Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

• Day 1: DECEMBER 22 - Welcome to Reykjavík

  At Keflavík International Airport you will be met by a driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city centre on your own. If you're keen on doing a bit of shopping or experiencing the city's thriving coffee culture, head to the main street, Laugavegur. Into Nordic history or art? Stop into one of the many small museums or art galleries scattered around the city.

  And in the evening, there are numerous restaurants in the city centre with a variety of cuisines to satisfy any taste buds, including Iceland’s specialties — locally-sourced grilled lamb and fresh seafood. Have anything in particular you'd like to taste? We are happy to make dinner recommendations.

  Spend the night in Reykjavik. 

  * Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

  Attractions Optional Activity

• Day 2: DECEMBER 23 – Meet the Locals in the North

  Spend the first part of the day exploring Reykjavik and after lunch you will fly to Akureyri, the unofficial “capital of North Iceland”. On arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and treated to a scenic ride during your transfer to Siglufjörður. Along the way, enjoy great views of the Akureyri area and the mountains and fjords along Tröllaskagi (Troll Peninsula).

  At Siglufjörður you will meet the lovely hosts, Þórir and Erla, known for their delicious homemade food and friendly atmosphere. During your stay you will learn about traditions in Iceland during the holiday season, meet local people and visit interesting places such as the Herring Era Museum.

  Tonight you will experience Þorláksmessa (St. Thorlak’s Mass) with your Icelandic host. This day is considered to be the official start of the Christmas season in Iceland, and the evening is traditionally celebrated with skata, a unique Icelandic seafood delicacy that is ordinarily followed with a shot of Brennivin schnapps. Other delicious holiday foods will be served as well.

   Spend the next three nights at the Herring Guesthouse in Siglufjörður.

  Attractions Attractions

• Day 3: DECEMBER 24 - Christmas Celebration in the Countryside

  Start the day by learning about your current destination, Siglufjörður, and its seafaring heritage with a guided tour to the Herring Era Museum. Then, at noon, enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch with almond porridge (möndlugrautur) followed by fresh Icelandic salmon, herring, wild game pate and a variety of side dishes. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish, perhaps by hiking in the hills, visiting the pool, or relaxing at the guesthouse.

  Tonight, before dinner, the locals will meet up at the Christmas mass in Siglufjörður´s church to ring in Christmas and celebrate with their friends, family and neighbours. The service is held in Icelandic and everyone is welcome, religious or not, as it is more of a cultural happening rather than a strict religious Lutheran service (Note: the service is not obligatory).

  Following mass is a traditional Icelandic Christmas dinner that your hosts will be preparing before sitting down and relaxing by the Christmas tree to open gifts and cards. Who knows if you will find a present under the tree with your name on it from your lovely hosts? 

  Attractions

• Day 4: DECEMBER 25 - Christmas Lunch & Northern lights

  Enjoy the morning at your leisure around town. At noon, a delicious Christmas lunch will be served with traditional Icelandic Yuletide foods like smoked Icelandic lamb (Hangikjöt) and hand-designed leaf-bread (Laufabrauð), among other offerings. Spend the day in Siglufjörður and relax in the hot tub at the Herring House with a chance of seeing the northern lights.

  Attractions

• Day 5: DECEMBER 26 - Return to Reykjavik & Explore the City

  Spend the early part of the day as you wish before your flight back to Reykjavik. Transportation is provided to the Akureyri airport in time for your check-in. Back in Reykjavik, you have the rest of the day to explore the city and its surroundings at your leisure. Downtown Reykjavík offers a wide variety of attractions, including Alþingi (Icelandic parliament) and a wonderful bird‘s eye view from the tower of Hallgrímskirkja church, the capital city’s most visible landmark. Reykjavik's impressive concert hall, Harpa is situated close to Reykjavik's harbour, which is ideal to visit and explore. There are also many exciting optional activities and day tours to choose from.

  Spend the night in Reykjavik.

  Attractions Optional Activity

• Day 6: DECEMBER 27 - Blue Lagoon & Departure

  Revitalize your mind, body and spirit the Icelandic way! Before your flight today, you will have some time to relax at Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal spa renowned for its therapeutic, mineral-rich waters surrounded by moon-like landscape. After a relaxing soak, bus transfer is provided to Keflavik Airport.

  Note: If your flight is in the morning, we can adjust your travel itinerary accordingly so you can still experience the Blue Lagoon.

  Please be advised that daylight is limited in Iceland during the winter months, with 4-5 hours of daylight from December to January. However, fresh snowfall often gives the appearance of more light, and it is common that houses, streets and businesses are lit up with Christmas lights, so don't fear that you will be travelling in complete darkness. 

  Attractions