Mar 19, 2017, 11:06 pm
Iceland itinerary - what to see and do?
Jul 3, 2013, 9:20 am
#46
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ormond Beach, FL
Programs: AS MVPG 75k, DL PM, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 51
I traveled to Iceland last June for a long weekend, just as you are planning to do. It truly is the most breathtaking, scenic place I have ever visited. I got a ticket from Daytona Beach to KEF on Delta for $625....in other words, a steal! Stayed at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, and my rate of $149 per night included breakfast/lunch/dinner each day. The first room they gave me was occupied when I walked in, so after going back down to the check-in desk they upgraded my room to a city/water view. The restaurant at the hotel is PRICEY to eat at otherwise, and people come just to eat at the hotel.....phenomenal food!
The Hilton is kind of a trek from most downtown attractions, but the temps in June were between 55-60F during the day...much nicer than hot and humid FL! I prefer to walk and explore anyway, so the distance wasn't a factor. There is a movie theater about 1 mile from the Hilton that I walked to and saw a movie at (10:30PM showing). Movies in Iceland are interesting, because at the halfway point of the movie it abruptly stops for a 10 minute intermission. There is a small restaurant called Noodle Station downtown. This place is a must visit!!!!
Another great restaurant is Icelandic Fish and Chips. Pricey, but worth it! I took the Golden Circle Tour with Iceland Guided Tours and all of us on the tour had a wonderful time with our guide. It is a family run company, and the size limit on each tour is 8-10. You have more flexibility and can "skip" ahead of the larger coach tours. Being able to experience the wild horses up close was an experience in itself....definitely a must do.
The entire time I was in Iceland, I really was in awe of the sheer beauty around me. The breathtaking scenery is literally everywhere you go. If you have the opportunity to go, I would definitely go. I want to go back and rent a car to drive around the island.
The Hilton is kind of a trek from most downtown attractions, but the temps in June were between 55-60F during the day...much nicer than hot and humid FL! I prefer to walk and explore anyway, so the distance wasn't a factor. There is a movie theater about 1 mile from the Hilton that I walked to and saw a movie at (10:30PM showing). Movies in Iceland are interesting, because at the halfway point of the movie it abruptly stops for a 10 minute intermission. There is a small restaurant called Noodle Station downtown. This place is a must visit!!!!
Another great restaurant is Icelandic Fish and Chips. Pricey, but worth it! I took the Golden Circle Tour with Iceland Guided Tours and all of us on the tour had a wonderful time with our guide. It is a family run company, and the size limit on each tour is 8-10. You have more flexibility and can "skip" ahead of the larger coach tours. Being able to experience the wild horses up close was an experience in itself....definitely a must do.
The entire time I was in Iceland, I really was in awe of the sheer beauty around me. The breathtaking scenery is literally everywhere you go. If you have the opportunity to go, I would definitely go. I want to go back and rent a car to drive around the island.
Jul 3, 2013, 9:24 am
#47
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 946
Went to Iceland in May last year. It's a beautiful country, THE most scenic place I have ever visited. My wife and I are in our early 30s, and we like to visit scenic places more so than "happening" places. So, it totally depends on what you like.
Reykjavik has a lot going on, but any other place will be just scenic (and very calm or "boring", if you will).
Iceland is expensive, but less so after the economic crash a few years ago (don't mention it to anyone there though, they don't like talking about it). Hotels can be had for $125-$150. Food is much more expensive. A sandwich lunch for two can be $50.
You can probably drive from Reykjavik to the East end of the country, considering the time you have. We drove to Djupivogur and back. Also went to Olafsvik towards West. We stayed at the Radisson in Reykjavik, and other small hotels elsewhere.
People are incredibly friendly. You will have a great time. You can get miles from Icelandair into your Alaska Airlines account, not AA.
Reykjavik has a lot going on, but any other place will be just scenic (and very calm or "boring", if you will).
Iceland is expensive, but less so after the economic crash a few years ago (don't mention it to anyone there though, they don't like talking about it). Hotels can be had for $125-$150. Food is much more expensive. A sandwich lunch for two can be $50.
You can probably drive from Reykjavik to the East end of the country, considering the time you have. We drove to Djupivogur and back. Also went to Olafsvik towards West. We stayed at the Radisson in Reykjavik, and other small hotels elsewhere.
People are incredibly friendly. You will have a great time. You can get miles from Icelandair into your Alaska Airlines account, not AA.
It looks like I would lose the majority of the miles by converting from Icelandair to Alaskan Airlines. Bummer.
Compare the price of your trip versus doing Icelandic TATL and using their stopover program for a free long weekend there, including hotels and other stuff. It might pay to spend a few days in Europe on the trip. Unfortunately, I don't think the extra miles would count for much.
I traveled to Iceland last June for a long weekend, just as you are planning to do. It truly is the most breathtaking, scenic place I have ever visited. I got a ticket from Daytona Beach to KEF on Delta for $625....in other words, a steal! Stayed at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, and my rate of $149 per night included breakfast/lunch/dinner each day. The first room they gave me was occupied when I walked in, so after going back down to the check-in desk they upgraded my room to a city/water view. The restaurant at the hotel is PRICEY to eat at otherwise, and people come just to eat at the hotel.....phenomenal food!
The Hilton is kind of a trek from most downtown attractions, but the temps in June were between 55-60F during the day...much nicer than hot and humid FL! I prefer to walk and explore anyway, so the distance wasn't a factor. There is a movie theater about 1 mile from the Hilton that I walked to and saw a movie at (10:30PM showing). Movies in Iceland are interesting, because at the halfway point of the movie it abruptly stops for a 10 minute intermission. There is a small restaurant called Noodle Station downtown. This place is a must visit!!!!
Another great restaurant is Icelandic Fish and Chips. Pricey, but worth it! I took the Golden Circle Tour with Iceland Guided Tours and all of us on the tour had a wonderful time with our guide. It is a family run company, and the size limit on each tour is 8-10. You have more flexibility and can "skip" ahead of the larger coach tours. Being able to experience the wild horses up close was an experience in itself....definitely a must do.
The entire time I was in Iceland, I really was in awe of the sheer beauty around me. The breathtaking scenery is literally everywhere you go. If you have the opportunity to go, I would definitely go. I want to go back and rent a car to drive around the island.
The Hilton is kind of a trek from most downtown attractions, but the temps in June were between 55-60F during the day...much nicer than hot and humid FL! I prefer to walk and explore anyway, so the distance wasn't a factor. There is a movie theater about 1 mile from the Hilton that I walked to and saw a movie at (10:30PM showing). Movies in Iceland are interesting, because at the halfway point of the movie it abruptly stops for a 10 minute intermission. There is a small restaurant called Noodle Station downtown. This place is a must visit!!!!
Another great restaurant is Icelandic Fish and Chips. Pricey, but worth it! I took the Golden Circle Tour with Iceland Guided Tours and all of us on the tour had a wonderful time with our guide. It is a family run company, and the size limit on each tour is 8-10. You have more flexibility and can "skip" ahead of the larger coach tours. Being able to experience the wild horses up close was an experience in itself....definitely a must do.
The entire time I was in Iceland, I really was in awe of the sheer beauty around me. The breathtaking scenery is literally everywhere you go. If you have the opportunity to go, I would definitely go. I want to go back and rent a car to drive around the island.
Jul 3, 2013, 9:44 am
#48
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,555
Compare the price of your trip versus doing Icelandic TATL and using their stopover program for a free long weekend there, including hotels and other stuff. It might pay to spend a few days in Europe on the trip. Unfortunately, I don't think the extra miles would count for much.
Maybe one of these years with family I'll do it. Flying solo, I'm too wedded to my miles and/or status and am likely to try to redeem some sort of award or upgrade to J. But four of us going...the cheaper fares that Icelandair is known for, plus the fact that we'd all be in coach with the kids anyway...that makes it more plausible.
I figure doing it in October or March would be ideal. Avoid the summer crowds but still get decent daylight and weather. Plus those are always good months for travel onward in Europe.
Jul 3, 2013, 10:28 am
#49
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 946
pinniped, check out the pricing on Icelandair's site, it's shockingly inexpensive for a business class (what they call economy comfort) flight! BOS to KEF to MUC is $1800 round trip, less than what it would cost me to fly J to from BOS to LAX. Granted their just doing what American does on MCE and blocking the middle seat in addition, but still not a bad price.
Also, Icelandair has a really really nice multi city interface. Wow.
Also, Icelandair has a really really nice multi city interface. Wow.
Jul 3, 2013, 11:11 am
#50
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,438
Iceland is a great place to visit and you will have a good time in Reykjavik. It is also easily drivable from KEF so I'd recommend getting a car. I used to go regularly and always spent some time in the public pools, even in October. They have those superheated geothermal Jacuzzis and you can socialize with the locals. Iceland has a thriving art scene and you can pick up amazing pieces if you're into that. If you get some time visit the Blue Lagoon and Pengvellir. There are also amazing restaurants where you can eat reindeer and puffin, if you're into that sort of thing. So yes, I would say absolutely go in October. It's a good time to be there and won't be that cold yet. Also, English is widely spoken and you'll find some of the friendliest people anywhere.
Jul 3, 2013, 3:01 pm
#51
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Staffordshire UK
Programs: Mucci, BA Silver, HON, EK Gold
Posts: 242
pinniped, check out the pricing on Icelandair's site, it's shockingly inexpensive for a business class (what they call economy comfort) flight! BOS to KEF to MUC is $1800 round trip, less than what it would cost me to fly J to from BOS to LAX. Granted their just doing what American does on MCE and blocking the middle seat in addition, but still not a bad price.
Also, Icelandair has a really really nice multi city interface. Wow.
Also, Icelandair has a really really nice multi city interface. Wow.
Jul 3, 2013, 3:13 pm
#52
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,414
As this query is specific to one destination, let's shift this discussion over to the Nordic Countries forum. Thanks! 
/JY1024, TravelBuzz co-moderator
/JY1024, TravelBuzz co-moderator
Jul 8, 2013, 10:37 am
#53
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
Saga class has been a poor value way too often indeed. But then if just doing a trip to/from KEF, not having to connect can make it good enough for some.
Jul 11, 2013, 4:09 pm
#54
Join Date: May 2008
Location: North of YYZ
Programs: Aegean Flying Blue
Posts: 176
Iceland in August
We are thinking of travelling to Iceland next month. A friend who has been there in August 2007, reported that Iceland is "cold" and "wet" at that time of the year. Any comments from you folks who have been there? Also would appreciate to know what king of shoes one should wear. May sound silly but... We've been to Huangshan, China, the canyons at El Cayafate in Argentina, etc... wearing my good Mephisto walking shoes. My husband tells me I'd need hiking boots for Iceland ! Any comments ...?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Jul 11, 2013, 11:52 pm
#55
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 975
When I was there in August 2009 we had a heatwave with +25 °C in Reykjavik!! However it was colder (2 °C and blowy in the Highlands!!).
For towns, ordinary comfy shoes will be fine, but for walking over lava fields definitely walking shoes and/boots.
Don't forget your swimming costume for the thermal pools and hot pots, and a windproof jacket, hat and gloves for the interior!
YOu'll have a great time whatever the weather because Iceland is a wonderful place in ALL weathers (usually with several changes during a day!).
For towns, ordinary comfy shoes will be fine, but for walking over lava fields definitely walking shoes and/boots.
Don't forget your swimming costume for the thermal pools and hot pots, and a windproof jacket, hat and gloves for the interior!
YOu'll have a great time whatever the weather because Iceland is a wonderful place in ALL weathers (usually with several changes during a day!).
Jul 12, 2013, 7:01 am
#56
Join Date: May 2008
Location: North of YYZ
Programs: Aegean Flying Blue
Posts: 176
When I was there in August 2009 we had a heatwave with +25 °C in Reykjavik!! However it was colder (2 °C and blowy in the Highlands!!).
For towns, ordinary comfy shoes will be fine, but for walking over lava fields definitely walking shoes and/boots.
Don't forget your swimming costume for the thermal pools and hot pots, and a windproof jacket, hat and gloves for the interior!
YOu'll have a great time whatever the weather because Iceland is a wonderful place in ALL weathers (usually with several changes during a day!).
For towns, ordinary comfy shoes will be fine, but for walking over lava fields definitely walking shoes and/boots.
Don't forget your swimming costume for the thermal pools and hot pots, and a windproof jacket, hat and gloves for the interior!
YOu'll have a great time whatever the weather because Iceland is a wonderful place in ALL weathers (usually with several changes during a day!).
Jan 25, 2014, 11:08 pm
#58
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 448
Advice needed on Iceland Trip
Hi,
We currently have an itinerary with a 5 days in Oslo and 9 days in Reykjavik, Iceland. However we just got back from a 3 week trip to New Zealand and I realized that we aren't really outdoorsy people so 9 days in Iceland might be too much...
. I was thinking about changing it so we would have 4-5 full days in Reykjavik and then have 8-9 days where we can explore Norway, Sweden or Norway. Was wondering if anyone can provide any input or feedback on that plan. thank you!
We currently have an itinerary with a 5 days in Oslo and 9 days in Reykjavik, Iceland. However we just got back from a 3 week trip to New Zealand and I realized that we aren't really outdoorsy people so 9 days in Iceland might be too much...
. I was thinking about changing it so we would have 4-5 full days in Reykjavik and then have 8-9 days where we can explore Norway, Sweden or Norway. Was wondering if anyone can provide any input or feedback on that plan. thank you!
Jan 26, 2014, 6:43 am
#59
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Formerly Box 350, Boston Mass, Oh two one three four. Now near Beverly Hills 90210
Programs: Loyal Order of Water Buffalos
Posts: 3,934
Reykjavik is a nice city, but unless you're into the party scene, there isn't enough to do IN the city to last that 4-5 days. 2, maybe 3 days will cover the shops and museums and the rest of it.
In 9 days you can do a lap of the country and see most of the highlights, and stay in unique and comfortable hotels/inns every night. You do have to be interested in nature (waterfalls, geysirs, fjords, glaciers, snowfields, etc) to enjoy this.
In 9 days you can do a lap of the country and see most of the highlights, and stay in unique and comfortable hotels/inns every night. You do have to be interested in nature (waterfalls, geysirs, fjords, glaciers, snowfields, etc) to enjoy this.