Iceland Aurora Adventure 2025

Come along on the 11th edition of our popular one-week tour of Iceland! You’ll explore this fascinating island’s unique culture and geology during the day. Then, each night we’ll seek out the breathtaking aurora borealis — an awe-inspiring spectacle not to be missed!

Join Sky & Telescope for a one-week Iceland tour and the chance to see the Northern Lights! With our tour partner Spears Travel and a local Icelandic guide, we’ll explore this fascinating island’s unique culture and geology during the day, then each night we’ll scan the sky for Iceland's famed aurora borealis. Watching the fantastic colors of the Northern Lights dance across the arctic sky is an unforgettable experience, and Iceland is one of the best places to see them. Late September to early October is a good time for aurora-watching, as the nights are full and dark, and the weather prospects are better than deep winter.

The friendly people of this island nation have a culture that’s a fascinating mixture of both ultramodern elements and customs that date back to the original Viking settlers more than 1,000 years ago. We’ll stay at premium hotels both in and outside the capital city of Reykjavík and sample delicious Icelandic cuisine. Iceland’s tourist infrastructure is modern, and the nation is one of the cleanest and safest in the world. Most Icelanders speak at least some English, so it’s very easy to interact with the local population.

This tour is from Saturday, September 20, 2025 (after arriving in Iceland after an overnight flight or the day beforehand) until Saturday, September 27th. You’ll also be able to stay for an optional extra day to explore the breathtaking Snæfellsjökull National Park. We’ve selected a week when moonlight won’t interfere with nighttime viewing, and our lodgings are far removed from the city lights to give you the best chance of witnessing this spectacular natural phenomenon. You’ll simply need to step outside of the hotel and look up into the sky. (Even during your evenings in Reykjavík, we’ll provide transportation to dark-sky sites outside the city.)

During the trip, a Sky & Telescope representative will describe the science of auroras as well as detailed information on how to successfully photograph the phenomenon. Although the Northern Lights are elusive and unpredictable, this year’s tour will occur during the maximum of the Sun’s 11-year activity cycle. Your odds of seeing one or more displays will never be better — in fact, we have seen them on all 10 Iceland expeditions that S&T and Spears Travel have offered!

Click below to get the full details:
• Itinerary for our 8-day/7-night tour of Iceland
• Itinerary for our optional 1-day tour of Snæfellsnes peninsula
• What is and isn’t included; what conditions to expect
• Pricing, Payments, and Terms

Reserve your spot today! Register by completing this form.

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Accommodations for S&T’s Iceland Aurora Adventure 2025

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Itinerary for S&T’s Iceland Aurora Adventure 2025

Date	Itinerary at a Glance	Accommodation	Meals
Saturday, Sept. 20	Arrival in Iceland / Reykjanes Peninsula	Landhotel	B, D
Sunday, Sept. 21	“Golden Circle” / Þingvellir National Park	Hotel Loa	B, L, D
Monday, Sept. 22	Vatnajökull National Park / Svartifoss	Hotel Ranga	B, L, D
Tuesday, Sept. 23	Southern Coast / Reynisfjara beach	Hotel Ranga	B, D
Wednesday, Sept. 24	Heimaey (Westman Islands)	Hotel Loa	B, L, D
Thursday, Sept. 25	Hvergerdi Geothermal Park / Reykjavík	Hotel Borg	B
Friday, Sept. 26	Sightseeing in Reykjavík	Hotel Borg	B, D
Saturday, Sept. 27	Depart for home (or . . . )	—	B
	Snæfellsnes Peninsula (optional)	Hotel Borg	B, L, D
Sunday, Sept. 28	Depart for home	—	B

Day 1 (September 20, 2025):  Arrival in Iceland / Reykjanes Peninsula
Welcome to Iceland! Once you’ve landed at Keflavík Airport, head through customs and collect your luggage. Then proceed into the arrivals hall to meet your tour guide, who will escort you to a private coach waiting outside. We’ll head to the Viking World Museum for a group, buffet breakfast.

(IMPORTANT NOTE: If your overnight flight to Iceland arrives later than 8 a.m., you’ll need to arrive on an earlier date. You will be responsible for any additional hotel nights that may be required, as well as for your transfer back to the airport to meet the group. Spears Travel can arrange these for you, at an extra cost.)

Refreshed by a hearty breakfast, we’ll follow the western coastline of the Reykjanes Peninsula, visiting Gunnuhver Hot Springs and the Bridge Between Two Continents, a footbridge over the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Then it’s time to relax at the world-famous Blue Lagoon spa. This unique wonder is an artificial lagoon with pleasantly warm, mineral-rich geothermal water in the middle of a black lava field — part of which has only recently erupted onto the surface! The high natural levels of silica and other minerals give the lagoon its electric-blue color and its purported healing power. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit in your carry-on luggage for easy access! Lunch is on your own.

After lunch with your fellow travelers, the group heads to the geothermal wonderland of Seltun. Take in the dramatic landscape that boasts hues of yellow, red, and green as you wind your way over the boardwalk through the bubbling and hissing fields.

Then, after a visit to Kleifarvatn, the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula, check in to the 4-star Landhotel and enjoy some free time before joining your group for an introductory presentation about auroras followed by a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant. Landhotel’s isolated location, far from sources of light pollution, will provide ideal conditions for viewing the northern lights.

Day 2 (September 21):  Iceland’s “Golden Circle” (Þingvellir / Geysir / Gullfoss / Kerið)
After breakfast and checkout, the group sets off on a full-day excursion to experience some of Iceland’s most amazing natural features — what’s known as the “Golden Circle.”

The first stop is Þingvellir. (The “Þ” consonant is pronounced very similarly to “th”.) This remarkable geologic formation is the site of the world’s oldest democratic parliament, founded in 930. Located by Lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake, Þingvellir is now a national park. The beautiful canyon running through the park is actually the meeting point of two of Earth’s tectonic plates, literally the dividing line between North America and Europe. Þingvellir’s combination of natural phenomena and historical significance have made it a symbol of Iceland’s national identity.

Then continue to Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe. Its broad cascades have a total drop of about 32 meters (105 feet). Here you will see thousands of tons of icy water thunder majestically down in double falls into a deep canyon. Afterward, you’ll see one of the most active geysers in the area, Strokkur, which sends a jet of superheated water to heights of up to 30 meters (90 feet).

We’ll drive through some of the fertile farmlands of southern Iceland and have lunch amid the greenhouses at Fridheimar Tomato Farm. Our final stop will be the impressive Kerið caldera, a lake-filled volcanic crater. An estimated 6,500 years old, this caldera is 270 m (890 feet) across and 55 m (180 feet) deep. Then check into Hotel Loa, a brand-new hotel in the small, charming town of Hvolsvöllur, followed by a hearty group dinner. Later, step outside for more aurora-watching.

Day 3 (September 22): Vatnajökull National Park / Svartifoss
After a leisurely breakfast this morning we’ll head to the incomparable Vatnajökull National Park, which comprises massive glaciers, ice caves, active geothermal areas, and snowy mountain peaks. Within this vast expanse are Skaftafell, a region of stark contrasts where tongues of glacial ice are flanked by jagged mountains, and Svartifoss (Black Falls), where water cascades over black basalt columns.

Enjoy a classic Icelandic lunch with your group at a local venue, followed by a visit to Diamond Beach to spend some time to walk along the strip of black sand. Then journey to the impressive Eldhraun lava field, one of the most magnificent lava tube systems in Iceland. The flows and craters are covered in a special green moss giving the area an enchanting landscape.

After an eventful day we head westward along Iceland’s rugged southern coast and check in at the 4-star Hotel Ranga. Steep yourself in its rustic charm and indulge in the fine dining you’ll experience at dinner. Situated far from any artificial lighting, it’s an ideal location for watching the curtains of auroral light dance overhead.

Even better, the hotel features its own observatory, equipped with high-quality telescopes (including a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain) in a permanent roll-off structure. If the skies are clear, you’ll be able to get in some serious stargazing.

Day 4 (September 23): Iceland’s Southern Shore / Reynisfjara Beach
Today you embark on a tour of Iceland’s southern shore, the land of Njal’s Saga, with breathtaking scenery and legendary stories. Stop to view the picturesque Seljalandsfoss waterfall, with a pathway leading behind it that gives visitors a chance to view the falls from within.

Then, travel to visit Skógafoss, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Due to the amount of spray the waterfall consistently produces, a single or double rainbow is normally visible on sunny days. Next, head to a local venue to have lunch on your own or with your fellow travelers before before stopping at the Lava Show, where you will see a recreation of a volcanic eruption.

Then continue on to view Dyrholaey, a massive arch that the sea has eroded from the headland and is also the southernmost point in Iceland. Following, set off to discover Reynisfjara’s black-sand beach and rock formations along the magical legend of its history. The basalt columns are similar to the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. Afterward, you’ll visit a charming little church situated on top of a hill, which offers stunning views of the ocean and the small fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal. You’ll return to Hotel Ranga in time to dine with your group.

Day 5 (September 24): Westman Islands (Vestmanayaer)
Once we’ve had a good breakfast to start our day, we’ll head south to the port of Landeyjahöfn and board the ferry to Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands. We’ll tour this fascinating island and learn about the various volcanic eruptions that formed it — including the Eldfell eruption of 1973, which buried much of the main town (roughly 400 houses) under a thick blanket of ash and nearly filled in the town’s harbor. A visit to the Eldheimar museum, dedicated to the eruption, is included.

Following our group lunch on the island, we’ll board the ferry to return to the mainland and back to Hvolsvöllur for a second night at Hotel Loa. Enjoy our group dinner at the hotel, then scan the sky for auroral displays.

Day 6 (September 25): Hellisheiði and Reykjavík
Following breakfast and check-out, you’ll enjoy the countryside scenery on the drive to the capital city of Reykjavík. A visit to Hverageri Geothermal Park is first on the day’s agenda! The park offers views of Kambar Mountains and is known for its clay foot bath and where locals bake Black Bread. You’ll move on to the impressive Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant. Completed in 2006, Hellisheiði can deliver 200 megawatts of thermal power (for heating homes and businesses) and 303 megawatts of electricity — ranking as the second largest of its kind in the world.

Westward bound again to the capital city of Reykjavík, the group arrives at Hotel Borg, your home for the next two nights. Centrally located, it’s a short walk from Reykjavík’s City Hall and City Library. After check-in, there will be plenty of time to grab lunch (on your own), take a walk around the city center, and have dinner (on your own). And if the sky is clear, your bus driver will take the group beyond the city for an optional northern lights viewing session.

Day 7 (September 26): Exploring Reykjavík
After breakfast, enjoy a morning-long bus tour of Reykjavík with stops at Hallgrimskirkja, Perlan (with admission to its observation deck), the National Museum, the Settlement Exhibition, and the Lava Show. Here’s some information about these signature destinations:

After the guided tour, you have the rest of the afternoon free to explore the city, with lunch on your own . This evening, the group gathers at a local restaurant for a sumptuous farewell dinner. Afterward, if the sky was cloudy the previous night but clear tonight, your bus driver will take you beyond the city for an optional northern lights tour. Otherwise, enjoy a stroll on your own during the rest of the evening.

Day 8 (September 27): Main Tour Ends; Depart for Home
All good things must come to an end, including your visit to Iceland. After breakfast and check-out, you’ll board a bus to Keflavík airport for flights home. We schedule this transfer to reach the airport 2½ to 3 hours before the earliest flight departure of the group’s members. Should you be leaving substantially earlier or later than the main group, individual transfers can be arranged for you at a small extra fee.

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Day 8 (September 27): Optional Tour of Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Stay an extra day, if you wish, and enjoy a tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and its national park. About 90 km (60 miles) long, this region to the north of Reykjavík offers breathtaking scenery, the glistening ice cap of the volcano Snæfellsjökull, waterfalls, lava fields, and quaint fishing villages.

Your first stop is Grundarfjördur, a quaint fishing village situated by mountains and located on a charming fjord along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Next, visit Kirkjufell, which translates to Church Mountain, said to be the most photographed mountains in Iceland due to its dramatic formation. Then, journey to a local venue to enjoy lunch with your group.

After, head to Djupalonssandur for some free time to discover the majestic black-sand beach. Continue on to view Londrangar, a uniquely formed basalt cliff with volcanic dykes sticking out from the ocean. Following, drive into Arnarstapi for some free time to sightsee around the fishing village. Afterwards, journey to Ytri Tunga Beach and stop for some free time to walk along the golden sand beach. Return to Hotel Borg and enjoy some time at leisure before getting ready for tomorrow’s departure for home.

Day 9 (September 28): Depart for Home
After breakfast and check-out, you’ll be transferred by private bus to Keflavík airport for your departure flight.

Góða ferð! (Have a good trip!)

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WHAT THE TOUR DOES & DOESN'T INCLUDE

Included in S&T’s Iceland Aurora Adventure 2025 (main tour):

• Private coach with English-speaking guide for the program as outlined
• Breakfast buffet at Viking World Museum*
• Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance (use of towel, one drink of your choice)
• 1 night’s accommodation at Landhotel
• 2 nights’ accommodation at Hotel Loa
• 2 nights’ accommodation at Hotel Ranga
• 2 nights’ accommodation at Hotel Borg
• VAT on accommodation and lodging fee
• Breakfast daily at each hotel*
• Three 2-course group lunches including coffee/tea*
• Six 3-course group dinners including coffee/tea*
• All daily tours and entrance fees as described above
• Free admission to Settlement Exhibition at Reykjavik City Museum
• Guided transfer Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport on day of departure

Included in S&T’s Iceland Aurora Adventure 2025 (Snæfellsnes extension):

• Private coach with English-speaking guide for the program as outlined
• 1 night’s additional accommodation at Hotel Borg
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner including coffee/tea*
• VAT on accommodation and lodging fee
• All entrance fees as described above
• Guided transfer Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport on day of departure

Not included in S&T's Iceland Aurora Adventure 2025:

• International airfare
• Extended stay in Iceland (hotel, meals, activities) before or after the tour
• Drinks with lunches and dinners other than coffee/tea and any meals not mentioned
• Baggage handling
• Guide on day of departure
• Extra fees for porterage, grab-and-go lunches, room service, items of a personal nature
• Unexpected fees introduced for access to nature sites on private land
• Transfers for individual arrivals
• Entrance fees not mentioned above
• Access to hotel room outside of normal check-in/check-out times
• Personalized activities and/or additional nights of accommodation
• Tips and gratuities for tour director and bus driver (at your discretion)
• Travel insurance (highly recommended — Spears Travel can send you a quote)
• Medical insurance
• Medical or quarantine expenses
• COVID-19 testing before, during, or after the tour
• Anything else not mentioned under “included”

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What to Expect on the Tour

This exclusive Sky & Telescope expedition is designed for travelers who are interested in experiencing nighttime displays of the aurora borealis, along with the geology and superb natural landscapes of Iceland.

October is late autumn in Iceland, with typical daytime temperatures near 50°F and evening temperatures near 40°F. So layered clothing suitable for cool-to-cold weather with occasional rain is recommended.

To enjoy this experience, participants must be in good physical and mental health and be able to keep up with the pace of the group. Participants requiring extraordinary assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance. Travel segments by private motorcoach will be up to 4 hours long. Daily activities will often involve some walking over uneven terrain for distances of up to ¼ mile; a few locations are not suitable for traversing by wheelchair. In certain situations, such as near thermally active geysers or waterfalls, deviating from the marked pathways could put you at risk of injury.

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PRICING, PAYMENTS & TERMS FOR S&T’s ICELAND AURORA ADVENTURE 2025

Tour Pricing (per person)	Double occupancy	Single occupancy
Main Tour of Iceland & Northern Lights (7 days)	$6,750	$8,750
Main Tour & Full-day Tour of Snæfellsnes Peninsula (8 days)	$7,750	$9,750

Pricing: All tour prices are based on costs and U.S. dollar exchange rates in effect at the time of posting. As such, prices listed here are subject to change. Spears Travel and/or AAS Sky Publishing LLC will inform clients of any changes prior to departure.

To make a reservation: A reservation request can be submitted by completing this form. Reservations are recorded and acknowledged in order of receipt. Spears Travel handles all invoicing.

Deposits and final payments: A deposit of US$2,000 per person is required to secure your reservation. Initial deposits may be charged to a credit card or by check payable to “Spears Travel” and mailed to: Spears Travel, P. O. Box 1256, Bartlesville, OK 74005. Final payment is due by July 2, 2025, and can be paid by credit card or by check payable to “Spears Travel” and mailed to the address above. Note, however, that when a credit card is used for final payment, a processing fee of 2.75% will be assessed. Reservations made after July 2, 2025, must include full payment at the time of booking.

Cancellations and Refunds:  Deposits are fully refundable until May 15, 2025. Cancellations received after May 15, 2025, but on or before June 9, 2025, are subject to a penalty of US$1,000 per person. Cancellations received after June 9, 2025, but on or before July 2, 2025, are subject to a penalty of US$2,000 per person. No refunds of deposits or final payments will be made after July 2, 2025. Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by Spears Travel.

Terms and Conditions: In offering this tour itinerary or any other travel arrangements for sale, Spears Travel acts only as an agent. Spears Travel maintains no control over the personnel, equipment or operations of any supplier and assumes no responsibility for, and shall not be expected, asked, or required to pay for any financial loss, personal injury, property damage, other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which you may experience either by reason of: (1) nonperformance by any supplier for whatever reason; (2) wrongful, carelessness, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any supplier or its employees or on the part of any other party not under the control of Spears Travel; or (3) any defect, breakdown or other failure of any aircraft , train, automobile, ship accommodations or other equipment or instrumentality owned, operated or otherwise used by a supplier. Spears Travel is not responsible for weather conditions causing difficulties in viewing astronomical events. Prices are subject to change without notice. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where necessary or deemed advisable for the comfort and well being of the passengers by Spears Travel. Spears Travel reserves the right to cancel this trip for any reason and agrees to refund all monies paid by passengers less non-refundable deposits paid to suppliers and contractors. On advancement of deposit, the depositor agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions stated. All rates quoted by the tour company are based on double occupancy and do include taxes for air, hotel or other transportation unless otherwise stated.

Release: You hereby agree to release AAS Sky Publishing LLC, Spears Travel, and their respective affiliates from any liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or other irregularity which may be caused by the defect of any aircraft or vehicle or the negligence or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the services involved, and for losses, injury, damages, or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather conditions, considerations of the safety of the transportation being used (for which the transportation operator shall be the sole judge), earthquake, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, quarantine, force majeure, injury including: eye injury, animal or insect bites, altitude related sickness, or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country and jurisdiction in which they are provided.

Included in S&T’s 2024 Iceland Aurora Adventure (main tour):

• Private coach with English-speaking guide for the program as outlined
• Breakfast buffet at Viking World Museum*
• Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance (use of towel, one drink of your choice)
• 1 night’s accommodation at Landhotel
• 2 nights’ accommodation at Hotel Ranga
• 2 nights’ accommodation at Hotel Loa
• 2 nights’ accommodation at Hotel Borg
• VAT on accommodation and lodging fee
• Breakfast daily at each hotel*
• Four 2-course group lunches including coffee/tea*
• Six 3-course group dinners including coffee/tea*
• All daily tours and entrance fees as described above
• Free admission to Settlement Exhibition at Reykjavik City Museum
• Guided transfer Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport on day of departure

Included in S&T’s 2025 Iceland Aurora Adventure (Snæfellsnes extension):

• Private coach with English-speaking guide for the program as outlined
• 1 night's additional accommodation at Hotel Borg
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner including coffee/tea*
• VAT on accommodation and lodging fee
• All entrance fees as described above
• Guided transfer Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport on day of departure

*Please inform us of any special dietary requirements including food allergies.

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Not included in S&T’s 2025 Iceland Aurora Adventure:

• International airfare
• Drinks with lunches and dinners other than coffee/tea and any meals not mentioned
• Guide on day of departure
• Extra fees for porterage, grab-and-go lunches, room service, items of a personal nature
• Unexpected fees introduced for access to nature sites on private land
• Transfers for individual arrivals
• Entrance fees not mentioned above
• Optional tours
• Travel insurance (highly recommended — we can send you a quote)
• Room outside of normal check-in/check-out times
• Tips and gratuities
• Anything else not mentioned under “included”

Tour Note: In rare cases a change of itinerary may be necessary during our program in Iceland should weather or road conditions not allow operation of the scheduled itinerary. Certain outdoor activities may be canceled. In this case, no refund will be given but a reasonable alternative will be substituted where and whenever possible.