A picture is worth a thousand words…
My recent four-day trip to Iceland with @goaheadtours was the perfect destination to capture magazine-worthy photos with beautiful memories attached. I love how organic videos are, but there is nothing like a still shot highlighting the wonders of the world, new friendships in the making, expressions of awe, moments, landscapes, food, animals in their habitats, and so much more.
Go Ahead Tours offers exceptional travel experiences, especially for women seeking adventure and connection. Their meticulously planned itineraries handle every detail so you can immerse yourself fully without logistical worries. My travel partner and close friend, Shauna of Chic Over 50, had Iceland on our bucket list, so we were thrilled when Go Ahead Tours invited us on this new and unique travel experience.
For women traveling solo, Go Ahead provides the perfect blend of independence and camaraderie. They offer a supportive environment where new friendships flourish and even have dedicated Tours for Women with female tour directors and unique cultural experiences. Traveling with Go Ahead Tours empowers you to explore the world with confidence and create unforgettable memories, making them a top choice for any woman’s bucket list journey.
Iceland Adventure Bucket List Breakdown
A Dip in the Blue Lagoon
WOW is my first thought……..Our first taste of Iceland was a luxurious dip in the Blue Lagoon! This geothermal spa is as stunning as any postcard. Nestled amidst dramatic lava fields, its warm, milky-blue, mineral-rich waters left my skin incredibly soft. The highlight was applying the renowned mud mask, which deeply cleansed and revitalized my face, leaving it glowing. It was the perfect way to decompress after our long flight and set the tone for our adventures. Truly a must-do! We spent the rest of the day soaking up the atmosphere at Foss Hotel in Reykjavík.
Exploring Reykjavik
Our Reykjavik city tour was a captivating journey through history and modern Icelandic culture. We began at the Sun Voyager, a striking sculpture symbolizing hope, before being awestruck by Hallgrímskirkja, an iconic church offering panoramic city views from its summit. We also visited Höfði House, famous for the 1986 Cold War summit, and the historic home to one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions Parliament House.
THE SUN VOYAGER
THE LUTHERAN HALLGRIMSKIRKJA CHURCH
HÖFÐI HOUSE
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
SWANS LAKE
Exploring Iceland’s Lava Caves
Diving into Iceland’s lava caves was an unforgettable adventure! These fascinating underground tunnels, formed by volcanic activity more than 5,000 years ago, surprised us with stunning ice formations, some appearing like charming little gnomes. A moment that truly stood out was when our guide had us turn off our lights, leaving us in absolute silence, with only the soft sound of dripping water in the pitch black a powerful, almost eerie, yet incredibly cool experience of pure stillness. Even for someone who might feel claustrophobic, the caves were completely manageable. With helmets and headlamps, the rocky paths were easy to navigate, and I felt completely safe. I’m so incredibly happy I got to experience this unique facet of Iceland!
Iceland’s Golden Triangle
Discovering the Golden Circle, a popular and sometimes dubbed “Golden Triangle” route, was an extraordinary highlight of our trip, showcasing Iceland’s most breathtaking natural phenomena. Our first stop at Thingvellir National Park offered the unique experience of walking literally between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates – seeing the earth’s dramatic divide was truly impressive! Next, the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall, aptly named the Golden Waterfall, lived up to its reputation as one of Europe’s most powerful cascades, leaving us in awe of its sheer force. Finally, we arrived at the active geysers of Geysir Hot Springs, where the frequent eruptions of Strokkur, occurring every 5-10 minutes.
THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK
THE MAJESTIC GULLFOSS
GEYSIR HOT SPRINGS
UNEXPECTED CONNECTION
ON OUR CAPTIVATING JOURNEY SOUTH TOWARDS THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, WE CAPTURED STUNNING MOMENTS WITH ICELAND’S ICONIC HORSES.
EXPERIENCED FOUR WEATHER CHANGES!
Geothermal Wonders & Gourmet Tomatoes at Friðheimar
Lunch at Friðheimar was an absolute highlight and the best meal of our trip! This family-run farm boasts an incredible geothermal greenhouse where we dined amidst thriving tomato plants, observing busy bees at work. We savored exquisite tomato soup with freshly baked bread, sour cream, and cucumber, even snipping fresh basil from our table’s plant. It was an unmissable and utterly perfect experience.
Unforgettable Visions at the Black Sand Beach
The undisputed star of our coastal exploration was the magnificent Black Sand Beach. Composed of sands forged from centuries of volcanic eruptions and erosion, it offered an unparalleled, almost otherworldly setting for incredible photographs. Daniele, our guide, had given us strict instructions to stay far from the water due to its deceptive power, a warning dramatically illustrated when a woman in our group narrowly avoided being swept away! Nevertheless, the sheer awe of that incredible backdrop, coupled with the profound, rumbling sound of the ocean, made for an intensely powerful and photographic experience.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Our journey led us to the breathtaking Skógafoss Waterfall, a truly magnificent sight! Its powerful waters cascade a remarkable 200 feet into a serene pool below. The hike to the top, appeared daunting, so I did not go up, but Shauna did, and she said that it was worth every step for the expansive views from above. Though we couldn’t venture behind the falls into the cave area due to less than ideal weather that day, the sheer grandeur of Skógafoss remained unforgettable.
Stepping Back in Time at Byggðasafn Folk Museum
Our visit to the Byggðasafn Folk Museum in Skógar, just a stone’s throw from Skógafoss waterfall, was truly rewarding. This charming museum vividly brings Iceland’s rural past to life, with fascinating displays of art, traditional tools, and everyday household items. Exploring the meticulously reconstructed schoolhouse and church felt like stepping directly into another era, offering a beautiful window into Iceland’s deep cultural roots.
The Aurora Hunt Iceland’s Ethereal Light Show
Our quest to witness the Northern Lights was an absolute highlight, making our Icelandic adventure truly complete. Daniele, our amazing tour guide, was bound and determined to find those lights. We embarked on two separate aurora hunts, both yielding rewarding sightings! While the skies presented a bit of haze, I was astonished by the vividness that phone cameras could capture. For the uninitiated, it’s worth noting the magic; your naked eye might only perceive a faint glow, but your phone’s lens will illuminate the full spectrum of colors. That stark difference between the subtle reality and the digital brilliance made the experience profoundly interesting and very cool!
Unexpected Abrupt Experiences
On our last day since we still have time, we had the morning open for more incredible experiences before our departure. We highly recommend both the Lava Show and the FlyOver Iceland experiences. We did not regret squeezing in those two Museums. Shauna and I absolutely loved them! They truly helped tie together all our adventures, offering deeper insights into Iceland’s unique geology and breathtaking landscapes.
The Unforgettable Lava Show
The Icelandic Lava Show was an absolute must-see, recreating a volcanic eruption with real, flowing molten lava. This thrilling and informative show provided a powerful, multi-sensory reminder of Iceland’s geological forces.
A Breathtaking Bonus To The FlyOver Iceland Experience
The FlyOver Museum was an incredible, unplanned bonus to our trip as well! It was nothing short of breathtaking!!! You know how much I love to fly and this experience had all the sensations of actually flying. This simulated journey transports you over Iceland’s most stunning vistas, offering an exhilarating sensation of soaring above glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Just a heads up, if you’re prone to motion sickness, definitely prepare beforehand! It was an experience that was worth every single second!!!
The Unbeatable Benefits of Organized Adventures
THE 24 OF US
MEET AMAZING NEW FRIENDS
DANIELE MADE OUR TRIP EXTRAORDINARY! SO GRATEFUL FOR HIS EXPERTISE AND INFECTIOUS ENERGY.
Why Choose a Tour Trip?
Traveling with a tour offers unparalleled ease and a truly stress-free experience. Tour operators expertly manage all logistics, from popular sights to hidden gems, and are always prepared with backup plans for unexpected changes like weather shifts. It’s the most effortless way to explore new destinations, with the added bonus of making new friends.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR
Traveling with Go Ahead Tours was truly wonderful, and I highly recommend them! They masterfully handle all logistics, ensuring a safe, organized, and effortless adventure. Their commitment to creating a supportive and empowering environment, especially for women and solo travelers, is remarkable. You gain the independence to explore, connect with like-minded individuals, and can even opt for their dedicated “Tours for Women” for unique, women-led cultural experiences. They’re incredible!
DO IT FOR YOU…. TAKE THE TRIP!
Instagram Reel Iceland Adventure
Essential Tips for Your Iceland Adventure with Go Ahead Tours
- Embrace Layers, Layers, Layers (and Waterproof Everything!): Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable and can change in minutes. Pack multiple thin layers (wool or synthetic are best, avoid cotton for base layers), a warm fleece or sweater, and crucially, waterproof and windproof outer layers for both your top and bottom. A waterproof hat and gloves are also essential. You’ll thank yourself when you’re at a misty waterfall or caught in a sudden shower.
- Invest in Sturdy, Waterproof Walking/Hiking Shoes: You’ll be doing a fair amount of walking on various terrains – city streets, gravel paths, potentially slippery areas around waterfalls, and uneven volcanic landscapes. Good, broken-in, waterproof hiking boots are non-negotiable for comfort and safety. Consider bringing ice cleats/spikes if traveling in winter.
- Prepare for Varied Daylight Hours: Depending on your travel season, daylight will vary dramatically. If visiting in summer, pack a sleep mask as it can be light for 21+ hours a day (midnight sun). If traveling in winter, embrace the limited daylight hours and manage your expectations for seeing certain sights, focusing on aurora hunts.
- Stay Hydrated and Bring a Reusable Bottle: Iceland’s tap water is incredibly clean and safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout your trip, cutting down on plastic waste and saving money.
- Be Prepared for Northern Lights Photography (Even with Your Phone): As you noted, the Northern Lights are often more vibrant through a camera lens than to the naked eye. Even with a phone, learn how to use its “night mode” or download an aurora photography app. A small tripod can also significantly improve phone photos by stabilizing the shot. Manage expectations – sightings are never guaranteed.
- Understand the Pace: Go Ahead Tours often offers a mix of paces, but many Iceland itineraries are “brisk-paced” and involve full days of activities and potentially lengthy bus rides. Be prepared to be on the move, walk 2-3 miles a day on varying terrain, and be ready for prompt departures. While guides are supportive, they cannot provide individualized mobility assistance.
- Pack a Swimsuit: Even in cold weather, Iceland’s geothermal pools (like the Blue Lagoon) are a highlight. Don’t forget your swimwear!
- Power Adapters and Portable Chargers: Iceland uses European Type C or F plugs (two round pins) and operates on 230 volts. Bring a universal adapter and, if needed, a voltage converter for any appliances without dual voltage. A portable power bank for your phone is highly recommended, especially during long days of sightseeing and aurora hunting.
- Budget for Optional Excursions and Tips: While Go Ahead Tours includes many activities, there are often optional excursions that can enhance your trip (e.g., specific glacier hikes, specialized tours). Factor these into your budget. Also, remember to budget for tips for your Tour Director, local guides, and bus drivers (Go Ahead provides tipping guidelines).
- Embrace Flexibility: Iceland’s weather can necessitate sudden changes to itineraries. Trust your Tour Director, like Daniele, to make the best decisions for the group’s safety and experience. A flexible mindset will ensure you enjoy the journey, whatever it brings!
WHAT I PACK FOR MY ICELAND TRIP – TAP BELOW
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