ANYONE looking to really explore Iceland - in addition to hunting the Northern Lights - will enjoy the brand new ‘Winter Wonderland’ tour launched by Taber Holidays.

This dual-purpose itinerary offers a real overview of what Iceland has to offer and makes the most of both day and night.

Packed full of exciting adventures, this four-night escorted break starts and ends in the capital Reykjavik. Highlights include visits to the Geysir hot spring area, the Jökulsárlon Glacial Lagoon and the magnificent Gulfoss Waterfall. Guests will also stop at the infamous Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano which spectacularly erupted in 2010.

The Visitor Centre at the foot of the volcano tells the story of the eruption and the challenges faced by those living nearby.

After all this excitement there is the chance for a spot of relaxation at the end of the tour as guests have the option of bathing in the renowned Blue Lagoon with its mineral rich water and fine silica mud.

To maximise opportunities to see the mighty aurora, two nights are spent in a country hotel near Vik in southern Iceland, far away from the artificial light pollution found in the big towns and cities.

While staying at the Hotel Katla, guests can enjoy an informative evening lecture and Northern Lights hunt, weather permitting. The other night can be spent unwinding in one of the hotel’s outdoor geothermal hot tubs.

Prices for this four-night break start from £998pp and include flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester or Glasgow, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, visit to an Icelandic farm, entrance to the Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Centre and a Northern Lights hunt. The price is based on two sharing.

There are departures on selected dates from this month through to March 6, 2014.

Alternatively there's a new facility in downtown Reykjavik that should prevent any visitor from being disappointed in their quest to see the lights should the weather or the time of their visit prove an obstacle.

The Aurora Reykjavik is a new educational, recreational and inter-active attraction which uses the latest advances in multi-media technology to bring the Northern Lights to life.

Split into sections including information and photography, interactive and educational and the history of the lights, the centre's focal point is the experience room which uses a large HD projection to immerse visitors in the Aurora Borealis' majestic green glow.

The Northern Lights are usually only visible during the winter season, but the Aurora Reykjavik allows summertime travellers to get the best of both worlds and enjoy the ever glowing midnight sun before gazing at the magical Aurora waves.

For wintertime travellers, a visit to the centre will whet their appetites for the real thing which can be seen in Iceland from September to the end of March. Last year's solar peak saw NASA predicting a winter of stunning light shows and it seems this is set to continue for winter 2013 due to an unusual double peak in increased sunspot activity.