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Iceland Northern Lights Family Multi-Adventure Tour - 20s & Beyond
Winter Wonder in the Land of Glaciers & Volcanoes
In every season, Iceland is awe-inspiring. Ice caves, massive glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal wonders. Imagine adding to this the mesmerizing display of northern lights undulating across the arctic winter sky—we keep our fingers crossed for clear night skies giving way to those dancing lights. Bundle up and embrace the chill in the air amid Iceland's winter majesty.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
Iceland
Start/End Reykjavík
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
- Witness the full diversity of Iceland's raw and wild landscape, where Mother Nature's drama is on full display
- Ice-walk on a glacier for an up-close perspective of glacial ice, then walk into the heart of a Katla Ice Cave
- Gaze at the aurora borealis in one of the world's best spots to experience the magic of the northern lights—if luck is on our side!
- Journey to a town built on a 5,000-year-old lava bed and ride in an all-terrain Super Jeep to access frozen waterfalls
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Travel from Reykjavík to the start of your first walk in Thingvellir National Park, a World Heritage site | Discover a stunning valley in the Hengill geothermal hiking area, taking in views of Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland | Witness firsthand the power of renewable geothermal energy as you hike among hidden mud pots in Nesjavellir Valley.
This sleek, modern and award-winning hotel sits amid geothermal pools, near the shore of Lake Thingvallavatn. (pool)
Trek through Reykjadalur (the "smoky valley") amid bizarre rock formations, a hanging valley lined with hot springs, bubbling hot pools and steam vents | Hop in the saddle for an adventure riding on the traditional Icelandic horse | In a private Super Jeep, explore a remote and rocky road passing frozen waterfalls and canyons near the active Katla Volcano | On foot, discover hidden valleys and beaches | End your day in this wintry wonderland with a relaxing soak in an outdoor geothermal hot tub.
A countryside log cabin-style resort with three geothermally healted hot tubs and views of mountains, glaciers and the Hekla Volcano. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member.
Don crampons and grab your ice ax for an unforgettable glacier ice walk with our local mountain guides at Sólheimajökull Glacier | Navigate through the blue-and-black ice walls of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier’s alien-like ice cave | Stop at Reynisfjara—a vast and stunning black-sand beach—en route to the small fishing village of Vík | Take in views of sea stacks, black cliffs and Dyrhólaey’s famous arch on our stroll along the coast | At thundering Skógafoss waterfall, the Skóga River puts on a breathtaking winter spectacle as it plunges over nearly 200-foot-high ice-crusted cliffs | Follow a scenic coastal path between the quaint fishing villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki with views of the Reykjanes Peninsula on a clear day.
Superior service plus mountain and seaside views await at this peaceful and modern riverside hotel.
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Activity Level: 1-2
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
During this trip we hike on snow, ice or frozen ground. Iceland does not get a lot of snow but we may wear ice cleats (or, less likely, snowshoes).
Daily Route Options
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
The northern lights are an incredible natural phenomenon and, as such, are unpredictable. The probability of sightings are affected by weather, the phase of the moon and many other factors, so even in Iceland, sightings are not guaranteed. Our journey through the Land of Fire and Ice is a magical winter adventure full of the planet's most remarkable natural treasures, whether or not we're lucky enough to see the northern lights.
It's not surprising that winter in a place called Iceland can be downright chilly. In order to enjoy hiking in the snow or rain you must wear waterproof snow boots or hiking boots and waterproof breathable pants, jacket and gloves. We may walk on snow, ice or mud so your clothing should be warm enough to allow you to comfortably remain outside in at- or below-freezing conditions for 2–4 hours at a time. Layers are encouraged to help regulate body temperature during activity. If necessary, we provide ice cleats or snowshoes based on terrain conditions.
You can't have a winter wonderland without some winter weather. During your trip snow, high winds and below-freezing temperatures are likely, and even rain is possible. Itinerary changes are quite common, so please know that if and when we encounter severe weather during the trip that causes road closures or affects our planned activities, your Trip Leaders will find alternate activities that you're sure to enjoy.
Luxury Iceland-style usually means modern, simple and nicely appointed buildings that prioritize location and views over plush amenities or landscaping. Please note that, due to the remoteness of our properties, dinners tend toward a local buffet-style affair and limited-choice menus, which is simply a part of the cultural experience of Iceland.
