With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, Iceland offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Choosing the right Iceland tour company and itinerary can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Travelstride tools and resources help you plan a memorable and personalized tour of this Nordic country, ensuring every aspect of your trip meets your expectations. Here’s how to effectively plan your Iceland tour with every detail tailored to your preferences and needs.
Assess Your Interests and Preferences
Start by identifying what you want to experience in Iceland—exploring national parks, touring iconic landmarks, or immersing yourself in Icelandic culture. Knowing your interests will help you focus on the right routes and find trips that include relevant activities.
For example, if you're interested in natural landscapes and outdoor activities, you might focus on the Southern Coast. Using Travelstride filters, you can find tours that include visits to national parks like Vatnajökull and Þingvellir, with activities like hiking, glacier walks, and scenic drives. This approach ensures you get the most out of your preferred region and interests.
Choose the Right Itinerary
Once you’ve shortlisted some tours, review their itineraries. Choose an itinerary that aligns with your interests and travel duration. Travelstride provides detailed itineraries that cover major attractions and unique experiences.
Look for tours that include visits to significant attractions like the Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, as well as lesser-known treasures like the Westfjords and Reykjanes Peninsula. An ideal itinerary might feature a stay in a cozy countryside hotel, offering a blend of relaxation and exploration.
Budget and Value for Money
Consider your budget and the value offered by different tours. Travelstride groups tours according to their price range, allowing you to explore Iceland vacation packages within your budget.
Pricing is transparent, with details on what’s included in each tour package. Compare these inclusions to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Consider the Group Size and Tour Type
The size and type of your tour group can significantly impact your experience. Travelstride allows you to filter tours based on group size — smaller groups often provide a more intimate experience, while larger groups can be more cost-effective.
Additionally, consider whether you prefer a guided group tour, a private tour, or a self-guided adventure. For example, a guided group tour may visit many major attractions, a private tour may offer exclusive access to sites like a geothermal spa or a personalized tour of a traditional Icelandic farm, whereas a self-guided adventure allows you to spend as much time as you want in a single destination such as exploring Reykjavik and its surroundings at your own pace.
Choose Service Level
You can filter tour companies by service level—luxury, standard, or budget—to choose tours that suit your desired comfort level. While all tours offer comfortable accommodations and transportation, the specifics can vary.
Each tour on Travelstride has a lodging scale, giving you an idea of whether you’ll stay in charming guesthouses or a scenic camping ground. Similarly, transportation can include private transfers, scenic boat rides, or guided coach tours.
For example, a
luxury Iceland tour might include stays at five-star hotels in Reykjavik and Akureyri, with private transfers and scenic boat rides connecting the destinations.
Check Reviews and Ratings
Use the filter for
most reviewed tours to choose tours frequently rated by fellow travelers. Reading reviews can provide valuable insights into what you can expect from a tour. For example, a review may praise the tour guide on a Golden Circle tour or the comfortable accommodations in a historic Reykjavik hotel.
Additionally, you might read about some unforgettable experiences, such as a private Northern Lights tour or a traditional Icelandic dinner in a local home.
Assess Your Fitness Level
Physically demanding activities such as hiking on glaciers or exploring the rugged terrain of Iceland’s highlands can be taxing. It’s best to check the Physical Level scale of the tours or use appropriate filters to find tours that match your fitness level.
Understanding the physical requirements can help you prepare for the trip and manage expectations, particularly for travelers with health considerations like
limited mobility.
On Travelstride, tours are categorized into five primary physical levels:
- Very Easy: These tours include minimal changes in transportation, comfortable lodging, and a very relaxed pace, such as scenic train trips or leisurely city tours.
- Easy: These tours may include walking tours with ample time for rest and activities focusing on hobbies and cultural experiences.
- Moderate: These tours suit active travelers and involve walking, cycling, hiking, kayaking, and similar pursuits.
- Strenuous: This level includes more demanding adventures that still offer some rest between activities, such as longer hikes or more intense cycling trips.
- Extreme: These tours involve highly challenging activities such as intense hiking, mountain climbing, or other physically demanding adventures that require excellent fitness levels.
Get Travel Insurance
Obtain comprehensive
travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. Travelstride can assist you in finding appropriate insurance options to ensure peace of mind throughout your journey. Explore top travel insurance options and understand what to consider before purchasing a plan for your trip.
Prepare Necessary Documents
Ensure your passport is current and determine if a visa is required for your destination. Travelstride offers
handy visa reference links to provide reliable information and streamline your preparation process.
Make copies of important documents and keep digital copies for easy accessibility. Additionally, include any vaccination records or medical certificates needed for travel. Carry a list of medications, allergies, emergency contact information, and a letter from your doctor detailing any medical conditions.
Custom Guided Tours
Travelstride enables you to find and
customize guided tours to meet your needs and preferences. Whether you require a private guide, special accommodations, or a tailor-made itinerary, custom-guided tours offer a more personalized travel experience.
- Private Guides: Request a private guide who caters to your interests and pace.
- Tailor-made Itineraries: Customize the itinerary to include your preferred activities and destinations.
- Special Accommodations: Ensure all your specific needs, such as dietary restrictions or mobility aids, are met.