Christmas Adventure in Iceland

From $899* pp

Departures: Nov 14 - Dec 19, 2009

Come to Iceland for Christmas shopping and festivities during this time when the exchange rate is fabulous for North Americans!

Experience Christmas magic in Reykjavik city, furnished with lights in all colors that  sparkle brightly and enjoy the chance to learn about Christmas traditions that go back to ancient days in Iceland. Your experience includes a private guided walking tour in the Old Town and a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon. The highlight is the funny new "Let's Talk Christmas" skit where you will learn about both Icelandic Christmas traditions and the Thirteen Yule Lads from their mother, Gryla the Troll!  Many of these unusual traditions have their origins in Old Norse legends and practices, but they are still an active part of
modern Icelandic life.  

Stay at the Hotel Loftleidir, which offers access to an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and Sauna.  The Lon restaurant is famous for its Danish/Icelandic Christmas buffet dinners (starting in late November). Book Now

Price

Double:  $899*,  Single: $999*
Extra nights:  $59 per person, Single: $85

 Seattle departures are $75 additional round trip

Note:  Package prices may be higher based on departure date and gateway

Itinerary

Itinerary based on evening flights from North America.  Afternoon flights arrive in Iceland on Day 1, with treatments scheduled for Day 2

Day 1:  Departure from North America.  Complimentary snacks, soft drinks and in-seat entertainment system during flight.  Meals, alcoholic beverages, headsets, pillows and blankets available for purchase.  

Day 2:  Early morning arrival in Iceland.  Fly Bus transfer to Icelandair Hotel Loftleidir.  Free time to refresh and relax after your flight.  On own transfer to the Old Town Reykjavik to meet your private guide for a walking tour (free shuttle bus service from hotel). The tour starts at 1pm.  During this three hour tour you will learn about how people in Reykjavik celebrate Christmas. Your knowledgeable guide  is very flexible and will gear the tour to your interests, whether it is about Icelandic history, art and culture, or the best tips on Christmas shopping. There is also the option of visiting museums (admission not included) or taking a break in a coffeehouse to enjoy some Icelandic hot chocolate, a popular holiday treat. (not included).  All in all, it's a relaxing
way to get to know the ins and outs of Reykjavik and meet Icelanders.  

Early in the evening, head over to the Restaurant Reykjavik (located not far from Reykjavik Tourism Information Center) and its basement.  This is where the terrifying Troll, Gryla, likes to hang out when she is in town (even trolls like to go shopping every once in a while).Gryla is the mother of the Thirteen Yule Lads (Icelandic Santa Clauses), so she has the inside information on how to celebrate Christmas, Icelandic style!  Listen to tales of her mischievous sons and how they bring Christmas to Iceland.  You'll also learn some secrets about the strange and unique Icelandic traditions that have origins far back in pre Christian history.  Gryla likes to interact with the guests, so you  may find yourself as a part of the show! You'll also have the chance to sample some seasonal Christmas treats.  Afterwards, recover from the Gryla encounter with a drink at the  restaurant's Ice Bar, truly a chilling experience.  You'll also be able to get a 10% discount off of some of the restaurant menu items.  


Day 3 and 4:  Breakfast at hotel.  These days are open for shopping and sightseeing. Now that you know more about Christmas traditions, this is a good opportunity to get Icelandic Christmas decorations and treats and crafts
to bring back to friends and family.  You also might want to get out into the beautiful winter countryside on a motorcoach sightseeing tour.  Or try an invigorating outdoor activity like horseback riding or caving.  Or get yourself ready for the holiday rush with a soothing spa treatment at the NordicaSpa, Laugar Spa or the new Blue Lagoon Spa in Reykjavik. If you get the chance during the day, pop into a restaurant to enjoy a glass of spiced Christmas wine (jolaglogg) and ginger snaps! You might even want to enjoy a traditional Christmas buffet at the Loftleidir or one of the Old Town restaurants.  Christmas buffets originated in Denmark, but the Icelanders have taken the idea even further to make a sumptuous feast that showcases treats from Denmark, Iceland, England and more.  The emphasis is on Iceland's fresh and tasty seafood, lamb, game and turkey. Christmas buffets are usually offered between late November until about Dec 22, 2009.

Day 5:  Breakfast at hotel. 10:30am departure to the world famous Blue Lagoon.  This is an ideal way to soothe and refresh your body and soul in the geothermal mineral waters before heading to the airport for your return
flight. Complimentary snacks, soft drinks and in-seat entertainment system during flight.  Meals, alcoholic beverages, headsets, pillows and blankets
available for purchase.  


About the Hotel:
Icelandair Hotel Loftleidir (****)
Well-known for its welcoming and attentive staff, the Loftleidir offers a comfortable restaurant, cocktail lounge, beauty salon, Chinese reflexology spa, tour desk and indoor swimming pool. Its 220 guest rooms feature private bath/shower with hair dryer, telephone, radio, and satellite TV. This hotel offers the popular Lon restaurant, a stylish cocktail lounge, gift shop, beauty salon and tour desk. Free shuttle service is provided to Old Town Reykjavik.
A four-star hotel at the rates of a three-star hotel, the Loftleidir offers excellent value. Standard room size: 21 sq. meters.  Rooms have two twin beds.

Includes

• Round-trip air transportation from Boston (BOS), New York (JFK) and Seattle (SEA) (Seattle departures additional $75 per person)

• Three nights in a standard-deluxe double room at the Icelandair Hotel Loftleidir

• Scandinavian buffet breakfast daily except arrival day

• One-way airport/hotel transfer on arrival day

• Private guided walking tour of downtown Reykjavik

• Admission to "Let's Talk Christmas" skit at Restaurant Reykjavik

• Blue Lagoon visit with airport drop off on last day.

Note:  Package prices may be higher based on departure date and gateway

Excludes

• Personal Travel Insurance
  

Conditions

• * Prices quoted are exclusive of applicable taxes and official charges by destination of approximately $100 per person, including the Sep. 11th Security Fee.

• Lower airfares and packages may be available on icelandair.us 
  

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