This tailor-made getaway beats the crowds and swaps the bustle of Reykjavik for the small-town charms and geographic drama of Akureyri, the gateway to North Iceland. Think bubbling mud pools, endless lava fields, great continental divides and the Northern Lights all showcased on in-depth included tours. There's also a whale watching tour along Iceland's longest fjord, the opportunity to soak in the steaming geothermal waters of the Forest Lagoon, and plenty of time to explore at your own pace, with your chic hotel perfectly positioned to take in the town’s thriving art scene, excellent restaurants and surrounding fjord majesty.
Akureyri Aurora Escape
To book call us on:
At a glance…
From Akureyri, take in the majestic nature and wildlife of North Iceland
» 4 day tailor-made holiday
» Price from: £1,240 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Fly to Akureyri & Northern Lights tour
Fly to Akureyri, the capital of north Iceland. It is then just a short taxi ride to your Nordic-chic hotel, where you have the evening to enjoy settling in. The hotel features gorgeous views of the surrounding fjord and mountains – best taken in from the outdoor fireplace – but it also is just a short wander into town. Here, Iceland’s “second city” delights with a small-town buzz of boutique cafés and art galleries. The ultra-modernist Lutheran church is a special highlight, as is the geothermal swimming pool next to your hotel. This evening, you'll head out into the countryside, away from light pollution, on a guided Northern Lights photography tour. Although sightings cannot be guaranteed, if the skies are clear you'll have a good chance of witnessing the ethereal phenomenon illuminating the night sky.
Stay: Berjaya Akureyri Hotel
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Day 2 » Whale watching
After breakfast, it's time to take to the water on a whale watching tour on the Eyjafjordur fjord – the longest and deepest fjord in Iceland. You'll be accompanied by expert guides who'll teach you all about the whales and where to see them. Humpbacks are the most frequently spotted species, but you might also be fortunate enough to spot minke whales, white-beaked dolphins or harbour porpoises. The comfortable, high-speed ship has spacious, 'cinema-style' viewing platforms to give you the best vantage point for looking out for the whales, as well as taking in the magnificent scenery along the way. There's plenty of indoor seating too, along with a cafeteria and a bar. On returning to Akureyri, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
Stay: Berjaya Akureyri Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Lake Myvatn tour & Forest Lagoon
Today, you'll set off on a guided mini bus tour of the spectacular Lake Myvatn region, which is home to some of the wildest and most rugged landscapes in Iceland. First, you'll make a stop at the beautiful Godafoss waterfall, before continuing to Lake Myvatn. You'll have the opportunity to explore a range of natural wonders, including the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters, the Mount Námafjall geothermal area, the eerie Dimmuborgir Lava Fields and the Grjótagjá cave. On the way back to Akureyri, enjoy a blissfully relaxing soak in the Forest Lagoon – one of Iceland's newest and sleekest geothermal spas, nestled on a wooded hillside with stunning views looking out across the fjord below.
Stay: Berjaya Akureyri Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 4 » Depart for UK
Following your final included breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
To book call us on:
At a glance…
From Akureyri, take in the majestic nature and wildlife of North Iceland
» 4 day tailor-made holiday
» Price from: £1,240 pp incl. flights
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Top five reasons to visit North Iceland this winter
Although often overlooked in favour of Reykjavik and the South Coast, North Iceland is home to some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes, idyllic geothermal lagoons and picturesque coastal towns – and with direct flights from the UK to Akureyri, it's never been easier to get to.