A Long Weekend in Iceland: From Reykjavik to the Golden Circle

The “Long Weekend in Iceland” was a trip of a lifetime. We were fortunate with the weather and blessed with Northern Lights all four nights. Sky Lagoon was an amazing, “7-step-ritual” experience at the start of the trip, counteracting our jet lag. Loved our driver, and our guide Tryggvi. The group was the right size (22) and included several people I quickly felt I had known a lifetime. Great people; fascinating, fun, and curious. We saw and did a lot. It exceeded all of my hopes, and I would highly recommend this tour to others! This was my first Road Scholars experience, and it will not be my last!

It was an awesome trip and we fell in love with Iceland. If you love the outdoors, or if you have an interest in geology, or if you have ever thought about going to Iceland, definitely take this trip!

Our trip to Iceland was magical. Highlights of the trip were staying at Hotel Laekur in Hella and seeing the Northern Lights. Sky Lagoon was a great way to beat jet lag. Trip leader Einar Arnason was one of the best (out of 10 trips) group leaders we've ever had. His knowledge greatly enhanced the trip. The accommodations and food were outstanding. We were in awe of the landscape of Iceland.

This was our first trip overseas, and our first time with Road Scholar. The trip was terrific. Great program, great group leader, great group of new friends! We are already planning our next two trips!

I truly enjoyed this trip and learning more about Iceland. As a solo traveler, I was thrilled to be part of a group who was welcoming, friendly and easy to get to know. The group leader was knowledgable, kept us organized and taught me a lot about this stunningly beautiful country. It is a high paced experience but well worth every minute. I highly recommend this tour if you have an interest in Iceland.

This program was worthwhile. I have been to 56 other countries and this country was unique. How to build a social and economic country in a land that was at one time virtually uninhabitable

If you are interested in geology, this is the trip to go on. In four days you get to see volcanoes, hot springs, glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and the rift where the tectonic plates are moving apart, something you would only read about in a textbook. If you get up at 2 in the morning, it will still be daylight. On the last day you go to a powerplant where the whole picture of geothermal energy comes together. Be prepared for the weather. Late in June it was cold, very windy, and it rained most of the time, just a light rain, no downpour, but I bought a winter coat at the first stop. The food was very good, mostly fish and lamb. The internet claims there is a lot of unusual food in Iceland, but it is hard to find. I did manage to try some fermented shark, whale, and horse meat. In Reykjavik there are several restaurants along the wharf near the hotel, but in the time available it was difficult to find the ones more into town. There was not much free time there, around two hours before we met for the final dinner, and I think most people were too tired to do anything but rest up. I doubt that this will happen to anyone else, but my flight home got cancelled and they put me up for the night in Keflavik. It is just a little village, sort of lie a former military base, but it was a nice little hotel on the main street and there were many little stores and several restaurants, including one that had Icelandic food. It was a lot of fun, like going downtown in the 1950s before shopping malls were invented. It was worth missing the flight.

My Long Weekend in Iceland changed my world perspective. I hope to travel with Road Scholar at least once a year for the rest of my life!

Great trip. I highly recommend it.

Excellent Trip! The use of the volcanoes as an asset is remarkable! Unforgettable and enjoyable!

It was a great opportunity to learn about a part of the world most people will never think to visit.

What a magical experience! Every day was informative, well planned and fun. Iceland is truly a special place with special people (and great food).

This was our first trip with road scholars. It was AMAZING!!! There were six of us that traveled together. The guide was so knowledgeable and we learned a lot. We saw so many things. We loved it all.

Another great adventure with Road Scholar. The value for the money is impossible to beat.

Amazing trip! Perfect amount of time to experience Iceland.

Our tour leader Ragga was exceptional! She provided an attentive , caring , positive and detailed attitude in the way that she led the trip and how she related to the travelers under her guidance. She provided an interesting and informative narration of all things Icelandic, provided us with many options during our free time and always seemed to be going above and beyond to make sure our experience was a pleasant one and informative. Thank you!

This was a wonderful Spring experience for this Florida lady! I loved seeing the Iceland landscape and learning about the customs.

This was our first Road Scholar trip, and it was a great one to start with. It was relatively short, it was best for us since we both are still working. But wow, they pack a lot into such a short time. We loved touring and learning all about Iceland; and we can't wait to return in the future for a longer stay!

Very successful. Was well organized and things ran very efficiently. All meals were excellent and hotel accommodations were very good. We covered a lot of ground and learned a lot about many aspects of Iceland in the short time we toured. Our guide was very knowledgeable and thorough when she explained things and answered questions. The only problem I had was identifying myself as "Vegetarian" in my profile. The term "vegetarian" can mean different things, so you should ask people to specify. I do eat dairy, seafood. and some chicken, but I don't eat beef, pork, or lamb. The first night, I ate tofu while everyone else had chicken. "Vegetarian" was interpreted to mean "vegan," which wasn't what I meant. Certainly in a place like Iceland, I wanted to have the local seafood. One night I had asked for cod, but a waiter came out offering a vegan entree. Our guide smoothed it over and I got my cod. But I was always uncertain from one meal to the next if there was going to be some question again. Please clarify what you're asking in your Profile questions on dietary preferences and recognize that "Vegetarian" can mean different things. I never saw an opportunity to specify that I do eat dairy, seafood, and chicken. Thanks -- aside from the occasional meal-time issue, it was an excellent trip and well lead. NH

The long weekend in Iceland presents a great opportunity to learn about Iceland and, atmospheric conditions permitting, a view of the Northern Lights.

I was concerned at first that this trip was too short to have a meaningful experience. I was wrong! So much was packed into these few days it's amazing we slept. Our accomodations were great. So was the food. Both exceeded expectations. Our tour leader/guide was amazing. He was a last minute replacement yet he was calm, knowledgeable and prepared. Overall an exceptional experience.

This trip was not well planned. Specifically, the rooms (or, my room, at least) at the Reykjavik hotel were ridiculously cramped. My accommodations were comparable to a steerage cabin. Also, leaving us "on our own" to find dinner on a night when all the restaurants in Reykjavik are probably booked well in advance doesn't work at all. I wanted a steak; I had to settle for a burger in the hotel bar.

The Road Scholar Long Weekend in Iceland's Golden Circle was topnotch and so much fun. Highly recommend this trip to anyone who has Iceland on their bucket list of trips. The 5 days were all filled with wonderful sights and sounds without being rushed. Our Leader Ragga was amazing!! Thank you road Scholar!!

A nice introduction to Iceland--it's history, economy, natural beauty, geothermal features, and its people and culture.

Inga provided a wonderful trip experience despite working around unexpected volcanic events. She used these events to make the trip even more special and individual

Another well-organized Road Scholar tour. 5 stars! The guide and driver kept us safe, on schedule and informed. This program crams a lot of travel and information into a short time period. There is so much to see and learn about this fascinating country that I came away feeling I need to educate myself more on the Norse mythology and history that ground this island. The food is comfort food, delicious but a bit too much lamb and cod. I'd have liked another choice of fish. Marina Hotel in downtown Rekjavik is walkable to 5 museums, restaurants, stores and boat tours. The weather is changeable, bring the right clothes! Five stars for this programs. Fran

Take note that while described as a six day trip, this is actually four to four and a half days of activities or time in Iceland. Day #1 was flying in to arrive and Day # 6, while the morning was free time depending on individual flight schedules, was flying out to depart. Scheduled activities and experiences began right away though, bright and early on Day #2, when we were met at the airport by the Group Leader and transported for a very hearty breakfast, museum visit, and then subsequent activities (e.g. Blue Lagoon) on the way to our first hotel. Days #3, # 4, and #5 which followed were similarly packed with experiences and activities. This made for a rather intense, quickly paced sequence of adventures and learning opportunities. While time was limited for each, typically time was sufficient for enjoyable engagement. The entire program is rather like an "Iceland Sampler" of highlights. To break up the pace, a very nice feature was rather leisurely lunches at local restaurants, which on my trip included two opportunities to have lamb soup (not typically available at restaurants in the U.S.). Since October is apparently the month with most rain in Iceland, it was remarkable that our group saw the Northern Lights the very first night at our hotel! We also had a great deal of sunshine (bring sunglasses) and while wind seemed to be ever present and at times a bit fierce, rain was not in the picture! Group leader for our trip was Einar Arnason and our driver was "Jon." Both were excellent in sharing their knowledge of Iceland, in keeping our group organized and on schedule, in adding in commentary about places not on the agenda, and in keeping our group safe in landscapes we might not be familiar with. They did this while also being approachable and calm. 5 Star.

We had a great time. The weather was chilly but sunny and one of our major goals, seeing the northern lights was met the first night in Iceland. The group was friendly and the leader wonderful and informative.

Excellent program, we were very satisfied. One thing - we would like to spend some more time in Iceland!

A Long Weekend in Iceland provided a wonderful introduction to an amazing country of fire and ice. And we actually saw the Northern Lights!

It was a great trip Only suggestion is to give travelers more choices for the meal served Possible include salads and fresh fruits

This was a very nice tour with a small group of 20 people an experienced guide, and a very good bus driver. They used listening devices called "Whispers," which really helped us to hear speakers regardless of the environment.

There was no introduction or farewell/closing review/discussion on this trip. I realize the assigned guide could not make it and we had a short notice replacement. In many ways this trip did not meet the Road Scholar standards. First timers did not have a good sense of Road Scholar, though those of us who have been with Road Scholar before assured them this trip was not representative of the Road Scholar experience. It is a very quick trip with some awesome highlights; Blue Lagoon - right off the plane, Hotel Laekur is an awesome spot and the place to see the northern lights. Sadly they did not dance for us. Nice photo op of the famous Icelander horses there too. The Lava Center is impressive. Skógar Museum and Skógafoss Waterfall were great stops; lot of history and insights. The original parliament site; so much history, so much geology, Hellisheiði geothermal power plant, impressive how this island runs. Interesting land features; love the moss covered fields of rough lava. Reykjavik marina, town sites and the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina.

5 stars! This is a fun and exciting program. You will be kept busy and marvel at Iceland’s beauty. Be sure to research the weather projections and take seriously the tips to buy waterproof hiking shoes, gloves, rain pants and jacket. A warm hat is required. Enjoy the Blue Lagoon, even if it’s snowing, it is a super fun adventure!

the natural beauty of Iceland would have been enough for a satisfying trip. But our guide, and the many people at our stops along the way, were informative and entertaining. Lastly, I enjoyed my time with fellow travelers...and unexpected and enjoyable benefit.

This was a well-planned tour that covered all aspects of what Iceland is about: history, geology, farming, city-life, country-life, politics, the arts and struggles. It was one of the most coprehensive trips I have taken. The four days were very well organized and informative.

Just completed the "Long Weekend in Iceland". Absolutely rocks (in more than one way).

The Long Weekend In Iceland was really good, interesting and fun. I learned so much and made some friends in our group. I would recommend this trip. The length of time is just right for an overview of Iceland.

The trip was a good adventure. I especially liked the bus trip to the Gulfoss where we had the opportunity to hike around the cave and the black beach.

This program covered more than I thought possible in the limited amount of time. I learned so much about Iceland.

The Iceland trip was amazing. We went to the Blue Lagoon, saw amazing waterfalls, Black Beach that is off Atlantic Ocean, and geysers. These were just some of the things we saw but had experienced more. The flight to Iceland was physically hard but definitely worth it as saw amazing things, tasted great food and met some really nice locals. It was a great experience.

Iceland is a fascinating country and the Road Scholar program did a great job of showing us earth's forces at work in this country.

"A fast-paced program that wonderfully gives participants a thorough experience of Iceland's many geological wonders, as well as snippets from its fascinating history, government, and world outlook."

Wonderful trip of a lifetime. Road Scholar is a great way to learn and travel solo while meeting new people.

Iceland is more interesting than you think! It’s not just a cold place, far north. It has a well-kept history, a vibrant modern culture and scenery that makes your jaw drop.

This was an interesting and awe-inspiring trip. Our guide was great and the people we met were friendly.

Excellent program with an excellent guide. I hoped to see the Northern Lights, but all the other amazing experiences exceeded any disappointment I might have felt.

Very nice and very well

5 stars from me! What a wonderful trip! Although my personal goal was to see the aurora borealis, I knew that that was dependent on several variables - none of which happened to cooperate. Instead, I experienced so much of interest which piqued my desire to learn more and experience more of Iceland on another trip sometime. So, this trip: * Our group leader, Einar Arnason, clearly loves his home country and loves to share it. He is highly knowledgeable, experienced in many areas, and was able to answer just about every question put to him (no matter how odd!). He is kind and caring, patient and has a good sense of humor. He was flexible, adjusting the trip to specific interests and the demands of the weather. * Our driver (I apologize for not remembering his name) was helpful and an excellent driver in some difficult conditions. * The trip itself was marvelous! Several of us did agree that we could have stayed longer at the Lava Center - it was fascinating! Waterfalls, museums, basalt columns, tomato farm, Icelandic horses, the Thingvellir National Park and so much more! While we couldn't go to the geothermal plant because of closed roads due to the weather, the substitute of going to the Perlan Museum was great. And then there were the accommodations and food. The Hotel Laekur was cosy, clean, and attractive - and the food was excellent! Stu the innkeeper gave a presentation on the variable factors involving aurora predictions and sighting. Alas, the all our nights in Iceland were too cloudy. In Reykjavik, the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina was a nice place with interesting history, conveniently located, and accommodating to our needs. Good food, too.! * This was my first trip with Road Scholar and I was well-impressed. Others in the group who had been on trips w/ RS before affirmed our group leader and the food - said it was the best food ever on an RS trip. Thank you for a great trip!

It was a trip of a lifetime. Every time we thought we had seen the most awesome sight or place, the next stop was even better. The landscapes, the weather, the accommodations our tour guide and the food was fabulous.

My family of six had a wonderful time. We especially appreciate our guide, Sigrun Jonsdottir. We were very fortunate with the weather, saw the Northern Lights twice, had wonderful fellowship, learned about Iceland's history and what it offers today, met delightful Icelanders, had wonderful meals, spent our time well without feeling over-taxed. An experience of a lifetime!

My main focus was to see the Northern Lights. We saw them TWICE! I had no idea how fascinating, gorgeous and amazing this country is. Sometimes it seemed like another planet. If Iceland is not on your list of places to go to...it should be! It far exceeded my expectations!

The tour is a perfect way to experience Iceland for the first time. You visit a wide range of places on a busy but not overwhelming schedule while learning about the country, its past and present. Fascinating and fun, and so very beautiful.

This trip was almost magical. The weather was nearly perfect, clear skies and reasonable temperatures. We saw the Aurora Borealis two nights of four. We visited beautiful natural locations, including black sand beaches, golden waterfalls lit by a beautiful sunset, geysers and boiling mud pools, frozen waterfalls near glaciers as well as manmade wonders, including one of the largest geothermal power plants in the world. We dined quite well in a huge tomato greenhouse complex one lunch. We saw so much in such a short timeframe but never felt rushed. Our small group were wonderful to tour with. They shared and contributed to this amazing adventure. Highly recommended!!

We all arrived early in the morning having flown all night. We first had breakfast and were off on the tour. It would have been nice to have had a bit of rest. We saw many sites and landmarks. However, it seemed like we were simply checking off a list as there was rarely sufficient time to see and appreciate the particular, site. The northern lights did appear for us; it would have been nice to have had a lecture regarding the cause of the lights.

Amazing long weekend in Iceland, full of wonderful experiences, great people, and the northern lights!

I chose this trip to celebrate my 90th birthday along with my daughter's 60th. And it certainly didn't disappoint. There were four of us in my group and we were all very impressed with the quality of the program, the lovely and comfortable accommodations, the delicious food and of course the beauty of Iceland. The price was beyond reasonable!

'A Long Weekend in Iceland' may have been just 4 days long, but so much was seen during that time. I felt that the main sites were covered. I would definitely recommend this trip for those people who have a limited amount of time to travel but want an amazing experience!

Definitely a must-see destination. While Iceland can be rainy (and windy!) in November, it is not as cold as I had thought it would be. We visited so many wonderful sites, and while the Northern Lights were not visible on our weekend, it's not the only reason to see this beautiful country.

Great trip! Our trip leader Einer was knowledgeable, organized and welcoming. We were very lucky to have great weather and were able to see the Northern Lights the first two nights. For a relatively short trip, I feel that we really got a good taste of this beautiful, progressive, interesting country.

Our Iceland guide, Einar Arnason, was excellent, helpful, knowledgeable and flexible. We couldn't have expected anyone better. The program schedule was very tight for people arriving after an all-night flight. We, however, arrived early in the morning on the "Flights" day and, fortunately, the hotel allowed us to get into our rooms early. This gave us time to rest after an all-night flight and before the full day program on Day 2. We arrived on Day 1 and expected RS to meet us, but were told RS did not provide any service on the "Flights" day. Be aware of that. The schedule in the brochure says the program is 6 days, but it isn't until you sign up and get the full schedule that you find out Day 1 is "Flights" only and Day 6 is departure only (though RS did provide early morning transportation to the airport.)

Our first Road Scholar trip was fun, informative and very well planned. It was wonderful to be able to learn and engage without worrying about details and logistics. Iceland was beautiful and incredibly interesting. We are already thinking about our next Rhodes Scholar adventure!

I absolutely loved this experience. It was my 1st experience going solo overseas, and RS were able to assist in transportation to and from the airport. I really appreciate and value the tour guide and bus driver that kept us safe on this journey! Amazing trip and experience. Just do it!

I rarely say that a program "Exceeds Expectations", but I keep saying it about this program. One of my best trips ever.

The Long Weekend in Iceland is a not to be missed program. Our trip in mid-October featured beautiful weather which is not controllable, but definitely enhanced our experience. Harpa is an amazing guide with so much information to share, approachable and a joy to know. It may seem like 4 days is a short trip but so much variety was packed into that time we feel we returned with a great experience in Southern Iceland.

Iceland: A Trip filled with oohs and aahs. Fantastic trip ... would go again!

What an amazing experience! Iceland is otherworldly. Fun stops, hotels, and guide - trip of a lifetime!

Iceland is a beautiful spot and geologically fascinating. The tour leader did a great job in interpreting that and talking about the current social aspects of life in the country. My only complaint is that we really needed one more day. Some spots were too rushed.

This trip really packs a lot into a few days. I was astonished when I looked at a map later and saw how much ground we covered in 4 days.

Can't say enough good things about "A Long Weekend in Iceland"... Felt like we were gone a week, there was so much to see and do! If you are looking for an adventure unique unto itself this one is for you. Educational, beautiful, inspiring - and fun!. Three cheers to our guide Inga who was such a delight. She provided great insight, kept us on track and made sure our expectations were met.

What a wonderful 1st time road scholar trip. Our guide Harpa was incredible! The hotels, restaurants and driver were exceptional. Harpas knowledge of Iceland, it’s history, the land, current state of the country encouraged me to comeback. Would visit this country again!

This trip was wonderful. Everything about it great.

Please refer to comments in later question and accept this as my review.

This trip to Iceland, although short, was exhilarating. Packed with wonderful adventures and events. I will be returning to this mighty little island.

Wonderful trip! This trip used to be called "In Search of the Northern Lights". I understand why this name was canceled; many factors must align to accomplish this feat. But the owner of Hotel Laekur in Hella, where we stayed for two nights, does everything in his power to make that happen. He keeps watch on the night sky on nights that are favorable for viewings and knocks on everyone's door to wake them for the viewing. Better yet, he is a skilled photographer who is able to photograph each person in front of the Northern Lights! If that wasn't enough, we also took in a large portion of the best known sights in Iceland. And Diddi, our charming and knowledgeable guide, entertained and educated us the whole way. The food was also unexpectedly gourmet at every turn. Road Scholar always does an excellent job in organizing its trips; this one lives up to its reputation.

A wonderful trip full of great things to do and see. Leader was great and knowledgeable. Food was great. Would advise everyone to go.

A great time exploring many aspects of this fascinating island nation. Each day had nice variety ranging from outdoor explorations to a greenhouse to political spots and history and the National Museum. Our guide was open to questions about just about anything. The two accommodations - one way out in the country and one on the harbor in Reykjavik - were comfortable and welcoming. Would go again!

We thoroughly enjoyed our Icelandic tour with Road Scholar. Our guide was superb and well-organized. The food and friendships were exceptional. Mike and Darlene Steffen

Iceland is a very unique country - one well worth visiting. It leads the world in Geothermal research and implementation. Many countries would benefit from studying its social and governmental structure.

I've done 9 Road Scholar programs and none have disappointed me, but this was one of my top 2 programs. It was all I expected and more. Be prepared for weather extremes and follow RS advice on what to bring. Glorious experience and we did see the northern lights, and so much more!

It was a great trip. The tour guide was knowledgeable. Just make sure if you make your own reservations they know you are coming. We actually saw the northern lights, the participants were the best. Excellent places to view. My bathroom in Reykjavik was less than stellar, but looking at the rooms I think it was a one off. I made it work. Room itself was fine. Food was good, restaurants were nice.

What an amazing adventure. Our guide, Hjalti, was a remarkable resource and made the trip exceed my expectations. He shared his love of Iceland and we learned an enormous amount from him. The food on the trip was outstanding. So were the accommodations. Every exhibit guide was friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend the Long Weekend in Iceland!

Wonderful opportunities to see the amazing geology of Iceland and learn about the history, culture, and geothermal advances of the island.

This trip was exceptional in all ways. We had an excellent leader who was very knowledgeable and approachable. Our fellow participants were warm and welcoming. The food was great, and the field trips were exceptional. I can’t get over how much we were able to see and do in such a short period of time. If you’ve ever wanted to go to Iceland, this is a great choice!

Excellent trip--learned a lot about Iceland's history, geography, geology, and current economic conditions. Well-informed and friendly guide. (Let me add that the guide was particularly kind and attentive to one person who needed assistance getting to and from the bus.) The only site I could have omitted from the trip was Viking World, where we went for breakfast the first day. Not particularly interesting, and the way the day was scheduled, we wound up spending an unnecessary amount of time there. Other than that, enjoyed the trip.

If you know nothing about Iceland, you will be amazed by the creation of Iceland thousands of years ago and is still creating it today, the people that first settled it, how they survived, what attracts people to visit today, what you will remember that is similar to and different from other places in the world

This is a VERY short trip to do do anything in depth, if you want just a quick get-a-way, this is a great trip for seeing something really different (the landscape, is very unusual), enjoying fresh seafood, and if you are lucky enough to get Sigi as a tour guide, you are in for a treat. i wished i would have added a couple days to the tour. it was too short.

Iceland has been on my travel list for many years. I was a little apprehensive about traveling during the Covid pandemic, however with all participants vaccinated I felt very safe. Although this was a short five day program, it covered many sites I have been interested in visiting. Do not hesitate to register for this program. Our group of 14 was fortunate to have director Harpa. She was an excellent leader.

This Iceland program was outstanding! It is an action-packed adventure from the moment you set foot in Iceland until the moment you leave. Highly recommend!

I was hesitant about attending, but the trip more than met any good expectations I had. I returned more relaxed and interesting and overall wanting to know more about my world.

Have just returned from Road Scholar tour in Iceland! What a fascinating place. Saw a glimpse of Northern Lights, but not enough to satisfy me forever so may schedule more Northern travel! Spectacular waterfalls, geysers, black sand beach with thundering ocean waves, and the Blue Lagoon. Geothermal power plants. Greenhouse farming. Icelandic horses. Beautiful weather - lucked out with not as much wind chill as I had expected. Landscape runs every shade of white, gray, and black. Friendly people. Excellent tour guide. Very congenial tour group of 21 people. Great lamb, fish, and soup meals. So, cheers! – or in Icelandic ‘skál!' (pronounced ' scowl')

If you want to see Iceland and the hope to the northern lights look at this program. This trip is in the winter and does involve walking on snow and ice conditions, but made easier with ice crampons provided by Road Scholar.

This was an extraordinary experience. I would recommend this trip to everyone who could make it.

I couldn't believe how wonderful Iceland was. The country was full of amazing sights. We had great weather(which always helps), but it would have been fine anyway. We didn't have any strenuous walking to see the special sights so that it was an easy trip in every way. We learned so much. A special trip in every way.

Hunt for the Northern Lights was a life changing experience. I highly recommend Road Scholar.

We were extremely pleased with this trip, brief though it was. Among our experiences, we saw the northern lights twice! Our accommodations and guide were outstanding. Details: We arrived to Keflavik airport from Boston 18 hours before a bomb cyclone (80 mph winds, interior pressure of 936 millibars--hurricane force winds) arrived in Iceland. While we were at the Blue Lagoon, bathing off jet lag, all of Iceland was in yellow, then orange, then red alert because of this storm. Baldur and his team reorganized our trip so smoothly and magnificently, we were at first unaware of how large the changes were. We moved hotels to put our first two nights in Reykjavik (Hilton Reykjavik Nordica) , and last two at Hotel Laekur. There was a ban on vehicles traveling on roads outside the city because of high wind. Both hotels get top praise from us. Very comfortable and food was excellent and appropriate. Baldur Gulfason is an outstanding, tour leader who together with his team put out an extraordinary effort. He was engaging, thoughtful, extraordinarily well-informed about everything we asked, concerned and aware of our safety, and took into consideration our interests--he had done his homework. Our group was congenial and helped each other. Hotel Laekur's proprietor did an outstanding job of enabling us to be awake and to see northern lights, took our picture (it takes some know-how to get good pictures). An outstanding trip--we could not have done this on our own. The usual caveats apply--we would have happily spent a full day at Thingvellir, but those are the limitations of tours! My only complaint is I had trouble accessing the evaluation form (my husband filled out ours), so I am sending this additional feedback. Thanks for a great experience!

Baldur was the best guide ever! He was always available and helpful. He managed to change our schedule in the middle of a huge storm and we still got to see the Northern Lights! His information about Iceland was personal as well as professional and it made a real difference in the trip. He kept track of us and always made sure we were safe under very difficult conditions. The conditions were only difficult because of the storm but not based on the trip agenda. Because he grew up in Iceland and knew people everywhere we went, it was a very special experience. I hope he will continue to work for Road Scholar. We arrived a day early and the hotel check-in at the airport was very smooth. It was difficult to follow the instructions for getting from the baggage claim to the hotel but everyone was very helpful directing us to the hotel. The food was delicious and Baldur gave us suggestions as to what we could do on our free day. We visited the Viking Museum and Duus which were excellent. We got there by taxi. The food on our tour was really delicious and everyone was accommodated. Baldur helped the vegetarians on the trip and gave us options for meals. The bus we rode in was excellent and comfortable. It was good to have this since we did have some long road trips. The Road Scholar program was very interesting as I have always experienced with your programs. Baldur took some of us to a grocery store and we got to buy interesting foods that he had shared on the trip. He always had a treat for us which was really special. The sights we saw were spectacular and the weather conditions made it feel more like an adventure. The hotel for the northern lights was also excellent. We got to see them two nights in a row. After the trip Baldur sent us books and film information about Iceland so we could continue the enjoyment. Really excellent trip! This review is under Warren's account but Marilyn Silva wrote it. Baldur also was very helpful of Warren who was almost 86 on the trip.

Great program! We saw a great deal of Iceland in a small amount of time and even saw the Northern Lights two out of four nights. Iceland is not ADA compliant so consider this carefully if making a winter visit.

I found this program well worth the money I paid, it was economical and I enjoyed it immensely. I plan on going on many more programs with road scholar.

This was a great introduction to southwest Iceland. I'm more than ready for another Road Scholar visit to Iceland; for a small country, it has a lot of variety to see and understand.

In an Iceland winter, I expected the geysers and black sand beaches, hoped for the Northern Lights, which I saw, and was surprised at the hothouses of flowers.

This was a very interesting and informative trip to a place unlike anywhere else. Our leader and instructor was the same person. Baldur was friendly, approachable and made everyone feel comfortable. He was full of information and regaled us with interesting personal stories which put Iceland in a more intimate perspective. The hotel in Reykjavik Was clean, centrally located and a Little quirky in decor which made it fun. Rooms were comfortable and the food was good. Hotel Laekur was very interesting and comfortable. It was a converted farm out in the countryside and the eggs included in the buffet breakfast were from their own hens. The owners went out of their way to make people feel at home Field trips were great in a unique scenic country. Of particular interest were The Blue Lagoon, the Bridge Between Nations rift valley, the black sand beach and all the discussions and demonstrations of volcanoes and geysers A great trip. My only observation of improvement is that we could have used the listening devices a bit more inside the museums. Thank you Baldur and Road Scholar for a great experience

Awesome trip! We had such a great time. Waterfalls and geysers were breathtaking. Our guide, Baldur, used his powers to summon up the Northern Lights for us on two evenings.

Iceland was my first trip with Road Scholar. Excellent learning experience and always felt well attended to as an individual and as a group. Our guide was so knowlegeable and fun, the bus driver was wonderful, transportation was smoothly incorporated, and food was delicious. Our group was lovely and so congenial. And in a short amount of time embraced Iceland for all it's beauty and history. A trip that will always warm my heart.

I wanted a brief introduction to Iceland and what it felt like to live with so much ice and snow and dark. Despite the short time frame, because the program was so well organized and the guide. Baldur Gylfason. was so effective in transferring a great deal of information, that I feel I have a sense of what living in Iceland is all about.

Our guide was wonderful. He had his hands full because our weather was bad...he worked hard to rearrange our trip so we didn't miss a thing and we were safe. The only bad thing was when we arrived at the airport. The map provided to get to our meeting point was not clear...the wind was howling so it as very hard to walk to the hotel. Plus food at the hotel was marginal. Fortunately that was not a precursor for the rest of the trip.

This trip exceeded all my expectations. Our Icelandic guide Groa was excellent, she shared a wealth of information with us on geology, history, folklore and Icelandic culture and traditions. Each day was balanced with seeing the beautiful countryside with waterfalls, mountains and informative museums. Every meal was incredibly delicious. We saw the northern lights both nights while staying in the Golden Circle area. This was my first Road Scholar trip and there will definitely be more!

This was a wonderful trip. Our guide, Gróa, was superb -- well-organized, informative, and interesting. She is also a delightful person who shared folktales and songs with us as well as some stories about her family. Our driver, Josep, was also helpful and nice. Our first stop was the Blue Lagoon, which I enjoyed even more than I thought I would. We visited a national park, waterfalls, a geyser, and a variety of museums. We had time to make an unscheduled stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach, which I loved. On our last day we had free time in Reykjavik to explore on our own; there was a lot to see within walking distance from the hotel. My trip was in late November, and we did get to see the aurora borealis while in Hella. Our hotel host there was great, too, and monitored the northern lights activity for us and took photographs for us with his good camera. I stayed in three different rooms on this trip and they were all good. All the meals were very good and more than enough. A highlight was lunch inside a greenhouse at a tomato farm. We were lucky to have good weather, but of course you should check the forecast shortly before your trip. Most of the required walking was on clear paths with wooden planks or another type of easy surface. Trickier walking was optional (e.g., behind a waterfall and up a tall staircase to get to the top of another waterfall). Our museum tour guides were also very good. Everyone spoke good English. I found the Icelandic people to be very nice and helpful and also felt safe walking alone in the dark there. I truly enjoyed all that we did on this trip. I cannot imagine a better guide than Gróa and am very happy that I went on this trip.

My trip to Iceland was informative and fun! The natural beauty of Iceland is definitely worth experiencing and it was great learning about such an interesting country.

Great Trip -- lovely country; lovely people and wonderful nature, history and folk lore.

This program exceeded my expectations in so many ways. I learned something new everyday. The people were awesome - leaders and participants. The food was outstanding! We saw the Northern Lights!!

As a first time Road Scholar, I was pleasantly surprised! First, our guide Harpa was amazing! She was full of information about the history of Iceland and its many sagas. Road Scholar plans a high quality trip where the participant doesn't have to worry about anything. All the entrance fees, tips, transportation and meals are already planned and taken care of. As a participant, there is no need to worry about anything except what to wear for the day's ever changing weather. Our group was amazing because everyone, and I mean everyone, was up for any adventure. No matter what crazy weather we encountered, we never missed a waterfall, beach or museum. The meals and lodgings were top quality. We didn't see the Northern Lights, but we saw incredible sights and met many new and wonderful friends. I highly recommend a Road Scholar adventure.

Many people on my tour were Road Scholar veterans. They or people they knew had gone on multiple previous trips and were highly recommending RS. I will do the same. This will not be my last trip with RS.

Iceland is a country like no other. My primary purpose in going was to see the Northern Lights, however there is so much more to this beautiful place. It turned out to be too cloudy and snowy to see the Aurora Borealis. However I saw gorgeous waterfalls, exceptional landscapes, fierce ocean waves and snow squalls, amazing mountains, glaciers, lava fields, geysers, and thermal pools. I was thoroughly pleased with this adventure and recommend it. The weather in Iceland is quite changeable so if you are going in winter, bring multi-layers and come prepared to enjoy Mother Nature's marvelous spectacles.

This trip far exceeded our expectations. Luckily, we saw The Northern Lights twice ( a bucket list checkoff), but we were smitten with the beauty and diversity, fascinating people, learning experiences, and fine food at every turn. An amazingly thorough introduction to Iceland.

Everything was so well planned. The fact that ALL meals, tips, excursions were included made it so easy.

From the historic to the geologic to the scientific, this program was a whirlwind tour of a small, isolated but progressive country. The food and accommodations were great, the variety of venues was educational and fascinating, and getting to see the Northern Lights was a bonus!

The cultural experience and privilege of spending time exploring Iceland - The Land of Fire & Ice, was a privilege, and an unforgettable and enlightening experience in countless ways. From beginning to end, the Road Scholar staff, website, correspondence, program itinerary and travel information were exceptional. Our Road Scholar guide took the time to observe and attend to the strengths and vulnerabilities of each of our team members. I look forward to my next adventure with Road Scholar. -Jodi J De Luca, PhD

Did not see the Northern Lights, but the trip was still well worth it. So much information and such a wonderful country to visit.

Interesting, informative, collegial and well run. Leader, Harpa, was well informed and engaged. Driver 'Joe' was professional, experienced and pleasant. I enjoyed the trip and learned much about Iceland. I had visited on a 48 hour stopover in the summer of 1984 and was interested to see how many trees have been planted in the past 30 years and the construction that had been done in Reykjavik. A bonus was seeing the Northern Lights two nights in a row.

The program is accurately described in the catalog and on the website. It absolutely met our expectations and whetted our appetite for future Iceland explorations. Logistics and the trip coordinator were excellent. The group was particularly convivial and interesting.