ICELAND
Northern Lights Quest
Highlights
The Golden Circle
Northern Lights
Glacier Trek & Ice Cave
Natural Hot Baths
Otherworldly Scenery
Summary
Welcome to the world’s hottest travel destination! Welcome to Iceland, the ‘Land of Fire & Ice’. Experience the highlights and stunning natural beauty of Western and Southern Iceland including: the Golden Circle, waterfalls, geysers, glaciers, black sand beaches, natural hot baths, and so much more. Go glacier trekking, explore ice caves and lava tubes, soak in natural hot baths. This late-winter/early spring departure’s temps will range from 30 – 40 degrees, but also give us good chances for Northern Lights viewing.
At-a-Glance
Vaccinated travelers welcome
Days: 7
Date: March 7 – 13, 2024
Land Cost: $1,950 (airfare extra)
Single Supplement: $850
Group Size: 6 (total group max size 18)
Minimum Age: 14
Level: Moderate
*Special ‘Founders Trip’:
Join Meaningful Trips founder, Joe Staiano, on this unforgettable journey!
OVERVIEW
Day 1: Arrive. Sky Lagoon
Day 2: Hot Springs & Horses
Day 3: Snaefellsness
Day 4: Golden Circle
Day 5: Glacier Trek & Ice Cave
Day 6: Waterfalls & Black Beaches
Day 7: Reykjavik. End
Thank you VisitIceland for video
Important Note -
Trip starts on the morning of Day 1. This necessitates an evening/red-eye flight the night before. Iceland is one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide. Hotel spaces will fill early. With max of only 6-8 travelers, guests should reserve their spot by July 2023 or sooner.
Day 1 - Arrive Iceland
Flights from USA arrive Keflavik Airport in early morning. After gathering the group, we’ll stop for coffee and breakfast. KEF Airport is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Transfer to Reykjavik and drop our bags off at our hotel (check-in is not until the afternoon). Great! We’ll head to the world famous Sky Lagoon natural hot baths, pool and spa and spend several hours relaxing! Now, THAT’s how you get over jet lag!
Day 2 - Highlights of Western Iceland
Pick up from hotel at 9 am and meet the rest of our traveling companions. Drive and soak in the beautiful rural scenery of Western Iceland. The first stop of the day will be at Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. The hot spring keeps at a constant 206 degrees Fahrenheit (97 degrees Celsius) and pumps out a whopping 47.5 gallons (180 liters) of water every second. The hot spring is used to provide heating and hot water to neighboring areas. Take photographs of the billowing steam from one of the many walking paths. There is an option to visit Krauma Geothermal Baths (optional cost). For those that do not wish to visit Krauma, we will stop at a nearby horse farm so you can get up close and personal to beautiful Icelandic horses. Stop at tiny, but historic, Reykholt, which was once home to the world’s greatest medieval writers, including Iceland’s most famous poet and politician, Snorri Sturluson.
Our next stop will be the dramatic Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls. Hraunfossar (“the Lava Waterfalls”) is a massive collection of smaller waterfalls cascading through arc-shaped black lava formations. The waters here flow from Langjokull Glacier. Our day ends with a visit to Gerðuberg, a cluster of basalt columns. This majestic wonder of nature was formed by flowing lava that was perpetually cooled by the sea water. Overnight in the town of Borgarnes. If the northern lights and cloud forecasts are favorable an evening northern lights hunt will be on!
Day 3 - Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Reykjavik
Spend a full day exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, referred to as ‘Iceland in Miniature’ as it serves up all that Iceland has to offer: volcanic craters, lava fields, glacier, waterfalls, fjords, hot springs, black and golden sand beaches, cute fishing villages and colorful wooden houses. Enjoy a coastal walk near the charming fishing village of Arnarstapi. Visit Vattnishellir Lava Cave (optional cost), one of the most incredible lava caves in Iceland. Descend 115 feet down this 8,000 year old natural wonder as your certified caving guide will explain its formation and the fascinating features that lie in hidden spots. After lunch at picturesque Hellnar, continue to the beautiful black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur, landlocked by tall, rugged cliffs that look outward to the Atlantic Ocean. Keep an eye out for the remains of an antique British trawler Epine, shipwrecked in 1948. Stop at Budakirkja Black Church, a small black wooden church originally built in the 1800’s. Our last stop is at photogenic 1,500’ Mt Kirkjufell (a famed Game of Thrones location). Return to Reykjavik, for the night, all the while, keeping an eye out for Northern Lights.
(Breakfast included). Total drive time about 5 hours
Day 4 - Golden Circle
Today we visit the famed Golden Circle. Visit Pingvellir National Park (Thingvellir National Park), which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its geological and historical significance. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs right through Þingvellir, the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates continue to edge apart, slowly widening the rift valley. Continue to the geothermal area of Geysir (where the very word ‘geyser’ comes from). Watch Strokkur erupt great jets of hot water and steam 75-feet into the air every few minutes. Equally impressive are the bubbling fumaroles. Next, we’ll visit the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in all Iceland, cascading 100 feet in two stages. We drive south to South Iceland and stop at 200’ tall Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Here, a short path takes us behind the waterfall (make sure you’re wearing your rain jacket and rain pants). We’ll finish the day off with a hunt for the Northern Lights and continue to our hotel close to the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Breakfast included. Total driving time 4½ - 5 hours.
Day 5 - Glacier Lagoon, Glacier Hike, and Natural Ice Cave
Get set for an adventure-filled day, visiting a magical glacier lagoon, hiking on an actual glacier, and exploring a natural ice cave! At famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, gaze in wonder at the magical iceberg-filled lagoon and see the famous Diamond Beach, its coal-black sands peppered with the glittering crystal, blue/white icebergs which have been washed ashore. Then, on to Skaftafell, meet our certified glacier guide, strap on crampons and ice ax and take a thrilling three-hour glacier hike on an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe! Our journey also includes venturing inside a naturally formed ice cave (only available in the cold months of Nov – Mar). Overnight in Skaftafell. Again, in the evening, we’ll keep our eyes out for the Aurora Borealis.
NOTE: the glacier hike is a very weather-dependent activity. If the accessibility and weather conditions are inappropriate, the glacier hike will be replaced with similar activity.
Day 6 - South Iceland Highlights
Visit the main highlights along Iceland’s south shore. Start with a visit to dramatic Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (depending on road conditions) and the Elhraun lava field. Next up is the world-famous black-sand beach of Reynisfjara with its enormous basalt stacks, roaring Atlantic waves and stunning panoramas. National Geographic voted Reynisfjara as one of the Top 10 non-tropical beaches to visit on the planet! Continue to Skógafoss, an amazing 180-foot tall waterfall plunging into the pool below. Legend has it that Viking treasure lies below the waterfall. Climb 527 steps leading to a panoramic view above the falls. Afterwards, we journey back to Reykjavík, arriving about 6 or 7 pm. Dinner and overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 7 - Reykjavik - Depart
Flights back to USA are typically late afternoon. This will allow time for exploring the colorful shop-filled and art-filled streets of Reykjavik. For those wanting to experience the Blue Lagoon, this can be planned as an optional activity before your return to the airport. Breakfast included.
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Additional Information
Please be sure to scroll through website tabs for information on: Pricing, What’s Included, General Information, FAQ’s and How to Reserve.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Note on Itinerary:
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Additional Information:
Please be sure to scroll through website tabs for information on:
- Pricing
- What’s Included
- General Information
- FAQ
- How to Reserve
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Tiered Pricing:
(Per person, double occupancy)
International airfare not included
4 – 7 persons: $1,950
Single Supplement: $850
Single Supplement is for those specifically requesting their own room throughout, based on availability. Meaningful Trips will pair same-gender participants as roommates. If a roommate can not be found, you will be requested to pay a discounted Single Supplement Fee of $575.
SAVE Big
Grab your partner or friend. When a couple or two or more friends join together, each person saves $100. (Land price only, excludes any other discounts)
Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy:
Deposit of $500 due at time of reservation, via check, E-check or Zelle.
Final Balance due 90 days prior to trip departure, via check, E-check or credit card (credit card payment thru WeTravel secure gateway incurs a 2.9% service fee)
Cancellation
If you cancel prior to departure (with written notice), cancellation fees are:
120 or more days… $0
91 – 119 days… $500
61 to 90 days… $1000
31 to 60 days… 50% of Trip Cost
0 to 30 days….. 100% of Trip Cost
Included:
- 8 nights in lodges
- Airport transfer
- Breakfasts
- Golden Circle, Glacier Trek
- Myvatn Nature Baths
- Whale watching
- English-speaking guides
NOT included:
- International Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Lunches, Dinners, Drinks
- Guide gratuity
COVID Protocol
Meaningful Trips tours welcome only travelers who are fully COVID vaccinated, including booster. This is to protect you, your family and friends, fellow travelers, our guides, and the people in places we visit. Trip participants will be sharing a van and hotel accommodations.
Trip Insurance
Meaningful Trips highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters and emergency evacuation.
<<< See our Link for Travel Insurance >>>
Safety
Iceland is safe, in fact it is considered the safest country in the entire world according to the Global Peace Index.
Visa and passport
Must have a US Passport valid for 6 months beyond the tour end date. Visa is not required for US citizens.
Advance Booking Necessary
Iceland is one of the hottest travel destinations on the planet; especially considering 2 years of pent up demand from COVID. Accommodations will book far in advance. Booking your tour 6 months in advance is highly encouraged.
Flights to Iceland
Our trip starts and ends in Keflavik KEF, 30-miles outside Reykjavik. Most all flights from the USA are red-eye flights arriving into Iceland in the morning. Please do not purchase any airfare until you have received word form Meaningful Trips that your trip is confirmed with the necessary minimum number of passengers.
Weather
Spring, Summer and Fall are ideal times to visit Iceland. May to September are the most popular months. June, July, August offer long days, ‘Midnight Sun’, and temperatures around 68 degrees. September is a great time to visit, ideal for whale watching, and temperatures in the high 50’s. October to February brings some brutal winter weather and some road closures, but give the best chances for seeing Northern Lights. The note that the weather in Iceland is notoriously changeable from day to day and even hour by hour. Be prepared.
Lodging
This trip includes 8 nights in comfortable hotels and small lodges.
Activity Level: Moderate
This is an active trip offering a mix of activities such as hiking, glacier walking, lava tunnel exploration, and whale-watching. Duration of activities ranges form 3 – 4 hours. All activities are suitable for active beginners. It is important to note to expect 3-4 hours of driving daily to cover the highlights of Iceland’s famed Ring Road.
Save Big!
Sign-up with a friend, spouse or partner and each person saves $100. Join any set tour with 4 people (friends, couples, or a family) and each person saves $200.
MAKING IT MEANINGFUL
We thank you for traveling with respect, open-mindedness and kindness to our planet. Your tour benefits so many in the places we visit. Additionally, this Meaningful Trips tour supports:
Carbon Offset
Every Meaningful Trips tour makes a contribution to offset 10,000 pounds of CO2 through Sustainable Travel International. This contribution is invested in carbon reduction projects that combat climate change and support: Forests & Biodiversity, Clean Energy and Communities.
Tree Planting
We will plant a tree per each traveler through our partnership with One Tree Planted.
The Code
Meaningful Trips supports ECPATS’s Code of Conduct and efforts to combat sex trafficking and exploitation.
Feeding America
We support Feeding America, a non-profit network of over 200 food banks leading the fight against hunger in the United States.
Additional Trip Information
Prior to reserving your tour, please carefully review our ‘Pricing’, ‘How to Reserve’ and ‘FAQ’ sections for helpful information on topics such as cancellation penalties, inclusions, food, water, and more.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully. Additional pre-departure information including a Packing List, Medical Form, and Liability Release Form is emailed upon sign-up.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Some answers to common questions. Upon Sign-up, travelers receive a Packing List, Pre-Departure Info and Important Forms
Do I Need a Passport for Iceland?
Yes, a passport is needed and must be valid for 6 months after your trip date.
Do I Need a Visa for Iceland?
No. A visa is not required for USA citizens.
Are any vaccinations required for Iceland?
Yes, all travelers must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated.
We highly recommend that all persons who travel internationally should be current on these three routine immunizations: Annual Influenza (flu) shot; Tetanus Booster (Tdap) (good for 10 years); and Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR). Additionally, Hepatitis A is highly recommended for all international travelers. Meaningful Trips are not medical experts. Always consult your own doctor and always refer to the CDC website for updated vaccination and country-specific information.
How to get to Iceland?
Our trip starts and ends in Keflavik KEF, 30-miles outside Reykjavik. Most all flights from the USA are red-eye flights arriving into Iceland in the morning. Please do not purchase any airfare until you have received word form Meaningful Trips that your trip is confirmed with the necessary minimum number of passengers.
Is Iceland Safe?
Iceland is safe, in fact it is considered the safest country in the entire world according to the Global Peace Index.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Yes, for this trip, Travel Insurance is required. Travelers must purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation.
When is the best time to go to Iceland?
Spring, Summer and Fall are ideal times to visit Iceland. May to September are the most popular months. June, July, August offer long days, ‘Midnight Sun’, and temperatures around 68 degrees. September is a great time to visit, ideal for whale watching, and temperatures in the high 50’s. October to February brings some brutal winter weather and some road closures, but give the best chances for seeing Northern Lights. The note that the weather in Iceland is notoriously changeable from day to day and even hour by hour. Be prepared.
How far in advance should I book a trip to Iceland?
Iceland is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. This, coupled with 2 years of COVID closures, means that all flights and accommodations will book far in advance. We highly encourage booking your tour 6 – 9 months in advance.
How active is this Iceland trip?
This is an active trip offering a mix of activities such as hiking, glacier walking, lava tunnel exploration, and whale-watching. Duration of activities ranges form 3 – 4 hours. All activities are suitable for active beginners. It is important to note to expect 3-4 hours of driving daily to cover the highlights of Iceland’s famed Ring Road.
What does self-drive, self-guided mean?
This Sept 2022 departure will be hosted by Meaningful Trip founder, Joe Staiano. He will be doing the driving and some interpreting of places visited. Additional interpretation and sharing of folklore will be given in many locations as we will also meet up with Icelandic guides, for example, professional glacier guides during our glacier trek; professional lava cave guides; whale-watch boat crew etc.
What are hotels like in Iceland?
We use small hotel and lodges. In rare instance, the group may be split between two lodges.
What is the food like in Iceland?
Icelandic food is known for its fresh ingredients and unique dishes. Vegetarians and vegans will find many options. Iconic skyr yoghurt is ubiquitous at breakfast. Fish and seafood is a staple – arctic char, cod, haddock and langoustine are common. Hardfiskur, or dried fish, is a carryover from Iceland’s Viking days. Meat, especially lamb, and dairy are also staples. Vegetarians will find a delicious array of soups, noodles, salads, vegan burgers and veggie pizzas.
What birdlife and wildlife is there in Iceland?
Land animals include Arctic fox and reindeer. In the sea, various whales may be seen including: humpback, fin, and minke. There is lots of great birdwatching in Iceland. Puffins, gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes ducks, scoters, geese, gadwall, gulls, Arctic terns and Barrow’s goldeneye will delight birders.
What is the currency in Iceland?
Iceland uses the krona (ISK). One US dollar equals approximately 125 ISK. There are ATM’s in major towns to withdraw ISK. And Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted everywhere, even for small purchases.
STEP 1 – Click ‘Book Now’ and Complete Reservation Form to Hold Your Space(s)
STEP 2 – Mail $500 Deposit via Check.
Reservation is guaranteed upon receipt of a $500 deposit per person. Deposits are held in Trust Account. Deposits are fully refundable for any reason if you cancel before Dec 31, 2020. After Jan 01, 2021, regular cancellation policy applies. A ‘Second Payment’ of $2,000 is due by check on April 01, 2021. Final Payment is due 90-days prior to departure and payable by Check, Zelle, Stripe, ApplePay, Visa, Mastercard.
Mail Check Deposit to:
Meaningful Trips
1416 NW 46th St
Suite 105-343
Seattle, WA 98107
Upon reserving a trip and submitting a deposit, each traveler will receive:
- A Confirmation email
- Invoice
- Pre-departure Information
- Trip Application with Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
- Travel Insurance Information
- Packing List
- Medical Form
Terms & Conditions and Liability Release
At the time of Deposit, participants must read and agree to Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions and Liability Release Form. Please read this information carefully.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.