My husband and I will be traveling to Europe with a friend of ours in early August for about a week (maybe plus a day or two). We're planning for two or three countries, and it looks like we've agreed on Iceland (probably Reykjavik, maybe some day trips?) as one location. Other proposed locations include Netherlands (prob Amsterdam, open to other ideas, though), Belgium (nothing more specific than just "Belgium" has been identified), London, and Ireland (I'm guessing Dublin? idk though). I'm open to other possibilities, too.

For some background, we all went to Berlin, Prague, and Stockholm together about three years ago, which was around an 8 or 9 day trip. Highlights of Berlin were a bike tour and the East Side Gallery; in Prague we spent quite a bit of time around Prague Castle and also took a bike tour; we took yet another bike tour in Stockholm, a boat tour to Birka, went to the Vasa museum, and swam in Lake Mälaren. We also did a LOT of walking around in each city. It was a satisfying trip.

We'd definitely like to incorporate plenty of outdoor activities (biking, walking, kayaking, hiking, etc.). Don't really care about nightlife or shopping. We all like food, though I have allergies and need to be able to effectively communicate about that. We'd probably prefer somewhere it's not too difficult to get by only speaking English (though we're open to making an effort to speak other languages). History, culture, architecture, etc. are interesting, though I don't really care much about art, and I don't want to spend too much time in museums. I generally prefer urban areas, but it definitely wouldn't have to be (i.e. Machu Picchu was the destination I was initially pushing, but my husband vetoed it due to fears of altitude sickness). I'd like to go somewhere that has a distinctly different feel from where we've already been.

Where would you suggest we go in addition to Iceland? Any ideas for what to do there (and/or in Iceland) would also be great! Thanks!!

for a week (plus a day or two) then you really only have time for Iceland . . . OR Iceland and one other quick destination.

On our last trip, we spent two nights in Berlin, one night in Prague, and four nights in Stockholm. Personally, I felt like we had enough time in each location, though we could have used another day in Prague.

​​​​​​For that reason, I think we've got time for more than just Iceland.

Do I understand correctly that you're planning to spend 7-9 days in THREE countries?

Last year we combined Iceland and Switzerland, but we spent 10 nights in each (and that felt rushed as we drove the Ring Road in Iceland).

I think you first need to know how many days you have. If 7 days (8 nights), I'd just stay in Iceland and do the Ring Road. If 9 days (10 nights), you'd have to be selective in your Iceland sightseeing and pick a 2nd destination that you can reach without losing most of a day . I.e., if it's a 3+ hour flight and it departs at 11:00a, you can write off most of that day. FWIW, I'm not a fan of WOW airlines which operates between Reykjavik and most of the destinations you list. Also, you probably want to pick a destination that you can fly home from without having to make connections.

"On our last trip, we spent two nights in Berlin, one night in Prague, and four nights in Stockholm. Personally, I felt like we had enough time in each location, though we could have used another day in Prague."

Well, just disregard my previous post. We obviously have very different ideas of how much time anywhere is "enough."

One night in Prague gave you less than one full day there. If that is your travel style - then Iceland may not be the best destination for you.

It isn't a place you can tour in a couple of days.

I agree that's too rushed for me, but you might look at Icelandair flights to Europe with a layover in Reykjavik.

You all sound very athletic, young and full of energy. I would do Scotland or Ireland. Is this Wow where you get to spend time in Iceland and then move on to another country? I would look for where they fly. Hiking for sure in both those countries, great food and history.

Iceland Air has a 'free stopover' version and many people do just a couple days. I did a two night stopover a few years ago. I'm planning to go back but I certainly don't regret my two nights. Spent the first day (flights arrive very early so you have most of the first day) exploring Reykjavik and the second day took a whole day (12 hour) Golden Circle tour which was great (and I usually hate tours, but this was worthwhile). There is another itinerary I've considered that is 4 nights and allows for a two day trip out of Reykjavk. I'm sure the whole ring road trip is fabulous and I hope to do it some day, but point is you don't have to do that to enjoy seeing some of Iceland.


I agree with most of the others that trying to see a 'country' in a day (like you did with Prague) can be a waste of travel vs 'being there' time but if you have 10 days or so (a week with both weekends plus maybe one more day) then you could go to two more countries as long as they are close together and you are content with only seeing a small portion of each. Amsterdam and Belgium would work. More reasonably would be to pick one more place and spend the whole 5 days there with day trips. Bergen or London would work. All of those are relatively close to Iceland and you can fly Iceland Air to any of them, then back home with just a connection in Iceland on the return.

Here is the Icelandair Stopover deal mentioned by isabel: https://www.icelandair.com/flights/stopover/

We did 3 days in Iceland, one week and Amsterdam with one night in Bruges. I loved every minute of it!.
I highly recommend the Golden circle tour by Your day tours in Iceland. It's owned by 3 brothers and they play Icelandic music and give education on the horses, the people, and the dating app they use so they don't date too close of a relative!!
Buy beer at the airport if you like beer, they are 10.00 a pop at the bars!
We spent our jet lagged first day at the Blue Lagoon which I highly recommend.

We rented bikes in Amsterdam which made getting around much easier, although a lot of people will say don't do it, it's horrible to have tourists on bikes. But we did fine.
Bruges was great for one night to get a taste but we are going back this Feb. so we can see more of the town and Belgium.
Good luck!

rivermama: check the dates -- the trip was a few months ago.

well@ janisj, too bad... lol
I suppose it could be helpful to someone...maybe.

Think icebergs and be very adventurous and head to Greenland...

You have the choice of West Greenland with Iceland Travel
https://www.icelandtravel.is/tours/i...est-greenland/
OR Greenland tours offer a three day break to East Greenland
https://greenlandtours.com/en/tour/s...-from-iceland/

Either would be a mind blowing break and completely different. There is plenty of choice for activities and you needn't worry about night life or shopping - there isn't any.

ESW . . . about 4 months too late. Read up thread . . .