Iceland & the Northern Lights

Arrive into the Icelandic capital where you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel Borg

From Reykjavik, travel north with your private driver and guide to the fertile valley of Borgarfjörður, where some of the greatest Icelandic sagas were set. Your guide will bring Viking history to life with insightful storytelling at various historical sites, before revealing Borgarfjörður’s geothermal landscapes. Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and see Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls where bright turquoise water cascades over ancient lava fields. Explore the stunning beauty of Vidgelmir lava cave with its unique geology, remarkable colours and underworld rock formations.

Hotel Borg | Meals: BL

Compact and stylish, Reykjavik is best seen on foot. Set out for a private walking tour with visits to the 19th century Parliament House, Reykjavik Cathedral, the impressive steel and glass framed Harpa concert hall, and the whimsical Hallgrímskirkja church which towers over the city. After a local lunch, venture into Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and an area of incredible scenery and geological formations. Home to the world’s very first parliament, the park is also the only place on the planet where you can stand between two tectonic continental plates. Finish in Selfoss on the banks of the Ölfusá river.

Torfhus Retreat is an incredible location for observing the Northern Lights, due to its isolated location and zero light pollution. If you are fortunate this evening, venture out to see the celestial lights dance across the sky.

Torfhus Retreat | Meals: BL

Spend the day exploring the South Shore, with its waterfalls, glaciers, and famous black sand beaches. The coastal region is home to the biggest glacier in Europe and is a gateway to some of the most striking hiking areas in Iceland. Set your eyes on the 60-metre-high Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which flows down from the famous Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Continue to the extraordinary basalt sea stacks at Reynisdrangar and walk along the black sand beach on the North Atlantic. Finish the day at Skógafoss waterfall, considered one of Iceland’s most majestic. Cross your fingers tonight for another inky black, starry night sky.

Torfhus Retreat | Meals: BL

Explore Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir area on the famous Golden Circle route. Start with the Geysir area, home to several hot spouting geysers. The most famous is Great Geysir, but the most energetic is Strokkur, which spouts every few minutes to a height of 40 metres. Continue to Gullfoss waterfall, Iceland’s most famous, which plummets 32-metres down to a canyon below. The water in Gullfoss comes from the second biggest glacier in Iceland, Langjökull. End the day at the mineral-rich geothermal Blue Lagoon, whose waters are said to have unique healing qualities. Take a relaxing and rejuvenating dip in the warm milky-blue waters, enjoying the private lagoon and access to the spa.

If you’re lucky enough to get a Northern Lights wakeup call, step out onto your private balcony to see the spectacle, or head up to the terrace for magnificent views across the lava fields.

The Retreat Hotel | Meals: BL

Travel to Reykjanesskagi, a small headland in the country’s far southwest. A region of intense geothermal activity, the dramatic, rugged landscape here features volcanic craters, caves, lava fields and hot springs. Highlights include Kleifarvatn Lake, the colourful sulphuric deposits of the Seltún geothermal area, the Krýsuvíkurbjarg cliffs and their abundant birdlife. At the end of an adventurous day, return to bathe in the restorative waters of the Blue Lagoon. With your evening at leisure, don’t forget to cover up and venture out for one last opportunity to admire the Northern Lights.

The Retreat Hotel | Meals: BL

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: B