposits are refundable up until March 15, 2027.
Final payment due June 16, 2027.
Must-See Inclusions:
Cultural Experiences:
Culinary Inclusions:
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE:
Yes, we highly recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard your investment and provide peace of mind. We offer travel insurance options at the time of booking.
Absolutely! We offer customization options, from private tours to dietary accommodations. We'll work closely with you to create a personalized itinerary aligned with your interests.
Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter coaches that are temperature-controlled.
While some coaches may have a toilet facility, it is for emergency use since local laws require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons. Rest assured that frequent stops will be made along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.
Please note, outlets for charging devices may not be available on the coach. Therefore, if you anticipate using electronic devices, we recommend bringing portable power banks.
Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all travelers to change seats. This ensures that every traveler has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better. Depending on availability, single travelers may be seated next to another traveler. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Activity Level 3 - Active
You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.
Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. Tipping is discretionary and should be on an individual basis.
Gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, transfer drivers, on-tour motor coach drivers, and your Tour Manager are not included in the price of your tour.
The suggestions below are provided in US Dollars to help you budget for your trip. Plan to convert the total US Dollar amounts into the equivalent local currency, which is generally the preferred option when giving.
Tour Manager: equivalent of $10 US Dollars per person for each travel day, given at the end of your tour. For this 9-day tour, this would amount to $90 US Dollars total per person.
Local Guide: equivalent of $2-3 US Dollars per person, given at the end of your day or time with them. There are 3 local guides on this tour.
On-Tour Motor Coach Driver: equivalent of $5 US Dollars per person for each travel day, provided at the end of your tour or time with your driver.
Hotel Housekeeping: equivalent of $1 US Dollar per day, per room, left each morning.
When you’re deciding what to bring on your trip, we have a few suggestions for you.
In regards to clothing, think layers. It’s much easier to maintain a level of comfort if you can add or remove a layer at a time, especially if you’re traveling to a destination where the temperature can vary widely. So always bring a light jacket or sweater. Fleece or wool is best. We recommend staying away from cotton sweaters or jackets as they won’t keep you warm if they get wet.
Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you.
Be prepared for all types of weather. For warm, sunny weather, pack sunscreen, a hat or a bandana/scarf to protect your neck from sunburn. For cool, rainy weather, pack a light raincoat, travel umbrella, waterproof shoes and a thin pair of gloves.
For your toiletries, pack anything that could leak in plastic bags or a waterproof case. In addition, you might want to bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them.
If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers.
Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage; this is in case your luggage is delayed. You don’t want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost.
In general, we recommend not packing anything of value in your checked bag.
You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment.
If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them, that way if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both.
If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed as well.
Last but certainly not least, leave room! You’ll need it to fit all the souvenirs you want to bring home.
Everyone will be required to have a valid Passport Book with at least 6 months of validity before the expiration date.
It used to be when traveling abroad, you had to go to a bank to exchange your home currency for that of the country you were visiting. Thanks to technology, those days are gone. Now you can use your bank card at any ATM in almost any city around the world just like you would at home. There may be a fee for this convenience, but it makes getting local currency quick and easy.
You can find ATMs in airports, hotels, and banks. Fees tend to be lower at hotels or within cities than they are at the airport. Many exchange bureaus in Europe will not accept $50 or $100 US Dollar bills. While most vendors accept credit cards, you may need local currency for lunch, gratuities, or for smaller purchases.
You can also pay with a credit card when travelling. The price will automatically be converted to your home currency by the system. Some merchants charge a fee for this service, but it adds an extra guarantee on your purchase, so it’s a nice option.
If you have a credit or debit card with a chip in it, it is recommended you use it rather than a card with a magnetic strip. The chip adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.
Many of our tours include optional excursions that are available for purchase. If you decide to go on one of these during your trip, please note, the credit card you use for payment must have an expiration date greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
If you choose to review exchange rates or exchange currency before you depart for your trip, the currency in this region is the Euro.
When traveling to another country, you may need an adapter and/or electric converter to plug your electrical devices and appliances into the local power grid. An adapter changes the plug so it fits into the outlet. A converter changes the voltage coming out of the outlet.
To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination.
In Europe, the plug type is C, which has two round pins. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adapter.
Next, verify the voltage of each device you intend to bring. You can find this information on the cord, plug, or on the device itself. Many devices are dual-voltage. For those, you do not need a converter. If your device is not dual-voltage and it differs from the voltage of your destination, you will need a voltage converter.
In Europe, the voltage is 220v-230v. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage.
If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adapter and voltage converter as not all hotels have sockets next to the bed.
Booking is easy! Simply complete the sign-up form with your guest information, including names, contact details, and any special requests.
The natural wonders of our planet are awe-inspiring. To ensure their beauty can be enjoyed for generations, we are committed to reducing single-use plastics on our tours and in our offices. On tours in this region, where the tap water is safe to drink, we encourage you to bring a reusable filtered water bottle. Your Tour Manager will direct you to bottle refill stations throughout each day. By bringing your own bottle, you will reduce plastic waste and help to preserve the environment.
Thank you for helping us make the world a better place through travel and supporting sustainability!
Wi-Fi access has improved, with free or cheap internet available in many public spaces. Some restaurants, cafes, and hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, though at times it may not reach rooms in hotels. Wi-Fi will not be available onboard motorcoaches or other modes of transportation used during your tour.
Travelers flying to the United States from all international destinations will require extra screening when carrying powdered products weighing 12oz/350ml or more in carry-on luggage for security reasons. This added security measure will apply to all powders, with the exception of baby formula and medications. For your convenience, please consider packing any non-essential powders in your checked bag. Items that cannot be verified by a TSA officer risk being confiscated. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.
Searching for the northern lights is an active pursuit. You must be prepared for nighttime excursions in cold, dark, and sometimes icy conditions. You must be sure-footed and able to navigate uneven, slippery, and snow-covered terrain in darkness. While you are searching for the northern lights, you will be walking and waiting outdoors.
Specific activities, like walking behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall or exploring Reynisfjara Beach, require sure-footedness and a good level of mobility.
If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.
This tour takes place in the winter. You can expect varied weather conditions with brisk days and limited daylight. Icelandic weather is famously dynamic, and you will experience a true Arctic winter. Expect temperatures at or below freezing, strong winds, and rapidly changing conditions that may include snow, sleet, and rain.
Most natural sites, such as waterfalls, beaches, and lava fields, require walking on unpaved, uneven surfaces that are slippery from ice and rain. This is a physically active tour with a brisk pace. You should be prepared for full days and be comfortable with a significant amount of walking and standing on uneven, natural terrain. This includes navigating slippery paths near waterfalls, walking on rocky, black sandy beaches, and traversing trails at geysers and glacial lagoons.
We seek to best utilize your time while on tour; to account for the potential for adverse weather, some activities or days may need to be altered, shifted, or cancelled. In addition, museum visits and shopping may be affected by observance of religious or local holidays.
The northern lights cruise departs from the port usually at 9:00 p.m. and finishes after 11:00 p.m.
Due to long-distance travel to the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, you may expect free time after 1:00 p.m. for lunch on your own.
**The northern lights cruise is weather-dependent and may be postponed or cancelled in the event of adverse weather or sea conditions.
*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.