Reykjavík New Year’s Getaway with Firework Cruise

5 days / 4 nights
The Laugarvatn Fontana spa as seen from above
The Strokkur geyser erupting against the winter sun
New Year’s fireworks above the Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík © Yiqun Zheng
The Laugarvatn Fontana spa as seen from above
The Strokkur geyser erupting against the winter sun

Chase the Northern Lights and immerse yourself in local culture this New Year.

Hop over to Reykjavík this New Year’s for a 5-day getaway. You’ll be based in Iceland’s bustling capital, for a trip packed full of celebration and adventure (with a little R&R too). Your tour also includes a New Year’s Eve dinner and boat cruise to admire the dazzling fireworks.

On the very first night of this winter vacation, you have the chance to hunt down the Northern Lights. By day, you’ll explore the city of Reykjavík with an expert local guide, tour the Golden Circle, and relax in a geothermal spa.

You can easily customize this package by choosing your own activity on New Year’s Day. Take a trip to another spa, or head into the countryside to soak up even more nature. Whatever option you choose, you’re bound to have an unforgettable New Year’s break.

Travel styleMulti-day
Trip length5 days / 4 nights
VibeCultural
SeasonWinter
(29 Dec only)
TransportBus
Starts fromReykjavík
Tour codeCB20

On this tour you will...

  • Savor a delicious New Year’s Eve meal and go on a fireworks cruise

  • Immerse yourself in the local culture on a guided tour of downtown Reykjavík 

  • Soak in Fontana spa’s geothermal baths and taste bread baked in the ground here

  • See geysers, waterfalls, and jagged peaks on the Golden Circle route

  • Head into the countryside on an evening excursion to chase the Northern Lights

  • Choose from other activities such as touring the south coast, ice caving, or visiting Sky Lagoon

Top attractions

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

A man floating in the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

group-in-sky-lagoon.jpg

Sky Lagoon

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall covered in icicles

Seljalandsfoss

A rainbow over the Skógafoss waterfall on a sunny day

Skógafoss

Why book a multi-day trip with Iceland Tours?

  • Stay at the same place in Reykjavík for your whole trip

  • Travel on comfortable buses with free Wi-Fi

  • Effortlessly customize your trip with extra activities

  • 24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland

  • Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit

Your 5-day bus itinerary

Your 5-day bus itinerary
Staying inReykjavík

29 December

Transfer from Keflavík International Airport to your hotel in Reykjavík (included).

Arrive in charming Reykjavík, still in its festive winter costume with fairy lights galore. Kick back at your hotel before taking a wander around the city center. You’ll find that its cozy cafés and friendly bars, brimming with seasonal cheer, make for the perfect place to recharge after your flight.

In the evening

Once you’ve settled in and had a bite to eat, it’s time for your first taste of adventure in the Icelandic countryside. Tonight you’ll join a Northern Lights excursion away from the glow of the city. If you’re lucky enough to get clear skies, you might well catch a glimpse of them!

If you don’t manage to see the aurora tonight, you can join another outing 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!

Highlights

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Included experiences, upgrade options & extra activities

A woman watching the Northern Lights on the edge of a lakeIncluded

Northern Lights Guided Bus Tour

The Sun Voyager sculpture with Northern Lights, ReykjavikUpgrade

Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour

Yellow and purple Northern Lights illuminating the sea near Seltjarnarnes in ReykjavikUpgrade

Northern Lights Small Group Tour

northern-lights-by-boat-copyright-special-tours.jpgUpgrade

Northern Lights by Boat

Woman relaxing in the Blue LagoonExtra

Arrival/Departure via Blue Lagoon

Staying inReykjavík

30 December

Today you’ll follow the popular Golden Circle around South Iceland. This famous touring route includes 3 natural wonders: Geysir hot spring, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park.

The Geysir area is home to a group of hot springs, the most spectacular being the Strokkur geyser that erupts every few minutes. It spouts water up to 20 meters (65 feet) into the air, which is an even more memorable sight against a snowy winter backdrop.

Next you’ll head to Gullfoss waterfall,  whose name means ‘Golden Falls’. In fact, it’s these mighty cascades that lend the Golden Circle route its name. Finally there’s Þingvellir, where the European and North American tectonic plates meet. This landscape of gnarly rocks and crisscrossing streams was also where ancient Icelanders would meet for parliament.

After a day’s exploration, you can relax and unwind at the Fontana geothermal baths on the shores of Laugarvatn lake. On arrival you’ll join a brief guided tour and get the chance to taste rye bread baked in the naturally warm ground. Then enjoy a drink (not included) in the warm waters of the spa whilst admiring the view.

Staying inReykjavík

31 December

New Year’s Eve is a huge day of celebration for Icelanders, and you too! This morning, you’ll dive into culture and tradition on a guided walk of Reykjavík city center. In the evening, tuck into a delicious dinner and join a firework cruise.

In the morning

Meet your local guide, dressed in Icelandic national costume, in the heart of Reykjavík. Here you’ll be shown around the historic downtown area and learn all about Iceland’s New Year’s traditions. 

Your group will start by meeting the Icelandic Search and Rescue Team, who raise funds by selling fireworks for the big celebration. Your guide will pick up some small fireworks to set off at the end of the tour over a glass of champagne.

After the walk, you’ll have a few hours free to spend as you like before dinner.

In the evening

Head over to VOX Brasserie & Bar for a delicious 4-course New Year’s Eve dinner from a set menu.

Please let us know about any dietary requirements in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.

Next, make your way down to Reykjavík’s old harbor where you’ll step aboard a luxury boat for your firework cruise. Sip on a complimentary glass of champagne as midnight approaches. When the clock strikes 12, watch the incredible light show begin as you toast the new year.

Staying inReykjavík

1 January

New Year’s Day is yours to spend however you want. Choose one of 4 different activities, depending on what takes your fancy.

2 January

Transfer from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport (included).

After a trip filled with culture, adventure, and relaxation, it’s time to return home. You’ll make your friends and family jealous with the photos and stories from your trip!

What’s included?

Quality accommodation every night

Continental breakfast every day

Airport transfer

Northern Lights guided bus tour

Golden Circle & Fontana Wellness tour

New Year’s Eve walking tour of Reykjavík

New Year’s Eve buffet gala dinner

New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise

24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland

VAT, taxes & service fees

Flights to Iceland

Food & drink, unless otherwise stated

Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated

Personal travel insurance

FAQs about our multi-day trips

Throughout your multi-day trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be based in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík or Akureyri the capital of the North. From here, you can join guided tours into the surrounding countryside to soak up the mind-blowing scenery. Your package will include at least one day trip, and depending on the length of your tour package you can opt to add more.

It’s worth bearing in mind that you won’t have the same guide throughout your trip. In fact, on each escorted group day trip from Reykjavík or Akureyri, you’ll get to meet a new guide and new fellow travelers.

What’s more, spending each night in the same accommodation means you don’t need to worry about unpacking and repacking during your trip. It also gives you the chance to experience more of the city’s restaurants, food halls, and bars. And you’ll have time to browse the local shops and visiting the city’s attractions.

When you opt for a multi-day package, you won’t be traveling with the same guide and group throughout your trip. This means that number of fellow travelers you meet on your guided excursions will vary depending on the activity.

For instance, if you’re going on an ice cave tour, your group could include a just a handful people. Meanwhile, a tour of the Golden Circle by bus will often be a larger group as you’ll likely be traveling by coach. And you’ll find evening Northern Lights tours are usually by coach too, although you have the option to upgrade to a small group, super jeep, or boat tour.

Depending on the excursion, your bus could be either a minibus or coach. Most buses will have free onboard Wi-Fi and charging points for your phone. Larger buses also have overhead compartments for stowing your bag and jacket.

It’s good to know that although there’s no restroom on the bus, your guide will make sure to include regular breaks throughout the journey.

Yes, all of these multi-day trips include airport transfers by bus from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík on arrival and departure.

On each morning of your trip, you’ll get a tasty continental breakfast at your accommodation. In most places, this is served buffet-style in a communal dining room.

With most packages, lunch and dinner are not included so you’re free to choose from all of the options available. In Reykjavík and Akureyri, you’ll be spoiled for choice when deciding where to eat.

Some festive packages include special meals. Check the ‘What’s included?’ section for the individual package to find out exactly what you’ll get.

If your package features longer day tours, you’ll find that the guide will factor in lunch and restroom stops. But it’s still good to come prepared by packing a few snacks and plenty of water. And if you prefer, you could bring a picnic lunch rather than eat out.

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