New Years Land Of The Northern Lights - 5 days
New Years Land Of The Northern Lights - 5 days
5 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Reykjavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Hella
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 40
Age range:
8-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Festive and New Year, Gardens & Nature Tours, Northern Lights, Polar
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a mesmerizing 5-day journey through Iceland's enchanting landscapes with the "New Years Land Of The Northern Lights" tour. Begin your adventure in Reykjavik, exploring the vibrant capital before venturing to the stunning Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its hot springs and picturesque fishing villages. Unwind in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon, nestled amidst a lava field. Experience the thrill of Northern Lights hunting in Hella, and visit the iconic Eyjafjallajokull Glacier and majestic waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Discover the wonders of the Golden Circle, including the Geysir geothermal fields and Thingvellir National Park. Celebrate New Year's Eve with a traditional Icelandic bonfire and a festive dinner, and enjoy a culinary experience in Reykjavik on New Year's Day. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this small group tour promises an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cabin
Reykjavik. Welcome to Iceland and the start of your Northern Lights adventure! Your transfer to your accommodation is by Flybus shuttle. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2: The Blue Lagoon
Location: Reykjanes Peninsula
Accommodation Name: Hotel Stracta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Reykjavik - Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon - Hella. This morning you meet your tour guide who shows the group some of the highlights of Iceland's capital. Then we head out to the Reykjanes peninsula famous for hot springs, picturesque mountains, bird cliffs, light houses and quaint fishing villages. Later on we get to relax in the warm blue waters of the famous Blue Lagoon
This evening, we hear all about the Northern Lights and once darkness falls we head out in the garden and wait for this beautiful natural phenomena to appear.
Day 3: Hella
Location: Hella
Accommodation Name: Hotel Stracta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hella - Eyjafjallajokull - Skogafoss - Black Lava Beach - Hella. Today we travel along the South coast and visit the active volcano that is beneath the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. We travel on to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which plunges down from the mountain, and then visit the Skógar folk museum, which contains an outstanding collection of farm and domestic artefacts. Nearby is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country; the 60-meter high Skógafoss waterfall.
This afternoon the tour continues further south where you can stroll on the black lava beach to see the amazing bird cliffs at Reynisfjara near Vík.
This evening we celebrate New Year the Icelandic way. Before dinner, we visit the bonfires in the villages of Hvolsvöllur and Hella. The traditional Brenna bonfires of New Year's Eve have their origins in the Middle Ages when people built bonfires to burn the old things they no longer needed. In Iceland, there are bonfires all around the country where inhabitants gather, shoot off fireworks, sing and dance as they wait for the New Year to come in.
Returning to our hotel we enjoy a delicious 4-course dinner on the river banks in Hella. Later this evening we enjoy the myriad of fireworks exploding across the sky to ring in the new year. If you're truly lucky you may also see the northern lights appear in the background.
Day 4: Seljalandsfoss
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cabin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hella - Golden Circle - Reykjavik. This morning we learn about the indigenous Icelandic horse and its history and special qualities. We also visit a geothermal greenhouse seeing steam from the Geysir geothermal fields as you arrive. There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur "the Churn" which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals. Continuing on to Gullfoss "the golden falls", a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvita River. Next we travel inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site before returning to Reykjavik for one night. This evening we enjoy a culinary dining experience which includes some local Icelandic cuisine.
Day 5: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our Northern Lights Icelandic experience comes to an end with included FlyBus transfer to Keflavik Airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Simple hotels and Cottages -
4 breakfasts and 2 dinners
Enjoy 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners, including a New Year's Eve festive 4-course dinner and a culinary dinner experience in Reykjavik on New Year's Day.
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4 nights simple hotels
Stay for 4 nights in simple hotels with an option to upgrade to 3-star hotels.
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Keflavik Airport arrival and departure transfer
Transfers to and from Keflavik Airport are included via FlyBus shuttle.
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Services of an English Speaking Icelandic Guide
Benefit from the services of an English-speaking Icelandic guide throughout the tour.
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Transportation in heated coaches
Travel in heated coaches equipped with free Wi-Fi on board.
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Northern Lights programme
Participate in a Northern Lights programme during 2 evenings, which includes lectures, presentations, film, guided searches, and midnight refreshments.
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Entrance with towel into the Blue Lagoon
Entrance to the Blue Lagoon with a towel is included.
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Entrance into Skogar folk museum and turf houses
Visit the Skogar folk museum and turf houses with included entrance.
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Use of winter and Northern lights explorer equipment
Use simple non-slip snow and ice grippers, spikes for shoes, and a flashlight for walking in the dark and operating a photo camera at night.
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Tour operated in conjunction with a trusted partner
This tour is operated in conjunction with a trusted partner, and you will join travelers from different operators. The sightseeing group may vary in size from 10 to 40 persons.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Gratuity for your tour guide
Tipping your tour guide is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
Age Policy
Child: 8 - 11.99yrs. Adult: 12 yrs+
Accommodation
Hotel Cabin in Reykjavik offers modern, cosy rooms with en suite facilities, a buffet restaurant, and a lobby bar. Stracta Hotel in Hella provides Nordic-style rooms with stunning countryside views, a restaurant, and hot tubs for Northern Lights viewing. Both hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes arrival and departure transfers via FlyBus shuttle from Keflavik Airport and travel in heated coaches with free Wi-Fi on board. The tour also features guided searches for the Northern Lights and visits to various Icelandic attractions.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in simple hotels, with an option to upgrade to 3-star hotels. In Reykjavik, you will stay at Hotel Cabin, which offers modern and cozy rooms with en suite facilities, a buffet restaurant, and complimentary Wi-Fi. In Hella, you will stay at Hotel Stracta, which features Nordic-style rooms, a restaurant with countryside views, and hot tubs for Northern Lights viewing.
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What activities are included in the Northern Lights programme?
The Northern Lights programme includes a combination of lectures, presentations, films, and guided searches for the Northern Lights on two evenings. Midnight refreshments are also provided during these activities.
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Are there any special events planned for New Year's Eve?
Yes, on New Year's Eve, you will visit traditional Brenna bonfires in the villages of Hvolsvöllur and Hella, where locals gather to shoot off fireworks, sing, and dance. The evening includes a festive 4-course dinner on the river banks in Hella, followed by watching fireworks to ring in the New Year, with a chance to see the Northern Lights.
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What is the transportation arrangement for the tour?
Transportation during the tour is provided in heated coaches with free Wi-Fi on board. Additionally, arrival and departure transfers are included via FlyBus shuttle from Keflavik Airport.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners. The dinners consist of a New Year's Eve festive 4-course dinner and a culinary dinner experience in Reykjavik on New Year's Day.
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Is there any special equipment provided for the tour?
Yes, the tour provides winter and Northern Lights explorer equipment, including simple non-slip snow and ice grippers for shoes and a flashlight that is helpful when walking in the dark and operating a photo camera at night.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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