New Year in Iceland & Finnish Lapland: Eight days from £4250 pp

BASINGSTOKE, U.K. - Dec. 2, 2016 - PRLog -- The Nordic countries of Iceland – the most sparsely populated country in Europe – and Finland, offer a fascinating insight into life and culture of the Northern Hemisphere; Finland is also home to the reindeer herding, indigenous, Sami people.

Master Travel has created an itinerary combining these two countries over the New Year holiday, including a firework display in Reykjavik on New Year's Eve.

The four first four days of the week-long holiday will be spent in Iceland, with a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon on the afternoon of arrival, providing a chance to relax in the aqua-blue warm waters of the geo-thermal spa whilst enjoying the views of the snow-capped mountains.

Much of the next day will be taken up with a whale-watching trip in the North Atlantic Ocean. Recognised as one of the best places in the world for spotting the magnificent mammals, over 23 species have been spotted off Iceland's coast including Orca, Humpback and White Whales.

On New Year's Eve, the group will embark on a 'Golden Circle Tour' and venture into Thingvellir National Park to see some of the country's iconic natural wonders including Stokkur Geysur shooting 30m high jets of water into the sky.

Following dinner, enjoy a spectacular firework display in the crystal-clear skies above the city.

After a leisurely New Year's Day morning, clear the head with a re-vitalising horseback ride to explore the glistening forest, frozen lakes and other local points of interest.

A short flight the next day will transfer the group to Rovaniemi in Finland, said to be the home of Santa Claus!

Activities whilst in Finnish Lapland will include a reindeer farm visit, a sleigh ride with the Sami people (Europe's only indigenous race) and a snowmobile safari.

The trip departs on 29 December and costs from £4250 pp (two sharing), which includes flights, seven nights' accommodation, most meals, full programme of visits and excursions (with admission fees) local guides and a tour leader.

Call 020 7501 6741 (www.mastertravel.co.uk).