Northern Lights & Hidden Gems - 8 days Tour by On The Go Tours

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

18 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Reykjavik, Iceland

Ends

Reykjavik, Iceland

Highlights

Reykjavik - Immerse yourself in the Capital of Iceland and spot the Northern Lights with both a boat tour and a minibus tour!

Golden Circle - Take in some of Iceland's main attractions, including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss and the Geysir Geothermal Area

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Spot colossal icebergs and enjoy a guided glacier hike or a visit to an ice cave

Lake Myvatn - Soak up the scenery of this pristine lake and the mud pools of Namskard, then opt for a dip in the Myvatn Nature Baths

Hengifoss - Hike through picturesque scenery to Iceland's second-highest waterfall, at 128 metres high

Akureyri - Explore Iceland's northern second city your way, with free time to head out and explore

Dimmuborgir - Lose yourself in the towering black lava formations, which are home to dangerous trolls according to Icelandic legend

Dalvik - Set sail on a three-hour whale-watching cruise, in search of humpback, minke and maybe even blue whales

Borgafjordur - Return to Reykjavik via Iceland's beautiful western region, stopping at hot springs and stunning waterfalls along the way

Akureyri - Explore Iceland's northern second city your way, with free time to head out and explore

Dimmuborgir - Lose yourself in the towering black lava formations, which are home to dangerous trolls according to Icelandic legend

Dalvik - Set sail on a three-hour whale-watching cruise, in search of humpback, minke and maybe even blue whales

Borgafjordur - Return to Reykjavik via Iceland's beautiful western region, stopping at hot springs and stunning waterfalls along the way

Itinerary

Imagine witnessing the elusive Northern Lights while delving into Iceland’s most captivating landscapes and cultural treasures. The "Northern Lights & Hidden Gems - 8 Days" tour is crafted for experienced travelers and seniors seeking a well-paced yet enriching exploration of Iceland’s winter magic. Starting and ending in Reykjavik, this guided small group trip blends comfort with adventure, featuring museum visits, whale watching, and natural wonders.

Your journey launches in Reykjavik with a Northern Lights cruise—an unforgettable introduction to Iceland’s celestial phenomenon. The next days unravel the iconic Golden Circle: marvel at Thingvellir National Park’s geological rifts, the roaring Gullfoss waterfall, and the famed Geysir geothermal area. In Lake Myvatn, soak in the warm serenity of the Myvatn Nature Baths, surrounded by steaming landscapes dusted with snow.

The itinerary includes Akureyri, often called Iceland’s northern gem, where you’ll enjoy a whale-watching expedition from Dalvik, adding a touch of Arctic adventure to your trip. Continue east to Hofn and Kirkjubajarklaustur, making stops at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where floating blue icebergs create a surreal panorama, and at Dimmuborgir—an ancient lava field steeped in local legend and troll mythology.

Throughout the 8-day tour package, you’ll enjoy carefully selected hotel accommodations and hearty Icelandic meals, ensuring comfort amid the winter chill. With knowledgeable local guides, every destination comes alive through stories of culture, geology, and folklore.

A standout feature of this tour is the balance between must-see highlights and hidden gems, including less-visited natural wonders and authentic cultural encounters. Designed with accessibility and leisure in mind, this easy-activity trip ensures that seasoned explorers and seniors can fully savor each day’s discoveries without feeling rushed, making it an ideal way to experience Iceland’s enchanting winter landscapes and vibrant traditions.

day 1 - Welcome to Iceland!

Welcome to the lively capital of Iceland, Reykjavik! Get ready for an exciting adventure full of cultural wonders, picturesque views - and best of all, an opportunity to chase the famous Northern Lights.

If you arrive early, today is a free day to explore the city at leisure. Why not check out some of the museums, galleries, restaurants and historic landmarks that line the streets?

Take a walk along Reykjavik's oldest shopping street, Laugavegur or get a bird's eye view of the city from the iconic Hallgrimkirkja Church, which was inspired by the Svartivoss Waterfall. Visit one of the city's exciting museums - the National Museum, the Reykjavik Museum of Photography, Culture House, or even the Phallological Museum (the only one in the world) all come to mind!

In the evening, you will get the chance to join a Northern Lights boat tour, accompanied by an expert aurora guide. Setting course under pitch-black skies, we will search above for the wonderous emerald light show.

OverNight:Reykjavik

day 2 - The Golden Circle

Reykjavik - Kirkjubajarklaustur. Today we visit exciting sites along Iceland's Golden Circle route. Our first stop is Thingvellir National Park, where you'll be amazed by the geological marvels shaped by the shifting tectonic plates. Stand on the historic grounds of the world's oldest parliament and feel the deep connection to Iceland's past. Afterwards, prepare to be mesmerized by the mighty Strokkur geyser erupting at the Geysir Geothermal Area, a thrilling display of nature's power.

Next, we'll witness the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, known as the 'Golden Waterfall' for its majestic beauty. Our adventure continues as we explore the enchanting Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, offering unique experiences to walk behind the cascading water and witness captivating rainbows.

As the day comes to a close, we'll settle into the peaceful village of Kirkjubajarklaustur. During winter, our rural hotel becomes an ideal base for spotting the magical Northern Lights.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Kirkjubæjarklaustur

day 3 - Skaftafell & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Kirkjubajarklaustur - Hofn. We continue along the South Coast route today. Our first stop is Reynisfjara black sand beach, known for its remarkable waves, stunning basalt columns and pitch-black volcanic sand.

After the beach, there will be a change of scenery as we head towards icy glaciers. If visiting between October and April, we will enjoy a guided tour through the Crystal Ice Cave. Otherwise, we will embark on a 3-hour hike through Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park. This will give us the opportunity to get up close and personal with Europe's biggest glacier, Vatnajokull.

Next stop will be the jaw-dropping Myradalsjokull Glacier, home to the Katia Volcano, and her neighbour, the notorious Eyjafjalljökull. Afterwards, we visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the most famous ice lagoon in the world. Witness the crystalline icefloes before walking towards Diamond Beach, another stunning coastline beach decorated with icebergs and coal-black sand.

Tonight, we will arrive in Hofn - the lobster capital of Iceland. The dark nights in the area are, once again, perfect for spotting the elusive Northern Lights!

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Hofn

day 4 - The Eastern Fjords

Hofn - Egilsstadir. Heading away from Iceland's traditional tourist path, we journey along the coastline of the Eastern Fjords to the charming fishing village of Djúpivogur in the unspoiled East Fjords. View the renowned sculpture work, Eggin of Gleðivík, representing the eggs of 34 bird species nesting in the area.

Next, embark on a fabulous scenic hike to Iceland's second-highest waterfall, Hengifoss, and witness the enchanting Litlanesfoss waterfall. Keep an eye out for Iceland's iconic reindeer as we drive along and enjoy some reindeer gazing and photography if we spot them.

Tonight, we rest in the riverside town of Egilstaðir, ready for more exciting adventures tomorrow.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Egilsstadir

day 5 - Lake Myvatn, Godafoss & Akureyri

Egilsstadir - Akureyri. Leaving Egilsstaðir, we head to Möðrudalur, the highest inhabited farm in Iceland, with a delightful surprise - the country's highest coffee house.

Weather permitting, our first stop will be a visit to the awe-inspiring Dettifoss Waterfall. Prepare to be mesmerized by the thunderous cascades and intense roaring waters.

At mystical Lake Mývatn, we explore Námaskarð's geothermal wonderland and visit Hverfjall Crater and Dimmuborgir lava formations for more breathtaking views.

Relax at the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can opt to bathe in soothing mineral-rich blue waters (pay locally), and then visit the historic Goðafoss waterfall, rich in Icelandic history, and the site where Icelanders first embraced Christianity in the year 1000 AD.

We spend the night in Akureyri, known for its stunning fjords, charming downtown, and excellent restaurants.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Akureyri

day 6 - Whale Watching

Akureyri - Laugarbakki. Today we hope to get up close to some of the giants of the natural world. Iceland is well known for the diversity of whales and dolphins that inhabit its waters. Our three-hour whale-watching cruise departs from the fishing town of Dalvik, and we hope to see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and perhaps even a blue whale - though the species to spot will depend on the time of year you travel. You can also try some fishing if you fancy, with a chance to taste what you catch!

After whale-watching, we explore Dalvík its with stunning views and a reputation for skiing. Continuing to Sigluförður, admire colorful houses reflecting the town's herring-based past.

Afterwards, we drive along the Trollaskagi Peninsula, taking in quaint fishing hamlets and agricultural areas. On the way to our accommodation, we'll pass through Skagaförður, a beautiful fjord featuring islands like Drangey. This island, with steep sea cliffs from a 700,000-year-old volcano, is the setting of Grettis Saga, where the outlaw Grettir found refuge with his brother Illugi and slave Glaumur.

Arriving in Laugarbakki, we will have another chance to look for the Northern Lights in the evening.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Laugarbakki

day 7 - West Iceland

Laugarbakki - Reykjavik. We make our return journey to Reykjavik today. There are numerous stops along our route through Borgarfjordur, Iceland's western region. These include the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring and the legendary Barnafoss waterfall. We also see the Hraunfossar cascade, the low and wide falls where the water emerges straight from the lava field. There's also a stop in picturesque Reykholt before we arrive back in the capital.

We'll pass through the scenic Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), before arriving in Reykjavik between 17:00 - 18:00.

In the evening, join our Northern Lights minibus tour. Our expert guides monitor the aurora forecast to ensure the perfect spot to witness the magical Northern Lights. Get ready for an enchanting experience, and perhaps your last chance to witness the stunning emerald aurora!

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Reykjavik

day 8 - Goodbye Iceland!

A leisurely day for you to further see the sights of this beautiful city, as the tour comes to an end after breakfast.

Take this chance to wander down new paths, go for a scenic bike ride, or enjoy nature. Seltjarnarnes and Mosfellsbær are both mountain-view peninsulas easily reached by bus from Reykjavik. A visit to Reykjavik Botanical Gardens is also a great option - visit the hot spring pools where women used to do their laundry or take a dip in Laugardalslaug, Iceland’s largest swimming pool.

With endless options, from nature, to shopping, to restaurants and museums, be sure to make the most of your final day in the vibrant Reykjavik!

Meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights 2-3-star accommodation

Meals

Daily breakfasts

Transport

Transportation in a heated minibus with complimentary Wi-Fi

Guide

Escorted by an English-speaking driver/guide

Others

Whale Watching in DalvíkGlacier Hike or visit to a Natural Ice CaveAll necessary glacier and safety equipmentThis tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The GoSightseeing at Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the ice cave, Lake Myvatn, Dalvik whale watching and all other sightseeing as mentioned in the itineraryNorthern Lights Cruise and Northern Lights minibus tour in Reykjavik

What's Excluded

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