10 day in Iceland
Iceland
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Jun 11 - Jun 21, 2023
We started to plan our 10-day trip to Iceland shortly after the start of 2023, and we returned to Kimkim having had great success with them before. Terry was assigned as our guide, and after all of the updates, adjustments, and changes we requested, she came through with an itinerary that exceeded our expectations. Terry also kept up with us during the trip, responding to our occasional inquiries and offering assistance as needed. She successfully managed six travelers, and some of us plan to return to Iceland in the next year or two, ‘taking Terry along as our guide’ for that adventure, too.
Our trip took us through the southern regions of Iceland, the Golden Circle, and to the west on the Snaefellsness Peninsula. We visited the variety of sites expected, from waterfalls, to glaciers, to beaches, to lava landscapes, to mountains, to snorkeling, etc. Everything was stunning; not enough can be said. On our next visit, though, we likely will slow things down a bit to make the most of the key sites rather than trying to capture the full diversity that is available. The people we met were kind and welcoming, and always willing to help us when we had questions or concerns. Food was fantastic, as well. The quality was exceptional at nearly all restaurants, and vegan and vegetarian options were always available. We can say more, but perhaps it is most relevant that we plan to return. Thank you, Terry, for your help in making this a tremendous trip for all of us.
Hotel Reviews
The West Ranga Lodge was a beautiful place to stay. It was located right where a couple of small rivers join together which was aesthetically pleasing. The manager was friendly and we were the only people there which made the stay more enjoyable
This resort was set on a sheep farm and it was a really nice place to stay. However, they did not include breakfast which would have been helpful to know in advance, as the location was quite remote. The resturant at the resort was very good.
The Vintage Hotel was a good choice for the last nights in Reykjavik. However, we faced a minor hiccup. We didn't have the code to get into the hotel, which was a bit of a hassle. Thankfully, we were able to contact kimkim and got the required help to get into our room. Though it was a little stressful, I appreciate the prompt assistance from the kimkim team.
This hotel was perfectly adequate with easy parking and good location for getting around. The staff was friendly and helpful. The only issue was the quality of tap water; the hot water had a sulfur smell. It was not terribly bad and the water was safe to drink, but we never encountered this at any other place during our trip.
Activity Reviews
This was an unforgettable experience. The guides were professional, fun, and knowledgeable - they really added to the overall experience. It was particularly special being on a glacier. The only downside was the considerable amount of time it took to put on all the safety equipment but it was worth it for the unique experience.
We accidentally missed our Zodiac boat tour, but we managed to get on to one of the duck boat tours as an alternative. In hindsight, we thought this was probably a better choice anyway, since the boat was more comfortable and slower which allowed us to take in the beauty of the glaciers at a more leisurely pace.
The Silfra Snorkeling was a unique experience and I'm glad we did it. The dry suit is quite an experience if you have not used one before, and while not comfortable, they work well in the cold water. The guide was great and took great care of us. We are not sure we would do this again, although one of our group would consider a scuba tour.
We really enjoyed this food tour but recommend doing the tour at the beginning of your trip.
Hi Paul, Thank you so very much for the glowing review! It was super fun to plan this holiday for the six of you ; you were all such a pleasure to work with. And I absolutely want to work with you on your next Icelandic adventure! Wishing you the very best, Terry