Iceland: Europe’s Best Value for the Holidays

image via alohalady

What better place to celebrate the winter’s biggest holiday than a place that is known for its winters.  Iceland is already one of the cheaper European destinations for Americans to visit.  The nation’s currency, the kroner, has been devaluing quickly, giving holders of the USD a very favorable rate of exchange.

Yes, it’s cheap. But why risk your holiday on a largely unknown destination?  Reykjavik, the capitol and cultural heart of Iceland, celebrates the season in unique ways.  The proceedings are characterized by  plenty of sparkling lights, whimsical folk tales and centuries-old Scandinavian traditions.

Icelandair is offering a package vacation for those who want a memorable Europeanholiday experience without the Paris or London price tag.  For $899, visitors will be treated to round-trip airfare and 3 nights in Reykjavik’s stylish Loftleidir Hotel.  The hotel boasts 3-star accommodations, a sauna, beauty salon, pool and the popular Lon restaurant (locally famous for its daily Danish/Icelandic Christmas dinner buffets).  Shuttle service to the city’s Old Town is also included in the price tag.

But the real value of this package is not in the hotel or airfare.  It includes a guided tour of Old Town Reykjavik and a trip to the stunningly hued Blue Lagoon.  Tickets to the “Let’s Talk Christmas” performance, which features Iceland’s Norse-inspired holiday-themed folk tales.

Reykjavik is a city of deep traditions, but it is also a hip, modern city that has been called one of the world’s sexiest value destinations by Travel and Leisure Magazine.