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.
Claudia I just came back from a river cruise that ended in Brussels and it was warm the day I was there. Once I get settled I'll write a report on the cruise.
Brussels is a long way from Iceland. Many things change. I flew to Brussels a lot with four different airlines. My uniform changed, but the doorman at the Brussels Sheraton was always the same and he never failed to recognize me … in spite of my disguise. His first question was always, “who are you working for now?”. There was a tourist district that was very nice and even had a “Rick’s American Cafe”. On my last visit to Brussels that area had become a slum, and there were no tourist businesses.
The journey has begun. We are at SFO on our way to Iceland via Seattle. Our traveling buddies are on their way to EWR. We will all meet at the Grand hotel tomorrow and head to the Reykjavik Kitchen” for dinner.
We are now in Iceland at the Grand Hotel. I think I would recommend the Hilton. The hotel is fine, but the amenities are a bit spartan. I’ve been here before so I know Iceland is not Paris, but the rooms at the Grand are a bit basic.
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.
The ten day forecast says we will be starting in the rain. The weather there is very changeable.
The weather everywhere is changeable lately. I'm currently tracking Brussels. Tomorrow's high 63. Thurs predicted to be 88.
Claudia I just came back from a river cruise that ended in Brussels and it was warm the day I was there. Once I get settled I'll write a report on the cruise.
Looking forward to your report Gladys.
Brussels is a long way from Iceland. Many things change. I flew to Brussels a lot with four different airlines. My uniform changed, but the doorman at the Brussels Sheraton was always the same and he never failed to recognize me … in spite of my disguise. His first question was always, “who are you working for now?”. There was a tourist district that was very nice and even had a “Rick’s American Cafe”. On my last visit to Brussels that area had become a slum, and there were no tourist businesses.
The journey has begun. We are at SFO on our way to Iceland via Seattle. Our traveling buddies are on their way to EWR. We will all meet at the Grand hotel tomorrow and head to the Reykjavik Kitchen” for dinner.
Sealord: have a fantastic time and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Sealord, have a wonderful time.
We are now in Iceland at the Grand Hotel. I think I would recommend the Hilton. The hotel is fine, but the amenities are a bit spartan. I’ve been here before so I know Iceland is not Paris, but the rooms at the Grand are a bit basic.
Please let us know how the lava tube excursion went for those who did it, and if Tauck gave people options. We are going on the July 1 tour.