Iceland small group holiday

Planet

Accommodation and Meals:
We spend 9 nights in a mixture of small and locally owned hotels and guesthouses which employ local staff wherever possible. This ensures that the community benefits from the rise in employment and income generated. Energy conservation is a little different as houses are heated with geothermal hot water which is more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Where meals are provided, locally sourced ingredients are usually used to make a mixture of continental and authentic style dishes, such as freshly caught fish or smoked lamb with potatoes. Clients are reminded to avoid whale meat if they encounter it.

Activity:
We are careful to operate with a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy, which involves being vigilant with proper disposal of litter and being mindful of wildlife. This is particularly pertinent whilst whale watching, which is closely monitored for the safety of clients and the whales. Optional activities in Reykjavik like horse riding, sea kayaking or lava-tube caving, can be arranged. These all have a limited impact on the environment and by taking these excursions, clients can support the local businesses that run them.

Group Size:
This is a small group tour, meaning that we have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people. The small number also allows us to stay in unique, family-run hotels that cannot benefit from coach tours and other mass tourism due to their limited sizes.

UK Office:
It all starts at home where we work towards reducing our carbon footprint in our offices through energy conservation measures, recycling policies and the promotion of cycling and walking as a means for our staff to commute. Our head office has become a plastic-free zone with the use of plastic bottles being banned in our head office and we distributed reusable water bottles and tote bags to every staff member. We also support a large number of community and environmental projects in different parts of the world and try to give something back to the places we visit.

People

Local Craft and Culture:
Though a large portion of this trip focuses on the dramatic landscapes of volcanoes, geysers and waterfalls, Iceland still holds a rich history and culture which we are keen to promote through the various small villages and towns we visit on route. For example, in the lively fishing village of Husavik, clients may have a chance to visit cultural sites and the natural history museum. We visit Akureyri, the cultural, commercial and educational centre for northern Iceland, where we have a sightseeing tour of the interesting town as well as a free day to explore and possibly visit the numerous galleries and museums showcasing local art or visit some beautiful botanical gardens. Any funds generated here through entrance fees, buying souvenirs or making donations go towards preserving these cultural facilities.

Community:
Our Icelandic operators hire local guides and use a bus company from a small town in South Iceland for the driving in all of their trips. This is mutually beneficial in that the community benefits from employment opportunities, whilst clients gain an insight into the country from staff with valuable local expertise. Our operators are also eager to contribute to local organisations devoted to conservation and community efforts. They run various programs for local children with disabilities or disadvantages in conjunction with a church and the Salvation Army, so that these children can take part in activities like caving, glacier walking and going on a rope course.