NEW YEAR’S IN ICELAND

This is one of our all-time favorite destinations. And no time in Iceland is more festive than New Year's Eve. The celebration traditionally begins with a holiday dinner, followed by making the rounds of the public bonfires. This is where people gather to meet friends, enjoy the warmth of the flames, laugh and sing songs. If seeking a taste of local culture, this will be an amazing and memorable evening. At midnight, the sky becomes ablaze with a spectacular display of fireworks. It will seem like the entire population of Reykjavík is staging a fireworks show in their backyards . . . and they are! (There are no restrictions in Iceland). On New Year’s Day we include the option of a traditional soaking in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s famous outdoor spa!

Surrounded by mountains and the sea, Reykjavik is one of Europe’s most breathtaking capitals. With a thriving culture and energetic nightlife, the city also offers clean and safe streets in a compact setting that allows for easy walking and exploring. The renowned Iceland opera, ballet, symphony, world-class art museums and gourmet restaurants add to the city’s unique charm and sophistication. And not far from the city center are found magnificent fjords, majestic waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, miles of glaciers, active volcanoes, and steaming hot springs.

Spend your free time exploring Reykjavík from the convenience of our centrally located boutique hotel. Or you can select from a variety of optional tours available for purchase through our associates, Reykjavik Excursions. The options are endless!

Exclusively for Women

• Round-trip regularly scheduled air transportation on Iceland Airlines from JFK to Reykjavik. Fuel surcharges included (valid at time of printing).
• Roundtrip Airport/Hotel transfers in Iceland based on the group air schedule.
• 4 nights Hotel accommodations at the ****Radisson SAS 1919 Hotel, including buffet breakfast daily, hotel tax and service charges.
• Buffet Breakfast on arrival day at the Icelandair Flughotel.
• Welcome Fish Buffet Dinner at a local restaurant on arrival night.
• Half day “Grand Excursion” city tour of Reykjavik.
• Full day “Golden Circle” tour with admission to the Geysir Geological Center.
• New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with guided Bonfire Tours and Festivities.
• All sightseeing tours via deluxe coach with entrance fees included where applicable.
• Professional tour manager throughout the program at designated times.

Not Included:

• Airport transportation outside of the 1 main group transfer each way
• Other meals – 4 lunches and 2 dinners – and cocktails (refer to the codes B, L, D in the itinerary to see what’s included)
• Personal incidentals
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary – see separate costs and note that advance payments are needed for Northern Lights and Blue Lagoon tours
• Tips to the bus drivers and tour guides
• U.S. Airport taxes, government fees and September 11th security fee

Iceland Entry Requirements:

*** Valid passport required. U.S. citizens do not need a Visa or Inoculations***
You must present a valid passport that will not expire for at least six months after arrival, plus a roundtrip airline ticket. Passports must be in good condition and not damaged in any way. For citizens of other countries, please check your specific entry requirements.

Iceland was incredible!!!  I feel so enriched by having gone there. The Golden Circle Tour was wonderful. The Icelandic landscape is like something I’ve never seen before - steam arising here and there, beautiful waterfalls at random and my favorite, a geyser out in the middle of a field.  We were able to walk right up to it and look down into the hole to watch the water get sucked down and then watch it start filling up again and begin bubbling and getting ready to erupt all over again (every 5 minutes). I know I will never be able to get that close to a geyser anywhere else.  We learned about how the lava eruptions build land and saw the different stages of how first there’s the black lava field, and then after time, it’s covered with green moss and then becomes covered with grass and finally becomes pasture land. We passed fields on one side of the road that looked like they were from another planet and then on the other side would be pastures that looked like rural California. Sue C., Lakewood, CA

Inga was the best tour guide possible; personable, warm and really friendly. She even brought us home- made Icelandic goodies and cognac for the Northern lights tour. On Monday, four of us chose the Horse riding followed by the Lagoon trip. That was just sensational. Lastly, the hotel was perfect...a kettle in every room , breakfast delivered to my room at no charge and most importantly the location. Thank you for your attention to all the details and for making such a memorable trip possible. This was one of the best things I've ever done for myself, and yeah you can quote me on that. Susan T., Newton, MA

Day 1 - Monday, December 28: Depart the U.S. for Reykjavik on overnight flights.

Day 2 - Tuesday, December 29: Reykjavík.  Upon arrival in Keflavik International Airport, you will be met just outside the customs area by our associates from Reykjavik Excursions. As hotel rooms will not be ready for check-in, we will stop near the airport at the Icelandair Flughotel for their wonderful morning buffet breakfast. Then we will head to Reykjavik, about 40 minutes away.

To get your introduction to Iceland off to a fast start, we take you on a city tour, The Reykjavik Grand Excursion. The main landmarks, such as The Pearl, Hallgrímskirkja Church, the National Museum of Iceland, the harbour and the famous 101 Reykjavik neighborhood are visited.

Tonight, our group dinner will be held at the warm and cozy Restaurant Reykjavik. Their fish buffet is renowned and previous club travelers always comment on how much they enjoyed the local cuisine. Tonight you will sample a full array of hot and cold fish to include salted cod, whale sashimi, terrine of trout, smoked salmon, scallops, chilled shrimp, a selection of herring, plus a vegetable, salad and dessert. (B, D)

Day 3 - Wednesday, December 30: Reykjavík.  After a typical Icelandic breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by your escort from RE to depart on one of Iceland’s most classic and popular tours, the full day Golden Circle. You will explore many of the natural wonders for which Iceland is justly renowned. Drive over Hellisheidi Heath where heat-energy from the “center of the earth” is harnessed to grow exotic plants, fruits and vegetables. Visit the Thingvellis National Park, Iceland’s most historic site and travel on to the Great Geyser. Explore the hot springs area, and then continue on to the renowned Gullfoss Falls. Entrance to the Geysir Geological Center is included.

You will find this day amazing! Be sure to dress in warm layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. At mid-day we will stop at the Restaurant Gullfoss. Lunch is on your own and will cost at most $35 per person. We return to Reykjavík late in the afternoon with time to relax.

For dinner we can suggest a number of excellent restaurants are very close to the hotel. For an informal meal in a bistro-type place that is well priced, our favorites are Café Paris and Thorvaldssen. For great Italian food, Caruso’s is the place. If you want an upscale restaurant, try Einar Ben, a club favorite, Sjavarkjallarinn, the seafood cellar restaurant with Asian influence, or Laekjarbrekka, in a charming and historic building. Depending on the restaurant, entrees will run from a $15 hamburger platter to a $40+ three course meal. There is no tipping in Iceland as all the waiters get a very good salary! For reservations, just ask the hotel concierge to call, preferably a few hours in advance of your seating. (B)

Day 4 - Thursday, December 31: Reykjavík.  New Year’s Eve! Enjoy the daylight hours at leisure in Reykjavík, exploring or shopping along the city’s international center. Note that shops will close between noon and 2:00 PM, or you can join one of the many optional tours available through Reykjavik Excursions. Be sure to save some energy for the holiday celebrations later this evening.

Here is one of our favorite tours for this day:

Ishestar Horse Farm – A morning horseback ride (or “tolt”) on one of those adorable, gentle Icelandic horses. The ride lasts for one and a half hours and follows a trail through the spectacular lava fields. Suitable for beginners on horseback. Cost: $65)

Please note that this tour requires advance reservations, with payment due at 90 days out.

To review all RE’s optional tours online, click here

This evening, it’s countdown to New Year’s Eve so let the celebrations begin! In the early evening we’ll depart for a gala dinner at the Grand Hotel. It is an Icelandic tradition to start off this special night “at the Grand”. An aperitif of sparkling wine and strawberries is followed by a sumptuous buffet with live music for your entertainment. Around 8:30 pm, we depart for the bonfire tour, an event not to be missed. You will feel the heat all over town! The sights are spectacular. Just before 11:00 pm we’ll return to the Grand for sparkling wine, canapés and the midnight fireworks show. Afterwards, you may return to the hotel or continue with local merrymaking to your heart’s content. (B, D)

Day 5 – Friday, January 1: Reykjavík. 

Enjoy your first day of 2010 at leisure. The city will be understandably quiet today with nearly everything closed for the holiday. However, this is the day for another unique experience in Iceland . . . the Blue Lagoon, and there is no more traditional day to enjoy it than the first day of the New Year. We have arranged for an optional tour this afternoon:

The Blue Lagoon – Not to be missed is taking a hot thermal dip in this amazing natural pool. The lukewarm water and natural active ingredients of mineral salts and blue-green algae do wonders for relaxation, not to mention body and soul. The sandy bottom, lovely azure water and white silica mud gives one a unique geothermal steam bath. You can relax in a lava cave or swim in the lagoon. 11:00 am – 3:30 pm. Cost: $50.

Please note that this tour requires advance reservations, with payment due at 90 days out.

Not many restaurants are open this evening so we recommend that you dine a la carte in the hotel restaurant. Since this is the best night to offer an optional tour of the Northern Lights, we will make a group dinner reservation for those interested.

The Northern Lights – Also known as the Aurora Borealis, this spectacular natural phenomenon is only visible from October to April. Caused by the interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere near the North Pole, the resulting light effect is incredible – it’s often seen as fantastic colors dancing across the Icelandic arctic sky. 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm. Cost: $40.

Please note that this tour requires advance reservations, with payment due at 90 days out.

Return to the hotel after another memorable day. (B)

Day 6 - Saturday, January 2: Reykjavík/U.S.  After breakfast, you have a full morning to enjoy before the early afternoon transfer from the hotel to the airport. Your return flight is not until 5:00 PM. (B)

For Additional Information, see Visit Reykjavik

*Itineraries subject to minor changes- fuel surcharges included in trip prices where airfare is included. Not included: airport taxes, government fees and September 11th Security Fee. Prices per person based on double occupancy.

To book this trip please fill out our new member application if applicable and then the booking form.
E-mail us for more information: info@womenstravelclub.com

The Women's Travel Club (USA), Inc.
Phone: 800-480-4448 . Fax: 1-360-935-5080
E-Mail: info@womenstravelclub.com

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