Kymberly from our office has recently returned from a Collette Small Group Tour of Iceland.
Collette may be a touring company not so well known in Australia but they have been crafting touring itineraries for over a hundred years (since 1918) and have many features not found with other touring companies. The first fact that may come as a surprise is almost half their itineraries are operated on a small group basis allowing the tour to run more efficiently and for passengers to have better travel experiences and stay in accommodation sometimes not an option to a larger group. Average group sizes of 19 with a maximum of 24 passengers on their Explorations program. Collette have a global portfolio of trips to choose from including Africa, Australia and NZ, Central and South America, Europe, USA and Canada and Asia.
These tours can only be booked through a travel agent. Collette aims to have less time travelling, more multi night stays and has many itineraries that operate on a one-way basis allowing their guests to enjoy a different city pre and post. Their itineraries are created by in destination local experts and escorted by professional Collette Managers. Another bonus is their newly introduced private round trip chauffeur service to/from your local airport for Explorations participants.
Although never guaranteed; March in Iceland is a good month to try catch the Northern Lights and it is possible to enjoy winter landscapes without peak winter harshness at this time of the year. That being said average daily temperatures were often zero (0 C) but if you are well dressed for the climate wearing appropriate layers you can still enjoy beautiful scenery and snow-covered volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls (most not completely frozen and still running). Places like Vatnajökull Glacier and Gullfoss Waterfall look especially dramatic with ice and snow and major sights are less crowded compared to peak months.
Winter is prime time for drive on glacier excursions and visiting ice caves (which usually aren’t accessible in summer) and Iceland’s famous Spa experiences like Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon both operate in winter. Soaking in warm water while surrounded by snow or mountains is particularly exhilarating in winter. Just 10-15 minutes from the city centre Sky Lagoon has an infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean and visitors can enjoy their famous 7-step ritual (sauna, cold plunge, steam, etc.) – totally recommended as a great thing to do!! Many unique winter activities are available like snow mobile tours and the famous Golden Circle tour operates from Reykjavik all year-round offering winter landscapes blanketed with snow like a scene from a Christmas card. Waterfalls are breathtaking in winter with icy cascades and mist. The contrast of the steam rising from the hot springs and geysers against the cold air creates a memorable sight unlike anything seen in Australia. Other activities like walking tours of Reykjavik and FlyOver Iceland can also be enjoyed in winter. FlyOver Iceland is flight simulator IMAX movie experience that uses a massive screen to simulate soaring over Icelandic landscapes for 35 minutes.
When in search of the Aurora Borealis the factors impacting your success are not just weather (clear skies ideal) but the chance to see the Northern Lights is also dependant on solar winds which are constantly changing and the earth’s magnetic field shifts. The Collette “Best of Iceland featuring the Northern Lights” trip is tailor made to travel to an area of Iceland where light pollution is limited and chances are good to see the famous Northern Lights. Mother nature did provide a spectacular evening where we got to experience long ribbons of light dancing across the sky in ripples and waves looking a bit like silk blowing in the wind. Sometimes they appeared like arcs stretching across the sky and at other times the entire night sky was lit up in a green glow - a mixture that looked like a combination of clouds, smoke and neon lights. An amazing and unique experience.
If thinking of visit Iceland or enjoying a Collette trip
speak to Kymberly for first-hand knowledge and assistance.
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