Iceland Trips & Tours

All year round in Iceland there’s something extraordinary waiting to impress you. But when you travel will all depend on what you want to see on your trip. If you want to go on a Northern Lights tour, then between September and March is the optimal time to visit. But if you want to enjoy other activities such as whale watching and outdoor activities, then visit in the summer months when the daylight hours are longer, and the weather is warmer. Spring can also be a good time for trekking holidays as the main sights are quieter, the snow begins to melt, and the land becomes greener.  

Holidays to Iceland are fantastic if you want to go whale watching. There are many different species that can be seen off the coast on specialist boat trips. Some of the more common species include minke whales (which can be seen year round), sperm whales, humpback whales and orcas (also known as killer whales), and you might even spot a harbour or white-beaked dolphin frolicking in the waves.

While the opportunities for adventure in Iceland are endless, there are several things you can’t miss, although some will depend on the dates you travel:

• Northern Lights tour
• Golden Circle tour
• Glacier hiking
• Bathing in the Blue Lagoon
• Explore the distinctive architecture of Reykjavik
• Whale watching
• Snæfellsjökull National Park
• Lake Myvatn
• Thingvellir National Park

Although you could probably cram some of the main sights into 3 days, it’s certainly not long enough to see everything that Iceland has to offer. We would recommend at least 5 days to explore and immerse yourself fully in the country’s nature and culture. For a more in-depth tour, anything from 7 days and upwards will allow you to venture further off the beaten track to discover lesser-known gems. It also gives you the opportunity to enjoy hikes into the mountains and more remote nature reserves.  

Owing to the elusive nature of these sought-after phenomena, sightings can’t be guaranteed so it’s important that you choose the best times and locations to optimise your chances of seeing them. Between the months of September to March the Northern Lights are visible across clear, dark skies, away from any light pollution. While spring and autumn usually enjoy better weather conditions, in the winter months the skies remain darker for longer. The best times to go in search of the Aurora is between 9pm and 2am.

Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik is the northernmost capital in the world and one of the most fascinating. As well as boasting a thriving cultural scene, it’s filled with wonderful architecture and historical sites. Looming above the city, Hallgrimskirkja Church is one of the most iconic sights. From its summit, a viewing platform affords fabulous 360-degree views over Reykjavik. The Blue Lagoon is another famous attraction, and its milky-blue thermal springs provide a unique backdrop for bathing in its healing waters. History lovers should head to the National Museum which displays a wonderful collection of ancient artefacts dating back to the Vikings.

Strokkur is the largest active geyser in Iceland and can be found in the Haukadalur Valley, with its boiling waters erupting every few minutes and reaching impressive heights of up to 40 metres. Great Geyser is arguably the most famous in Iceland and can outperform Strokkur with eruptions of up to 70 metres, however, it is currently dormant and was last active over 20 years ago. It can also be found in the Haukadalur Valley when you enjoy a tour of the Golden Circle on our Iceland trips.