Incredible Iceland
On arrival at Keflavik airport we were transferred by coach to Reykjavik and spent the afternoon exploring our surroundings before enjoying dinner in a cosy traditional Icelandic restaurant – Hressingarskalinn. That evening was spent hunting the Northern Lights on a cruise which departed from the nearby harbour. There is no guarantee of seeing the lights as they are a natural phenomenon but if you miss them on the first night you will be given a voucher to try again for the next 2 nights. Unfortunately, we did not get to witness this incredible phenomenon on our trip and received another voucher to be used within 2 years if we return to Iceland.
Our second day, was spent relaxing in the mineral rich geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon approximately 50 minutes away by coach transfer. We had a comfort ticket which included entrance fee, silica mud mask and 1 drink in the lagoon pool bar. The premium ticket costs a little extra but also includes slippers, a bathrobe and extra masks. If I visit again I would choose this option as the bathrobe would be useful during the chilly walk from the changing rooms to the pool.
On our final day, we toured the Golden Circle by super jeep. First stop was Pingvellir National Park, one of Iceland’s most significant historical sites and home of the country’s first parliament. We were given some time to walk through the park to admire its spectacular scenery. Iceland is divided by the mid-Atlantic Rift, some of it is on the North American tectonic plate while some is on the Eurasian plate. The edges of both plates can be seen clearly in Pingvellir. It was so amazing to think we were actually walking between two continental plates.
From Pingvellir, we headed inland towards the highly active Geysir hot spring area with its boiling mud pits and sprouting hot springs. We watched as Little Geysir erupted high into the air. From there we continued to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls fed by the Langjokull glacier. The highlight of the day was racing across Langjokull glacier on snowmobiles while taking in the snow-covered landscape surrounding us.
Our trip came to an end the following morning and we were transferred by coach back to Keflavik airport.
Iceland has so much to offer as a destination. Think about visiting in Spring / Summer as this is a great time to hire a car and explore the impressive scenery of southern Iceland visiting Vik, the black sand beaches and more. Many visitors come to Iceland to view the Northern Lights which are best viewed between October and first week in April, but there is no guarantee that you will see them. So, I recommend that you also take into consideration the other activities that you want to do as well as seeing the lights in order to avoid disappointment
My trip was arranged with our ground specialist in Iceland. Arrival and departure airport transfers were included along with excursions, transportation to excursions and 4* hotel B&B.
If you are interested in visiting this incredible country, I can tailor-make a trip to suit your interests and budget. Please get in touch if Iceland is on your wish list.