Description
Both winter and summer, a jaunt to Northern Iceland will offer a truly extraordinary experience. The region is wholly remote and bleak in parts but then your eye is constantly drawn to spectacular geysers, rock formations, active volcanoes and incomparable sunsets.
A trip in winter is for the intrepid traveller, especially as Iceland only gets a few hours of sunshine per day. The languid sun appears reluctantly around 10am come December and disappears not long after 3pm. One would be led to believe this might leave a brief window of opportunity to explore but snow mobiling, whale watching, glacier hiking and of course lounging in a hot spring under the star dotted sky are all possible. One must not forget to mention the skiing and heli-skiing opportunities on offer close to Akureyri, a charming lakeside town that is accessed by a regular domestic flight from Reykjavik. Akureyri has heart shaped red traffic lights which are symbolic of the warm welcome the locals are known to extend to visitors.
December is a perfect time for a festive Christmas trip which adults and children alike will delight in. A year round Christmas shop with the largest advent calendar in the world, the eccentric bearded Yule Lads who dwell in the caves of Dimmuborgir and the dazzling Christmas lights adorning every house, mean that one cannot help but embrace the spirit of Christmas. Then for New Year, Iceland comes into its own, with every village, town and city illuminated by a glittering display of fireworks as Icelanders vie for the best pyrotechnic show.
A chance to see the Northern Lights is also on the cards and your local guide will know the perfect viewing platform to hurry you too should the predictions be good, even going so far as to wake you up should the Aurora Borealis make a late appearance.
The summer sees the region come alive with wildlife, in particular a plethora of birdlife who congregate around the hot spring mouths that empty into the regions numerous lakes such as Myvatn. This is the perfect time for whale watching or climbing on board a sturdy Icelandic horse whose distinctive five gaits are unique. For the more adventurous, a white water rafting trip or caving expedition will keep the adrenaline pumping. A myriad of other outdoor pursuits are possible, just let your imagination run wild.
Guide price
£2,500
per person
£2,500 guide price approximately per person and based on 3 nights including flights to Keflavik with Icelandair, internal flights to Akureyri, 4 nights accommodation and select activities.
Itinerary
| Stay | Location / Route | Overnight |
|---|
| 0 night
| London to Reykjavik (Keflavik airport) | |
| 1 night
| Reykjavík, Iceland | Hotel Borg |
| 0 night
| Reykjavik domestic airport to Akureyri | |
| 2 nights
| Northern Iceland, Iceland | Icelandair Hotel |
| 0 night
| Akureyri to Reykjavik domestic airport | |
| 0 night
| Keflavik to London | |
Location and directions
North and South Iceland
Southern Iceland is home to the country's capital, Reykjavik. This tiny yet buzzing capital city offers fantastic shops and superb cuisine. From here you will fly to the Northeast of Iceland which is dotted with quaint villages such as Akureyri and beauty spots such as Lake Myvatn. The area is home to the biggest National Park in Europe, Vatnajokull where Europe's largest waterfall, Detifloss has carved Europe's version of the Grand Canyon.
How to get there
There are flights to Keflavik airport in Reykjavik every day from Heathrow and Gatwick, as well as flights from Scotland with Icelandair. Regular internal flights operate daily from the domestic airport of Reykjavik direct to Akureyri in the North.
From Reykjavik airport it's a short (45 minute) drive to the centre of Reykjavik, while Akureyri airport is less than 15 minutes from the town centre.
