Zeynep Sidal Snævarr
Iceland is a country to surprise you. I had no idea how it would struck me from the first moment I set foot on Iceland even though I had been in love with this country since I was a little kid. No photo will ever do justice about how Iceland will make you feel and inspire you in different ways, as it inspires me every single day that I spend on this lovely island full of contrasts.
I am originally from Turkey and the difference between my own culture and Icelandic culture and way of living changed me a great deal and enriched my life in the direction of appreciating the nature in a lot of different ways. When I plan trips, I can look both from the perspective of a foreigner, and a local at the same time, which makes my trip plans interesting and unconventional.
Iceland is a special country, and it takes a different approach to fully celebrate and unlock the full potential of what you can get from Iceland in return. It also requires a different kind of preparation than many destinations, which is one of the benefits of letting a local organize your trip to prepare you fully for your Iceland adventure.
I take pride in my love to progress and my thirst for learning new things which means that I keep my information always up to date and my approach to the trips I organize are modern and fun. Currently I am educating myself about Nature Interpretation to develop my relationship with the mother nature and started training with Icelandic Search and Rescue Team in order to experience the extremities and to help those who are in danger.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in customized tours all around Iceland. I go often on trips myself to check out new and old accommodations, try activities and discover new destinations to satisfy my curiosity and to keep myself up to date about what is available in each region to create perfect, tailor made itineraries. I enjoy myself the most glacier related activities, e.g. ice cave tours, glacier walking and ice climbing. I go on and try most of the activities in order to have better insights about which activity suits what kind of traveler, and I am in active communication and close cooperation with local tour operators. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I love travelling, I feel restless if I do not leave town every other weekend. After working in different sectors which were connected to tourism, I have chosen to immerse myself in Tourism Studies and got a BS degree from University of Iceland which taught me a lot about multifaceted world of travelling.
Travel planning is a way of storytelling for me. When I was little, probably I was the only person who loved it when there was a power shortage so I could use the time to tell stories to my family under dim candle light. Now, I implement my story telling in my trip plans, and the beauty of Iceland helps it a big deal to create something special. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"It was during a long weekend road trip with some friends around the west fjords. I knew that this place was special, but I had no idea that after driving strenuous gravel mountain roads, I would encounter with a golden sand beach appearing gradually on a beautiful sunny day between the mountain and the fjord, giving an exotic feeling after a cold wet day! After visiting most of the black sand beaches which are commonplace in Iceland, it felt like it was a mirage what I was seeing. After reaching to the beach, we made sure we took some photos to testify that this place was 100% real, a mind blowing secluded place of serenity in the rugged landscape of the beautiful west fjords."
Zeynep's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Have only five days to explore Iceland? While it might be tempting to stay in Reykjavík and do day trips from there, we recommend heading out into the countryside using one of...
With two weeks in Iceland, you can complete the entire Ring Road and add incredible detours. This grand tour will take you to all the best places giving you plenty of time to...
With seven days in Iceland, hit the road and explore the incredible wonders farther afield from Reykjavik. Explore a variety of landscapes: volcanoes and lava fields, green...
Recent trip reviews for Zeynep
Iceland itinerary
Iceland
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Sep 26 - Oct 4, 2019
Travel
Iceland
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Sep 27 - Oct 2, 2019
We enjoyed the guest house. First opportunity to see northern light. Also diamond beach. And glacier. And black sand beach. Everyone was helpful. And all accommodations where great.
Iceland Highlight tour
Iceland
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Aug 11 - Aug 18, 2019
Our guide Kristjan was knowledgeable, efficient, and tremendously flexible. All necessary attributes in dealing with our family!
Trip to Iceland
Iceland
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Mar 24 - Mar 29, 2019
Trip to Iceland
Iceland
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Dec 23 - Dec 28, 2018
Trip to Iceland
Iceland
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Nov 2 - Nov 7, 2018
This was the trip of a lifetime. Thanks to Zeynep's planning, I was able to experience much of Iceland's must-see-list in my five days there. From start to finish, everything was planned perfectly and allowed me to enjoy my time visiting without any stress.
Trip to Iceland
Iceland
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Oct 5 - Oct 12, 2018
Zeynep helped plan our wonderful adventure. The map she provided was highlighted with sights to visit and was our bible.
Trip to Iceland
Iceland
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Oct 5 - Oct 12, 2018
Zeynep created a fantastic trip for us. The accommodations were all very nice; the detailed map was very, very helpful; and the suggested sights were mostly spectacular and unique. Our experience of Iceland was just fantabulous. I enjoyed most the west and south coasts. Although the 'golden circle' was nice, it was not as interesting and the west coast and the glaciers to the south.
Trip to Iceland
Iceland
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Oct 5 - Oct 12, 2018
Trip to Iceland
Iceland
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Aug 19 - Aug 29, 2018
When my friend and I decided to tour Iceland on our own, we knew we needed a bit of guidance. We found that with Zeynep. First, she is a great listner. Second, she is a great planner. Zeynep took what she heard and presented back to us a great road tour, identifying points of interest along the way. Throughout the trip, our pre-book rooms and side excursions were flawless, all of which allowed us to experience Iceland and its beauty to the fullest. Thanks to all who made this trip such a memorable one and especially to Zeynep!