It’s Iceland just as you imagined it would be! On our incredible Iceland tour, we take you on a journey through the country’s picturesque landscapes, and you may even witness the miracle of the spectacular Aurora Borealis! Your trip begins with a tour of Reykjavik, visiting the Hallgrimskirkja Church, museums, and more. You’ll also have some leisure time here or you can take an optional tour to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. On an evening in Reykjavik, we’ll take you away from the city to hunt for the Northern Lights. Explore the spectacular South Coast, stopping at the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the sea cliffs of Dyrholaey, Black Sand Beaches (Reynisfjara), and the quaint coastal town of Vik. Continue onward to discover the Golden Circle’s top highlights—Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot springs, and Gullfoss Waterfall. After these exciting adventures around the country, unwind in soothing mineral-rich hot spring water at the Blue Lagoon. 5/5 stars on Tripadvisor!
Itinerary at a Glance
Oct 2024–Apr 2025 Tour Itinerary:
2 nights in Reykjavik
1 night in Vik (South Shore)
2 nights in Reykjavik
Tour Highlights
Opportunities To See Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)*
Reykjavik City Sightseeing
Black-Sand Beaches (Vik)
Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls (Near Vik)
Gullfoss
Geysir
Thingvellir National Park
Blue Lagoon (Near Reykjavik)
Your Tour Includes
Optional round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
Ground transportation
Accommodations at Scandinavian-style hotels (simple)
Welcome to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland! Our tour begins with a welcome meeting hosted by our Tour Director at our hotel at 1 PM. Afterward, our panoramic city tour takes us to Reykjavik's highlights like one of the oldest parliaments in the world, the landmark Hallgrímskirkja Church, the Perlan Observatory Deck, Harpa Concert Hall, and Höfði House. Our tour concludes with a welcome dinner. Later tonight, we'll have our first opportunity to view the Northern Lights with a late-night excursion by boat. We can't guarantee you will see the northern lights, but we'll make every effort! If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the excursion will be rescheduled for another evening or possibly done on land.
Note: Given the length of the day, we recommend purchasing the optional pre-night and arriving in Reykjavik one day earlier.
Accommodations: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina or similar Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Reykjavik at Leisure
Today is a free day for independent exploring in or around Reykjavik, or join a fascinating full-day optional excursion to the spectacular Snaefellsnes peninsula. See optional tours for more details on this must-see destination.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Reykjavik – Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls – Vik
Our journey takes us through the stunning and diverse landscapes of Iceland’s south coast. This is the land of Njal’s Saga, a region of breathtaking scenery and legendary stories. On our guided excursion, we’ll encounter the dramatic sea cliffs of Dyrholaey and the spectacular waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, as well as unforgettable views of Hekla and Eyjafjallajokul volcanoes. Tonight’s destination is the remote village of Vik, known for its black-sand beaches and considered one of the most magical places to see the northern lights. After dinner together in our countryside hotel, we can simply stroll outside to view this amazing phenomenon!
Note: Beginning in January 2025, travelers will also visit Hellisheiðavirkjun Geothermal Plant, one of the world's three largest geothermal plants. Here, we'll learn about Iceland's sustainable energy capabilities.
Accommodations: Hotel Vik or similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our loop of incredible Iceland continues along the Golden Circle, which showcases the country’s most spectacular natural sights. Our first stop is the Geysir hot spring area and the lively Strokkur, which spouts water every 30 minutes. Get your cameras ready for an exciting show! We’ll head to the famous Gullfoss (translated as “Golden Falls”) with its spectacular two-tiered cascade. Next is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the ancient Viking parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. Here, we’ll witness the geological phenomenon of tectonic plates drifting apart. Later, we’ll return to Reykjavik for an evening of leisure.
Accommodations: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina or similar Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon Excursion
Today we’ll dip into Iceland’s fascinating history, unique geothermal wonders, and one of its most popular attractions. Our exploration includes Hafnarfjordur, built on an ancient lava flow; the deep, mysterious Lake Kleifarvatn; geothermal areas at Krisuvik and Gunnuhver; the fishing village of Grindavik; and the country’s oldest lighthouse. We’ve saved the most relaxing stop for last, the famous Blue Lagoon, where we’ll bathe in mineral-rich, 102°F waters like the Icelanders do! After our return to Reykjavik, our day concludes with a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Depart Reykjavik
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Our Tour Director and/or the hotel staff can help organize transportation for your onward journeys.
Meals: Breakfast
Guided Tour Pricing
Explore our Really Good Sale with up to 25% off! See the savings!
Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern) at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments Reservations can be made online or by phone (1.800.337.7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $300 per person. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Enhance your trip with these optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.
Pre-Night Accommodation
$165 per person
October 2024 – April 2025 departures only
+ $165 single supplement
Book a pre-night at our first hotel to arrive a day earlier and begin the tour well-rested, or to enjoy early check-in on Day 1.
MUST BE PRE-BOOKED!
This tour must be pre-booked prior to final payment as it is not available to book in-destination.
Wonders of Snaefellsnes Excursion
$185, transfers included
Day 2 Full-Day Tour
Join a fascinating full-day optional excursion to the spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where you’ll see white- and black-sand beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains, volcanic craters, and charming fishing villages. The area has attracted global attention and has been the filming location for Journey to the Center of the Earth and the recent version of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Itinerary at a Glance
Oct 2025–Apr 2026 Tour Itinerary:
2 nights in Reykjavik
1 night in Vik (South Shore)
2 nights in Reykjavik
Tour Highlights
Opportunities To See Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
Reykjavik City Sightseeing
Hellisheiðavirkjun Geothermal Plant Visit
Black-Sand Beaches (Vik)
Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls (Near Vik)
UNESCO Geo Park in the Reykjanes Peninsula
Strokkur Geysir
Blue Lagoon (Near Reykjavik)
Your Tour Includes
Ground transportation
Accommodations at Nordic-style hotels (simple)
8 Meals: 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners
Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees as per itinerary
Note: Flights may not be available on all departures.
You may have to book your own flights to the tour destination. If so, you are responsible for making your own way to the tour starting point, where you will meet your Tour Director. This is normally the first hotel in your itinerary.
Welcome to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland! Our tour begins with a welcome meeting hosted by our Tour Director at our hotel at 1 PM. Afterward, our panoramic city tour takes us to Reykjavik's highlights like one of the oldest parliaments in the world, the landmark Hallgrímskirkja Church, the Perlan Observatory Deck, Harpa Concert Hall, and Höfði House. Our tour concludes with a welcome dinner. Later tonight, we'll have our first opportunity to view the Northern Lights with a late-night excursion by boat. We can't guarantee you will see the northern lights, but we'll make every effort! If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the excursion will be rescheduled for another evening or possibly done on land.
Note: Given the afternoon sightseeing and late-night Northern Lights excursion, we recommend purchasing the optional pre-night and arriving in Reykjavik one day earlier for a softer landing and more rested travel experience.
Accommodations: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina or similar Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Reykjavik at Leisure
Today is free to rest and relax or explore Reykjavik independently! We might consider joining a fascinating full-day optional excursion to the spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula where we can see white- and black-sand beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains, volcanic craters, and charming fishing villages.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Reykjavik – Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls – Vik
Our journey begins with a private walking tour at Hellisheiðavirkjun Geothermal Plant, one of the world's three largest geothermal plants, where we'll learn about Iceland's sustainable energy. Next, we'll travel through the stunning and diverse landscapes of Iceland’s south coast. This is the land of Njal’s Saga, a region of breathtaking scenery and legendary stories. On our guided excursion, we’ll encounter the dramatic sea cliffs of Dyrholaey and the spectacular waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, as well as unforgettable views of Hekla and Eyjafjallajokul volcanoes. Tonight’s destination is the remote village of Vik, known for its black-sand beaches and considered one of the most magical places to see the northern lights. After dinner together in our countryside hotel, we can simply stroll outside to view this amazing phenomenon!
Accommodations: Hotel Vik or Hotel Kría or similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our loop of incredible Iceland continues along the Golden Circle, which showcases the country’s most spectacular natural sights. Our first stop is the Geysir hot spring area and the lively Strokkur, which spouts water every 30 minutes. Get your cameras ready for an exciting show! We’ll head to the famous Gullfoss (translated as “Golden Falls”) with its spectacular two-tiered cascade. Next is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the ancient Viking parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. Here, we’ll witness the geological phenomenon of tectonic plates drifting apart. Later, we’ll return to Reykjavik for an evening of leisure.
Accommodations: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina or similar Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon Excursion
Today we’ll dip into Iceland’s fascinating history, unique geothermal wonders, and one of its most popular attractions. Our exploration includes Hafnarfjordur, which is built on an ancient lava flow. Next, we'll enter Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark to see the deep, mysterious Lake Kleifarvatn; the geothermal areas at Krisuvik and Gunnuhver; the fishing village of Grindavik; and the country’s oldest lighthouse. We’ve saved the most relaxing stop for last, the famous Blue Lagoon, where we’ll bathe in mineral-rich, 102°F waters like the Icelanders do! After our return to Reykjavik, our day concludes with a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Depart Reykjavik
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Our Tour Director and/or the hotel staff can help organize transportation for your onward journeys.
Meals: Breakfast
Guided Tour Pricing
Explore our Really Good Sale with up to 25% off! See the savings!
Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern) at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments Reservations can be made online or by phone (1.800.337.7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $300 per person. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Slow the pace of your tour with a pre- and/or post-night stay so you can arrive refreshed, acclimate to the time zone if needed, and depart leisurely, ensuring a seamless transition into and out of your journey.
Pre-Night in Reykjavik
From $429 per person based on double occupancy
Start our tour off on the right foot! Arrive a day early and enjoy more time to recover from travel, adjust to any time differences, and feel well-rested and relaxed on our first day of touring.
Note: Most flights from the U.S. arrive between 6 AM and 9 AM. Given our afternoon sightseeing and late-night Northern Lights excursion on arrival day, we highly recommend travelers consider purchasing a pre-night stay for a softer landing and more rested travel experience.
Post-Night in Reykjavik
From $429 per person based on double occupancy
Extend your stay by one night at the end of our tour to make the most of additional free time for exploring our final city, shopping for last-minute souvenirs, or dining at that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Or, use this extra day to relax before beginning the journey home or to your next destination.
Optional Tours
Enhance your trip with these optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.
Wonders of Snaefellsnes Excursion
$185, transfers included
Day 2 Full-Day Tour
Join a fascinating full-day optional excursion to the spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where you’ll see white- and black-sand beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains, volcanic craters, and charming fishing villages. The area has attracted global attention and has been the filming location for Journey to the Center of the Earth and the recent version of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
What to Expect
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Level 2
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 4 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day). Included touring may feature light hiking, and/or stairs on some hilly and/or uneven terrain. Learn More
Pacing Level: Moderate
Expect full-day tours most days with some limited free time at specific sites, for meals, and/or in the evenings. You can expect several early mornings and/or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 2+ nights (with limited 1-night stays). Learn More
New in 2025: ETIAS Visa Waiver Required for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Effective for travel in 2025, U.S. passport holders are required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. Please visit our Passports & Visas page to learn more about any required actions, next steps, and additional costs.
Thingvellir has stairs and hills. There are uneven surfaces in Reynisfjara, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
Due to local ordinances in Reykjavik, tour buses are not allowed to stop directly in front of the hotel. Travelers are responsible for carrying their luggage from the bus stop to the hotel. Porterage is not included.
With the short Transatlantic flight, jetlag can be difficult for some on the day of arrival.
The Northern Lights tour in Reykjavik departs at approximately 8:30pm and may not return until after midnight.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit our Before You Depart section.
Reviews
Irene C
8 months ago
Excellent tour! Guidry was an outstanding guide. We saw the Northern Lights and a whale on the same night - pretty amazing! Don’t worry if you’re not going to the Blue Lagoon; the replacement is phenomenal!
Dana K
8 months ago
Excellent tour. Thank you
Judith D
9 months ago
It was a wonderful tour, our guide & driver were excellent.
Burt L
10 months ago
Excellently planned and implemented tour with informed and engaged guide.
Deborah V
10 months ago
Gudny, our tour guide & Gustoff our driver were exceptional. The weather was very challenging with snow & wind but we saw most of the items on our itinerary. One excursion cancelled due to weather. No Northern Lights due to cloud coverage. I would not return in January-just too cold & difficult to get around. Late Sept seems a better choice. Great group of 14! Everyone hit along well.
Linda F
1 year ago
Womens only Tour to Iceland Dec 7th 2023
This was an amazing tour, the sights, the excursions, hotels and restaurants were outstanding. Our tour guide Gudny was outstanding…
Linda Fischer
Nancy M
1 year ago
Iceland was remarkable, and having a great tour director like Guðný Margrét Emilsdóttir made this tour outstanding. She thought of everything! She knew the history inside and out, located the best Northern Lights, gave restaurant suggestions, and made sure we got on our departing flight effortlessly. Any traveller would be lucky to have her guiding the effort. Kudos to her driver August. Thank you SmartTours!
Sharon K
1 year ago
Best trip ever! Our guide was superb. She was warm, personable and very knowledgeable. We felt that we really saw everything in our week. The accommodations were comfortable and clean and the breakfasts were wonderful.
John S
1 year ago
I have always been pleased with smartours value and expertise of guides