Compare Iceland: New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik by Road Scholar vs Wellness Iceland by G Adventures
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,899 | $ 2,624 |
| Price Per Day | $ 483 | $ 375 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included |
5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 3 Dinners |
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners |
| Description |
Participate in one of the world’s most unique celebrations of the New Year in Reykjavik, Iceland, where ancient traditions and modern technology combine in spectacular fashion. First appreciate the stillness and beauty of the Icelandic countryside at the waterfall Gulfoss and along the scenic southern coast. Discover Thingvellir National Park, where Vikings met and formed the world’s oldest parliament. Then, join Icelandic families around their celebratory New Year’s Eve bonfires, enjoy a gala dinner and watch the amazing fireworks display. |
The otherworldly landscapes of Iceland offer perhaps the closest thing one can have to an out-of-body travel experience. Equal parts rugged and tranquil, the country’s beauty offers the perfect sanctuary from daily distractions back home. Your soothing journey across the country’s southern coast starts with a hike up Öskjuhlíð Hill overlooking the mosaic-like architecture of Reykjavik. Private transportation offers you the luxury of time to see the iconic sights of the Golden Circle and Thingvellir National Park before heading to the stunning black-sand beaches of Reynisfjara for a unique meditation session. And, of course, a visit to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Blue Lagoon, a naturally-heated hotspot for travellers willing to go halfway around the world just to unwind. |
Day 1: In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day 2: Welcome to Iceland, Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation:Grand Hotel Reykjavik
Activity note: Check-in available from 2:00 PM. Please make sure to pack your bathing suit in your carry-on luggage, as we are visiting the Blue Lagoon on our way to the first hotel.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the Northern Light Inn. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals.
Morning: After breakfast, drive to the Blue Lagoon. Begin your Icelandic experience with a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich, geothermally-heated waters of the Blue Lagoon. (Entrance and towels included.) Fully refreshed, continue to the city of Reykjavik and check in at the hotel.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Free time to relax or explore a little in downtown Reykjavik. Program Introduction will be at dinner. Your Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: Welcome dinner and introduction. Experience traditional Icelandic cuisine at Lækjarbrekka, one of Reykjavik's most historic restaurants, located in a charming old building of Reykjavík. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically a three-course set menu.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 3: The Golden Circle of Landscape and History, Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Reykjavik
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: As the morning light brightens, depart to the golden waterfall — Gullfoss. Experience the stillness and beauty of the wintry countryside and the frozen waterfall. Continue to Geysir, where the active Strokkur Geyser bursts forth every few minutes in a cloud of steam. Discuss how geothermal energy is used to provide hot water, heat and grow vegetables.
Lunch: At a local restaurant. Unless otherwise noted, lunches on this program are typically a two-course set menu.
Afternoon: Return via Thingvellir National Park, the site of the original Parliament and the most sacred place in Iceland because of its geological and historical significance. The Althing, or General Assembly, was established in 930 CE and is the world’s oldest existing parliament. Not only historically significant, the site is located on the meeting point of the American and European continental plates.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 4: New Year's Eve in Iceland: Bonfires and Fireworks, Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Reykjavik
Activity note: Participants are encouraged to bring warm shoes, a scarf and hat for the bonfire.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Discover Europe's northernmost capital on an expert-led visit of Reykjavik with your Group Leader, a National Guide of Iceland.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Free time. You may wish to visit the Reykjavik Art Museum, The Culture House, or the Volcano House. Another option is to take a walk around Lake Tjornin in the center of Reykjavik or up to the Church of Hallgrimur for a great view of the city. Your Group Leader will provide directions and advice as needed.
Dinner: New Year’s Eve celebration with a festive 5-course gala dinner at the Grand Hotel Reykjavik. There will be entertainment and live music.
Evening: Set out to experience the bonfires that kick off the evening’s celebration in each community surrounding Reykjavik. Mingle with locals, as no one misses the annual bonfire! Each town vies for the reputation of having the best. Return to the hotel for coffee and dessert. From your vantage point, watch as the entire sky, as far as the eye can see, fills with fireworks as midnight approaches, building to an endless explosion of light and color that are of a beauty and magnitude like nowhere else on earth.
Day 5: South Coast, Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Reykjavik
Activity note: Due to winter weather and distance, you will spend approx. 5-6 hours on the bus today, driving along the South Coast.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Depart Reykjavik in the late morning to journey along the scenic south coast. The white snow and black lava contrast starkly in the peaceful winter landscape.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Seljalands waterfall and the Skogar Museum of folk history. Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon.
Dinner: Hotel dining room. Enjoy a festive dinner as the hotel greets the New Year.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 6: Departures, Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Check out of the hotel. View the recent archaeological discovery of the city’s origins during an expert-led visit of the Reykjavik Settlement Exhibition, then depart to the National Museum. After an expert-led introduction, view the exhibits independently.
Lunch: A light lunch in a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Depart to Keflavik International Airport (KEF). This concludes our program.
Day 1 Reykjavik
Arrive at any time. Enjoy an included airport transfer to your Reykjavik hotel and join the group for a welcome meeting. Take this opportunity to set your intention for the trip ahead.
Day 2 Reykjavik
Enjoy a CEO-led morning hike to Öskjuhlíð Hill. The rest of the day is yours to explore Reykjavik. Opt to visit the Nautholskvik Geothermal beach or Vesturbaejarlaug pools. Hop on a bike for a city tour of Reykjavik or go whale watching.
Day 3 Reykjavik/Hveragerdi
Leave the city behind and explore the famous Golden Circle. Explore and practice yoga in Þingvellir National Park. Afterwards, take some time to relax and soak in natural pools and hot springs, then visit a local bakery for a rye bread geothermal baking demonstration. Later in the afternoon, visit the Geysir Hot Springs and the Gullfoss waterfall.
Day 4 Hveragerdi
Enjoy a morning hike around the Reykjadalur area. Take in the stunning landscapes, explore natural hot springs, and enjoy a CEO-led meditation. In the evening, visit a nearby horse farm and enjoy a dinner of locally-sourced produce.
Day 5 Hveragerdi
Start the day strapping on your crampons for a glacier hike on Solheimajokul glacier. Later, enjoy a mantra meditation practice on the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach. Explore some of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, including Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss and take time for inner reflection with a guided meditation session.
Day 6 Hveragerdi
Start the day with a yoga practice at the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula, renowned for its depth. Spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful Reykjanes peninsula, including colourful geothermal areas, dramatic coastal cliffs, and a footbridge spanning two continents, before enjoying a farewell dinner together.
Due to recent volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, it is necessary to temporarily adjust activities on day 6 and 7 of this itinerary. Day 6 will now include a Kerið Crater Lake visit followed by yoga at Urriðafoss, with an afternoon visit at the Gjain Valley and waterfalls area.
Day 7 Hveragerdi/Reykjavik
Following a morning restorative yoga practice, head to the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy one last soak or opt for a treatment, before heading to the airport with your included transfer.
Due to recent volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, it is necessary to temporarily adjust activities on day 6 and 7 of this itinerary. This morning includes restorative yoga as planned, followed by a visit to the Sky Lagoon. The below will come back into effect for regularly scheduled departures. You will arrive at the Blue Lagoon by 11:00am. An included airport transfer to Keflavik airport will depart at approximately 2pm from the Blue Lagoon. We advise to only book onward travel after 4:30pm.
