Iceland:
Northern Lights and Lava Fields
September 23 – 29, 2023
Travel with astronomical friends from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific to the far north for a winter’s night tour in search of the aurora borealis on our 18th tour to Iceland. Dr. Linda Shore, Executive Director will be our distinguished speaker on tour.
Your trip includes:
- Roundtrip airfare from: (SEA), other gateways available
- Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
- Five (5) nights accommodations at the 4-Star Grand Reykjavik Hotel
- Icelandic buffet breakfasts daily, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
- Reykjavik city tour including Hallgrimskirkja, Hofdi House, and the Pearl
- Blue Lagoon, includes bathing in the mineral-rich pool, geothermal-heated water
- Full day tour: Thingvellir landmark, Gulfoss Falls, the Great Geyser
- South Coast of Iceland tour with visit at Skogar Folk Museum
- Astronomical lecture and aurora watching in the countryside
- Optional excursions: Westman Islands, Art tour with local artist, horseback ride on the Icelandic horses
Itinerary
Saturday, September 23
Depart the USA — Iceland
An early evening departure from Seattle, WA to begin the Icelandic adventure in search of the aurora borealis from your respective gateway.
Sunday, September 24
Arrive Reykjavik
After arrival in Reykjavik, we are transferred to the Blue Lagoon to bathe in a natural, mineral-rich pool of geothermal heated water in the middle of a lava field. Followed by a bountiful breakfast, check-in at the newly renovated the Grand Reykjavik Hotel. After a rest, a city tour will orient you to this bustling cosmopolitan city. Dinner on own.
Monday, September 25
Reykjavik — Geysers, Volcanoes, & Lava Beds
After a Scandinavian buffet breakfast, travel to Thingvellir, the majestic, dual folding Gulfoss Falls and the Great Geyser. Enjoy lunch before continuing to the huge volcanic crater lake of Kerid.
Tuesday, September 26
Reykjavik — Aurora
The astronomical enrichment program begins today with a lecture and Q&A with the expert. This afternoon, continue on the tour of the South Shore and viewing Mt. Hekla. Visit the Skogafossa waterfall and the Skogar Folk Museum. We finish the day in the seaside village at Stokkeseyri before the nightly aurora hunt.
Wednesday, September 27
Reykjavik
Today is at leisure with many options to select such as the Westman Islands, adventure Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or enjoying the shopping and sites of Reykjavik.
Thursday, September 28
Reykjavik
Today is at leisure to take advantage of the optional excursions around Reykjavik such as horseback riding on the famous Icelandic horses or an excursion to Westman Islands. The astronomical program continues tonight as we continue our search of the aurora.
Friday, September 29
Reykjavik
Take the optional City Scenes tour to the various art galleries and museums with a local artist before our flight from Reykjavik for fresh air and exercise. Extend your stay in Iceland or head homeward or to Europe.