Looking forward to your report.

My husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland for June 08..we've been researching the area for a few weeks and cannot wait for this trip..I have a question for those that have visited: should we rent a vehicle? we are planning on hiring a guide for the super jeep excursion...we want to visit the golden circle. Are there busses to these areas? if so, should we book them in advance? Thanks very much, Mary

We took a bus tour of the golden circle, which we booked the day before. We like having guides for the info.

We did not rent a car. Depends on what you want to do and how long you will be there. We were there for a week, andflew to Akureri, Greenland, and Heimeay.

Thanks Jed...we will be there for one week and want to see as much as possible...I would prefer not to rent a car as I've heard the roads are not great..day trips via busses sound great..we are going in June..any other tips would be welcome..Mary

I enjoyed reading your post. I'm planning a trip to Iceland in September 2008. I may combine it with a visit to Scotland....just returned from there a couple of weeks ago (it was my 5th visit)....and I can certainly empathize about leaving cool, clean air and arriving in 90 degree hot, humid weather! Anway, thanks for the info on the tours. I'll probably base myself in Reykjavik, as well, and take day tours of the country. I think I read somewhere that a tour sponsored by Icelandair offers a Lava Tour where you ride Icelandic Horses through the lava fields. The tour is designed for beginner and novice riders like me! Thinking about staying at either the Reykjavik Hotel Centrum or Hotel Odinsve (probably didn't spell that right and if you know how to pronounce it, please let me know)! Last year I flew Icelandair to Glasgow with a stopover in Kefalik (?) Airport, and I vowed to return for a holiday in the near future. Iceland looks like such a beautiful country....looking forward to seeing your photos. Glad you had a good time!!!

--Jane2

I'm looking forward to your trip report!

Rosebuds & Jane2 - I really enjoyed the tours done with Iceland Excursions but the private tours were even better. We could take our time and not have to worry about everyone else. We started to rent a vehicle and drive to some locations ourselves...I'm glad now that we did not do that.

Jane2 - I know I remember seeing those two hotels but I don't know anything about them. You should also look at Hotel Fron...it was very nice and in the perfect location.

I'm still working on the photos...hopefully they will be ready soon.

Anyone have suggestions on whether to take the Kulusuk, Greenland tour from Iceland or the Grimsey Island/Arctic Circle tour? Thanks for your help.

Good to know that you were happy with KGB tours - I've been e-mailing back and forth with Gudborj re: the possibility of a private tour with him and he's been very helpful. Where did you go with them?

Hi sloano -
Gudbjorg (Gudda) is actually a she. She was just great. We did two tours with her. We went to Raykjanes Peninsula, Gullfoss, Geysir and the Blue Lagoon one day and the other we went to the black sand beach near Vik and Fjadrargljufur canyon. Both tours were long days but we had the best time.

Thanks for the info Lexi - and the clarification! I'm hoping to go on a South Coast tour with KGB next week. I'm going to do whale watching and the Golden Circle express with Gray Line. Your e-mail was perfect for reassuring me about my plans.
Cheers!

Sloano -

Glad I could help. Let me know if you need any more information. I also did three tours with Greyline/Iceland Excursions. They were great as well.
BTW...I'm so jealous your going to Iceland next week. Iceland and Greenland was by far one of my best vacations.
Enjoy your trip!

lexi

Greenland? People go to Greenland? On purpose? Wow, do I live a sheltered life.

Because it's there, and because it is another culture and geography.

My husband and I returned 2 days ago after a week stay in Iceland. We stayed at the Hotel Plaza....great location, crummy beds. We did the Golden Circle Tour, the superjeep tour and the whale watching. We absolutely loved the entire trip and the beautiful city....the weather wasn't bad at all. The flights were wonderful with no delays and internation customs was a breeze. I am so glad that we made this trip. Thanks to all on this board that shared great advice...Mary