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Iceland in Winter (Nov - Mar)
Winter presents a different experience in Iceland as you uncover astonishing landscapes while taking in the opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis or "Northern Lights" as we call it. The winter season allows you to see a surreal and almost enchanting blanket of colour contrasts that is only possible in winter.
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience a less-trodden part of Iceland
Witness extraordinary landscapes and geology
Experience unique Icelandic culture and hospitality
Stay in boutique accommodations
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE REYKJAVIK / SELFOSS
Arrive into Reykjavik Keflavik Intl Airport and a short drive takes us to the town of Hafnafjordur, renowned for having one of the largest elves settlements and mystical beings known as the "hidden folk" where we stop to visit the old fishing harbour and fish market (if open). We then continue to the heart of Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik where we stop by the Perlan Building, built over water tanks that hold the city's hot water supply. We then stop at the Hallsgrimkirkja Church and a chance to ascend the bell tower for panoramic views over the red rooftops of the city and Faxafloi Bay. Thereafter, continue a short drive to the town of Selfoss where we check in into the stunning Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel.
Overnight: Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel, Selfoss
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: SELFOSS (GOLDEN CIRCLE EXCURSION)
Today, we embark on an excursion of the famed "Golden Circle" where we visit the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. Walk through the geological fault known as Almannagja to the place where Europe's oldest national legislative assembly, the Icelandic Althing, was established in 930AD. We then continue to the geothermal area of Haukadalur Valley to witness the spouting Geyser "Strokkur" and other bubbling pools and spattering steam vents. Finally, we head to the Gullfoss waterfall, considered by many as the most beautiful in Iceland.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY AT THINGVELLIR:
The Silfra Fissure is renowned as one of the most surreal dive and snorkelling sites in the world as you have the opportunity to dive or snorkel in between 2 tectonic plates - the North American and Eurasian plates. Experience a spectacular visual treat of amazing underwater visibility due to the year-round cold temperature glacial-fed waters from the Langjokull Glacier (2-4 degrees celsius year round), filtered through porous underground lava for 30-100 years before it reaches the Thingvellir Lake, seeping from underground wells.
Overnight: Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel, Selfoss
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: SELFOSS / SOUTH COAST / HNAPPAVELLIR
Today, we start our journey along the scenic South Coast of Iceland. On the way, we will visit the stunning Seljalandfoss waterfall at 60m high and one of Iceland's most spectacular and photogenic falls. Consider a visit to the neighbouring Gljufrabui falls, hidden and tucked in a canyon. We then continue to the Skogafoss, one of Iceland's most recognisable falls before journeying on to the 120m high Dyholaey promontory with its beautiful arch.
Conditions-permitting, we will drive off road to the black sand beach of Solheimasandur to capture the famous plane wreck where in 1973, a US Navy DC plane ran out of fuel and crashed onto the beach. We will also stop in the town of Vik for another different perspective of the Dyrholaey arch. Worth a visit too is the Vik i Myrdal Church, one of Iceland's most iconic image. Finally, we journey on to the town of Hnappavellir for check in.
Overnight: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, Hnappavellir
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 4: HNAPPAVELLIR (JOKULSARLON GLACIER LAGOON)
An amazing day begins as venture east into the realm of Vatnajokull, En route, we make a stop to admire the isolated Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a dreamy landscape dotted with icebergs and offering spectacular sights of Iceland's tallest volcano, the Oraefajokull Glacier looming above the lagoon and reaches down to the water where icebergs break off into the lake and drift serenely around before melting.
A short drive later takes us to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where huge aqua-blue icebergs dot this mystical space, as well as being the film setting for the opening scenes of "James Bond - Die Another Day". Experience and marvel at these immensely beautiful floating icebergs before our highlight of the day - visiting the surreal Vatnajokull Glacier Ice Cave where you will be transported into an unworldly realm of natural wonder.
Overnight: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, Hnappavellir
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 5: HNAPPAVELLIR / SKAFTAFELL / SOUTH COAST / BLUE LAGOON
Our day begins with a short drive to Skaftafell, located at the foot of the Vatnajokull Glacier, the biggest glacier outside of the polar regions. Enjoy a short hike and witness a spectacular panorama of the glacier before we head back onto the South Coast again on our journey back to the west where we arrive at the unmistakable Blue Lagoon, surrounded by moss-covered lava fields to relax and rejuvenate. Check into the Silica Hotel, situated next to the main Blue Lagoon and where you can enjoy a piece of the Blue Lagoon for your private enjoyment (for Silica Hotel guests only).
Overnight: Silica Hotel, Blue Lagoon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: DEPART BLUE LAGOON / KEFLAVIK
Early this morning, a short drive (15mins) to Keflavik Intl Airport and farewell to a wonderful sojourn!
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel is where modern design meets Iceland's incomparable natural landscape. Situated in the south-western town of Selfoss, Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel is the perfect base and retreat to explore the famed Golden Circle. All 45 rooms are designed impeccably with a mellow mix of concrete chic and earthy ambience.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a brand new hotel in Hnappavellir, a popular climbing area. The location is perfect for nature lovers, as it is right between Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, two of Iceland's most spectacular natural attractions.
Set in the heart of a stunning lava landscape, the Silica Hotel is just 10mins walk from the Blue Lagoon. The hotel offers its own private bathing lagoon, available for hotel guests only. Built in harmony with the surrounding landscape, it offers an oasis of calm, relaxation and healing with 35 bright and spacious rooms offering a veranda with breathtaking views of the surrounding lava fields.
