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Contact Info
- Úlfarsbraut 113, Reykjavík
- Phone: +354 556 6868
- Email: info@iceland-highlights.com
- FAQs
Join us for a unique New Year’s celebration amidst the stunning landscapes of the Icelandic countryside! This guided tour invites you to ring in the New Year in an authentic and relaxed Icelandic style. Hurry and secure your spot as this program can accommodate a maximum of 40 participants once a year!
Embark on a journey that will take you through the captivating highlights of Iceland. Explore Reykjavík, traverse the otherworldly terrain of the Reykjanes peninsula, and follow the iconic Golden Circle route, featuring Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir hot springs. Venture into South Iceland, an area graced with glaciers, waterfalls, and dramatic black lava beaches. Of course, you won’t miss the chance to unwind in the famous Blue Lagoon, providing warmth and relaxation amid the winter chill.
While most New Year’s programs in Iceland focus on luxurious hotels and gourmet dining in Reykjavík, we present an unconventional option. Experience a more laid-back New Year’s adventure by staying in cozy hotels and cottages in Reykjavík and South Iceland, all equipped with private bathrooms.
Spend two nights in Hella, a charming village in South Iceland, and witness the unique New Year’s Eve celebrations of the local countryside residents. Rest assured, even in this relaxed program, you’ll savor delicious meals and drinks. And let’s not forget the Northern Lights! The accommodations in Hella are situated in a spacious and darkened garden, making it an ideal spot to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, when weather conditions permit. Our knowledgeable tour guide will also provide a fascinating insight into the Northern Lights and offer photography tips to capture this natural wonder. On January 1st, the program includes an exquisite dining experience at a downtown Reykjavík restaurant.
We can’t wait to welcome the New Year with you in the serene Icelandic countryside!
Upon your arrival at Keflavik Airport, take the convenient Flybus shuttle for a smooth transfer to your Reykjavík accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, seize the opportunity to get your first taste of the capital’s vibrant culture and charm by exploring at your leisure.
Stay Over:
Budget Option: Hotel Cabin (Standard room with 10m² space)
Comfort Option: Hótel Klettur or a similar establishment
Dinner will be at your discretion. Travel Distance: 50km (31 miles).
Kickstart your day at 09:00 with a guided city tour showcasing the best of Reykjavik. Dive deep into the charms of the city with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
Post-city insights, set out on a journey to the mesmerizing Reykjanes Peninsula. Marvel at its geothermal hot springs, rugged mountains, unique moon-esque landscapes, bird-rich cliffs, quaint fishing villages, and welcoming lighthouses.
As the afternoon unfolds, let relaxation take the lead. Immerse yourself in the world-famous Blue Lagoon’s therapeutic waters and allow its warmth to rejuvenate you.
Continue your journey along the south coast, reaching the village of Hella. Here, you’ll rest for two nights in cozy cottages. For those seeking added luxury, an option to upgrade to studio rooms at the Stracta Hotel in Hella is available.
Come evening, gather around as your tour guide shares fascinating tales and facts about the Northern Lights. As the skies darken, step outside and keep your eyes peeled to the heavens, hoping for a mesmerizing display.
Overnight Stay:
Budget Option: Stracta Hotel (Standard room spanning 18m²)
Comfort Option: Stracta Hotel (Spacious studio room of 24m²) or a similar establishment.
Breakfast is provided. Lunch and dinner will be at your discretion. Travel Distance: 220km (137 miles).
A Day of Unforgettable Adventures and Icelandic Traditions
Your day begins with a journey along the awe-inspiring south coast of Iceland. Explore the captivating region beneath the mighty Eyjafjallajökull volcano and glacier, where the landscape tells tales of both ancient and recent volcanic activity. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders, with a stop at the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
To delve deeper into Iceland’s rich history, visit the Skógar Folk Museum. Here, you’ll step back in time as you explore historic turf houses, gaining insights into early Modern Iceland. Take a moment to savor the remarkable Skógarfoss waterfall while pausing for lunch.
In the afternoon, an exhilarating opportunity awaits – an optional glacier hike. This thrilling experience unfolds on the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue, an extension of the vast Mýrdalsjökull glacier. For those eager to partake in this adventure, be sure to book directly with the operator, securing your spot on the 3rd day of the tour at 14:30 (02:30 pm).
If the glacier hike isn’t your choice, fear not; the adventure continues. Traverse further south to the renowned Black Lava Beach at Reynisfjara, where you’ll be treated to mesmerizing vistas. Gaze upon the Cap of Dyrhólaey and the dramatic Reynisdrangar Sea Cliffs. Discover the charm of the village of Vík as you explore its quaint streets.
As the evening descends, embrace a unique Icelandic New Year’s celebration. Before dinner, join a guided bus tour to witness the traditional Brenna bonfires in the villages of Hvolsvöllur and Hella. These fires, rooted in medieval traditions, symbolize the burning of possessions no longer needed, a cleansing act as Icelanders prepare for the New Year.
Around 20:30, your celebratory 4-course dinner awaits at Árhús Restaurant, nestled along the riverbanks in Hella, a charming South Icelandic village. Following this delightful feast, stroll through the village and partake in the midnight festivities. As the clock strikes twelve, the sky erupts with thousands of fireworks, a breathtaking sight orchestrated by local residents. Raise your glass of sparkling wine in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
If the night sky remains clear, you may be graced by the Northern Lights, their mesmerizing dance across the heavens a perfect ending to this extraordinary day.
Overnight Location:
Your accommodation at Stracta Hotel (Budget version, standard room is 18m²) /
Stracta Hotel (Comfort version, studio room 24m²), Hella, or a similar option.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and a festive 4-course dinner. (200km / 124mi)
Embark on a day of enchanting discoveries, starting with a captivating introduction to the unique qualities and rich history of the Icelandic horse. Dive into the secrets of a geothermal greenhouse, where you’ll witness firsthand the innovation behind Iceland’s sustainable agriculture.
Next, set your course for the iconic Golden Circle route, a treasure trove of natural wonders. Stand in awe as geysers burst to life in the Geysir geothermal fields, a symphony of steaming vents and bubbling pools. Then, be swept away by the sheer grandeur of Gullfoss, the double waterfall that seems to defy gravity with its powerful cascade.
Your journey through the Golden Circle culminates at the historic Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This hallowed ground served as the ancient Viking Parliament’s gathering place, steeped in centuries of Icelandic history.
As part of our program, savor a culinary delight at a charming downtown Reykjavík restaurant, a culinary experience that reflects the heart of Icelandic cuisine.
When the day’s adventures come to a close, enjoy a comfortable return transfer to your chosen accommodation, ensuring a peaceful night’s rest.
Overnight Location: Your choice of Hotel Cabin (Budget version, standard room is 10m²) or
Hótel Klettur (Comfort version), or a similar option in Reykjavík. Relish a hearty breakfast and a delightful culinary dinner experience. (200km / 124mi)
A Seamless Departure from Reykjavík
As your Icelandic adventure comes to a close, we ensure your journey ends with the same convenience and comfort it began with. Bid farewell to Reykjavík with an individual transfer, courtesy of the Flybus shuttle bus, from your accommodation to Keflavik International Airport.
Included: Breakfast is provided for a nourishing start to your day. Your voyage home covers a distance of approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles), concluding your Icelandic exploration on a relaxed note.
Budget version
EUR 110 Extra Single Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast EUR 130 Extra Double Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast
Comfort version
EUR 220 Extra Single Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast EUR 260 Extra Double Room night in Reykjavík. Price per room per night incl. breakfast
EUR 120 per car Upgrade for private airport transfer one-way 1-6 persons
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Complementaries
Additional services
Please gather in your hotel lobby for an introduction with your tour guide.
For Comfort Package Guests: Please be present in the lobby from 8:30 to 8:45 AM.
For Budget Package Guests: Kindly assemble in the lobby between 8:45 and 9:00 AM.
Punctuality ensures a smooth start to our exciting day ahead!
The tour starts on day 2, just before 9:00 AM, in the lobby of your hotel.
Arrival and departure days are to make your flight arrangements easier and to have a free day of leisure. The tour starts on day 2 and ends the day before departure.
English
The Northern Lights season is from September to mid-April. We carefully choose locations to maximize your chances to see the northern lights with the help of a professional tour guide.
The ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, stands as one of the world’s most mesmerizing natural spectacles. However, their appearance is a dance of nature, making it challenging to forecast with certainty more than a couple of hours in advance. Their display hinges largely on solar activity, rendering predictions about their frequency and timing a bit elusive.
While our tour is meticulously planned around the ideal periods to witness this phenomenon, nature has its own agenda, and as such, a guaranteed sighting isn’t possible. That said, our itinerary includes two dedicated Northern Light walks from our countryside hotel, ensuring every possible chance to experience this wonder.
Of course, we can help you book pre/post-tour accommodation if you wish to stay in the same hotels as the ones we use on tour. We always have some rooms on an allotment for pre/post nights. If you would like to stay an extra day in Reykjavík before or after the tour, please contact our team.
A single supplement is mandatory for this trip if you want to have your own room.
The minimum age limit for this tour is 8 years old, and we don’t recommend it for younger children. There is, on the other hand, no maximum age for this tour.
Flights before and after the tour are not included.
Somewhere between 8.000 ISK and 15.000 ISK per person per day is a good budget for lunch and dinner while on tour.
We will make stops during the tour at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations where meals, drinks, and snacks can be purchased while on tour.
We stop for about 40 minutes at each attraction.
A cancellation fee of 20% of the tour price will be retained by Iceland Highlights for cancellations made 4-8 weeks before departure.
A cancellation fee of 50% applies for bookings canceled 14-28 days prior to tour start.
No refund is possible for cancellations less than 14 days before departure, for no-shows, or for a tour begun but not completed.
Each participant is entitled to bring 1 carry-on inside the bus, and 1 check-in luggage at the compartment. Please reach out to us if you have more than 1 check-in luggage to check if we can accommodate your request 🙂
Monday to Friday
9:00 – 18:00 (9 AM – 6 PM)
Saturday – Sunday
10:00 – 16:00 (10 AM – 4 PM)
Iceland Highlights Travel Agency
Úlfarsbraut 113, Reykjavík
VAT: 129034
Phone: +354 556 6868
Email: info@iceland-highlights.com