AURORA CHASER REYKJAVÍK – 6 days / 5 nights

We take you on a Non-Stop Northern Lights Chase in search of the magnificent Aurora Borealis and on an exciting winter tour full of soft adventures, nature sightseeing, wellness and culinary experiences in Southwest Iceland. The tour is for those who appreciate slow travel, good food, culture, natural wonders and want the best chance to catch the aurora. You spend one night in the centre of Reykjavík followed by 4 nights falling asleep to the sounds of the sea and waking up to the sounds of the birds. The Aurora Chaser Reykjavik program is based at the unique Fisherman‘s Lodge, located on a spit of land, surrounded by ocean, horses, birds and wind _ never short of amazing views.

HIGHLIGHTS and EXPERIENCES:

• Small group tour with max 16 persons, ideal for couples and hobby photographers
• Rustic accommodation with a romantic setting close to Reykjavík, yet away from light pollution
• Culinary tour in Reykjavík, Viking dinner and fine dining
• Must-see sights: Golden circle and the geological wonders of the Reykjanes peninsula
• Relax in a rooftop hot tub and enjoy wellness at the Blue Lagoon and Fontana steam baths
• 4 evenings of Aurora chaser program

ITINERARY

Day 1, TUE: WELCOME TO ICELAND (50 km/31 mls)

Flybus shuttle from Keflavík airport to Reykjavik (no guide). Stay 1 night in the centre of Iceland’s capital. An optional Northern Lights evening cruise can be booked on the spot, if the weather conditions are ideal.

Day 2, WED: REYKJAVÍK FOOD TOUR & AURORA CHASE (40 km/25 mls)

Start your Viking winter adventure with a guided walking tour in the centre of Reykjavík and explore Icelandic culinary treasures. Taste traditional, authentic and sometimes bizarre Icelandic food such as shark meat and Brennivín, the “black death” snaps, while learning about local customs and traditions. We continue further sightseeing by bus and visit some classic highlights while unveiling many hidden secrets of Iceland’s capital. The Árbær Open Air Museum gives a sense of the architecture, habits and lifestyles of the past in Reykjavik. Next we stroll along the black sand beach in Seltjarnarnes, followed by a panoramic view from the Pearl.  We continue to Bessastaðir, the home of the president of Iceland, just 15 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík. Just around the corner is the Fisherman’s Lodge, a rustic and romantic accommodation at an amazing location, surrounded by sea and away from light pollution. The rooms feature driftwood furniture, double bed, TV, coffee & tea making facilities and sea view. Before dinner, our expert tour guide provides you with a seminar about the Northern Lights and gives you practical tips on how to photograph this natural phenomenon. You can step into the darkness, soak in the outdoor hot tubs and check if the Northern Lights are visible. Depending on weather conditions we might chase the Northern Lights by bus.

Day 3, THU: GOLDEN CIRCLE & AURORA CHASE (270 km/168 mls)

After a late breakfast we travel to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. Further east we visit Gullfoss, the golden waterfall, and nearby are the Geysir geothermal fields with its variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. In the evening we stop for a relaxing and warm bath at the Fontana thermal spa. After a gourmet dinner we chase the Northern Lights before returning to the Fisherman’s Lodge around midnight.

Day 4, FRI: VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE, BLUE LAGOON, VIKING DINNER & AURORA CHASE (150 km/93 mls)

Today we discover the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its many unusual geological features, hot springs, moon-like landscapes, bird cliff, light houses and fishing villages. We explore hidden secrets tucked away here and there offering lots of stunning natural photo motives. It is slow travel at its best!  We walk along the seashore and visit the famous Blue Lagoon. After a Viking Dinner we take you on an unusual night expedition, as we hike, equipped with flash lights, through a lava field and hope for a full panoramic view of the elusive Northern Lights. Afterwards we return to the Fisherman’s Lodge and relax in the outdoor geothermal hot tubs.

Day 5, SAT: GEOTHERMAL POWER, ICELANDIC HORSES & AURORA CHASE (150 km/93 mls)

Free morning to explore Reykjavik on your own, visit museums or go shopping. We provide you with a shuttle to downtown Reykjavik and back. In the afternoon we travel to South Iceland, where we enjoy a presentation about geothermal energy and a show featuring the Icelandic horse. After dinner in the countryside we take the opportunity to chase the magnificent aurora borealis one last time.

Day 6, SUN: DEPARTURE HOME (50 km/31 mls)

Individual transfer to Keflavík airport (no guide).