How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"Our expedition leader was excellent. He had a very good knowledge of Iceland and shared many interesting facts ranging from geology and botany to history and folklore. Our astonomer, Andy, was also excellent, explaining everything in understandable terms and making sure to include everyone in the Group.

The trip itself was however not quite what I'd expected. It was only just over 2 days (not 4 as advertised) and there were extra expenses which were not advertised in the trip notes. The very short nature of the tour also made me feel a bit like I was on a conveyor belt which is the first time I've ever felt that with Explore."

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

The tour is handy if you don't have time to organise something yourself and don't want to travel alone but to be honest I think you'd see as much and have more flexibility if you flew to Reykjavik and organised it yourself via tourist information. The only downside to that would be not having the very good Explore tour guides.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"Andrew the astronomer was knowledgeable and friendly without blinding you with science - perfect.
Haddon the local guide as incredible the wealth of information and the enthusiasm made the tour interesting."

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Excellent Tour Leader who shared his passion for his country. Good to have Andy the astronomer too.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Bring lots of layers!

Do you have anything else to add?

An excellent short break to introduce some of the highlights of Iceland. The accommodation was very well placed to see the Northern Lights.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Hakon and Andy make a great team.  Hakon has so much to share about Iceland, its history and its culture he is an excellent leader

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Check what phase the moon is in. We were there when the moon was almost full and it was a strong light in the night sky.  New moon would be best.

Do you have anything else to add?

This was a very full on trip (catch up on sleep before and after not during); the days were busy from 0830 to 1800 with lots of sightseeing so you really do make the most of your time in country.  Our flight times were not brilliant so we lost a lot of day 1 and left early morning day 4.  Maybe another carrier would have given more flexibility in flights times which would enable more time to see and do

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"Hakon our tour leader was very knowledgeable and was clear how much he loved his country and was happy to talk about it.  

Andy - the astronomer, really made the trip.  Very friendly, helpful and went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a great and memorable trip (not just the Northern Lights!)."

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Wrap up warn, especially in the evenings - but the lights are worth it!

Do you have anything else to add?

Whilst it was a great trip to advertise it as a 4 day trip is very misleading as really only 2/3.  Also when our flight times were changed there was no communication about this, other than just the normal flight confirmation slip nearer the time, which shortened our trip even further as a very early flight back in the end.  

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"Hakon was an excellent leader.  He looked after everyone and kept us constantly entertained with his cheeky sense of humour and told us so much about Icelandic life, history and culture. 

To have Andy's knowledge of the Northern Lights was fascinating. He not only taught us the what / why / where of the aurora he also made sure our cameras were set up to give us the best chance of getting a good photo. "

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"Take a tripod if you want to get some photos of the Northern Lights - it takes a long exposure to pick them up but the colours are much brighter in photos so it's well worth the effort. 

Take lots of layers and warm clothes. It was really windy and you quickly get cold. Both hotels had tea and coffee available all the time so if you get cold waiting for the lights to show you can nip inside for a drink to help warm up. "

Do you have anything else to add?

If you have ever wanted to see the Northern Lights this is the perfect short trip. The main focus is being in the right place, avoiding light polution, to give the best chance of seeing them but you also get time to explore Icelands beautiful landscape. 

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Three spectacular nights seeing the Northern Lights. Sharing the experience with a great bunch of people who were just as excited as us at seeing such an incredible sight.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

At 78 years young, Hakon was very enthusiastic and knowledgable about his country. Whereas most long bus journeys on trips such as this have some commentary for short periods, Hakon talked for hours on these journeys about the landscape, the country and its people. And he shared his delicious homemade wine with us! The astronomer Andy Green was also very knowledgable and helped everyone with their cameras to get the best shots possible.  

Do you have anything else to add?

Not to go to Iceland presuming to see the northern lights but to go to enjoy this beautiful country.  The northern lights are just a bonus but the most incredible bonus if you are as lucky as we were.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Excellent - extremely knowledgeable witha wicked sense of humour

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Take a decent camera for the northern lights and learn how to use it - the lights look much better/brighter in a photo.

Do you have anything else to add?

PLEASE DON'T EAT WHALE MEAT - apparently 40% of tourists try whale meat which is keeping the whaling industry alive in Iceland - it is not a traditional Icelandic dish and locals don't eat it.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

He was about the best leader I have had in 15 + yrs of small group travel & has restored my faith in Explore leaders. I am ashamed that I cannot remember his ( unpronounceable) name. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable & presented stuff in just the right amount at the right time & in just the right way. Clearly knew & loved his country. Gave all information needed without going over the top. Worked well with the “expert astronomer” as a team. Unflappable though fortunately nothing occurred to be flapped about!.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Make sure you check the moon phases; you want as little light pollution as you can,although you can't predict the cloud cover. Wrap up warm...and then even more . Take the UV filter off your camera lense if you are photographing the Northern Lights. Don't expect good food; it's basic - except in Rekyavik where it is very expensive.

Do you have anything else to add?

The trip notes are wrong! ( a common occurrence I find). The final day is completely the opposite way round which is inexcusable - it does not work starting from the hotel the way it is written & should have been changed ages ago. It should be pointed out in the trip notes that the hotel on the last night does not do food & you have to go into Reykjavik to eat - and pay for an expensive taxi to get home. I was caught out without sufficient cash.     

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Our local guide (Howcon) was entertaining and interesting.  The order in which we did things changed so we'd see places at their best.  For example we visited a waterfall in the morning so the sun and rainbows would be at their best, rather than waiting until the afternoon.  Andy the astronomer was equally good.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Take loks of layers - its cold at midnight.  I'd also take some snacks and a flask for hot drinks.  We'd have breakfast at 8 and didn't stop for lunch until 2

Do you have anything else to add?

We fitted so much into a long weekend.  I wouldn't have changed a thing