Magical Iceland – An Aurora Self-Drive
- A Journey Beneath the Northern Lights
- Details
Details
Experience the magic of Iceland in winter on this unforgettable self-drive adventure, combining dramatic volcanic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and some of the country's best opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. Based in the heart of the Golden Circle region, away from the bright lights of the city, you'll have an excellent chance of spotting the Aurora Borealis dancing across Iceland's dark winter skies.
Set off on your own adventure as you drive the famous Golden Circle, discovering some of Iceland's most iconic natural attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, the erupting Geysir geothermal area, and the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall. Relax in the soothing geothermal waters of both the Secret Lagoon and the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, before venturing beneath the ice on an unforgettable Katla Ice Cave excursion, where you'll explore stunning blue ice formations hidden beneath one of Iceland's most famous glaciers.
Continue your journey along Iceland's spectacular South Coast, where you'll encounter dramatic scenery at every turn. Visit the striking black sands of Reynisfjara Beach, admire the powerful Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and marvel at glaciers, rugged cliffs, and charming coastal villages. As evening falls, keep watch for the magical Northern Lights illuminating the winter sky, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Designed for families, couples, and groups of friends, this itinerary offers the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace while experiencing the country's breathtaking natural beauty, unique geological wonders, and unforgettable winter landscapes.
Image credits: Hotel Laekur, Blue Lagoon
Important Information
Our Travel Experts are on hand to create a personalised quotation tailored to your family’s needs, including optional experiences, car hire, accommodation upgrades and extra nights if you’d like to extend your stay. Whether you’re looking to add even more adventure or simply make your holiday that little bit more special, we’ll help you plan your perfect Iceland getaway from start to finish.
Upgrade Options
There are a selection of upgraded hotels, rooms and suites to consider, so please speak to one of our Travel Experts about the most suitable option for your requirements.
Pricing
Please note: Our website prices are based on ‘from’ prices across the season. The dates and prices are subject to availability at the respective hotels and may change. We will of course offer you the best available hotels and rooms for your needs and preferences, however this may occasionally have some impact on the price of your trip. This will of course be explained to you in any quote supplied for you to review prior to confirming your booking. Please reach out to our Travel Experts today for the full terms and a tailored quote – and start imagining your next adventure!
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, collect your rental car and begin your Icelandic winter adventure. If you are travelling in winter, cars are fitted with winter tyres from September to March and the roads are well-maintained. Your Car rental is based on an SUV. Please note it is essential that you have a full and valid photocard driving license for each named driver, as well as a credit card in the lead driver’s name in order to collect your car. There is a holding deposit of approximately 333 euros (car hire duration and model type dependent) to be paid directly to your car hire provider that will be released back to you upon a satisfactory check of your car at drop off.
You may choose to start your holiday with a visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, where the warm, mineral-rich geothermal waters provide the perfect opportunity to relax after your flight. Surrounded by dramatic lava fields and often shrouded in atmospheric steam, it is a truly unique Icelandic experience. This experience would include a comfort level package which has a towel, use of a locker, mud mask and a non-alcoholic drink. We would recommend you allow around 2-3 hours to embrace a full experience Alternatively; your Blue Lagoon visit can be arranged for your departure day.
Continue to your accommodation in the Golden Circle region. Far from the bright lights of Reykjavík, this peaceful countryside setting gives an excellent location for your first Northern Lights watch. On clear evenings, step outside and look skyward for a chance to witness the Aurora Borealis shimmering across the Arctic sky. (Please be advised Aurora sightings are not guaranteed and are dependent on weather and light pollution.)
Included Meals: None
Departing from Hella today’s beautiful self-drive journey explores some of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders. Drive along the south coast to visit the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading curtain of water, before continuing to the powerful Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls.
The adventure then leads to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, famous for its dramatic basalt columns, volcanic sands and the striking Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the Atlantic Ocean.
The highlight of the day is an exciting Super Jeep excursion to the Katla Ice Cave beneath Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Explore a fascinating world of blue ice, volcanic ash and ever-changing formations sculpted by nature over centuries. This experience departs from the town of Vik where you will meet your guide and Super Jeep and lasts around 4 hours. As darkness falls during your return journey through the South Iceland countryside, keep watch for the Northern Lights. With minimal light pollution and vast open landscapes, the region provides superb conditions for viewing the aurora as it dances above glaciers, mountains and volcanic plains.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today, discover Iceland’s famous Golden Circle driving yourself to some of the country’s most iconic natural attractions. Visit Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, before continuing to the Geysir geothermal area to witness Strokkur’s spectacular eruptions. Complete your exploration with a visit to Gullfoss, the magnificent “Golden Waterfall,” one of Iceland’s most powerful and beautiful cascades.
Later, relax in the naturally heated waters of the Secret Lagoon. Surrounded by steaming geothermal features and peaceful rural scenery, it provides the perfect opportunity to unwind after a day of exploration. We recommend around 2 hours to experience the pure relaxation of the secret lagoon and as part of your entry you will have a towel included.
This evening gives you another chance to experience the magic of the Northern Lights. Away from urban light pollution, the Golden Circle countryside is an ideal location to witness the sky illuminated by swirling bands of green, white and occasionally purple light as the Aurora dances overhead.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning your journey back to Keflavík International Airport for your flight home. If you chose not to visit the Blue Lagoon on arrival day, today is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a final relaxing soak before your departure, reflecting on an unforgettable Icelandic adventure filled with glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal wonders and magical Northern Lights experiences.
Extend Your Adventure – Add a fourth night. Why not extend your stay with an additional night in the Golden Circle region and maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights? An extra day provides the perfect opportunity to visit the fascinating Lava Centre, where interactive exhibits explain Iceland’s extraordinary volcanic and seismic activity, and explore one of Iceland’s remarkable lava tunnels, venturing deep beneath the surface through ancient volcanic passageways formed thousands of years ago. After another day of discovery, enjoy an additional evening in the Icelandic countryside searching for the Aurora Borealis. With more time and flexibility, an extra night significantly increases your chances of witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular displays. Alternatively extend you stay in the capital city of Iceland Reykjavik and explore the old town and Harbour. Reykjavik offers fantastic experiences like whale watching and watching a lava show.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's included?
- Travel worry-free – fully organised and run by a trusted, fully regulated UK operator. Read more about our bonding and the types of financial protection that we offer
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a standard double/twin room Hotel Lakeur (or similar) (upgrades available subject to availability; supplements may apply)
- Rental car for the duration of your stay (based on SUV type or similar, premium insurance included and two drivers)
- Meals: 3 breakfasts
- Blue Lagoon admission (arrival or departure day) (including entry and towel, please bring swimwear)
- Katla Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour – meet on Location in Vik
- Secret Lagoon admission
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
Excluded
- Flights are not included – please speak to our Travel Experts for a quote if you wish to include these
- Please note, visitors are required to pay a c.ISK888 per room per night tourism tax directly to their hotel. Regulations and costs may change in the future. We have included this amount in our ‘from’ price, however, the taxes must be paid for locally
- Please note, a c. ISK6.95 per kilometre charge is payable directly to the car hire provider on return. Regulations and costs may change. This cost is not included in our ‘from’ price and must be paid locally.
Accommodation
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Hotel Laekur is based in the beautiful Icelandic countryside just outside the small village of Hella. It is a family-run country hotel in boutique style and is located centrally in South Iceland.
The hotel’s location is ideal to visit the Golden Circle, the Vestman islands and all the attractions of the south coast, such as Seljalandsfoss, Skógarfoss and the black sand beach.
The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner with quality local ingredients.
You can enjoy a nice relaxing hot tub and sauna after a busy day out, free of charge.
Image credits: Hotel Laekur
Double Room
These rooms are a spacious and bright. They are furnished in a modern design and offer a great views from the stunning countryside around you. All rooms are en-suite and have a shower, a minibar, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a hairdryer and a safe to store valuables.
Cottage Suite with River View
These rooms are a great size they have One bedroom with 2 twin beds, one sleeping loft with 2 twin beds and a sofa bed in the lounge and can sleep up to 6 people.
Junior Suite with River View
These stunning rooms can sleep up for four people and have a king-size bed and a sofa bed. They have river views and offer a more superior feel.
Tour Map
Additional Info
Prices are based on 2 adults sharing with 2 children.
Please note, visitors are required to pay a c.ISK888 per room per night tourism tax directly to their hotel. Regulations and costs may change in the future. We have included this amount in our ‘from’ price, based on 2adults sharing however, the taxes must be paid for locally.
Please note it is essential that you have a full and valid photocard driving license for each named driver, as well as a credit card in the lead driver’s name in order to collect your car. There is a holding deposit of approximately 333 euros (car hire duration and model type dependent) to be paid directly to your car hire provider that will be released back to you upon a satisfactory check of your car at drop off.
This year Iceland have introduced a road tax which is 6.95isk per kilometre that is driven. When you drop your rental car back a member of staff will check your milage and you will pay the tax directly to the car hire company.
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
