CHRISTMAS TOUR: Explore Reykjavik and the Icelandic countryside this Christmas, celebrating the Icelandic way with a festive dinner on the 24th December! Discover the lunar landscapes of the Reykjanes peninsula and travel Iceland's famous Golden Circle route. Marvel at glaciers, waterfalls and black lava beaches in South Iceland. See exploding geysers, enjoy a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon, look out for the incredible Northern Lights!
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Reykjavik
Welcome to Iceland and the start of your Northern Lights adventure! Your transfer to your accommodation is by Flybus shuttle. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Reykjavik
Blue Lagoon
Reykjavik - Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon - Hella. This morning you meet your tour guide who shows the group some of the highlights of Iceland's capital. Then we head out to the Reykjanes peninsula famous for hot springs, picturesque mountains, bird cliffs, light houses and quaint fishing villages. Later on we get to relax in the warm blue waters of the famous Blue Lagoon
This evening we celebrate Christmas the Icelandic way, we start the evening by heading to the villages of Hvolsvöllur and Hella to witness their traditional Christmas lights. In Iceland this is a tradition that dates back to the middle ages when people would would keep fires burning inside the central pit of the Viking longhouses in order to keep the darkness of the Winter Solstice out. We then enjoy a sumptuous 4 course dinner and a glass of sparkling wine, this evening with any luck you might also see the northern lights.
Overnight: Hella | Breakfast, Dinner
South Iceland with optional glacier hike
Hella - Eyjafjallajokull - Skogafoss - Black Lava Beach - Hella. Today we travel along the South coast and visit the active volcano that is beneath the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. We travel on to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which plunges down from the mountain, and then visit Skógar folk museum of early Modern Iceland with its turf houses. Nearby is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country; the 60-meter high Skógafoss waterfall, which we visit after lunch.
This afternoon we offer an optional glacier hike. The hike is on the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue which extends from the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier. If you don’t book the glacier hike, then the tour continues further south where you walk on the famous Black Lava Beach at Reynisfjara, observe the Cap of Dyrhólaey and the Reynisdrangar Sea Cliffs before visiting the charming village of Vík.
In the evening, if the night is clear, step into the garden to see if they're visible. These stunning light displays are common in Iceland from September to April on clear nights and often appearing in white and green hues. However, sightings aren't always guaranteed. The expansive, dark grounds at Stracta Hotel in Hella provide an ideal spot for Northern Lights viewing, but it demands patience, warm clothing, and the anticipation of a possible sighting.
Overnight: Hella | Breakfast
Golden Circle & Culinary Experience
Hella - Golden Circle - Reykjavik. This morning we learn about the indigenous Icelandic horse and its history and special qualities. We also visit a geothermal greenhouse.
Then we travel the famous Golden Circle route, seeing steam rising from the Geysir geothermal fields as we arrive. There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur "the Churn" which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals. Continuing on to Gullfoss "the golden falls", a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvita River. Next we travel inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site before returning to Reykjavik for one night. This evening we return to Reykjavik for a dining experience which includes some local Icelandic cuisine.
Overnight: Reykjavik | Breakfast, Dinner
Reykjavik
Today our Northern Lights Icelandic experience comes to an end with included FlyBus transfer to Keflavik Airport.
Breakfast
Comfort Accommodation Upgrade
Please note that the Comfort Accommodation Upgrade is not available on the Christmas or New Year's departures of Land of the Northern Lights.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Cabin Hotel, Reykjavik
Just a short walk from the waterfront, Hotel Cabin offers comfortable accommodation, rooms are modern and cosy with en suite facilities. The hotel also boasts a buffet restaurant and lobby bar as well as complimentary Wi-Fi for all guests. The city centre is an interesting 15 - 20 minute walk away and the local geothermal Laugardalslaug swimming pool is a 5 minute walk away.
Hotel Stracta, Hella
In the sleepy village of Hella, Stracta Hotel offers fantastic modern accommodation in a great location. Guest rooms are designed in a Nordic style with bright interiors and comfortable beds. Guests can enjoy meals at the Restaurant Gardur on the second floor - affording stunning views of the beautiful countryside around. Why not grab a tasty beverage and sit out in the hot tubs in the evening - waiting for the Northern Lights to appear? Perfectly located in the centre of Hella near the Ranga River.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.
Read More