Experience Iceland in its magical winter season, where soft landscapes and festive traditions fill Reykjavik. This December journey introduces you to the city’s holiday charm and leads you to Iceland’s breathtaking scenery—from the Golden Circle to the South Coast and the Westman Islands.

Explore towering waterfalls, black-sand beaches, geothermal wonders, and lava-shaped coastlines with expert local guides. Enjoy curated food experiences, including visits to breweries, seasonal cuisine, and traditional Christmas flavors like Jólabjór holiday beers. Comfortable boutique hotels, included meals, and seamless transportation let you relax and enjoy each day's discoveries.

As winter nights fall, seek the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. This small-group journey blends nature, culture, and festive atmosphere for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.

Experience the magic of Iceland on a week-long journey starting and ending in Reykjavik.

Delight in Reykjavik’s vibrant culture, savor craft beers and traditional Icelandic spirits and immerse yourself in the city’s lively culinary scene. 

Venture with a local guide into the breathtaking Icelandic countryside to explore majestic waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, and otherworldly landscapes. 

Discover the Golden Circle, marvel at the icy beauty of the South Coast, and soak in the Blue Lagoon’s soothing waters. 

With luck, witness the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights, making this adventure a truly unforgettable winter getaway.

Don't miss your chance to pre-register and ensure your place on this unforgettable journey!

This can be an opportunity to plan to arrive a day early and take part in a guided tour (or two) from our partners at Your Friend in Reykjavik. A transfer from the airport and a pre-night in our tour hotel (at an additional charge) are available upon request.

For travelers planning to arrive for Day One, this will be the day to depart the U.S. for overnight travel to Keflavik Airport (KEF). Many overnight flights from North America are scheduled daily. Choose your preferred flight to ensure you arrive in Iceland on Wednesday, December 2nd.

Arrival in Iceland / Blue Lagoon / Reykjavik Welcome / Welcome Dinner / Beer & Booze Tour

Morning: We’ll arrive in Iceland and be met at Keflavik Airport by our driver, who will already be tracking our flights. From the airport, we’ll head straight to the iconic Blue Lagoon, where we’ll ease into Iceland with a relaxing soak in its milky-blue geothermal waters while our luggage is safely stored.

Afternoon: After our time at the Blue Lagoon, we’ll continue on to Reykjavik and check in at our centrally located hotel. There will be time to settle in, refresh, and begin soaking up the atmosphere of Iceland’s festive capital.

Evening: We’ll gather for a Welcome Dinner at Matarkjallarinn, where we’ll enjoy a seasonal Icelandic meal and get to know our fellow travelers. After dinner, we’ll head out on a private Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour, sampling Icelandic craft beers or traditional snaps as we stroll through the city with a knowledgeable local guide.

Lodging: Hotel Borg

Breakfast: On your own (airport café options available
Lunch: On your own (Blue Lagoon café options available)
Dinner: Welcome Dinner included

Reykjavik Walking Tour / FlyOver Iceland / Christmas Food Tour

Morning: We’ll begin the day with a Private “Walk With a Viking” Tour, the perfect introduction to Reykjavik’s history, culture, and hidden corners. Our Viking guide will help us get our bearings while sharing stories that bring Iceland’s past and present to life.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll experience FlyOver Iceland, a thrilling, immersive attraction that gives us the sensation of flying over glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastlines. This is a relaxed but visually stunning way to see the country from above.

Evening: As darkness falls, we’ll enjoy a Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour, tasting traditional holiday dishes and seasonal drinks while wandering through the city’s twinkling streets. We’ll finish at the Little Christmas Store, complete with a small Icelandic keepsake.

Lodging: Hotel Borg

Breakfast: Included at the hotel
Lunch: On your own (Reykjavik dining suggestions provided)
Dinner: Christmas Food Tour tastings included

Golden Circle tour / Friðheimar / Ölverk Brewery

Morning: We’ll depart Reykjavik by private minibus and head into the countryside to explore the Golden Circle. Our first stop will be Þingvellir National Park, where we’ll walk between tectonic plates and learn about Iceland’s ancient parliament.

Afternoon: We’ll continue to the Geysir geothermal area to watch Strokkur erupt, followed by the thundering Gullfoss waterfall. Lunch will be a highlight at Friðheimar, where we’ll dine inside a geothermal greenhouse surrounded by growing tomato plants.

Evening: Before returning to Reykjavik, we’ll stop at Ölverk Pizza & Brewery to enjoy craft beers brewed with geothermal energy alongside wood-fired pizza. We’ll then return to the city for a relaxed evening.

Lodging: Hotel Borg, Reykjavik

Breakfast: At the hotel
Lunch: Included at Friðheimar

Snack: Pizza at Ölverk
Dinner: On your own (Reykjavik suggestions provided)

South Coast Waterfalls / Black Sand Beach / Vík

Morning: We’ll set out along Iceland’s South Coast, stopping first at Seljalandsfoss, where we can walk behind the waterfall if conditions allow. A short walk brings us to Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall tucked into a narrow canyon.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll visit Skógafoss and then continue to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach to admire basalt columns and dramatic sea stacks. We’ll stop at Smiðjan Brugghús in Vík to enjoy local craft beer and food.

Evening: We’ll arrive in the village of Vík and check into our hotel. The evening is free to relax, explore nearby shops, or enjoy dinner on our own.

Lodging: Hótel Kría, Vik

Breakfast: At the hotel
Lunch: On your own (South Coast café stops available)

Snack: Provided at Smiðjan Brugghús
Dinner: On your own (Vík restaurant suggestions provided)

Westman Islands / Volcano Museum / The Brothers Brewery

Morning: We’ll depart Vík and travel to Landeyjahöfn, where we’ll board the ferry to the Westman Islands. The crossing offers beautiful coastal views and a chance to spot seabirds.

Afternoon: On Heimaey, we’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the island, exploring volcanic landscapes and dramatic coastlines. We’ll visit the Eldheimar Volcano Museum to learn the powerful story of the 1973 eruption that reshaped the island.

Evening: Before returning to the mainland, we’ll stop at The Brothers Brewery for a tasting in their lively beer hall. After the ferry back, we’ll continue on to our countryside hotel.

Lodging: Hotel VOS, Þykkvibær

Breakfast: At the hotel
Lunch: On your own (Westman Islands options available)
Dinner: On your own (hotel or nearby options)

Lava Tunnel / Farewell Lunch / Ölvisholt Brewery / Eimverk Distillery/ Reykjavik Return

Morning: We’ll begin the day with a visit to the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel, walking through a lava tube formed more than 5,000 years ago. Winter ice formations and dramatic lighting make this a memorable experience.

Afternoon: We’ll gather for our Farewell Lunch at Fjörukráin, a Viking-themed restaurant by the water, perfect for reflecting on the journey. We’ll then visit Ölvisholt Brewery and Eimverk Distillery for tastings of Icelandic beer, whisky, gin, and Brennivín.

Evening: We’ll return to Reykjavik and check into our final hotel. The evening is free for a last stroll, shopping, or a nightcap in the city.

Lodging: The Reykjavik EDITION, Reykjavik

Breakfast: At the hotel
Lunch: Farewell Lunch included
Dinner: On your own (Reykjavik suggestions provided)

Departure Day

As our journey comes to an end, we’ll say our goodbyes with shared memories, new friendships, and a week of unforgettable experiences woven into every conversation.

Though it’s time to head home, the landscapes we explored, the meals we shared, and the stories we created together will stay with us long after we leave Iceland.

For those who wish to linger a little longer, a post-trip extension night at our Reykjavik hotel is available, offering the perfect chance to enjoy one more evening in this remarkable city.

Morning:
We’ll be picked up from our hotel and transferred to Keflavik Airport, timed to allow plenty of time for check-in and departure.

Breakfast: At the hotel (depending on departure time)