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New Years in Reykjavik

Duration
4 Days
Prices:
On request

FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: For a night you're sure to remember, make the trip to Iceland to ring in the new year surrounded by the celebratory spirit of Reykjavik! New Years Eve is a big deal across Iceland, with traditional meals, fireworks large and small, and above all, a jubilance unique to the country on full display on this special night. Experience it for yourself!


European Stopover & City Map

AT YOUR SERVICE. This is a great idea for experiencing Reykjavik where you can choose your preferred level of accommodation. It can, of course, be modified and/or extended. As we are experts in customizing itineraries to suit your personal interests, time available and budget, we at Goway are at your service!

Arrive in Reykjavik for a 3-night stay at your choice of hotel in Iceland’s capital and largest city in Iceland. It is the home of the vast majority of Iceland's inhabitants and the centre of culture and life. The city centre, however, is a very small area full of different styled and colourful houses and with good facilities for shopping, dining and drinking. Walking in Reykjavík is highly recommended, as many attractions are within walking distance from the centre.

The next day, begin to explore Reykjavik with a guided tour. Start by purchasing some fireworks then take part in an Icelandic tradition in the Old Reykjavik Cemetery where you will hear about “the dead rising from their graves” on New Year’s Eve! Then continue to Hafnarfjordur just outside the city and famous for its elf population (rumour has it the elves roam freely on New Year’s Eve). Then light a small bonfire, have a toast and say goodbye to the year in typical traditional Icelandic fashion.

In the evening, you will enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner artistically prepared and made from fresh local ingredients straight from Icelandic farmers and greenhouses and the neighbouring ocean. You will experience fireworks for most of the night when the sky is lit up. After midnight, the clubs and pubs are open for business and dancing and singing takes place in the streets often until dawn.

On New Year's Day, you have time to relax but as you are on vacation, you should probably take in some of the sights and have a tour to a few of Iceland’s natural highlights such as the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa or the Geysers and hot springs not far away.

 


STAY LONGER IN REYKJAVIK. This idea can be extended and/or modified: Go to Day Trips for some ideas. They are just a sample as we can personalize your stay according to your interests, time available and budget. We look forward to being of service and organizing an awesome travel experience…for you!

At Goway we are experts at designing personalized itineraries to suit your special interests, tastes and budget. Let us arrange your ultimate travel experience today.
Duration
4 Days
Prices:
On request

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Arrive Reykjavik

On arrival in Iceland, you will be transferred your hotel in Reykjavik city center.

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore. Enjoy a stroll down Laugavegur and Skolavordustígur, check out the downtown harbour village, or visit one of the many geothermal swimming pools in the area.

Duration3 Nights
Accommodation

Grand Hotel Reykjavik

More Info

Location View map
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    Grand Hotel Reykjavik



    Grand Hotel Reykjavik is a first class hotel located in Laugardalur. The property is close to Laugardalsvollur, Hallgrimskirkja, and Perlan. Laugavegur and Reykjavik City Hall are also nearby. The 312 guestrooms at Grand Hotel Reykjavik include safes and coffee/tea makers.

    Grand Hotel Reykjavik is a first class hotel located in Laugardalur. The property is close to Laugardalsvollur, Hallgrimskirkja, and Perlan. Laugavegur and Reykjavik City Hall are also nearby.

    The 312 guestrooms at Grand Hotel Reykjavik include safes and coffee/tea makers.

    Facilities

    • 24 Hour Reception
    • Bar
    • Boutique(s)
    • Business Centre
    • Free WiFi
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Lounge
    • Meeting Rooms
    • Restaurant
    • Spa

    More Details

Day 2

New Year's Eve

Breakfast at your hotel. Explore Reykjavik with a local guide and learn about special traditions and Icelandic folklore related to the magical New Year's Eve in Iceland.

The first stop is to purchase fireworks, which are sold through the Icelandic Rescue Teams. Each year on December 31st, Icelanders light up over 600 tons of fireworks - that's nearly 5 lbs (2 kg) per inhabitant! Next, take part in an Icelandic tradition and visit the Old Reykjavik Cemetery. Hear about this tradition's origins with the mysterious tale of the graveyard caretaker - and why the dead rise from their crypts on New Year's Eve.

Then it's off to Hafnarfjordur, "the town in the lava" famous for its elf population. Visit an elf stone, keeping in mind that the mystical "hidden people" roam freely on New Year's Eve! The excursion ends in a beautiful clearing where your group will light a small bonfire, enjoy a toast to life and love and say farewell to the passing year in traditional Icelandic fashion!

In the evening, delight in a New Year's Eve dinner artistically prepared and made from fresh local ingredients straight from Icelandic farmers and greenhouses and the neighboring ocean. Indulge yourself in various artisanal starters, hearty entrees and endless tasty desserts.

Fireworks are lit all night long, reaching a high point at midnight, when the sky lights up for a few minutes as fire trucks and docked ships ring their bells and blow their horns to welcome the New Year. After midnight, the nightclubs and pubs are open for business and the downtown area becomes a veritable catwalk of Icelanders outfitted in their finest holiday glitz, with dancing and celebrating going well into the morning. On the biggest party night in a city renowned for its nightlife, the New Year's Eve celebration in Reykjavik is the stuff of legends.

The Festive Evening Program at Grand Hotel Reykjavik:
17:30 (5:30pm) - Aperitif - Sparkling wine and strawberries.
18:00 (6:00pm) - Festive Four-course dinner begins.
23:45 (11: 45pm) - Hateigur Room on the 4th floor opens. Sparkling wine and canapés served. Watch the fireworks from the balcony. Countdown to midnight.
00:30 (12:30am) - New Year's dance in Gullteigur Ballroom with live music until 02:00 (2:00am).
Dress code: Formal wear.

Meal Plan Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3

New Year's Day

Today is a day at leisure to recover from the nights festivities or sleep in but, you are in Iceland, so we suggest a tour to visit some of Iceland's natural highlights, such as the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa or the Geyser hot spring area. (Day tours not included in the trip price).

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 4

Onward travels

Following breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Or time permitting stay and explore a little more of Iceland!

Meal Plan Breakfast

Other Information

DEPARTURE:

2022: December 30

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Shared arrival and departure airport transfers
  • 3 nights in first-class accommodations
  • Guided floklore walking tour of Reykjavik 
  • Icelandic New Year’s Eve experience:
    • Apertif with sparkling wine and strawberries
    • 4-course festive meal
    • Evening wine and canapes
    • Ballroom New Years Eve dance 
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees if applicable

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

DP REYCITY4DIS1
30 Dec 2022

Excursion Suggestions

As there is so much to see and do in many of our City Breaks/Stopover Ideas, you should consider staying longer. Below is a list of suggestions that can be added to your stay.

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