“First of all, the tour guide, Arna, and her cohost, Thomas, the driver, were outstanding! They became our friends quickly; I think most on the tour would attest to that.
Arna was responsive, full of information about Iceland’s history, and current culture, patient, funny, kind, with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. Thomas was the same and I think went above and beyond for us with loading luggage, directing us to where wanted or needed to go, patiently waiting for stragglers (not often), pointing out sites on our way to the airport after our goodbyes to Arna. Both are very personable and willing to just talk and be friendly.
Collette chose two very good hotels to accommodate us and whoever chose the restaurants and sites to see did a wonderful job.
I enjoyed getting out in the fresh, crisp air. I felt very healthy up there. The trip to the lighthouse with the artwork and the resident tuxedo cat, the horse farm, goat farm, geysers and waterfall walks, the scenery, the Sky Lagoon, the churches and the overlooks, the trip to experience the baking of the rye bread underground by the thermal pools and then eating it with butter and chard was fun and delicious. All the fabulous seafood and soups. Our last night there after the thermal pools was our final dinner. Arna had a musician friend come and sing and tell us stories about the Icelandic people. I haven’t laughed that hard in ages. He was thoroughly entertaining and topped off our trip for me! And above and beyond all the experiences were my fellow travelers who I enjoyed thoroughly. It was a very congenial group! And hope to see them on future trips.
I’m probably the only one on the tour who could have lived without the glacier tour. While the guides were amazing and funny, and I'm not likely to forget it, I think people should not be carving out glaciers. I may not fully understand the process and consequences. But, it did not feel like the right thing to do which I believe instead should be protecting some of Iceland’s most valuable assets, fresh water.
All that said, I will very gladly go on many more Collette trips!
