LilRicky

1. Any recommendations for the best company to arrange a two-week, self-drive, ring road itinerary? I've been looking at Icelandair, Saga Tours, Farm Holidays, and the company owned by Grey Line.

Basically, I want to know that thought and care will be put into my arrangements, that the company will handle the booking with integrity, that they will have local representation, and that the quality of lodging will be the best (available) in the area.

We hope to hike a fair amount, too.

2. Which is the most well-regarded high-end hotel in Reykjavik (for beginning and end of trip)?

Thanks!

LilRicky

ttt

asalamy

I stayed at the Radisson SAS Saga in Oct 2006 and it was very nice - good breakfast, lovely spa facilities and helpful staff.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...Reykjavik.html

It's not in the Top 10 on Trip Advisor though.

LilRicky

I found a great-looking itinerary with Farm Holidays. I am not familiar with the country or this company, and so I would appreciate feedback as to whether this would provide a good 2-week self-drive and hiking itinerary.

The cost for what is included (below) would be about USD $4750 for shared bath and the category of car we would need.

Arrival day: Guests are met upon arrival and taken to their hotel in Reykjavík.

Day 1 The South, ca. 120 km travelled.
PLACES OF INTEREST: Þingvellir National park. 4 – 5 hours hiking in Hengill and Nesjavellir geothermal area. In Nesjavellir there is the biggest geothermal plant in the country. Accommodation in Gullfoss Geysrir area

Day 2 The South – inland to the South coast, ca 170 km travelled.
PLACES OF INTEREST: Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring area. Skógarfoss a 60 m waterfall. Dyrhólaey. Accommodation in Skógar/Vík area

Day 3 and 4 The South to Southeast, ca. 170 km travelled.
PLACES OF INTEREST: Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Skaftafell National Park.
You can choose between hiking in Skaftafell short walk for 2 hours, walk Kristínartindar 6 hours or Marsárdalur 8 – 10 hours. Accommodation for two nights in Skaftafell area.

Day 5 and 6 The Southeast, ca 160 km travelled.
PLACES OF INTEREST: The glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón, Vatnajökull glacier. Hiking on the outskirt of the glacier Vatnajökull, right by the roots of it. 6 – 8 hours Accommodation in Höfn area for two nights

Day 7 and 8 The East, ca 240 km travelled.
PLACES OF INTEREST: The magnificent fjords in the East. A walk along the coast/beach of Djúpivogur is great. Hiking in Borgarfjörður Eystri. 4 – 6 hours walk in Stórurð Accommodation for two nights in Egilsstaðir area

Day 9 The North, ca. 180 km travelled.
PLACES OF INTEREST: Fantastic lava field Dimmuborgir. 4 – 5 hours hiking in the Mývatn lake area is ideal. Canyon National Park Ásbyrgi, one of Iceland’s most beautiful natural wonders. Dettifoss waterfall. Accommodation in Mývatn area.

Day 10 and 11 The North, ca. 90 km travelled.
Drive to Akureyri. Visit the Botanical garden and the outdoor swimming pool. Hiking to Súlur (1375 meters), 4 – 6 hours. From Súlur is absolutely stunning view. Accommodation in Akureyri area for two nights

Day12 The North, ca 100 km travelled.
PLACES OF INTEREST: Skagafjörður, area known for horsebreeding. Turf farm Glaumbær. Accommodation in Skagafjörður area. On your way back to Reykjavik the next morning you should stop by and explore Borgarfjörður, Barnafoss waterfall, Hraunfossar waterfall and Reykholt for historic value.

Included
12 nights accommodation in farmhouses, rooms with shared or private facilities, breakfast.
Rental car for 13 days – unlimited mileage, CDW and taxes.
Meet and Greet service.
Good road map, hiking map and description of each area.
Detailed itinerary.

Not included
Accommodation in Reykjavik before and after the tour



So... should I go for it?

LilRicky

ttt

the_girl

Is that price per person? If so I'd say no. We're hoping to do a similar itinerary for $5000 for two including airfare from Canada, although we're organizing it ourselves, and we won't have the maps, the hiking routes, and no guarantee about the quality of our accommodations. So, for the added value I would say it's worth the price, if you can afford it.

LilRicky

The price is for two people, but it does not include airfare from USA, meals other than breakfast, hotel nights in Reykjavik, and incidentals. I hear that Iceland is very expensive, so I would assume the total true cost, with everything (14 nights) would be between $10,500 and $12,000.

Jay_G

Hi LilRicky,
Regarding high-end hotels for beginning and end of trip, it kind of depends on personal taste;

Hotel 101 (boutiquey/designy and excellent from personal experience) or Hotel Borg (oldey worldey and more classic, haven't stayed here myself).

Both are roughly in the same price bracket, but naturally with very different crowds.Like I said, it all comes down to what you prefer. Have a great trip.