We're vaccinated! This means travel is more of an option. We're still cautious and mindful of the pandemic, so our first travel choice had that consideration. Iceland is on everyone's good list for COVID-19, so it was a win-win scenario for us wanting to travel and them wanting tourists.
We had to be tested for COVID-19 on arrival and test again to return to Latvia even with our vaccinations. We had to wear masks for most of the trip until Iceland was doing so good that they became optional. The vaccine isn't 100% effective, so we could still be carriers even if we don't get sick. It makes sense.
Those were our first "nasal rape" tests and it wasn't a fun first time experience. It wasn't fun the second time either, but I knew what to expect when they tried to poke my brain. Ugh! I'm glad it isn't something we have to do on a regular basis. It's a necessary evil with a little stress on the evil part.
We picked the Iceland Full Circle at Leisure self-drive tour from Nordic Visitor. It was the longest package with 14 days and 13 nights to enjoy as much as possible. Leisure sounded good, but it was still a solid pace with some good long hikes in the mix. Only a couple of the days felt a little more light and leisurely. Most days were packed with so much cool stuff to visit that we simply couldn't skip them.
Nordic Visitor setup the itinerary with a personalized guidebook. They booked the rental car and all hotels along with the airport transfers to start and end it all. All we had to do was show up and follow the guidebook. It was the vacation easy button. I'd use this tour company again or something similar if I see it for other vacation spots. I checked Google Maps for additional sights in the area each day, so we deviated a little here and there. Mostly we followed our personalized guidebook and were happy with the setup.
I can't imagine driving one of their express tours. The same driving would be done in less days, which also means less sightseeing and enjoyment as you have to drive more each day. If you have less time then don't try to do the long drive. I think we ended up driving about 3-4 hours each day and that was at leisure.
The Ring Road is 1,322 km or 821 mi, and there's plenty more that's off the main road to see everything. If you don't have 2 weeks, then explore a smaller area in the south like the Golden Circle. It'd be fine, but it's really just a small taste that misses a lot of what Iceland has to offer.
Iceland is expensive. Plan for it. However, breakfast was included with all of our hotels. Grocery stores sell sandwiches and other food. Hot dogs are a cheap popular fast food. Yes, we averaged 3,000 to 4,000 ISK for a meal per person (roughly $25-$35), but that's the price of a good meal in Washington DC.
There were a few small charges for parking or an entrance fee along the way, but the vast majority of the days had no other expenses besides lunch and dinner. Most days involved free parking near some awesome natural spectacle of Icelandic wonder. If the price of the trip gives you a little pause... then, pause... and just do it!
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