On deciding the destination for our trip we done the usual, search for the best flight, on the internet and, to our surprise, found BA to be the cheapest at the time. Flying from Gatwick the cost for 2 people, return, 4 nights was £161.40.
Some people might have had bad experiences but I can suggest secure parking with APH various prices from £18 for 5 days with a courtesy coach to and from the airport.
Somewhere to stay was the next job. We booked a hotel 'Artic Comfort Hotel Vik' in Reykjavik. Cost 4 nights £243.03
Next step was to find a suitable hire car. After asking some friends for advice who had previously been to the island we decided upon a four wheel drive Suzuki Jimny. Once again back to the internet. Europcar via Atlaschoice.com was the best site we found and the Suzuki was booked, we thought. The cost of the 5 day hire was a respectable £177.59.
THE HOLIDAY
1 February
2007 - 5 February 2007
On arrival at Keflavik airport we found that our hire car had not been reserved but luckily having the printed receipt europcar themselves were able to honor our booking and as we found out later in our stay this was to be to our advantage. Having never driven on the right in a left hand drive car, a four wheel drive or in the snow I was relieved to find no snow. It's about a half hour drive from Kefvlavik to our hotel in Reykjavik and trust me you need a road map and a good navigator on entering Reykjavik for the first time although the roads even in rush hour are quiet compared to England. A warm welcome from hotel staff and as we were self catering our first job was to find a supermarket. This was our first experience of the high prices. I can recommend 'Bonus' which was the best prices although not exactly 'Asda price'. Our flight had arrived early evening so after a little adventure around the streets near the hotel we settled in for the evening. The cold water from the taps is pumped straight from underground and is as natural as you will ever get short of taking a bucket down to the river. The hot water is, well, strange. Naturally heated it has a very strong smell of sulphur and I never got used to it nor would want to. The TV consisted of four channels one of which showed 'everybody loves Raymond' every night and 'Oprah'. A lot of sport though including Man Utd v Spurs. Could think of better things they could put on.
Ten in the morning and it was just getting light as we set off for Geysir. Half way there it started to snow and this is where I tell you a four wheel drive is a must. Luckily because our original car had not been there on arrival we had an upgrade to a Suzuki grand vitara with studded tyres. I recommend this four wheel drive to make you feel more comfortable about driving in the snow unless your rich and can hire a land rover.
Geysir is a must to visit. Cost nothing to see the geysers or to park. With a 'café. Its worth being patient and stand next to the largest one which is roped off and as the water is sucked in prepare to be amazed. Just up the road is gullfoss. Free parking, toilets and a little 'café' oh and there is a waterfall. A little tip. If you go too far and find the toilets and café drive back down the road a few yards a small slip road takes you closer to the waterfall to avoid a walk down some slippy steps. As journey times are a lot longer due to lower speed limits and snow covered roads we headed back to the warmth of the hotel.
Still dark at 9.30am was strange and the black tarmac streets had turned white with snow overnight. This is what we came to Iceland for so on went the warm boots and big coats ready for journey east to Vik and hopefully some lovely sights on the way. Following the main road towards Vik we found some amazing scenery from fallen rocks on houses and waterfalls, one of which at skogarfoss is a must to stop at get soaked and carry on down the road. Due to weather conditions and time running away from us Vik was our last stop of the day. A small community and a nice peaceful place to wonder on the amazing black sand look out into the ocean and while looking at the sea stack with waves crashing menacingly against them think about home and. The fact you really don't want to go back to England. EVER! The journey back to the hotel this time was interesting as we had a heavy snow storm and this time very glad to be back safe and warm.
Our last day was more restful with a visit to the Blue Lagoon between Reykjavik and Keflavik. A strange experience relaxing in the warm waters of the geothermal spa with snow all around. If you can try and plan it so you visit here on the way to the airport for your return flight. The rest of the day was an evening stroll around Reykjavik in the snow with a temperature of -6 with the soft glow of the city lights reflecting of the snow covered streets. Very romantic.
We did do a bit of shopping but sadly not impressed. In fact all im gonna say is dont bother.
Finally time to go pack up and off to the airport for our return flight. The return flight gave me the most amazing sight that I will treasure forever and seeing the photos make me want to go back again and again. As the plane takes off keep your eyes out the window to see the Island covered with gleaming white snow. It's hard to believe life down there goes on as normal. The most amazing sight I have ever seen.
When people ask how my holidays was I just say 'FANTASTIC!'
There is so much more still to see and do that I will be going again and again.
Don't forget: Travel insurance £8.42 for a basic insurance. Moneysupermarket.com Cash. £245.42 = 31.000 Krona. This needs to be ordered but took just a few days from the Post Office. We found this was just enough to last us the five days but if you're intending to go out to dinner or go on excursions you will need more. Most things are a fair bit more than England A road map of the island for when you leave the airport. Most important thing if booking via the internet is to print and take with you all emails and booking conformations just in case Be prepared when it comes to fuel. There are plenty of petrol stations but they can be far apart. I suggest you don't go much lower than just under half a tank just incase. The price of fuel worked out not much different to ours but make sure you take a look at the pumps as self service pumps are cheaper.
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Mar 17th, 2007
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