Sandi

Hello, everyone. <BR> <BR>I have been looking over the brochure which I received recently from Icelandair about their Take-a-Break vacation packages. I want to book one of these packages over spring break next March. I would like to spend three nights in Reykjavik and two nights in another European city which Icelandair services. I have been to Paris and London, although another couple days in Paris would be welcomed. But my friend and I would both like to see a city we have not been to before. Our interests are varied and flexible. The choices are Amsterdam, Glasgow, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, and Stockholm. I realize that two days is very short to "see" a new city. I was thinking Amsterdam might be the best choice for the time constraint, but what about Glasgow? <BR> <BR>Any recommendations from the Fodorites? Has anyone participated in this program by Icelandair before? The basic deal is airfare via Icelandair to one of these cities with a stopover in Reykjavik in either direction for up to three nights for no additional cost in airfare. Hotel packages are offered for both Reykjavik and the other city choice, cost seems reasonable for all of them. <BR> <BR>I would welcome any comments. Thanks! <BR> <BR>Sandi <BR>

suzy

Dear Sandi: <BR> <BR>I would recommend Amsterdam. It's nice and small, easy to get around, friendly people, laid back vibe and not too overwhelming for two days.

Sandi

Thank you, Suzy, for your recommendation. Amsterdam is my first choice but I just wondered what others had to say. <BR> <BR> <BR>Sandi <BR>

lisa

Another vote for Amsterdam -- a delightful city -- there's a lot to see and do, but you can see most of it in a couple of days.

Amy

The Take-a-Break packages are great. We just did this with Copenhagen, but we were in Copenhagen for six days. I think you could get a good idea of the city in less time, but I agree with the other posters that Amsterdam is probably the best bet: get your bearings by taking a canal trip right away, and go to the Anne Frank house early in the morning to avoid crowds! Have a great trip. (Iceland is the best in my book!)

Jim Rosenberg

Here's another vote for Amsterdam. You're going to love this trip! Iceland is a delightful change of pace.

Sandi

Thanks to Lisa, Amy and Jim for your comments. I love this forum and the friendly folks who share their opinions and experiences. <BR> <BR>Amy, when did you take your trip to Iceland? Did you go in the summer or winter? Did you have a rental car to drive yourself around or did you hire a tour guide service? If you were there in the winter, did you experience snow or ice on the roads? <BR> <BR>How far from the "main" roads are the attactions such as some of the waterfalls, the Geysir, etc? What kind of hiking conditions should one expect to encounter? <BR> <BR>Maybe I could e-mail you directly with some more questions. If you would like to e-mail me directly, please feel free. [email protected]. <BR> <BR>Thanks again to all! <BR> <BR>Sandi

Amy

Hi, Sandi! <BR>Both of my trips to Iceland have been in the summer (July and August). That's one of the few downsides of being a teacher! We did not drive, since our Icelandair package on the longer trip included transportation, which was a specially constructed bus that went right through the glacial streams. I've read that driving is not difficult, but you can get all kinds of tours that are not crowded and that will take you just about anywhere. The road system is good, but there didn't seem to be a whole lot of directional signs and, of course, there's a lot of "nothing" in between sites (i.e. no service stations, houses, etc.) There are many different levels of hiking available and we had some good walks in Thorvald (Thor's Woods) and Thingvellir which didn't require special equipment or skills. <BR>It's fine if you'd like to e-mail with any other questions; that's the real address above, [email protected]. I'm always happy to hear from the Iceland-bound and any other travel fans!

anne

I would recommend NOT going to Frankfurt. It's a commercial center for Germany - not too much for tourists to do unless you're planning to go up the Rhine River. I've also been to Amsterdam on business w/an extra day to sightsee on a few occasions. Just a different point of view, but I was disappointed each time and would not make an effort to go back. Haven't been to Copenhagen or Stockholm, but would guess they'd be cold and have pretty short days (ie, it will get dark by 4 or 4:30 in the afternoon) because of the time of year. Me? I'd head back to Paris in a heartbeat.

madoc

I would suggest going to Copenhagen. I saw the ciry in three days, and it is now my most treasured city in all europe, however Amsterdam and Stockholm are also good choices. I would ot reccommend going to glasgow or Frankfurt

Jck

Unless you are travelling into rural Iceland, i would not stay in Reyjavik for three days. It is very bleak, and there not much at all to see or do. However, I have found that the Icelandic countryside is one of the most beautiful in europe. I, have therefore returned to Iceland five times!!! Its so Dazzling

Bill

Amsterdam, for sure! <BR> <BR>We had a one-week vacation a couple years ago (end of April) that was 5 nights in Amsterdam and 2 in Reykjavik. Loved them both. We got a car in Iceland instead of doing the bus tours. Very easy to get around. The roads are well-marked and uncrowded. No problem at all to do a circuit of the near-by natural attractions. Go the shopping mall at the edge of town and buy picnic supplies at the super market. <BR> <BR>In Amsterdam, get a room in one of the hotels that uses one or more of the historic canal houses. (We stayed in the Torn, which is in two non-adjacent houses. Very nice!)

Bill

Woops... "Toren" is the spelling of our hotel in Amsterdam.

AC

Hi Sandi: <BR>Definitely Amsterdam. Just got back and loved it, Great for your short time span. Plenty to see all in asmall area. /Have fun!

Wyn

I would have to recommend Glasgow. Aside from Frankfurt, those other cities are great cities and cannot be covered in two days. Glasgow you can do in two days and is the shortest flight from Iceland.

Clare

Hi Sandi <BR> <BR>I actually just came back from Reyjkavik where I spent 3 days. <BR>My view on Iceland: <BR>I spent 3 nights in Reyjkavik, one day walking around the city, one day doing the golden circle tour (highly recommended) and one day taking a day trip (by air) to Hofn, the glacier and glacier lake which was the big highlight of my trip. I did find one day in Rejkjavik city itself ample and the time on the golden circle tour and day trip ample too. Regarding roads, most of the roads when you get outside the city centre become unsealed roads and I would highly recommend getting a 4 wheel drive car. The roads are generally a bit of a hit and miss, the sealed roads are great, but the unsealed roads (80% of the country?) frequently close due to weather or conditions etc. The south east of the country was inaccessable by road last weekend due to some rain... <BR>As for your eventual destination, I would actually pick Copenhagen. I thought it was a well organised city, easy to get around, friendly people and lots to do. I have been to the other cities except for Stockholm which I hear is also nice. I probably wouldn't vote for Amsterdam myself as I didn't really like the drugs and brothel scene all that much, but I guess it depends on what you're into. <BR>Happy Travels, I hope you like Iceland - I loved it!

mhs

Was in Copenhagen & Stockholm last month. Copenhagen has Tivoli (evening fun), the Sailor's Quarter (Nyhaven sp?) with many cafes although March may be a bit cool for sitting outside, 3 Palaces to tour, and the mile-long no-cars shopping street. Stockholm has the Vasa Museum & Old Town. We weren't there in the evening so I don't know of any evening options. Amsterdam would most likely be the mildest in March, although both Copenhagen & Stockholm are the same plant zone as New England. Amsterdam has canal tour, at least 2 major museums plus the Church in the Attic and a merchant's house museum may be open, the Anne Frank house, and the Red Light District. Depending on how early/late in March you are planning to go Amsterdam may have tulips, but there is the flower auction, which I believe goes on daily year around & makes for a fantastic morning. <BR> <BR>Are the plane fares competitive with other lines for that time frame? I tried to check on Icelandair's web site but couldn't get a response.

Joe

Sandi: Have been to the cities you mention. Given the time of year and the time you have, I would reccomend Amsterdam. You can do it justice in two days and it is a fun city with much to do which has been covered above.

Debbie

We're thinking of doing the stopover trip next year, with our 2nd stop in Oslo, Norway. Any comments about this city? Have read quite a few posts on this IcelandAir Take-A-Break vacations, and all have been positive. Sounds like a great way to combine 2 cultures in one trip!

C

One more option - fly into Glasgow and take the train (only around an hour ride) into Edinburgh for a few days. It's an enchanting city and is very easy to get to see in a few days.