In one Day

I recently turned 40 and I had a surprise birthday present off my partner Jane and it was …….a day trip to Iceland!

We got up at 3am Saturday to leave at 4am to check in at 5am for a 7am flight to Keflavik. It was only when we were on the plane itself that Jane told me what we were doing. We arrived at Keflavik 9am local time (GMT) and as the plane was just for the day trip we were organised into the different coach parties as there were several different excursions – we were in the “Whale Watching Only” group which was the smallest. We then drove to Keflavik harbour and got on the “Moby Dick”. This was a converted ferry although it looked more like a fishing boat to me! It wasn’t big whatever!

http://www.dolphin.is/

We had a three hour trip into the North Atlantic in temperatures that must have been sub zero and not helped by the rain and wind! Unfortunately we didn’t see any whales! But it was certainly an experience! And I would do it again.

After we got back it was on the coach and off to Reykjavik stopping off at a few sights on the way. By this time the sun was almost out! Our guide was very good and took us off the proper route to show us a few extra things which was an added bonus. We got to Reykjavik and had a short walk with the guide then 45mins to mooch on our own. Then it was back on the coach and to the airport. As we were part of an organised group and it was the same plane back (and only hand luggage allowed) we didn’t have to check in so it was straight onto the plane and sit in the same places.

We were given breakfast and evening meals on the plane which were good and Jane and I had a small bottle of Champagne each on the way out and two on the way back – which meant we had all the champagne on the plane! Apart from a toasted sandwich on the boat and a waffle at one of the stops that was all we eat – so we didn’t get a chance to try Icelandic food. Although we were expecting it to be VERY expensive most things didn’t seem to be that bad. The toastie was £2.50, the waffles about £3.50, petrol was £1.05 a litre, postcards were about 35p – so nothing was that much more than we would have paid in London. I think it shows how expensive this country has become!

All in all it was a great day and Jane and I want to go back for a longer trip – three/four days perhaps.