Best of Iceland featuring the Northern Lights - Alternative

You’re on your way to Iceland, a land forged by fire and ice, where adventurous landscapes give way to a rich cultural heritage. Discover the dramatic contrasts: from ethereal lava fields and thundering waterfalls to charming coastal villages.

Discover culture and history in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital. Explore the old section on a walking tour featuring the Parliament, harbor, city hall, and the city’s oldest building. Gaze up at the famous glass facade of the Harpa Concert Hall, a true marvel of modern architecture. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers and experience the freshness of Icelandic food at a local restaurant.

Travel the Golden Circle to see Iceland's most iconic natural wonders, including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in Thingvellir National Park where you can walk between two continents. Learn how locals use Iceland’s geothermal energy to cook food and taste “lava bread,” which is submerged into the earth and cooked for 24 hours. Continue along the Golden Circle and take in the beauty of the Gullfoss (Golden Falls) double-cascade waterfall before visiting the explosive Strokkur fountain geyser. Return to Reykjavík for an evening on your own.

The journey continues to western Iceland’s coast. In Akranes, an old fishing town at the base of Akrafjall Mountain, visit the picturesque lighthouse, climb the stairs to take in views over the bay if you wish,* listen to mysterious stories about the area, and take time for a leisurely walk along the historical harbor if you choose. Continue to Deildartunguhver, the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe, and stroll along wooden walkways to explore the hot springs safely. Later, get to know the world-famous Icelandic horse breed as you visit friendly horses at the stables of a family-run farm. Get a look at how the natural hot spring in the family’s backyard is used for making home-baked ryebread. This evening, arrive in Borgarnes, your home for the next three nights and an ideal setting for seeking the northern lights.