Trip Overview

Visit the Nordic island nation of Vikings and Norse gods with AdventureWomen to explore Iceland’s amazing terrain by day then search by night for the hypnotic Aurora Borealis (northern lights) as they fill the dark skies with explosions of color and light!

Travel to Iceland with AdventureWomen for crisp winter nights watching the skies where, if atmospheric conditions are right, the Aurora Borealis will roar into view with a mesmerizing show: rippling ribbons of light radiate in neon green, red, and gold; the intensity of their displays will leave you awe-struck and makes for extraordinary night photography.

Welcome to Iceland!

At the Reykjavík airport, meet your guide and the women who will be joining you for this unforgettable winter adventure, then over breakfast and hot drinks, get to know one another and discuss the exciting days ahead. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way. Reykjavík is a hip city with an Old Europe feel. It’s highly walkable, so on your first day, stroll around to learn more about this charming small metropolis.

Winter’s shortened hours of light add an extra layer of mystique to your daytime ventures beginning with a visit to Snæfellsjökull National Park. See the mighty Snæfellsjökull glacier, learn about the roving female Viking, Gudridur Thorbjarnadottir, and enjoy a warming dip in a geothermal pool before heading into the night to look for the lights. Experience the spine-tingling rush of driving a snowmobile to the top of Langjökull glacier and walking under the glacier into man-made ice caves; when illuminated, the ice glows blue. Can a person see in total darkness? Walk the tunnels of a huge lava cave to find out! Winter chills are chased out the Icelandic way with a thermal soak at Deildartunguhver, the largest natural hot springs in Europe before another enchanting night in search of northern lights.

Secret Lagoon,  Eyjafjallajökull and Northern Lights

On the South Coast, look for the active Strokkur Geysir, erupting almost every ten minutes, and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, then take a dip in the Secret Lagoon. The following day, you’ll learn about the 2010 Mount Eyjafjallajökull eruption…and learn how to say Eyjafjallajökull. It’s a mouthful but with practice, you’ll get it!

Enjoy a joyous dogsledding experience where, after some snuggles and photographs with the huskies, you’ll return to Reykjavík for an afternoon lounging in the steaming Sky Lagoon followed by a festive farewell dinner. Over dinner and the thermal soak, everyone can celebrate their incredible feats of daring, relive every eye-opening vista, and return home happy to know that sharing these amazing experiences with your fellow AdventureWomen travelers enriched every day of your journey.

Main Attractions

  • Enjoy nightly hunts for the Northern Lights spontaneously blazing across Iceland’s night sky
  • Discover Iceland’s dazzling winter beauty by dogsled and snowmobile
  • Explore geysers, waterfalls, and lava caves
  • Dip into steaming thermal pools and indulge in the excellent local cuisine

What You'll See and Do

  • Historical Sites
  • Hot Springs
  • Local Delicacies
  • National Parks
  • Natural History
  • Sightseeing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Spa Element
  • Walking

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Trip Itinerary

The AdventureWomen itineraries are subject to change depending on the chosen departure date. To view a specific departure itinerary, simply click on the "Browse Detailed Itinerary" button above and select your date.

Day 1

Arrive in Reykjavík
You’ll be met by your guide at the Reykjavík airport early this morning to start your adventure! If you are arriving into Reykjavík before the official start of the trip, meet your guide at 10am in the lobby of the Skuggi Hotel.

As soon as it gets a little bit lighter out, set off on a tour of Reykjavík on foot and by bus. Discover this small but charming Nordic capital, including its historic buildings, the main shopping streets, a sculpture garden, the Opera House, and the mighty Hallgrímskirkja Church which towers over the city center.

After lunch at a local bistro, head to Perlan, a huge glass dome on top of a hill. You’ll experience the ice cave, which is 100 meters long and made from 350+ tons of mountain ice, snow, and volcano ash. As you exit the ice cave, you enter a modern, interactive exhibition about glaciers where you will see, hear and feel the power of our earth, volcanoes, earthquakes, and geothermal energy come alive at your fingertips.

Enjoy a festive welcome dinner with the group tonight as you get to know your fellow AdventureWomen travelers.

Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Skuggi Hotel (2024 departures), Hotel Reykjavik Saga (2025 departures)

 

Day 2

Reykjavík to West Iceland
Head out of Reykjavík via the under-sea tunnel and spend most of your day exploring in Snæfellsjökull National Park, enjoying stunning views all along the way. Declared a National Park in 2001, the area has an astonishing variety of natural landscapes, including moss-covered lava fields, pebbled beaches, and rugged cliffs. Explore with the other women on your trip on foot for different vantage points in this amazing natural setting.

Enjoy lunch on your own today.

Enjoy a soak in the geothermal pool before dinner. Spend some time outside this evening looking for the Northern Lights – you’re in the perfect location to see them here, as there is very little light pollution.

Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Hotel Hamar

Day 3

West Iceland
Equipped with safety gear and led by a guide, you’ll head into one of Iceland’s largest lava caves in the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Experience the magnificent underground lava and, at some point, experience total and complete darkness.

Stop for a visit at the Icelandic goat farm owned by Johanna Bermann. In the year 2000, Johanna secured the last four horneless goats in Iceland, then on the brink of extinction, and bred them back to a sustainable population. She established the Icelandic Goat Conservation Center, and there are now over 800 Icelandic goats in the country. You may have the chance to come face-to-face with Bambi, the famous goat from Game of Thrones!

Enjoy lunch on your own today at a local restaurant.

Back up on the surface, visit the Hraunfossar lava waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, the largest natural hot spring in Europe. Drawing on the geothermal reserves in the area, it pumps out a staggering 180 liters of boiling water each second, and the billowing clouds of steam created by this mighty fissure are truly impressive.

Next to the hot spring is the Krauma Spa, where you can enjoy a sauna, various hot tubs, and a relaxation room with a crackling fireplace. Krauma has a total of six baths, five warm and one cold. No extra chemicals are needed to keep the pools clean, as the water is constantly being replaced because of the rapid natural flow rate of the hot springs.

Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening, and make sure to spend some more time outside searching for the northern lights!

Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Hotel Hamar

Day 4

West Iceland to Geysir
One of the highlights of your week is sure to be today’s 45-minute dogsledding excursion. Feel the power, excitement, and energy of these amazing sled dogs as they are harnessed to go. During the ride, your Musher guide will drive your team while sharing his knowledge and passion for dog sledding. Halfway through, you’ll stop for a quick photo break where you can cuddle with the dogs. Belly rubs are mandatory!

Your next destination is the historic Thingvellir National Park. You will see the spectacular natural amphitheater, where almost every important moment in Iceland’s history has taken place. Today, Thingvellir is still regarded with reverence by Icelanders, its historical weight reinforced by serene natural beauty. Thingvellir sits right on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and you can clearly see the dividing plates and the lake-filled valley that has developed between the plates.

Enjoy lunch on your own today.

Continue to the Great Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss Waterfall (the Golden Waterfall), two of Iceland’s most famous sights. Although the Great Geysir itself has been inactive since the 1960s, its neighbor geyser, Storokkur, fires off a 30-meter- high spout every few minutes.

On your way to your hotel, stop for a soak in the natural hot springs of the Secret Lagoon. The pool’s steam rising into the air gives it a magical feeling, and the temperature of the hot springs water stays at 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.

Changing rooms with showers are on site.

Enjoy a tasty dinner with the group tonight.

Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Hotel Geysir

Day 5

Geysir
Set out to discover the waterfalls of Iceland’s South Shore. If the weather is good, you might be able to walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall and up the stairs to admire Skógarfoss waterfall from above, complete with stunning ocean views!

Board a super truck and head to the top of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, an icecap covering one of Iceland’s largest volcano, Katla. Put on your gear and learn how to operate your snowmobile. Drive off up the mountain towards the amazing glacial landscape before you head off to explore. Two women will be on each snowmobile, and there will be a chance to switch drivers halfway through. You will need a valid driver’s license to drive the snowmobile.

Today you will pick up some food on your own to create a picnic lunch to enjoy during the snowmobiling experience.

Enjoy an exploratory walk along the Black Beach with your guide.

After enjoying dinner with a group, look up at the night sky outside of your hotel to see if you can catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights!

Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Hotel Geysir

Day 6

Geysir to Reykjavík
This morning, head to Friðheimar, a charming farm where tomatoes are grown in geothermally heated greenhouses. The farm also breeds and raises prize-winning Icelandic horses which you will see during a visit to the stables. Enjoy lunch at the cozy Greenhouse restaurant.

After arriving in Reykjavík, spend some time at the brand-new Sky Lagoon for a soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters of this surreal outdoor spa. This oceanfront geothermal lagoon is a great way to relax after a busy day.

Enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner with your new friends to celebrate the end of a fantastic adventure!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Skuggi Hotel (2024 departures), Hotel Reykjavik Saga (2025 departures)

Day 7

Depart Reykjavík
Enjoy your last few hours in Reykjavik this morning before you check out of the hotel.

Depart Reykjavík and explore the Reykjanes peninsula on your way to the airport.

Breakfast

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants. 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Traveling to Iceland



Arrival and Departure Information

February 8, 2025 Departure

Arrive: Arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) on February 8, 2025 by 7:00am.

Depart: Depart from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) on February 14, 2025 after 5:00pm.

March 8, 2025 Departure

Arrive: Arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) on March 8, 2025 by 7:00am.

Depart: Depart from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) on March 14, 2025 after 5:00pm.

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for $75-$125 (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

Activity Level

We rate this trip as Active. Our Active adventures get you on your feet. You should be in good physical condition and be prepared to hike for up to five hours, multiple days in a row, on uneven surfaces with some steep ascents and descents. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Iceland.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800. You can transfer your deposit to another trip with no additional fee if you notify us within 120 days of the original trip departure date. We can hold your deposit for up to six months as a credit. Failure to book a new trip within this timeframe will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.

Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

The deposit for this trip is $800, and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplement Health and Safety Form

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

February 8, 2025 Departure Final Payment Due Date: November 10, 2024

March 8, 2025 Departure Final Payment Due Date: December 8, 2024

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide throughout your trip
  • All ground transportation
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • Drinking water available from taps to refill personal bottles
  • Gratuities for hotel staff and wait staff

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Iceland
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for main guide and driver

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Accommodations

Skuggi Hotel (2024 departures)

Skuggi Hotel is in Reykjavík’s city center. All rooms are well-designed and equipped with standard amenities for a comfortable stay. The hotel is perfectly located near one of the oldest streets in Reykjavík, Hverfisgata, and is within walking distance from Iceland’s main shopping street Laugavegur, which is home to a variety of designer shops, cafés, restaurants, gift shops, and exciting nightlife.

Amenities: En suite bathrooms with soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer; electricity (outlet type C or F); Wifi

Hotel Reykjavik Saga (2025 departures)

Hotel Reykjavik Saga is an elegant 4-star hotel that opened in July 2022. Ideally situated at the very heart of the Reykjavik city center, the hotel is a stone's throw away from picturesque Lake Tjörnin, the cathedral, art museum, shops and restaurants. The hotel is on Lækjargata, a historic street in the center of Reykjavik and has been designed in a modern style that reflects Icelandic tradition. Location and environment have been fully considered throughout the design process.

Amenities: En suite bathrooms with soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, flatscreen TV, coffee / tea maker, electricity (outlet type C or F); blackout curtains, Wi-Fi

Hotel Hamar             

Located about an hour outside of Reykjavik, Icelandair Hotel Hamar is a relaxing accommodation built on an 18-hole golf course. Enjoy the natural beauty and green views from your room or have a soak in one of the geothermal-heated outdoor hot tubs.

Amenities: En suite bathrooms with soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer; electricity; Wifi

 

Hotel Geysir   

Hotel Geysir is located right in front of Iceland's trademark Great Geysir. Surrounded by an area rich with geothermal activity, this hotel will provide a great vantage point for all the beauty that Icelandic nature has to offer.

Amenities: En suite bathrooms with soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer; electricity (outlet type C or F); Wifi

 

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686