Best 5-Day Christmas and New Year Winter Vacation Package in Iceland from Keflavik Airport
Description
Summary
Description
Book this incredible five-day winter vacation package in Iceland to experience the very best of Reykjavik and the countryside. Travelers who want to pack their days with Iceland's most exciting optional activities and sightseeing tours, from the Golden Circle to the Blue Lagoon, should not hesitate to book this travel package.
Avoid spending weeks planning that perfect Iceland itinerary. We've already covered the planning part to save you from all the hassle. Moreover, we'll offer the tour for a great price.
Though organizing your trip may sound exciting, you're running the risk of missing out on some of the best attractions during the trip. By letting us handle the planning, we'll ensure that all the important stops you need to see and experience in your self-drive tour are included.
On this vacation package, you'll get a custom itinerary highlighting all the best attractions and the lesser-known hidden gems of Iceland. Your booking also includes airport transfers and accommodation in Reykjavik for four nights.
For added convenience, your package comes with a personal travel agent you can contact any time of the day, seven days a week, for queries or assistance.
On this trip, Reykjavik, the northernmost capital city in the world, will serve as your base. It's the perfect place to be to experience the rich culture and history of Iceland. It boasts cozy cafes, great shops, immersive museums, and architectural marvels like the Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrimskirkja church.
If you wish to visit the city's top museums, don't forget to add entrance tickets to your package. Your options are the Whales of Iceland museum, Wonders of Iceland Exhibition at Perlan museum, and FlyOver Iceland.
You'll see Reykjavik in a more festive light since you're visiting in the Christmas and New Year seasons. Under a blanket of snow, the city transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland. There are Christmas markets with lovely stalls and a skating rink to visit, where you can meet locals and other travelers.
Add some extra excitement to your trip by adding some of our recommended selection of optional extras along your journey. These include sightseeing tours in the Golden Circle, South Coast, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
On these guided tours, you'll witness mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches, lava fields, rolling hills, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. Some notable natural attractions in these areas include the Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, Reynisfjara beach, and Kirkjufell mountain.
Additionally, winter is the perfect time to experience a warm geothermal bath. Feel free to add admission tickets to the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon during the booking process.
The extra stops are only some of the many reasons people love this Icelandic road trip, earning high ratings and positive reviews for the tour. It's also one of the easiest tours, perfect for guests of all ages.
Should your travel plans change after booking, fret not, as our flexible cancellation policy lets you get a full refund provided you cancel 24 hours before departure.
So book this five-day self-drive today and prepare for an incredible exploration of Iceland. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Map
Attractions
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival Day in Iceland with Optional Blue Lagoon and Activities
Welcome to Iceland! It's time to start your journey around this volcanic island's incredibly diverse natural wonders.
Upon landing at the Keflavik International Airport, you'll start by locating your shuttle or bus outside the arrivals hall. This pre-booked airport transfer makes the start of your Icelandic journey more convenient and hassle-free.
To reach Reykjavik, you'll take a short bus drive through the charred and blackened lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. In winter, the fields can be covered in thick layers of snow.
On your way to Reykjavik, you could take a detour with a dip at the Blue Lagoon. It is often seen as the perfect way to start your trip to Iceland by relaxing and rejuvenating in the mineral-rich healing waters of the lagoon after a long day of traveling.
Situated amid a volcanic landscape, the Blue Lagoon is an amazing attraction worth visiting. Its regenerative water features silica and sulfur, benefiting people with various skin ailments.
With a temperature averaging 98 to 102 F (37 to 39 C), the Blue Lagoon offers a comfortable and relaxing feeling in both the swimming and bathing areas.
If you choose to add the Blue Lagoon on this day of your visit, it will be booked for a time based on your flights. However, if there's no time to visit on this day, you can simply add this to another day of your visit. Your travel consultant will be able to arrange this for you.
Afterward, you'll arrive in Reykjavik to check in to your accommodation and freshen up before heading out into the city. Once you're ready, and have enough time, check out some of the best attractions, such as the Hallgrimskirkja church, the Perlan observation deck, and Reykjavik harbor.
Make time to walk around the city center streets and explore the vibrant and bustling cafes, restaurants, galleries, museums, and numerous boutique shops.
You'll then retire for the evening in your Reykjavik accommodation, with plenty of rest for your next day of sightseeing.
Day 2 - Exploring Reykjavik or Optional Golden Circle Tour
Your first full day in Iceland gives you great opportunities to explore Reykjavik or the countryside. You have a wide selection of guided tours to join today if you want to make your day extra special.
If you want to check off three of the most popular natural attractions of Iceland from your bucketlist, the best activity to book today is a sightseeing tour in the Golden Circle. This scenic route can be you great introduction to Iceland's diverse landscapes.
Your first stop on this route will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Thingvellir National Park. Sitting in the middle of two tectonic plates, Thingvellir is a beautiful and diverse location of canyons, forestry, numerous waterfalls, and the largest natural lake in Iceland, Thingvallavatn.
The place offers interesting and intriguing information about the history of the world's first parliament (Althingi in 930 AD), the rich geological imprints on the terrain, and their cultural impact.
Your next stop is the strange and delightful Geysir geothermal area. It is known for its variety of steaming vents, bubbling hot pots, spouting geysers, and natural hot springs that attract countless travelers to Iceland.
Here, you'll find most visitors surrounding the powerful hot spring, Strokkur, which will erupt boiling water up to nearly 66 feet (20 meters) every five to 10 minutes, giving you plenty of time to get the perfect shot.
Your last stop of the Golden Circle will take you to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. This gigantic waterfall is fed by the meltwater of the nearby glacier Langjokull down the Hvita river before plummeting 105 feet (32 meters) over two cascading steps into the deep cavern below.
After a great time in the Golden Circle, your guide will take you back to the Icelandic capital. In the evening, don't miss your chance to head to Ingolfstorg Square to have a glimpse of how locals celebrate the Christmas season.
Following your adventurous day, you'll rest for the night in your accommodation in Reykjavik.
Day 3 - Reykjavik Activities or Optional South Coast Tour
On day three of your winter vacation in Iceland, you can explore Reykjavik further or take another guided tour in the countryside.
If you stay in Reykjavik, you can join cultural tours such as walking or food tours. The walking tour takes you across downtown to see the city's best landmarks and historical places. The food tour gives you a taste of the local cuisine, with inclusive food sampling for delicacies like skyr and lamb.
Both excursions are led by local guides who will provide exciting insights and stories about the land of fire and ice.
If you would rather see more of the country’s breathtaking nature, you can join an optional guided tour on the South Coast.
After pick-up from your hotel or at a bus stop in Reykjavik, the adventure takes you to the South Coast. This region is known for its beautiful landscapes, made better by their proximity to a stunning coastline of the North Atlantic Ocean.
On the South Coast, you can expect your day to be filled with chasing waterfalls. Iceland has over 10,000 waterfalls and you’ll see some of the most majestic in the southern region.
You will visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfall, which are both 197 feet (60 meters) tall. However, besides their height, they are entirely different from each other.
Seljalandsfoss offers an immersive viewing experience because of the cave behind its water curtain. Meanwhile, Skogafoss has a broader cascade of 82 feet (25 meters).
Another highlight of the South Coast is the Reynisfjara black sand beach. This volcanic setting is blessed with the picturesque basalt sea stacks of Reynisdrangar.
You'll also see some large darkened caverns dotted along the shoreline, making it a great yet eerie place to visit. Make sure to keep your distance from the powerful waves that could suddenly sweep under your feet.
Before returning to Reykjavik, you’ll have a short stop in Vik, a fishing village near Reykjavik and the Vatnajokull National Park.
By the end of the day, you'll retire for the evening in your Reykjavik accommodation.
Day 4 - More of Reykjavik or Optional Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour
As you embark on another day of winter adventures in Iceland, the choice is yours to tailor your itinerary to your heart's desire. Whether you opt for exploration in Reykjavik or an excursion to the surrounding regions, Iceland offers many experiences to make your winter vacation truly unforgettable.
For those who've already explored the wonders of the Golden Circle and the South Coast in the previous days, a guided tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is what you can join today. A local guide leads this excursion, serving as your source of information and trivia on the trip.
Snaefellsnes is a picturesque area in West Iceland often called "Iceland in Miniature" due to its diverse and compact landscapes.
The journey takes you to enchanting places like the Arnarstapi village. Here, dramatic cliffs meet the crashing waves of the North Atlantic, creating a rugged yet mesmerizing scene.
Nearby, Djupalonssandur beach awaits with its black pebble shoreline and rich history. The remnants of a shipwreck add to the haunting charm of this place, making it a unique and intriguing stop on your journey.
The imposing Snaefellsjokull glacier is a true natural wonder, which you’ll see looming on the horizon. Often covered in clouds, this glacier-capped volcano has inspired generations of artists and writers like Jules Verne with his “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”
And then there's the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, a triangular-shaped peak that rises majestically from the surrounding landscape. It's no wonder this mountain is one of Iceland's most photographed landmarks.
After an exciting day in Snaefellsnes, the guide will drive you back to Reykjavik.
In the evening, you can still roam around Reykjavik or consider joining a northern lights hunting tour. Winter offers the best chances to witness the ethereal dance of the auroras because of the longer and darker nights.
Your options for the northern lights hunt include bus, boat, or super jeep tours, each providing a unique perspective on this natural spectacle.
Afterward, you’ll retire to your accommodation in Reykjavik.
Day 5 - Departure Day with Optional Museum Visits
Your departure day in Iceland signals the end of a remarkable five-day winter vacation filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable moments. Today, your itinerary is flexible, allowing you to choose activities based on your flight schedule to ensure your final hours in Iceland are enjoyable.
If your flight is later in the day, consider seizing the opportunity for last-minute tours and shopping in Reykjavik.
Wander along the lively Laugavegur street, known for its shops where you can buy souvenirs and locally crafted items. It's a chance to bring a piece of Iceland's charm back home with you.
Alternatively, deepen your cultural immersion by exploring another museum in the city. Options include the thrilling FlyOver Iceland show, the Whales of Iceland museum, and the Wonders of Iceland Exhibition at Perlan museum.
FlyOver Iceland, for instance, promises an exhilarating experience as you embark on a virtual flight above Iceland's stunning landscapes. The sensation of soaring over glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes is nothing short of breathtaking.
At the Whales of Iceland museum, you can get up close to life-sized whale models, providing fascinating insights into these majestic creatures. Learn about their habits, migration patterns, and the importance of conservation efforts dedicated to these marine giants.
Lastly, the Wonders of Iceland Exhibition at Perlan delves into the country's geological wonders with immersive, interactive displays that bring Iceland's natural beauty to life. From cascading waterfalls to volcanic eruptions, this museum offers a deep dive into the forces shaping Iceland's unique landscapes.
Meanwhile, for those yearning for relaxation before departing, you can book a visit to the Sky Lagoon. Here, you can unwind in warm waters while savoring panoramic coastal views.
Whether you have an early or late flight, your Icelandic journey concludes with a hassle-free bus transfer from Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport. As you depart, take with you the cherished memories of Iceland's winter marvels and the warm hospitality you've encountered.
Have a safe flight and see you on your next Icelandic adventure, where new discoveries and experiences await.
What to bring
Good to know
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon. This itinerary is designed to maximize your chances to see them.
Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the winter. We recommend bringing shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers, which you can purchase in many supermarkets and gas stations around Iceland.
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