How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Our guide was a local, and really knowledgeable about Iceland geology, wildlife, culture. However, really disappointing that the approach was to be a guide, not a group leader - so this really impacted on the group experience, and slowed the group gelling. She did not arrange any icebreakers, group meals etc.  she was also not available for the last two days which caused problems e.g. when the coach did not show up for the trip to the blue lagoon on our last day.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Be warned that the description of this trip was inaccurate. The scheduled flight did not arrive until 2am, so instead of staying at Luanvartn it was a night at a souless airport lodge. Day 2 was therefore much longer in the coach (lot of snoozing) and no free half day to hike and explore. Accommodation was not en suite, so bring a dressing gown! Most days were just on the bus, so nothing had been laid on to appeal to kids/family. The opportunity to snow mobile did not exist. There was poor organisation of the days and generally lunches were not arranged around beauty spots but mini malls. There were two nights accommodation in a very beautiful but isolated setting, so be prepared to self cater for this part.

Do you have anything else to add?

This is essentially a coach trip of the sights, with occasional walks, and is not suitable for families (older teens OK). Hours and hours on the coach, and probably too many sights at a distance put into a 5 day schedule. The tour has been subcontracted to a local travel company who clearly did not understand the remit for a family adventure or understand the Explore concept and culture.....so there was no feeling of being on an Explore holiday, and we felt that we had missed out and it was not good value as a 'family' holiday.