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Far From the Crowds: 6 Days – Iceland New Years Holiday

What better way is there to celebrate the New Year, than in the breathtaking countryside of the South coast of Iceland! Explore countless frozen waterfalls, breath and witness the majestic beauty of Thingvellir National Park and relax in the many geothermal pools that populate this area. This region of Iceland is dotted with natural wonders like Geysir Spouting spring and Kerið Crater.

There is so much to explore, and the end of December is one of the most fascinating months to venture along the South Coast.  Cold crispy winter days, with snow and the cozy Christmas lights to light up the day. And of course, if you are lucky and the weather permits it, you might see the dancing aurora borealis (the Northern Lights) above you to keep the night lit up as well. Iceland New Year Holiday in the wonderful and quiet countryside of the island.

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.

Tour Code

NC-07

Season

New Years

Travel Style

Self-Drive Tour

Duration

6 days / 5 nights

Location

South Iceland

Accessibility

Challenging

Included

  • 5 nights accommodation (Comfort or Quality) with breakfast
  • Rental car of your choice for 6 days with unlimited mileage, CDW & VAT
  • WiFi hotspot in your rental car for easy internet access
  • 1 extra driver for each rental car
  • Transfer with pick-up at your accommodation in Reykjavik upon departure
  • Big, handwritten, detailed map with route, recommendations and accommodations highlighted
  • Written guides of the regions you will be visiting
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • Taxes & service fee

Not Included

  • Flights to/from Iceland
  • Meals & Drinks at restaurants unless otherwise stated in the itinerary
  • Gasoline
  • Personal travel insurance
Day 1 | December, 28: Arrival and Reykjavík

Welcome to your New Years Eve holiday in Iceland. After touching ground at Keflavík International Airport, make your way through the Christmassy decorated airport. After clearing customs, you will collect your rental vehicle.

Afterwards, you are ready to start your winter self-drive adventure! After a long flight, you will have a relaxing day in the countryside of Iceland. Make your way to Selfoss, where the nearby town of Hveragerði has a lot to offer. Enjoy your time in this small lovely town, visiting exhibitions and learn some Icelandic history. Hveragerði is located conveniently in a high-temperature area, so do not be surprised to see many greenhouses in this village. If interested in geothermal powers, we highly recommend visiting Hellisheiði Geothermal Interactive Exhibition.

In the afternoon, make your way towards Hella, where you will stay for the next couple of nights.

In the evening and if you are not too tired, we highly recommend hunting for the magical dancing Northern Lights if the forecast is favorable.

Please note that the itinerary for this day is flexible and can be arranged and adjusted depending on your preferences and expectations, considering also the weather and whether you feel more active or relaxed.

Day 2 | December, 29: Fire and Ice

Iceland is often dubbed as the land of Fire and Ice, and we agree with that. Today you will be visiting the famed South coast of Iceland. Iceland is a highly active volcanic island and the best way for you to learn about its volcanic history is at the LAVA Centre, an interactive exhibition!

Soon after leaving Hvollsvöllur, you will find the most glorious waterfall, Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This unique waterfall has a height of 60 meters in one drop! In the summertime, visitors can actually walk behind the waterfall to get a 360° view of the drop. This won’t be the only waterfall you will see on today’s road trip, the next one is just up ahead. The powerful Skógafoss waterfall, with a total width of 25 meters and a total drop of 60 meters will be a breathtaking sight, before you continue to your next location. Nearby, you will see Mýrdalsjökull glacier on your left-hand side, where you can join various glacier activities, such as Snowmobiling tours, glacier walks and ice climbing.

Reynisfjara beach is eye-catching as it is not like every other beach you see. You will soon discover that the sand and pebbles are black, due to volcanic activity from Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which lies above the powerful volcano Katla. On the beach, you will get a perfect 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 and have caused serious and fatal accidents.

Now you’ve come to your turning point. Make your way to your accommodation where you will stay for a second night.

Day 3 | December, 30: Relaxing day in the countryside

Enjoy a relaxing day in the countryside. There are many things in the area, such as Kerið, a volcanic crater displaying its frozen crystal-clear water.

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 add 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.

Stay another night in the same accommodation as the night before.

Day 4 | December, 31: The Notorious Golden Circle & the end of the year

Today you will explore the wonderful Golden Circle. Make your way to Geysir in the morning, where you might have the place all to your self, as the group tours from Reykjavík are yet to arrive.

Geysir hot spring area is the home and the namesake of all geysers around the world! Geysir hasn´t been active for a long time, but its little brother Strokkur keeps gushing up warm waters, every 5-10 minutes.  Make sure you see this natural miracle erupt!

Nearby you will find Gullfoss or the “Golden Waterfall”, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, with the ground around it covered in ice and likely shielded with snow! This photogenic and alluring waterfall is the perfect place to take your Christmas card photo. Be careful when taking in the sights, as the ground can be slippery.

To complete the Golden Circle, one cannot forget the Þingvellir National Park. This unique park is one of a kind, where you can walk between the North American and the Eurasian tectonic plates.  Þingvellir is also a part of UNESCO World Heritage sites, as it is the world´s oldest parliament. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the park and admire all the stunning natural beauty & history.

Make your way back to your accommodation, where you will celebrate the New Year, with a festive meal and seeing the sky light up with colorful fireworks.

Day 5 | January, 1: The underestimated charm of the Reykjanes Peninsula UNESCO Global Park

The first day of 2020 and your destination of the day is on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Reykjanes Peninsula is a highly active high-temperature area and often missed by travelers. Make your way to Selfoss, and from there to Seltún, a high-temperature area with steaming waters from the boiling mud pools. There are well- marked paths, to guide you through the area safely.

Continue towards the Blue Lagoon, a unique spa located in the middle of lava fields, surrounded by moss and milky blue waters. At this world-famous geothermal area, you can relax after a couple of days on the road and benefit from the effects of the lagoon’s restorative waters (entrance to the Blue Lagoon is optional and currently not included in the itinerary).

Relax and enjoy in this unique environment: natural silica mud mask, warm waters and the best the Icelandic nature has to offer: we can´t think of a better way to start your 2020!

If you are up for it, there are other sights that Reykjanes Peninsula has to offer, such as Gunnuhver, a high-temperature area and Reykjanes Lighthouse. Here you will also find another site where you can stand on the North American and the Eurasian Tectonic plates at the Bridge between the continents.

You will stay the night in Reykjanes Peninsula.

Day 6 | January, 2: Departure

All good things come to an end and today is the last day of your Iceland vacation. Make your way to Keflavík International in time for your departing flight back home.

Us at Iceland Unlimited thank you for choosing to travel with us and hope to see you again in the future.

Have a safe flight and all the best for the New Year!

Highlights:

Comfort

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

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.

4×4 Hyundai Kona


or similiar

Type: SUV Economy
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 3
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)

4×4 Kia Sportage


or similiar

Type: SUV Full Size Intermediate
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)

4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser


or similiar

Type: SUV Full Size
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)

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