Ross
9:40AM
Did anyone get the email for the June 17, 2025 tour about the cancellation of the "Birding" excursion? Apparently, they have re-assigned all of us to "Journey to the Center of the Earth". My wife and I are both claustrophobic and do not do caves or narrow spaces. I called and they said we cannot change the excursion until we are on the boat and it is subject to availability. Anyone else have thoughts on this???
We also got the letter about the cancellation of the birding expedition. Supposedly the company that supplied the boat, gave no prior notice before they quit the business and sold their boat. Tauck replaced it with a "Journey to the Center of the Earth" excursion.
You can probably call Tauck to find out which site you'll visit. But if the sales agent doesn't know, you can do some Googling about the lava tubes tourists visit. This is not spelunking in tight narrow tunnels!! According to the photos I've seen, the lava "tubes" are huge and cavernous. Much like the lava tube (turtle place) on Tauck's Peru & Galapagos tour. There are several locations.
According to Google:
"To visit a lava tube in Iceland, consider a tour of Raufarhólshellir or Víðgelmir. Raufarhólshellir, also known as The Lava Tunnel, is a popular and accessible option, located about 30 minutes from Reykjavík. Víðgelmir is Iceland's largest lava tube and offers a more adventurous experience.
Raufarhólshellir (The Lava Tunnel):
Accessibility: Easy to access year-round and well-lit
Tour Options: Offers both standard and adventure tours, with the adventure tour being more physically demanding.
Location: 30-minute drive from Reykjavík.
Features: Stunning rock formations, moss-covered lava, and a chance to see the inner workings of a volcanic eruption.
Duration: Standard tour is about 1 hour, adventure tour is 3-4 hours.
Víðgelmir:
Accessibility: Easy to access with a well-defined walkway.
Location: Located in West Iceland on the Hallmundarhraun lava field.
Features: A very large lava tube with a stunning array of colors.
Duration: The tour is approximately 1.5 hours.
Other Considerations: It's a popular stop on Silver Circle tours.
Other Lava Tubes:
Vatnshellir: A more challenging cave, accessible with a guided tour and suitable for those with good fitness.
Lofthellir: Known for its ice sculptures"
Here are links with photos of just two of the sites:
In this incidence, you ought to definitely get your choice rather than be told subject to availability. Also, I’ve seen documentaries on lava tubes and pretty sure they are underground. Some people just don’t like to be underground however cavernous.
We are on the Viking hiking tour, but our companions were on the birding. They also do not do caves, and we do not also. They were told they would be accommodated on a different tour once we got on the ship.
Read what is going on in Barcelona! It looks like Tauck is unable to secure tickets or arrange for a large group to go to a specific place without increasing the cost. So there will be more dinner at a private castle or free time on your own.
Update: I just checked the MyAccount itinerary- the "Journey to the Center of the Earth" excursion goes to Vatnshellir. It appears to be a more strenuous excursion which includes some stairs/spiral staircase, but again, the lava tubes are immense. Just Google it for descriptions and photos.
AlanS I watch a YouTube video and saw the same tight staircase and flashlight lit caves. All the tourists had helmets as well. I think this is not for my wife and I.
Comments
We also got the letter about the cancellation of the birding expedition. Supposedly the company that supplied the boat, gave no prior notice before they quit the business and sold their boat. Tauck replaced it with a "Journey to the Center of the Earth" excursion.
You can probably call Tauck to find out which site you'll visit. But if the sales agent doesn't know, you can do some Googling about the lava tubes tourists visit. This is not spelunking in tight narrow tunnels!! According to the photos I've seen, the lava "tubes" are huge and cavernous. Much like the lava tube (turtle place) on Tauck's Peru & Galapagos tour. There are several locations.
According to Google:
"To visit a lava tube in Iceland, consider a tour of Raufarhólshellir or Víðgelmir. Raufarhólshellir, also known as The Lava Tunnel, is a popular and accessible option, located about 30 minutes from Reykjavík. Víðgelmir is Iceland's largest lava tube and offers a more adventurous experience.
Raufarhólshellir (The Lava Tunnel):
Accessibility: Easy to access year-round and well-lit
Tour Options: Offers both standard and adventure tours, with the adventure tour being more physically demanding.
Location: 30-minute drive from Reykjavík.
Features: Stunning rock formations, moss-covered lava, and a chance to see the inner workings of a volcanic eruption.
Duration: Standard tour is about 1 hour, adventure tour is 3-4 hours.
Víðgelmir:
Accessibility: Easy to access with a well-defined walkway.
Location: Located in West Iceland on the Hallmundarhraun lava field.
Features: A very large lava tube with a stunning array of colors.
Duration: The tour is approximately 1.5 hours.
Other Considerations: It's a popular stop on Silver Circle tours.
Other Lava Tubes:
Vatnshellir: A more challenging cave, accessible with a guided tour and suitable for those with good fitness.
Lofthellir: Known for its ice sculptures"
Here are links with photos of just two of the sites:
https://thelavatunnel.is/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=770546787&gclid=CjwKCAjwl_XBBhAUEiwAWK2hzrsvbFJVry_j6xoRu7KJuNeKnp74LPBkftY0stjo-zkXV0m-ipBWDhoCFm4QAvD_BwE
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g189970-d12855557-The_Lava_Tunnel_Tour_Raufarholshellir-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html#/media/12855557/?albumid=-150&type=ALL_INCLUDING_RESTRICTED&category=-150
In this incidence, you ought to definitely get your choice rather than be told subject to availability. Also, I’ve seen documentaries on lava tubes and pretty sure they are underground. Some people just don’t like to be underground however cavernous.
Check out this https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lava_tube
We are on the Viking hiking tour, but our companions were on the birding. They also do not do caves, and we do not also. They were told they would be accommodated on a different tour once we got on the ship.
Read what is going on in Barcelona! It looks like Tauck is unable to secure tickets or arrange for a large group to go to a specific place without increasing the cost. So there will be more dinner at a private castle or free time on your own.
Update: I just checked the MyAccount itinerary- the "Journey to the Center of the Earth" excursion goes to Vatnshellir. It appears to be a more strenuous excursion which includes some stairs/spiral staircase, but again, the lava tubes are immense. Just Google it for descriptions and photos.
AlanS I watch a YouTube video and saw the same tight staircase and flashlight lit caves. All the tourists had helmets as well. I think this is not for my wife and I.