Hiking in South Iceland: The Drama of Nature

Hello Road Scholar: I was on the August 8-14 Iceland trip. It's a bit late to write this but here goes. I was glad we did not go to Blue Lagoon. The lagoon we did go to was good!! The group was 16 folks, too big for my taste (and four folks did not show up). The bus driver was good, no lead foot and cautious driving. Asdis, the tour guide was good. She is the right person for that that kind of trip and group. She answered questions and explained her answers, At times the explaining was overkill. There were days It felt like "if this Tuesday, this must be Belgium". On/off the bus several times those days. One day there were several stops, two of which Golfas and Geysers. We only got 30 minutes at each spot, but an hour at a green house listening to how they grow flowers in Iceland. I really felt ripped off/cheated on the water fall and geysers. The day we went to Black Sand beach, again 30 minutes. I learned later there are trails to the bluff above the beach and views and puffins flying overhead. The boat ride on the glacier lake was a pain. Where we had lunch after that boat ride would be the better place to stop and see the ice close up. Asdis said that other place was too expensive. I'd gladly pay the extra fee and skip the ice on the beach and crowded glacier lake tour boat. What was, at times, very boring was Asdis reading a script on Iceland history, Icelandic diet, where they are building sceond homes, the Reformation. Ideally if you use that personal headphone instead the microphone Asdis used, it would have been more comfortable on the long bus rides. With the personal headphones you listen or not to what was being talked about. I did a Road Scholar trip and it was well organized, nice places to stay and meals, but it is not my style of trip.. Smaller group size, more time for hiking. I can do without the mushroom buffet at one lunch and have a nice box lunch and watch the geysers while having lunch. Richard Dabal

This is an active program which will keep you going nonstop from morning to evening. If you like to be active and are able to keep up and handle transitions from place to place this program is an excellent introduction to Iceland. I liked the chance to see and hike the interior as well as learn about the climate and geology of this marvelous island.

An outstanding holistic experience learning about the geology, history, culture and ecology of Iceland.

I felt privileged and blessed to have experienced this immersive hiking program into the pristine, spectacular, diverse beauty of Iceland. As a participant in 9 Road Scholar programs, this one was a special pleasure. To see such diversity in the landscape such as mountain ranges, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, lava flows, icebergs, lakes, sea coast etc. from the point of view of hiking created an exceptional unique experience. All of this wondrous experience was enhanced by our exceptional guides Dagur and Eyglo and our bus driver, August, whose dedicated leadership, humor and knowledge helped us appreciate their beloved country.

A truly wonderful trip. Every aspect of the planning and hosting of this trip was outstanding. This is a truly beautiful and enchanting country, and the trip was a powerful and inspirational introduction to Iceland for us. We could not recommend this trip more highly!

Hiking is the best way to experience unique and spectacular Iceland. Although we visited the sites most visitors see, we also got inland and off the beaten track. Our time in the Highlands was particularly special. Most of the group did all the daily 6-8-or-so mile hikes, as well as the 12 mile finale in the Highlands! Our guides were great shepherds, and we learned much about Iceland's folklore, energy production and use, politics, and geology. Also, I recommend visiting Iceland in September: we had great weather, and though busy in some spots, I imagine summer crowds are over-whelming this small country.

I loved this trip! The itinerary provided a perfect variety of experiences including great hiking, views of glaciers, geysers and stunning waterfalls and education on the geology of Iceland. The 2 guides were excellent. Their knowledge on the geology and cultural aspects of Iceland enhanced the whole experience. The hotels were nice. Meals were above average. I highly recommend this trip!

Beautiful landscape, great leaders with amazing knowledge. Enjoyed the trip. It is a trip of lifetime!

Our trip was AMAZING! The guides, Asdis and Anna, were very professional, passionate about Iceland and informative. Kept us engaged throughout the tour. Our driver, Morten, is a very kind man and engaging, he took very good care of us. Would love to go on another tour with this group. We found the country landscapes to be very dramatic in every location. Asdis lead us on the hikes that took us to some very unique and spectacular places...as well as some well-deserved thermal pools, and cooling streams. Whereas Anna, being the good "shepherd" kept the group together from the rear. Here are a few suggestions that we feel would improve the experience for all, and a couple personal suggestions as well: *Maybe add a day to the trip. The first day wasn't even spent in Iceland, it was an overnight (red eye) flight to Keflavik. Several days were quite busy, making several short stops and not allowing us to really soak up the experience...at times it felt rushed. Would also like to have stayed an additional night at one of the single night hotels, especially Hotel Laki. *More Seafood *Better communication with hotels and resteraunts regarding dietary needs. We noted on the dietary needs as requiring Gluten Free meals. There were a few locations that were confused in this regard. *Suggest that RS acknowledge special events reported by the travelers. We had an anniversary during the trip that was noted in our personal information. *Better communication with Airport Transfers to Hotel when deviating from the original flight. We flew in the day before via RS and expected RS to take care of the transfer to hotel. These are NOT major issues, and none of them affected our experience negatively. We had a wonderful time! We are also considering another RS trip to Iceland to see more of the country.

One of the things I enjoyed so much about my trip with Road Scholar is that most (if not all) of the other participants were also interested in learning and sharing. It's fun to be with folks who also like to learn! Also, most folks have also done some or a lot of international travel. It was good to compare stories and to get ideas for future travel.

Wonderful program! I would strongly recommend this. Excellent guides, delicious meals, stunning views and good activity. Hiking was not very difficult, but the program and the scenery/views were spectacular.

The trip was excellent. Group leaders, Asdis and Sara were exceptional. The driver, Jon, was wonderful as well. I learned a lot. The hiking was lovely. Iceland was great. I'm an experienced hiker, so I didn't find the hiking challenging, but very enjoyable. Getting to go in the natural hot thermal rivers was a lot of fun. We experienced things you don't normally get to do. It would've been nice to have a little bit more downtime before dinner.

A fabulous trip that includes both hiking and learning about geothermal greenhouses, Icelandic history and geology. It also includes unique experiences like bathing in a river fed by a hot spring during and/or after a hike. Both group leaders (Asdis and Sara) were very knowledgeable about Iceland, enthusiastic about sharing the history and culture of Iceland as well as creating a friendly and cohesive group. The hikes are demanding but not impossible if you prepare for them in advance of the trip. Although I had concerns about the length and elevation gain associated with the last hike, both group leaders assured me that I could complete the hike-and they were correct.

This is a trip not to be missed. Hiking is the best way to see this country and the tour chooses them well. Words and pictures do not represent the wildness of this part of the world. You will love Icelanders and leave wanting to come back.

Hiking in Southern Iceland is a very rich experience in the culture and natural wonders of Iceland as well as a collection of fun and diverse hikes.

A fantastic trip, a gorgeous country, lovely guides. It was all so delightful. I would definitely go anywhere with Road Scholar in the future.

This was a fabulous trip! The program was very well planned, the guides and driver were very knowledgeable and skilled, the other participants were helpful and fun, and Iceland is gorgeous. Believe it when they say this is physically challenging; the terrain is quite rocky and hilly, and we hiked about 7 miles on two days, one in moderate rain. Another thing to consider is whether you prefer to go at your own pace and on your own schedule. We pretty much had to stick together to make sure none of us got left behind. However, I’m really glad I did this trip.

Excellent trip made so by our fantastic group leaders. They gave us a comprehensive taste of Icelandic lifestyle and culture. Cautionary Note: 6 out of 24 in the group tested positive for Covid upon returning home. Lesson learn-continue to wear mask when indoors during the trip. Suspect that Covid was contracted at either a hotel or restaurant.

Iceland is an amazing place with beautiful and diverse scenery. I enjoyed every outing to some place new.

This trip was an outstanding hiking, sightseeing, and learning adventure. The scenery is other-worldly in many places and in others just plain outstanding. The guides were truly remarkable in their knowledge and skill and the bus driver made you feel safe on whatever road you traveled. The fact that our 2 guides came from different backgrounds was complementary. Our fellow travelers were all very nice and had much to share.

Incredible program. Fabulously beautiful hiking and excellent and experienced guides (Harpa and Ragga). A lot of variety. Accommodations were good and food was wonderful. Would highly recommend.

This is a well balanced and paced program which provides an excellent sampling of the amazing country of Iceland. The day hikes varied from flat to more challenging terrain, but quite manageable for most folks of reasonable fitness and hiking experience. If possible, I suggest adding extra days for independent travel. So much to see, so little time. Don’t forget your swimming suit for geothermal soaking!

Nothing less than awesome! I loved it all. Thx!!

This was such an amazing trip, my first Road Scholar. Starting with the amazing guides we had - Garðar Vilhjálmsson. His general knowledge of the history of Iceland and ability to teach the rest of us through his love of Iceland was priceless. Really loved him! Then Soffia Sigurðardóttir, she was so knowledgeable about so many different subjects. They were both caring and a pleasure to have. The group was cohesive and just great group of people. The sites we visited each one different and diverse from the last. I am still dreaming of Iceland and wishing I was back on my wonderful adventure/vacation. I was also pleasantly surprised that my vegan diet was not an issue on this trip. Really cannot say enough good things about this trip. Ready for my next trip. Thank you for the best experience ever!!

For experienced hikers, Iceland is a wonderland! The varied terrains, from glaciers and volcanoes to lava fields and geothermal pools, make for interesting and challenging hiking. It was also fun to learn a bit about Icelandic history, language, and culture. And the trip leaders were both wonderful.

Amazing is the only way to describe that adventure! Such an incredible experience all made possible by our fabulous guides, Harpa and Milla. They made the trip so much better than I expected because of their knowledge and experiences. The scenery was beyond beautiful, from the lava to the waterfalls to the glaciers and rainbows. I highly recommend this trip for people who are in good shape and want to truly experience South Iceland!

What an adventure! This was a fantastic experience that was challenging for me, but the group was so supportive and the leaders did a wonderful job accommodating the varied levels of fitness. We saw things we would not have been able to in a regular tour. Surprises were found around every mountain and stream.

Another 5-star trip thanks to RS. Iceland is an amazing country, so very different. This program could easily have been longer, there is just so much to see and enjoy.

This trip was amazing. We experienced much that Southern Iceland has to offer. The group participants became like family in a very short time. We developed a cohesion with everyone in the group, making the experience even richer. I highly recommend this trip to those interested in exploring the land of fire and ice.

The Road Scholar Guides, Harpa and Milla, were exceptional. The other hikers in my group were great - really nice people and a lot of fun. This is exactly what I needed and I’m so glad I went. Will definitely tour with Road Scholar again.

This is a program delivering hiking and enjoying the natural wonders of Iceland, but we also learned information about many many human endeavors. Highly recommended!

Excellent trip! Traveling in July provided just about 'round the clock light, and, we had a fair amount of rain, drizzle, and wind. The views on the hikes were spectacular, and you will love the Blue Lagoon on the day of arrival. The trip to the geothermal plant and sustainable green house were very interesting. Our guides, Dagur and Helgi were were fun and knowledgeable. And, the group was incredible as well, sharing many laughs and pictures. I thoroughly enjoyed Hiking in South Iceland and I can't imagine that you wouldn't enjoy this trip too; it is five stars!

Trip of a lifetime!

Very fun. I think saving the Blue Lagoon for last would be a nice way to end the trip.

The trip Hiking in South Iceland was an excellent trip. Be prepared to be challenged by the weather and the hikes. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape of Iceland.

It was an excellent hiking trip with a very charming, fun and knowledgeable guide, Asdis. She had the foresight to shift gears when there was forecasted bad weather coming to the Highland area. The alternative plan was great. Iceland weather was tricky and very unpredictable. I unfortunately did not bring rain pants (bad planning!) but we ended up going to IceWear (shop for ourdoor-sy clothing) and voila! I procured my rain pants. Hotel accommodations and meals were well thought through. Although, the hotel in Skeftafall could have had better amenities, in particular the Lilliputian shower stall. However, the views made up for it. Overall, it was a very good trip! I recommend it for hikers.

I wish I could have spent more time on this one. This was a great trip, with lots of hiking, good food, wonderful people, a great guide, and a good group of fellow travelers. Be prepared with good hiking and cold weather gear.

Wild weather but a beautiful country with welcoming people. The hikes were as described, but when they say bring water proof- they mean it!

This trip is a wonderful introduction to Iceland if you have some stamina! The activities give you a great taste of the country: scenery, people, food, history, and more.

Learned a great deal about the geology and people of Iceland. Hiking and scenery were spectacular. Highly recommend!

This program provided stunning hiking opportunities in Iceland. It is the only Road Scholar program which ventures into the Iceland Highlands for an overnight stay and hike. The Highlands, only accessible by 4x4 car or bus able to ford streams and drive on steep gravel roads, was the highlight of my trip. Highly recommended for fit and experienced hikers who want to explore Iceland's beauty.

This was a great trip. We had wonderful weather and the guides were the best.

This was a wonderful trip. I've always wanted to visit Iceland and this trip actually exceeded all my fantasies.

This was an amazing and memorable trip. Everyday, we traveled to and hiked in new terrain while learning a lot about Iceland's history and culture. The guides, Milla and Hrefna, were outstanding and they made the trip as rich and full as possible. While there was time spent on a bus on rough roads, it was well worth it as this allowed us to see so many different landscapes.

Great trip. Our leaders, Tarpa and Svana were terrific. The landscapes and waterfalls were beautiful. The hiking was fun. Best tomato soup ever. If you like to jog in the evening, don't bring your reflector vest - 24 hour daylight!