Wow-an amazing experience! Solvi was an excellent host and guide. Always giving us native insights about the people and culture added immensely to my appreciation for the journey. The natural beauty of Iceland ranks up at the top of places I've been fortunate to visit including Patagonia (Condor trip), Alaska, Hawaii and more. One thing that could have been better--it would be nice to have had a better description of the accommodations at the huts and what to expect. For example, I think several of us were a bit surprised to be sharing a single room with all 17 guests and limited showers and restrooms. Also, letting folks know that their full baggage was available each night at the huts was great but not knowing that ahead of time, I thought we'd be lugging more on our backs during the treks through the fjords. No real complaints here!! Thora joined us as a second guide during the last few days as well and was quite delightful--really enjoyed her view on things as well.
Iceland was our 6th trip with the tour operator. We have seen so many wonderful places. Iceland is so special because it is truly a land of fire and ice. Where can you go to see magnificent waterfalls and on the same hike arrive at a view of a glacier? Where can you visit a volcano, geyser and just a few miles away witness icecaps with glaciers flowing from them? How about a black beach with icebergs floating and resting on the beach? ICELAND is the answer! The hut to hut hiking experience with the fjords and every changing mountain terrain and view was a thrill to experience. All of these make for a great tour but what makes it a memory of a lifetime are the people and experiencing the culture. I cannot say enough about our guide Thora. She sang Icelandic songs, taught us a dance, told us some of the sagas. Most of all she shared her love of Iceland. It was an unforgettable experience.
It was a fantastic adventure to explore the beauty of Iceland. Our local Icelandic guide, Sylvi Signhildar-Aslfsson was awesome. His energy, enthusiasm and knowledge made each day very special.