Join Shelley Carroll for the bucket list trip of a lifetime to Akureyri, Iceland . Together, we will chase waterfalls, search for aurora borealis,, practice daily yoga and meditation, visit power places, and soak up the energy of this amazing country!
Iceland is a Nordic island nation known for its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, hot springs and lava fields. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, offer an entrancing, dramatic, magical display that fascinate all who see it, and this trip will offer all of the magic Iceland can muster.
While no two days will be the same, we do have a somewhat predictable schedule for meals, because a yogi has to eat.
7-8am Breakfast. Served in your apartment, self-serve, food provided.
8:45am: Geear up for transport to the Yoga class
9:15 - 11:15am Yoga and Meditation
Change clothes at wellness center and go straight to lunch!
11:30am. Lunch
12.45 depart for excursion or have free time!
6pm Group Dinner
7pm Free time or Northern Lights excursion!
We have special events planned throughout the trip. Please look at the detailed itinerary for all of the events. Schedule may shift from day to day based on weather conditions and the optimal time to view the northern lights.
While we can not GUARANTEE we will see the Northern Lights, we have chosen a time of year for optimal viewing. Please note that the Northern lights are not on our itinerary as we will go out on the best night possible!
Plan to depart your home city on Friday to arrive Saturday early morning in Reykjavik (KEF = Keflavik International) then take a smaller flight from the Reykjavik smaller domestic airport to Akureyri. Your return will be the following Saturday morning from Akureyri – Reykjavik domestic, then a transfer to the International airport (Keflavik) and back home. If you choose to add extra days on your own in Reykjavik before or after the retreat dates, we are here to assist.
Everyone will need to book 2 tickets to get to Akureyri, Northern Iceland. The first flight will be from your hometown to Reykjavik (Keflavik International). From here, book an easy 45 minute flight from Reykjavik Domestic Airport to Akureyri. This is a different and smaller airport than Keflavik International. We will list flights from Atlanta here as options by May 1.
If you add extra days on the front or back end in Reykjavik, the city center is only 10-15 minutes to the domestic airport for the shorter inland flight. For those of you arriving and departing on Saturday and flying all the way to Akureyri and then home on the last Saturday (no extra time in Reykjavik) – The international airport (KEF) is 45 minutes away from the smaller inland airport (RKV), so you will need a minimum of 3.5 hours between the flights to ensure you make it through customs, luggage and take the transfer to the domestic airport.
ARRIVALS: If you want to start searching flights, look at the overnight flights that depart on Friday night and arrive Saturday morning. DEPARTURES on the last Saturday – Most flights (ex. Iceland Air is recommended) leave between 5 and 6pm. If you are flying home on Saturday, do not book a flight that leaves KEF before 2pm.
Upon arrival to Akureyri, we will be transferred to our retreat, settle in, then enjoy dinner together at a local cafe in the town center. The apartments will be stocked with breakfast foods so each participant can manage their own breakfast routine before we head to daily morning yoga classes. Lunches and 5 group dinners are also included (2 dinners in Akureyri are open for the group to explore). Our hosts do their best to accommodate various dietary restrictions (such as dairy free, gluten free, and vegetarian needs); please let us know these needs in advance if possible.
Each morning at a designated time, you’ll be picked up from your apartment or hotel and transported just a few minutes across the fjord to the beautiful yoga studio and wellness center. After class, we’ll head to lunch and then out on our daily adventures to experience the majesty of our surroundings.
Once you are registered, we’ll be in touch about your travel plans!
Arrive in Akureyi and get settled in. Group dinner to begin our retreat, stargazing and settling in.