Magical 5-Day New Year’s Northern Lights Adventure with Keflavik Airport Transfers

Enjoy bonfires and fireworks on New Year's Eve during this 5-day northern lights tour.
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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Reykjavík, Iceland
Starting time
Flexible
Duration
5 days
Ending place
Reykjavík, Iceland
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Available
December
Minimum age
8 years old

Description

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Iceland on this 5-day guided New Year's northern lights adventure. Those seeking a genuine, casual Icelandic New Year's Eve experience combining cultural exploration with the raw beauty of Iceland's landscapes should book this tour now.

From the moment your tour starts from Keflavik International Airport on December 29, your journey of discovery begins. Reykjavik, a vibrant blend of historic charm and modern Nordic culture, is your initial introduction to the magic of Iceland. 

Your 5-day tour takes you across the ethereal landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula, from bird cliffs to hot springs and fishing villages. You'll also relax in the peninsula's world-renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Let its warm, mineral-rich waters wash away the winter chill, a must-do winter experience and a bucket list attraction for many travelers to Iceland.

You'll travel along the renowned Golden Circle route, showcasing the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, the fascinating Thingvellir National Park, and the power of the Geysir geothermal area. Your tour includes visits to an Icelandic horse stable and a geothermal greenhouse to enhance your Golden Circle experience.

This 5-day adventure invites you into South Iceland, a region decorated with stunning glaciers, thundering waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Your package includes entry tickets to the Skogar Folk Museum and turf houses, offering an insight into Iceland's rich history and architectural heritage.

Your accommodations consist of four nights in cozy Reykjavik and South Iceland accommodation, with a private bathroom and breakfast included. 

An exciting New Year's celebration awaits in the enchanting village of Hella in the South Iceland countryside. You can join the locals in an authentic Icelandic New Year's Eve bonfire and enjoy a delicious four-course festive dinner.

This tour provides a special northern lights program on two evenings, with an expert guide providing a factual talk about this natural phenomenon and tips on photographing it. If weather conditions are favorable, the accommodations in Hella, situated in a large, dark garden, provide an excellent viewing location for this dazzling spectacle.

A convenient drop-off at Keflavik International Airport on January 2 marks the conclusion of your journey. As you depart, you carry unforgettable memories and stunning snapshots from this unique New Year's tour.

The package includes a guided coach tour with an English-speaking driver-guide, arrival and departure airport transfers, daily breakfast, entrance to the Blue Lagoon with towel use, fine dining in downtown Reykjavik, and more. 

Don't miss the chance to kick off the New Year with an incredible 5-day Northern Lights adventure in the heart of the Icelandic countryside. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

Non-guided arrival and departure airport transfer by FLYBUS
Fully guided 3-day coach tour with English speaking guide
Bonfire and New Year's celebration tour
4-nights accommodation with a private bathroom and breakfast included
4-course festive dinner on December 31
Fine dining at restaurant in downtown Reykjavik on January 1, including transfers
Northern lights program during two evenings
Blue Lagoon geothermal spa visit, including entrance and use of towel
Skogar Folk Museum and turf houses
Free Wi-Fi on the bus
Ice gripper spikes for shoes
Flashlight

Activities

Sightseeing
Northern lights hunting
Hot Spring Bathing
Cultural Activity

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Reykjavik looks fairytale-beautiful in its snow-covered winter coat.

Day 1 - Arrival and Free Time in Reykjavik

Upon arrival at Keflavik Airport, the seamless Flybus shuttle transfer service will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavik. The remainder of the day is at your disposal, offering a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Iceland's capital city's vibrant culture and charm at your own pace.

Depending on your arrival time, a stroll around Reykjavik's scenic streets can introduce you to the city's unique ambiance. Tomorrow morning you'll embark on a city highlights tour, so today offers an opportunity to discover some of Reykjavik's other attractions.

Culture enthusiasts can delve into Iceland's rich historical and artistic heritage by visiting one of its numerous museums. The Reykjavik Art Museum, with its impressive collection of contemporary pieces, and the National Museum of Iceland, telling the story of Iceland from settlement to the present day, are two of the city's cultural jewels.

For a touch of tranquility, the city's parks offer a serene escape. The peaceful greenery of Austurvollur, a popular gathering spot among locals, or Hljomskalagardur, with its charming pond and sculptures, provide ideal areas for a leisurely afternoon.

For those with a penchant for shopping, Laugavegur and Skolavordustigur streets are not to be missed. Here, a blend of high-end retailers, quirky boutiques, and local Icelandic design shops offers everything from fashionable clothing and jewelry to unique homewares and handcrafted Icelandic woolen goods.

If time allows, visiting the old harbor area is a must. This lively part of the city boasts a mix of classic Icelandic architecture, modern businesses, and vibrant restaurants. Sample some local cuisine for dinner at one of the many gourmet establishments that line the harbor, offering a range of dishes from fresh seafood to traditional Icelandic fare.

As the day winds down, take the opportunity to experience Reykjavik's night scene, well-regarded for its lively atmosphere and varied selection of bars and pubs.

Your accommodation for the night is in Reykjavik, where you can rest and recharge for the upcoming days of your New Year's northern lights adventure.

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Day 2
Soaking in the milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is the perfect way to warm up during winter.

Day 2 - Reykjavik City Tour, The Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon, and Northern Lights

Day two of your Icelandic New Year's northern lights adventure starts with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation. At 09:00, your guide will greet you for an engaging tour of Reykjavik, Iceland's captivating capital. The excursion unveils the city's key attractions and hidden gems, offering a comprehensive view of the city's cultural, historical, and architectural highlights.

Once you've experienced the unique charm of Reykjavik, the guide will take you on a journey to the Reykjanes Peninsula. This extraordinary landscape resembles something from another world, with its geothermal springs, rugged mountains, and expansive lunar vistas.

You'll see bird cliffs, where various species make their homes, and lighthouses standing tall amid impressive coastal vistas. The peninsula's quaint fishing villages offer a glimpse into the traditional Icelandic way of life.

The afternoon brings a special treat when you visit the world-renowned Blue Lagoon. Here, you'll immerse yourself in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by the stark beauty of the landscape. It's an idyllic spot to unwind and reflect on your adventures.

Your tour package includes your entrance ticket and towel use, so you don't need to worry about anything except relaxation.

After this soothing experience, you'll journey along the picturesque South Coast of Iceland, heading towards the village of Hella. Nestled amidst enchanting landscapes, Hella is a window into rural Iceland. You'll spend the next two nights in simple yet comfortable cottages in Hella, allowing for a more intimate experience of the Icelandic countryside.

Your evening holds a fascinating session with your tour guide, who will provide insights into one of nature's most spectacular displays, the northern lights. Learn about the science behind this natural spectacle and gather tips on photographing these ethereal lights.

As darkness wraps the sky, you'll be in the cottage's large garden, with your eyes skyward, awaiting the dance of the Northern Lights. If the weather conditions are favorable, you may be in for a mesmerizing display before you settle in for a cozy night's sleep.

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Day 3
The Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the South Coast's must-visit cascade, whether you visit in summer or winter.

Day 3 - South Coast Highlights and New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Following breakfast at your accommodation, you set off on a journey along Iceland's stunning South Coast on day three. Marvel at the imposing silhouette of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano and glacier, a testament to Iceland's active geological history and one of several incredible vistas you'll see today.

The day's first stop is the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a majestic cascade amid a fairytale-like setting. Wear your waterproof jacket to enjoy the unique opportunity to walk behind the waterfall.

Next, you'll visit the Skogar Folk Museum, a gateway into early Icelandic life. Discover the museum's collection of artifacts housed within traditional turf houses, showcasing Iceland's cultural heritage and the resilience of its people in this harsh yet beautiful landscape.

Afterward, your exploration continues with a visit to the thundering Skogafoss waterfall, one of the country's most iconic and powerful waterfalls. You'll pause for lunch here, soaking up the scenery as you refuel for the afternoon ahead.

In the afternoon, you venture further south, where you'll get to walk on the famous black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Here, you can marvel at the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the Dyrholaey nature reserve's vast landscapes. The day's tour culminates in the picturesque village of Vik, with its idyllic location and charming ambiance.

The evening introduces you to an authentic Icelandic New Year's celebration. Begin with a guided bus tour to witness the traditional bonfires, or "Brenna," in the villages of Hvolsvollur and Hella. Dating back to the Middle Ages, these bonfires represent a clearing out of the old to make way for the new, a practice still cherished in contemporary Icelandic society.

After the bonfire tour, enjoy a festive four-course dinner at Arhus restaurant in Hella. Located on the riverbanks of this quaint South Icelandic village, the restaurant offers a cozy and warm atmosphere for your New Year's celebration.

At midnight, join the locals to toast the New Year amidst a sky lit by thousands of fireworks. This incredible display is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As the night sky settles post-celebration, turn your gaze to the heavens. If conditions are right, you might witness the magical Northern Lights painting the sky with dramatic colors and patterns. Return to your accommodation in Hella for the night, carrying memories of a unique Icelandic New Year's celebration.

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Day 4
The Geysir geothermal area is an otherworldly landscapes of steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pits, and exploding geysers, an incredible sight under Iceland's colorful winter night sky.

Day 4 - Golden Circle Sightseeing and Reykjavik Culinary Experience

Start your fourth day in Iceland with a wholesome breakfast at your accommodation in Hella, gearing up for another day of diverse experiences and breathtaking landscapes.

The morning begins with an insight into one of the country's unique national treasures, the Icelandic horse. This breed is known for its distinctive gaits and resilience and plays a significant role in Icelandic culture. During your visit to a local horse farm, you'll meet these friendly and small-statured horses and learn about their exceptional qualities and deep-rooted history in Iceland.

Following this encounter, you'll visit a geothermal greenhouse. Witness first-hand the innovative use of Iceland's geothermal energy in agriculture, an exciting blend of nature's power and human ingenuity.

Next, you journey along the famous Golden Circle route, home to some of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders. The Geysir geothermal field is your first stop, where you'll witness the fascinating phenomenon of steam and hot water spouting from the earth.

From there, travel to the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Admire this double-tiered waterfall's raw power and beauty, one of Iceland's most beloved sights.

The day's exploration concludes at the historically significant Thingvellir National Park. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir is a place of natural beauty and cultural and historical importance, being the location of the ancient Viking Parliament.

In the evening, indulge in a culinary treat at a restaurant in downtown Reykjavik. Enjoy the flavors of Icelandic cuisine, reflecting the fresh and local ingredients of the land and sea.

A return transfer will bring you back to your accommodation in Reykjavik, where you'll spend the night. Reflect on the day's discoveries and relax as you prepare for your final day in the land of fire and ice.

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Day 5
Reykjavik's parks look fairytale-magical in their snow-covered winter coats.

Day 5 - Free Day in Reykjavik and Heading Home

Day five starts at your leisure with breakfast at your Reykjavik accommodation. Today is a free day to explore this dynamic city further, perhaps venturing into areas you have yet to discover. Should your flight schedule allow, there are numerous ways to spend your day soaking in Reykjavik's unique character.

The Asmundarsafn Museum, part of the Reykjavik Art Museum, offers an engaging experience for art enthusiasts. Housed in the former home and studio of sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson, the building itself is a sculptural masterpiece.

Reykjavik is also home to some remarkable architectural wonders. One such marvel is Perlan, a distinctive glass-domed structure located on Oskjuhlid Hill. It houses an incredible 360-degree viewing platform offering panoramic views of Reykjavik and its surroundings. Inside, you'll find various exhibitions, including a planetarium and a detailed replica of an ice cave.

For a truly local experience and a relaxing finish to your holiday, visit the Sundhollin swimming pool. As the oldest public baths in Iceland, they provide an opportunity to indulge in geothermal hot pools and steam baths, a significant part of Icelandic culture.

Grab a bite for lunch at one of Reykjavik's trendy cafes or food halls, sampling modern twists on traditional Icelandic dishes. If you're interested in exploring the food scene further, visit the Grandi Harbor area, a hub for local food and beverage artisans.

Spend the afternoon strolling through the city's eclectic neighborhoods, each with its unique vibe and architectural charm. You could wander the colorful streets of Thingholt, explore the artsy district of Laugardalur, or enjoy the laid-back seaside atmosphere of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula.

As your day in Reykjavik concludes, the Flybus shuttle transfer is ready to take you from your accommodation to Keflavik International Airport, conveniently timed with your flight's departure.

Reflect on your unforgettable journey through Iceland as you prepare for your journey home. This Icelandic adventure, filled with breathtaking natural beauty, captivating cultural experiences, and the magic of the northern lights, will undoubtedly live on in your memory.

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What to bring

Warm, waterproof clothing
Good walking shoes
Camera
Water bottle

Good to know

You can add an extra night in Reykjavik before or after the tour upon request.

This tour uses budget accommodation to maintain an attractive package price offering great value for money. You will either stay in budget hotels, cabins, or cottages.

The maximum group size is 40 people.

You can add an optional northern lights cruise or glacier hike to your tour.

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