Home / Multi-Day Tours / Reykjavík / Christmas & New Year’s Adventure 11-day Self-drive tour
December in Iceland is one of the most magical times of the year. In this extraordinary holiday package, you will visit the highlights of the West and the South, including national parks, glaciers, lava beaches, and frozen waterfalls. You will enjoy a memorable New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik which is all about fun, gourmet food, fireworks, and crispy winter air! You will find impressive bonfires and spectacular public firework shows around the city and almost every family has its own sparkling firework display to welcome the new year.
If you are interested in receiving more information about this tour, please click on the “Request a quote” widget on the left side of the page. A quick form will open up where you will provide us with more information about your travel expectations. You will then be connected with your specialized travel agent who will assist you throughout the planning a provide a fully detailed quote.
Please note that this itinerary can be adjusted and customized to meet your travel needs and preferences. The package can also be offered as a privately guided tour if a self-drive option is not what you had in mind for your Iceland experience.
NC-02
Christmas & New Years
Self-Drive Tour
11 days / 10 nights
West & South Iceland
Welcome to your Iceland Christmas & New Year’s Eve self-drive Holiday. Upon landing at Keflavík International Airport and passing through customs, you will be met by your private chauffeur. He will transfer you to your accommodation in Reykjavík.
Reykjavík is a lively city, especially at this time of the year where everything is in full Christmas mood. Today is the first official day of Christmas in Iceland, Þorláksmessa, named after Iceland’s patron Saint. During this day many Icelanders feast on skate, a “special” fish dish. This fish is not like your everyday fish that you can order at a restaurant, as it has a distinctive, strong smell of ammonia. To fully get into the Icelandic tradition, you should challenge your taste buds and see if you are up for this special delicacy, it is a real adventure, only for the brave!
Enjoy the sights of Reykjavík and breath in the Christmas atmosphere, the sparkling decorations, and gold lights that brighten up the darkness, typical of these winter months.
Þorláksmessa is also known to be one of the most popular shopping days in Iceland, as this is the last chance to purchase a Christmas gift. In the evening, enjoy a stroll on Laugavegur shopping street, where stores and cafés have longer opening hours.
Today, a representative from our car rental company will be picking you up in the morning, taking you to their headquarters, where you will sign the rental agreement and receive your rental car.
You should then be ready to leave town and head to the mystique Borgarfjörður fjord. Borgarfjörður has many sights that are not to be missed, such as the volcanic crater Grábrók, Hraunfossar waterfalls, Deildartunguhver (the largest hot spring in Europe).
Today is also Christmas Eve, where Icelanders celebrate Christmas with festive delicacies and exchange gifts. Enjoy a festive evening at your hotel, and if you are lucky, you might see the Northern Lights, the most spectacular natural phenomenon in the Arctic region. You will stay the night in the area.
In Iceland, Christmas day is usually quiet, since this is the day where extended families gather together and enjoy a nice lunch in the company of their dear ones. Today is all about family and quality time.
You have a free day today and you can choose how you would like to spend it. You can, for example, relax in your cozy countryside hotel, under a blanket with a warm cup of hot chocolate and cookies and explore the surrounding area!
Another option for you is to have a little road trip to the majestic Snæfellsnes Peninsula! Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often known as “Iceland in Miniature” since this region truly has it all! Towering mountains, waterfalls, black beaches and even a black church with white sandy beaches next to it! On your way to the peninsula, you will see the rising crater of Eldborg in a far distance.
On the South side of the peninsula, you will find several stunning natural attractions, such as Arnarstapi with its interesting rock formations, the Black wooden church at Búðir, Lóndrangar rock pinnacles and Djúpisandur beach with black pebbles. From this area, you will also see the noble and imperial glacier Snæfellsjökull, which was featured in Jules Verne novel The Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
After your day on the road, return to your country hotel in Borgarfjörður for a second night.
The Golden Circle is next on your schedule! Drive South towards Mosfellssveit, and then off to the amazing Þingvellir National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich with its incredible natural beauty, history and where you can see how the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are diverging. Continue to the famous Geyser geothermal fields and witness the great erupting spring that gives the name to every other spouting spring in the world. Close-by you’ll find Gullfoss (Golden Falls), recently voted one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world. During winter time, you should expect the waterfall to be partially frozen, so please be careful when enjoying this famous destination.
In the area, you will find popular lunch stops where we recommend stopping for a traditional Icelandic meal. One of our favourite picks is our beloved Icelandic lamb soup. You will find your accommodation for the night in this area.
Today you have another day to explore the area of the popular Golden Circle. One of the most unique sights in Iceland is the beautiful Friðheimar: a local farm that produces tomatoes all year round. A beautiful location, surrounded by nature – you can visit the premises, walk around the greenhouse and learn more about the power of our geothermal energy. Escape the cold and enter this cozy space, take a tour and have a nice warm meal in the beautiful indoor restaurant. In the Golden Circle area, you will also find many great geothermal pools and hot pots. Near Friðheimar Tomato farm is Flúðir, the home of the Secret Lagoon, a natural pool with hot water and rising steam, that only adds magic to an already breathtaking location.
If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, we highly recommend visiting Fontana Spa, its hot pots and saunas.
A natural sight well worth visiting is also Kerið, a volcanic crater displaying its frozen crystal-clear water. Stay another night in the same accommodation as the night before.
Today you are continuing towards the beautiful South coast of Iceland. Drive east towards the picturesque waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. As previously mentioned, during the wintertime, waterfalls tend to be partially frozen, admire and explore with caution.
Close to Skógafoss you will find Skógar museum, where you can get a glimpse of how Icelanders used to live in the old days. Next stop is Mýrdalsjökull glacier where you can join a guided glacier hike or a snowmobiling tour if you wish to add some adrenaline to your day. Drive further along the south shore to the village of Vík. Once there, visit the black volcanic beach of Reynisfjara with a view of the Reynisdrangar ocean cliffs. This is the perfect opportunity for a nice afternoon/evening walk. Take extra care though, as the waves are especially strong in this point and have caused serious and fatal accidents. You will be staying the night in the Vík/Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
When ready to leave Vík behind, continue to Skaftafell, a part of the Vatnajökull National Park. On your way, make sure not to miss the amazing Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, just outside the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The canyon reaches down to 100m in depth, and has the striking length of 2km, with the Fjaðrá river flowing through it. Skaftafell is a site of immense beauty and diverse landscapes. There you’ll find many different hiking routes. We recommend a light hike to Svartifoss waterfall, that features pitch black hexagonal basalt columns and a rugged canyon. Continue east to the amazing Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and enjoy the floating icebergs in this crown jewel of Icelandic nature. If you are a lobster fan, we recommend you continue to the village of Höfn – the lobster capital of Iceland, where you can enjoy a nice lobster dinner, maybe the best you will ever have! This night you will be staying in the area of Höfn/Jökulsárlón.
Here will be your turning back point. After breakfast, you will head back South towards the capital. Drive via the beautiful South coast towards Hella. Heading to Vik you will drive through the great lava field Eldhraun. Once in Vík, you can visit sights that you missed on day 6 or simply spend more time visiting your favorite sites in the area. You will stay the night in the area of Hella.
If you are interested, we can organize some activities for you, such as a horseback riding tour in the countryside, Ice cave tour or other glacier activities.
Here comes the last day of the year and you are in the perfect place to celebrate: a small, lively island close to the arctic circle. But as the night comes, you will see that the atmosphere will get brighter and more colorful than you could ever imagine. Start making your way to the capital, where you will celebrate the last day of the year!
Upon arrival in Reykjavík we recommend a nice dinner (we can assist you with reservations). Afterward, we recommend visiting a local bonfire, which is an Icelandic custom that dates to the 18th century. The locals gather to celebrate the beginning of the new year, by burning away the old one and making space for the new! Later in the evening, you will see the sky light up with colorful sparks of fireworks.
After the fireworks show, you can celebrate the new year in one of Reykjavik’s night clubs where you can toast the New Year and show your skills on the dance floor before returning to your hotel late into the night. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Today is all about pampering yourself and taking it easy after yesterday’s festivities! Around noon, you will be picked up by a private chauffeur who will transfer you to the Blue Lagoon, where we have reserved a Premium Entrance for you. Included in your admission are the entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, use of towel, one drink of your choice, slippers, and use of a bathrobe.
Enjoy the lagoon and its world-famous milky blue water: we can´t think of a better way to start the New Year!
Once ready to return to Reykjavík, you will take the next shuttle to the city. You will stay at the same hotel as the night before this last night in Iceland.
Today it is time to say goodbye to Iceland! We hope that you have enjoyed your Christmas and New Year’s Eve holiday in Iceland with Iceland Unlimited.
You will be transferred to Keflavík International Airport by either a shuttle bus (Budget & Comfort) or by a private chauffeur (Quality) in time for your departing flight back home!
We wish you all the best for 2020 and hope to see you again in Iceland in the future
Comfort accommodations offer access to private facilities (shower and toilet). This type of lodges belongs to the 3-star hotel category. Most of these properties have an in-house restaurant. This section offers an upgrade in comfort and service compared to the budget category. Breakfast is included.
Quality accommodations offer private rooms with en-suite shower/bath and toilet. These rooms are the best available accommodations in 4-star hotels or the highest quality lodges in each region. Luxury accommodations - the highest class of lodges, suites, and penthouses - are available upon request. Breakfast is included.
Type: SUV Economy
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 3
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size Intermediate
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Hallgrímskirkja Church is most certainly Reykjavík´s best-known landmark. The white concrete Church whose image is printed in many postcards, dominates the city. As a matter of fact its tower can be seen from almost every corner of Reykjavík. Its distinctive and futuristic exterior made the Church one of the most visited spots in Reykjavík.
Harpa is the famous concert hall and conference center located in Reykjavik. The building features a distinctive and original colored glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland. Its unique architecture makes it one of Reykjavik most loved landmarks.
Laugavegur is the main shopping street in Reykjavik and it is located in the heart of the city. Its name means literally „wash road“ as this was once the route to the hot springs where many Icelanders took their clothes to launder. Today it is a vibrant and innovative street filled with designer ateliers, tourist gift shops, bars, and restaurants.
Þórláksmessa is an Icelandic holiday celebrated on December 23rd, in honor of Þorlákur Þórhallsson, bishop of Skálholt, who was canonized and recognized as the patron saint of Iceland in 1984.
The Aurora is a natural phenomenon caused by electrically charged particles, mainly electrons and protons ejected from the sun colliding with atoms of oxygen and nitrogen causing them to emit light that is visible to us. These hypnotic lights are known as Aurora Borealis, Polar Lights or Northern Lights in the arctic north and Aurora Australis (southern lights) around the south pole. The color of the Aurora has to do with the type of gas that these particles collide with, oxygen produces green light at low altitudes and red at high altitudes. Nitrogen produces purple Aurora. The green color is the most common and red can only be seen at the strongest of geomagnetic storms. The full understanding of the physical processes that cause the aurora are still a mystery but we know the fundamental causes of the Aurora is the interaction of solar wind with the Earth‘s magnetosphere.
There are three basic requirements for seeing the northern lights. Solar activity, darkness and clear skies. This means that you cannot see the northern lights during summer, they are still happening, there's even a phenomenon called daylight aurora, but our eyes cannot detect them as sunlight drowns out the Aurora. So the darker the better. Going out of the city is not a requirement, the Aurora can often be spotted within city limits in Iceland, however to best enjoy them going away from city lights enhances the experience. Also people should not use mobile phones if they are looking for the northern lights, as the light from the screen will make it harder for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. It‘s always a good idea to take warm clothes on your Aurora excursions as Iceland can get very cold in the winter, that means wool undergarments, warm mid layer and a windproof shell.
Grábrók Crater is the larger of three craters in a volcanic fissure belonging to the volcanic system of Ljosufjoll. Grábrók is located in the fjord of Borgarfjörður in West Iceland.
Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls coming from underneath Hallmundarhraun, a lava field formed by an eruption of the volcano situated under the glacier Langjökull. The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá river. Hraunfossar is located near Húsafell and Reykholt.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring is the largest hot spring in Europe. It provides all hot water for the neighbouring villages.
The Aurora is a natural phenomenon caused by electrically charged particles, mainly electrons and protons ejected from the sun colliding with atoms of oxygen and nitrogen causing them to emit light that is visible to us. These hypnotic lights are known as Aurora Borealis, Polar Lights or Northern Lights in the arctic north and Aurora Australis (southern lights) around the south pole. The color of the Aurora has to do with the type of gas that these particles collide with, oxygen produces green light at low altitudes and red at high altitudes. Nitrogen produces purple Aurora. The green color is the most common and red can only be seen at the strongest of geomagnetic storms. The full understanding of the physical processes that cause the aurora are still a mystery but we know the fundamental causes of the Aurora is the interaction of solar wind with the Earth‘s magnetosphere.
There are three basic requirements for seeing the northern lights. Solar activity, darkness and clear skies. This means that you cannot see the northern lights during summer, they are still happening, there's even a phenomenon called daylight aurora, but our eyes cannot detect them as sunlight drowns out the Aurora. So the darker the better. Going out of the city is not a requirement, the Aurora can often be spotted within city limits in Iceland, however to best enjoy them going away from city lights enhances the experience. Also people should not use mobile phones if they are looking for the northern lights, as the light from the screen will make it harder for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. It‘s always a good idea to take warm clothes on your Aurora excursions as Iceland can get very cold in the winter, that means wool undergarments, warm mid layer and a windproof shell.
Arnarstapi is a small fishing village at the foot of Stapafell mountain, between Hellnar village and Breiðavík farms, on the southern side of Snæfellsnes, Iceland. It is famous for its extraordinary columnar basalt and rock formations.
Búðakirkja Church is a famous black wooden Church built up in 1703. This fascinating building sits alone in the Búðahraun lava field.
Lóndrangar is a pair of gigantic rock pinnacles in the south of Snæfellsnes.
Snæfellsjökull Glacier is a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano in western Iceland. The glacier-volcano is active and it is believed to be one of the seven energy centres of the earth.
Þingvellir National Park is the most important historic and geological sites in Iceland. The area is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland, being situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and today the entire area is a protected national treasure.
Gullfoss, also called the Golden Waterfall, is one of the most iconic gems of the likewise named Golden Circle. The waterfall is located in the upper part of the River Hvíta. Gullfoss is actually two separate waterfalls, the upper one has a drop of 11 meters and the lower one 21 meters.
Geysir is the famous hot spring area located in the Haukadalur valley. The main attraction is known as Strokkur, which erupts energetically at regular intervals of 10 minutes or so its boiling waterjets can reach as high as 30 meters.
The Secret Lagoon was created in 1891. This geothermal pool is the oldest one in Iceland! It opened to the public in 2005 and it offers showers, a bar & an eating area. It is conveniently located in the Golden Circle area.
Laugarvatn Fontana is a Spa & Wellness center built on natural hot springs. It is located at the Golden Circle area, you can enjoy steam baths or the geothermal pools while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake Laugarvatn.
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake located in the area called Grímsnes in the South of Iceland, along the famous Golden Circle route. The crater walls are steep and often covered with Icelandic moss. The inside of the crater is a lake whose water is aquamarine colored due to the minerals from the soil. The crater is 55 meters deep and about 3000 years old.
Skógafoss is a waterfall located on the Skógá river on the South Coast of Iceland. This picture-perfect waterfall descends 60 meters from the cliffs. Before pouring down the cliffs becoming the famous waterfall, the river flows through the Skógárgil gorge.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous and visited waterfalls in Iceland. It located along the South Coast of the Country right by the road n. 1. The waterfall is part of the Seljalands river that originated from the famous volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The waterfall is approximately 60-meter high and it is famous for its path that leads visitor behind its powerful water flow.
Reynisfjara is a famous black sand beach in the South of Iceland, just next to the village of Vik. Black sand, lava formations, and basalt columns make it a popular stop for all visitors.
Reynisdrangar cliffs are towering basalt-type rock formations situated near the shore of Reynisfjara black sand beach, on the South Coast of Iceland. The folk legend wants them to be the rocky representation of two trolls turned into stone after being caught by the sunlight after dawn.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur is home to Iceland’s first monastery, built in 1186. In the area of the village there are many of the South Coast's interesting attractions such as the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and Kirkjugolf- the church floor.
The visitor center for the Vatnajökull national park is a source of information and support for weary travelers all year round. From Skaftafell hikers enjoy paths to Sjónarnípa, Svartifoss as well as the ever-popular glacier hiking tours, including a day climb to the highest summit in Iceland, Hvannadalshnúkur.
Vatnajökull glacier is the 3rd largest glacier in Europe at 8100 km is the largest ice cap in Iceland and covers close to 9% of the entire country. The glacier is named after the lakes that can be found on top of the ice cap as the several active volcanoes melt the ice from below.
Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lake located in the Southeast of Iceland on the edge of the Vatnajökull National Park. The Lagoon developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake can be seen from Route 1 between Höfn and Skaftafell. The lagoon offers outstanding views of the ice cap and it is one of the most spectacular and loved, natural destinations in all Iceland.
The newly named Diamond Beach is a popular site for visitors in recent years. The icebergs floating out of the glacier lagoon wash up on the black beach and visitors get a chance to get up close with crystal clear ice.
Svartifoss, or the Black Fall, is a beautiful waterfall in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. It falls off dark lava columns. The hike to the waterfall takes approximately 45 minutes
Eldhraun is a lava field in the southern highlands of Iceland. It was created by a great volcano eruption known as Skaftareldar.
Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland, located on the ring road (Road number 1), featuring the impressive and popular black sand beach.
Skogár Folk Museum is located next to the Skógafoss waterfall, in south Iceland. It consists of a cultural heritage collection of folk craft artifacts and examples of typical Icelandic turf farmhouses.
Please visit the museum's webpage for further information. https://www.skogasafn.is/
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
Hallgrímskirkja Church is most certainly Reykjavík´s best-known landmark. The white concrete Church whose image is printed in many postcards, dominates the city. As a matter of fact its tower can be seen from almost every corner of Reykjavík. Its distinctive and futuristic exterior made the Church one of the most visited spots in Reykjavík.
Lighting bonfires is an Icelandic tradition that has lasted for decades. Bonfires are lit on New Year's Eve, where people gather together to celebrate the end of the year.
The Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal spa located in Reykjanes peninsula nearby the International Airport of Iceland. It was formed during an operation at the nearby geothermal power plant. Reservations in advance are necessary for those who are planning a visit.
Reykjavík Old Harbour is fast becoming the new lively center of the city. There you will find museums such as Maritime Museum, the Northern Lights center and the Whales of Iceland exhibition. The harbour, which is quickly transforming into a modern city space, is also home to restaurants and cafes. A local favourite is ice cream shop Valdís, which makes fresh ice cream every morning and always offers new flavours.
