Immerse yourself in Icelandic nature and culture for a New Year to remember
Make this new year unforgettable on a 6-day winter getaway in Iceland. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with an elegant dinner and watch Reykjavík’s firework display. You’ll also get to chase the Northern Lights, soak in the Blue Lagoon, and more.
Explore the Icelandic capital while it’s draped in fairy lights and join the locals as they go all in with their New Year’s Eve celebrations. You could also glimpse the Aurora Borealis on an evening excursion out of the city.
From your base in Reykjavík, you’ll head into the stunning countryside, where adventure awaits. Discover the country’s natural wonders as you tour the must-see sights on the Golden Circle route. Think tumbling waterfalls and impressive geysers.
Then, get ready to explore sparkling ice caves with an expert guide by your side.
After these thrilling excursions, you’ll have the opportunity to relax with a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Spend New Year’s Day unwinding in its warm, mineral-rich waters, followed by a leisurely afternoon in Reykjavík.
Departures
- 28 December
On this tour you will...
Ring in the New Year with a gala dinner, followed by a drinks reception watching the fireworks
Soak up the culture in downtown Reykjavík on a tour with a knowledgeable guide
Unwind in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon, an iconic geothermal pool
Head to Katla volcano and venture into a sparkling ice cave with an expert guide
Chase the Northern Lights on an evening excursion into the countryside
Travel the Golden Circle route: powerful geysers, waterfalls, and more await
Top attractions
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 6-day bus itinerary
28 December
Transfer from Keflavík International Airport to your hotel in Reykjavík (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!
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
Included experiences, upgrade options & extra activities
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.
What’s included?
Comfort accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Airport transfer
Northern Lights guided bus tour
Golden Circle & Friðheimar guided bus tour
Katla Ice Cave – Under the Volcano tour
New Year’s Eve walking tour of Reykjavík
New Year’s Eve buffet gala dinner
Blue Lagoon Comfort admission (includes towel rental, silica mud mask, 1 drink)
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.