jacquelinee930
21 Feb 2023
Booked this tour because I have mobility problems and find climbing onto big coaches very difficult. No problems on this trip.
We were collected from our hotel, for our tour to the south coast, and our guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the geography, history and folklore of the area as we drove along.
The scenery is incredible, very photogenic and atmospheric, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and coastline no wonder so many of the local population believe in trolls and elves.
Our guide could not have been more considerate,and friendly and her dog, Luna , made the day even more special.
Thank you so much.
This trip was a surprise present from my husband and family for a combined birthday/anniversary present, so they really wanted it to be amazing! Upon arrival, we met Berglind, who was to be our tour guide for the whole week. We were very happy about that from a continuity perspective. And, as soon as we found out she loves dogs as much as we do, we knew we could fill up a weeks worth of conversation with just that :)
Berglind was a WEALTH of information. Any minuscule detail you might want to know about Iceland, from History the Vikings to Heavy Metal Icelandic Bands- Berglind knew the answer. We were doing a tour of the South Coast, and there is so much to learn!!! We were beyond impressed with this tour. We went from the airport right to The Blue Lagoon, because it was so early. It may be touristy, but there is nothing like this that I know of in the U.S. It is truly an extraordinary experience. We were there when it was still dark, and enjoyed the very magical feeling of the sun rising through the clouds in the horizon as well as the steam throughout the lagoon. I would highly recommend this time of day. From the Lagoon we went to Reykjavik. Berglind took us all around the area to show us unique spots, and explained local folklore...her sense of humor and pride in her country come through in every conversation!
From Reykavik, we went to such stunning sights as the Kerid Crater...but what made our time with Berglind way better than your average tour, is that she wants you to see the REAL Iceland...ALL the places you would miss on a regular cookie cutter tour. She took us to the Fridheimer Farm and restaurant which is beautifully set inside a geothermal greenhouse. I don't want to give too much detail away, but it's not like anything you've ever seen. We continued to the Efstidalur Farm, which was high on hill and incredibly bucolic. You are met by the most beautiful dog who just wants you to throw a rock to her over and over. They are a hotel as well, and are famous for their ice cream. Again, these are the places Berglind could take us that we would never experience on another kind of tour. We went to Laugarvatn which is not only Berglind's hometown, but it is home to one of the most historic hot springs called Vigdalaug which dates back to the year 1000. We learned how the local residents bake rye bread right in the ground by the ocean because of the geothermal pits, and were able to meet and break bread with Berglind's Mom!!
You tour all the great, famous waterfalls, the black beach, the basalt columns, the legendary volcanos, the bridge between the continents... all the wonderful tour book highlights! But it is when you get to visit a beautiful local yarn shop (Pingborg), have the most delicious bowl of fish soup at a hidden harbor side gem (Bryggjan) or hear a legend about why the Reykjanes Peninsula is haunted by a ghost named Gunna that this tour shines the brightest. You'll find out the secret Icelandic celebratory drink which is a marriage of Egils Malt Extrakt and Egils Appelsin and maybe be able to snack on some carefully sourced Laufabraud!!
Again, all of these unique, special details were due to the one on one experience with our amazing guide. We can't wait to go back, and you can bet we will make sure to check when Berglind is available before we make any plans!! Our thanks to Geo Tours Iceland, and Berglind for the most magical trip ever!!
P.S. Petta Reddast!!!