The Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, are undoubtedly one of nature's most spectacular phenomena. What could be greater than viewing them in the realm of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier? Stay in Hofn in Southeast Iceland, a region where tall glaciers stretch towards the sea. It's a spectacular place to enjoy glacier hiking, ice climbing, the Glacial Lagoon and ATV black sand safaris.
Duration: 4 Nights Available: Nov 1 - Dec 15, 2011 and Jan 6 - Mar 26, 2012. Activities available in Hofn (booked and paid in Iceland, available based on weather and road conditions) ATV Black Sand Safari: Drive an ATV on a unique, volcanic black sand beach. Enjoy the speed of the ATV and the thundering power of the Atlantic ocean.
Glacial Lagoon: One of Southeast Iceland's most spectacular areas, it is a photographer's dream! Here huge icebergs float in the deep water in a surreal setting. This area has recently been a popular backdrop for action film blockbusters.
Skaftafell National Park: Located about an hour's drive from Hofn, this glacier ringed park offers some magnificent hiking opportunities. You also can join an ice climbing tour; strap on crampons and try your hand at walking and climbing on Europe's largest glacier. No prior experience is necessary... only the nerve!
Extra nights are based on staying in Reykjavik after tour.
Aurora Adventure
Travel Dates:
Double
Single
Extra Night Double
Extra Night Single
Boston New York - JFK Washington-IAD
Nov - Mar
$1,449*
$1,503*
$69
$95
Seattle departures additional $60 per person round-trip
Washington, DC flights available through Dec 15, 2011
Orlando departures available at higher rates. Additional nights may be required based on travel schedule.
Accommodations: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura ****: (formerly Icelandair Hotel Loftleidir) The Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura guarantees early check in to travelers arriving on overnight flights from North America. Check in guaranteed by 9am!
Four-star Reykjavik accommodation show casing the best of Icelandic nature. Newly-renovated Reykjavik Natura is close to the city center, in the quiet Oskjuhlid wooded area near the sea. The name of our hotel is inspired by the outstanding natural beauty that is on our doorstep. We are ISO 14001 certified as a green hotel.
The Natura is located next to Reykjavik landmark "the Pearl" and its surrounding woods and pleasant walking/cycling paths, and just a short walk from Nautholsvik thermal beach, where you can take a dip in a warmed lagoon of the North Atlantic, try some sea kayaking, or simply soak in a relaxing thermal hot tub (activities operate May - Aug). Our hotel also overlooks the nearby mountains and sea, as well as the city’s small domestic airport; spotting propeller planes as they come in to land is very popular with our younger guests! The hotel is close (yet just far enough, many say!) to the excitement of Reykjavik’s historical city center. It takes less than 30 minutes by foot to reach this area; hotel offers a free shuttle bus several times a day. You can also take a free bus to the Kringlan Shopping Center to stock up on souvenirs.
Hotel Hofn (***) is located conveniently in the center of Hofn, a bustling fishing town in Southeast Iceland. Hótel Höfn was founded in the year 1966 and is one of the better established hotels in the country. The hotel has a breathtaking view over magnificent glaciers, mountains and Hornafjordur Fjord. It is within driving distance of glacier related destinations such as Skaftafell National Park and Jokulsarlonid, the Glacial Lagoon. The hotel has 68 comfortable rooms with private bathroom, radio, direct diial telephone, computer access and a private bath. Also on premesis: Osinn restaurant, famous for its lobster feast dinners (Hofn is known as the Lobster Fishing capital of Iceland). The hotel has a bar and great facilities for conferences and all kinds of gatherings.
Itinerary
Day 1: Evening departure on Icelandair to Iceland. Complimentary soft drinks and in flight entertainment.
Day 2: Early morning arrival in Iceland. Fly Bus transfer bus to Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura. Rest of your day open to enjoy Reykjavik. We suggest a visit to the popular outdoor geothermal swimming pool, a great way to refresh yourself after a long flight! (No meals today)
Day 3: Early breakfast at your hotel. On own transfer to Eagle Air Terminal at Reykjavik airport (located behind the Natura Hotel) Check in no later than 45 minutes before your flight. Flight to Hornafjordur airport is about 50 minutes. Transfer from airport to Hotel Hofn. When you have unpacked your things, there will be an introduction of the trip program as well as of optional activities available during your stay. On your own you might want to take a walk through the scenic village or down to harbor where you could watch the fishermen land their catch of the day. In the evening, the search is on for the magical northern lights with a guided walking tour. Overnight at Hotel Hofn.
Day 4: Breakfast at the Hotel. Today you'll visit the Glacier Exhibition to glean the secrets of Vatnajokull Glacier, which has impacted much of the landscape development in Southeast Iceland. Rest of the day open for your own activities. You might consider taking a tour to visit the wonderful Glacial Lagoon. If the conditions are just right you might even glimpse seals drifting amid the floating lake glaciers. Tonight is another search for Northern Lights, and maybe you'll glimpse them dancing in the sky (best viewed on cold, clear nights).
Day 5: Breakfast at hotel. Spend your morning at leisure enjoying some activities or sightseeing. Transfer to Hornafjordur Airport for your return flight to Reykjavik. On your own - transfer to Reykjavik hotel and enjoy a final evening in the charming northernmost capital of the world!
Day 6: Morning free for your own activities. Afternoon Fly Bus transfer to Keflavik airport for your return flight to North America.
For more information on the area visit http://www.rikivatnajokuls.is/ferdathjonusta/english
Includes
Round-trip air transportation from Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), Washington, DC and Seattle (SEA) (Seattle packages additional $60 per person round trip)
Round-trip Keflavik International Airport/hotel transfers in Reykjavik on first and last day
Accommodations with two nights in a double room at Icelandair HotelReykjavik Natura or similar
Round trip domestic air between Reykjavik Domestic Airport and Hornafjordur Airport (Hofn)
Accommodations with two nights in a double room at Hotel Hofn
Scandinavian buffet breakfast daily except arrival day
Domestic airport tax for Air Iceland flights
Transfers to/from Hornafjordur Airport and Hotel Hofn
Admission to Glacier Exhibit
2 Guided Northern Lights walks in Hofn town
Excludes
Personal travel insurance available through Access America
Transfers between Reykjavik Hotel and Reykjavik City Airport
Activities in Hofn (bookable at the hotel)
Conditions
Northern Lights sightings not guaranteed.
While sightings are not guaranteed, the area is well positioned for excellent opportunities to view Northern Lights on cold, clear nights.
Minimum stay 4 nights, maximum stay 21 nights
Packages require that each night of your trip must be in hotels booked through Icelandair Holidays prior to departure
All additional nights must be booked at the same hotel.
Subject to availability and price change
No refund for unused portion of package or service once travel has commenced
Cancellations/Changes are $400 per person up to 30 days before departure. No refunds or changes 29 days or less to departure.
*Prices quoted include fuel surcharge of $244 per person , plus applicable taxes and official charges by destination of approximately $88 - $100, per person including the Sept. 11th Security Fee.
* Prices quoted include fuel surcharge of $244 and applicable taxes and official charges by destination of approximately $88 - $100 per person, including the Sep. 11th Security Fee.
