“What a wonderful vacation that exceeded all imaginings! Our Icelandic guide, Atli, was adored by all of us for guiding us through our week with just the right and delightful mix of calm, safe guidance, local lore, culture geology, personal stories, humor – and friendship!”
With a post-tour comment like this, I had to know more. Reaching out to first-time Classic Journeys guest Vicki G., we chatted about her time on tour, why she booked (her sister is a multi-time Classic Journeys guest) and where she plans to go next. Read on for her advice for setting out on tour and what makes a Classic Journeys Iceland trip so special.
How Did You Decide On Iceland?
“Wanting to experience a new place and having heard great things about Iceland, I picked it due to its easy access from Boston.” Excited to explore a new place with her sister and 2 other family members, she told me that she “fell in love with the spectacular beauty of Iceland and its culture. I can’t imagine visiting this country on my own. What a treat to have Atli taking us around – a true adventurer, whose background in geology gave us extra insight into the extraordinary landscape and unusual features we saw. And his decades-long local knowledge of the area ensured a great experience wherever we visited. Warm and conversational, he would tell us how something reminded him of growing up and he would share personal stories – it was so special!”
Our expert local guides are a highlight on any of our tours worldwide. Knowledgeable and friendly, they become well-connected friends while traveling together. Each day, you join them on the most cinematic footpaths on the island, including hidden valleys that lead to jaw-dropping waterfalls, black sand beaches to Viking gravesites, and on glaciers to gourmet picnics. Around the world, our guides personally know the shopkeepers in the market, the monks in the monastery, the farmers who wave them down for a chat, and the truffle hunters who will let you tag along for insider access you won’t get anywhere else.
Favorite Moments On Tour
“We were lucky to see the Northern Lights one night – what an opportunity! Our hotel (at our request) called to wake us up at 4am to get bundled up and go outside to view them. I’ll never forget the starry sky light up green – spectacular!” Another highlight for Vicki was staying at Skalakot Manor: “What a special place to relax and enjoy a horseback ride. Honestly, I was teary-eyed once I was in the saddle. It had been 30 years since I had ridden – something I loved to do when I was younger. It was a scenic ride into the hills and I was so happy during that experience.”
We believe our upscale accommodations add to your explorations because of the way they reflect the style and hospitality of a region. Additionally, you’ll often spend two or more nights in each location, so you can settle in a bit, which is what Vicki enjoyed as well. On tour, Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every adventurous day. Like Vicki, you can luxuriate in some of the finest and most distinctive accommodations in Iceland, including perfectly-sited hotels that provide unrivaled access to your explorations.
Any Advice For First-Time Travelers?
“I would say that you should feel comfortable and confident to book with Classic Journeys, either as a solo or traveling as a couple or with a friend. You’ll be guaranteed to have a deep look at the country or region you visit. And take the packing list seriously! My sister-in-law did not spring for the rain pants and regretted it as we approached the waterfalls. We laugh about it now but your suggestions were spot on!”
When asked about her future travel plans, she replied “I aspire to return to Iceland during peak bird viewing season (a new hobby of mine) and will also be seeking out a trip with you all to Nova Scotia or maybe Scotland. Plus there are so many places in the US for birdwatching so maybe I’ll take a look at some of your national park tours as well!”
We look forward to having Vicki return for another great trip of ours and hope that we get the chance to welcome new travelers as well. If you have any questions about any of our trips, you can always reach out to our helpful Travel Experience Team here. Where will you explore next?
About The Author: Julie is a 9-year employee of Classic Journeys who loves traveling and writing about exploring the world. As a Content Creator, she curates blogs, marketing emails, and social media posts about The World’s Finest Walking Tours. Having been to 20 countries so far, her bucket list of places to visit continues to grow each year. When she isn’t at her desk, you can find her in Italy visiting family, on the sidelines of her boys’ soccer games, or curled up reading a book.
Ready to explore Iceland, on foot at eye level? Join Classic Journeys on a curated walking tour led by expert local guides!
