Women-Only: Spirit of Iceland with Northern Lights

REYKJAVIK, VIK AND THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK

On this special women-only departure to Iceland, we’ll not only journey through the country’s picturesque landscapes and have opportunities to witness the miracle of the spectacular Aurora Borealis, but we’ll enjoy immersive experiences that allow us to learn more about local women and Icelandic traditions. We’ll visit author, leader, and storyteller, Ásta Kristrún and her husband, husband Valgeir, one of Iceland’s foremost songwriters at their home. During our visit, they’ll share stories and legends, and Ásta, who has a background in politics and teaching, can speak to the current state of women in Iceland. At Laugarvatn Fontana we’ll truly experience the power of geothermal energy as we dig freshly baked bread from the hot, black sand as our hosts share with us more about this Icelandic tradition, and we’ll sample a “Healthy Mary” at Friðheimar Greenhouse that cultivates produce year-round while we learn more about their project. Our tour begins in Reykjavik, visiting the Hallgrimskirkja church, museums, and more. 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. Along the way, we’ll hunt for the Northern lights, and 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.

Looking for a roommate or to connect with other women before your trip? Join our smarTours Women-Only Facebook group! Visit the group here (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1145762302478350/) and click the + Join Group button!

Itinerary at a Glance

2024 Tour Itinerary:

  • 2 nights in Reykjavik
  • 1 night in Vik (South Iceland)
  • 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)
  • Visit Bakkastofa, home of author, leader and storyteller Ásta Kristrún
  • Friðheimar Greenhouse visit with the unique ‘Healthy Mary’
  • Visit to a Geothermal Bakery

Your Tour Includes

  • Optional round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
  • Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
  • Ground transportation
  • Accommodations at centrally-located, Scandinavian-style hotels (simple)
  • 2024 Departures: 8 meals: 6 breakfasts, and 2 dinners
  • 2025 Departures: 8 meals: 5 breakfasts, and 3 dinners
  • Comprehensive sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Experienced, English-speaking guides

Is this tour right for you? Find out What to Expect

2024 Tour Itinerary

Map

Click the Day by Day itinerary above (or swipe on mobile devices) to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.

Flights

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.

You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik

Day 2: Reykjavik at Leisure

Day 3: Reykjavik – Seljalandsfoss & Skogarfoss Waterfalls – Vik

Day 4: Vik – Geysir – Gullfoss – Thingvellir – Reykjavik

Day 5: Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon Excursion

Day 6: Depart Reykjavik

Guided Tour Pricing

We are working diligently to secure future tour dates and pricing for this itinerary. Please fill out the "Request a Future Date" form linked below, and we will notify you once dates are available.

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.

Pre-Night Accommodation

Wonders of Snaefellsnes Excursion 

What to Expect

Max Group Size: 20 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. You are responsible for carrying your luggage from the bus stop to the hotel and then porters will bring your luggage to your room. Porterage is not offered at the Vik property.

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 8:30 pm and may not return until after midnight.

For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit our Before You Depart section.