Iceland -- 2 days and 2 nights

Here are prior discussions here of Iceland:http://www.google.com/search?q=iceland%20site%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.ricksteves.com%2Fgraffiti%2Fhelpline%2F&hl=en&lr=&sa=N&num=20&newwindow=1&output=search&tbs=sts:1&tbo=1

Thanks for the link, but I did find those using the Google Advanced Search method recommended. They all mention Iceland, but don't have the specifics I'm seeking.

Lo,

I would suggest a couple of things

1. The Blue Lagoon which is fantastic and which might be especially nice just to relax after arriving jet lagged. Note: The airport is about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik and the lagoon is about 10 minutes from the airport. You could arrange your transport such that you stop by the Blue Lagoon on the way to Reykjavik.

2. On a full day I would consider taking one of the tours provided to the natural areas outside Reykjavik. We went on the Golden Circle tour to see Gullfoss which was incredible, Pingvellir (site of the original viking parliment, and Geysir (from which all others get there names. There are a number of tours that support your own interests. Note: We are normally not tour group people. We like independence and making our own schedules. We were a bit concerned though about driving outside Reykjavik. With that said in hindsight a lot of people were doing it and it seemed easy enough if that is your thing. We were there in April so I would think you would have even better weather.

3. A fun third thing we found was to go down to the harbor and try some of the fresh foods from the sea. There is a small place called the Sea Baron right on the harbor that was written about in a NY times article a couple years ago. We were conservative and had the Lobster Soup. There are other more exotic choices if that is your thing

HOpe that helps

Here's one of the prior discussions contained in the link in my first reply: My husband and I stayed two nights in Reykjavik on the way to the UK two months ago and were glad we did; it's such a fascinating place, different than anywhere else we've ever been. Start Googling Iceland and Reykjavik and you'll happen upon some good articles and tourist sites. Also, if you get the Travel Channel, watch for reruns of "Passport to Europe"; Samantha Brown did an episode on Reykjavik. Some websites to get you started: Blue Lagoon: http://www.bluelagoon.com/ Hotel Vik: http://www.hotelvik.is/; we got a deal through hotels.com 48 Hours in Reykjavik.One writer's take on what to see and do there: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/articles/1124reykjavik.htmlIceland Tourist Board: http://www.icelandtouristboard.com/news.php Reykjavik tourism: http://www.visitreykjavik.is/

And here's another one of the prior discussions in the link in my first reply:"From Reyjavik we took these great day trips with Reykjavk Excursions: Gullfoss-Geyser-the Golden Circle, Reykjanes-Blue Lagoon, Jorsardalur Valley. We flew to Akureyri. (There is also bus service, but the flight over the glaciers is well worth the expense). From Akureyri we took the Lake Myvatn-Dummumborgir tour which I would NOT consider a must see. My favorite excursion was a day cruise from Akureyri to the tiny island (about 30 houses) of Grimsy inside the Arctic Circle. On the way we saw whales, and on the island there are cliffs covered with puffins. My favorite museum is the Arbaer Open Air Museum just outside of Reykjavik- accessible by bus."

Be aware that some of the tours are weather sensitive. We tried to do a tour that required a short flight and after having the tour cancelled three days in a row we finally gave up. The Blue Lagoon is a must.

I went to Iceland the first week of September, and unfortunately, since it is technically "off season" some things will be closed. However, there is still plenty to do!

Our first day we arrived early in the morning and took a whale watching tour from Keflavik, which saved going all the way into Reykjavik. The seas were rough, but it was lots of fun. Then we stopped at the Blue Lagoon on the way to Reykjavik and spent the whole afternoon there. Heaven!

Second day was a day trip to Thorsmork/ Thorsmark, which was a full day tour including glaciers, rivers, a beautiful forest (not many in Iceland!) and a gorgeous waterfall.

Third day we spent in Reykjavik, with terrible weather in the AM, but great in the afternoon. The buses are really easy to use in the city, I highly recommend them.

You may consider doing the "Golden Circle," but with limited time, we wanted to do something different so chose Thorsmork. We are really wanting to go back, it is so beautiful and different there. You will have a great time.

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. Since I posted this I learned that my husband's family was from Vestmannaeyjar. Of course, lodging is scant and the formal day trips stop a few days before we arrive, so we will have to concoct something on our own. I hope the weather will allow us to to fly one way and take the ferry the other. Considering the time to get to Vestmannaeyjar and how early we will have to be at KEF (05:30) for our flight to Frankfurt, I think we will skip Reykjavik, stay in Keflavik and spend our other time resting and being pampered at the Blue Lagoon.

Hi guys: Uh-oh - I messed up. My wife, after busting me for "not listening," informed me that we've got our place to stay in Reykjavik totally wired down. We have no idea where we're going to stay in Amsterdam. That is a whole 'nother topic! Sorry about that!! I am still interested in how you take care of your important stuff while enjoying the Blue Lagoon. Thank you. Seeya
ATB

We're doing a similar stop-over in Iceland. My wife and I are signed up for the last 21-day RS Tour and we're planning on spending a few days in Iceland on the way over. I'm excited about the Blue Lagoon! One concern, however is security. How does that work? I don't want to have my passport and other stuff dangling in my neck pouch while soaking in the pool! There must be a safe way to lock that stuff up while soaking. Also, we're trying to figure out where to stay. My wife does most of the actual planning and reserving online, but she says she hasn't lined up anything in Reykjavik yet. Last night I checked out all sorts of links while listening to Rick's podcast on Iceland. What do you guys think about the Guesthouse Borgartun? Thank you. Seeya
ATB

You check everything into lockers while at the Lagoon. They have another area for your luggage, as it's the perfect stop to or from the airport.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Iceland during the last week of June. With the near 24-hour daylight, we took the Golden Circle tour at midnight after spending the daytime hours in the museums and parks. Another day we took the "Saga Tour."

Alan, want to share the lodging your wife has lined up for Reykjavik? Thanks, Ellen