Northern Lights and Highlands Adventure

kerlingarfjoll-highland-base-northern-lights

Northern Lights and Highlands Adventure

from £1400 excluding flights

5 nights
Jan-Apr, Oct-Dec

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Highlights

Relax in outdoor hot tubs

iceland northern lights over hotel ranga

Watch for the aurora in prime rural locations

south west iceland strokkur at geysir istk

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

kerlingarfjoll-highland-base-aerial-view-winter

Stay at the remote Highland Base only accessible by superjeep in winter

Why this trip...

iceland road to lone ingjaldsholl church istk

Off-the-beaten-track

This holiday showcases places and experiences away from the usual tourist routes

Where you stay

This holiday offers a choice of accommodation options which are part of the overall experience

norway north cape globe midnight sun istk

Nordic Heritage

With 40 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out

Overview

This 5-night break combines a stay at three locations perfect for observing the northern lights. The exceptional Hotel Ranga in the heart of South West Iceland, ideal for exploring the wealth of natural wonders that abound in the surrounding countryside. Brand new Highland Base Kerlingarfjoll in the remote highlands and the Northern Light Inn on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

On this short self drive you will have the opportunity to explore the wealth of natural wonders on the south coast and adventure into the remote highland wilderness.

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.

A remote mountain range deep in Iceland’s central highlands, Kerlingarfjöll is an extreme paradise of steaming geothermal valleys, glacial rivers, perennial snow fields, and panoramic vistas. Located in the Ásgarður Valley at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll, Highland Base is a sanctuary of warm comfort, hearty cooking, and geothermal bathing – a place to relax and recharge in the heart of a forbidding environment.

The Northern Light Inn sits on the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula just a 20 minute drive from the airport and within walking distance of the Blue Lagoon. A 360° observation lounge on the second floor provides a very comfortable place to relax and watch for the aurora.

Itinerary

The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.

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 2 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.

Hotel Ranga, near Hella

hotel ranga restaurant exterior rowellphotography

hotel ranga bedroom with hot tub access rth

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.

This morning drive the Golden Circle route taking in Iceland’s three most famous natural wonders: the scenic national park Thingvellir where Iceland’s ancient parliament met, the rainbow misted double falls of Gullfoss, and the geothermal hotspot of Geysir with its well-known geyser Strokkur which regularly erupts to around 30m. From Geysir head to the meeting point for your transfer to Highland Base. Highland base is located in the remote highlands only accessible by superjeeps from October to June. Choose from a selection of optional activities or relax in the geothermal baths (opening January 2024).

Highland base is located in the remote highlands only accessible by superjeeps from October to June. Choose from a selection of optional activities or relax in the geothermal baths (opening January 2024).

Highland Base Kerlingarfjoll

A full day to choose from a selection of excursions (pre booking recommended) and relax in the geothermal baths.

On clear nights from October to April with assistance from a guide, witness an awe-inspiring canvas of northern lights, planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies through the hotels high-powered telescope.

This morning depart on the Superjeep transfer back to your rental vehicle. Head to the Northern Light Inn on the Reykjanes peninsula, the base for your final night in Iceland.

Northern Light Inn

A delightful, well-appointed hotel in a great location.

Perhaps visit the iconic Blue Lagoon this morning (pre booking recommended) before returning to Keflavik in time for your return flight.

Excursions

Iceland

Hveradalir Guided Walk

from £41

2 hours | Jan-Jun, Oct-Dec

Explore the mystical Hveradalir valley where geothermal forces create an astonishing hillscape pulsating with extreme beauty.

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Iceland

50 Words for Snow

from £131

3 hours | Jan-Apr, Nov-Dec

This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the winter landscape and learn about the anatomy of…

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Iceland

Asgard, Mountain of the Gods

from £294

3 hours | Year round

Join a guided hike ascending to viewpoint atop a mountain named after the mythological home of the ancient norse gods, Asgard.

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Iceland

Guided Snowmobile Adventure

from £160

1.5 hours | Jan-Jun, Oct-Dec

Zoom into the wild on this guided snowmobile adventure

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Iceland

Nordic Ski Course

from £394

6 hours | Feb-Jun, Oct-Nov

Learn from expert guides the basics of the time-honoured tradition of Nordic skiing and enjoy exploring the magnificent highland landscape.

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Prices and Departures

Price from £1400 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 »

Iceland Volcano Disruption Protection
We are proud of our excellent reputation for looking after our clients, without question. Should the unexpected occur our team of dedicated Travel Specialists are on call 24/7 to make any necessary alternative plans at no cost to you.

What's Included

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

This itinerary starts from around £1,400 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, and rental of an intermediate vehicle.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the level of accommodation, size of vehicle, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.

* Choice of Vehicles

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.

4WD

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.
Go electric

With a selection of electric cars now available including the Kia Niro and Volkswagen ID.3, you can choose to upgrade from as little as £12 per person, per day. We recommend this option for summer only, due to the colder temperatures in winter affecting battery range.

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The World's Great. Pass it On

To mark our 40th anniversary, we've launched our Education Bursary Fund to help disadvantaged school children experience the wonders of travel. A percentage of revenue from every holiday booked will go into the bursary fund to pay for at least 40 students to join one of our school trips abroad.

Northern Lights and Highlands Adventure

Highlights