Reykjavík Christmas Getaway with Lava Tunnel

22 December

Transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík with the Flybus (included).

Arrive in Reykjavík, studded with festive lights and quite possibly blanketed in a layer of snow. Spend your afternoon wandering Laugavegur, the city’s main street. Or shop for gifts at one of the cute Christmas markets.

Come evening, it’s time to hunt for the mysterious Northern Lights. You’ll be whisked out to an ideal spot in the countryside, away from the city lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights are an incredible natural phenomenon. So it’s worth bearing in mind that sightings are dependent on the weather. 

If you don’t see them tonight, you’ll have the chance to join another Northern Lights excursion for free later on in your trip!
You also have the option to upgrade to a small group excursion for a more intimate experience, or even a trip via super jeep or boat if you’re feeling adventurous!

Included experience

Tour: Northern Lights Tour (included)
Duration: Around 3 hours 30 minutes
Departure: 21:00
Complimentary pick-up: 20:30
Included: Bus with guidance in English, free Wi-Fi
Not included: Meals and refreshments

Please ask your hotel to confirm the pick-up time.
This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

Upgrade options

Option 1: Northern Lights Small Group Tour

Enjoy the experience of spotting the Northern Lights in a more intimate setting on a small group bus tour. The maximum group size on this excursion is 25 people, so the vibe and the pace is more relaxed.

Tour: Northern Lights – Small Group Tour (optional upgrade)
Duration: Around 3 hours
Departure: 21:30
Complimentary pick-up: 21:00
Included: Bus with guidance in English, free Wi-Fi, use of blankets, free second trip if you don’t see the aurora
Not included: Meals and refreshments
Minimum age: 6 years

Please ask your hotel to confirm the pick-up time.
This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

Option 2: Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour

A ride in a super jeep is an unforgettably Icelandic experience! Venture where buses can’t on this adventure-packed Northern Lights hunt. You’ll be able to fully escape the darkness of the towns and cities by going off the beaten track with your super jeep driver-guide.

Tour: Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour (optional upgrade)
Duration: Around 4 hours
Departure: 21:30
Complimentary pick-up: 21:00
Included: Guided super jeep tour in English, free Wi-Fi, hot chocolate & biscuits, Northern Lights photos, free minibus trip if you don’t see the aurora
Not included: Meals and refreshments other than those stated
Minimum age: 6 years

Please ask your hotel to confirm the pick-up time.
This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

Option 3: Northern Lights by Boat

Set sail from Reykjavík’s old harbor and in 15–20 minutes you’ll be blanketed in darkness: the perfect conditions for chasing down the Northern Lights. Keep warm in your overalls and focus on scouring the skies as the crew take photos for you to look back on after your trip. The boat also has a café/bar and toilets for your comfort on board.

Tour: Northern Lights by Boat (optional upgrade)
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Departure: 22:00
Included: Guided boat tour in English, free Wi-Fi, use of warm overalls, Northern Lights video, free second trip if you don’t see the aurora
Facilities on board: Café/bar, toilets
Not included: Meals and refreshments other than those stated

Please ask your hotel to confirm the pick-up time.
This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

23 December

Today you’ll venture beyond Reykjavík to explore a lava tunnel and see 3 of Iceland’s best loved natural treasures.

Your first stop is the Raufarhólshellir lava cave in South Iceland. Here you’ll be guided through a chamber where lava once flowed, some 30 meters (100 feet) wide and 10 meters (30 feet) high. Marvel at the multicolored rocks lining the cave walls and how they interact with the natural light.

Next you’ll follow the Golden Circle route, which will take you to Þingvellir (Thingvellir), Geysir hot springs, and Gullfoss waterfall. Þingvellir is where the North American and European continents meet, which makes for stunning views and the chance to walk between the tectonic plates. It’s also where Viking-era Icelanders would come to meet for parliament.

The Geysir area is home to a group of hot springs, including the active Strokkur geyser. It dramatically erupts every few minutes up to 20 meters (65 feet) into the air. You’ll also get to see the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, or ‘Golden Falls’, a striking multi-tiered cascade named after its yellow-tinged waters.

Tour: Golden Circle & Lava Tunnel (included)
Duration: 9 hours
Departure: 09:00
Complimentary pick-up: 08:30
Included: Bus with guided Golden Circle tour in English, 1-hour guided lava cave tour, protective helmet, flashlight, free Wi-Fi
Not included: Meals and refreshments
Minimum age: 3 years

Please ask your hotel to confirm the pick-up time.
This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

24 December

Today is Christmas Eve, the main day of the Icelandic festive season. Now’s the time to get into the Christmas mood and celebrate!

In the morning

This morning, you’ll learn all about Iceland’s Christmas traditions on a guided walk around Reykjavík. You’ll also get familiar with the city’s history and architecture from your guide, all whilst soaking up the cozy festive charm.

The walk includes the chance to sample Icelandic Christmas foods. And if you’re feeling brave of heart, you can try traditional foods like hákarl (fermented shark) and harðfiskur (air-dried fish) too. 

What’s more, you’ll explore the Settlement Exhibition museum in downtown Reykjavík, where you can see the remains of an excavated Viking longhouse.

After your tour, you’ll have a few hours to spend as you like before dinner.

Tour: New Moments Reykjavík Christmas Walk (included)
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Departure: 09:00
Included: Guidance in English, chance to wear Icelandic national costume, entry to Settlement Exhibition, 1 shot of brennivín schnapps, 2 food tasting stops, beer tasting, rune reading, farewell gift
Not included: Meals and refreshments

This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

Highlights: Reykjavík, Christmas dinner

In the evening

Return to Grand Hótel for an indulgent Christmas Eve dinner (included). Choose from a wide range of starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts at the buffet (open 18:00–21:00).

Vegan options available.

After dinner, why not continue the celebrations with a drink at the hotel bar (not included)?

25 December

Christmas Day is yours to spend as you like. You could relax with family or friends at your hotel, or you could choose one of the optional activities below.

If some festive R&R is what you need, then a visit to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon is just the ticket. Alternatively, you could go for the South Shore Adventure and see more of Iceland’s nature.

Option 1: Blue Lagoon

Unwind in the turquoise, silica-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a drink in as you relax in the geothermal pool, set amongst a lava field that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Tour: Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission and Transfer
Duration: 4 hours
Departure: 11:00
Complimentary pick-up: 10:30
Included: Bus transfer, Comfort admission to Blue Lagoon (includes towel, silica mud mask, 1 drink of your choice)
Not included: Meals and refreshments
Minimum age: 2 years

Please ask your hotel to confirm the pick-up time.
This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

Option 2: Sky Lagoon

Luxuriate in the clear waters of the Sky Lagoon, with its panoramic views over the North Atlantic Ocean. Take part in the 7-step Ritual, which includes a sauna, salty body scrub, rain room, and steam room.

Tour: Sky Lagoon Pure Pass
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Departure: 13:00 or 15:00
Complimentary pick-up: 12:30 or 14:30
Included: Sky Lagoon admission, complete 7-step Ritual, public changing facilities, towel
Not included: Meals and refreshments
Minimum age: 12 years

Please ask your hotel to confirm the pick-up time.
This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

Option 3: The South Shore Adventure

Perfect for nature lovers, this tour packs in some of the jewels of Iceland’s south coast. Walk behind the chute of the Seljalandfoss waterfall, before venturing to see its bigger brother Skógafoss.

Next you’ll stop at the Reynisfjara black sand beach, famous for the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The tour will then take you to the village of Vík, before returning to Reykjavík.

Tour: South Shore Adventure
Duration: Around 10 hours
Departure: 09:00
Complimentary pick-up: 08:30
Included: Bus with guidance in English
Not included: Meals and refreshments

Please ask your hotel to confirm the pick-up time.
This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

26 December

Transfer to Keflavík Airport with the Flybus for your return flight (included).

After an unforgettable festive vacation in Iceland, it’s time to bid the country farewell and return home.

Please ask your hotel to confirm the pick-up time.
This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.