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Last week, dear clients of ours one (2 adults + 2 kids) returned from Iceland; Family Travel Concierge was honored to plan their trip from A to Z. We share their review below of this magnificent land...
Thank you so much for an incredible trip. It was really absolutely perfect. Honestly, we wouldn't have changed a thing (expect for a few of the days of rain ;). You asked about a few things in the note to us:
1. Our tour guide was fantastic for our family. He made the trip. It was so nice to get up each morning and not have to worry at all about where we were going, timing, etc. He was so accommodating and laid back. We know he was doing a lot of behind the scenes planning but he made it look effortless. It was a lot of time in the car so having someone that was easy going with the kids was a must. He really became a friend at the end of the 10 days and we felt like we were on a giant road trip together. His name was Thor. His specialty was definitely the geology of the country and the outdoor adventures. He even watched our kids a couple of times when they wanted to do something different from us (like add on an extra hike). He didn't have a deep historical knowledge of Reykjavik. So, while it was fun to be with him in the city, we probably could have done that first day on our own.
2. The sites were fantastic. All the outside vendors were tremendous. We loved the horse back riding, the caving and the zodiac boat tour. Thor took us glacier hiking himself and he was a great, responsible guide.
3. Hotels....We had two favorite hotels. The hotel in Reykjavik, Kvosin was out of this world. The rooms were recently redone. They were beautifully appointed suites with kitchenettes, granite counter tops, amazing down comforters, incredible shower, etc. The breakfast was served at a cafe next door and it was filling and delicious. The front desk staff were accommodating and very friendly. Our other favorite hotel was Hotel Silfurberg. It was a real treat. It is a farm in the middle of nowhere and the family has completely redone it into a luxurious inn. I've traveled a lot and this hotel takes the cake. They served dinner themselves. It was delicious and it felt like you were in their dining room. We wish we had a day to explore that area. The Stracta Hotel was lovely. It was more utilitarian, but new, clean and lovely.
The only hotel that was just so-so was the Hotel Gigur. We were there two nights and it was more of a dorm room than a hotel. It was clean but we had two separate rooms, both with two twin beds and a small table in between. The dining room was nice and we had a nice breakfast included. The Lake Myvatn area is fantastic and well worth spending two nights at.
4. Food....we ate a lot of road food, which was fine for our family (actually preferable with the kids). But, it may have been more difficult for older people or people looking for a more fine dining experience.
5. It was PERFECT to fly back to Reykjavik. It was an easy flight. There was no security at all and domestic flights land right in Reykjavik so we were back at the hotel in no time.
My only other recommendation to clients traveling to Iceland is to pack for weather changes. While the itinerary stated it, I didn't pay as close attention to it as I should have. There is absolutely no need for shorts or short sleeve shirts any time during the year. You need layered warm, comfortable clothes and you definitely need a hat and gloves. And, you ABSOLUTELY need rain pants and a solid rain coat (mistake on my part, we all ended up buying rain pants). You also need solid hiking boots/shoes.
Iceland has left an inedible mark on our family. We are already talking about a repeat visit at some point to explore the Western fjords. The geology and natural resources are absolutely mind blowing. Our kids were the perfect age for it. It would have been harder if the kids were any younger.
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