A city break to Reykjavik promises adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. A perfect escape, and that’s exactly what Jet2 City Breaks delivered for our recent trip to Iceland’s capital. With the stunning backdrop of snow-covered mountains, buzzing harbourside charm, and unique cultural experiences, our holiday was nothing short of magical.

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Last Minute City Break

As my husband’s 50th birthday approached, we were struggling to come up with a unique and memorable way to celebrate. Then, on the spur of the moment, it hit us. Why not take a last-minute city break? It was perfect timing as his actual birthday fell on a Sunday and our son had an inset day the Friday before. We quickly searched for last minute holiday deals and found Jet2CityBreaks.

Booking last minute with Jet2 is incredibly easy and stress-free. They have lots of amazing last minute holiday deals and with just a few clicks, you can secure your flights and hotel. What impressed us most was the flexibility they offered even for last-minute bookings. We were able to choose from a variety of destinations, flight times and accommodations, making it easy to fit within our schedule.

Travel Day

Our Reykjavik adventure began with Jet2 City Breaks stress free service. You can get flights to Reykjavik with Jet2 from Birmingham Airport, which is nice and central in the UK. It definitely gave us peace of mind knowing that we were travelling with the UK’s largest operator with ATOL protection.

Thanks to friendly flight times we didn’t need to get up at the crack of dawn on our travel day. Flying to Reykjavik was nice and straightforward and I was really impressed with Birmingham Airport. It was very handy having the generous 22kg hold luggage and 10 kg of hand luggage included. Essential for the layers of warm clothing we packed! It meant I didn’t have to wear those heavy snow boots on the plane. They were safely packed in the hold luggage. Take my word for it – you need that extra space! 

The Volcano

During our flight, we were incredibly fortunate to witness a rare and breathtaking sight—a live volcano! I had heard that if you sat on the right-hand side of the plane, you might catch a glimpse of the volcano in action. Thanks to the option to choose our seats in advance, we secured spots on the right side and were rewarded with an unforgettable view on landing. Seeing an active volcano from above, before even touching down, was an experience I’ll never forget.

Bus Transfer to the Hotel

The convenience didn’t end there, as Jet2 also sorted our bus transfer to the Grandi by Center Hotel, where we were staying for our short break. Having that extra helping hand certainly takes the stress out of travel. The hotel was the ideal spot for us to explore Reykjavik. It was close to the harbour and had lots of restaurants to choose from in easy walking distance. 

The smooth flight and friendly Jet2 crew offering the outstanding service I’ve come to expect from Jet2 and set the tone for an unforgettable trip ahead. We were ready to start our adventure! 

Highlights of Reykjavik

Throughout our Jet2CityBreak, we embraced a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation for an unforgettable city escape. Here are some of the standout highlights of our trip:

Day 1: Spa, FlyOver Iceland, The Lava Show and Icelandic Cuisine  

Hotel Spa

We started our day at the hotel spa by relaxing in the two hot tubs, soaking in the warm waters and looking through the open skylight above. Afterward, we moved to the cosy lounge area to relax and dry off, where we enjoyed the comfort of soft seating and the gentle glow of an ambient light fireplace. To top it off, we spent some time unwinding in the sauna, setting the perfect tone for a peaceful day ahead. 

FlyOver Iceland

Our first day in Iceland was packed with incredible experiences! We started with a visit to FlyOver Iceland, an amazing virtual reality experience that takes you on a breathtaking journey over Iceland’s most stunning landscapes. It felt like we were flying above glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains—completely immersive and so much fun.

The Lava Show

Next, we headed to the Lava Show, a truly one-of-a-kind experience where real, molten lava is poured right in front of you. It was absolutely fascinating to witness how lava moves, cools, and interacts with different materials—like watching a volcanic eruption in a completely safe and controlled environment! My son was absolutely mesmerised and couldn’t stop talking about how cool it was. It’s such an educational experience, perfect for any age, as it combines science with a thrilling, hands-on demonstration. I also loved sipping on their delicious lava-inspired cocktail during the show. To top it off, my son was thrilled to leave with a piece of obsidian gifted to him at the end. He later used the obsidian for Show and Tell at school, talking to his classmates about seeing real lava up close! Truly a unique and unforgettable experience for the whole family!

Dining Out

To wrap up the day, we enjoyed an amazing 4-course tasting menu at Forrettabarrinn. This restaurant is a cosy yet upscale restaurant. It’s close to the harbour and centre of the city and less than a 5 minute walk from the hotel. As soon as I walked in I got a lovely hygge vibe from the warm buzzing atmosphere, cool decor and soft lighting.  The dishes were incredible—local fish and lamb, langoustine soup so fresh and cooked to perfection, and the warm chocolate cake for dessert was the perfect sweet finale. A delightful way to end an amazing first day!

Day 2 : Perlan Museum, Christmas Market and Jet2 Northern Lights Tour 

Perlan Museum

At Perlan, we began our journey by exploring the man-made ice cave. The Ice cave is a fascinating feature that gave us a glimpse into Iceland’s glacial landscapes without having to leave the city. Walking through the icy tunnels was mesmerising, and it offered a deeper understanding of the country’s natural wonders. Afterward, we headed to the planetarium, where we were treated to a beautiful and educational experience. The show about the Northern Lights was not only visually stunning but also gave us an insight into the science behind the auroras and the rich folklore surrounding them. Learning about the legends of the aurora added a magical touch to the experience. 

The visit wouldn’t have been complete without heading to the 360-degree observation deck at the top of Perlan. From there, we were greeted with sweeping panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding Icelandic countryside. The combination of the city’s charm, the distant mountains, and the vast open landscapes was truly awe-inspiring. It also provided plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.

Christmas Markets in Reykjavik

What makes Reykjavik extra special this time of the year is the Christmas markets. Reykjavík’s growing reputation as an alternative Christmas destination far exceeded my expectations. As we strolled down the streets, we were greeted by twinkling lights, festive decorations and happy faces. The Christmas markets are a must-visit for delicious food, unique gifts and handmade crafts.

Our favourite Christmas decoration has to be the Christmas cat. It truly stole the show, surrounded by the glow of 200 bulbs and 20 kilometres of festive lights. We also loved the ice rink and all the amazing Christmas decorations including the Christmas pig!

If you plan to visit during this time of year, be sure to check out Iceland’s Christmas traditions such as Jólabókaflóð (book flood), where books are exchanged on Christmas Eve and everyone spends the night reading. And don’t forget to try some Icelandic holiday treats like jólaöl (Christmas ale) and laufabrauð (leaf bread).

Northern Lights Tour by Jet2 City Breaks

As if the day hadn’t already been incredible, we ended it on an absolutely magical note with Jet2’s Northern Lights tour. Bundled up under the crisp Icelandic skies, we ventured out for a chance to see one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena—the Aurora Borealis. Luck was not on our side. However, we did spot a few shooting stars streaking across the sky and the glow from the live volcano in the distance. Sipping hot chocolate as we stood there, admiring the bright stars, made the experience even more special. It was the perfect way to cap off another unforgettable day in Iceland.

Day 3:  Rainbow Street, Hallgrimskirkja Church and Whale Watching

Exploring Reykjavik

Our day started with a visit to the iconic Rainbow Street and Hallgrimskirkja Church, both of which were as beautiful as we imagined.

But the highlight of our morning was definitely an early lunch at Kattakaffihusið, the Cat Café. We absolutely loved it there! A couple of adorable cats even came over to say hello, making the experience extra special. Pair that with their delicious waffles and cakes, and it was the perfect cosy stop to warm up.

Whale Watching

The afternoon, however, was an adventure we’ll never forget. We set off on a whale-watching tour. While the cold bit at our faces, the experience was nothing short of magical. We were so lucky to spot humpback whales, and one moment, in particular, left us all awestruck. A magnificent humpback spouted and dived just metres away from us, its tail disappearing gracefully into the water. My husband, my son, and I stood there in complete wonder, watching these majestic creatures against the stunning Icelandic backdrop. It felt like time stood still.

To top off the day, we celebrated my husband’s birthday with a special dinner in the evening. But I think we all agreed—the real celebration was the incredible memory we made out on the water, surrounded by the beauty of Iceland and the magic of nature.

Day 4: Homeward Bound 

The transfer back to the airport was seamless. The bus arrived right on time at the stop near our hotel, making the whole process stress-free. Once at the airport, everything went smoothly, and our flight home with Jet2 was great. To top it off, I even managed to tick some items off my Christmas shopping list by picking up a few goodies from the Jet2 duty-free shop onboard. It was the perfect end to a fantastic trip!

Travel Tips for Reykjavik

Planning a trip to Reykjavik? Here are our top tips for making the most of your holiday:

• Dress Smart: Icelandic weather is unpredictable—pack layers and waterproof clothing.
• Book in Advance: Secure spots for must-see attractions like the Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights tours ahead of time. You cna book with Jet2 directly before your visit. Either on the app which is nice and easy or during your stay if there are still places available. 
• Use the City Card: Save money with free bus travel and entry to many attractions.
• Respect the Environment: Leave no trace, follow local customs, and don’t disturb wildlife.
• Plan for Costs: Alcohol can be expensive in Iceland, so consider buying drinks duty-free on the plane if you want a drink in your hotel in the evening.
• Don’t rely on cash: A lot of places are card only. You can bring cash for tips but tipping is not always expected.
• Download the Jet2 App: Easy access to trip details and check-in information makes your holiday seamless.
• For whale-watching tours, bring kids’ sea sickness medication in advance. Adult sea-sickness tablets were available on board but not for children.

Why Book with Jet2CityBreaks for your City Break?

Jet2 offers everything you need from a tour operator for city breaks, package holidays, and more. From seamless travel experiences to pre-arranged transfers and generous luggage allowances, they’ve got your trip covered. Plus, all their holidays are ATOL protected, giving you complete peace of mind with an ATOL certificate. 

If you’re dreaming of leisure city destinations, Jet2’s programme of winter city breaks is perfect for exploring Europe’s cultural hubs. They offer a seamless travel experience with options tailored to every traveller. Whether you’re flying from East Midlands, London Stansted, Manchester Airport, London Luton, Liverpool airport, Leeds Bradford Airport, or Newcastle International Airport, Jet2CityBreaks makes exploring your favourite European cities easier than ever. With weekly flights to top destinations and a flexible flight-only option if you prefer, there’s something for everyone. 

Their wide range of holiday packages offer indulgent escapes and includes great extras like Northern Lights tours and free child places, adding incredible value for families. Whether you’re flying from one of their convenient UK airports or snapping up a late deal, Jet2 City Breaks feature stays in some of the most popular hotels to make the most of your trip.

Ready to book for this winter or next winter? Check out the latest offers with Jet2CityBreaks for destinations like Reykjavik in Iceland, or find a last-minute holiday deal that’s tailored to you. 

A Final Word

Our city break to Iceland with Jet2 was everything we hoped for and more. A perfect blend of adventure, education, relaxation, and celebration. Whether you’re hunting the Northern Lights, soaking in hot springs, or exploring Reykjavik’s vibrant streets, there’s truly something magical about Iceland.