- A chance to see the Northern Lights in amazing landscapes
- Complete the Golden Triangle of Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park
- Glacier walking and the amazing Glacial Lagoon

Iceland Northern Lights
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- Winter Holidays
- Iceland Northern Lights
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Reviews
Add your own reviewFeb 2023
Blizzard bombs, waterfalls and geological features
Most Inspirational Moment
The Glacial Walking was amazing. Such a brilliantt experience being able to walk on blue ice! The Blue Lagoon was also the highlight, though not included on the tour.It was snowy conditions and blizzard bombs, so white out's on the roads, and hit in the face with sleet in the lagoon. Some people wore bobble hats, but I kept putting my head under the water to warm up! the silica is not good for your hair though. We saw the Northern Lights from Lake in the East, but they were not green nor coloured, just very weak like whisky white clouds - it showed green on some people's phones and cameras. So a disappointment really.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Spot on. He was tops, knew in-depth interesting information about his country and was fun, energetic and charismatic. A great tour guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
February is a dicey month to go. We landed after three attempts, the landings were a touch and go attempt and re-take off - given he incredibly strong blizzards, on arrival. The air stewardess said the previous week the aircraft doors could not be opened for 10 hours due to the winds, so something to bear in mind when you choose to go. It is amazing, but I was left disappointed to be honest. It's a lot of money for a bus tour manly of waterfalls. I asked the leader if it was possible to remove one of the three waterfalls and replace it with the Lava tunnels - to give more variety and he agreed it would be possible. So this is my suggestion.
Suggestions
Overall, weighing up the benefits of doing a tour or our own car rental was why we did the tour. It was much better to have an educated and interesting guide to see many different geological wonders and learn immense detail about the country, which we would not have had doing our own travels. It was more of a holiday having someone else driving too and changing locations.
Northern Highlights
You certainly pack a lot into this 5 day trip which delivered despite the ever changing winter weather. Our guide Oskar as flexible with the itinerary which meant that we were able to get the most out of each day. The highlight was the glacier walk and we even got a glimpse of the northern lights one night.
Northern Lights
A great trip to a fascinating country. The highlight was seeing the Northern lights outside the Hotel Laki (and briefly back in Reykjavik). The weather meant that there was clear skies and sunshine, so the views with the snow were excellent. (Which was a good job as there are some long road journeys).
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the Northern lights.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jon was great, knew what he was doing, had an encyclopaedic knowledge of his country, and his Icelandic folk stories never ended!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Dont take any cash - Iceland is pretty much cashless now (and expensive). Do take lots of layers - it was minus 17 at Thingvellir after sunset. Be prepared to be in the vehicle quite a lot. Do go to the Blue lagoon on the way to the airport. Most flights are afternoon which gives time. (The taxi from Blue lagoon to Keflavik was 9000 kr, which we shared with someone else. There is a phone with direct line to a taxi firm in the blue lagoon) Consider adding a day or two in Reykjavik before or after the trip.
Suggestions
1. The glacier walk is described as "We head to Svinafellsjokull...where we go for a short walk.". What it doesn't say is that there is more than an hour's walk to & from the glacier...making this a 3-4 hour trek!! My wife and a fellow traveller found it too much and I accompanied them back - spoiling one of the highlights of the trip. 2. The preparation for the glacier walk (crampons, helmets etc) could be done in the warmth of the hotel, not standing still in a cold car park for 45 minutes. 3. The drive back on "day 4" is about 5 hours - meaning the visits to Gulfoss, Geyser and Thingvellir are far too rushed. These are the major reasons people come to Iceland and do not need to be rushed. (By the time we got to Thingvellir it was after sunset, so the temperature meant no-one wanted to stand outside for long listening to the guide). Doing this first on the first day with the long drive at the end of the day would have been better. 4. The trip notes also mention a refund on the Flybus return ticket if it is not used. This is great as some people want to visit the Blue lagoon on the way to the airport. However the guide was un-aware of this and had to spend ages wandering round Reykjavik finding an ATM to give people refunds. (Giving an option for a one way Flybus ticket when booking would help).
Lots to see. Recommend
Lots to see. Weather very changeable. Hotel food very tasty (and very expensive- not just the beer).
Recommend
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the NL. Big surprise but magical
Thoughts on Group Leader
Good. Very passionate. Not short of facts!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Prepare for very cold and changeable weather in winter. Prepare for expensive food. Prepare for amazing landscapes. Enjoy!
Lots to see. Recommend
Lots to see. Weather very changeable. Hotel food very tasty (and very expensive- not just the beer).
Recommend
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the NL. Big surprise but magical
Thoughts on Group Leader
Good. Very passionate. Not short of facts!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Prepare for very cold and changeable weather in winter. Prepare for expensive food. Prepare for amazing landscapes. Enjoy!
Great Trip
A very good trip with a great guide Jon and a good and friendly group of travellers.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking the glacier and seeing the Northern Lights
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good. A really nice man
Advice for Potential Travellers
The weather can affect your itinerary so be aware.
Suggestions
A hotel we stayed at (i think it was Laki) provided a three course buffet but charged for all three even if you didn't want them all. It made a single course very expensive!
Northern Lights
Completely amazing! This is a stunning trip in spite of the short day light hours. Each day there’s a new excitement and the glacier experience is awesome. Title is a bit of a misnomer; as long as you go with the mindset that seeing the NL is a bonus then you’ll be fine. Thank you Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
The walk on the glacier
Thoughts on Group Leader
Orre was great. Really kind and thoughtful and his passion for Iceland was abundant.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Seeing the Northern Lights is a bonus!
Glacier Walk a Real 'Wow' Moment
A filled and varied few short days in this interesting country.
Most Inspirational Moment
The glacier walk was the second 'wow' moment of the day, the first being the glacial lagoon earlier in the day. I hadn't quite anticipated how serious this was, and realised when we were being kitted up. The scenery, and sense of being so 'as one' with the forces of nature once actually on the ice, was awe-inspiring. This wasn't all though, with visits to various other natural wonders including the original geyser, and a number of waterfalls, plus, well, just the scenery. All this, plus tomato beer. What could go wrong?
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jon was an excellent guide, ready to fill us in on Icelandic sagas and the Icelandic way of life.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Definitely bring wet-weather gear (waterproof trousers a must). It can be a bit exposed out there and forecasts stating 2 degrees or whatever, do not take into account the wind chill. Layers is the answer.
Suggestions
I wonder if Exodus is missing a trick labelling this trip the Northern Lights? Although I knew beforehand there was a chance we might not see them, and had conditioned myself to this, there was never a chance we were going to see them given the weather, and I wonder how many groups do? What they all must do, is the glacier walk, and this more than made up for it. 'Glacier Walking with a chance of Northern Lights' might not be a snappy title, but probably more honest. Or just 'Natural Wonders of Iceland'?
Fascinating taste of Iceland
Our excellent guide Nico informed and amused us as we visited some very interesting features from geysers to a walk on a glacier! The iceberg added to the Icelandic gin was a brilliant idea for watchin* the northern lights!
Thank you we will certainly visit again and see more of this beautiful country
Most Inspirational Moment
See above
Thoughts on Group Leader
See above
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of layers
Wet & wild!
This is an extraordinary trip even if the Northern Lights are not visible, there is nowhere else so accessible that has such a fascinating and diverse landscape.
The people are lovely and the food top quality. It is an expensive country however, additional food and drink and souvenirs are pricey.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking on the glacier in crampons, ice axe and helmet and descending into its crevasses among 2000 year old ice was an amazing experience. The final morning was very well planned, starting out below ground in a lava tube then being taken straight to the Blue Lagoon prior to catching the flight home. Don't be put off by thinking that the Blue Lagoon is a tacky tourist trap - it's not, it's an amazing and relaxing end to the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Orri was an exceptional leader, friendly, helpful and approachable, nothing was too much trouble for him. He kept us entertained with his stories of Icelandic history and folklore during the longer road sections.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plentry of layers and good quality warm and waterproof clothing, The weather is going to be both cold and wet and can change rapidly, if you are prepared for that then you will enjoy the trip all the more.
Suggestions
The northern lights may not make an appearance whilst there and some activities may be cancelled at short notice and another substituted due to the raw nature of the place, that is part of its appeal for me, keep an open mind and enjoy the experience.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Wednesday Wednesday
22 Nov 2023 22 Nov 2023
Sunday Sunday
26 Nov 2023 26 Nov 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 2,349
Optional Single Supplement +USD 308
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
06 Dec 2023 06 Dec 2023
Sunday Sunday
10 Dec 2023 10 Dec 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 2,349
Optional Single Supplement +USD 308
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
13 Dec 2023 13 Dec 2023
Sunday Sunday
17 Dec 2023 17 Dec 2023
Availability Available
Adult Price From USD 2,349
Optional Single Supplement +USD 308
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
17 Jan 2024 17 Jan 2024
Sunday Sunday
21 Jan 2024 21 Jan 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 2,349
Optional Single Supplement +USD 364
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
07 Feb 2024 07 Feb 2024
Sunday Sunday
11 Feb 2024 11 Feb 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 2,349
Optional Single Supplement +USD 364
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
14 Feb 2024 14 Feb 2024
Sunday Sunday
18 Feb 2024 18 Feb 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From USD 2,379
Optional Single Supplement +USD 364
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
06 Mar 2024 06 Mar 2024
Sunday Sunday
10 Mar 2024 10 Mar 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 2,349
Optional Single Supplement +USD 364
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
20 Mar 2024 20 Mar 2024
Sunday Sunday
24 Mar 2024 24 Mar 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From USD 2,349
Optional Single Supplement +USD 364
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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