Below is a list of frequently asked questions curated by Collette.

The natural wonders of our planet are awe-inspiring. To ensure their beauty can be enjoyed for generations, we are committed to reducing single-use plastics on our tours and in our offices. On tours in this region, where tap water is safe to drink, we encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle with a filter. Your Tour Manager will direct you to bottle-refill stations throughout the day. By bringing your own bottle, you will reduce plastic waste and help to preserve the environment. Thank you for helping us make the world a better place through travel and supporting sustainability!

You’re in for a treat as you savor the unique flavors of Iceland during your journey! A wide variety of fresh local seafood and lamb are staples of the Icelandic diet. All restaurants feature something from the sea and lamb prominently on their menus, as well as a wide array of dairy products. Popular foods in Iceland include skyr (a type of yogurt and a popular dessert item served with berries), hangikjöt (smoked lamb), kleinur (similar to a donut), laufabrauð (a crepe-like dessert), and bollur (a cream-puff dessert). Hot dogs (known locally as pylsur) are hugely popular in Iceland and are the country’s favorite fast food. You’ll find hot dog stands all across Reykjavik, and many restaurants serve them too. Many of the flavors of Iceland’s traditional country foods are determined by the preservation method used — pickling in fermented whey or brine, drying, or smoking. While in Reykjavik, breakfast will consist of a more traditional “American style” buffet and while in Vik, breakfast will reflect a more traditional Icelandic fare – with a fresh assortment of breads, homemade jams, hardboiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheeses, an assortment of sliced meats (such as salami and ham), a variety of pickled herring, cereals, fruit, yogurt, Icelandic skyr, hot oatmeal with all the fixings, and a waffle station. Due to the remote location, not all items will be available every day. In Reykjavik, dinners will be at local restaurants, offering a more modern Icelandic dining experience. In Vik, dinner will feature an Icelandic buffet, representing traditional country-style dining. Dinner will be held at the hotel to ensure we have plenty of time for our nightly search for the northern lights. Offerings will be more simplistic and may be limited.

Special Diet North America offers a diverse range of dietary options due to ingredient availability and the acceptance of alternative diets. However, traveling abroad may pose challenges as menus reflect local tastes, alternative diets may not be common, and medical conditions requiring dietary adjustments may not be understood. Group meals typically offer a pre-fixed menu that caters to diverse travelers. It’s important to note that while some dietary requests can be accommodated, options may be limited.

The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavors.

For meals not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best suit your tastes and needs. It’s also worth noting that the bigger cities offer a much greater variety of foods than the smaller towns. The average price for meals in this region ranges from 10 to 20 US Dollars for breakfast, 10 to 30 US Dollars for lunch, and 20 to 50 US Dollars for dinner. Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs at the beginning of your tour.

Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please get in touch with your bank to determine whether this option is available, whether your PIN will be accepted, to inform them that you are traveling, and to determine whether any charges apply to each transaction.

You may exchange your money at airports, banks, and exchange bureaus. In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. You will usually find a better currency exchange rate in the city than at the airports.

We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend to use while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any service rejections.

The currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Krona. It may be difficult to exchange cash in denominations higher than $50 USD. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of more than 30 days from the start of the tour.

When traveling to another country, you may need an adapter and/or an electric converter to plug your electrical devices and appliances into the local power grid. Iceland uses North European electrical standards (50Hz/220 volts), so converters may be required for electrical devices brought from North America. Some appliances, such as laptops, digital cameras, and mobile phone chargers, should already be compatible with multiple voltages and only need a travel adapter. The main difference between an adapter and a converter is the type of electricity they handle. While the purpose of an adapter is to help the plugs on your electronics fit into (or adapt to) foreign outlets, a converter’s job is to change the voltage at the outlet to match that of your devices. To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination. Iceland uses standard Europlug sockets with two round prongs, officially known as Schuko type C and type F outlets. These are often labelled as a “Northern Europe” adapter. Next, verify the voltage of each device you intend to bring. You can find this information on the cord, plug, or on the device itself. Many devices are dual-voltage.

For those, you do not need a converter. If your device is not dual-voltage and its voltage differs from that of your destination, you will need a voltage converter. Luckily, in today’s interconnected world, most of your devices will only require an adapter. In contrast, some devices (usually those that generate heat) will likely require a converter and possibly an adapter. Refer to your device manufacturer’s manual or read its electrical labeling.

SINGLE VOLTAGE (i.e., 100-120V) Common devices: older irons and hair dryers Converter needed? Yes DUAL-VOLTAGE (i.e., 120V/240V) Common devices: newer hair dryers, electric razors, toothbrushes, etc. Converter needed? No

MULTI-VOLTAGE (i.e, 100- 240V) Common devices: cell phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, etc. Converter needed? No, in Europe, the voltage is 220V-230V. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage. If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adapter and voltage converter, as not all hotels have sockets next to the bed.

The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 600 feet in the Skogar Region.

Your first day in Iceland will be a busy one! Start preparing by resting as much as you can during your flight, wearing comfortable clothing, and staying hydrated. Your hotel room will be available for immediate check-in upon arrival in Reykjavik. Make yourself comfortable and settle in to rest or enjoy breakfast. After, you will have time for lunch on your own before joining a local guide for a walking city tour. Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a local restaurant for a wonderful welcome dinner and then take a late-night cruise to hunt for the elusive northern lights! We will return to the hotel later in the evening – longing for sleep – but the sights will be well worth it!

Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. Tipping is discretionary and should be at the individual’s discretion. Gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, transfer drivers, on-tour motor coach drivers, and your Tour Manager are not included in the price of your tour. The suggestions below are provided in US Dollars to help you budget for your trip. Plan to convert the total US Dollar amounts into the equivalent local currency, which is generally the preferred option when giving.

Tour Manager: equivalent of $10 US Dollars per person for each travel day, given at the end of your tour. For this 6-day tour, this would amount to $60 US dollars per person total.

Local Guide: equivalent of $2-3 US Dollars per person, given at the end of your day or time with them. There are 3 local guides on this tour.

On-Tour Motor Coach Driver: equivalent of $5 US Dollars per person for each travel day, provided at the end of your tour or time with your driver.

Hotel Housekeeping: equivalent of $1 US Dollar per day, per room, left each morning.

Airport Transfer Driver: If your airport transfer is included in your package or purchased from Collette, gratuities might already be included. Please reference the transfer information section for confirmation. If gratuities are not mentioned, the suggested amount is typically $3 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person.

  • Hello/ Good Morning = (halló/ góðan dag)
  • Good Afternoon = (gott kvöld)
  • Good Night/Evening = (góðanótt)
  • Goodbye = (kveðja)
  • Do you speak English? = (talar þú Ensku)
  • I don’t understand = (Ég skil ekki)
  • I do not speak icelandic = (Égtala ekki íslensku)
  • Nice to meet you = (Gaman að hitta þig)
  • How are you? = (hvernig ert þú?)
  • Good = (góður) Bad = (slæmt)
  • So so = (svo svo)
  • Response = (svar)
  • Yes = (já)
  • No = (Nei)
  • I don’t know = (Ég veit ekki)
  • Excuse me = (Afsakið mig)
  • Please = (vinsamlegast)
  • Thank you very much = (þakka þú mjög mikill)
  • You’re welcome = (þú ert velkominn)
  • No Problem = (ekkertvandamál)
  • I’m Sorry = (Fyrirgefðu)
  • Do you accept credit cards? = (Samþykkir þú kreditkort?)
  • How much does this cost? = (Hvað kostar þetta mikið?)
  • I’m just looking, thank you. = (Ég er bara að skoða þakka þér fyrir?)
  • The bill, please = (Reikninginn takk)
  • Open = (opna)
  • Closed = (lokað)
  • Where is… = (hvar er …)
  • the restroom? = (salerni)
  • the Post Office = (á pósthús)
  • the Police Station = (lögreglustöðina)
  • the bank = (bankinn) • the hospital = (á sjúkrahús)
  • the pharmacy = (apótekið)
  • the hotel…= (hótelið)
  • Straight ahead = (beint áfram)
  • Up = (up) Down = (niður)
  • Far = (langt) Nearby = (Nálægt)
  • Breakfast = (morgunmatur)
  • Lunch = (hádegismatur)
  • Dinner = (kvöldmat)
  • Please bring the check/bill = (Vinsamlegast færið mér reikninginn)
  • Bread = (brauð)
  • Butter = (smjör)
  • Salt = (salt)
  • Pepper = (pipar)
  • Beverage = (drykkur)
  • Coffee = (kaffi)
  • Tea = (te)
  • Wine = (vín)
  • Beer = (bjór)
  • Water =(vatn)
  • Juice = (safi)
  • Pharmacy = (apótekið)
  • Bank = (bankinn)
  • Market = (markaði)
  • Help! = (Hjálp!)
  • Stop! = (Hættu!)
  • Call an Ambulance = (Hringja á sjúkrabíl!)
  • Call the Police! = (Hringja á lögregluna!)
  • 1 = (einn)
  • 2 = (tveir)
  • 3 = (tveir) (Þrír)
  • 4 = (fjórir)
  • 5 = (fimm)
  • 6 = (sex)
  • 7 = (sjö)
  • 8 = (átta)
  • 9 = (níu)
  • 10 = (tíu)

Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Each airline traveler is allowed to bring 1 quart-sized bag containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag. Any liquids, including water bottles, that don’t fit in the one-quart bag or exceed 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Common items that must comply with this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed to bring on a plane, visit www.tsa.gov.

Your day of departure is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to pack. We have a few guidelines to help you. But before you pack anything, you must check with your airline for any luggage fees or restrictions. These can vary widely depending on your carrier and destination. Let’s begin. The first thing to consider is how many bags to bring. Your tour package includes luggage handling for one checked bag per person. You will be responsible for your backpack or tote bag while traveling between destinations. You must keep this in mind. We have limited space on our buses, so limiting the bags ensures there’s room for everyone’s luggage. Your larger bag can’t be more than 62 in/157cm in length, height, and width, and it can’t weigh more than 50lb/23kg. Your carry-on should be a size you can comfortably carry. You will use this bag to hold your personal items during sightseeing trips. Please note that if you bring more than one checked bag and one carry-on, we cannot guarantee there will be room for them on the bus. You’ll need to store or ship any additional luggage at your own expense. If there is room for your additional luggage, we will charge a $10 USD fee per bag per hotel. We recommend using a TSA-approved lock to prevent theft during transit and your tour.

It’s also very important that all your bags be labeled clearly. In your packet, you will find a luggage tag. Please attach it to the bag you plan to check. The name on this tag should match the information on your reservation exactly, so the Tour Manager and all baggage handlers can properly identify the bag as yours. This will ensure the bag is delivered to you quickly and efficiently. Finally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance to ensure peace of mind while you’re on tour. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects resulting from breakage, theft, or normal wear and tear caused by hotel, airline, or group carrier handling. But we offer comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection” for your convenience. With insurance, you’ll be able to focus on creating wonderful memories, not worrying about your luggage. Please note that some attractions do not allow large backpacks on site so that you may need a smaller bag for sightseeing.

Travelers flying to the United States from all international destinations will require extra screening when carrying powdered products weighing 12 oz/ 350 ml or more in carry-on luggage for security reasons. This added security measure will apply to all powders, except baby formula and medications. For your convenience, please consider packing any non-essential powders in your checked bag. Items that cannot be verified by a TSA officer risk being confiscated. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.

Your personalized name tag is included in your tour documents bundle. We ask that you wear this before your first gathering event and throughout your tour. This helps your fellow travelers get to know you and for your Tour Manager to better identify you in large groups.

Our priority is your comfort, so the coaches we charter are temperature-controlled. While some buses may have a toilet, it is for emergency use only for safety reasons, and some local laws require the vehicle to stop. Rest assured, there will be frequent stops along the tour route for your convenience and comfort. Please note that charging outlets may not be available on the bus. Therefore, if you anticipate using electronic devices, we recommend bringing portable power banks. Due to the remoteness of the sites we visit, the travel time between restrooms may be up to 2 hours. Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all travelers to change seats. This ensures that every traveler has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views along the way and to get to know each other better. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.

You may opt to pack washcloths as they are not readily available in international hotels.

As you prepare to explore Iceland and search for the northern lights, we have recommendations for you on what to pack. Dress on tour is casual, so slacks, khakis, and comfortable tops are all appropriate. However, you will want to bring clothing that helps you stay warm and dry as you brave the cold to look for the northern lights.

We recommend layers, so you can add or remove items as the temperature changes. Your first layer should be silk-weight long underwear, turtlenecks, jerseys, and camisoles. Besides keeping you warm, these items wick away moisture, keeping you dry. For your second layer, a polyester shirt is recommended. Your third layer should be a wool sweater or fleece jacket. A heavy winter coat would be the final layer. A pair of fleece pants and a pair of GORE-TEX® pants are also nice to have. Worn together, they will keep you warm and toasty. To keep your hands warm, pack mittens or gloves; both leather and synthetic fabrics are fine. We also suggest bringing a pair of silk (or similar) glove liners to wear under your mittens or gloves. This will allow you to move your fingers freely when, for example, you wish to adjust camera controls. In addition, we recommend bringing multiple pairs of tall wool socks. For extra warmth, you could bring some liner socks as well. These come in silk, wool, and synthetic fabrics. They are great for keeping your feet warm and dry. You’ll also want a hat, scarf, or even a balaclava – anything that keeps you warm and comfortable.

Speaking of comfort, rubber-soled walking shoes are recommended, as many of the places we visit are not flat surfaces. We also suggest a pair of hiking boots. Keep in mind that if you decide to get new shoes for your tour, wear them a few times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you. Finally, we recommend bringing a pair of inexpensive crampons, which are strapped onto the outside of your boots or shoes. They provide more stability when walking on icy surfaces. You can purchase crampons at most outdoor stores or through online retailers. Don’t forget your bathing suit! You’ll want one for your visit to the Blue Lagoon.

For your toiletries, pack anything that could leak in plastic bags or a waterproof case. And you might want to bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them. If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage, in case your luggage is delayed. You don’t want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost. In general, we recommend that you don’t pack anything of value in your checked bag.

You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery and a charger.

Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment. It’s also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available. If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them; that way, if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings will still be available to both of you. If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed. Last but certainly not least, leave room! You’ll need it to fit all the souvenirs you want to bring home.

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of our travelers. However, if you require individual assistance, you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor the personnel of our destination partners may physically lift or assist clients onto vehicles at any time while on tour. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to travelers with special mobility or other similar needs.

If your schedule allows, you may have chosen to give yourself an additional day or more at the start or end of your tour by booking a Pre-Night or Post-Night and arranging your flights accordingly. (Please note: A Tour Manager is not present during Pre-Night or Post-Night Stays.)

One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. If you decide to visit some of Iceland’s well-known geothermal lagoons, such as Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon, their shops have many bath and beauty products exclusive to Iceland. Many shops sell local souvenirs and high-quality clothing specifically designed for colder climates, including Icelandic wool sweaters, hats, scarves, and other goods. Most retail shops are open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and in the morning on Saturday. Most stores are not open on Sundays or Saturday afternoons. Most stores are closed on holidays as well.

Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please let your Client Care agent know when you book your tour. Please note we cannot guarantee your request as, in general, Icelandic hotels do not offer smoking rooms. Please be mindful of other locations where smoking is not allowed. These include the motor coach, at dining venues, and any other restricted areas on tour. Travelers are responsible for any fines they incur for failing to comply with smoking regulations.

We Want to Hear From You!

A few days after you return home, you’ll receive an email from us with a survey asking you about your experience. Your feedback is important to us, and we use it to continually refine our tours to bring you more of what you want when you travel.

Download the Collette Compass smartphone app and enhance your tour with this easy-to-use digital companion that never leaves your side.

  • Find Your Way Around – Easily navigate your destination like a local with detailed maps and offline turn-by-turn directions, all without using Wi-Fi or cellular data.
  • Plan Your Free Time – Discover exciting activities, dining options, and local attractions to make the most of every moment. Stay Informed – Review your daily itinerary, on-tour inclusions, and information on your hotels and transfer services.
  • Record the Fun – Create your own trip journal as you travel, including text and photos. Share it with friends and loved ones back home!
  • Live Flight Tracking – Check in online* for your flights and stay up to date on your schedule with real-time** flight status, gate changes, and delays.

*Online check-in subject to availability **Requires Wi-Fi or Cellular Data

Iceland is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. In Iceland, days are much shorter in winter, offering more opportunities to see the northern lights. Keep in mind that, as they are a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Peace of mind for our travelers is our number one priority. When you’re on tour with us, your only thoughts should be to immerse yourself in creating lifelong memories. Your Tour Manager is a destination expert in people, places, history, and culture, and ensures you have the best experience with us. Please utilize your Tour Manager’s expertise for any concerns or questions you may have while on tour.

We offer full-service transfers from start to finish. So, when you arrive at the airport of your destination, arrangements will have been made to transfer you to your first hotel on the tour. If you purchased our air-inclusive tour package, you will enjoy this service free of charge. If you purchased your air ticket on your own (as part of our land-only tour package), you may purchase a round-trip transfer for an additional fee.

Meeting locations and times will be set to accommodate your transfer arrival and departure schedules, which will be provided in your documents packet. If you arrange your own transportation to the hotel, please check in with your Tour Manager upon arrival.

Here is a list of entities we recommend you contact before you depart on your tour:

1.) Your cell phone/mobile carrier if you are planning on using your device. You will want to confirm you will have access in the area(s) you will visit and inquire about any charges you may incur.

2.) Your credit card company for any card(s) you plan to use. Make sure the card company knows when and where you will be traveling to avoid any charges being declined.

3.) Your bank, so you can use your ATM/debit card worry-free. If you are travelling to another country, your bank can tell you whether your card will work at ATMs to dispense local currency, including whether your PIN will be accepted. Also, indicate if you plan to use your debit card as a credit card if your card has that option. Your bank will advise you of any charges for each transaction as well.

Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel list (included in your tour documents bundle), and a contact number with a designated person in case an emergency comes up while you’re away and someone needs to reach you. We recommend leaving a copy of your passport at home in a secure location and bringing an additional copy with you as a precaution. During your flight, make sure to stand up and walk around as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. These simple suggestions will help you stay comfortable, particularly during long flights.

As an added measure of confidence while traveling internationally, visit www.travel.state.gov. The U.S. State Department offers a “Smart Travelers Enrollment Program” (STEP), which you may individually choose to enroll in. This allows the U.S. to better assist with lost passports or in the event of any emergency abroad.

Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for servers of included meals, bellmen, and door attendants.

Wi-Fi access has improved, with free or cheap internet available in many public spaces. Some restaurants, cafes, and hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, though it may not reach rooms in some hotels. Wi-Fi may not be available on board motorcoaches or other modes of transportation used during your tour.