Darby's Destinations
  • Home
  • About Darby
    • Testimonials
    • Travel Gallery
  • Work with Darby
  • Extraordinary Trips
    • Authentic Italy
    • Europe
    • Hawaiian Islands
    • River Cruises >
      • AMA Waterways River Cruises
  • Travel Planning
    • Darby's Destinations Travel Talks
    • The World's Top Wine Destinations
  • Contact Us
    • International Destinations Open to Travelers from the United States
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
  • Blog

Iceland: The best way to see the Nordic island nation

8/12/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash
Iceland is one of the most captivating countries in Europe. This Nordic island nation is a melting point of volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, hot springs, and lava fields. After a day devouring the dramatic sights, you can indulge in some rest and relaxation in the geothermal pools. Today’s article is going to help you decide the best way to see Iceland.

Highlights of Iceland 

Here is an overview of the typical sights you will want to experience in Iceland. 
  • Reykjavík
  • Golden Circle (Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall)
  • Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks
  • Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon 
  • Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon 
  • Lake Myvatn
  • Reynisfjara black beaches
  • Whale watching (April until September)
  • Northern Lights (winter)

Cruise

Cruising is always an exciting means of discovering a destination and Iceland is no different. Cruises in Iceland take you up close to the fjords and glaciers while increasing your odds of sighting marine birds and mammals including whales. Expeditions aim to educate you on the unique geology of the country and the history of the Vikings in Iceland. Cruises typically run from late May to early October.

Pros:
  • Major providers such as Princess, Viking, and Hurtigruten to name a few mean that there is a cruise to suit all travelers’ needs and exemplary liveaboard conditions are to be expected
  • Cruise routes often overlap with Norway so you can expect to add two stamps to your passport 

Cons:
  • Restricts the number of inland sights and reduces cultural immersion 
  • Cruises are not available during the winter months when the likelihood of seeing the northern lights increases 

Car rental

Renting a car and self-driving your way around Iceland is one of the popular ways of exploring the island. This gives you complete control over your itinerary and where and for how long you stop. You can select your choice of accommodation in each town or even opt to rent a campervan for an off-the-grid experience. Icelanders drive on the right and an international permit is not required to rent a car. But you must remember to keep your headlights on at all times as per Icelandic laws. 

Pros:
  • The most independent way to see Iceland 
  • Road rules in Iceland are not complicated to get your head around

Cons:
  • You may lose out on gaining knowledge about the country without the help of a tour guide
  • Winter weather is unpredictable and extreme so you will need to prepare thoroughly if you choose this time of year to visit Iceland

Organized tour

Organized tours are another attractive way of exploring Iceland. These run from as little as two or three nights to three weeks. That means that you have the option to book several day tours as a hybrid with self-driving. Tours run all year round and are designed to suit the seasons; during the winter months, you can join escorted tours to witness the northern lights. Meanwhile, summer tours are geared towards hiking. 

Pros:
  • Guided tours are ideal for winter visitors seeking a glimpse of the northern lights and save you from navigating the challenging road conditions
  • Most tours depart from Reykjavík which is convenient for incoming travel

Cons:
  • Less flexibility – it’s important to compare different itineraries in full before making a decision  

This is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to planning your Iceland adventure. Contact me to discuss your personalized options in full.


Share the knowledge

 
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Darby Savasta

    Extraordinary trips for exceptional travelers, where the details make all the difference

    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    January 2019
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    October 2015

    RSS Feed

​Darby’s Destinations LLC, an independent Affiliate of Departure Lounge LLC, a Virtuoso® Member, located at PO Box #26545, Austin, Texas 78755.  While our clients have had great experiences with the travel suppliers featured on this website, Darby’s Destinations is not an employee, agent, or representative of these suppliers and, therefore, cannot make any promises regarding the service clients will receive with a particular supplier.  Before booking a trip, clients are responsible for reviewing the services offered by the supplier, along with any terms, conditions, and exclusions​.
Picture
Proud Member of the Virtuoso® Network
Managed by Voyager Websites
  • Home
  • About Darby
    • Testimonials
    • Travel Gallery
  • Work with Darby
  • Extraordinary Trips
    • Authentic Italy
    • Europe
    • Hawaiian Islands
    • River Cruises >
      • AMA Waterways River Cruises
  • Travel Planning
    • Darby's Destinations Travel Talks
    • The World's Top Wine Destinations
  • Contact Us
    • International Destinations Open to Travelers from the United States
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
  • Blog