Private Northern Lights Tour – Champagne & Chocolates Aurora Hunt

The sky can change your whole Iceland trip. This private Reykjavik aurora hunt gives your group a dedicated guide, pickup near the city, and a chance to leave city lights behind in either an electric Mercedes EQV or, when roads demand it, a Super Jeep. I especially like the private group format for families and the champagne, hot chocolate, and chocolates waiting during the search. The main caution is simple: the Northern Lights are natural, so no guide can promise a show.

The price is $1,062.51 per group of up to five, not per person. That makes it costly for one or two people, but more reasonable when a full family or small group shares the bill. The tour lasts about four hours, though the timing may shift with winter sunset and the guide may keep you out for four to five hours as conditions require.

Key points at a glance

• Private ride for up to five: Your group does not share the vehicle or guide with strangers.
• Two vehicle options: Pickup is planned in an electric Mercedes EQV when road conditions allow, with a Super Jeep used if snow or rough conditions call for it.
• Pickup near Reykjavik: You can choose a pickup location in or near the city, then coordinate directly with your driver-guide.
• A proper aurora hunt: The guide looks for darker areas away from city lights instead of simply stopping at the first open spot.
• Small comforts matter: Champagne, hot chocolate, and chocolates make cold waiting time more pleasant.
• Wi-Fi onboard: You can stay connected without relying on roaming data during the drive.

Why a private aurora hunt changes the night

A Northern Lights outing is part sightseeing tour and part weather gamble. You may spend much of the evening driving, waiting, checking the sky, and moving again. A private tour gives you more control over that odd rhythm.

With only your own group aboard, you do not need to match the pace of a full coach. If your family needs a short break, or if you want to spend longer watching a good display, your guide can focus on your group rather than a busload of people. That is the real value of the private setup.

The tour is designed for up to five people. For a couple, the price is a serious splurge. For five people, the cost works out to roughly $212.50 per person, which puts the experience closer to the price of a premium small-group outing. Families should pay close attention to this point. One flat group fee can be easier to justify than five separate tickets.

The experience provider is EV Travel, and the driver-guide named in the available feedback is Thomas. He is praised for his personable manner, local knowledge, and willingness to search for a better viewing spot. That personal connection matters on a night when patience is part of the program.

Pickup from Reykjavik and the right vehicle for the roads

Pickup is offered from addresses in or near Reykjavik. You select a pickup place when booking, and your dedicated driver-guide contacts you on arrival. If your chosen location does not work, you are asked to select any location and contact the operator to arrange another one.

The planned vehicle is an electric Mercedes EQV, a comfortable choice for a private evening ride. If road conditions are poor, the company may use a Super Jeep instead. That change is not a downgrade. In winter, a vehicle suited to snow can matter more than a polished cabin, especially when the goal is to get beyond the city glow.

The description says the guide aims to get deep into the darkness without worrying about being stuck in snow. That is a useful promise of intent, but it is not a guarantee of a remote viewing location. The final route depends on weather, roads, and conditions on the night.

Onboard Wi-Fi is included. You may appreciate it for checking messages, sharing a photo, or avoiding roaming charges. Still, the best reason to keep your phone handy is photography. Thomas took impressive aurora photos for past customers, adding a useful record of a night that can be hard to capture on your own.

Setting out around 9 p.m.

The usual start time is 9:00 p.m., but winter timing can change as sunset shifts. You should expect the operator to contact you and arrange the best pickup time for that date rather than assuming the listed hour is fixed all season.

The first part of the outing is not a sightseeing circuit with a long list of attractions. It is a focused search across Iceland for a darker and clearer place. Your guide explains how the Northern Lights form and why they appear, giving the waiting time some purpose.

That explanation is worth having. The aurora is not an attraction that runs on a schedule, and knowing what you are watching can make a brief display feel more meaningful. The guide may point out changes in the sky, explain the conditions, and decide when it is worth moving on.

The tour is advertised as about four hours, while the detailed timing allows four to five hours through the best part of the night. Treat that as a flexible window rather than a strict stopwatch. The guide may need time to find a suitable spot, and the actual return time can depend on the night.

Hunting beyond Reykjavik’s city glow

Reykjavik is a convenient base, but city light makes faint aurora harder to see. The purpose of this outing is to move away from that glow and search for a darker area.

This is where the private format earns its keep. You are not merely being driven to one fixed viewpoint and sent home if the sky looks quiet. The guide is expected to hunt for a better place, using local knowledge of the surrounding roads and current conditions.

That does not mean every night produces a dramatic show. Aurora activity can be weak, clouds can block the sky, and road conditions can limit how far the vehicle goes. A good guide can improve your odds, not control nature.

The available feedback describes one group seeing a memorable display after Thomas took time to venture out in search of better conditions. Another group of four also praised his knowledge of the area and his photography. Those details suggest that persistence is a central part of the experience, not a minor extra.

Champagne, hot chocolate, and chocolates in the cold

The treats give this outing a festive touch. You can enjoy champagne, hot chocolate, and candies while waiting for the sky to cooperate. That may sound decorative, but on an aurora hunt, small comforts are useful. You might be standing outside in the cold, watching a dark sky for signs of movement, and a warm drink helps.

The combination also makes the tour feel suited to a special occasion. Champagne works for an anniversary or birthday, while hot chocolate and sweets make the evening more inviting for children. The information does not specify brands, quantities, or whether nonalcoholic champagne is available, so ask the operator directly if that matters for your group.

Do not book this solely for the refreshments. They are a pleasant addition, not the main event. The real product is the private search, the vehicle, the guide, and the chance to see the aurora away from Reykjavik.

Photography help from Thomas

Aurora photography can frustrate beginners. The sky may look bright to a camera but faint to your eyes, or your phone may produce little more than a dark blur. Having a guide who takes photos can add real value, especially if Thomas is leading your departure.

The feedback specifically praises the amazing photos he took. That suggests you may return with more than a memory, though the service should not be treated as a guaranteed professional photography package. No camera equipment, number of photos, delivery method, or editing service is listed.

I would still recommend asking before departure if photographs are important to you. Find out what is included and how the images are shared. If the guide takes pictures during the experience, make sure your group also has time to watch the sky without spending the entire night on phones.

What the $1,062.51 group price really buys

At first glance, $1,062.51 is a steep price for a four-hour outing. The calculation changes when five people share it. At full capacity, the cost is about $212.50 per person. For two people, it is more than $531 each, making it a luxury choice.

You are paying for more than transport. The package includes private use of the vehicle, a dedicated driver-guide, pickup near Reykjavik, Wi-Fi, a flexible search for darker skies, and the included drinks and sweets. The possible use of a Super Jeep also gives the operator more flexibility when snow affects the roads.

A large coach tour may cost less per person, but it can involve fixed stops, a larger group, and less freedom to wait or change direction. This private option makes most financial sense if you value comfort, privacy, direct contact with the guide, and a tailored evening.

The value is weaker if you mainly need a cheap way to get outside Reykjavik. It is also harder to justify if you are staying several nights and can join a lower-cost aurora outing on another evening. For a once-only Northern Lights attempt, though, the privacy and personal service may be worth the premium.

Weather, cancellations, and the risk of nature

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That is an important safeguard for an activity built around clouds, snow, and visibility.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses local time.

I would avoid scheduling this on your final night in Iceland if seeing the aurora is a major goal. Give yourself another night if possible. That leaves room to reschedule after poor weather and prevents one cloudy evening from carrying the full emotional weight of your trip.

The listing says most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. It is also near public transportation, though pickup is offered, so you should not need to arrange your own way to a meeting point if your address is accepted.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This outing is a strong fit for a family of up to five, a couple celebrating a special occasion, or friends who want the vehicle to themselves. Children may appreciate the hot chocolate and sweets, while adults can enjoy the champagne and the quieter pace of a private ride.

It also suits anyone who values guidance during uncertain conditions. You are not simply hoping to stumble onto the aurora. Thomas or another assigned guide searches for a better position and explains what is happening overhead.

It is less suitable for a strict four-hour schedule, a low budget, or someone who expects a guaranteed show. The tour can improve your chances, but no operator can promise clear skies or strong aurora activity.

The experience is offered in English. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the tour is private, so only your group participates. The posted rating is 5, but only two written ratings are provided, so I would treat that as encouraging rather than a large body of evidence.

Should you book the Champagne and Chocolates Aurora Hunt?

Book it if you want a private, polished Northern Lights search and can share the cost among four or five people. The strongest reasons are the dedicated guide, flexible hunt for darker skies, pickup near Reykjavik, and the comfort of champagne, hot chocolate, chocolates, and Wi-Fi.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling as a pair on a tight budget or if the Northern Lights are your only reason for visiting Iceland. In that case, compare the price with other aurora options and leave room in your schedule for bad weather.

For a small family or group celebrating a once-in-a-trip occasion, this is an appealing splurge. Just bring realistic expectations: the guide can search, explain, drive, and make the waiting pleasant. The sky still gets the final vote.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

Pickup is offered from addresses in or near Reykjavik. You choose a pickup location, and the dedicated driver-guide contacts you upon arrival.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:00 p.m. The best pickup time can change during winter because sunset times change, so the guide contacts you to arrange the timing.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about four hours. The detailed plan allows four to five hours through the best part of the night.

How many people can join?

The private tour accommodates your group of up to five people.

Is the price charged per person?

No. The price is $1,062.51 per group of up to five people.

What vehicle is used?

The tour uses an electric Mercedes EQV when road conditions permit. If conditions are poor, pickup may take place in a Super Jeep.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Onboard Wi-Fi is included.

Are drinks and sweets provided?

Yes. The experience includes champagne, hot chocolate, and chocolates or candies.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.