New Year in Iceland

29 December Reykjavik Arrival

On arrival at Keflavik Airport, coach transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Perhaps enjoy a stroll down Laugavegur and Skolavordur streets, and check out the downtown harbour village. The city centre is a small area characterised by eclectic and colourful houses, good shopping, dining and drinking. Stay four nights at Grand Hotel Reykjavik or similar. 

30 December Reykjavik City Sightseeing

This morning, enjoy a guided Reykjavík City Sightseeing tour and explore the highlights of Iceland’s exciting capital. See the charming city centre, the Parliament, the harbour and Hallgrímskirkja church. Pass the Harpa concert hall and visit the Pearl, a remarkable building and viewpoint. The city tour ends around noon. Afternoon at leisure. Reykjavik has many wonderful museums including the National Museum displaying artefacts from the first settlement to the modern age, giving an excellent overview of Iceland's history and culture, the Reykjavik 871+2 Settlement Museum, an archaeological museum based around a 10th century Viking longhouse unearthed in 2001, the Reykjavik Art Museum and the National Gallery. Second overnight at Grand Hotel Reykjavik or similar.

31 December Golden Circle and Festive Dinner at Perlan

Excursion by coach via scenic route to Thingvellir National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sroll around the country’s most sacred site, home of the oldest existing national parliament in the world, the Alþingi. 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. Continue to the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss – the Golden falls. Explore the active geothermal area of Haukadalur with the geyser Strokkur erupting hot water and steam at intervals. Pass the greenhouse town of Hveragerði and continue over the mountain pass Hellisheiði, an area with large lava fields and steaming valleys. Pass the geothermal power station Hellisheiðarvirkjun and learn how Icelanders use geothermal energy to produce electricity and hot water for heating. Return to Reykjavik around 16.00hrs.

At 18.00hrs transfer 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 dinner will start with wine pairing. Later during the evening, there will be a music performance and a DJ. Guests have exclusive access to the observation deck that has 360° view over Reykjavík’s capital area. Transfers from Perlan to the hotel will leave every 30 minutes from 00.30hrs. Third overnight at Grand Hotel Reykjavik or similar.

01 January 01 Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon

Morning departure by coach to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula with its dramatic seashores, fascinating geology, moonscapes, lava fields and fishing villages. A short stop at Bessastaðir, the residence of the President of Iceland. Continue to the bridge over the continents and the lighthouse at the edge of the Reykjanes peninsula. Reach the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon, an oasis in the lava that owes its existence to a nearby geothermal power plant. Enjoy lunch and a refreshing bath or a swim in the pleasantly warm mineral-rich water, reputed for its healing properties. Return to Reykjavik around 18.00hrs. Evening at leisure. Fourth overnight at Grand Hotel Reykjavik or similar.

02 January Reykjavik Departure

Arrangements end with your coach transfer to Keflavik Airport.

2024 departure: 29 December

Notes:

Maximum Group Size: 40 persons

Pre and post nights can be added in Reykjavik - please enquire