New Year in Reykjavik

Head out to explore the Golden Circle, first stop being Thingvellir National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will stroll around the country’s most sacred site, home of the oldest existing national parliament in the world. With 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, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates slowly pull apart, is clearly visible. Next, you will be taken to the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss – the Golden falls, before exploring 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. Before returning to the hotel hunt for the Northern Lights out at Faxaflói Bay.  

Head out to explore the Golden Circle, first stop being Thingvellir National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will stroll around the country’s most sacred site, home of the oldest existing national parliament in the world. With 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, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates slowly pull apart, is clearly visible.

Next, you will be taken to the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss – the Golden falls, before exploring 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.

Before returning to the hotel hunt for the Northern Lights out at Faxaflói Bay.

 

In pictures

Enjoy a guided Reykjavik City Tour and explore the highlights of Iceland’s exciting capital. Take in the charming city centre, Parliament, the harbour and Hallgrimskirkja with it’s iconic steeple. You will pass the Harpa concert hall and visit Perlan, a remarkable building and viewpoint. 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.  The city tour ends at 16:00, providing guests time to recharge and prepare for New Year’s evening. Early evening you will be transferred from your hotel to Perlan where you will be greeted with a welcome drink and the option to a Northern Lights Planetarium show. Afterwards enjoy a festive 4-course dinner with wine pairing. Later during the evening, there will be music and a DJ to keep the party going throughout the evening. You will also have access to the observation deck that has 360° view over Reykjavik’s capital area to watch the fireworks

Enjoy a guided Reykjavik City Tour and explore the highlights of Iceland’s exciting capital. Take in the charming city centre, Parliament, the harbour and Hallgrimskirkja with it’s iconic steeple. You will pass the Harpa concert hall and visit Perlan, a remarkable building and viewpoint.

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.  The city tour ends at 16:00, providing guests time to recharge and prepare for New Year’s evening.

Early evening you will be transferred from your hotel to Perlan where you will be greeted with a welcome drink and the option to a Northern Lights Planetarium show. Afterwards enjoy a festive 4-course dinner with wine pairing. Later during the evening, there will be music and a DJ to keep the party going throughout the evening. You will also have access to the observation deck that has 360° view over Reykjavik’s capital area to watch the fireworks

In pictures

This morning you will travel to Reykjanes Peninsula with its dramatic seashores, fascinating geology, moonscapes, lava fields and fishing villages. You will make a short stop at Bessastadir, the residence of the President of Iceland before continuing onto the bridge over the continents and the lighthouse at the edge of the peninsula. After lunch at the Northern Light Inn transfer to the Blue Lagoon , an oasis among the lava that owes its existence to a nearby geothermal power plant. Enjoy a refreshing bathe in the pleasantly warm mineral-rich water, reputed for its healing properties. Return to Reykjavik for a final meal at the well-known modern Iceland steakhouse, Hereford.

This morning you will travel to Reykjanes Peninsula with its dramatic seashores, fascinating geology, moonscapes, lava fields and fishing villages. You will make a short stop at Bessastadir, the residence of the President of Iceland before continuing onto the bridge over the continents and the lighthouse at the edge of the peninsula. After lunch at the Northern Light Inn transfer to the Blue Lagoon , an oasis among the lava that owes its existence to a nearby geothermal power plant. Enjoy a refreshing bathe in the pleasantly warm mineral-rich water, reputed for its healing properties.

Return to Reykjavik for a final meal at the well-known modern Iceland steakhouse, Hereford.

In pictures

Transfer to Keflavik Airport in time for your flight home.