Join Our State as we search for the northern lights and relax in the spa-like waters of the Blue Lagoon, traversing some of the most pristine and diverse terrain in the northern hemisphere. Take in 360-degree views of Reykjavík, explore national parks and volcanic terrain, admire iconic waterfalls, and see the sparkle of Diamond Beach.
September 20-26, 2025
Package Includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport
- Five nights’ hotel accommodations
- Nine meals: five breakfasts and four dinners with two glasses of wine or beer each
- All sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
- Deluxe motor coach transportation
- Professional tour guide and driver
- Our State host
- Baggage handling (one bag per person) and hotel transfers
- Hotel tips, restaurant tips for included meals, and local taxes
Itinerary Highlights:
- Reykjavík city tour
- Thingvellir National Park
- “Golden Waterfall” of Gullfoss
- Blue Lagoon indoor geothermal pool visit
- Skaftafell National Park
- Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
- Skógar Folk Museum
- Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
- Boat tours in search of the northern lights
Accommodations:
- Three nights in Reykjavík: Grand Hotel Reykjavík or similar
- Two nights in Vík: Hotel Vík or similar
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Departure
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Depart from the U.S. to Iceland.
Day 2: Arrive in Reykjavík
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting for your group in the arrival hall, ready to take you to your private coach. Flight time permitting, your first stop will be at Viking World, home of the Viking ship Íslendingur (the Icelander) and part of the Viking Millennium Exhibition produced by the Smithsonian Institution. A breakfast buffet will be served at Viking World (breakfast is served until 10 a.m.). You’ll then head straight for the capital, where your tour will take in all the city’s major attractions, including Parliament; the National Museum; Laugardalslaug swimming pool; the Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum; “The Pearl”; Höfði House (site of the 1986 Reykjavík Summit); and the city’s main landmark, Hallgrímskirkja. There’s no better way to come to grips with everything Reykjavík has to offer in just a few hours. Visit the Perlan Museum and the 360° Observation Deck for amazing views over Reykjavík. Afterward, you’ll be delivered to your accommodation for check-in at 3 p.m. There is time to explore on your own and enjoy the beautiful natural backdrop before meeting your travel director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner this evening. Tonight, head out to search for the northern lights. (The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.)
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Grand Hotel Reykjavík or similar in Reykjavík
Day 3: Blue Lagoon
Monday, September 22, 2025
Today, dive into culture at the world-famous Blue Lagoon (please remember to pack your swimwear; towels will be provided). Its steaming turquoise waters are said to have healing powers. The lagoon is a unique wonder — a lake with pleasantly warm, mineral-rich geothermal water in the middle of a black lava field. The high natural levels of silica and minerals give the lagoon its rich blue color. The facilities include modern changing rooms, showers, an indoor geothermal pool, a massage waterfall, restaurants, and other services. Enjoy a drink as well as a silica mud mask included in your visit. You will also visit the Aurora Reykjavík Museum. Then, the afternoon is at your leisure. This evening, head out to search for the northern lights by boat. Experience a hunt for the northern lights on the sea, far away from the city lights! Hunting the northern lights from the ocean is an amazing experience. Sailing away from the coastline of Reykjavík and seeing the aurora borealis out on the north Atlantic Ocean with beautiful mountains and the city lights in the background is something you won’t forget. In only 15 to 30 minutes, you will be in a prime location for viewing the auroras. The boat is not restricted by roads, so it is easier to follow the northern lights. (The tour is subject to weather conditions. The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.)
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Grand Hotel Reykjavík or similar in Reykjavík
Strokkur Geyser Photography courtesy of AAA Travel
Day 4: Thingvellir National Park • Gulfoss-Geyser Area • Vík
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Photography courtesy of AAA Travel
We leave the capital, journeying through Iceland’s volcanic landscapes to Thingvellir National Park, where we will see firsthand how the movements of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates have carved into the Earth’s crust. Visit the world-famous hot spring area of Geyser and see Strokkur shoot a spectacular plume of water high into the air. Our next stop is Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”), which was saved at the turn of the last century by the tenacity of a farmer’s daughter who threatened to throw herself into its depths if it was developed for hydroelectric power. Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before arriving in the Vík area for dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Vík or similar in Vík
Day 5: Skaftafell National Park • Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
This morning, we cross the vast expanse of Eldhraun, the largest mass of lava ever to flow on the face of the Earth, before reaching Skaftafell National Park. Next, we see the largest glacier in Iceland, the Vatnajökull, before continuing to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon for magnificent views of the ice cap and drifting icebergs that melt into obscurity in the lake’s water. We also head across the street and enjoy Diamond Beach. Near Jökulsárlón is a sand beach named Breiðamerkursandur. It is often called “Diamond Beach” because of the glaciers from Jökulsárlón that have washed up on the sand where they lie and sparkle like diamonds. We head back to our hotel later this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Vík or similar in Vík
Day 6: Reykjavík
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Today, head back to Reykjavík. Visit the Skógar Folk Museum by Skógarfoss waterfall, which includes a collection of historical buildings, including a turf home, and focuses on how Icelanders lived during the last centuries. Stop at the Lava Center on the way back and enjoy a short, guided visit followed by some free time. This evening, we reminisce over the myths and legends we’ve encountered along the way during a farewell dinner with newfound friends and your travel director.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Grand Hotel Reykjavík or similar in Reykjavík
Day 7: Departure
Friday, September 26, 2025
For now, it’s time to say a fond farewell to Iceland after an unforgettable trip. You have one group transfer to the airport after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Rates:
Regular rate: $5,899 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single rate: $7,399
For Reservations & More Information:
AAA Travel
Beth Rackham
(919) 832-0543, ext. 16012
barackham@acg.aaa.com
For more information on physical requirements and what to expect on an Our State trip, click here.
