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“Northern Lights Trip”

written by bryndrew on 28/01/2014

We set off tentatively for our WOW airline flight. A really good experience, both ways, with a friendly efficient smart crew with a really good sense of humor. On arrival located our transfer with no difficulty and took the 50 minute drive by Grayline bus to the centre of Reykjavik where we were transferred onto a feeder minibus to get to the hotel. The Hotel, (The Centre Hotel Arnarhvoll) was very conveniently situated a short walk from all the main sights. The Reception staff were friendly, efficient and helpful. We researched some restaurants before we left and although not cheap ate some very good food - mostly fish orientated. The Hotel was advertised as 4*. Although we had no complaints, it was only - just - 3*, but looking around, we thought we were lucky to be in our Hotel!!
The Grayline tours were all well run and gave good value for money. We would have liked to know that the Blue Lagoon was more of a "man-made" spa than a true out-door activity - so that went down like a lead balloon. The Northern Lights performed wonderfully (have seen them before in Lapland, but this time was much better). The Blizzard on the Golden Circle Tour detracted a tad from the trip as we were stuck in a Thermal Power Station for 3 hrs. But the rest of the day improved and lived up to expectations. The Whales had gone off - probably looking for better weather and something to eat - so a really miserable cold wet afternoon with people being sick all around!! The concert Hall is well worth a tour as is the Cathedral.
We can now tick off Iceland from our list of places to visit. Would we go again? Possibly in the Summer and to the National Parks.
The trip was particularly good value and fulfilled its promises. You have to take a chance on the weather(and the Whales).