Iceland
Dates:
December 2022
Duration:
6 days
Group:
10-20 ppl
Winter is rarely more beautiful than in South Iceland. And with guides to navigate the roads on this 6-day multi-day tour, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy those stunning views. You will have a chance to tour regions like the classic Golden Circle and scenic south coast, bathe in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon, and enjoy activities like a guided Christmas walk around Reykjavík, and hunting for the otherworldly northern lights.
Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavik & Northern Lights
On arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Reykjavik. You can stroll the charming capital city, visit museums, and explore landmarks. Downtown Reykjavík offers numerous excellent restaurants and cafés. In the evening, get ready to search for the otherworldly northern lights. You will join a guided small-group bus tour with a knowledgeable driver that will find a great spot to view the white, green and sometimes red lights dancing and flickering in the sky. Please note that northern lights are a natural phenomenon and we cannot guarantee sightings. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 2: The Golden Circle - Geysers & Waterfalls
Today you will visit some of Iceland’s most famous attractions with a personal guided small group tour of the classic Golden Circle route in South Iceland. One of the many highlights on this journey is Þingvellir National Park, a place of great historical and geological significance that is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Þingvellir is the site of the country’s first parliament and is located along the edge of the great rift created by the drifting of the Eurasian and American tectonic plates. Other attractions include the beautiful two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall and the spouting hot springs of Geysir. While Geysir lies dormant, its neighbour Strokkur erupts every few minutes, gushing steam and water from the bowels of the earth. A taste of Icelandic food and drink is included during the tour. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 3: The South Coast - Glaciers & Black Sand Beaches
After breakfast, enjoy a guided small-group tour along the striking south coast of Iceland. The tour starts with a visit to the picturesque Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is 40-metres high and its main attraction, besides the scenery, is the pathway leading behind the waterfall, giving visitors a chance to view the falls from within. Next up is a view of the vast glacier Sólheimajökull before continuing to Reynisfjara, a hauntingly beautiful black sand beach. The last stop before heading back to Reykjavik is the graceful, 60-metre high Skógafoss waterfall to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and pose for the perfect picture. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 4: Christmas Walk & Dinner Celebration
Start the day with a cultural, culinary walking tour led by a local guide dressed in Iceland´s intricate national costume. This leisurely stroll through downtown Reykjavík, which will be lit up with Christmas lights and decorations, gives you insight into unique Icelandic Christmas traditions as well as the city’s history, architecture and culture. You will get to enjoy a taste of Iceland’s culinary secrets at various stops including the uniquely-prepared fermented shark, as well as dried fish and malt ale. You will also visit the Settler´s exhibition that houses the oldest ruins of a Viking farm in Iceland and Reykjavik oldest cemetery to read some runes. Before the tour ends you will receive a lovely souvenir to remember your time in Iceland. At 18:00, the church bells ring throughout Reykjavik as Icelanders begin their Christmas celebrations with their families at home. This evening you will head to a charming restaurant in downtown Reykjavík where you will enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 5: Relax at the Blue Lagoon & Enjoy Leisure Time in Reykjavik
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up for a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon. You will have a chance to bathe in the heated geothermal pool, which is rich with silica and soothing for your skin and enjoy the unique surroundings. You can also visit a sauna or steambath and choose from an array of spa services (which must be booked in advance). After your time at the Blue Lagoon, you will board a transfer back to Reykjavík, where you can spend the late afternoon and evening at your leisure. If you are up for some adventure, you can book a northern lights excursion. For instance, you could take a northern lights boat tour, where you could see the majestic lights, far from the bright city lights of Reykjavik. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 6: Departure from Iceland
Your winter getaway to Iceland has come to an end, and you will have a semi-private transfer from your accommodation to Keflavik International Airport. If you are departing in the afternoon and are interested in adding an optional activity, please arrange with your travel consultant in advance, as there are a limited number of activities available due to the holiday.
Accommodation
3*/4* hotels for 5 nights
Meals
Daily Breakfast
4 Course Gourmet Dinner on the 24th of December in Reykjavik
Guided tours
Guided Small-Group Northern Lights Bus Tour
Guided Small-Group Bus Tour of the Golden Circle
Guided Small-Group Bus Tour of the South Coast
Guided Christmas Eve Walking Tour in Reykjavík
Blue Lagoon: Experience Comfort Package (including entrance, towel and a drink)
Transport
Private transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík
Return transfer from Reykjavik to/from the Blue Lagoon
One semi-private transfer from Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport on departure
Support
Map of Reykjavík and detailed personal itinerary
24/7 helpline
Taxes & service fees
Not Included
Flights to/from Iceland
Transfers to/from Christmas Eve dinner
Personal travel insurance
Meals, drinks & entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Any services not listed above as “Included”
Visa fees
Optional tours and activities
Personal expenditures
OPTIONAL EXTRA: Cancellation Insurance
Heated geothermal pool in a famous Blue Lagoon
60-metre high Skógafoss waterfall
Northern lights hunt
Oliver William
Australia
Central Asia, beyond ordinary I was very precise regarding locations to visit and things to do and Julie was very attentive putting our private itinerary together. We skipped Tashkent and went straight to ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, each worth a week stay to explore in detail! We then traveled to Pamir Highway which is a restricted access area, lots of papers need to be prearranged. It was well worth. Striking natural beauty absolutely recommend. From Osh, we travel through the most stunning landscapes to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Each parts of the trip, cultural and adventitious, was very well prepared – as much as it was possible for Pamir, of course, with it’s changing weather, severe driving conditions etc. However our local guides served us very well and we really had no stress as all.
Mark Dawson
Australia
This has been an incredible trip. The service has been exceptional and the guides provided were knowledgeable about their cities and gave us an experience we will never forget. If I do this trip again I would take even longer to see this amazing country.
Jacinta Ami
Australia
Highly recommend!! Well organised, friendly and knowledgeable staff who go out of their way to make sure you have the best experience! If you ever intend on visiting Russia, definately try this company!
John Campbell
Scotland
We booked a tour for Euro 2020, in July 2021, tickets, accommodation, Hermitage and Cathedrals tour, all A++++. Great service, super support, nothing too much trouble at all, used the agency twice now. Super happy.
Irma Rubenstain
Amazing trip to Mongolia
I can't sing the praises loud enough for the operator and their true welcoming, accommodating and approach. From the time I landed and was met by a driver at the airport to take me to my hotel, to fabulous guide, Boloryuya, who worked, it seemed, 24/7 to make sure this trip was everything I dreamed of. From seeking Takhi wild horses with local resident Neema, to meeting reindeer herdsman while in Lake Kovsgol area, from horse back riding and camel rides to a yurt stay at Gobi desert, everything went as planned and exceeded expectations. September seemed a perfect choice to visit Mongolia. Everything from planning and booking, till the farewell transfer to airport, every team member went above and beyond to make it happened the way it was and I’m sending my appraisal too all of you guys. Choose World of Discoveries when you are in need of adventure beyond the ordinary. You name it, they find a way to make it happen. It was truly amazing.
Stacey Filrose
Australia
Me and my family just returned from an Easter break to Moscow. I found the tour very good value for money and the company's assistance with the visa application was also helpful. Reservations, payment, visa letter, and pre-departure correspondence prior to trip (via email) was prompt and well explained with no problems. Final arrangements information were detailed. We knew exactly what to expect, who will be waiting for us, time and venue to meet even with any guides with us. Transport transfers and driver were punctual.