Expect cozy festive vibes, frosted landscapes and impressive volcanoes
This Christmas, escape to charming Reykjavík and soak up the festive atmosphere. On this tour, you’ll take part in a range of handpicked activities from your base in the heart of the city. And on the big day, enjoy an inclusive delicious meal at your hotel.
Wander the beautiful streets of old Reykjavík – decked with twinkling fairy lights – with a local guide. At night, you might catch a glimpse of a different kind of winter magic: the Northern Lights. You’ll also have the chance to chase them down on a special countryside excursion.
Delve into Iceland’s nature when you tour the Golden Circle. Here you can see geysers gush and waterfalls whirl. And you’ll go underground into a natural tunnel where lava once flowed.
Christmas Day is yours to spend as you like. You can choose to unwind in one of Iceland’s world-famous spas, see even more incredible scenery, or just relax in the city. Whatever you choose, this is set to be a festive holiday like no other!
On this tour you will...
Savor a delicious 3-course Christmas Eve meal in the Icelandic capital
Stroll around festive markets in Reykjavík while the city is draped in sparkling lights
Chase mesmerizing displays of the Northern Lights
Marvel at towering waterfalls, powerful geysers and more on a Golden Circle tour
Learn about Viking history and geology in Þingvellir National Park
Walk through one of Iceland’s most spectacular lava tunnels with a guide
Top attractions
Downtown Reykjavík
Blue Lagoon
Sky Lagoon
Gullfoss
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir and Strokkur
Vík í Mýrdal
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Why book a multi-day trip with Iceland Tours?
Start your tour on the date that suits you
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
22 December
Shared airport transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík (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!
Highlights
Downtown Reykjavík
Included experiences, upgrade options & extra activities
IncludedNorthern Lights Guided Bus Tour
UpgradeNorthern Lights Small Group Tour
UpgradeNorthern Lights Super Jeep Tour
UpgradeNorthern Lights by Boat
ExtraArrival/Departure via Blue Lagoon
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.
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.
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.
26 December
Shared airport transfer to Keflavík Airport for your return flight (included).
After an unforgettable festive vacation in Iceland, it’s time to bid the country farewell and return home.
What’s included?
Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Airport transfer
Northern Lights guided bus tour
Golden Circle & lava tunnel tour
Christmas Eve walking tour of Reykjavík
Christmas Eve buffet dinner
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.
Absolutely! You can customize your package by:
- Picking your level of accommodation (Budget, Comfort, or Quality)
- Extending your stay with extra nights in Reykjavík at the start or end of your trip
- Adding optional activities, such as a food tour or glacier hike
