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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.

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SEASON
New Years
travel style
Self-Drive Tours
Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Location
South Iceland
accessibility
Challenging

If you are interested in receiving more information about this tour, please fill in a quick form bellow to 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.

The itinerary

This itinerary can be offered throughout the year (some adjustments might be required depending on travel dates).

December, 28: Arrival and Reykjavík

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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.

Attractions of the day
Hellisheiðarvirkjun - Geothermal Power Plant
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December, 29: Fire and Ice

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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.

Attractions of the day
Seljalandsfoss
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Skógafoss
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Reynisfjara - Black Sand Beach
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December, 30: Relaxing day in the countryside

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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.

Attractions of the day
Kerið Crater
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Laugarvatn Fontana Spa
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Secret Lagoon
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December, 31: The Notorious Golden Circle & the end of the year

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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.

Attractions of the day
Þingvellir National Park
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Gullfoss Waterfall
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Geysir
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January, 1: The underestimated charm of the Reykjanes Peninsula UNESCO Global Park

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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.

Attractions of the day
Gunnuhver geothermal area
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Geothermal area in Seltún
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The Bridge Between the Continents
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The Blue Lagoon
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Reykjanes Peninsula
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January, 2: Departure

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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!

Attractions of the day
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What's included in the tour

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

Discover local activities and adventures

Let your personal travel consultant know what other activities catch your eye and we’ll add them to your custom-made trip itinerary.

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Unwind in the perfect accommodations

We handpick accommodations to ensure memorable stays for every type of traveler.

Comfort

Experience a higher level of comfort with our carefully selected comfort accommodations, each offering private facilities including a shower and toilet for your convenience and privacy. These lodges fall under the 3-star hotel category, providing a perfect blend of quality and value. Most properties boast an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of meals without needing to venture far. In Reykjavik, all comfort accommodations are ideally situated in central locations, giving you easy access to the city’s main attractions, shopping districts, and vibrant cultural spots. This category represents a significant upgrade in both comfort and service compared to budget options, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a cozy yet affordable stay. To make your mornings hassle-free, a delicious breakfast is included with your stay.

Quality

Our quality accommodations feature spacious private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, offering the choice of a relaxing bath or a refreshing shower, along with a private toilet to ensure maximum comfort and privacy. These rooms represent the best available lodging options, found within prestigious 4-star hotels or the finest, highest-quality lodges across each region. In Reykjavik, all quality accommodations are centrally located, placing you within easy reach of the city’s key attractions, shopping areas, and vibrant dining and cultural scenes. These accommodations provide an elevated experience with superior comfort, thoughtful amenities, and attentive service designed to make your stay truly memorable. To enhance your visit, a complimentary breakfast is included each morning, helping you start your day well-nourished and ready to explore.

Luxury

Our luxury accommodations feature exquisite suites and premium rooms within top-tier lodges and resorts, offering an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. Designed with refined decor and upscale touches, these accommodations provide a seamless blend of style, comfort, and exclusivity. Personalized services cater to your every need, ensuring a truly indulgent and tailored experience. In Reykjavik, all luxury accommodations are centrally located, placing you at the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural scene, fine dining, shopping, and key attractions. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an immersive urban experience, these upscale lodgings deliver the perfect base. Classy, elegant, and supremely comfortable, our luxury options strive to provide a first-class stay marked by exceptional amenities, impeccable service, and attention to detail. Every aspect is carefully crafted to make your visit not just memorable, but extraordinary.

Get a vehicle that fits your needs

4×4 Hyundai Kona
type
SUV Economy
Passengers
5
Luggage
3
Doors
5
TRANSMISSION
Automatic (Manual option available)
4x4 Kia Sportage
type
SUV Full Size Intermediate
Passengers
5
Luggage
4
Doors
5
TRANSMISSION
Automatic (Manual option available)
4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser
type
SUV Full size
Passengers
5
Luggage
4
Doors
5
TRANSMISSION
Automatic (Manual option available)

Good to know

Prepare for your adventure with these essential tips and information for a smooth journey.

Contact us
How do I pay for my bookings at icelandunlimited.is?

We accept all major credit cards. We also allow you to pay by electronic bank transfer.

What are Iceland Unlimited’s opening hours?

Iceland Unlimited’s office is open from: 9 AM to 5 PM local time, Monday to Friday from 1 Sept to 30 April. During the summer Iceland Unlimited is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sundays 9 AM to 2 PM. In case of emergencies our customers can call our emergency phone number +354 774 0070 during closing hours. In case of severe emergencies during your travel in Iceland, such as car accidents or similar the official Icelandic toll free emergency number is 112 (equal to 911 in the USA)

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- icelandunlimited.is provides all the security you need. All transactions on the site are powered by Flywire. Flywire undergoes an annual SOC II and PCI DSS review to help ensure that Flywire handles customer data securely and in compliance with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to, GDPR, PIPEDA, FERPA, GLBA and other data protection law so you can feel confident in the security of your transactions. - Site is developed and hosted in Webflow. Webflow is backed by enterprise-grade security, including SSO, advanced DDoS protection, a reliable hosting infrastructure, SOC 2 Type II compliance, and more. All the information we receive from you is regulated by our privacy policy and is not shared with anyone else.

What kind of electrical plugs are used in Iceland?

Iceland uses Type F electrical outlets (European standard) with a standard voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz. Bring a plug adapter if your devices use a different plug type.

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