In a response to travelers’ ever increasing demand for authentic local experiences, savvy Icelandic tour operator Reykjavik Excursions has launched two new holiday tours that engage visitors in traditional Christmas and New Year’s Eve customs at the local level.

(TRAVPR.COM) ICELAND - December 21st, 2014 - For Icelanders, the holidays aren't complete without receiving a prank from one of their thirteen mischievous Yuletide Elves, a waft of stinky Christmas fish or a 600-ton firework display on New Year's Eve that make Reykjavik so magical at this time of year. In two new itineraries offered by innovative tour provider Reykjavik Excursions, travelers can experience these unique Christmas traditions on the local level and celebrate an authentic New Year's Eve with Icelanders.
 
'A Reykjavik Christmas Walk' engages all five senses on a seasonal tasting journey of the festive capital guided by a folklore expert, while 'New Year's Eve Bonfire Tour' invites guests to mingle and celebrate with locals at a neighborhood brenni.
 
"Travelers today are looking for authentic experiences and Icelanders are friendly to visitors and eager to share their culture," says Thorarinn Thor, Director of Sales and Marketing at Reykjavik Excursions. In 2013 Iceland was named the friendliest nation to travelers by the World Economic Forum.
 
Mr. Thor continues, "To a get a true sense of Iceland's holidays we provide opportunities for up-close-and-personal encounters with local people. The feedback has been amazing and even Santa has promised that the really good passengers may even get a peek at the Northern Lights."

REYKJAVIK CHRISTMAS WALK: Guided by a folklore expert dressed in Icelandic heritage attire, guests uncover hidden corners of downtown Reykjavik on foot with delicious detours to sample holiday delicacies like smoked lamb and warm mulled wine, glögg. On streets decorated in twinkling lights visitors hear tales about the 13 Christmas Elves. Price from $123 includes tasty stops and a small gift.

NEW YEAR'S EVE BONFIIRE TOUR
On December 31st the ban on fireworks is lifted and Icelanders light up over 600 tons of fireworks - nearly 5 lbs per inhabitant. Thousands celebrate at neighborhood bonfires and watch the breathtaking spectacle which peaks at midnight when the sky lights up to near daylight and all toast a Happy New Year. Tour invites visitors to experience this celebration with Icelanders. Price from $73 per person includes hotel pick up and sparklers.

Yuletide Traditions from Iceland...
Iceland has 13 'Santas' or Yule Lads which are the descendants of elves.
Their troll-mother Gryla's favorite meal is naughty children stew.
Her 'Christmas Cat' eats kids who didn't get new clothes for Christmas.
The Yule Lads prefer to play pranks on kids over giving them treats.
Yule Lads have odd names like Window Peeper and Sausage Snatcher.
Really, really stinky fish is eaten the day before Christmas.

On New Year's Eve elves become visible, the dead walk out of their graves, seals take on human form and cows develop speech.

About Reykjavik Excursions
Founded in 1968, Reykjavik Excursions has grown into one of Iceland's largest and leading tour operators, travel agencies and Incentive organizers. We operate one of the largest coach fleets in Iceland which are all equipped with free Wi-Fi and have maintained the airport transfer service, Flybus, between Keflavik International Airport and Iceland's capital Reykjavik since 1979. Reykjavik Excursions offers charter bus rental, double-decker Hop On - Hop Off tours in Reykjavik and a wide variety of excellent tours for individuals and groups developed by our dedicated team of planning experts.  www.re.is

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