New Years in Reykjavik Escorted Vacation

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Reykjavik. Spend the rest of the evening exploring Iceland’s capital or ask your guide for dinner suggestions! Overnight in Reykjavik.

Your first stop is the national park of Thingvellir. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the most important historical site 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. Thingvellir is not only important for Icelandic history, but also as an area of unique geological interest, where the two continental plates can be seen slowly drifting apart. The Great Atlantic rift is clearly visible in Thingvellir; it is a rift that is slowly pulling Iceland apart along tectonic plates and you can literally walk between the American and Eurasian continental divides. From there, continue to Geysir, passing the village of Laugarvatn to explore the hot spring area. Strokkur, the Great Geysir’s little brother, is spouting at a height of about 25 meters and erupts every 5-10 minutes. After lunch, drive to the mighty Gullfoss, perhaps the most beautiful waterfall in the country. After, head to Fridheimar – a geothermal greenhouse farm where fresh tomatoes are grown year round. Continue to the Eldhestar riding center to watch the popular horse show about the Icelandic horse, which has light feet, incredible balance and the ability to master five gaits rather than the traditional three. Overnight in Reykjavik. (B,L)

Start the day with a Reykjavik city tour and see the highlights of Iceland’s exciting capital, including the Whales of Iceland museum that features life-size models of whales and dolphins. Head to the lava town of Hafnarfjordur where you will enjoy a Viking lunch while listening to traditional Icelandic fold songs at a famous local restaurant. After lunch, visit the open-air museum of Arbaejar and learn how Icelanders lived in the past. You will return to your hotel in the evening to collect your ticket to the New Year’s dinner at the Pearl building, a famous landmark and simply Iceland’s prime location to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a 360-degree view of the city. After your main course, your guide will meet you outside the main entrance to begin the bonfire and Christmas Light Tour. You’ll visit one of the many bonfires around Reykjavik to see how Icelanders ring in the New Year. You’ll return to the Pearl for dessert and coffee, live music and a sparkling wine toast as you view a spectacular fireworks display. Overnight in Reykjavik. (B,L,D)

Leave Reykjavik and explore the Peninsula with its dramatic sea shores, fascinating geology, moonscapes, lava fields and fishing villages. The guided tour starts in Bessastadir, the residence of the Icelandic president, and continues to the Viking World Museum in Reykjanesbaer to visit an authentic Viking ship model that sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to New York in 2000. After a light lunch, continue to the bridge over the continents and a lighthouse located at the edge of the Reykjanes Peninsula. While here, tyou may also visit a geothermal power plant to learn how Icelanders benefit from clean geothermal energy in their daily lives. Later, you will reach the Blue Lagoon for photographs and to experience an oasis in the lava that owes its existence to a nearby geothermal power plant, looming large over the aqua tinted waters. Stop for a refreshing swim in the pleasantly warm mineral-rich water, reputed for its healing properties. A dinner will be served in the LAVA restaurant then continue back to Reykjavik. If weather permits, you may participate in a Northern Lights hunt along the way back. (B,L,D)

You will be transferred from your hotel to Reykjavik airport for your return flight home. (B)