For Expert Advice Call 01722 445959 for Swedish and Norwegian Lapland 01722 445901 for Iceland and Greenland A unique occasion deserves a unique experience. https://www.aurora-nights.co.uk/northern-lights-holidays/iceland/limited-edition-aurora-breaks/equinox/ Equinox Northern Lights break in Iceland Break available: Around 20th March & 23rd Sept. Minimum of 4 people per booking required 4 Night Break The equinox is traditionally a fantastic time to see the Northern Lights. 75 years of records indicate that geomagnetic storms, which are the trigger for Northern Lights, are twice as likely in the weeks either side of the equinoxes. With a better than average potential of seeing the Northern Lights we have developed an exclusive bespoke break at a time near the Spring or Autumn Equinox and staying at the best place in Iceland to see them. We are thrilled to have secured a specialist to take time out to talk to you about what causes the Northern Lights and how to photograph them, and if the skies are clear he will take you outside to use the most advanced observatory in Iceland which is based at Hotel Ranga! Did we mention Hotel Ranga is also in the heartland of SuperJeep Off-roading Tours and adventure just awaits your choice of which tour! Day by Day Itinerary DAY 1: Fly to Reykjavik. Drive to Hotel Ranga. page 1/12 Highlights 3 Nights at Hotel Ranga, famed for its Northern Lights Wake Up Call if the Northern Lights come out whilst you are asleep so you don't miss them! Choice of off road SuperJeep Tours in South Iceland; Eyjafjallajökull's volcano or Þórsmörk and Waterfalls Tour Two Engaging and Practical Talks about what causes the Northern Lights, and How to Photograph them (Don't worry we have briefed him not to blind you with science, but to do it in a informative and fun way!) Golden Circle with Pingvellir Rift Valley, Gullfoss waterfall, Kerid Crater and Strokkur Geyser Soak in the Geothermal warm Blue Lagoon 1 night in central Reykjavik
On arrival in Reykjavik, pick up your pre arranged 4WD car hire and self drive to Hotel Ranga in South Iceland. This is a 2 hour trip on Iceland s main road. Hotel Ranga has an excellent reputation for Northern Lights Sightings due to its location in a rural area with a higher frequency of clear nights. Take a drink and soak in one of the hot tubs tonight whilst you keep an eye out for your first sighting of the Northern Lights. The team at the hotel are keen to ensure that if the aurora are out you don t miss them and so they offer a wake up service in case they should appear in the depth of the night. Overnight at Hotel Ranga A la Carte Optional Extras Northern Lights Hunt with Bonfire Hotel Ranga has an excellent reputation for Northern Lights Sightings due to its location in a rural area with a higher frequency of clear nights. However we want to give you the very best chance possible so tonight you will be picked up for a 3 hour adventure to hunt out the Northern Lights with one of the local mountain guides. In a specially adapted 4WD super jeep you will be taken inland off-road to the back of the famed Mount Helka to try and see if you can find the Northern Lights. This volcanic area is near Tindfjallajökul Glacier whose cooling effect creates clear skies critical for spotting the Northern Lights. This area also has very few artificial lights to spoil your viewing as many of the farms in the area were abandoned due to a previous volcanic eruption. The beauty of this tour is that the guide will take you to the best area based on the forecast to see the Northern Lights and so give you the best chance of seeing them. Stop for a warm up by a bonfire and a hot drink in a cave, or on the black volcanic beaches with a bonfire and a hot drink whilst your guide tells you about both the Northern Lights Phenomenon and some of the folklore and local superstitions! Price per person: From 115 Northern Lights on top of the Glacier We are very excited with this new offer which we have worked up with our local man on the ground. Tonight he will take you up to 1600 M on top of the glacier on top of Eyjafjallajökull volcano in a SuperJeep to hunt the Northern Lights. The glacier cools the air creating clear skies which is what you need for the Northern Lights giving you an excellent chance of seeing them! Even if they don t show you will have an incredible evening gazing at thousands of stars above you crystal clear in the darkness. The snow reflects the moonlight and the tiny lights of the villages can be seen well below you. This is a 4 hour trip as it will take you 90 mins each way as you climb in your superjeep up the steep volcano an adventure in itself. Price per person: From 190 page 2/12
DAY 2: Choice of 4WD Super Jeep Tours, How to Photograph the Northern Lights Interactive Talk page 3/12
After breakfast adventure out into the unique landscapes of South Iceland probably the most dramatic Geography field trip you will ever experience! We work only with local guides who are both passionate about their country and want to share their insights with you but who are also trained as part of the mountain rescue team. They will have fascinating stories to share about the volcanic eruption that occurred in 2010. We continually receive fabulous feedback on this day from satisfied clients who enjoy this personalised, relaxed guided day experience from enthusiastic local guides who are keen you have an extra special experience. Super Jeeps take up to 12 people though often it is only the 6 of you. Note this is in sharp contrast to the coach tours that are available through other companies, who also cannot access many of the areas we take you to. Choose between the following adventures: EITHER Eyjafjallajökull s volcano Tour This tour will take you as close as is possible to the new large crater in Eyjafjallajökull volcano from the 2010 eruption and to places where no hire car can go. We drive up the slopes of the glacier in a highly equipped Super-Jeep and on our way take in the astonishing view over the whole South coast of Iceland with it s glaciers, and back across the Atlantic including the Westman-Islands. This tour gives you the perfect glacier experience; an exciting Super Jeep drive in the snow, walk on the glacier and the magnificent view over the south. This is real adventure! OR Porsmork valley Tour Your guide will take you up between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallojokull and Tindfjallojokull. In your specially adapted SuperJeeps you will have the thrilling drive of fjording glacial rivers and driving across the flood plain to see the lasting effects and landscape changes following Eyjafjallajökull s 2010 eruption. You will be surrounded by an imposing mountain ridge and see spectacular landscapes. Stop at the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you can walk behind and be mesmerised looking back through the falling water. If you wanted to see the Raw Iceland this is hard to beat! Early tonight you will have your first exclusive talk, from our Star and Northern Lights Expert, who will explain the science behind what causes the Northern Lights, but don t worry it is done in a fascinating and engaging way and does not blind you with science! He will then move on to give guidance as to how to take great photographs of the Northern Lights. If the Northern Lights are out he will move outside with you and help you get that all important shot! Overnight at Hotel Ranga. DAY 3: Explore South Coast, Astronomy Talk using the most advanced Observatory in Iceland page 4/12
Today you have at leisure to explore the south coast. Head off in your car along the South coast with the dramatic Glaciers and Volcanoes of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull to your left and the Atlantic Ocean on your right. Continue to the charming small village of Vik to visit the Black Beaches and dramatic rock formations of Reynisdrangar with its famous archway. Visit Seljalandsfoss one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, where you will be mesmerised as you walk behind it and stare out through the falling water across the flat landscape towards the South Beaches. Also visit the dramatic and thundering Skogar Waterfall one of the highest in Iceland at 60M and certainly worth a few photos! Time allowing stop at the Skogar Folk Museum which shares one man s lifetime collection of Icelandic artefacts gathered since 1949. The slightly eccentric Thordur Tomasson still runs the museum and is as much as an attraction as the museum itself! We would also recommend a stop at Eyjafjallajokull Visitor Centre which has a 20 minute film depicting the personal experience of a farmer on the recent eruption which will give you a more intimate insight as to how the Icelanders coped with the eruption. Saevar s second talk tonight will be about the sky and the stars. If the skies are clear you will also move outside so you can utilise the outstanding Observatory at Hotel Ranga which, with its two high quality 11-inch computerized telescopes, is the most advanced observatory in Iceland. Scopes can be turned towards the stars to view amazing detail on Jupiter, see Cassini s Division in the rings of Saturn, and resolve details on the surface of Mars. Even the distant Uranus and Neptune are within your reach. If the skies are clear the talk will be both practical and theoretical and you may even be able experience how to shoot the moon through the telescope as certain cameras can be connected to the telescope. Overnight at Hotel Ranga A la Carte Optional Extras Visit The Secret Ice Cave South Iceland Self drive to Vik in south Iceland (@ 1 1/4hr). From there we will pick up you and drive our heavily modified Super Jeep on a very old track that only Super Jeeps can cross. The drive to the ice cave is about 30 minutes long with a gorgeous view out the window. The ice cave, known as The Secret Ice Cave, and the glacier itself, present you with black, white, and blue ice that is over 800 years old! Inside the cave there are high walls of ice that have been sculpted by glacial water throughout the centuries. Water drips all around and the air is cold and fresh. Helmets (and Crampons if conditions require) are supplied. The beauty of this cave it is not visited by hundreds of people unlike some of the others which means they don t have the magical atmosphere of this secret ice cave. This tour takes about 3 hours with a morning and afternoon departure. There are plenty of things to see on the way and back to Vik to make this a full day. The Black Beaches and dramatic rock formations of Reynisdrangar with its famous archway. The dramatic and thundering Skogar Waterfall one of the highest in Iceland at 60M and certainly worth a few photos! The Eyjafjallajokull Visitor Centre which has a 20 minute film depicting the personal experience of a farmer of the dramatic 2010 eruption. The brand new Lava Centre. They have an interactive exhibition about the volcanoes, eruptions and earthquakes and this already has very good reviews and is a fascinating hour. Price Per Person: From 155 page 5/12
Snowmobiling on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier You will be picked up and taken to the Snowmobile Meeting Point. Here you will transfer to a Super Jeep to go on rough tracks up to the Snowline of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier to take an exhilarating 1 hour s snowmobile ride with superb views back down to the Atlantic Coast. While the south is certainly spectacular from below nothing beats experiencing it from above! Snowmobiling on top of Eyjafjallajökull glacier is an extraordinary experience. This snowmobile tour is the perfect length of time for first-time riders and individuals looking for a scenic, fun ride, exploring and experiencing the wilderness, the glacier and the breathtaking views over South Iceland in good weather. After a short safety briefing you will be dressed in the warm arctic thermals and helmet that are provided but please wear very warm socks and hiking boots. You will snowmobile for about an hour on a shared snowmobile, but don t worry there will be time to swop so you both get the chance to drive (2 people per Snowmobile). Price Per Person: From 180 Choice of SuperJeep Adventure Tours page 6/12
EITHER This tour will take you close to the large crater in Eyjafjallajökull volcano from the 2010 eruption and where no hire car can go. We drive up the slopes of the glacier in a highly equipped Super-Jeep and on our way take in the astonishing view over the whole South coast of Iceland with its glaciers, and back across the Atlantic including the Westman-Islands. This tour gives you the perfect glacier experience; an exciting Super Jeep drive in the snow, walk on the glacier and the magnificent view over the south. This is real adventure and a very memorable trip. OR On the Porsmork valley guided tour your SuperJeep will take you up between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallojokull and Tindfjallojokull. You will be driven in specially adapted SuperJeeps through glacial rivers and across tracks and the flood plain to see the effect of the 2010 eruption filling the previous Glacial Lake. You will be surrounded by an imposing mountain ridge and see spectacular landscapes. Afterwards you will stop at the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you can walk behind and be mesmerised looking through the falling water. You will also visit the 60M high thundering Skogar Waterfall one of the highest in Iceland. If you wanted to see the Raw Iceland this is hard to beat! Price Per Person: From 195 Glacier Hiking on glacial tongue Seimajökull South Iceland Self drive to join the small group visiting the magnificent frozen glacial tongue Seimajokull and hike on the glacier. Explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and jagged ridges. You will be on the ice 1 ½ 2 hrs and the pace is leisurely with plenty of stops to talk about the formation of Glaciers and Global warming etc. The Glacier is a 20 min walk from the starting point. We will provide all the tools you need: crampons and safety lines but you must wear Hiking Boots for the Crampons to fit onto. Price Per Person: From 85 page 7/12
Riding in Icelandic Countryside A purebreed descendant of its Viking ancestors from the 9th century, the Icelandic horse is a product of isolation and a thousand years of breeding for good riding qualities, resulting in a gentle, friendly disposition and calm manner that make them a delight for anyone to ride. Whilst small in size they are hardy animals that have an unusual gait called a tolt. As fast as a trot but it is much smoother- indeed there are competitions where people hold full glasses of unspilt beer as they ride the tolt! You have a choice of a 1hr or 2 hr ride by Irafoss Waterfall, or a 3hr ride through a lake and then onto the black Volcanic beach beside the Atlantic ocean where there is a possibility of seeing some seals. OR a different 3hr ride which takes you up steep tracks towards the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. Here you will be able to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the glacier behind you and in front of you the Atlantic Ocean in all its glory. Finally there is the option to take a 2 hour ride through farmland, followed by a choice of a Jacuzzi or Sauna and a light lunch. Price Per Person: From 75 to 245 (Dependent on tour taken) DAY 4: Golden Circle including Pingvellir Rift Valley, Gullfoss waterfall and Strokkur Geyser, Self drive to Reykjavik. Today explore the must see Golden Circle at your own pace using your own 4WD vehicle. The day is packed full of surprising landscapes and Geological marvels. You will walk in a dramatic mini rift valley created by Tectonic plate movement, gaze at the thundering Gullfoss waterfall which can totally freeze in winter, and marvel at the Strokkur Geyser which erupts every 5 mins. We would also recommend you visit the spot where the first democratic parliament was established in 930 AD overlooking the stunning plains of Pingvellir. Continue to Reykjavik. Evening at leisure to try one of the many excellent seafood restaurants and overnight in Reykjavik A la Carte Optional Extras Northern Lights by Boat page 8/12
Hunting the northern lights from the ocean is an amazing experience. Sail away from the coastline of Reykjavik and see the Aurora Borealis out on the North Atlantic ocean with beautiful mountains and the city lights in the background. This 2-3 hour Northern Lights cruise includes warm overalls to wear, heated seating areas inside, expert guide on board to explain the Northern Lights. Price per person: From 80 Northern Lights Explorer This evening you will be taken out from Reykjavik in a Super-jeep into the wilderness for a search for the Northern Lights. Given cloudless skies, sightings can occur from autumn to early spring. The elders say that the colder the nights the more vibrant & intense the colors will be. Swirling and swaying overhead, displays are usually greenish yellow but white, red and pink lights also frequently appear. Your guide will be steadfast in his Northern Lights search for you, though of course we cannot guarantee that you will see them. This tour is about 3 hours long. Please note the maximum number of passengers in the SuperJeep is 6 in order to give you a very personal and individual tour. This is in sharp contrast to the coach tours that are available through other companies, or the very large SuperJeep Tours with 12 people in. Price Per Person: From 150 Northern Lights Hunt with Black Beaches and Lobster Feast This evening venture out into the wilderness in search of the Northern Lights in Iceland followed by a Lobster feast. Your guide will drive the super jeep out of the city lights in his search for a clear sky and northern lights show. First stop is a beach with black sands on the southwest coast of Iceland where you take in the raw but beautiful landscape. Afterwards your guide will take you to Stokkseyri where you will enjoy a lobster feast. After dinner the hunt continues for the Northern Lights before dropping you off at your hotel around midnight. Your guide is trained to read the weather, the clouds and the solar activity but unfortunately we cannot guarantee a show. Keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best while you enjoy a super jeep tour off the beaten path. Please note this is available Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Only. Price per person: From 325 page 9/12
DAY 5: Blue Lagoon and Flight Home This morning drive to the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland s most famous sites. Here you can bathe in the warm bright geothermal waters which are particularly good for your skin. Put Silica mud on your face or try out the Sauna and Steam rooms which are carved into the lava. Relax for a couple of hours and perhaps have a meal in one of the restaurants with lovely views of the Lagoon. We would also recommend the in-water massage treatments which are just heavenly! Afterwards drive the 20 minutes to the airport for your flight home. If you don t have 4 people then you might like to consider the Iconic Northern Lights Break in Iceland where the minimum number of passengers is only 2 people and the itinerary is very similar. Where You'll Stay Hotel Ranga Its gourmet restaurant has an excellent reputation offering typical Icelandic dishes, as well as a few unusual surprises. We would highly recommend you take a drink and sit in the outdoor hot tubs and watch the skies for the Northern Lights. A splendid way to pass the time. Although there is never any guarantee, this is one of the best places in Iceland to see the Aurora Borealis. Hotel Ranga also has the most incredible range of themed suites. Take your choice from 2 levels with the themes being Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Australia, Antarctica, Royal Suite page 10/12
Foss Hotel Reykjavik The Tower is over 16 floors with many bedrooms having views across the Ocean, and the others have a fine view back across the city. There is a restaurant and a rather splendid and very well stocked Beer Bar on site. Hotel Reykjavik Centrum During its construction, the remains of a Viking longhouse from the Settlement Period were found. Among the finds excavated at the site were Iceland s oldest human remains, dating from approximately 870 AD. Testimonials "Hotel Ranga was amazing in terms of comfort, food, and friendliness of the staff. We were treated to some brilliant views of the Northern Lights on our first night there. The excursions were well organised and very enjoyable." This really was the most exhilarating, surreal experience we have ever had. To be on the top of a glacier, with the infamous Eyjafjallajokull and not a soul in sight, will remain with us always. Both Gummi and Magnus were excellent guides and you are fortunate to have discovered people who remain so enthusiastic about their country." Price per person: From 1,395 (Minimum 4 people in a booking) What's Included? page 11/12
Flights with one hold bag per person from the UK 4 nights accommodation with breakfast(hotel Ranga, Foss Hotel Reykjavik) 1 Super Jeep Tour 2 Interactive Northern Lights Talks 4 WD Car Hire Departure Airport Gatwick Heathrow Manchester Luton Glasgow Edinburgh (Sun-Thurs only for direct flights) Belfast (Wed-Sun, Thurs-Mon, Sun-Thurs only for direct flights) only for direct flights) Bristol (Mon-Fri, Thurs-Mon, Sun Thurs only for direct flights) Dublin (Mon-Fri only for direct flights) Stansted (Tues-Sat only for direct flights) City(Sun-Thurs only for direct flights) Our international clients are welcome to book their own flights 2017 Weekend a la Carte For Expert Advice Call 01722 671073 for Lapland 01722 671079 for Iceland page 12/12