For once, I'm heading north...
I’ve decided to spend a short time in Iceland, alone, during the first week of July.
I’ll only have 5 full days there. Sure, it’s not much, so I’ll focus on what attracts me the most: the Highlands.
Obviously, renting a 4x4—or even a regular car—on my own isn’t an option.
That’s why I’m breaking my (probably unfounded) principles and have contacted local agencies for "day tours" in small-group format.
Well, small-group up to 15 people, anyway...
Oh well, I’m going for it!
I’m really hesitant about visiting the Golden Circle on the last day, since I’ve read it’s become super crowded.
I’d love your thoughts on this. Plus, if I visit that area, I’d want to include Bruarfoss, and as far as I know, only the Troll agency offers that detour.
There’s also the Snaefellsnes Peninsula excursion that appeals to me, but it seems time-consuming.
Time-consuming like the Jokulsarlon tour I’ve already booked. (But that’s on the first day, so I’ll still be full of energy!)
By the last day, I’ll probably be running on empty...
Otherwise, I’ll be doing 3 4x4 excursions that I’m really excited about:
1 in Thorsmork Valley, 1 in Landmannalaugar, and 1 in Kerlingarfjöll.
So, Golden Circle or no Golden Circle—that’s the question...
Or maybe a relaxed day visiting Reykjavik and a lagoon. Blue Lagoon? Sky Lagoon? Meh...
If the budget is wide open, why not this? (Personally, I haven’t been there.)
The Golden Circle isn’t the region that left me with the best memories in Iceland.
The Silver Circle + the Víðgelmir lava tube? (The agency is just an example—others likely offer this tour too. I haven’t been inside this lava tube in Iceland, but I have in the Canary Islands. Really interesting visit!)
The Golden Circle isn’t the region that left me with the best memories in Iceland.
That’s exactly what I was afraid of...
The Silver Circle + the Víðgelmir lava tube? (The agency is just an example—others must offer this tour too. I didn’t go into this lava tube in Iceland but did in the Canary Islands. Really interesting visit.)
I’d considered that option too.
I think it’ll all depend on the weather. (I’ve obviously read your travel journal, of course 🙂)
I’ll be honest with you: I’d never do a day trip to Kerlingarfjöll from Reykjavík.
I’ve never taken an organized tour in Iceland, but in this case, you’re probably looking at 8–10 hours of travel time for just 2–3 hours on site. Is it really worth it?
Especially since the landscapes at Kerlingarfjöll are pretty similar to those at Landmannalaugar, which you’ll have already seen. If I had to choose, I’d go for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula instead—it offers a completely different vibe. That said, it’ll still be a long day on the road.
Another thing to keep in mind: if you do three day tours along the south coast (Jökulsárlón, Landmannalaugar, and Þórsmörk), all returning to Reykjavík, you’ll end up spending most of your time in transit, even though these places are relatively close to each other on the map.
Personally, I would’ve rented a regular car to explore the south coast at my own pace up to Jökulsárlón (it’s 100% paved, no issues), then used 4x4 buses for the last stretches into the Highlands—like Lakagígar and Landmannalaugar, with a full day at each spot. This way, you’d avoid unnecessary backtracking and have way more time for exploring and hiking… all while skipping the intimidating off-road driving and river crossings.
Bottom line: your plan isn’t impossible… but brace yourself! 😛
In short, your plan isn’t impossible... but get mentally prepared!
Uh... Yeah, I think so... At the same time, I’ll rest when I get back.😉
I’ve still planned to spend 2 nights in Hella to shorten the stages—I’m very aware they’re super long. The two excursions to Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk can be done from there.
I’m kind of going as a "scout," alone. It’s quite possible we (my husband and I) will spend more time in this country later, with a vehicle.
I don’t know why, but the Snæfellsnes Peninsula doesn’t really appeal to me. Maybe I’m wrong?
But I’ll look into it again.
I’m revisiting my original plan, which I’ve tweaked a little.
I’m dropping the idea of going to Jökulsárlón. The trip is just too long.
I still won’t be renting a car, though. 😉
So, I’m thinking of two options, mostly in a "super jeep" (a name that really amuses me, by the way)...
Option A
Day 1: Katla. Visit the glacier and the ice cave (Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are on the way). The advantage is that I’ll be dropped off in Hella, where I’ll start the other excursions. Overnight in Hella.
Day 2: Landmannalaugar: Either I go there and return by bus from Hella. Apparently, I’ll have 7 hours on-site, enough time for a great hike, or I’ll opt for a Landmannalaugar super jeep tour! Just 2 hours on-site but with stops in beautiful places like the Valley of Tears, among others. Overnight in Hella.
Day 3: Fjallabak jeep tour (yep, again!). Mainly the F210 with Mælifell, etc. The excursion is offered by Midgard Adventure. Overnight in Hella.
Day 4: Þórsmörk. Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 5: Visit Reykjavík and maybe a short excursion in the afternoon. My flight is at 1 AM.
Option B
Almost identical, except I replace the Day 3 program with an excursion from Reykjavík to Kerlingarfjöll.
In that case, I’ll go to Þórsmörk on Day 3 and to Kerlingarfjöll the next day...
What I loved most in the area relatively close to Reykjavik was Kerlingarfjöll.
I had also planned to visit Maelifell, but the weather and road conditions didn’t allow me to make that dream come true. Same for Landmannalaugar, actually...
Personally, I’d go for a hiking version. That’s what you’re there for in that area, and after days spent mostly on roads, tracks, and guided tours, it’ll be a nice change!
Just keep in mind that everything in Iceland depends on the weather. Storms can cancel trips into the interior, super jeep or not. (Tracks)
You should still keep in mind that everything in Iceland depends on the weather.
Storms can cancel excursions into the interior, super jeep or not. (Dirt roads)
All that's left is to pray to every saint on earth...
Hi there, We re a group of 4 heading out at the end of June for 11 days. I m just starting my research. We ll be renting a regular car, not a 4x4. I m not…
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there, 😎
I’d like to plan several trips to Italy with my husband.
We’re in our fifties.
Could you suggest some ideas in terms of:
- destinations (ITALY only)
- length of stay
- activities
- tips, advice, warnings
Thanks for sharing your experiences with me.
Hi everyone,
We're heading to Madrid in November and looking for a centrally located hotel. I saw one on Calle de Alcalá.
Does anyone know this street, or do you have other suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
From January 1st to 4th, I’m heading to Barcelona for the first time. Beyond the tourist sites—which are going to cost me an arm and a leg!!—I’d love to spend a day off the beaten path and see some less touristy spots.
What do you recommend? I’ll be getting around on foot, by metro, or possibly by train if it’s not too far. I love both nature and cultural spots.
And one last thing—is Barcelona at night safe for a woman alone, or is it sketchy?
Hi,
We’d like to rent a small car (something like a Peugeot 208) when we arrive at Catania Airport.
... and we’d like to return it in Milazzo on a Sunday.
Could you recommend any rental companies for this kind of one-way rental—affordable and open on Sundays in Milazzo?
Thanks in advance!
Seb
My husband and I are spending 10 days in Extremadura next May. We’d like to hike, see beautiful landscapes and nature, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of towns and villages, especially in the evenings.
I was thinking of using 3 bases to explore the area: around Plasencia (to visit Monfragüe National Park, the Jerte Valley, etc.), around Guadalupe or Cáceres or Trujillo (though isn’t that quite close to Plasencia? We’d like to hike in the Villuercas Mountains), and finally the Montes de Toledo to ease our way back to Madrid (where we’re arriving and departing from). Could you help me decide on the 2 best home bases for northern Extremadura and then around Guadalupe? I don’t think we’ll go near Mérida. I’m not keen on spending hours in the car or on transport 😏
Hello,
We’ll be in York next week—one adult, a 17-year-old, and a 12-year-old. We’ll have a car. If you’ve got any fun activities (games, shows, etc.) or tips, we’re all ears!
We’re three adults planning a trip to Norway in May 2027.
What do you recommend for the Lofoten Islands? We’d prefer to group the places to visit (flights, rental car...??).
Hi there,
I’m heading to Lapland from November 12th to 19th.
I know it’s not the best time for snow cover… so I’ve opted for Saariselkä since it’s further north.
At this point, no activities—reindeer rides, snowmobiling, sledding, etc.—are available online yet, with just a few starting in early December.
My question: if snow arrives in early November 🤞, will it be possible to book things on-site? I’m guessing there aren’t dozens of providers.
Thanks for your feedback!
I'm probably going to spend a week in Naples, but I'd love to hear your thoughts! I've heard that the city is quite dangerous and crime-ridden? I've also heard that "Neapolitans" aren't very welcoming and have a bad temper?
Is this true or just rumors?😊
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
We’re heading to Norway for the first time as a couple for 8 days in December
I’m really torn about how much time to spend at each stop (and how many stops to make)
We’d like to explore the cities, visit the Christmas market, see some beautiful landscapes, and if we have time, a stave church.
We arrive in Oslo on December 5th around 5 PM and leave from Bergen on December 12th around 11 AM.
Initially, we were thinking:
Oslo from the 5th to the 8th
Train to Bergen on the 8th, then stay until the 12th
But now we’d like to fit Flåm into the itinerary
Do you think it’s better to do:
From the 5th to the 8th: Oslo
On the 8th: train from Oslo to Flåm (arriving at 3 PM)
On the 9th: a short fjord cruise, then the 2 PM train to Bergen (but then the Myrdal–Bergen stretch will be in the dark)
From the 9th to the 12th: Bergen
Or should we adjust the number of nights in each place? Maybe shorten Oslo? Add a night in Flåm? Skip Flåm altogether? I’m not sure 😅
Hello,
We’ve booked our flights to Tromsø from January 9th to 16th, 2027.
Now it’s time to plan our stay, and I’ll admit I’m feeling a bit unsure...
We definitely intend to rent a car, but what route should we take?
Should we book accommodation for the entire stay (7 nights) in Tromsø and do day trips (Sommarøy, Kvaløya, Lyngen, a day in Tromsø, a boat excursion, and then... what else?)? Or spend 3–4 days in Tromsø and hit the road for another 3–4 days somewhere else—but where?
I’d also considered splitting it: 3 days in Tromsø and 3 days in Målselv, so we could explore a different region by car and maybe try some downhill or cross-country skiing.
Is this area interesting beyond skiing?
During a recent trip to Lapland, we already tried dog sledding and snowmobiling, so we’re not planning to repeat those activities. Instead, we’d love to discover the landscapes and Sami culture.
I’d love to hear about your experiences or suggestions to help us plan our trip.
Thanks,
We're heading to Genoa and the Cinque Terre in mid-October for a full week. We're planning to spend two and a half days—three nights—in the Cinque Terre. The idea is to hike between the villages and use the train (or boat) for the trip out (or back). We're thinking of staying overnight, and I was wondering which village to prioritize.
Hi there, after reading a well-known travel guide, it seems like there’s a lot to see and do in Valletta (I’m only talking about Valletta itself). That’s why I’m thinking of spending 2 days there. I don’t want to rush and would like to get a complete overview. However, I’ve noticed that some travelers only spend one day there. For those who know the city well, what do you think? (I’ve also planned the Three Cities for another day, by the way).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Our accommodation for 5 days will be near a "Carrefour by Deliveroo Hop." There doesn’t seem to be anything else nearby (it’s a very residential area).
I can’t figure out if it’s delivery-only or if you can also do your grocery shopping there. Does anyone know this type of store and could help me out, please?
Thanks in advance!
PS: I called, but I don’t speak Italian and the store doesn’t speak English—so they hung up on me.
Hi,
I’ve found my upcoming trip for February, and now I’m looking for a one-week getaway in April—somewhere not too far with generally nice weather. Any tips?
Best,😉
Hi, who’s familiar with the Algarve?
Lagos—should I go for a rental or a hotel? How do I get from the airport to the seaside, and how do I get around the city? What’s there to see and do?
Thanks for your ideas and tips!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
