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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.
Participant Reviews
4.9
Based on 13 Reviews
SHOWING
Roxanne – Class of 2021 | Billings, MT
spectacular fireworks and a wonderful restaurant for ny eve. would recommend this and would consider going again. downside is that it is dark A LOT this time of year so dark bus rides to and from site seeing locations but light once we got there! hot spring by the sea was wonderful too.
— Review left May 14, 2025
This participant did not give a star rating.
Susan – Class of 2006 | Concord Township, OH
This trip was absolutely the best New Year’s Eve vacation; every day filled with education, activity and splendor. Most of the credit goes to our guide, Ásdís Birgisdóttir, and our bus driver (name?) deserves kudos. Ásdís was professional, well organized and flexible enough to add stops when the Northern Lights were visible or the sunrise was perfect. She was a resource for every imaginable interest in free time activities. Ásdís answered questions on culture, geology, religion, government , sweaters, etc., nearly non-stop with grace and knowledge and followed up with a group email with recipes and references. The activities on the trip were diverse and inspiring. I never thought I’d like a greenhouse or a power plant, yet both were fascinating. The waterfalls, beach, and spa experience were lovely. The New Year’s Eve celebration at Perlan defies description - it was unlike any other New Year’s celebration worldwide - community spirit with fireworks, excellent food and beverage, and complimented by Mother Nature’s Northern Lights. The accommodations at Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel were simple, clean and comfortable; the lobby served as a comfortable gathering place for winding down or gearing up. The bar was stocked and reasonably priced. The staff spoke English and were responsive to requests. For future planning I recommend local “foodie” tastings. There is an abundance of breads, fish, lamb and other specialties. A culinary sampler activity could be added to the itinerary. For improvement, Road Scholar Travel did a horrible job for several of us with excessive layovers and poor communication. Alternate flights would have added more time in Iceland and less time sitting in airports. Booking information was inaccurate and costs were higher than alternatives. I recommend future participants compare on their own before committing to Road Scholar Travel.
— Review left January 8, 2025
Tracy – Class of 2022 | Schenectady, NY
This was a trip of a lifetime! The New Years Eve celebration was like no other! The Pearl (Perlan) was beautiful, the norhtern lights were amazing, the fireworks all around the city were unbelievable.
— Review left January 6, 2025
Alan – Class of 2025 | Brookline, MA
This was a wonderful tour of one of our bucket list countries. This tour gave a nice overview of the beautiful natural landscapes of Iceland, and the very friendly Icelandic people and culture. While not specifically an option of the tour, we had several opportunities to see the Northern Lights, which happened to have a narrow window of opportunity for viewing on New Year's Eve, and provided memories of a lifetime. The tour guide and instructors were amazing. Both transport and accommodations were comfortable.
— Review left January 4, 2025
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