Overview:
This exclusive tour package includes 4 nights in Reykjavik and a number of excursions and activities , such as the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot springs, Reykjavík city tour, Árbær open-air museum, Viking restaurant with an experience of traditional medieval music, Icelandic horse show, geothermal greenhouse visit at a local farm, a geothermal power plant exhibition and the Blue Lagoon. The New Year's Gala Dinner is enjoyed at the spectacular Harpa concert and conference hall.
Holiday price is from £ 3,895 per person based on availability and two people sharing a twin or double room, single supplement is £ 760.
Departure Date:
DATES
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29 Dec 2024 - 02 Jan 2025
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* Please note that due to high demand on Christmas and New Year holidays in the Nordics, prices are subject to change according to availability. The sooner you book, the better prices we are able to get you.
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Tour Itinerary:
29th December: Welcome to the Land of Fire & Ice (50 km / 31 mls)
Arrival in Iceland. Non-guided transfer from Keflavik International Airport to accommodation in Reykjavik.
30th December: Golden Circle Tour & Ingólfsskáli Viking Dinner
Start from the national park of Þingvellir. This UNESCO world heritage site is the most important historical place in Iceland. It was in the year 930 that Icelanders gathered from all over the country and formed the Althing – the world’s first democratic parliament. While it now meets indoors in Reykjavik, this same kind of national assembly operates today. The park has some wonderful spots to walk through to sense the atmosphere of long past times. Þingvellir is not only important for Icelandic history, but also it is a place of unique geological interest, where the two continental plates can be seen slowly drifting apart. The Great Atlantic rift is clearly visible in Þingvellir; it is a rift that is slowly pulling Iceland apart along tectonic plates and you can literally walk between the American and Eurasian continental plates. From there we continue to Geysir, passing the village of Laugarvatn. We will explore the hot spring area of Geysir - multicolored pools of water and mud. Strokkur, the Great Geysir's little brother, is spouting to a height of about 25 meters and erupts at about 5-7 minute intervals. After lunch (included) we drive to the mighty Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall), perhaps the most beautiful in the country. We walk around Gullfoss Falls, where the river Hvitá tumbles 32 meters in a double cascade. After Gullfoss we head to Fridheimar – a geothermal greenhouse farm where they grow fresh tomatoes all year around. Endding this adventurous day with an early dinner experince at the charming Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant, situated beneath the majestic Ingólfsfjall mountain. Return transfer back to the hotel .
31st December: Reykjavik City Tour & New Year's Celebration at the Pearl (50 km / 31 mls)
We start with Reykjavik city tour and see the highlights of Iceland´s exciting capital. We sse the charming city centre, the Parliament, the harbour and Hallgrímskirkja church, whose steeple is a landmark. We pass the Harpar concert hall and visit the Pearl, a remarkable building viewpoint. Tour ends and return back to hotel for a rechrage and prepare for new years evening. A captivationg walking tour through the festively adorned streets and discover the Icelandic Christmas traditions, customs and rituals. You will have a chance to hear the tales of the fearsome Christmas Cat and the 13 intriguing Yule Lads along with their mother, Grýla. Chance to savour Christmas treats and beverages cherished by Icelanders. In the evening, you will be transferred from your hotel to Perlan and greeted with welcome drink and the option to see Áróra and the Northern Lights Planetrium show. Around 19:30, the festive dinner 4-course Gala dinner will start with wine pairing. Later during the evening, there will be music performance and a DJ throughout the evening. Exclusive access to the observation deck thhat has 360° view over Reykjavík’s capital area. A transfer from Perlan will leave every 30 minutes from 00:30 am.
1st January: Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon incl. Lunch & Dinner (150 km / 93 mls)
At 10:00 we leave Reykjavik and explore the Reykjavik peninsula with its dramatic sea shores, fascinating geology, moonscapes, lava fields and fishing villages. The guided tour starts in Bessastaðir, the residence of the Icelandic president, and continues to the Viking World Museum in Reykjanesbær to visit an authentic Viking ship model that sailed across the Atlantic ocean to New York in year 2000. After a light lunch at the Northern Light Inn restaurant. In the afternoon, that is included, we continue to the bridge over the continents and a light house located at the edge of the Reykjanes peninsula. During this time we also visit a geothermal power plant that explains how Icelanders benefit of clean geothermal energy in their daily lives. We reach the Blue Lagoon for photographs, to experience an oasis in the lava that owes its existence to a nearby geothermal power plant, looming large over the aqua tinted waters. We stop for 2 hours for a refreshing bathe or a swim in the pleasantly warm mineral-rich water, reputed for its healing properties. A dinner will be served in the well-known modern Iceland steakhouse, Hereford. After dinner, we continue to Reykjavik. Depending on weather, we will do a northern light hunt by bus on the way from the Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik.
2nd January: Farewell Iceland (50 km / 31 mls)
Transfer by Flynus shuttle bus from the hotel without guide to Keflavik Airport.
Seating arrangements: In general tables of 10-12 persons
European casual dress code is recommended but not required:
- For the gentlemen: Suit and tie or trousers with blazer jacket.
- For the ladies: Dress (long or short), suit or skirt with a top (gala dress is not required).
Please note that it is advisable to bring warm shoes, a scarf and gloves along for the Bonfire & Christmas Light Tour that can be kept in the wardrobe during dinner.
Package Includes:
- Direct return flights from London, Manchester or Edinburgh to Reykjavik (Other UK airports upon request)
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveller (up to 20 kg)
- Return FLYBUS airport transfer (without guide)
- 4 nights accommodation including breakfast
- Reykjavík Grand City Tour from 09:00-15:30 with an English speaking guide
- Golden Circle Tour from 09:30-18:30 with an English speaking guide
- Bonfire & Christmas Light Tour from 20:30-22:30 with an English speaking guide
- Blue Lagoon & Reykjanes Tour from 10:30-22:00/24:00 with an English speaking guide
- Included in the Blue Lagoon: Entrance,Rental towel,One Blue Lagoon drink per person
- Entrance to the Viking World museum
- Entrance to the Energy for Life exhibition in Reykjanes
- Visit to Friðheimar geothermal greenhouse farm
- Lunch during the Reykjavík Grand City Tour and the Golden Circle Tour
- Light lunch & 3-course dinner during the Reykjanes & Blue Lagoon Tour
- 4-course Gala dinner & party at Harpa with live music, welcome drink, ½ bottle of wine, glass of sparkling wine & return transfers on the 31st December
- Use of snow & ice gripper spikes during nature excursions
- 24 hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
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You'll see...
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Please scroll down to see the specifics for the country you wish to visit:
Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.
Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm.
In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.
Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.
The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.
As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.
Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:
Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.
Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.
Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.
Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.