Velkominn! Welcome to Reykjavik – the world’s most northerly capital and the starting point of your adventure. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group and local leader. If you arrive early, maybe take a trip to the National Museum to see the permanent exhibition of Iceland’s history. After the welcome meeting, celebrate the start of a new adventure at dinner with your group, where your leader will introduce you to Icelandic cuisine. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you’re interested in visiting the Blue Lagoon at the end of the trip and haven’t already booked yourself a slot, it’s best to mention this to your local leader at the welcome meeting so they can attempt to arrange tickets.

This morning, head to the geologically and historically important Thingvellir National Park. The national park may seem to be just a natural wonder, but your leader will be on hand to provide historical context and explain that this was the original site of Iceland’s old parliament from AD 930. Visit the spouting hot springs of Geysir and Strokkur before driving to the spectacular Gullfoss – Iceland’s largest waterfall. This afternoon, maybe visit the Secret Lagoon – a natural geothermal pool warmed by the nearby hot springs. This evening will be a good opportunity to turn your head to the skies in search of the Northern Lights. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. If you plan on visiting the Secret Lagoon you will need to bring a towel with you or rent one from the lagoon. While there is a good chance of seeing the lights of the aurora this far north, there is no guarantee, as they are a natural phenomenon and weather conditions can affect visibility. There are a number of apps you can download that show current and forecast activity of the aurora around the world. Some of these apps have a function that allow you to be alerted at night when the aurora becomes visible in your current location. Remember to pack warm clothes, as temperatures can drop to below –5°C.

Start the day with a visit to the picturesque Seljalandsfoss waterfall before continuing to the dramatic black sands of Reynisfjara Beach, where you can admire the powerful Atlantic waves and striking basalt formations of Reynisdrangar. After a brief stop in the charming village of Vík, journey through the vast lava fields left by the Laki volcanic eruption of 1784. As you travel, your leader will share how this devastating event shaped not only Iceland’s landscape but also its history and culture. End the day at Vatnajökull National Park, where you'll come face-to-face with Europe’s largest glacier – a true natural wonder. Later, head to the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – your Feature Stay for the night. This modern and contemporary hotel carefully considers its surroundings as spacious rooms with huge windows show off views of the mountains and sea, while the interiors reflect the colours of the world outside. This evening, you’ll have dinner at the on-site restaurant that serves up a creative list of dishes made with local Icelandic produce. Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Start the day with a visit to Jokulsarlon, also known as the Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift across the glacial lake. Take a walk along the shore and learn about the lagoon’s formation and its connection to the surrounding glaciers. Continue to Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier extending from the mighty Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, where you'll get a closer look at the ever-changing world of ice. Next, visit the powerful Skógafoss waterfall – at 60 metres high and 25 metres wide, it's one of Iceland’s largest and most iconic falls. Your leader will share insights into how these natural wonders were shaped over time. Next, return to Reykjavik for a free evening. Perhaps head to the Old Harbour to try the famous lobster soup, or if you’re feeling brave, the infamous fermented shark washed down with a shot of Brennivin (Icelandic Schnapps). Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

After breakfast, explore Reykjavik with your leader and see the city through the eyes of a local. Learn the history of the Old Harbour and pass through the city centre. Visit the Hallgrimskirkja church and the dome-shaped Pearl, then head to the remote and geographically fascinating Snaefellsnes Peninsula – your home for the next two nights. On your way visit the Borgarfjordur area, you’ll pass waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafossar, then continue to Deildartunguhver – Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Take a relaxing dip in the Krauma thermal pools, where waters from the hot spring mix with glacial waters to create the perfect temperature. Tonight, have dinner at your accommodation before looking to the skies in search of dancing lights. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Don't forget to have your swimwear and towel handy today for your visit to the geothermal pools of Krauma. Swimwear, towels and bathrobes are also available for hire at an additional cost on site.

Today, you’ll explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, beginning with a visit to the charming village of Grundarfjörður and the nearby Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains. Continue through Snæfellsjökull National Park, where, weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of the glacier-capped dormant volcano at its center. Stop at Djúpalónssandur, a striking black pebble beach surrounded by twisted lava formations, before heading to the coastal village of Arnarstapi for a short walk along its bird-filled cliffs. Afterwards, pass through the picturesque hamlet of Búðir, then travel to the horse farm at Lýsuhóll, where you’ll be welcomed by a local host for a home-cooked dinner. Head back to your accommodation, and depending on the weather, rug up in warm clothing and head out in search of the northern lights.

Today, you’ll return to Reykjavik. On the drive, your leader may share some stories of Norse mythology, so keep an eye out for elves and fairies along the way! Iceland's capital has an eclectic art and music scene, and this afternoon you may like to browse some of the city's excellent galleries and museums. If you feel like something more active, you can take a ride on an Icelandic horse, or see killer whales just offshore on a whale watching expedition. If you are after another look at the Northern Lights, you can head out of town to chase them again this evening. Ask your leader for more information on these activities. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Your Icelandic journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you’re interested in visiting the Blue Lagoon please keep in mind that it has limited availability, and during peak times tickets sell out far in advance. We recommend you book your time slot online in advance if you would like to be sure of a certain time/date for your visit: bluelagoon.com.