iceland northern lights over hotel ranga

Aurora Nights Fly Drive

from £574 excluding flights

  • 3 nights
  • Jan-Apr, Oct-Dec
Home Destinations Nordic Europe Iceland Aurora Nights Fly Drive
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Highlights

iceland south west winter view outside ranga

Relax in outdoor hot tubs

northern lights over hotel ranga in south west iceland

Aurora wake up call available if the lights appear overnight

iceland south west strokkur geysir winter istk

See the natural treasures of Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle route

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Marvel at the waterfalls of the south shore

ranga stargazing at observatory

Enjoy amazing night sky viewing in Hotel Ranga's observatory

hotel ranga fine dining

Enjoy fine dining at Hotel Ranga's acclaimed restaurant

Why this trip...

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Weekend escape

This is the ideal trip for a weekend escape or perhaps a mid-week getaway

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Explore at leisure

With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

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Nordic Heritage

With over 38 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out

Overview

This 3-night break has fast become one of our most popular winter self-drives. It has been designed with the overriding aim of maximising your chances of an aurora sighting by basing you at the optimally located and exceptional Hotel Ranga. Located in the heart of South West Iceland, you’re in prime position to explore the wealth of natural wonders that abound in the surrounding countryside.

On this fantastic short break you’ll have the freedom to explore as you please, spending the days discovering the natural wonders that dominate Iceland’s southern countryside and the nights relaxing in comfort as you anticipate a display of the northern lights.

Hotel Ranga is a luxury 4-star ranch-style hotel around a two hour drive from Reykjavik, sitting under vast open skies in Iceland’s rural south with uninterrupted 360° views. The hotel exudes sophistication and has a reputation for excellent service, yet retains an intimate and friendly atmosphere. It offers an extensive wine list and acclaimed gourmet menu. Ranga also has it’s own observatory with a retractable roof and two high-powered telescopes.

Itinerary

On arrival at Keflavik international airport collect your rental vehicle and enjoy a scenic drive to Hotel Ranga. This is your home for the next 3 nights, in a spectacular location under big skies ideal for sightings of the aurora. Ranga is the perfect place to bring the night sky to life with its roll-off roof observatory which houses two high quality telescopes, with special camera attachments to take photographs of the sky.

Discover the beautiful south; explore the iconic waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss, which cascades over a former sea cliff, and the wide thundering curtain of Skogafoss; visit the little town of Vik with its hilltop church, walk along dramatic black sand beaches and past basalt cliffs and distinctive sea stacks.

south iceland skogafoss during winter rth
iceland south coast winter beach istk
south iceland vik village near reynisfjara coast istk

Drive the Golden Circle route taking in Iceland’s three most famous natural wonders: the rainbow misted double falls of Gullfoss, the geothermal hotspot of Geysir with its well-known geyser Strokkur which reguarly erupts to around 30m, and the scenic national park Thingvellir where Iceland’s ancient parliament met.

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iceland south west gullfoss aurora istk
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Head back to Keflavik, perhaps stopping at the Blue Lagoon en route, the perfect place for a relaxing dip in the warm therapeutic waters before your flight home. Return your rental car and check in for your flight.

Accommodation

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hotel ranga bedroom with hot tub access rth
hotel ranga restaurant interior

Hotel Ranga, near Hella

This cosy riverside lodge offering four-star comfort and fine dining in the volcanic heart of rural Iceland. This outstanding property is ideal for watching out for northern lights offering a wake-up service and even has its own star-gazing observatory.

Ranga has 52 stylish rooms, including eight sumptuous junior and master suites themed on the continents, a traditional Icelandic Suite and a Royal Suite. The gourmet restaurant has one of the most delicious and exciting menus in the country inspired by the seasons and fresh, local ingredients blending modern Nordic dishes with a touch of French and Italian.

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Prices and Departures

Price from £574 excluding flights

Airfares vary widely and are quoted separately to the holiday price, starting from around £250pp return with Icelandair and British Airways, though may be lower with Play or EasyJet. We'll provide the best fare available at the time of enquiry, which tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

UK Airports with flights direct to Iceland are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. We can also arrange flights from non-UK destinations. Discover more »

What's Included

  • Accommodation in standard rooms with private bathroom
  • Daily breakfast
  • Car rental throughout
  • Unlimited mileage
  • No charge for additional driver
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

From prices per person

Based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom, including car hire. Prices may vary depending on departure date. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.

Departure Duration Car category* Twin price
Oct - Apr 3 nights D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) £574

* Choice of Vehicles

We would always recommend a 4WD for winter travel, but many clients also prefer the greater security and comfort that a larger vehicle provides year round – upgrade your vehicle from as little as £10 per person per day.

  • We can offer a wide range of rental vehicles for this holiday – our team will be happy to talk you through the options and provide a quote for the most suitable category based on your individual requirements.
  • Our long-standing relationship with the local Europcar franchise means that our clients enjoy many exclusive benefits, including priority on the newest and best appointed vehicles available.
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Tailor made trips

As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

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Travelling sustainably

We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.