Active New Year’s Adventure with Blue Lagoon

29 December

The Golden Circle needs little introduction: it is home to some of the most stunning and famous sights in Iceland. 

You will see the hot spring Strokkur shoot a column of water up to 30 meters (98 feet) into the air every 4-8 minutes. It is a thrilling experience that never gets old. You will stop to admire the magnificent Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall, created where the river Hvítá tumbles and plunges into a crevice some 32 meters (105 feet) deep. 

This tour also includes the historical and geological wonder, Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimeters per year.

Included experience

Included with your package is a visit to the idyllic Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation center. Here you and your group will learn about the magic behind growing delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes and cucumbers with the aid of the geothermal heat that Iceland has in abundance.

Alternatively, you can upgrade to a different adventure on this day. All experiences include a Golden Circle tour, so you won’t miss out on this classic touring route.

Get ready to discover dazzling ice caves with an expert guide. Today’s small group excursion will take you to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers Katla volcano. 

This morning, your guide will collect you from Reykjavík for the drive to Vík. And if daylight allows, you’ll have the chance to stop off at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Once you arrive in Vík, you’ll ride in a super jeep to the base of the glacier. 

Now the real adventure begins! Strap on a pair of crampons and follow your guide as you hike across the glacier to reach the Kötlujökull ice caves. The caves here are particularly striking thanks to the layers of black volcanic ash you can see in the blue ice.  

After spending time exploring the natural features in the ice and learning from your knowledgeable guide, you’ll head back to the vehicle for the return trip to Reykjavík. On the drive back, simply sit back and watch the winter sunset. 

31 December

Icelanders go all out with their New Year’s Day celebrations, and during your trip you can too! Begin the day with a guided tour of Reykjavík city center, where you’ll learn about the local culture and traditions. Later, indulge in a delicious meal at a restaurant in Reykjavík. 

In the morning

Meet your local guide, dressed in Icelandic national costume, in the heart of Reykjavík. Here you’ll uncover Iceland’s New Year’s customs as you’re shown around the city’s historic downtown area. 

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.

Then you’ll have a few hours to spend at your leisure before dinner.

In the evening

The New Year’s fun begins at 21:30 with a 4-course celebration meal (included). After dinner, join the Icelanders at a bonfire in the local area. Warm yourself up, gaze up at the sky, and watch the fireworks as midnight draws closer.

If you’re the party type, why not check out some of the local nightlife venues? There you can dance your way into the New Year with the locals.

1 January

After yesterday’s festivities a healthy dose of R&R is probably what you’re after on New Year’s Day. Today you’ll be whisked off to Iceland’s most iconic geothermal spa: the Blue Lagoon.

Enjoy a drink as you luxuriate in the lagoon’s turquoise, silica-rich waters. And take in the surrounding lava field that stretches as far as the eye can see. 

2 January

Transfer from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport (included).

After experiencing a new year’s adventure to remember, it’s time to leave the Land of Fire and Ice behind and return home.