Northern Lights Of Iceland And Finland

Day 1

Home - Iceland
Your tour begins with a transfer to Brisbane Airport where our staff will assist with checkin for your flight to Iceland.

Day 2

Arrive Reykjavík, Iceland
On arrival into Reykjavik, we will transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day in Iceland's capital city is at your leisure.

Day 3

Reykjavík, Iceland
This afternoon, get acquainted with old town Reykjavík during a walking tour with a local guide, featuring the harbour, city hall, the Parliament building, and the nearby cathedral dating back to 1796. Gather with your fellow travellers at a popular restaurant for dinner featuring Icelandic cuisine. This evening, take an exhilarating northern lights cruise (weather permitting) and sail into the darkness of Faxaflói Bay in search of the aurora borealis.

Day 4

Reykjavík - Golden Circle - Lava Exhibition Centre - Seljalandsfoss - Vik
This morning, travel the Golden Circle to experience natural wonders, including the explosive Geysir thermal area and the double-cascade Gullfoss waterfall. You'll also experience the famous Thingvellir National Park, where you'll stand upon the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In the afternoon, stop at the Lava Exhibition Centre and delve into Iceland's past and present volcanic eruptions. Afterward, witness Seljalandsfoss, a rushing waterfall where you may walk behind the water for unique views from the inside out. Next, continue onto Vík where we will settle in for the next three nights, increasing your likelihood of catching a glimpse of the elusive northern lights.

Day 5

Reynisfjara - Skógar Museum - Vík
Begin your day with a journey to Reynisfjara, a volcanic sandy beach surrounded by basalt formations and home to thousands of nesting sea birds. Look out over the natural rock formations at Dyrhólaey, a small peninsula of volcanic origin towering over the ocean. Next, visit the Skógar Museum and discover its turf-built homes and artefacts. Afterwards, stand in awe before the impressive Skógafoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's biggest and most beautiful waterfalls. Cap off your day with a visit to Sólheimajökull Glacier, Iceland's fourth largest glacier.

Day 6

Skaftafell National Park - Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon - Vík
Travel through Skaftefell National Park, gateway to Vatnajökull Glacier known for having Iceland's highest mountains and Europe's largest ice cap. Travel to Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, filled with floating icebergs, and explore this extraordinary landscape, searching for seals swimming in cold waters. After dinner, search for the northern lights dancing across the night sky.

Day 7

Vík - Blue Lagoon - Reykjavík
Drive along the south shore towards the Reykjanes Peninsula. Known for its rugged landscape, lava fields and numerous hot springs, the peninsula is home to the Blue Lagoon. Take a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the geothermal pool located in the heart of a dramatic lava field. Return to Reykjavík for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8

Reykjavík - Helsinki, Finland
Depart Reykjavik with many incredible Icelandic memories, as we make our way to Helsinki - Finland's vibrant capital. See where history converges with architectural style and a laid-back vibe across beautiful islands and pristine public parks. This evening, gather for dinner in the city centre. Hyvää ruokahalua! (Bon appetit!)

Day 9

Helsinki
Join a local expert for an engaging city tour. See Senate Square, home to Helsinki Cathedral, the city's most iconic building. Walk the streets of empiric-designed Tori Quarters before enjoying some free time in Market Square, the city's famous international market. See the steel monument dedicated to the composer Sibelius before enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Day 10

Helsinki - Kakslauttanen - Northern Lights Search
Escape to Finland's northernmost winter wonderland on board a flight to Ivalo and magical Lapland. Like a storybook coming to life, Lapland's culture is steeped in myth and legend. Relish encounters with reindeer, the opportunity for unspoiled views of the northern lights, and at the breathtaking Kakslauttanen Resort, spend two nights in your very own Finnish log cabin and one night in your own private glass igloo. We will also travel north towards Inari on a chase for nature's dazzling, electric light show.

Day 11

Kakslauttanen - Santa Claus' Home - Reindeer Safari - Northern Lights
Hit the snow and mush to breakfast aboard an authentic Finnish sleigh. From Kakslauttanen, head to the home of Santa Claus, an epicenter of Christmas cheer. Among prancing reindeer, learn about Santa's origins during a meet and greet at his house. Under the Arctic moonlight, a reindeer farmer introduces you to some friendly Lappish reindeer that will escort you on an exhilarating reindeer safari through remote Kakslauttanen. Gain insight into the importance of reindeer herding to the Sámi indigenous culture. Sip warm berry juice, a Finnish tradition, under the cover of blankets in the surround of northern Finland's wilderness before returning to the resort.

Day 12

Kakslauttanen - Husky Safari - Northern Lights Search
Breathe in the fresh Arctic air this morning and step into the role as leader of your own dog sled team. Zoom through the wilderness on a husky safari, driving your husky guides that are as fast as they are adorable. Spend some time getting to know these amazing dogs and learn about their different commands. You'll also be introduced to the equipment you'll need to experience this incredible Arctic adventure at its best.
Please note: The dog sledding activity requires you to be able to lower yourself into the sled.

Day 13

Kakslauttanen - Helsinki
Say goodbye to enchanting Lapland and fly back to Helsinki, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Explore the city's central squares and get in tune with the latest Finnish trends at a collection of charming shops. Tonight, in downtown Helsinki, toast to grand adventures and new friends, during a farewell dinner.

Day 14

Depart Helsinki
Today we make our way to Helsinki Airport for our flight home after a memorable holiday.

Day 15

In Flight

Day 16

arrive Home
On our arrival back into Brisbane and after clearing customs, you will be met by our staff who will have your transfers arranged.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner