Prices per adult based on bookings for two. Along the way, we saw smoke still rising and recently cooled lava from the eruption that began on March 19, 2021, after 800 years of dormancy. You can choose to stay in Reykjavik, explore at your leisure on a self-drive tour, or join a group with an experienced guide. So, arrive at least 2.5 hours early. . I met some other solo travelers and we became our own group. We look forward to welcoming you onboard again soon! The northern lights will undoubtedly be at the front of your mind when youre planning a trip to Reykjavik. Please see our privacy policy. The heat was more intense than sitting right next to a bonfire. To start our day, we grabbed another cinnamon roll from Brau & Co (it's that good) and coffee from the popular Reykjavik Roasters before wandering around the charming seaside city. For more on security, local laws and the latest travel information, visit the FCDO Travel Aware websiteat travelaware.campaign.gov.uk. And gush it does: up to 70 metres in the air, with temperatures of over 120 degrees C in her run-offs. On a self-drive tour, you can travel at your own pace, spending your time as you wish. Keflavk Airport (KEF), 235 KEFLAVKURFLUGVLLUR, Reykjanesbr, Keflavk Airport (KEF), Reykjanesbr, Iceland, A weekend break in Iceland is a short break, usually two or three days in duration. Whether you are looking for a weekend of high adventure, or if you just want a spa break with a difference, we have a wonderful selection of self-drive and guided weekend breaks to Iceland to suit all tastes, no matter what you are looking for. I am looking for a romantic weekend getaway, is Iceland a good choice. I've always known Iceland would make for an incredible vacation. - Icelandair - Reykjavik Airport - 102 Reykjavik, Earn 3,400 Saga Points on round-trip flights included in all Icelandair Holidays holiday packages, Icelandair Holidays packages are ATOL protected. Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights - Vacation Package | Icelandair Since you plan to take the returning flight home early on Mondayand want to savour every moment of your short weekend stay, you have decided torent a carwhich is conveniently waiting for you in the airport parking lot. Is it possible to travel cheaply in Iceland while still partaking in the activities on offer? But, with buses departing every hour, you shouldn't have too much trouble getting there. After our welcome champagne and room tour, we got right into the water via the property's spa. By: Catrina Last updated: May 10, 2023 The beautifully wild country of Iceland is the perfect place to spend a long weekend in, regardless of the season. What about activities, I heard it is possible to join all kinds of adventure tours. Located 200km north of the Arctic Circle, in the village of Jukkasjarvi, this hotel has been reincarnated into new, breathtaking designs every winter for more than thirty years. Iceland Hotels: Compare Hotels in Iceland from $22/night on KAYAK - Icelandair - Reykjavik Airport - 102 Reykjavik. Spend your days exploring the museums and quirky cafes in the old town, then get dressed up and head out for some celebrity-spotting in glamorous Stureplan. When you exit the terminal building you see adarkbank of sinister clouds in the North, but whether they are rolling in or rolling out is of no concern to you since you knowhow to pack fortravel in Iceland; you packed light, but you packed welland the warm and waterproof layers are at the ready in your suitcase along with your hiking boots. inter northern lights road trip featuring hot springs. Can't have a better trip! When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This fly drive close to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Langjokull Glacier allows you to explore Iceland's beautiful west. Iceland Vacation Packages 2023 from $919 Expedia Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: The Civil Aviation Authority. And we're making DIY ice pops to keep you cool on these hot summer days! This amazing short break. The lamb--another Icelandic fave--was even served on freshly-picked lava stone from the volcano we hiked just the day before. Check out our top tips for planning your trip to Iceland! Book your complete trip with the best companies only. Let our exciting day tours lead the way! Car rental place was not very informative about it. Furthermore, relax and enjoy the warm and soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon! We also have travel guides available for City Breaks destinations, including: Barcelona | London | Paris | Reykjavik. Take a whale watching cruise - Holidays in Iceland will be heaven for nature lovers, especially if you're keen on majestic cetaceans like minke, humpback, or even killer whales. - Icelandair - Reykjavik Airport - 102 Reykjavik. Eventually, you reach theGrtta Lighthouse Island,awalkers paradisein which a great number of birds have built their nests under theprotection of the fierce Arctic Tern. from We do not have access to this directly and can only withdraw funds when you are back home from holiday. We quickly swung by the COVID testing center to get our rapid tests needed to return home (it took about 30 minutes), and off we went to the Geldingadalir volcano. Where else can you see several natural wonders and be back at work on Monday? I suppose I could do without the trip all the way to see the glacier if we knew the construction. Land of fire and ice Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you. Iceland is for living and this is not a rehearsal. Romance, thrills, excitement, relaxation, adventure, magic and mystery, Iceland is an island that truly has it all. Ask us about adding extra nights or optional activities. Tastings menus are the only option at the highly-acclaimed restaurant and feature seasonal ingredients and local favorites like skyr. "This is arguably the most tourist-friendly volcano in the world," Ryan told us on the drive over. Good accommodation, and nice driver, also a good guide, and our friend as well. So it was a solid choice before our 12-hour-long (desperately needed) night of sleep. Initially, our first day was supposed to consist of a quick power nap in the morning, an early afternoon dip and lunch at the new Sky Lagoon, followed by a few hours wandering the streets of Reykjavik. So, it would surprise you just how much you can accomplish in just one day! Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Maybe Golden Circle, then Snaefellsnes National Park, then South Iceland? Iceland Breaks | Discover the World Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Enjoy a short break to Iceland and discover incredible nature and adventure. The landscapes are mind-blowing with stunning waterfalls and geo-thermal pools and there are so many unique things to see and do! Whether you want R&R on a Blue Lagoon Spa Break, thrills and adventure on our Superjeep Weekend Safari or a base from which to explore the surrounding countryside on our Reykjavik Explorer fly-drive, we offer both independent and escorted options. Although not the most intense massage you'll ever have, it was profoundly relaxing thanks to the floating sensation. Are you planning to spend a weekend in Iceland and want to make the most of your short journey? Spend your afternoons wandering the cobbled streets of the old town, explore the citys cultural history at the many museums and galleries, or prepare for a night of velvet ropes in the glamorous Stureplan district. With a couple of hours left, we took a final dip in the public part of the Blue Lagoon. From being one of the poorest countries in the world, Iceland now ranks as the ninth most developed nation and is assessed as among the 10 greenest countries, with 85% of its energy needs supplied by hydro-electricity and geo-thermal sources. It might seem crazy, but I promise it's more than doable. This quaint city will impress you with its Art Nouveau architecture, relaxed cafe culture and cool art scene. Wildlife enthusiasts:See whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins and a throng of seabirds posing for the camera, in and around Reykjavik. We woke up feeling recovered despite a brief noise disturbance around 11 pm. What can you do in only four days? Your Iceland Vacation Itinerary. Learn everything you need to know about Iceland's Golden Circle, the most popular tourist route in Iceland. Best time to visit: The long days and midnight sun of the summer make it a great time of year to explore all of Reykjaviks surrounding natural wonders. Our ABTA number is P8283, Y6720. This fly drive on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula allows you to explore all Iceland's beautiful west. We have a long history of working with many different partners across Iceland, from hotels and car rentals to restaurants and various tour operators. Had a good time despite uncooperative weather. Absolutely, many of the most incredible sights of Iceland are situated close to the nations capital of Reykjavk. Cool, clean and classy, a city break in Copenhagen is ideal for foodies, families and art enthusiasts. After all, volcanos, geothermal waters, and geysers just aren't things you'll find in the Hamptons. Got a little bit longer to explore? Yes, Iceland is a perfect choice . Our map will help you find the perfect place to stay in Iceland by showing you the exact location of each hotel. Iceland Holidays 2023/2024 from 220 | loveholidays It's not just the Northern Lights that make Iceland the best winter holiday destination. Are you planning to spend a weekend in Iceland and want to make the most of your short journey? This short break to Reykjavik and its surroundings allows you to walk on an ice site, try ATV driving and snowmobiling on one of the largest glaciers in Europe. Book additional nights in Iceland for even more free time to explore Reykjavk or wherever else your curiosity leads you. Lots of driving but no other way to see the glacier And waterfalls unless you are into organized tour group, which we are not. You might think you know what you want to see and do, but Iceland is a land of constant surprises and it always has a trick up its sleeve. This old seaside trail takes you through small rural neighbourhoods and strange lunar landscapeswhere abandoned houses and ancient fishing huts stand from patches of grass in the rugged lava fields, like the displaced artefacts of an abandoned museum dedicated to a long lost way of life. Get tips from designers who use tones and textiles that reflect Icelands natural environment. Enjoy an adventure that includes The Golden Circle, South Coast and Northern Lights | 2-Day Adventure Take a 2 Day Road Trip to Jokulsarlon with Ice Caving In an eight journey through the south-west of the island, you will visit Geysers, including the sprouting geyser at Strokkur, the Gullfoss waterfalls, geo-thermal springs and walk on a volcano at Kerio. Sorry, we found no tours matching your criteria. From221pp. Weekend Breaks to Iceland | Authentic Journeys by Nordical There's plenty of lovely restaurants to choose from for a bite to eat. Fiskisl 31d101 ReykjavkIceland+354 519 8920hello@nordical.com, About UsTerms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyEnvironmental Policy, ReykjavkReykjanesSouth IcelandWestman IslandsEast IcelandNorth IcelandWestfjordsWest IcelandHighlands, Guided ToursRoadtripsGroup TravelPrivate ToursWeekend BreaksHoneymoon TripsMedia Production. After a couple of rejuvenating hours,you drive towards Reykjavik,feeling so refreshed that you decide to leave the busy Reykjanesbraut main road and make use of the longer but less congestedRoute 420instead. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. Sometimes a weekend just isnt enough! is animal-themed, with horseback riding and whale watching, three-day northern lights tour of the Golden Circle. We know Iceland and we will take you there for the weekend of your lifetime. Explore Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, where incredible natural attractions will be at your fingertips. Once you have made your booking, you can change the number of days, number of people, or add extra activities to your vacation package. You return to Reykjavk late in the afternoon. Iceland Holidays 2023 | Expedia The northern lights are spectacular and Iceland is the ideal place to search for this natural phenomenon. Even a few days will give you enough time to see some of the countrys most famous sights like the highlights of the, Weekend breaks in Iceland vary in length from two to four days depending on which you choose. Even in our limited time, we checked out the ruins of one of the first houses in Iceland at The Settlement Exhibition, snapped a picture on the Rainbow street located between Bergstaastrti and Laugavegur, walked past the 244-foot-tall Hallgrmskirkja church, ate the world's best hot dog (according to Bill Clinton) with everything (ein me llu) at the Bjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand, and stopped in several stores like those found in T+L's Iceland guide. Esja is "the mountain of Reykjavik. Celebrating Iceland:If youre in town on Icelands National Day, marked each 17th June, make sure you get involved in the festivities, from street theatre and concerts to bell ringing and puppet shows. You can customise your trip with day tours from the popular Golden Circle tour to snorkelling a fissure between two tectonic plates or spend time snowmobiling on glaciers, visit the steaming geysers or relax in the geothermal Blue Lagoon. Self-drive car:So long as you get clued-up on all the rules and regulations before you set out, driving in Reykjavik can be pretty easy and convenient, giving you the freedom to see what you want to see, when you want to see it. Here are just some of our favourite things to do in Reykjavik. Book this perfect holiday package with Icelandair today, unforgettable memories included! Users have also found 3-star hotels from $80 (Grtubakkahreppur) and 4-star+ hotels from $151 . Reykjavik & the Blue Lagoon How has Guide to Iceland changed since its conception? Be the first to hear of Special Offers and travel news. Now that you have singlehandedly completed what is commonly referred to as the Golden Circle Tour, Iceland's most popular tourist route, you are ready to head back to central Reykjavk,driving through a landscape bathed in thesoft light of the evening sun. 02295449. Iceland City Breaks & Mini-Trips 2023/2024 : Nordic Visitor The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and their appearance cannot be guaranteed. Iceland is a year-round destination, but the winter months bring their own kind of charm! The weekend break is a quick way to get a taste of what Iceland has to offer. For a snapshot of Iceland, try the Golden Circle Tour. With Reykjavik, iceland's famous capital, just three hours away, a Weekend Break in this land of Vikings is a real possibility and a great way to taste the country that you will want to visit and savour again and again. You knowthat Iceland is home to countless sites and wonders well worthy of your time and attention, but since this is but a shortweekend trip you have decided to limityour travels to the greater South-West region. I enjoyed all three tours and getting to experience the three different tour companies. For starters, there are the Northern Lights - Iceland is one of the best places to catch this free light show, laid on by Mother Nature. Whether you want to join a tour with an expert guide or hire a car to explore independently, we always recommend escaping the light pollution of the city for the best aurora-watching opportunities. To receive our monthly newsletters with more information, on the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun and all the countries Baltic Travel can take you to, and special offers, please enter your email address and press the sign up button. Theres plenty to do in Iceland during winter, including, Yes, you can take a weekend break road trip in Iceland. Learn about the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, the best waterfalls to visit, and the stories behind them. This guide to Iceland, which includes a handy map, breaks down the two weeks day by day, including expected drive times, recommended accommodation, and what you can see along the way. Find your relaxing getaway on a weekend trip to the land of fire and ice. Now that the logistics were done, it was time for the vacation to really begin. All rights reserved. Snowy surroundings combined with Christmas lights and, if you are lucky, the Northern Lights truly create a magical setting for a Christmas holiday in Iceland. MountEsjawould be an ideal choice; throughout centuries, Esja has bothbeen the delight of outdoor enthusiasts and a limitless source ofinspiration for countless poets and free thinkers. But knowing that it's possible over a long weekend makes it all the more appealing. Visit the worlds most northerly capital Reykjavik a compact city full of life at any time of year. So if you book with us youre guaranteed the best service. You could feel the heat, hear the crackling, and smell the burning of the landscape. This is the perfect place to gatherstrength after the red-eye flight and experience the raw volcanic energy of theReykjanes Peninsuladirectly. But thanks to an early landing, my husband and I were already on a bus to my hotel in Reykjavik by 7:30 am. Alternative transport:A weekly summer ferry service sails to Iceland from Denmark, via the Faroe Islands. Enjoy the city's fireworks as you celebrate New Year in the capital. We ended up getting back about 3 hours late due to construction on the road. Our ATOL number is 11806. Where to stay in Iceland? 1999-2023 Icelandair. For further information visit the, our top tips for planning your trip to Iceland. Day 2: From Reykjavik, head out on a day trip around the Golden Circle. But it was the most spacious. It was a beautiful day. Yes, Thai food might not be the first thing that comes to mind in Iceland. This is the perfect place to watch the scarlet midnight sun refuse to set and bid farewellto this strange island in the North-Atlantic. This Northern Lights City Break holiday includes return flights to Iceland with 3 nights accommodation and Northern Lights Hunt evening excursion. Iceland Airport Arrivals & Departure If youre looking for a unique and relaxing city break with tasty food, stunning scenery and plenty of atmosphere, Brussels is the destination for you. If youre short of time, but big on action, we can help fill your days with everything from glacier walking to superjeep tours. As we boarded the plane, I couldn't believe we were already on the way home and how much we had accomplished in that short time. Be sure to spend some time taking it all in over a stylish meal. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. guided tour of Icelands south coast to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, four-day northern lights long weekend in Reykjavik. Hotel Husafell makes an irresistible bolthole for this winter self-drive holiday. Jordi Lippe-McGraw is a freelance writer and editor covering travel, parenting, and wellness. Holidays to Reykjavik from 459 per person, All of our holidays that include flights are protected by the ATOL scheme from the moment you book. Our choice? There are countless reasons why Iceland should be on your bucket list, at any time of year. Although you could hear the gushing sound of lava spewing from the crater, we couldn't see a thing. Northern Lights Hunttour is booked for late evening and takes you to the best viewing location, as decided by Mother Nature. With just over 120,000 people, Reykjavik is a great little big city and if you spend your first evening there, you may never move, but there is so much more than the great restaurants and clubs of this dazzling city. You collectyour vehicle and head straight to theBlue Lagoon Geothermal Spa. Reykjavik Holidays & City Breaks 2023 / 2024 | Thomas Cook Less will definitely be more this time around. We followed the C route--the access paths change with the lava flow--to reach the main crater viewing point. We stayed in the area for about an hour, taking it all in before making our way back to the car. Tracy Street & Lindsey Yendle, Blue Lagoon Spa Break. Sleep well and wake up ready for a new day of exploring your surroundings. I was in Iceland for my first international trip since February 2020 and was there for just two nights. Flights and COVID Restrictions. Perfect for culture lovers seeking inspiration or couples wanting an elegant break, this city is popular for its clean cobbled streets, innovative design and countless museums. Look out for minke whale as you glide across Faxafli Bay, and keep your eye out for other interesting wildlife as you try and snap some memorable photos. Back on dry land you can saddle up on another magnificent beast and go horse riding through striking landscapes, visit the Gullfoss waterfall and Hallgrimskirkja Church, or indulge in some laid back pampering with an afternoon at the Geysir geothermal area. Imagine driving through a land where volcanoes loom above vast icecaps or hiking through moss-clad lava fields to a waterfall crashing over 100m-tall cliffs. You will also have time to enjoy the cosy cafes and lively local nightlife. Though quarantine and testing aren't required, you should be prepared to spend at least an hour getting through customs and the document verification process. Reykjadalur is a geothermal area where steaming hot water flows down the mountains, forming a river to which locals and foreign travellers alike, flock to bathe and relax. That means you could finish up work on a Thursday, head straight to the airport, and start your international getaway by 6 am Friday. Experience a weekend full of activities from hunting the northern lights to lava cave exploration! It's here where we partook in the four-step, dimly-lit, 45-minute ritual that included three masks, showers, and oil treatment. The return flight is just as easy with a 5 pm daily departure out of Reykjavik back to the New York area, making it, so you have almost three full days on the ground. Iceland Escape: Adventure & Relaxation | Iceland Travel Speaking of those, below is a list of some! And since some of the top attractions are within a couple of hours of the airport, it's a prime destination to pack in a week's worth of FOMO-inducing activities in a few days. Explore Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, where incredible natural attractions will be at your fingertips. | Registered Office: 2nd Floor, One Dorking Office Park, Station Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1HJ Registered in England and Wales No. Iceland Itinerary - Best options for 4 days, 1 week or 10 days - ZigZag on Earth Not sure how long you need to spend in Iceland? I'd recommend pre-booking a transfer as the wait times for group transportation can be longer. You could easily spend days here. Please donthesitateto get in touch if you have anyburning questions. The, Yes, you can certainly take a weekend break in Iceland during winter. Combine stylish accommodation with great chances to see the aurora and explore at leisure. Dont forget to leave plenty of room for trying the local schnapps before continuing your evening out with some live music and a trip to one of Reykjaviks contemporary nightclubs for a bit of dancing. Select starting location Select date range All arrival COVID testing and quarantine restrictions from a few months ago have been removed. So, we checked in to ION City Hotel (many hotels can accommodate the early check-in), grabbed the most heavenly cinnamon roll I've ever had at Brau & Co and latte at Sandholt, changed into hiking gear, and were in the car with Ryan by 9:45 am. The restorative destination is perched right on the ocean with rock formations perfectly framing where the thermal pool, sea, and sky all seem to meet. You follow a footpath all thewayto the river's edge and as you look down into the gorge, you manage to get at least somesense of this waterfall's unspeakablepower. Simply contact your travel agent by email at. When it comes to romantic weekend breaks to Iceland, what could be better than checking in to a beautiful boutique hotel and dining in one of Reykjavks most exquisite and romantic restaurants, or taking a dip in the spectacular Blue Lagoon and gazing up at the night sky as the Northern Lights dance for you. All rights reserved. The peak season for the aurora borealis is between November and February when Iceland sees the longest and darkest nights. Offers may be subject to change without notice. With 39 years experience of arranging holidays to see the northern lights weve discovered the best places to view, Our collection of self drive holidays offer the perfect combination of flexibility to explore at your own pace with the. Unwinding in the hot river after a decent hike, surrounded by the mesmerising mountain colours, is an exceptional experience in and by itself, but you have chosen a moredaring approach and booked aguided horseback tour; this day trip takes you even further into the mountains, which are full of hot springs, lava fields, and other natural wonders. You land inKeflavikona midsummer Saturday morning. Add a little flair. For further information visit the. I didn't see any USB or power outlets on the bus. 110 Reykjavk But with our flight not until 5 pm, we could squeeze in some final relaxing moments. Beyond the country'smagnificent landscapes, there are magnets for all kinds of travelers. Best time to visit:The long days and midnight sun of the summer make it a great time of year to explore all of Reykjaviks surrounding natural wonders. Local bus:See Reykjavik like the locals do, on the efficient and regular bus system. Although much smaller (and a different color) than the Blue Lagoon, it has its own appeal. We never allow third parties to use your data and we do not keep financial information. Explore the fascinating Reykjanes Peninsula on this short break set amongst the lava fields and other natural wonders for which the land of fire and ice is known. "Are you willing to venture off the route a bit," Ryan asked us. I'm talking about a waterfall of lava pouring down one direction and a molten river flowing down the other. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Temperatures range from an average maximum of 0 (c) in January to 14 (c) in August. In the last 72 hours, users have found Iceland hotels for this weekend for as low as $69 per night. Icelandair makes the updated rules clear on their website if you have any questions. . There are countless ways to spend an eveningin the city, but you decide to walk through the harbour district of Grandi, which in recent years has been developed from an industrial area to an artistic venue filled withworkshops and galleries. Friendly and sometimes eccentric, this vibrant city is equally well placed for picturesque glacier walks as it is partying until sunrise. I would have changed the order of the tours or maybe two weeks before have the chance if i wanted to change the order, if possible. A limited service continues into the winter months. Outdoor lovers:Pull on your walking boots and pick your hiking route around Icelands incredible natural landscape. Swedish Lapland's Icehotel is one of the most famous and innovative places you can ever dream of staying. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Weekend Breaks & Trips to Iceland 2023/24 - Baltic Travel Company Then there are the geysers: there are roughly 30 of them including the daddy of them all called - what else - the Great Geysir, from the Icelandic word, geysa, meaning literally to gush.