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Iceland

New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik

Program No. 18898RJ
Celebrate New Year’s beneath a multilayered sky of fireworks and perhaps aurora borealis, learning local traditions and reveling in natural beauty as you unlock the secrets of Iceland.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Dec 28 - Jan 2, 2025
Starting at
3,949
Itinerary Note

This departure will stay at the Alda Hotel Reykjavik.

Dec 29 - Jan 3, 2025
Starting at
3,649
Itinerary Note

This departure will stay at the Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel.

Filling Fast!
Dec 29 - Jan 3, 2025
Starting at
3,649
Itinerary Note

This departure will stay at the Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel.

Dec 28 - Jan 2, 2026
Starting at
3,949
Dec 29 - Jan 3, 2026
Starting at
3,949
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Dec 28 - Jan 2, 2025
Starting at
4,729
Itinerary Note

This departure will stay at the Alda Hotel Reykjavik.

Dec 29 - Jan 3, 2025
Starting at
3,999
Itinerary Note

This departure will stay at the Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel.

Filling Fast!
Dec 29 - Jan 3, 2025
Starting at
3,999
Itinerary Note

This departure will stay at the Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel.

Dec 28 - Jan 2, 2026
Starting at
4,729
Filling Fast!
Dec 29 - Jan 3, 2026
Starting at
4,729
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Participate in one of the world’s most distinctive celebrations of the New Year in Reykjavik, Iceland, where ancient traditions and modern technology combine in spectacular fashion. First appreciate the stillness and beauty of the Icelandic countryside at the waterfall Gullfoss and along the scenic southern coast. Discover Thingvellir National Park, where Vikings met and formed the world’s oldest parliament. Then, join Icelandic families around their celebratory New Year’s Eve bonfires, enjoy a gala dinner and watch the amazing fireworks display.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven and potentially slippery terrain. May be outdoors for up to one hour in winter conditions.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • From a VIP vantage point, view one of the most spectacular displays of fireworks in the world.
  • Learn about Icelandic folk culture as you explore the turf homes, schoolhouse and artifact collections of the Skogar Museum.
  • Soak in the mineral-rich, geothermally heated waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Reykjavik
Program Concludes
Reykjavik
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
11 | 5B | 3L | 3D |
Activity Level
Participate in one of the world’s most distinctive celebrations of the New Year in Reykjavik, Iceland, where ancient traditions and modern technology combine in spectacular fashion. First appreciate the stillness and beauty of the Icelandic countryside at the waterfall Gullfoss and along the scenic southern coast. Discover Thingvellir National Park, where Vikings met and formed the world’s oldest parliament. Then, join Icelandic families around their celebratory New Year’s Eve bonfires, enjoy a gala dinner and watch the amazing fireworks display.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • From a VIP vantage point, view one of the most spectacular displays of fireworks in the world.
  • Learn about Icelandic folk culture as you explore the turf homes, schoolhouse and artifact collections of the Skogar Museum.
  • Soak in the mineral-rich, geothermally heated waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven and potentially slippery terrain. May be outdoors for up to one hour in winter conditions.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (18 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date
Dec 29 - Jan 03
  • Dec 28 - Jan 02
  • Dec 29 - Jan 03
  • Dec 29 - Jan 03
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Dec 29 - Jan 3, 2025 Itinerary Differences: This departure will stay at the Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Dec 29 - Jan 03
  • Dec 28 - Jan 02
  • Dec 29 - Jan 03
  • Dec 29 - Jan 03
Dec 29 - Jan 3, 2025 Itinerary Differences: This departure will stay at the Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
11 meals | 5B | 3L | 3D |
8 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
4 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
driving about 50 miles, approx. 1.5 hour aboard motorcoach. If you wish to swim at the lagoon, please remember to pack your bathing suit where it is easily accessible. Towels will be provided.
Breakfast:
At Park Inn by Radisson. If arriving independently, plan to arrive at the Park Inn by Radisson no later than 9:00 a.m.
Morning:
Upon all participants arrival in Iceland, we will board the motorcoach to ride to an enchanting lagoon. Take in the stunning views and relax with a soak in the geothermal heated waters, just like the locals!
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board the motorcoach and continue our transfer to our hotel in Reykjavik. Along the way we will take a slight detour to enjoy a city tour of Reykjavik.
Dinner:
Welcome dinner and introduction at a local restaurant.
Evening:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. European-style breakfast buffets will offer choices such as cold cuts, cheeses, cereals, yogurt, fruit, breads, juice, milk, coffee, tea, water. Unless otherwise noted, dinners will typically be 3-course plated meals. Water is included with all meals. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. The remainder of the evening is free to continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars. Then settle in and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Participants are encouraged to bring and wear warm clothes, shoes, and cold weather items including hats, scarves, mittens, hand warmers, etc. for the bonfire and firework gazing.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
Discover Europe's northernmost capital on an expert-led visit of Reykjavik with your Group Leader. We’ll also enjoy an expert-led field trip to the National Museum of Iceland. In addition to a permanent exhibition on the making of a nation, there are special exhibits on a variety of history and culture topics.
Lunch:
Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon:
Free time to rest up for the evening's festivities or explore Reykjavik. You may wish to visit the Reykjavik Art Museum, The Culture House, or the Volcano House. Another option is to take a walk around Lake Tjornin in the center of Reykjavik or up to the Church of Hallgrimur for a great view of the city. Your Group Leader will provide directions and advice as needed.
Dinner:
New Year’s Eve celebration with a festive 6 course dinner at Perlan.
Evening:
After dinner, watch as the entire sky, as far as the eye can see, fills with fireworks as midnight approaches, building to an endless explosion of light and color that are of a beauty and magnitude like nowhere else on earth.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 185 miles, approximately 4-5 hours aboard motorcoach. Walking distances up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain. May be snowy or icy.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
After a leisurely morning, board a motorcoach for a field trip around the Golden Circle. Our field trip will begin with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, site of the original parliament, which is known as the most sacred place in Iceland due to its geological and historical significance. The Althing, or General Assembly, was established here in 930 CE and is the world's oldest existing parliament. Not only historically significant, the site is located on the meeting point of the American and European continental plates. Discuss how geothermal energy is used to provide hot water, heat and grow vegetables.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant we’ll have a light lunch with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Moving on, we’ll reach Gullfoss — golden falls — the most famous waterfall in Iceland. Water from the Langjökull glacier flows into the Hvítá (White) River. When it reaches the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon, it falls in two stages more than 100 feet (32 meters). We’ll experience the stillness and beauty of the wintry countryside and the impressive waterfall. We’ll then continue our ride to Geysir, where the active Strokkur geyser bursts forth every few minutes in a cloud of steam, before arriving at our hotel for check-in.
Dinner:
At the hotel we'll enjoy a special New Year's Day 3-course plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine or beer, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 250 miles, approximately 6 hours. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain. May be snowy or icy.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
Boarding our motorcoach, we’ll set out for a field trip along the scenic south coast of Iceland. On the way, we will stop at the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant. The largest in Iceland, it’s the second largest in the world, situated in the Hengill volcano area. We’ll learn about this renewable resource and how geothermal energy is used in Iceland. We will then continue riding along the coast, stopping by the impressive Skógafoss Waterfall, one of the largest in Iceland that drops 200 feet (60 meters) and is nearly 50 feet (15 meters) wide. On sunny days, there is a good chance of catching a rainbow thanks to the spray. The Skógá River and its waterfalls play a central role in local folk stories of magic and hidden treasure, about which we’ll learn more.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell lunch.
Afternoon:
En route to the Skógar Museum, we'll stop at Reynisfjara, home to a multitude of nesting seabirds. Local folklore holds that the hexagonal basalt column formations of Reynisfjara’s cliffs, reminiscent of Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, are marauding trolls turned to stone when daylight struck them at dawn. The Skógar Museum focuses on three areas of Icelandic history and culture. The folk museum displays a large collection of artifacts representing aspects of agriculture, fishing, and natural history — some dating back to the Viking age. There is also a technical area that traces the country’s development in the 19th and 20th centuries, and an open-air museum with rebuilt turf houses representing how Icelanders lived centuries ago. We won't return to the hotel until early evening.
Dinner:
On your own to explore Reykjavik.
Evening:
At leisure.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
Staggered transfers to Keflavík International Airport based on final flight times. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
11 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
3 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025
  • Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025
  • Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 02, 2025
  • Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025
  • Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025
  • Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026
  • Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026
  • Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
4 nights
Location: Reykjavik
Alda Hotel Reykjavik is a tranquil boutique-style accommodation in the middle of the city. The rooms vary in shapes and sizes and offer a calm escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is close to shops, cafés, and restaurants but away from the central nightlife area.
4 nights
Location: Reykjavik
Modern boutique hotel in central Reykjavik. Its location on the marina's quayside, in the art district, offers easy access to both the city and the sea. National Gallery of Iceland, Reykjavik Art Museum, Cathedral of Christ the King, and Hljómskálagarður Park are all within walking distance. Facilities include Slippbarinn bar on ground floor, serving food, and Boiler Room gym.
4 nights
Location: Reykjavik
Modern boutique hotel in central Reykjavik. Its location on the marina's quayside, in the art district, offers easy access to both the city and the sea. National Gallery of Iceland, Reykjavik Art Museum, Cathedral of Christ the King, and Hljómskálagarður Park are all within walking distance. Facilities include Slippbarinn bar on ground floor, serving food, and Boiler Room gym.
4 nights
Location: 101 Reykjavik
Center Hotels Plaza is a well-regarded hotel located in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland's vibrant capital city. Situated close to the city's main attractions like the historic Old Harbour and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, the hotel offers convenient access to dining and cultural experiences.
4 nights
Location: 101 Reykjavik
Center Hotels Plaza is a well-regarded hotel located in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland's vibrant capital city. Situated close to the city's main attractions like the historic Old Harbour and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, the hotel offers convenient access to dining and cultural experiences.
4 nights
Location: 101 Reykjavik
Center Hotels Plaza is a well-regarded hotel located in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland's vibrant capital city. Situated close to the city's main attractions like the historic Old Harbour and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, the hotel offers convenient access to dining and cultural experiences.
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 9 Reviews
Sort By:
Erica – Class of 2020 | Berkley, MA
Our itinerary was modified due to Dec. 18 volcanic eruption, but it did not diminish our enjoyment. Instead of the Blue Lagoon, we soaked in the Sky Lagoon, which we liked even better. What a treat to soak in hot fresh water, surrounded by black lava walls, shower under a water fall and view the sea from the infinity pool! There were lots of people, but we never felt crowded due to the undulating shape of the pool. Also, there was a bar we could swim to, sauna, hot tub, steam bath and cool mist shower. It was a relaxing and romantic experience. We enjoyed the variety of being exposed to history and culture of Iceland and the natural, wild beauty of the land, including waterfalls, glacier, black sand beach, basalt cliffs, geysir and other formations. The seasonally short time (4.5 hrs.) from sunrise to sunset did not diminsh our enjoyment of this wonderful country. Unexpectedly the food was fresh, at peak ripeness and plenty varied thanks to geothermal energy in local greenhouses. Delicious! Once again, Road Scholar provided a quality educational and luxurious vacation for us.
— Review left January 13, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Robert – Class of 2013 | Mountainside, NJ
Couldn't have been better. Everything was great - hotel, meals , scenery, pace of trip, itinerary, group leader, (Harpa Bjornsdotter), bus driver, (I apologize for not writing down his name,) vehicle used, etc. There couldn't have been a single highlight since there were So many. I guess New Years Eve was just one to be noted- wonderful meal, bonfires, fireworks -what a night!! One thing I would like potential visitors to know, Because of snow, ice freeze, snow cycle you have frequently to be extremely careful when walking!!
— Review left January 18, 2023
Christine – Class of 2018 | Palatine, IL
Iceland is incredibly beautiful. It was also very cold. I am told it was colder than usual this time of year but that added to the complexities of trying to enjoy a place best seen outdoors. I do plan to go back at some time but in the summer. Still to be there on NYE was an experience with a large bonfire and firecrackers everywhere. Dinner at the Harpa for NYE was a highlight. I wish we could have attended a concert there at some point. If that could be included especially in a winter trip, I think that would be a great addition. Inga, our guide, was very knowledgeable and personable. She was always willing to help and answer our many questions. Our bus driver was less personable but after being seated in the front and watching him drive through blowing snow I felt he was an exceptional driver. Safety on snowy roads being a high priority for me, made me appreciate having him as our driver. The accommodations and sites chosen were perfect though again because of the bitter cold hard to stay outdoors for too long, except of course for the Blue Lagoon! That was an experience all of its own. I think what everyone, but especially me, was surprised was the cuisine was delicious. I don't usually eat fish but this was wonderful fresh fish well prepared and the Icelandic lamb stew should not be missed. My biggest regret is not having the stamina to be outside too long because of the cold but I will return someday. As with all the trips I have taken with Road Scholar my travel companions also made the trip more interesting and fun. I have 2 more trips planned for this year and I can't wait! The only question now is where will I be next NYE?
— Review left January 16, 2023
Emese – Class of 2011 | Rocky River, OH
I am ready to go back in the spring or fall to see the GREEN Iceland.
— Review left January 13, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Glenda – Class of 2014 | Duncanville, TX
Loved the experience and NY Eve was unbelievable--with bonfires and fireworks! The families do the fireworks, and they were EVERYWHERE! The countryside is spectacular, and the guide and driver were excellent. We did have some travel hiccups and were completely disappointed in the emergency contact service--5 calls = no help at rescheduling air travel which had been booked by RS. Good thing we purchased the trip insurance!
— Review left January 6, 2023
Wendy – Class of 2019 | Carmel, IN
Iceland, even in the winter time, does not disappoint. It was interesting to see the dramatic sunrises and sunsets, and there were only a couple of hours in the morning that were dark. We saw so much, and the wintertime actually added to the experience. The New Year's fireworks were unimaginable. Highly recommend this program, and if possible, add a few days on your own to explore more!
— Review left January 10, 2022
Kimberly – Class of 2018 | Riverside, CA
Iceland for New Years Eve is like nothing I've ever experienced. Iceland is a beautiful country with captivating scenery, warm people, and all kinds of delights. It's magical and I will definitely return!
— Review left January 8, 2020
Peter – Class of 2019 | Chicago, IL
Trip was very well planned and executed. Tour leader was organized, knowledgeable, and a good communicator. Food and lodging accommodations were very good.
— Review left January 4, 2020
Victoria – Class of 2019 | Lutz, FL
If you are looking to spend a unique New Year's Eve to enjoy the answer is the Road Scholar trip to Iceland. The Blue Lagoon, bonfires and fireworks are celestial.
— Review left January 22, 2019





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