Iceland Northern Lights Tour by Plane (4 Nights 5 Days)

Today we’ll explore Iceland’s most iconic route, the Golden Circle.

Our first stop is Thingvellir National Park. This place isn’t just a natural wonder; it’s also where the world’s first democratic parliament convened. We’ll take a short walk along the tectonic fissure separating the European and American continents and literally step “from one continent to another.” Afterward, we head to the area famous for its geysers. The most active, Strokkur, is breathtaking as it shoots a 30-meter-high column of water into the sky every 5–10 minutes.

To complete the Circle, our next stop is the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall. In the canyon of the Hvita River, the power and sound of the falls cascading in two stages is mesmerizing. On the way back, we visit Kerid, a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater lake. After photographing the turquoise waters gleaming amidst the red volcanic rocks, we return to Reykjavik.

After breakfast, we leave Reykjavik and head towards the famous Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. This glacier, which became world-famous with its 2010 eruption, feeds many of the region’s waterfalls.

Today, we will see three magnificent waterfalls:

• Seljalandsfoss : A waterfall where you can walk behind the curtain and admire rainbows on sunny days.

• Skogafoss : A giant wall of water standing 60 meters tall and 25 meters wide.

• Kvernufoss : A lesser-known, hidden gem.

Afterwards, we visit Dyrhólaey Cape, the southernmost point of Iceland. As we watch the Atlantic from the 120-meter-high cliffs, seagulls and perhaps puffins will accompany us.

The rest of the day takes us through the Mýrdalssandur and Skeidararsandur floodplains created by volcanic eruptions. We then see Eldhraun, one of the largest lava flows in history, before checking into our hotel in Vik, Kalfafell or Kirkjubaerklaustur. The area around our hotel is perfect for viewing the Northern Lights.

After breakfast, we leave the hotel and head east. Our first stop is one of Iceland's most enchanting natural wonders: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This place, where massive chunks of ice break off from the country’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and slowly float towards the lagoon, is like a birthing ground for icebergs. Here, we photograph the ice fragments gliding on the deep blue waters and may even get a chance to spot some seals. Next, we enter Vatnajökull National Park, which has the largest ice cap in Europe.Here, we explore the Skaftafell glacier area and witness the grandeur of nature.

We then turn our route to the west and arrive at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, one of Iceland’s most famous beaches. Walking among the volcanic basalt rocks and the mighty waves of the ocean, we capture postcard-perfect moments. Afterwards, our next stop is the aptly named Steam Valley – Reykjadalur.In this valley in the geothermal area of the Hengill Volcano, we take a roughly 3-kilometer hike among the steam rising from the earth and bubbling hot springs. The surprise waiting for us deep in the valley is the Reykjadalur Thermal River Hot Spring.Here, we enjoy a unique experience relaxing in the mineral-rich, sky-blue waters.

In the evening, we return to Reykjavik and settle into our hotel. There will be free time for shopping and relaxation before dinner. At night, if weather permits, we set out in search of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

After breakfast, we can spend our last free hours wandering the streets of Reykjavik or relaxing at Sky Lagoon, which is similar to the Blue Lagoon, before our long journey. Then, at 13:30, we transfer to Keflavik Airport. We return to Istanbul Airport on the joint Turkish Airlines and Icelandair flight TK8356, departing at 15:25, and say goodbye until we meet again on another BUKLATUR trip.