December 23: Þorláksmessa - A Night of Festivities
On arrival at Keflavík Airport, you are greeted by your private driver and transferred to Hotel Frón (or similar) in central Reykjavik. The rest of the day is free to explore Reykjavik with its assortment of cosy restaurants, cafés, shops, museums, and nightclubs. This evening, why not join the locals in one of their holiday traditions? December 23rd is Þorláksmessa (St. Þorlákur’s Mass), an evening when the city centre fills with thousands of locals who come to enjoy the festive atmosphere and do some last-minute Christmas shopping late into the evening.

Highlights: Reykjavík.

December 24: Traditional Family Celebration
Meet with your car rental agent in the morning and then head towards your accommodation at Hraunsnef in beautiful West Iceland. At 6:00 this evening, church bells ring all around the country as Icelanders officially kick off their Christmas Eve (Aðfangadagur) celebrations with their families. This evening, join the Hraunsnef family for a delicious Christmas buffet featuring traditional Icelandic delicacies and a special dessert with a prize! After dinner, gather around the Christmas tree for gift-opening with a warm drink and a gift from the Hraunsnef family! Driving distance approx. 110 km / 68 mi.

Highlights: Christmas Eve dinner at Hraunsnef, complimentary coffee & hot cocoa at Hraunsnef.
Optional: Visit the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and the Deildartunguhver hot spring on your way from Reykjavik to Hraunsnef. 

December 25: A Unique Icelandic Christmas
The early part of Christmas Day is free to spend as you wish, perhaps with a walk around Lake Hreðavatn, a visit to the icy Glanni waterfall, or a refreshing hike to the nearby Grábrók volcano. Later, celebrate the evening with a genuine Icelandic Christmas dinner at Hraunsnef with traditional cuisine including hangikjöt (smoked lamb), laufabrauð (leaf bread), and much more to suit all taste buds. To end this festive day, why not take a relaxing dip in the outdoor hot tubs? Spend another night at Hraunsnef.

Highlights: Complimentary coffee & hot cocoa at Hraunsnef, Christmas dinner, outdoor hot tubs
Optional: Grábrók volcano, Glanni waterfall, Lake Hreðavatn.

December 26: Golden Circle
Take the next few days to relax in nature after the exciting Christmas festivities! Start with a day-trip to “The Golden Circle”, a popular tourist route that includes some of the country’s best-known natural attractions. The first stop is Þingvellir National Park, site of the world’s oldest parliament and home to incredible geological features. Next, visit the geothermal hot spot of Geysir before making your way to Gullfoss, the queen of Icelandic waterfalls, and the Kerið volcanic crater. Spend the night at Hotel Flúðir, Hotel Hekla, or similar. Driving distance approx. 221 km / 137 mi.

Highlights: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Kerið volcanic crater.
Optional activities: Snorkling/diving in Silfra and Quad-Biking (ATV).

December 27: Wonderful Waterfalls
Start the day with a visit to the charming Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can actually walk behind the misty cascade! Next, continue on to Skógar to see the picture-perfect Skógafoss waterfall and the many interesting artifacts on display at the Skógar Folk Museum. Later, you have the opportunity to participate in an exciting guided hike on Mýrdalsjökull glacier, an area of amazing scenery with the contrasts of recent volcanic ash on the blue-tinted ice. Spend the night at Hotel Laki or similar. Driving distance 217 km / 135 mi.

Highlights: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Eyjafjallajökull volcano, and Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
Optional activities: guided glacier hike and horse-riding.

December 28: Glacial Wonders
Spend the morning exploring Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, a place of great natural beauty with many interesting hiking trails, including one that leads to the remarkable Svartifoss waterfall. Skaftafell is also an ideal setting for optional activities like guided glacier walks or ice climbing. Later, head to the famous Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and view the floating icebergs by the glow of the setting sun. Spend another night at Hotel Laki or similar. Driving distance 226 km / 140 mi.

Highlights: Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, Vatnajökull glacier, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon.
Optional activities: visit to the family farm zoo in Holmur, guided glacier walk at Skaftafell, and quad-biking (ATV) or snowmobiling on Vatnajökull glacier. 

December 29: South Coast Sensations
Enjoy the scenery along the south coast as you head to Hveragerði, a little town with a whole lot of geothermal energy! Worthwhile stops along the way include the Fjaðrarárgljúfur canyon and “elf cliffs” at Dverghamrar. Or take a break near Vík and admire the black sand beach, the curious rock formations of Reynisfjara and Reynisdrangar, or the spectacular Dyrhólaey cape. Today is also an ideal day to try horse-riding with the friendly and sure-footed Icelandic horse. For a special Icelandic dinner, we recommend the charming Við Fjöruborðið restaurant for a divine lobster feast. Spend the night at Guesthouse Frost and Fire or similar in Hveragerði. Driving distance approx. 215 km / 133 mi.

Highlights: Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Dverghamrar, Vík, Reynisdrangar, Eyrabakki, Stokkseyri, and Hveragerði.
Optional activities: horse-riding or swimming at Laugaskarð swimming-pool.
 
December 30: Explore Reykjavik
Today, it’s time to head back to Reykjavik. After returning your vehicle, spend the day exploring the capital area’s attractions, including museums, thermal pools and spas, design boutiques, and much more. There’s also a stunning variety of bars and nightclubs for those who wish to sample Reykjavik’s legendary nightlife before tomorrow’s festivities! Spend the night at Hotel Frón or similar in central Reykjavik. Driving Distance approx 45 km / 28 mi.

Highlights: Reykjavík.

December 31: Blue Lagoon & New Years Eve
Start New Year’s Eve on the right foot with a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa situated in a moon-like lava field. The radiant blue water is rich in silica and other skin-soothing minerals, giving the lagoon its reputation as a healing environment. Later, enjoy a special holiday dinner at one of the city’s fine restaurants before joining other travellers at one of the big bonfires around the city (not included in price). At midnight, pop open a bottle of champagne and ring in the New Year as an astounding display of fireworks lights up the Arctic sky!

Highlights: The Blue Lagoon and New Years Eve.
Optional: In-water massage or skin treatments at Blue Lagoon (should be booked well in advance).

January 1: New Year's Day & Departure
All good things must come to an end! Today, it’s time to pack up your holiday gifts and souvenirs and return home after this special Christmas getaway. Transportation from your hotel to Keflavík Airport is provided by Flybus in time for your departure flight.