Group travel organiser Pete Fincham from HASSRA South East explains why Iceland is a must for other travellers, following a recent trip there with his group.
I took a group of 39 to Iceland in March and had the most wonderful time in this beautiful country.
We arrived on a Sunday to the sight of the whole country covered in a foot and a half of snow, which the Icelanders took in their stride. Our hotel, The Klattur, close to the centre of Reykjavik, was just the job; simple rooms with the BBC on the television and a lovely warm shower en suite.
Our first full day was a tour of the Golden Circle. We were met by a very knowledgeable English speaking guide from Iceland Travel, she was excellent in every way and proved to be a star throughout the tour.
The trip saw us observing the tectonic plates, the geysers and the stunning waterfall at Gulfoss, before heading back to the hotel for a quick break. The group then got to experience what proved to be the highlight of the trip – seeing the Northern Lights! This was an amazing experience, never to be forgotten by anyone.
Reykjavik, capital city of Iceland.
Our second day saw us tour the capital city of Reykjavik and we visited the iconic church of Hallgrimskirkja, and the National Museum of Iceland, with the highlights for me being the Viking heritage artefacts.
In the afternoon we took an outstanding visit to the Blue Lagoon Spa; a must-do on a very big must-do list.
We had time for a bit of shopping on the last day to get a few holiday gifts. Note, you will need a big wallet to do this. Then we headed home on a flight that took only two and half hours.
None of the group wanted to go home; what a trip!”
A big thank you to my excellent tour operator Success Tours who organised this wonderful trip, they did me proud and I cannot recommend them enough. Fellow group organisers should check out their website. Also a big thank you to our tour guide Gigi at Iceland Travel who was excellent throughout and a credit to her beautiful country.
Most of all I should thank my wonderful HASSRA group who make it all worthwhile. This has been my best trip ever, and Iceland is a must-see place – so if you can go, do!
Sun Voyager, a sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, located next to the Sæbraut road in Reykjavík.
Tell us about your own group trip…
Have you been on an amazing group trip recently, and want to shout about it? We’d love to hear from you!
Send us some information about your chosen experience: tell us why the trip was so amazing and about the service you received, the sights you saw and your group’s reaction to everything. And most importantly, why should other group travel organisers take a similar trip?
Send your recommendations plus some pictures of your group on the trip to rachel.b@yandellmedia.com.
Register to visit the Group Leisure & Travel Show
To find out more about amazing holidays like Pete’s, and to talk face-to-face with tour operators about booking your own group trips overseas, visit the Group Leisure & Travel Show this autumn.
It’s taking place on 12th October in Hall 18 at the NEC, Birmingham, and you can register to visit now.
You’ll find the simple Visitor Registration form at grouptravelshow.com/register – why wait?
Companies interested in exhibiting can telephone Sharon Yandell on 01908-613323 for more information or e-mail sharon.y@yandellmedia.com.
