Compare Best of Iceland by G Adventures vs Northern Lights New Year Special by Discover the World
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 2,324 | $ 1,567 |
| Price Per Day | $ 332 | $ 313 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | 6 breakfasts | N/A |
| Description |
If you're looking for a fast but full visit around Iceland, this seven-day trip fits the bill perfectly. It has tons of hidden gems that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, combined with free time to experience plenty of the highlights, like erupting geysers, visiting glacier lagoons, and exploring breathtaking waterfalls and black-sand beaches. Be sure to pack your sense of adventure and get ready to feel Iceland under your feet. |
Celebrate New Year in style on this fantastic short break combining fireworks and a champagne cruise in Reykjavik with aurora hunting and natural wonders galore in Iceland’s beautiful southwest. This escorted holiday gives you a choice of two great countryside hotels, ideally located for northern lights watching, as well as expert-led tours of the South Coast and Golden Circle. |
Day 1 Reykjavik
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
There are pre-bookable activities available for this tour. Check out the "Available Extras" section of the Overview page for more information on these activities, and cost-saving bundles.
Day 2 Reykjavik/Akureyri
Set off from Reykjavik after breakfast and enjoy the scenic journey to the Capital of the North, Akureyri. Explore Akureyri's old town. Enjoy optional lunch in one of the eateries in Akureyri and opt to go on a whale-watching tour.
Eyjafjörður is a scenic spot to enjoy the local wildlife and small villages in the area. Opt to go on a whale-watching excursion.
If you have pre-booked whale watching, you will be going on the excursion this evening.
Day 3 Akureyri to Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður)
Stop at Goðafoss waterfall en route to Mývatn lake. Explore lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð. Visit Dettifoss waterfall before arriving in Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður) for a night in a local guesthouse.
Head to Mývatn lake, stopping en route at Goðafoss waterfall. In Mývatn, explore lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð. Visit Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Reach Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður) in the East Fjords region for a night in a local guesthouse.
Day 4 Bakkagerdi/Hofn
Leave beautiful Bakkagerði behind and travel down the coast driving through the beautiful and majestic eastern fjords. En route to Hofn, catch a glimpse of Vatnajokull glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe.
Day 5 Hofn/Vik
Visit the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach, with a chance to see seals sunbathing on the bright blue ice. Opt to check out the lagoon by boat. Continue on to Skaftafell National Park with time to explore the hiking trails or choose an optional glacier hike with glacier equipment before continuing on in the evening to the small town of Vík.
Marvel at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, with a chance to see seals sunbathing on the bright blue ice. The massive icebergs floating towards shore tower over visitors. Opt to check out the lagoon by boat. Stop by Diamond Beach, which gets its name from chunks of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that float to shore. As these blocks of glacier ice melt, they develop a crystal clear sheen, set against the black sand of the beach. Continue on to Skaftafell National Park with time to explore before continuing on in the evening to the small town of Vík.
Opt to pre-book the Skaftafell National Park Glacier Hike activity on the checkout page. If you have pre-booked glacier hiking on Skaftafell, this activity will take place today.
Day 6 Vik/Reykjavik
Visit Reynisfjara beach. Continue along the Golden Circle to Drumbo. Stop at the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss. Explore the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs and Þingvellir National Park. Arrive to Reykjavík in the early evening.
Day 7 Reykjavik
Depart at any time.
Please note if you opt to book the Silfra Fissure Snorkelling in Thingvellir National Park, you will be gone for a half-day. We advise booking a Post-Night, as your return time could vary depending on the time slot available for the snorkelling activity. The arrival back to the hotel in Reykjavík ranges from 2 pm to as late as 5 pm.
Day 1: arrive in Iceland
Meet your guide and the rest of the group in arrivals at Keflavik Airport, then transfer to Hotel Ranga or Hotel Litli Geysir for a two-night stay on a half board basis (breakfast and a 3 course set menu dinner - chef's choice). Arrangements are usually made for participants to dine as a group.
Day 2: South Coast and waterfalls
Enjoy scenic touring of Iceland's south coast; including the stunning waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Reach the small town of Vik, with its photogenic sea stack rock formations and the intriguing beach-edge basalt columns.
Day 3: Golden Circle and Reykjavik (New Years Eve)
Spend the day exploring the famed Golden Circle route including Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk the rift in between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, the spectacular two-tiered waterfall of Gullfoss and the spouting geysers of Geysir geothermal area. Arrive in Reykjavik and say your goodbyes to your guide in the late afternoon, leaving plenty of time to dress up before heading to the harbour for a 4 course meal and then boarding your boat for a special Champagne cruise. Admire the magnificent fireworks lighting up the night sky for the New Year celebrations from your perfect vantage point on the sea. There are no restrictions on the use of fireworks in Iceland, and this annual tradition means that displays are truly spectacular as locals welcome 2018 in style!
Day 4: at leisure (New Year's Day)
Enjoy a day exploring Reykjavik independently or alternatively, you may wish to book an additional excursion or head to the world famous Blue Lagoon (entrance at additional cost – pre-booking is essential) for a relaxing bathe in the silica-rich waters, the best way to start the New Year! Please contact us in advance to arrange this.
Day 5: depart Iceland
Transfer to Keflavik Airport for the flight back to home.
Notes
Please be aware that New Year is a time for family celebrations in Iceland, therefore a limited number of restaurants/cafes and other attractions will be open on 31 December and 1 January.
The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable and therefore can cause substantial delays which can result in the need to re-arrange or extend your holiday itinerary. Whilst we and our contacts in Iceland will do everything possible to minimise any disruption, it is important that you check the details of your travel insurance and allow for some flexibility in your plans.
