Iceland Explorer

Most Inspirational Moment

The glacier lagoon and diamond beach. Seeing icebergs and hearing them crack was a first for me. The sun was shining on this occasion, so added to the beautiful spectacle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sadly, our group leader was not as good as others we’ve experienced. He was rather repetitive, especially about being a vegan, and spoke too much. Moments without his voice were rather nice. He was inclined to “bloody » too much and by the end of the tour, the group all expressed the same sentiments. He was, though, very helpful and quite informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

ICELAND - the clue is in the name. It’s cold …. and windy, so windchill makes it colder still. Do take your thermals, even in May. It’s a big island so if you circumnavigate, like us, be prepared for some long, tedious journeys. Having said that, Icelandic roads are very good. If you use Flybus for airport transfer, you must wait OUTSIDE your hotel ( no matter how cold it is) or the bus won’t stop - as happened to us. The taxi fare to airport was 20,000 Kr ( £115).

Suggestions

We’re very pleased we visited this beautiful country. Exodus has it pretty well organised. Probably wouldn’t go again though.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just the scenery, different all around the island.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jon was hugely knowledgeable about every corner of Iceland and went out of his way to make everyone happy. Even awkward sods like us who wanted to disappear off and look for plastic tubs under rocks (If you know, you know!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're going in March, dress warm. Really warm. Really really warm. I've never been so cold in my life, and I've done a weeks dogsledding in Sweden which included camping when it was -45C. Don't know what other seasons are like but the clue's in the name - Iceland. Be prepared to spend lots of dosh on lunch, dinner and beer. For two of us, food + drink was another £750 on the price of the holiday, Take cards, no one uses cash. WiFi is good at all hotels and mobile reception was consistently better then we've got in Surrey.

Suggestions

I was surprised at how crowded the sites were - especially in the 'Golden circle' area. Some places were just teeming with people. I would guess that in 'high season' it would be really uncomfortable. Getting a coffee or visiting the toilet meant getting on the end of a long queue. Food was always good - no problems there. Group members with special requirements (e.g. Gluten-free meals) were easily coped with. Hotels varied from 'basic' to 'excellent'. You only stayed one night in each so it didn't really matter. There were no real problems anywhere. The 'flybus' service to/from the airport works very well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many. The views as we travelled around this snow-covered isle were magnificent. As the road wound its way along the south coast, mountains were on one side and the sea with its black sand beaches on the other. The lightening at the Valley of Thor was just on-cue. Next the road wound round the eastern fjords, with the sun-lit sky gleaming off the snow-white mountains and deep blue water. Then it was through our first tunnel to Egilsstadir and, that night, our first and best view of the Northern Lights. The next day we journeyed across the plateau to Lake Myvatn, with its complete range of geological wonders – mudpots, steaming vents, lava towers, volcanic craters, psedo-craters and a thermal swimming pool.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jon was an excellent group leader, as well as being the driver of our minibus. He always had a story to tell and alternative sites to visit when necessary. His restaurant recommendations were always excellent (I was very impressed by the quality of food at all our stops). Jon regularly monitored the weather and Northern Lights conditions, so that we missed the worst weather and got to see the Lights. He kept us safe when we ventured out, ensuring we wore the chains provided on our boots. And being February, all vehicles had studded tyres, making driving safe on snow covered roads

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dress for the weather you may incur, with lots of layers in winter. Waterproof over trousers and jacket are essential in February, as are a sturdy pair of walking boots. The chains provided are excellent, they have a rubber surround that fits them to your boots. A couple of the people brough anti-slip grips which proved to be inadequate. The day length obviously varies depending on when you go. Sunrise was nearly 10am in early February. The weather and temperature is also very variable. Check these out before deciding when to go. You might also want to check out the midge situation, if you don’t want to be bitten. Going in February did provide the possibility to see the Northern Lights and we were lucky. The Northern Lights are dependent on the solar activity, a cloudless sky and little light pollution from local lighting or the moon. For photographs, you need long exposure (15 seconds on my camera), which needs a tripod or something similar. Check your requirements before you go. The best photos on our trip were taken by someone with an iPhone. Also get a water cover for your camera, others have reported their cameras being damaged by the rain or spray from the waterfalls. A Pro camera, as used by cyclist or cars, may be an alternative if fitted with a waterproof container.

Suggestions

None of the days was too onerous, so recent changes to the itinerary must have solved a criticism made by a previous traveller. Iceland is on UK time, although geographically it is one and a half hours west of London. However, as it is very much a European community, they are discussing moving Iceland onto the same time as much of the EU, adding a further hour to the difference.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was a good guy, but he was working alone - doing logistics, driving and guiding - and was clearly very tired by the end of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check on safety issues and the time of year - some things don't happen in November despite what it says in the itinerary.

Reply from Exodus

Dear Graham,

Thank you for your review, although we are very sorry to read that you were disappointed with certain aspects of the trip, particularly that you felt your safety was compromised at the Dettifoss Waterfall. We recognise that the terrain surrounding this natural wonder can often be slippery, so to enable our groups to reach the best vantagepoint, our tour leaders carry ice grips in the vehicle. Unfortunately, in a case of human error, on this occasion the tour leader forgot to pack this equipment and we understand that this caused some members of the group to slip on the icy surface, which is a matter of genuine regret. We have since reminded our leaders of the importance of double-checking packing lists before setting off, which we hope will prevent a similarly worrying experience for future groups. We are further sorry that changes had to be made to your itinerary due to road closures caused by inclement weather. The philosophy of adventure travel is one that allows alternatives and a substantial degree of on-trip flexibility; changes in itinerary may be caused by severe weather events and, whilst we would normally endeavour to warn groups of any significant amendments ahead of a trip, the conditions that affected this itinerary were more extreme that could be predicted. After a thorough analysis of client feedback, including yours, and consultation with our local operator, we have now made permanent changes to the tour that mean it is more likely that all activities on the itinerary can be completed at any time of year, and trust that this will provide a smoother experience for future groups. However, we remain apologetic that your experience fell short of your expectations for the trip. In terms of safety while driving, we have spoken to our tour leader on this trip and he has assured us that any phone usage while driving was made using a hands-free Bluetooth system. Furthermore, commentary is only provided when the leader is completely confident that safety will not be compromised. Finally, whilst long drives and limited daylight hours are features of this tour that cannot be controlled, we are sorry to learn that your group arrived at some sites in the dark. We have received comments from other members of the group who indicated their satisfaction that the leader adapted the itinerary to allow for sites to be seen in daylight, although acknowledge that this does not align with your recollection of the trip. We hope you feel that we have taken your concerns seriously and will consider Exodus for a future adventure, on which we would affirm our steadfast commitment to client safety.

Emma Cambers – Product Manager

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking among the icebergs on the black beach. Entering Hallgrimskirkja and being blown away by its beauty.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jon is amazing, singlehandedly driving, portering, organizing, commentating......always full of energy and enthusiasm. I loved that, as well as information about Iceland, he also treated us to tales from the sagas, norse mythology and folklore.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring lots of clothes and be prepared for all weather types in one day.

Suggestions

Maybe the itinerary needs reviewing. We struggled to fulfill the schedule on some days because of road/weather conditions, resulting in very long days and late hotel arrivals. That's why I gave this tour 4 stars, not 5.

Most Inspirational Moment

not easy to pick one ... the ice from the glacial lagoon on the black beach was pretty amazing... so was Dettifoss with ice clinging to it.. The mountains / volcanoes covered in snow and blushing with the alpine glow

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oskar - fantastic bloke .. unparalleled driving skills.... the roads are ice this time of year.. the snow is bonus. Great local knowledge. Friendly and considerate. Would go on a trip with him again no hesitation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The kit list is pretty good dont ignore it. If you are a large person I would take a good pair of boot spikes - ones that are metal underneath and up the sides and have actual spikes. They're not expensive and you can use them ad infinitum. The yaktrac ones aren't tough enough.. Some people broke theirs. As usual exodus had thought of this and had a some spares, thanks Exodus.

Suggestions

The Light is crazy... we were the last group of the season.. the sun never really got up. Sun rise was about 11 - 11:30 depending on terrain and crept low across the ski to disappear about 15 -15:30. There was some twilight at each end of this but not much. The itinerary needs some careful tinkering to take this into account (a long chat with Oskar).. In the western world retail is the same wherever you go.. they're shops - get over it... Iceland is about the beauty not about bargains. To see Iceland you really need the light so to squander it on a morning walking round a small town (Akureyri) is a waste and should be taken off the itinerary. Travelling can be done in the dark seeing vistas you cant find anywhere else needs the light. Add the price of the hot pools near Myvatn into the trip. Maybe here rather than Hofsos.

Most Inspirational Moment

Witnessing the volcanic eruptions of the Fagradalsfjall volcano.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristian was excellent. Kept us informed and amused!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Clothing wise, you need layers and waterproof over trousers are useful. Currency: I took no Icelandic money and never needed any. Everywhere accepts a card - even the pay toilets. On the first meeting I said to Kristian "I have no local currency, do I need to get some?". His reply was "Most Icelanders have no local currency either!"

Suggestions

As with all Scandinavian countries food and especially drink is expensive.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day had at least one "wow" moment but the highlight for me from the published itinerary was the time we spent in the Krafla area, seeing the crater lake and walking over the lava fields. The Glacier Lagoon was also breath taking. To fit in our pre departure lateral flow tests, the itinerary was amended to arrive early in Reykjavik, which gave us the opportunity to hike to the active Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This was without doubt the overall highlight - never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined seeing red hot lava flowing, and fire bursting out of the earth.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristjan was one of the best guides we have had on an Exodus trip. He is very experienced, knowledgeable and professional. He kept calm through every challenge - for example when one hotel could not accommodate the group at the last moment he made alternative arrangements without giving any indication that this had been difficult or stressful. He worked incredibly hard every day, as he was on his own to both drive and guide. The bus was spotless each morning and he was quietly aware of different needs within the group. Thank you Kristjan!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are vegetarian, take some snacks. The trip was a little more active than we had expected (which suited us very well) - be prepared for some walks on rugged terrain, and some lengthy steps to climb.