Northern Lights New Year Special

5 days
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Group Tour
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...
From$1,567
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Combine a stay in the Icelandic countryside with time in Reykjavik
    • Boost your chances of seeing the aurora borealis by staying in a rural hotel
    • Enjoy an amazing view of the city fireworks
    • Explore the South Coast and Golden Circle on expert-guided tours
    • Start the New Year with a long soak in the Blue Lagoon (optional)

What's this trip about?

    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.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 29 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Festivals & Special Events

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Iceland

Attractions

  • Reykjavík
  • Thingvellir National park

Activities

  • Festivals & Special Events
  • Short Cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

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 geoth...

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 subs...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,567
Price per day$313
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Discover the World.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Discover the World Reviews & Ratings

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Jim

Oct 2017

Fantastic holiday in Iceland. Great service,

Fantastic holiday in Iceland. Great service, everything running perfectly for u...

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Paul

Aug 2017

Great support, everything went like clockwork

Great support and service from Discover The World in making all of the arrangements for our Tailor Made Norwegian Fjord holiday; everything went like clockwork....ap...

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Aug 2017

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Welcome to Discover the World. For 34 years we have been creating inspirational tailor made holidays and are proud of our reputation as one of the UK's leading specialist tour operators. Our Travel Specialists know our destinations inside out having travelled extensively within them. They are on hand to create a holiday to suit your interests, timescale and budget, as well as give practical advice and insider tips.

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Logistics

Accommodation

,Your holiday will commence in Iceland's beautiful southern countryside at either Hotel Ranga or Hotel Geysir. Away from light pollution and with wide open vistas, at each hotel you'll be ideally located to view the northern lights should they occur. At Hotel Ranga you can enjoy optimum night sky viewing in the new roll-off roof observatory which houses computerised telescopes. Please contact our team of travel specialists to discuss accommodation options in Reykjavik. At each of the hotels shown below, accommodation is in rooms with private facilities. Hotel Ranga, near Hella Grade: Deluxe Type: Hotel We're huge fans of Hotel Ranga. And we're not surprised that it’s become a favourite with our clients. Around an hour's drive from Reykjavik, this cosy riverside lodge offers four-star comfort and fine dining in the volcanic heart of rural Iceland. There’s nowhere better for northern lights viewing - Ranga even has its own star-gazing observatory - while our Summer Nights break at this outstanding hotel promises long, indulgent days under the glow of the midnight sun and some fabulous culinary treats. Summer or winter, you are also perfectly located at Ranga for exploring many of Iceland’s most famous natural wonders – including the tectonic triple-whammy of the Golden Circle and the waterfalls, glaciers and black-sand beaches of the South Coast. The perfect place to see the northern lights This is big-sky country. No wonder Ranga has such a glowing reputation for northern lights viewing. You’re miles from any artificial light pollution, so when the aurora appears you’re in for a truly unforgettable experience. Hotel Ranga offers its guests an aurora wake-up call so you needn’t worry about missing the spectacle. The staff are genuinely enthusiastic (and knowledgeable) about all-things aurora. You can glean tips on photographing the northern lights and learn about how they’re created. Gaze at the cosmos while gently poaching in one of Ranga's outdoor hot tubs or see beyond the aurora, deep into space, using the hotel’s new, state-of-the-art observatory.   Hotel Geysir Grade: Standard Type: Hotel Hotel Litli Geysir is a modern building with 22 ensuite rooms. It is located opposite the hot spring area which gave the hotel its name. Home to the world-famous Strokkur geyser, the Geysir geothermal area gave its name to geysers the world over. The accommodation is part of the Geysir Centre which consists of a building complex with restaurant, souvenir shop, outdoor and clothing store, snack shop and Geysir museum all within walking distance. The restaurant on site puts its emphasis on excellent dining in a beautiful environment, and features an a la carte menu accompanied by a first-class wine list. Featuring light dishes, international favourites and local Icelandic seafood, there is plenty to suite every taste. Lunch is served buffet-style and stands as a testament to Iceland's Norse heritage by serving on board a Viking ship. Dinner is candlelit and puts the focus on the geothermal Geysir and spouting Strokkur, which can be seen from the dining room.   Center Hotel Arnarhvoll, Reykjavik Grade: Standard Type: Hotel A 104 room ultra-modern hotel, the Arnarhvoll boasts stylish Scandinavian décor throughout, running on a colour scheme of black, red and chrome. The top floor is reserved for the Panorama Restaurant, which offer first-rate cuisine and excellent city views. An on site spa and wellness centre are also available, meaning that you can relax and unwind without having to travel as far as the Blue Lagoon. A Turkish Bath, Jacuzzi and Finnish sauna are also available. Each guestroom offers a contemporary, artistic feel and there is a selection of standard and deluxe rooms and suites. All rooms have flat-screen TV's, mini-bar, high speed Internet and private facilities, some with bath and shower. There are a limited number of free parking spaces for self drive clients.   Center Hotel Plaza, Reykjavik Grade: Standard Type: Hotel A stylish hotel, the 200 room Hotel Plaza is found in the heart of the old town, next to a wide selection of restaurants, shops and nightclubs. With museums and the famous harbour nearby, there is plenty to keep busy during the day and with the hotel conveniently placed, you can return at any time to put up your feet or to simply change your clothes. Although there is no restaurant on site, the bar is a fine place to relax, smartly furnished and coming complete with a quality selection of cocktails, beers and wines. The lounge provides comfortable seating and a laid-back area to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Each of the hotel's 200 rooms is well-appointed and boasts a bright décor and contemporary oak furnishings. The rooms on the top floor offer incredible views over the city. Whether you choose to stay in a Standard Room, Classic Room, Superior Room or Junior Suite, all come complete with en suite bathroom, minibar, tea & coffee facilities, TV, hairdryer and fee internet.   Fosshotel Reykjavik Grade: Superior Type: Hotel Fosshotel Reykjavik is a modern and stylish hotel in Reykjavik’s business district, only a short distance from Laugavegur, the main shopping street. The largest hotel in Iceland, Fosshotel Reykjavik has 320 rooms over 16 floors with many providing fantastic views of the city and bay area. All rooms feature a Flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a desk and a private bathroom. Fosshotel Reykjavik offers two different restaurant options for guests. The ‘Haust Restaurant’ offers a fine dining experience and a sleek, modern setting with the menu focusing on fresh Icelandic local produce. Alternatively choose to unwind and relax in ‘The Beergarden’ which offers a magnitude of draft beers paired perfectly with a selection of great dishes including a twist on the popular Icelandic hot dogs. Other facilities include a gym which is open 24 hours a day.
Cancellation policy

If you fail to pay the full cost of the holiday within the specified time or if you cancel your holiday, you will be liable as a minimum, to pay the charges detailed below up to the point of cancellation. Or in the case of failure to pay, at the date that we deem your booking to have been cancelled. Should you wish to cancel your booking after it has been accepted you must send us written notice signed by the person who made and confirmed the booking. The cancellation charge will be calculated according to the date when we receive written notice of cancellation, or the date upon which your cancellation is treated as occurring because of nonpayment.

We reserve the right to apply the following cancellation charges based on a proportion of the total cost of the holiday as shown on our invoice, excluding those items referred to below.

More than 60 days: deposit

60-22 days: 50% of holiday cost

21-15 days: 75% of holiday cost

14-8 days: 90% of holiday cost

7-0 days: 100% of holiday cost

Note: non refundable air, concert or event tickets will be charged at 100% and the above scale of charges refund in respect to the Concert/Event ticket only, and no other compensation or refunds will be due.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Best chance to see the northern lights

Although sightings of the aurora can never be guaranteed, this holiday includes two nights in a countryside hotel, far from artificial light pollution. Options include Hotel Ranga with its aurora wake-up service, outdoor hot tubs and stargazing observatory or Hotel Litli Geysir, conveniently located close to the famous natural feature by the same name. See Itinerary and Accommodation for more details.

 

Explore Iceland’s natural wonders

Aurora hunting by night, waterfall chasing by day... the guided tours on this escorted holiday will take you to some of Iceland’s most beautiful cascades. Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are stars of the South Coast where you will also skirt the volcano of Eyjafjallajokull and visit Vik with its black-sand beaches and dramatic sea stacks. Exploring the Golden Circle, you will feel the thunder of Gullfoss waterfall, as well as witness the explosive power of the Strokkur geyser and walk through a rift between the North American and Eurasian continental plates. After all that fresh air, you’ll spend your evenings indulging in fine dining and relaxing in your hotel’s outdoor hot tubs.

 

Ring in the New Year in Reykjavik

Peruse the shops, cafes, art galleries and museums of stylish Reykjavik as you build up to the New Year celebrations. On New Year's Eve, enjoy a special dinner before setting off on a champagne cruise – the perfect offshore vantage from which to enjoy the city’s magnificent fireworks display. On New Year’s Day, explore more of the sights of Reykjavik or treat yourself to a relaxing dip in the soothing, silica-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon – an unforgettable way to welcome the New Year! Please note: entrance to the Blue Lagoon is at an additional cost and pre-booking is essential.

Trip ID
discov3-NorLig

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