Reykjavík New Year’s Getaway with Lava Tunnel

29 December

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

Make your way to your hotel and get settled in, before taking time to explore Reykjavík’s city center. Still decorated in festive lights, the city simply feels magical. Wander the main street, Laugavegur, and flit between charming cafés and local boutiques.

Why not take a dip in a local pool and grab a bite to eat before the night ahead?

In the evening

Tonight you’ll set off on your first adventure into the Icelandic countryside. You’ll be whisked away from the city lights to a dark location, ideal for spotting the Northern Lights. Spend an evening chasing them – you’re in for a real treat if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse!

If the lights don’t appear for you tonight, not to worry. You can join another aurora-hunting excursion later in your tour.

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.
The 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:
21:00 (15 March – 15 April & September)
22:00 (1 October – 14 March)
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.

30 December

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel this morning before heading back into the countryside. Today you’ll walk through an ancient lava tube and see 3 of Iceland’s best loved attractions.

First up is Raufarhólshellir cave in South Iceland. This lava tunnel was formed during a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, and spans some 30 meters (100 feet) in width and 10 meters (30 feet) in height. You can’t help but be mesmerized by the colorful rocks that make up the cave walls.

Now it’s time to hit the road and follow the Golden Circle route, which covers Þingvellir (Thingvellir), Geysir hot springs, and Gullfoss waterfall. Þingvellir is where Icelanders would meet for parliament during the Viking era. It’s also an area of stunning natural beauty, with its intriguing rock formations and crisscrossing streams. What’s more, the European and North American tectonic plates meet here.

At Geysir, you can see the Strokkur geyser erupt up to 20 meters (65 feet) into the air every few minutes. Finally, you’ll stop off at Gullfoss. The name of this mighty multi-tiered waterfall translates as ‘Golden Falls’.

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.

31 December

In the morning

This morning your experienced local guide will meet you in Reykjavík city center. They’ll be wearing Icelandic national costume, ready to show you around the historic heart of the city and teach you all about local New Year’s customs.

Your first stop will be to meet the Icelandic Search and Rescue Team. Each year they raise funds by selling New Year’s fireworks. Your guide will grab some to set off at the end of the tour as you enjoy a glass of champagne.

The afternoon is yours to spend as you like before this evening’s celebrations.

Tour: New Moments Reykjavík New Year’s Walk (included)
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Departure: 09:00
Included: Guidance in English, food tasting, beer tasting, hot drink, champagne, farewell gift
Not included: Meals and refreshments other than those stated

This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

In the evening

Head to Grand Hótel for an evening of celebration (starts 18:30). First enjoy a welcome drink (included), followed by a grand gala buffet (included). Here you can choose from a wide range of starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts (open from 19:00).

Vegan options available.

After dinner, head upstairs to the Háteigur lounge for a New Year’s Eve reception (22:00–01:00). Enjoy champagne, canapés, and an incredible view of the fireworks over the city.

1 January

On New Year’s Day, you can pick one of 4 different activities. Ultimate relaxation or active adventure in the Icelandic countryside: the choice is yours!

Option 1: Blue Lagoon

Slide into the warming, silica-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa is surrounded by a breathtaking lava field. Take in the view as you sip on a complimentary drink from the in-lagoon bar.

Tour: Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission and Transfer (included)
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

Unwind in the Sky Lagoon, with its clear waters and panoramic view of the North Atlantic Ocean. You get access to the 7-step Ritual, which includes a sauna, rain room, steam room, and more.

Tour: Sky Lagoon Pure Pass (included)
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

Head down to Iceland’s south coast, where you’ll hop between stunning waterfalls and black sand beaches. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a powerful chute that you can actually walk behind!

Next on the itinerary is Skógafoss, the mightier big brother of Seljalandsfoss. Then you’ll head to Reynisfjara black sand beach, with its otherworldly lava columns and remarkable Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Make a final stop in the village of Vík before heading back to the city.

Tour: South Shore Adventure (included)
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.

Option 4: Katla Ice Cave

Climb aboard a super jeep and ride through moonlike landscapes near the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. When you arrive at the glacier itself, you’ll gear up for a hike across the surface.

Your hike will take you to a natural ice cave, hidden beneath the glacier. Its clear-blue walls seem to glow as they interact with the daylight outside. You might even get the chance to step inside!

Also included with this tour is a stop at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which may well be covered in icicles at this time of year.

Tour: Katla Ice Cave (Under the Volcano) Tour (included)
Duration: 11 hours
Departure: 10:00
Complimentary pick-up: 09:30
Included: Super jeep ride, natural ice cave visit, crampons, safety equipment, 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.

2 January

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

After having enjoyed a New Year’s break with the perfect mix of adventure and R&R, it’s time to head home. You’ll have the photos and stories to show for it too!

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