Incredible Iceland with Northern Lights
November 12th to 20th, 2021
It’s Iceland just as you imagined it would be!
On our Incredible Iceland tour with round-trip airfare from the U.S., we take you on a journey through the country’s picturesque landscapes, and you may even witness the miracle of the spectacular Aurora Borealis!
Package Includes:
*Note: Sighting cannot be guaranteed, and the scheduled excursion from Reykjavik might be rescheduled locally due to weather conditions in order to maximize the chances of seeing the northern lights. Optional activity is defined as weather permitting.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 0: Friday, November 12, 2021 – DEPART FROM THE US
You’ll take a nonstop overnight flight to Reykjavik on Icelandair. You’ll want to eat dinner prior to departure or be prepared to purchase a meal en route since Icelandair does not provide meal service on this flight.
Day 1: Saturday, November 13, 2021 - ARRIVE IN REYKJAVIK/WELCOME BREAKFAST/CITY TOUR/NORTHERN LIGHTS EXCURSION
While expecting an early arrival, we have included the following:
- Meet & Greet at Reykjavik Airport with local guide
- Transfer to Viking Museum for tour and Breakfast
- City tour of Reykjavik before ending at hotel in late afternoon
- Northern Lights Observatory in the evening
After breakfast begin the tour of the city of Reykjavik and the evening will bring us to Aurora Base Camp to See the Northern Lights
Day 2: Sunday, November 14, 2021 - Borgarfjorður with a visit to the amazing Ice Cave
Deildartunguhver Hot Springs
Deildartunguhver is the most powerful hot spring in Europe and is widely known for its rapid flow rate of 180 litres per second. Most of the water used for central heating in the nearby towns Borgarnes and Akranes comes from Deildartunguhver. The hot water pipeline to Akranes is 64 km long, the longest in Iceland and the water is about 78 - 80°C when it reaches Akranes. If you take a shower anywhere within a 65 km radius of the spring, you have already bathed in the hot water from this powerful spring.
This is a fantastic example of how Icelanders efficiently use the geothermal energy provided to them by nature and is one of the major reasons as to why Iceland has such an excellent reputation for green energy. Most of the hot water in Icelandic homes comes from hot springs such as this one, except in a few places in `colder` remote regions like the West and East Fjords.
Barnafoss Waterfall
Barnafoss, or Children's Falls, are not a conventional waterfall but rather a series of rapids bursting out of the surrounding lava plains. The falls are but one more example of the extraordinary and mesmerizing landscape created by ice and fire and have been a protected site since 1987.
The name, Children's Falls comes from folklore that tells of a widow at a nearby farm that had two sons. One day she went with her entire household to the church at Gilsbakki, north of the river, but both boys stayed behind. But weather still with clear skies and full moon and the earth scintillating in the beautiful frosty winter night was too big a temptation for the two brothers who loved the marvelous nature surrounding their homestead. When the mother returned the brothers had disappeared. Their footsteps were followed to a natural stone bridge crossing the river a bit upriver from the falls and the brothers were believed to have slipped on the bridge and fallen into the river. Their grieving mother had the bridge destroyed and cast a spell on the waterfall claiming no man would ever cross it and survive.
Hraunfossar Waterfalls
Cold springs of subterranean water seep through the lava and run as tiny waterfalls and rapids into the Hvita River. What is phenomenal about this lava flow is the color of the water or the river. Sometimes its dazzling and turquoise but occasionally you will see it as milky white. Whatever the color is its an impressive scene both worth enjoying or photographing. There is a viewpoint at the car park offering an amazing view over the Hraunfossar and Hvítá river. Hraunfossar are a real treasure and have been protected since 1987.
Lunch at Hótel Húsafell
The gourmet restaurant located in Hotel Husafell offers a delicious Nordic menu, influenced as it is by international cuisine, owes its flavour and richness to the high quality of the locally grown produce.
In fact, the quality of their seasonal menu may only be surpassed by the breathtaking views.
Víðgelmir Cave
Hailed as the mightiest of Iceland`s caves and one of the largest lava caves in the world its diversity and grandeur is unrivalled. Inside Víðgelmir you will see myriads of icicles, stalagmites, stalactites and speleothems and all kinds of very colourful lava formations. Just imagine what unknown natural treasures there are to be found in the depths of the earth. Bones and jewelry from the viking age are a part of archeological remains found in the cave in 1993 and the cave has been preserved since that same year. Víðgelmir lava cave is considered by specialists to be one of the most remarkable caves on earth.
Cave Exploring
Take a guided tour into the mighty Víðgelmir lava tube with the aid of our easy-access walkway, and state of the art feature lighting. This is a trip that the whole family can enjoy.
Caves are often dark, tight and uninviting places; however this is not the case on The Cave Explorer tour!
What used to be slow travelled, rugged terrain is now easy and enjoyable. Thanks to our signature walkway caving just became family friendly. Leading from one great hall to the next the path is slightly lit revealing the magical underworld.
The stunning beauty of Víðgelmir lava cave lies within the amazing colours and rock formations that used to hide in the dark - not anymore! With feature lighting at selected locations this impressive cave can now be enjoyed in all its glory.
Join our experienced guides and learn about the unique geology and impressive history at Víðgelmir. The Cave Explorer tour offers the very best of caving, the ease, the light and the dark!
Day 3: Monday, November 15, 2021 - VIK/Sólheimajökull Glacier/Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss is a very unique waterfall that can be fully encircled. The water flows in the river Seljalandsá from Eyjafjallajökull volcano and drops about 65 meters (200ft) over an ancient sea cliff into a pool. There is a footpath behind the waterfall at the bottom of the cliff, but with a thin cascade. Feel the mist on your skin and listen to the roar of the rushing water. Seljalandsfoss is breathtakingly beautiful and pictures of it can be found in numerous books and calendars.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Skógafoss is one of the largest and most elegant waterfalls in Iceland. It has a width of 25 meters and the cascade drops 60 meters over a rocky cliff. Due to the mist and amount of spray the waterfall consistenly produces, a single or double rainbow is normally visible on sunny days, adding to the charm of the waterfall. An ancient folklore tells the tail of Þrasi, the first viking settler in the area, who buried his chest of gold in a cave behind the waterfall. Climb the steep staircase alongside for giddy views or walk to the foot of the falls, shrouded in sheets of mist and rainbows.
Ice Walking on Sólheimajökull
Sólheimajökull glacier tongue extends from the mighty icecap of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, down to the sandy plains of the Icelandic south coast. On this fun, safe and easy to moderate glacier walk you get to explore the wonderland of ice sculptures, water cauldrons, ridges and deep crevasses and learn about the behavior of glaciers and their impact on nature.
No technical requirements are needed for the tour as an experienced glacier guide will teach you how to use basic glacier equipment, such as crampons and an ice axe which are provided for all glacier walk tours.
Lunch at Country Hótel Anna
This charming restaurant is located in Moldnúpur, under Eyjafjöll (The Island Mountains) between Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
The worker, weaver, traveler, and dairymaid Sigríður Anna Jónsdóttir, born in 1901, developed such strong ties with Moldnúpur that all her life she called herself after the place. It was there that she was raised, playing and working in the traditional countryside way, but also with a good share of culture, reading and conversation. The restaurant, "Anna’s House", was opened in 2001 after remodeling the old farm and stables built in 1926.
Country Hótel Anna is the smallest three-star hotel in Iceland. After a day out immersed in the natural wonders of the region it is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a high level of personal service as well as the fantastic food. The restaurant offers everything between coffee and cakes to fancy dinners. The owners pride themselves in serving you the best ingredients from their own farm.
Two course lunch included. Coffee and tea is included.
Dinner at Berg Restaurant
Creativity and inspiration are what drive the chefs at Berg Restaurant, who invite you to sample our delicious Icelandic cuisine made with the freshest local ingredients. In Icelandic, Berg means "mountain," a word that not only symbolizes the powerful forces from which this rugged island-nation was formed but, the also the sentiment their beauty inspires.
Day 4: Tuesday, November 16, 2021 - Þingvellir National Park/Geysir Hot Springs/Gullfoss Waterfall/FRIÐHEIMAR GEOTHERMAL FARM
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir is situated on the northern shore of Lake Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. Þingvellir is a remarkable geological phenomenon and the most important historical site in Iceland. It is the site of the worlds oldest parliament founded in the year 930 A.D by the settlers of Iceland. The beautiful Almannagjá canyon that runs through the park is a boundary meeting of two of the earths tectonic plates and the combination of both natural wonder and historical significance makes it inseparable from the fabric of Icelandic national life. The river Öxará traverses the national park and forms Öxarárfoss waterfall at Almannagjá canyon. In 2004 Þingvellir was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Geysir Hot Springs
The spouting hot spring Geysir was claimed to be the biggest one in the world. Its fame spread and other spouting hot springs elsewhere were consequently named Geysir or Geyser. The old Geysir has been mostly dormant for decades, but when it was active, its eruptions reached the height of at least 80 metres. There are spouting hot springs all around the area, such as the ever lively Strokkur, which erupts every three to five minutes.
Lunch Buffet at Hotel Geysir
The dining area is on two floors, overlooking the Geysir hot spring area.
Lunch buffet consists of local food of South Iceland and the restaurant`s aim is to preserve and uphold local traditions in food production in the spirit of the international Slow Food Association and the spirit of local traditions.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Witness thousands of tons of icy water thunder majestically down in a double-fall into a deep gorge. Gullfoss waterfall is one of Iceland´s most iconic waterfalls. There is a certain rawness, power, and vastness to Gullfoss which leaves most people who visit feeling quite humble in the face of the raw power of nature. The thundering waterfall can be experienced by the surrounding rocks or from the viewing platform above.
BREAK - FRIÐHEIMAR GEOTHERMAL FARM
Friðheimar is a fully sustainable geothermal farm that uses renewable energy sources and geothermal hot water straight from the ground to power and heats their vegetable production. Their biggest produce is tomatoes but Friðheimar is the largest tomato producer in the country and they harvest tomatoes 365 days a year thanks to the everlasting supply of hot water and artificial lighting to keep production up in the dark winters. The farm is famous for their tomato soup and other tomato inspired dishes that use the farm`s produce. We will stop here to have a taste of their work during our lunch break.
Come and enjoy a unique food experience at our restaurant, with tomatoes growing all around! Tomato soup and fresh-baked bread, as well as other goodies, in a charming environment among the plants.
Tomatoes are the theme of Friðheimar cuisine – and that’s not surprising, since four different varieties of tomato are cultivated in the greenhouses, where food is served among the tomato plants. A unique food experience – come and enjoy it!
Day 5: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - Snaefellsnes Penisula
Join a fascinating full-day excursion to the spectacular Snaefellsnes peninsula, where you’ll see white- and black-sand beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains, volcanic craters and charming fishing villages. Drive from hotel in Reykjavík to Hótel Búðir for lunch with a stop in Borgarnes. Duration 12-15 hours
Day 6: Thursday, November 18, 2021 - RING OF FIRE
Bridge between continents
Bridge between Europe and North America on Reykjanes Peninsula. The lava-scarred Reykjanes peninsula lies on one of the world`s major plate boundaries, the Mid Atlantic Ridge. According to the continental drift theory the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are continuously drifting apart with great forces under the gaping rifts. As the plates diverge, linear fractures, known as fissures form due to stresses created by the tension that builds up as the plates move away from each other. The Bridge between two continents at Sandvík is a small footbridge over a major fissure which provides clear evidence of the presence of a diverging plate margin. The bridge was built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America.
Reykjanestá
The tip of Reykjanes, often called Reykjanestá in Icelandic is the most South-western tip of Iceland. You can climb up Valahnjúkur hill and enjoy the view out to sea where you can see Eldey Island and the surrounding area. The scenery is said to be one of the most interesting in Iceland. At that location, The Mid-Atlantic Ridge marks the edges of two diverging plates. The ridge is made of rift sections that are off-set through fracture zones.
Gunnuhver
Gunnuhver is a highly active geothermal area of mud pools and steam vents on the southwest part of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Named after an angry female ghost, Gunna, whose spirit was trapped in the hot springs by a priest 400 years ago, the steamy area has an eerie atmosphere and an incredible sulphur vapor. A unique characteristic of Gunnuhver is that the groundwater here is 100% seawater, unlike other geothermal areas on the island. The colorful minerals in the ground provide vibrant hues, but danger is very real with temperatures over 300°C (570°F) so it is important to tread lightly and stick to the trails. Iceland´s largest mud pool resides at Gunnuhver; it is 20 meters (65 ft) wide of violently boiling earth.
Brimketill
Brimketill is a naturally carved pool created by coastal erosion at the lava coastline close to Grindavík. Like many other sites in Iceland, it has an origin story rooted in folklore. Brimketill was said to be owned and occupied regularly by an ogress named Oddný where she would take her baths. The coast here often gives a raw and extreme view of the relentless power of the wind and currents hammering the Icelandic coast.
Grænavatn
Just a few kilometers south of the Geothermal area Seltún at Krísuvík is a Grænavatn, or "Green Lake". The Lake draws its name from the color, which is due to a high level of sulphur in the water and its depth. Grænavatn is considered by geologists to be one of the most noteworthy geological phenomena of its kind in Iceland.
Seltún Hot Springs in Krýsuvík
Visitors to Seltún will be taken aback by how much the area resembles a lunar landscape. With red, Mars-like gravel and steaming vents, the area is dotted with bubbling pools of mud, fumaroles and hot springs, solfataras and fumaroles that color the surrounding soil in bright yellow, red and green hues. These unique elements to Seltun can be attributed to its location falling in the middle of the fissure zone on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge which traverses Iceland diagonally from the south-west to the north-east of the island. You will smell the area long before arrival and once you are there it’s like landing on a different planet.
Kleifarvatn Lake
Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Situated on the fissure zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge a short distance from the dramatic geothermal area of Seltún, the lake is incredibly deep, 97 meters (318 feet). But its unique feature is that it has no visible surface drainage, which means there are no rivers running to or from it. Thus, the water level only changes with the ground water. Following an earthquake in 2000, a fissure formed at the bottom of the lake that soon began to drain and the lake diminished by 20 percent. Gradually though the fissure refilled and the lake has returned to its previous levels. The tuff stone mountains, reflected in the waters of the lake, give an eerie stillness and one can quite easily understand how folk tales tell of serpent-like monsters dwelling in the depths of the blue darkness.
Lunch at Salthúsið in Grindavík
Salthúsið is a warm two story lodge style restaurant in the small village of Grindavik.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon communicates a world of healing power, wellness and beauty. It´s founded on a unique source of geothermal seawater that originates in Iceland`s extreme environment. A tour to the Blue Lagoon is an energizing experience and will be remembered for a long time.
Its unique active ingredients of minerals, silica and blue green algae have been praised for their benefits for the skin. The aquamarine blue colour for which the lagoon is famous, is the result of these active ingredients. A visit to the spa promotes harmony between body, mind and spirit, and enables one to soak away the stress of modern life.
Guests also have access to a sauna with a view of the lagoon, a steam bath, a steam bath carved into a lava cave and the Blue Lagoon waterfall for an energizing massage. Guests bathing in the milky waters of the lagoon have easy access to the famous white silica mud, an essential part of the spa experience.
Dinner at Matarkjallarinn Restaurant
Food Cellar is a Grill & Cocktail bar, situated in a 230 year old building in the centre of Reykjavík.
They like to think that Food is for your body and Music is for your soul. The food is in the Icelandic brasserie style of food, elegantly prepared by our skilled and enthusiastic chefs, using Icelandic finest ingredients.
Come and experience their amazing menus which will take you to heaven and back. The bar has a superb selection of fine cocktails, put together by their outstanding bartenders.
On weekends there is live dinner music coming from their mahogany grand piano made in 1880 in Vienna by the Bösendorfer Company. As the evening fades out, the Food Cellar turns into cocktail club with an easy lounge feeling and live music.
The Food Cellar is an experience that puts Food in your Body and Music in your Soul.
Day 7: Friday, November 19, 2021 - Reykjavik at Leisure
Day 8: Saturday, November 20, 2021 - Departure Transfer
Departure approximately 2.5 - 3 hrs prior to the departing flight.
A 40 minute drive from your hotel in Reykjavík to Keflavík airport (The Leifur Eiriksson International Airport).
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY:
Hotels and most stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency (Icelandic krona, ISK, some markets may accept U.S. Dollars). Your hotels will also be able to exchange cash to local currency. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
BAGGAGE:
Checked Baggage
The total size (length + width + height) of a checked bag may not exceed 62 inches (158 cm), including handles and wheels.
Maximum weight: 50 lbs (23 kg).
Carry-on Baggage
Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead compartment.
Maximum dimensions (including handles and wheels): 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm).
Maximum weight: 22 lbs (10 kg).
We recommend that you do not overpack and that you take a variety of casual separates with climate and comfort in mind.
Trip Price (CASH):
Double Occupancy - $3,000 Price per person
Final Price May Be Adjusted due to Airfare and/or Currency Exchange
Trip Registration:
Online: Click the Register button above
RESERVE A SPACE:
$500 per person deposit will reserve your spot. No space is held without a deposit.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Initial Deposit: $500 per person
Payment 1: $1,000 per person: Due by March 1, 2021
Payment 2: $1,000 per person: Due by May 1, 2021
Final Payment Due: Due by July 30, 2021
Trip Cancellation Penalties:
Cancellation Penalty Schedule*
Up to August 13, 2021 = $75 Per Person
Between August 14th - September 12, 2021 = $425 Per Person
Between September 13th - September 28th = $1,100 Per Person
Between September 29th - October 11th = $2,215 Per Person
After October 11th = NO Refund
NO SHOWS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
* Plus any other non-refundable charges for airlines, hotels and suppliers
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING BEFORE CALCULATING THE AMOUNT OF REFUND DUE. NO REFUNDS FOR UNUSED ACCOMMODATIONS OR SERVICES.
SCSTC Detailed Trip Cancellation Policy
Trip Cancellation Insurance is recommended.
* TRIP INSURANCE: Standard medical is covered in the trip package price. Click for Trip Insurance flyer.
* PASSPORTS: Must be valid 6 months BEYOND the date of our return, May 10, 2022.
Make checks payable to Space Coast Ski & Travel Club and mail with your completed trip application and a copy of your passport picture page to:
Space Coast Ski & Travel Club
P.O. Box 372633
Satellite Beach, FL 32937
If you have any questions please contact Pam
Trip Leader: