5-Day Iceland New Year’s Festival & Winter Wonders

By a scenic route, we reach Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We stroll around the country’s most sacred site, home of the oldest existing national parliament in the world, the Alþingi, and major events in the history of Iceland. Thingvellir is a place of fascinating natural beauty, a spectacular geological vista, set on a vast plain flanked by large fissures, right by Iceland’s largest lake, Thingvallavatn. The Mid-Atlantic rift is clearly visible; a rift that is forming as Iceland is being pulled apart by tectonic forces. Next, we drive to the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss – the Golden falls – perhaps the most beautiful in the country. Explore the active geothermal area of Haukadalur which contains the geyser Strokkur erupting hot water and steam to an elevation of 25 metres (82 ft) every 5-7 minutes. Ending this adventurous day by stepping back in time with an early dinner experience at the charming Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant, situated beneath the majestic Ingólfsfjall mountain. This place beautifully weaves Icelandic Viking history with ancient traditions, providing an authentic Icelandic holiday dinner and transporting you back to an era where nature served as the primary inspiration. Before going back to the hotel after a delicious culinary experience, hunt for the Northern Lights out at Faxaflói Bay. Who know you might get the perfect picture of the Northern Lights with the capital in the background! ­ Overnight location: Grand Hotel Reykjavik. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy a guided Reykjavík City Tour and explore the highlights of Iceland’s exciting capital. We see the charming city center, the Parliament, the harbour, and Hallgrímskirkja church, whose steeple is a landmark. We pass the Harpa concert hall and visit the Pearl, a remarkable building and viewpoint. The city tour ends at 16:00, providing guests time to recharge and prepare for New Year’s evening. ­ Step into the enchanting holiday spirit of Reykjavík with a captivating walking tour. As you stroll through the festively adorned streets, you will discover Icelandic Christmas traditions along with unique customs and rituals that mark the arrival of the New Year. You will hear tales of the fearsome Christmas Cat and the 13 intriguing Yule Lads, along with their mother, Grýla. But that’s not all! You will have a chance to savour some Christmas treats and beverages cherished by Icelanders, with tempting samples along the way. ­ At 18:00, you will be transferred from your hotel to Perlan, where you will be greeted with a welcome drink and the option to see Áróra, the Northern Lights Planetarium show. Around 19:30, the festive 4-course Gala dinner will start with wine pairing. Later during the evening, there will be a music performance and a DJ who will keep up the party throughout the night. Guests have exclusive access to the observation deck that offers a 360° view over Reykjavík’s capital area. A transfer from Perlan will leave every 30 minutes from 00:30 am. ­ Overnight location: Grand Hotel Reykjavik. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We depart from Reykjavik at 10:00 to explore the Reykjanes peninsula, renowned for its dramatic seashores, intriguing geology, lunar-like landscapes, lava fields, and charming fishing villages. Our journey then includes a quick stop at Bessastaðir, the official residence of the President of Iceland. The guided tour continues to various remarkable sites such as the Bridge between the continents, the Gunnuhver hot spring area, the Brimketill viewpoint, and the lighthouse at the edge of the Reykjanes peninsula, which is a UNESCO Global Geopark. Lunch is at the Northern Light Inn restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at the Blue Lagoon, an oasis in the lava created by a nearby geothermal power plant. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing bath or a swim in the pleasantly warm, mineral-rich water, well-known for its healing properties. ­ For the final meal, we head to the well-known modern Iceland steakhouse, Hereford. They’re known for their Culinary Experience, celebrating a fusion of flavours in every delectable bite. ­ Overnight location: Grand Hotel Reykjavik. Breakfast Lunch & Dinner.

Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle bus from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport. ­ Breakfast included.