EXPLORING ICELAND WITH EXCURSIONS BOOKED THROUGH VIATOR
When heading to new destinations aboard a cruise ship you may feel that an excursion would suit you best. However the prices of these can add to the cost of your cruise quite significantly.
We recently returned from a cruise to Norway and Iceland on Princess Cruises Majestic Princess. While planning this cruise we looked carefully at excursions and found that those sold through the cruise company were quite expensive. So we decided to look at other options through Viator, a company we have used previously.
Since booking with them they have given us a special offer to share with our followers. Viator has more than 300,000 memorable experiences for you to explore: whale watching, white water rafting, cooking classes, iconic attractions, and so much more. With the Reserve Now & Pay Later and free cancellation, option they offer great flexibility! We are able to offer you an exclusive 15% off your first experience! just click the link below.
WHO OR WHAT IS VIATOR
Viator is an online marketplace. It operates as a broker connecting people like us with local tour operators and guides.
Experiences range from walking tours to extreme adventures. They offer flexibility, quality and customer support. Many bookings can be cancelled up to 24-hours in advance without penalty.
The website is clear and easy to use. It gives valuable information about start and finish places/times, cost and cancellation policy. You can reserve and pay later, and there is a breakdown of each trip giving details of accessibility as well. Meeting points are given and you get an update to that within 24-hours of the tour commencing.
PLEASE NOTE: Only excursions purchased through the cruise will guarantee return to the ship prior to it sailing. However Viator offer a `worry-free’ option on some excursions that cover this.
PICKING TOURS
We have used Viator for tours in other European countries and found them to be reliable and good value. So we checked out destinations and excursions available to compare with similar ones offered from the ship. We were left in no doubt that the prices from Viator were much more affordable.
Let’s have a look at the trips we took through Viator on this particular cruise.
GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR, REYKJAVIK
Our first stop in Iceland was to it’s capital city, Reykjavik. Everyone talks about taking the Golden Circle Tour. The excursion we chose was a 6.5 hour tour at a cost of approximately £72 each, taking in 3 major sites in the vicinity those being the tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling pools and Strokkur waterspout at Haukadalur.
We were taken by coach to each of these sites, our guide again was knowledgeable and made meeting times etc very clear.
Thingvellir National Park
After an interesting drive we arrived at the tectonic rift in Thingvellir National Park. The site we well laid out, good facilities and accessible. For those to whom it means something, various scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Our second stop was to Gullfoss waterfall. Again we were given free time to explore the falls area. The access splits into two paths. One takes you to the upper views of the falls and the other to the lower.
TOP TIP – there are some 240 steps down to the lower part of the waterfall which is a strenuous climb both down and back up.
Strokkur Geysir
Last but not least we went to see the Strokkur Geysir. Our guide explained that the large Geysir is no longer active but that it’s lesser sibling still is. She also showed us where to stand for the best view of it spouting.
It was here that we could also stop for a refreshment break which was at our own expense. And this was the main difference between the trip we took and that purchased from the Ship. The Ship excursion was much more expensive and over an 8 hour period as they had a formal lunch provided.
DYNJANDI WATERFALL AND FARM VISIT TOUR, ISAFJORDUR
Our next port of call was Isafjordur where we decided to take a small group tour to the Dynjandi Waterfall and a Farm Visit. Again booked through Viator at a cost of £115 per person.The meeting point for this tour was not terribly clear which was probably just a translation issue. However once found, we boarded a comfortable minibus and headed off.
Dynjandi Waterfall
The trip to the Waterfall was quite an experience. The route took us through long tunnels and seeing the scenery when we emerged was quite breath taking.
In a small group we were able to chat more with our driver/guide. Although he was not from Iceland, his knowledge was good and had a lovely sense of humour.
Our first stop was of course the dramatic Dynjandi Waterfall. Some of the lower paths have been made accessible but the further up the mountain you go, the less accessible it becomes. There are plenty of viewing places for this stunning waterfall. There are also toilet facilities on site and other views to look around before heading back
QUICK TIP – the latter part of the road to this particular site has not been made up and is particularly rough, so be prepared to be shaken about.
Icelandic Farm
The second part of the tour went to an Icelandic farm where we were given refreshments of coffee and local cake, which by the way was delicious. It was here we also met the Icelandic horses – and you should note they get very upset if you call them ponies!
We were returned to the starting point slightly later than planned but still in good time to board the ship.
GODAFOSS WATERFALLS, LAUFAS AND CHRISTMAS HOUSE, AKUREYRI
The last stop on our cruise was to Akureyri and with this being a small town, there is perhaps a need to take a trip. We decided to take a 4 hour excursion to the Godafoss waterfalls, Laufas and the Christmas House at a cost of £92 per person.
We were given directions to locate our coach and when we found it, it was clearly labelled. This town is very well set up on the quayside with opportunities to buy trips on site. But as they are very popular it is best to book ahead either through the ship or a private tour.
Our guide here was a delight. He was local to the area and had been operating a family tourist business for a number of years. It was obvious on the quayside that the business was well respected.
Godafoss Waterfalls
We made our way to our first stop at Godafoss Waterfalls. Here we were given free time to explore via the clearly marked pathways and see the dramatic falls.
QUICK TIP – make sure you listen to the instructions regarding meeting place and time to recommence the tour.
Laufas Heritage Site and Christmas House
Our second stop was to Laufas Heritage site and museum. This is a living museum showing how long houses were developed. Adjacent is a little church and our driver had himself got married there.
We ended at the Christmas House. As we had lost much time waiting for those who had not got back to the bus earlier, the time here was cut short. However by then it was also pouring with rain.
PROS OF BOOKING INDEPENDENTLY
You often get more choice of excursions and they can potentially be more suited to your requirements.
They can often be small group tours which offer much more personal service
They are usually better value for money
CONS OF BOOKING INDEPENDENTLY
Travelling with an independent company means that not getting back in time for sailing is at your own risk (and cost)
Check times of the excursions carefully and make sure that if your ship has a change of itinerary you check details carefully in case you need to change/cancel your excursion.
Late changes to cruise itinerary may mean you cannot change/cancel your independent excursion.
AND FINALLY …
So in this instance all of our trips were through Viator. We found the service before, during and afterwards was good. The tours themselves were value for money and enjoyable.
There is no doubt that with these excursions we saved a considerable amount of money yet they were very similar to those offered from the cruise company.
Whether you take an excursion through the cruise company or independently it is important to look at the small print.
Would we recommend considering Viator when visiting holiday destinations – Absolutely.
