The tour was great, we got to see a lot of Iceland in a relatively short period of time - which was ultimately the goal. We started planning a self-drive, but eventually decided that having someone else do the driving and give us a running commentary on Iceland was going to give us a better experience, and I am confident we made the right choice.
Before the tour started, we got great information from the tour company - the website was easy to understand, easy to book, and they kept us well informed. There was no hidden extras, no surprise fees. We pre-booked most of the 'optional' activities, but there was no pressure for the ones we didn't. The bus arrived at the designated stop as scheduled, and off we went.
Our tour guide (Palli) was awesome. As well as a tour guide, he is a Geologist (and future teacher, and choir member, and sheep herder, and ..), so as well as the scheduled stops - every day was filled with extensive fascinating information about the geology of Iceland and the area we were in - this might be very boring in a country that hasn't had geologic activity for centuries like Australia, but in Iceland it is happening in real time - and learning about it on the fly was incredibly interesting.
His personal stories also gave us a great sense of what the Country means to him and Icelandic people, and I think really helped make the tour less a series of photo ops, and more like a real showcase of the Country and it's people.
As for the places we saw, by the time you get here - you will have googled enough to know what to expect, and they don't disappoint. Unless you're a massive fan of trees, the scenery everywhere is stunning - even if only because of it's stark nature in some places. You get just the right amount of time at most places. Palli seemed to have a good sense of how long it takes to get to and from the places and back to the bus, so you usually had enough time to see the things you needed to see, take the photos you wanted without feeling rushed, or feeling bored because you're sitting around waiting for the bus to leave. It was very well paced.
The activities (Glacier walk, whale watching, etc.) were well organised, everything seemed to be timed to perfection, there was no dispute about people or numbers or anything and you moved seamlessly from event to event.
When we finally got dropped back in Reykjavik - we were exhausted, but in the best possible way. We had a good time, met some fun people, was lead around Iceland by a fascinating guide, and saw an amazing Country.
I highly recommend it!
Things to know before you go, so you can decide if they're a problem for you or not. They weren't for us - we were happy to go with the flow, but everyone wants a different experience and you'll have more fun if your expectations are aligned to the reality:
- It is a mini-bus, not a massive tour bus. Especially if the tour is full, you're going to be in close proximity to the same people for a week. If they or you are annoying, it will feel like a much longer journey. Also, there isn't a huge amount of space - it was comfortable, and we had room for a backpack and camera and a couple jackets, but business class it is not. We got lucky, everyone on the bus was awesome and in it for the adventure.
- You're going to be staying in remote accommodation. It is not the Ritz. The people who run them are amazingly friendly, but some of the rooms are older and basic in their ammenities. From memory, every place included breakfast as a buffet, but again - in some cases the size and scope of the buffet was limited by where you are. There was always enough to eat and coffee to drink, but again - it is not the Ritz. Do not expect a pancake station! Likewise, lunch might be a sandwich or hot dog from a service station - the quality is great at every stop, but in most cases - it is grab and go.
- Iceland gets its hot water from the ground - and that doesn't mean they get regular water and heat it like you and I - they literally pull hot water from the ground and pipe it in like that. The same volcanic process that allows this hot water miracle also produces (in some places) gas that smells like rotten eggs. In those places, you might get a slight to mild hint of that same gas from your shower! It isn't unpleasant to the point of gagging, but it's notable. You'll be fine, it doesn't linger on your body post shower.
- You will get wet. Not just wet - but .. WET. Book the waterproof clothing, wear it. If it doesn't seem like it's raining that much - wear it. You will still get soaked - dry everything overnight if you can. The weather will be mean to you, but this too shall pass - and you'll remember the sights long after you forget about the cold.
- The tour is marked as EASY and overall that's true - but there are parts that are pretty steep and require climbing a lot of stairs or up and down the side of a mountain. If you have a dodgy knee or heart, I would sit those out.
- The roads in Iceland are made from 70% gravel and 30% potholes. There are plenty of long stretches of calm clear road, but there are many sections where you're left wondering if you're in a mini van or a washing machine. Keep your dentures safely stowed.
- Nearly every stop includes a sentence from your driver that starts with "Do not .." and ends with ".. or you will die". Follow the advice - don't be an idiot. There are steep cliffs with no guard rails, there are boiling water and mud fields with no fencing, there are waterfalls that will drown you in the blink of an eye. It isn't worth the likes on Instagram.
- You aren't the only person who thought that Iceland might be a good idea. How those people get pictures of deserted beaches for miles I do not know - nearly everywhere you go will have a bus load of busses each with a bus load of other tourists. Many spots are quite crowded with other tourists (although never to the point you couldn't see the site in question) and in some cases, their sense of entitlement will exceed yours - just let it roll - you're on vacation!
