Active New Year’s Adventure with Blue Lagoon

28 December

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

Arrive in Reykjavík, and you’ll get to see the Icelandic capital still decked out in twinkling festive lights. This afternoon enjoy time to explore the city for yourself, scoping out the shops, bars, and restaurants along Laugavegur, the main street.

In the evening

Come evening, it’s time to chase the mesmerizing Northern Lights. You’ll be whisked off to a spot in the countryside, away from the city lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights are an mind-blowing natural phenomenon. So it’s worth keeping in mind that sightings are weather-dependent and can’t be guaranteed. 

If you don’t see them tonight, you’ll be able to join another aurora excursion for free later on in your trip!

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.

29 December

Today you’ll head out of Reykjavík, to explore a lava tunnel and visit 3 of Iceland’s must-see natural wonders.

Your first stop is the Raufarhólshellir lava cave in South Iceland. Here you’ll be guided along a tunnel where lava once flowed, some 30 meters (100 feet) wide and 10 meters (30 feet) high. Marvel at the surprisingly colorful rock that lines the chamber walls, and see how the igneous minerals interact with the light. 

Then embark on a tour of the Golden Circle. This renowned route will take you to Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Geysir hot springs, and Gullfoss waterfall. 

Þingvellir is where the North American and European continents meet. Here you can walk between the tectonic plates, soaking up stunning views as you go. This also happens to be where Viking-era Icelanders would gather for parliament.

Next up is the Geysir area – home to a group of hot springs, including the active Strokkur geyser. It erupts every few minutes sending a spout of water 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: 1-hour guided lava cave tour, protective helmet, flashlight, bus with guided Golden Circle tour in English, 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.

30 December

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. 

Tour: Ice Cave Tour (included)
Duration: Around 11 hours
Departure: 09:30
Complimentary pick-up: 09:00
Included: Return transport from Reykjavík to Vik, English-speaking guide, ice cave tour (includes super jeep ride, crampons, safety equipment)
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.

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 and evening of celebration at the Grand Hótel. 

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.

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

Return to the Grand Hótel for an evening of celebration (starts 18:30). First enjoy a welcome drink (included), followed by a grand gala buffet (included). Expect to be able to 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

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.

Unwind in the warm, silica-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a drink as you luxuriate in the lagoon’s turquoise waters, surrounded by a lava field that stretches as far as the eye can see. 

Tour: Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission and Transfer (included)
Duration: 4 hours
Departure: 14:30
Complimentary pick-up: 14:00
Included: Bus transfer, Comfort admission to Blue Lagoon (includes towel, silica mud mask, 1 drink of your choice)
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 experiencing a new year’s adventure to remember, it’s time to leave the Land of Fire and Ice behind and return home.

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