While I love sharing guests’ stories who have returned from their Viking cruises, this month I wanted to share some photos of our trip to the interior of Iceland.
While this trip was part of a reward cruise I earned (more about that to come), one of the more adventurous aspects was after the cruise where we participated in a planned extension with Activity Iceland.
I had no idea what half the items on the itinerary list meant, like ride in a “Super Jeep” and an “Into the Glacier” experience. It all sounded a bit more bold than I was used to doing, but since it was a bundled program, there were no “a la carte” options that would allow me to chicken out of anything!
We disembarked the ship and were met by our guide, Nick, who would be with us for the next two days. Originally from Austria, Nick moved here with his family when he was 12 years old and shared how difficult it was to learn Icelandic and integrate into a new culture.
Having grown up as an outdoorsman and learning all about the beauty of the island from a youth, he later learned to navigate expedition-type tours. We climbed into the vehicle known as a Super Jeep which is a specialty vehicle that is custom designed from part Expedition and part Ford truck. Both were cut in half and welded together, then equipped with a myriad of controls that allowed Nick to regulate tire pressure to navigate the icy landscapes.
Pointing to the glacier ahead, he said it would take about 20 minutes to get to our landing station where we would change into glacier gear. After being fitted with the appropriate-sized outerwear, we got back in the Jeep for about another 20-minute, very interesting ascent to about 4,000 feet above sea level! Nick kept reducing pressure (to 3 pounds per square inch!) in order to deflate the tires, which made it drive more like a snowmobile than tires on the ice.
Finally, we arrived at the top of the glacier and were met by our guide who would take us into the heart of the world’s largest man-made ice tunnel in the Langjokull Glacier. Our guide took us on a tour and explained about how the lines in the glacier tell its age, much like the rings of a tree. There’s even a frozen chapel where you can get married!
Iceland is also famous for its hot springs, and we went to the beautiful Hvammskík Nature Resort. This area was founded by the Vikings in 1187 and is a stunning area consisting of eight hot springs and thermal pools surrounded by the ocean, black beaches and mountains. After an afternoon soak, we regretfully left this beautiful spot but with the blessing of a full rainbow to seal this spot of heaven in our memories.
The next day’s adventure included an ATV black beach safari and visit to a famous plane wreck, followed by another glacier experience with Icelandic Mountain Guides. We spent two hours exploring a mountain of ice above-ground this time, learning about the wonders (and dangers) of glacier exploration with a certified and experienced guide.
After all of that exercise, Nick took us to see several of the many beautiful waterfalls, too.
Overall, this extension proved to be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, never was I so glad to fall into bed after the second very full day of adventure travel!
September's Specials
For those looking for Pharaohs & Pyramids for 2026, this itinerary is now available to book!
Oct 30, Nov 13, Feb 3 & 17, 2024 starting at $4,999pp with free airfare
The Compass - Print Edition
If you missed the print edition of The Compass, click here to read this issue’s Tales from Our Sails. We featured Helen Logue who got a surprise gift for her 80th birthday — the opportunity to enjoy a NASCAR racing experience at the Daytona International Speedway, becoming the oldest woman to ever drive the course! Read to find out how fast she went!
Carol is a Viking Master Cruise Expert and Group Travel Specialist, and she loves getting people together to enjoy the intimacy and hospitality unique to small ship cruising.
Consequently, our clients benefit from the “inside information” we have as a result of the great relationships we have developed over the years. They don't have to call an 800-number hoping to get a knowledgeable professional to answer their questions, and are also on the “first-to-know” list for specials and bonuses, all while receiving the signature TLC we put into every trip.
Vacations are the highlight reels of the year, and each one needs to be truly memorable.
Great Vacations Matter, Because Great Memories Matter Most
P.S. Whether you have questions about your upcoming cruise, or you have a Future Cruise Voucher you're trying to put to the best use, feel free to contact me at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com. I'll be happy to answer all of your questions and give you the best advice for your Viking dollars.
P.S.S. If you've booked direct with Viking in the last 60 days, call 770-421-9627 to get an additional $200 shipboard credit to your reservation!
Imagine Going There Travel, 3600 Dallas Hwy, Suite 230-215, Marietta, GA 30064, (770) 421-9627
