Northern Lights Experience: Itinerary Options

Thank you for the opportunity to plan with you a trip to experience the magic of the Northern Lights. Since we are initially reviewing a wide variety of options, locations, timing and number of travelers, let's start with an overview of flights, accommodations, transfers and experiences and their estimated rates, to give you the scope. From there, we can narrow down locations, timing and create your personalized trip. We're looking at 9 actual days, with one day lost to overnight flight.

Timetable : November, 2024. Using Friday Nov. 1 to Sunday Nov. 10 for all estimates; based on 2 people.

Iceland: 9 Days | Reykjavik
From the glistening ice caves of Vatnajökull to the thundering Dettifoss Waterfall and the bubbling mud pools of the Askja Caldera, Iceland is a veritable patchwork of dramatic landscapes. Thanks to its location in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the country is a geothermal hotspot, brimming with volcanoes and geysers.

On your own: Explore Iceland your way, staying 9 nights at a centrally-located hotel or rent a local home so all your travelers may stay together. Rent a car and spend time discovering xxxxx at your leisure, perhaps include several guided activities for a unique experience.

Accommodations: (8 nights). Sample lodging and rates -
2 BDR apartment that sleeps 4: $2900
Modest, unique hotel in nearby Hafnarfjordur, 1 queen bed, sauna/hot tub: $152/nt. $1225
Feb 2025: Pricing seems to be similar for February dates

Experiences: Explore the city's main attractions including the City Hall, the National Museum, Höfði house (site of the 1986 summit), the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre and the city’s main landmark, Hallgrímskirkja Church. Don't miss the Perlan glass dome, providing 360°view over Reykjavík and the surrounding landscapes. Journey to the Reykjanes Peninsula to visit the Blue Lagoon, a lake with pleasantly warm mineral-rich geothermal water in the middle of a black lava field. Visit the South Shore to explore glacial rivers, dramatic sea cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. Day tours for Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights, South Coast, Glacier Hike, Ice Caves and more. Estimate $100 - $200/day per person per day trip.

Small group guided tour: Experience some of the very best that Iceland has to offer on this fully guided, 8-day tour from Reykjavik. Travel the Ring Road and admire some of the country’s most stunning destinations, including the Golden Circle, and the magical Ice Caves. Full details to follow, if interested. $2955 pp. Nov 2 - 9. Add one night Reykjavik before flight home: est. $200/night for 2 or $350/night for cabin/home that sleeps 4 - 6.

• See geysers, magical waterfalls, black sand beaches, and hot springs

• Relax overnight in countryside accommodations

• Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik city center

• 7 nights accommodation in a double or twin room with a private bathroom and breakfast

• English-speaking guide

• Glacier hike, Ice cave tour, Hauganes whale watching, Northern Lights viewing
  

Flights: Nov 2024 San Francisco to Reykjavik
RT $1100 pp (for best flight schedule and connection times); Add RDD to SFO RT $230 pp

Feb 2025: right now Feb flights are showing at $300 more pp RT, but we can only see Feb 24, which is less than 2 months out.

Car rental: Midsize crossover or SUV, seats 5: $690 8 days.

Trip Estimate: (Nov 2024)
Flight: $1100 - $ 1560 pp
Lodging: $615 - $725 pp
Car rental: $690
3 day trips: $450 pp

Cost for 2 from Redding: $5935 - on your own; ($2967/pp)
If choosing Small group guided tour: $9120 ($4560/pp)

Iceland/Norway: 9 Days | Reykjavik | Oslo | Tromsø
Expand your Northern Lights adventure to include the highlights of both countries.

3 Nights - Reykjavik Explore Iceland your way, staying 9 nights at a centrally-located hotel or rent a local home so all your travelers may stay together. Rent a car and spend time discovering xxxxx at your leisure, perhaps include several guided activities for a unique experience.

Accommodations: (3 nights). Sample lodging and rates -
Modest, unique hotel in nearby Hafnarfjordur, 1 queen bed, sauna/hot tub: $152/nt. $456
Feb 2025: Pricing seems to be similar for February dates

Experiences: Explore on your own or day tours for Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights, South Coast, Glacier Hike, or Ice Caves. Estimate $100 - $200/day per person per day trip.

1 Night - Oslo After the short flight from Reykjavik, explore Oslo for a day before heading to Tromsø. $175 - $200/night
Feb 2025: Pricing seems to be similar for February dates

3 Nights - Tromsø Catch a flight from Oslo to this arctic circle city in Northern Norway, with some of the best Northern Lights viewing to be found.
Recommended: Farmhouse Retreat and Spa; $190/nt. $637
Feb 2025: Pricing seems to be similar for February dates

Experiences: Northern LIghts tours, $150 - $250 pp; Husky visit and dogsledding or guided Husky snowshoe hike $120 - $175 pp

1 night- Oslo - near airport Return to Oslo, relax before heading home. $150 - $185

Flights: Nov 2024
San Francisco to Reykjavik; Reykjavik to Oslo, Oslo to Tromso, Tromso to Oslo, Oslo to San Francisco.
$1500/pp. Add RDD to SFO RT: $230 pp

Feb 2025: should be similar pricing

Trip Estimate: (Nov 2024)
Flight: $1500 - $ 1960 pp
Lodging: $709 - $720 pp
4 day trips: $600 pp

Cost for 2 from Redding: $6560 ($3280/pp)

Norway: 9 days Fjords and Tromso Northern Lights

After landing in Oslo, take a scenic train to Bergen, stopping overnight in Flam, at the base of the fjords. Explore Bergen area for a day, then fly to Tromso for the Northern lights, and winter adventures.

1 Night - Oslo Rest after your long flights, and enjoy some of the local flavor. $175 - $200/night

1 Night - Flam Take the scenic train ride from Oslo to Mydral to Flam, enjoying panoramic scenery of fjords, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and small farms clinging to the mountainsides. . $200 - $225/night

1 Night - Bergen Continue from Flam to Bergen by train. Bergen features Bryggen, a historic Hanseatic trading centre from medieval times. Explore fascinating historical and maritime exhibits, the medieval Bergenhus fortress and the KODE art museums, the largest collection of art, design and music in Scandinavia. Classical musical lovers may also wish to visit Troldhaugen, the late-19th century home of composer Edvard Grieg. $160 - $180/night

4 Nights - Tromsø Catch a flight from Bergen to this arctic circle city in Northern Norway, with some of the best Northern Lights viewing to be found.
Recommended: Farmhouse Retreat and Spa; $190/nt. $849

Experiences: Northern LIghts tours, $150 - $250 pp; Husky visit and dogsledding or guided Husky snowshoe hike $120 - $175 pp

1 night- Oslo - near airport Return to Oslo, relax before heading home. $150 - $185

Flights: Nov 2024
San Francisco to Oslo RT. $700/pp. Add RDD to SFO RT: $230 pp

Bergen to Tromso; $175 pp
Tromso to Oslo: $145 pp

Feb 2025: should be similar pricing

Train: Oslo to Flam - $80 pp
Flam to Bergen - $60 pp

Trip Estimate: (Nov 2024)
Flight: $1250 pp
Lodging: $819 pp
2 day trips: $300 pp
Train: $140 pp

Cost for 2 from Redding: $5018 ($2509/pp)

Stay in a Unique Glass Igloo | Kakslauttanen, Finland

Escape to the magic of Lapland for a 3 night adventure where we take care of your every need, from picking you up from the airport, enjoying the finest Lappish cuisine and most importantly ensuring your days are full of adventure and wonder. Watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your room!

• Accommodation

• Full Board

• Snowmobile Safari - This is the fastest, loudest and most adrenaline-pumping way to get around in Lapland’s nature. On our snowmobile safari, we’ll ride down the fell into the snowy forest, enjoying some of the best scenery the region has to offer.

• Aurora hunting in a Reindeer Sleigh - Seeing the northern lights casting their magical glow across the Arctic sky is always an impressive sight, but what makes it truly unforgettable is a special trip to chase this natural phenomenon.

• Visit the Art Gallery, Design shop, Glass Igloo Tower bar and enjoy a 30min Northern lights movie in Scandinavia’s biggest Planetarium.

$3556 pp, 3 nights in Feb or March 2024;
Lodging only: $1988/3 nights for up to 3 guests in a small glass igloo

Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights by Rail

This rail vacation offers ten days of exploration split between Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory. Each location provides a new look at why this time of year is so special in the Great White North. Soak in naturally occurring hot springs surrounded by beautiful winter scenery in Banff and go on a winter wildlife viewing expedition in Jasper. Connecting the two national parks, Icefields Parkway offers breathtaking views from every angle.

From the Canadian Rockies, your journey continues west to Vancouver aboard VIA Rail's Canadian, a beloved overnight train. Spend a day wrapped in big city amenities before heading out into the backcountry once more - this time in the far north. Southern Lake Resort in Whitehorse, Yukon, is an idyllic environment for those that crave a respite from the daily grind. Its remote location is perfect for outdoor adventures, like snowshoeing, and for watching the northern lights during their nighttime performance.

From $3334 pp, 10 days including rail and hotel. View Itinerary >

Norway: Explore Norway's Coastline | Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen

Enjoy Hurtigruten's signature voyage along the Norwegian coast, travelling from the southern city of Bergen, across the Arctic Circle, up to Kirkenes, and back. It’s 12 days and 2,500 nautical miles of some of the most stunning scenery you’ve ever seen. Recommend October/November 2024 sailing dates for best rates for Northern Lights viewing.

Norway’s world-famous fjords will be on full display, dotted with farms and charming fishing villages. Admire the mountains and myths of the Helgeland Coast and brace yourself for the sheer beauty of the idyllic Lofoten and Vesterålen islands. You’ll sail together with local Norwegians who have relied on our ships for transport, post, and cargo for generations. Coastal Experts on board will also share their insights of the coast with you, whether about history, culture, science, or photography.

$2965 pp, October 2024 sailings. View Itinerary >

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