As one of Avant Travel’s newest travel coordinators, I love the opportunity to create unforgettable journeys. Recently, I had the pleasure of sending several clients to experience an “Ultimate Highlight Hitter” tour around Iceland. I have never traveled to Iceland, and admittedly, I’ve never had the desire to travel there. However, this 8-day trip was filled with so many awe-inspiring sights and memorable experiences for my clients, showcasing Iceland’s natural beauty and unique culture, I would have to reexamine  my pre-conceived notions about the “land of fire and ice”.  So, if you’ve never considered a trip to this island, let me share why Iceland has now been added to my bucket list.

My clients started their journey by staying at the Grand Reykjavik Hotel, a modern hotel located in the heart of the capital. With cozy accommodations, fantastic restaurants and bars featuring local cuisine, and easy accessibility to city sights, it set a tone of excitement for this adventure.

On this tour, travelers head along the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most famous scenic route that allows visitors to see iconic natural wonders and historical landmarks. The first day is spent visiting the Þingvellir National Park, learning about Viking history, seeing the home to world-renowned geysers, and several beautiful waterfalls along the way. Visitors will also get to see the famous Reynisfjara “Black Sand” beach, known for its black volcanic sands, Instagram-worthy rock formations, and moody atmosphere.

Another interesting part to this trip is staying at a different local hotel every night. The lodging is central to the local towns you’ll be visiting every day, and allow you to explore at your leisure in the evenings. Though Iceland has modest accommodations, the places and people are warm and welcoming, with some even offering traditional, family-style, shared meals instead of a traditional buffet. This brings a charming and unique experience to those visiting.

The remainder of this week-long tour provides travelers no shortage of spectacular scenery. Despite the country’s name, Iceland’s landscape is diverse, allowing travelers to experience waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, fishing villages, beaches, and farms all at once. Besides sight-seeing, travelers get to participate in many activities, such as swimming in natural geothermal hot springs and hiking across waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic craters. Animal lovers will also delight in opportunities to spot Icelandic sheep, horses, adorable puffins, and the majestic humpback whales. My clients remarked at how they saw five whales during a boating trip, and it quickly became their favorite moment.

One of the best aspects of this journey was knowing that nature can be unpredictable. During their trip, my clients experienced rain, high winds, mudslides, and even volcanic activity and minor earthquakes. Despite all of these, their guides skillfully re-routed the tour to ensure that travelers didn’t miss a single breathtaking sight of Iceland.

Between the unparalleled natural beauty, diverse landscapes, wonderful wildlife, rich culture, and exciting activities, Iceland offers unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Upon returning from their trip, a client told me that it was “the vacation of a lifetime!” They never imagined how amazing Iceland would be, where every day was filled with new adventures and stunning views. I believe this sentiment captures the essence of what traveling to Iceland is truly all about. If you’re still considering traveling to this magical land, don’t let hesitation hold you back. Take the leap and discover the underrated wonders of Iceland – it will change your life!

Haley Zuniga

Travel Coordinator