Iceland Encounter
Pure nature, private journeys
Iceland Encounter focuses on bespoke trips of high quality. We are the only Virtuoso On-Site headquartered in Reykjavik and were nominated for Virtuoso’s Best On-Site Award in 2015 and 2016. Iceland Encounter was founded by husband-and-wife team Kristín Björnsdóttir and Erling Aspelund. After working for over 20 years in the US computer software industry – both in New York and Seattle – they returned to their native Iceland in 2007 to start their travel company. We look forward to welcoming you to Iceland!
Insider Tip
In Iceland, the sun doesn’t set from May 21st to July 21st. Ask us about possible activities under the midnight sun: hiking, diving, golfing, fishing, snorkeling, and moreVirtuoso Preferred Supplier Since 01 Apr 2012
Reviews and Recommendations for Iceland Encounter
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Recommended
Visit Iceland with Iceland Encounter!
By: Lisa
Reviewed on: 29 Jan 2013
Our Iceland Encounter vacation was the experience of a lifetime. Our Rekyjavik hotel choice was perfect - lovely accomodations in City Center within walking distance of great food and shopping. Our guide/driver for three days in the country was knowledgeable and funny. Within the first hour he made us feel comfortable and safe in his care. He knew how to make the most of our limited daylight. Staying in the country for two nights was an outstanding recommendation because it gave us the opportunity to see the Northern Lights (upon request, the hotel wakes guests up if/when they become visible) and be closer to the places we wanted to visit. Our guide had a great relationship with other guides and establishment owners/operators and it made us feel like family. It was a very personal experience. We could not have done this on our own.
Travel Advisor:
Beth Jenkins
Recommended
Fantastic Trip
By: Lisa & Catherine
Reviewed on: 20 Nov 2013
This was a fantastic experience. It is has been one year since our trip and we are still talking about how much fun we had and how much we want to go back. Everything was planned perfectly to maximize our time there. Snowmobiling and hiking on a glacier. Waterfalls. Geysers. Volcanos. Museums. Touring a geothermal plant. Blue Lagoon. Travleing with our guide, Valdimar, was amazing. He took such good care of us. I fell in love with Iceland.
Travel Advisor:
Beth Jenkins
Recommended
Excellent guide, good hotel
By: Mike H
Reviewed on: 14 Jul 2016
Iceland Encounter made our journey to Icelamd most enjoyable and worthwhile. Our guide Teddy was most wenjoyable, knowledgeable, and provided a great local flavour to the journey. Our hotel was centrally located and comfortable. Our transfers were comfortable, friendly, and reliable. I would recommend them for anyone wanting a customized visit to Iceland.
Travel Advisor:
Roxanne Girard
Recommended
Great experience!
By: Karen
Reviewed on: 05 Sep 2016
Our family had the most awesome trip to Iceland! We loved everything we did, and our guide, Snorri, was outstanding! He made the trip especially interesting and fun. He is very knowledgeable with diverse interests so it was such a treat to be with him all week. We miss him! We loved Iceland and want to return.
Travel Advisor:
Sam McClure
Recommended
Fantastic Trip
By: Quesy
Reviewed on: 12 Mar 2017
Iceland Encounter planned an amazing trip for us. Our guide was efficient, had a delightful personality and was very knowledgeable about Iceland. We saw everything that we wanted to see and then some. We wouldn't have changed a thing!
Travel Advisor:
Rochelle Lieberman
Recommended
3 days of touring in Iceland
By: No nickname
Reviewed on: 12 Jul 2017
Excellent! Did exactly what they said they would do. Totally satisfied.
Travel Advisor:
Birgit Navarre
Recommended
Iceland 2017
By: Capilouto
Reviewed on: 29 Jul 2017
A wonderful experience and service. Excellent guides.
Travel Advisor:
Beth Flowers
Recommended
Iceland Encounter
By: KJ
Reviewed on: 21 Aug 2017
Very good and addressed all needs and concerns. Always willing to help and be there.
Travel Advisor:
Nancy Macleod
Recommended
Iceland Encounter
By: Carla
Reviewed on: 28 Aug 2017
I had the same wonderful guide that I had last year. It was like old home week and we had a great time. I think they do a good job.
Travel Advisor:
Barbi Lazarow
Recommended
January
By: J&J
Reviewed on: 15 Jan 2018
The people at Iceland Encounter were very good to us. They guided us through several weather delays and airline changes, rearranging rides, hotels, restaurants, Blue Lagoon reservations and more with good grace.
They provided our guide, Kristjan. He was knowledgeable, gracious, caring and proud of his country. We learned more and saw more than we ever would have on our own or in a large group.
Travel Advisor:
Deborah Bush
Recommended
You HAVE to Visit Iceland
By: Don & Eileen
Reviewed on: 11 Apr 2018
They set up a 12 day guided tour that was incredible and beyond gorgeous. Our guide, Kristjan Petur Vilhelmsson, was one of the best we’ve had any where and gave us so many great experiences that few tourists get to have. He was tireless in making sure we got to explore everything we wanted to see - and then some. At the end of the trip, we considered him a friend and remain in frequent contact. We will go back and we want Kristjan to show us the way.
Travel Advisor:
Judy Schwartz
