Signature: Iceland's Winterscapes, Golden Circle & Northern Lights
About Iceland - From $5,999.00 USD
In winter, Iceland is elemental. Walk the fractured rift between two tectonic plates at Þingvellir, feel the ground hum above ancient lava tubes, and experience an island that has learned to live with fire. Alongside dedicated volcanologists and local pioneers, explore the Golden Circle's geothermal fury — then step out into the Arctic night and wait for the aurora borealis to find you.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Solheimar Ecovillage Visit, Selfoss
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome meeting at Reykjavík hotel, Reykjavik
Your Foodie Moment: Fontana Geothermal Baths & bread making, Laugarvatn
Signature Moment: Visit to the Geothermal Hellisheidi Power Plant, Hengill
Signature Moment: Lava Centre Visit with a Vulcanologist, Hvolsvollur. Arrival and Departure Transfers. Guided walk at Þingvellir National Park. Greenhouse tour at Friðheimar. Visit Sólheimar Eco-Village. Geysir Geothermal Field Visit. Gullfoss Waterfall Visit. Fontana Geothermal visit & bread making. Fontana Geothermal Baths & Steams by the lake. Night excursions to see the Northern Lights. Private visit of the Geothermal Hellisheidi Power Plant. Lava Tunnel visit. Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Private Guided visit of Skogar Museum. Visit the the Lava Centre with volcanologist. Visit Skeidvellir Icelandic Horseworld. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Walk the fractured chasm between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Þingvellir, Bake rye bread in geothermal earth and relax in the thermal baths of Laugarvatn Fontana, Search the night sky to witness and photograph the dancing colours of the Aurora Borealis, Visit the Lava Centre and analyse Iceland's tectonic forces alongside a volcanologist, Go behind the scenes at Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant with a specialist guide.
What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?
Max 22.
What meals are included in this trip?
5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (5 nts).
Itinerary
-
Reykjavik/Selfoss
Welcome to Iceland. Your expedition begins as you touch down on this volcanic island, greeted by crisp Arctic air.You will be met and transferred to Reykjavík, for an introductory gathering with your fellow travellers, National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert. From here, venture into the landscapes of Þingvellir National Park to walk between the towering tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia. Next, visit an innovative geothermal greenhouse farm. Learn about zero-waste, earth-powered agriculture before sitting down to a fresh farm-to-table lunch. Settle into your countryside lodging this afternoon. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner highlighting sustainable local flavours.
-
Selfoss
Under the soft mantle of Nordic winter darkness, visit Sólheimar Ecovillage to learn about this pioneering community's self-sufficiency. From there, head into the volatile heart of the Golden Circle. Witness the Geysir geothermal field, where the restless Strokkur geyser violently ejects boiling columns into the crisp air. Nearby, watch the thundering Gullfoss waterfall plunge dramatically into an icy canyon. Conclude at Laugarvatn Fontana, baking traditional rye bread in the geothermally heated earth before a relaxing soak in lakeside thermal baths. In the evening, venture into the dark with your Expedition Leader to scan the skies for the dancing green ribbons of the elusive aurora borealis.
-
Selfoss/Hella
Feel the ground hum as you plunge into the restless forces shaping Iceland's volatile crust. Descend into a pioneering geothermal power plant to examine the brilliant innovations and cutting-edge technology shaping the future of green energy.Transition from modern technology to raw geology as you step into the cool, silent sanctuary of a subterranean volcanic lava tube. Follow your Expedition Leader along the ancient pathways of underground fire, where specialised illumination reveals spectacular frozen rivers of multi-hued basaltic rock. Afterward, travel to the steaming geothermal valley of Hveragerði, where you have free time for lunch on your own before returning to your hotel to enjoy dinner.
-
Hella
Travel along the dramatic southern coast, where the raw power of ice and rock takes centre stage. Stand before Seljalandsfoss waterfall as glacial meltwaters from Eyjafjallajökull glacier cascade down an ancient, moss-draped cliffside. Continue to the thunderous torrent of Skógafoss, feeling the cool mist from its immense hydraulic power. Following a lunch of local seasonal flavours, step through a living portal of Icelandic resilience at the Skógar Museum. Explore historic turf houses and delicate artefacts that reveal how early settlers survived this unforgiving landscape. After a rest at the hotel, join your Expedition Leader for a nocturnal search for the shifting colours of the aurora borealis.
-
Hella
Uncover the fiery heart of the island at an interactive lava centre. Alongside a volcanologist, analyse the powerful seismic forces that drive iconic peaks like Hekla, Katla, and Eyjafjallajökull. Head to a heritage horse farm for a private session that illuminates living history. Meet purebred Icelandic horses, learning how their unique genetics have been intertwined with the human saga since the days of early settlement. Return to the hotel for some downtime before gathering for a farewell dinner and presentation decoding the science of the aurora borealis and celebrating an amazing time in Iceland.
-
Hella/Reykjavik
Savour a final breakfast as the frost-dusted countryside catches the soft morning light, then transfer to the airport for your onward travel.
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
"Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers.
When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number."
When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.
