You will stay at the four star Hotel Reykjavik Centrum in the centre of the Icelandic capital, just a short walk from the Laugavegur, the main shopping street, and within easy walking distance of the old town. Hotel amenities include a lounge/bar, restaurant and lift. All bedrooms have private facilities, satellite TV, telephone, Internet access, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, safe, tea and coffee making facilities and a minibar.
TUESDAY 29th
UK/Keflavik
Meet your travelling companions at the airport and depart on your scheduled flight to Keflavik for a four night stay in Reykjavik. Welcome drink and dinner this evening.
WEDNESDAY 30th
Reykjavik
Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city, is an eclectic mix of traditional brightly painted houses and modern European architecture. Our panoramic tour with a local guide will take us to see the main sights including the fishing harbour, Parliament buildings, City Hall, National Museum, National Gallery and the huge hot water storage tanks, known as The Pearl, which have a restaurant above offering fantastic views of the city. The afternoon is free for you to explore further at your own pace, or choose to participate in optional winter activities such as taking a jeep safari or a snowmobile tour excursion. This evening you are free to discover Reykavik’s restaurants or join your Tour Manager and travelling companions for dinner.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Reykjavik
Today you are free to relax or you can enjoy an optional excursion to the Golden Circle and visit the mighty waterfall at Gulfoss, where the Hvita River gushes over a 100ft double cascade. There’s a short walk around this Golden Waterfall to admire magnificent views before continuing to the Strokhur Geyser, which erupts every five to eight minutes.
You will be back at the hotel in plenty of time to prepare for the evening’s festivities which begin with an aperitif and four course dinner with wine at the famous revolving Perlan restaurant. After the main course you will be taken on a coach tour of the Brenna bonfires to see how the Icelanders celebrate this special evening. Remember to wrap up warm, as it’s very cold at this time of year.
New Year’s Eve in Iceland certainly goes with a bang! The sky at midnight lights up with fireworks as the Icelanders enjoy their celebrations. We return to the Perlan for dessert and coffee, then toast in 2010 with a glass of champagne at midnight while enjoying the best views of the fireworks before dancing until the early hours.
NEW YEAR’S DAY
The Blue Lagoon
Spend a leisurely morning before we visit the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal pool located in the middle of a lava field, this afternoon. This supernatural looking body of water, soothing and rich in minerals, is reputed to have curative powers. You can dive in and judge for yourself! This evening take the opportunity to sample another of Reykjavik’s many restaurants.
SATURDAY JANUARY 2nd 2010
Reykjavik/UK
Free morning before an afternoon transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.