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I Highly recommend HODEI as your guide . I had an awesome experience touring the golden circle.
The waterfalls were epic, the people were epic, the food was epic and, Hodei, our guide was epic! I will definitely be booking with this tour company again :)
D
This was our 2nd time going to Iceland and we had booked many small tours with the Artic Adventures. Out of all the ones we did, our experience with Hodei was very exhilarating since he was with us to…This was our 2nd time going to Iceland and we had booked many small tours with the Artic Adventures. Out of all the ones we did, our experience with Hodei was very exhilarating since he was with us to guide and ensure our safety
He joined us at every adventure and made sure that we had all the information needed to enjoy sight seeing. After meeting Hodei, we hoped that he would benour guide whenever the bus came to pick us up.
I would like to suggest that whenever you go to Iceland and have Artic Adventures, see if you can have Hodei to guide you.
Thank you Hodei for making the Icelandic adventures memorable.
Desai Family
P
We (2 couples 50+), had an excellent tour with Arctic Adventures. The weather cooperated most of our trip, which was nice. Our guide Hodei was really funny, had great stories on the way and was very k…We (2 couples 50+), had an excellent tour with Arctic Adventures. The weather cooperated most of our trip, which was nice. Our guide Hodei was really funny, had great stories on the way and was very knowledgeable about Iceland and its history. He was exceptionally supportive to the whole group with tips on safety and accompanied us on all the excursions all the way. Compared to other guides who basically pointed us in the direction and then sat in the bus, Hodei's support was very much appreciated. He even helped us climb up and down icy slopes. Extraordinary and above and beyond customer service.
When it comes to travel it's not the itinerary that makes it or breaks it, it's the people you meet. And the most important person you meet in your travels is your tour guide. I met Hodei and I couldn…When it comes to travel it's not the itinerary that makes it or breaks it, it's the people you meet. And the most important person you meet in your travels is your tour guide. I met Hodei and I couldn't have been happier.
I remember the first thing he said was that we were going to listen to Sigur Ros the whole day and as soon as we hit the Icelandic landscape with its rugged peaks and its majestic volcanoes peacefully (or wrathfully, depending on Thor's mood) covered by snow, I understood how perfect a soundtrack that was. And that's just one example of what sets him apart from many in his profession, it's the addition of a personal touch to enrich your experience.
Yes, Hodei is knowledgeable, practical, safety driven and patient, but you can read all that from the other reviews. His talent goes beyond knowledge, not just to consistently take you to the most breathtaking spots, but more importantly to make you feel as if you're actually experiencing those places. He shows care beyond safety and respect beyond patience. He's not just pointing out the best places to eat, have coffee or buy useful things. Hodei is genuinely committed to share his own educated perspective on a country that it's not just northern lights and glaciers (as mesmerising as they are). If you're a traveller and not just a tourist you'll understand how rare that is and how lucky you are to have him as a guide. Trust him and listen to his lovely stories about Icelandic people, the magical sagas, the past and the present. That's how the memories of this country's stunning wilderness and fascinating culture will stay with you long after the tour ends. Gracias Hodei, de todo corazon, for making that happen!
T
A great trip seeing the sights of the Snaefellsness peninsula in Iceland! Hodai, the groups' guide, was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited and had a very personable manner. I would definite…A great trip seeing the sights of the Snaefellsness peninsula in Iceland! Hodai, the groups' guide, was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited and had a very personable manner. I would definitely go on another such tour!
S
Being a solo traveler I didn’t know what to expect but the tour was amazing, very well organised and on time which made it stress free. My guide hodei was really charismatic and attentive to all the p…Being a solo traveler I didn’t know what to expect but the tour was amazing, very well organised and on time which made it stress free. My guide hodei was really charismatic and attentive to all the people on the tour. He made sure we made the most of the day light we had, gave recommendations on food and was there to answer any questions. The group become quite close which made the experience 10x better! Definitely recommend!
M
I did not know what to expect for my first solo travel, especially knowing I was joining a bus of strangers, but wow! I was blown away. We had the best guide, Hodei, who was funny, polite, knowledgeab…I did not know what to expect for my first solo travel, especially knowing I was joining a bus of strangers, but wow! I was blown away. We had the best guide, Hodei, who was funny, polite, knowledgeable, and very sincere in making sure everyone was taken care of. We faced someone unfortunate weather, just bad luck, but Arctic Adventures worked quickly to adjust our itinerary to make sure we had an enjoyable time despite pelting rain and winds that could blow you off the road. I am so thankful I decided to join this trip and had Hodei as my tour guide. Will recommend to anyone who will hear me :)
K
All of the locations that we visited on our tour was absolutely amazing. So glad that we did the tour. I don’t think we would have seen half of what we saw without the tour. We had to change the sched…All of the locations that we visited on our tour was absolutely amazing. So glad that we did the tour. I don’t think we would have seen half of what we saw without the tour. We had to change the schedule due to the weather conditions but our tour guide Hodei managed to take us to Laki volcano in the national park. Which was absolutely breathtaking, it was beyond any expectation that I had of Iceland . He always had lots of local knowledge and was enthusiastic about all the stops that we visited. I highly recommend Hodei and Arctic Adventures.
Y
Very nice! I enjoyed my first trip in Iceland.
M
Overall experience is good given the weather condition (rained 5.5 days out of the 6 days), have to cancelled multiple itinerary but Hodei and the operator have worked hard to make sure there is repla…Overall experience is good given the weather condition (rained 5.5 days out of the 6 days), have to cancelled multiple itinerary but Hodei and the operator have worked hard to make sure there is replacement itinerary. The bus can be very packed when is full. Hodei has been a great guide, very well travelled, informative, and most importantly skilled driver!!)
S
Hodei was an interesting entertaining guide full of little extra stories and history. Enjoyed his company and his enthusiasm for the country and nature.
S
Hodei was friendly from the beginning of the tour, very knowledgeable and was genuinely enthusiastic about Iceland which came across! I would definitely recommend Hodei as a tour guide.
M
I think Hodei is a professional photographer, he takes wonderful photo for me. And he’s really kind and helpful. When we arrive the location, he tells some interesting information for us to know more …I think Hodei is a professional photographer, he takes wonderful photo for me. And he’s really kind and helpful. When we arrive the location, he tells some interesting information for us to know more about the nature of Iceland. I really recommend Hodei for my friends for their tour.
K
Fantastic tour. Hodei, our guide, gave us an unforgettable experience with great dedication and heart. Thank you! Alex and Charly/Germany.
N
Very great overall.
Our guide is very experienced, helpful and nice.
T
Knowledgeable, funny and friendly guide who drives us around iceland for a full 3 days! Definitely recommend him to anyone who wants a tour in iceland!
Would shorten time at waterfalls and farm and extend time at beach. Otherwise good.
M
I can’t even begin to describe how amazing this tour was. Hodei created a welcoming environment where as a solo traveler I felt surrounded by friends the entire trip. All the stops were breathtaking, …I can’t even begin to describe how amazing this tour was. Hodei created a welcoming environment where as a solo traveler I felt surrounded by friends the entire trip. All the stops were breathtaking, but the highlight of this trip was the day we experienced bad weather and as an alternative we visited Laki Volcano. It was INCREDIBLE. The entire day was so exciting and the view on top was so rewarding. Hodei- thank you so much for making great food recommendations, offering to take pictures, making sure we were happy and comfortable always and overall for being a great guide. I know I speak for the group when I say we had the best time ever!
Everything was really good, the transportation, the organization. We had to change the schedule due to the clinate but our tour guide Hodei manage to take us to Loki national park with the super jeeps…Everything was really good, the transportation, the organization. We had to change the schedule due to the clinate but our tour guide Hodei manage to take us to Loki national park with the super jeeps, which was out of this world. He always had the best attitude, lots of local knowledge. Great manage of time,
S
Rafaël told me: He is the best driver and guide of the world ! It is certainly true, because Hodei gave us a chance to turn the bad weather conditions into a terrific and spectacular day in Laki volca…Rafaël told me: He is the best driver and guide of the world ! It is certainly true, because Hodei gave us a chance to turn the bad weather conditions into a terrific and spectacular day in Laki volcanoes area! We were lucky to explore with him this unique Panorama. We will keep this unexpected islandic experience as one of the highlight of our tour! Thanks again! Well done Hodei.
M
Hodei is a fantastic guide who always has a smile on his face and great stories to tell about each place we visit. His love of travelling and Iceland is obvious and contagious! Would definitely book w…Hodei is a fantastic guide who always has a smile on his face and great stories to tell about each place we visit. His love of travelling and Iceland is obvious and contagious! Would definitely book with him again
Our guide Hodei was very responsible and knowledgeable of all things icelandic. He kept us safe during a wind storm and made sure to find alternatives for the things we could not do on account of the …Our guide Hodei was very responsible and knowledgeable of all things icelandic. He kept us safe during a wind storm and made sure to find alternatives for the things we could not do on account of the weather. He has great taste for restaurants! All of his recommendations were top-knotch.
The tour takes you around the main sights of iceland and lets you see beautiful landscapes and interesting geology. It is a bit tiring because you are moving to a new place each morning, and there is so much ground to cover in 6 days! However, it is a once in a lifetime experience, I highly recommend going on this tour.
About the guide: Hodei is an awesome guide, I would definitely recommend him.
He is a great storyteller, super fun to spend the time with and with lots of positive energy, besides doing his job in a…About the guide: Hodei is an awesome guide, I would definitely recommend him.
He is a great storyteller, super fun to spend the time with and with lots of positive energy, besides doing his job in a great manner (a lot of information about everything - presented in an accessible way, making himself available for everyone & spending time with all the people in the group, finding alternative solutions when the program couldn't go on as initially designed, providing clarity about the schedule and about the why behing changes needed, keeping the group accountable in a friendly manner, asking for feedback...).
About the tour: The tour is great for those who want to see a big part of Iceland and a bit of everything in a short time. Taking into account the less fortunate weather we had, I would probably do it in summer or early autumn, since now we missed the glacier hike that I was looking fwd to experience, because of the extremely windy weather and we didn't see the Northern Lights anyway. The nature in Iceland is spectacular, the people in our group very very nice, so I came back home with good energy and with the feeling that it was an awesome trip :).
H
Fantastic trip, have so many great memories. Our tour leader Hodei was super fun, shared with us lots of facts and details and folklore about Iceland. Also advised where to find the best food.
P
Hodei was a fantastic guide. He's very knowledgeable and gave us plenty of time to explore the sites. His driving made me feel safe and gave us his recommendations for places to eat. He even stayed …Hodei was a fantastic guide. He's very knowledgeable and gave us plenty of time to explore the sites. His driving made me feel safe and gave us his recommendations for places to eat. He even stayed up late to watch for Northern Lights and woke us up when they were at their best. Have recommended this tour to others. Best week of my 5 week trip.
Hodei was a knowledgeable, friendly and excellent guide. We would, and have, recommended this tour.
I highly recommend Hodei! I've been on many tours and this is the best by far, not simply due to Iceland's breathtaking landscapes, but Hodei made a huge difference to my overall experience.
Hodei…I highly recommend Hodei! I've been on many tours and this is the best by far, not simply due to Iceland's breathtaking landscapes, but Hodei made a huge difference to my overall experience.
Hodei was super nice, genuine, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. He took us to his favorite restaurants and always made sure we are conformable. He carefully plans our days so that we don't waste time on unnecessary things, and always try his best to take us to sights at the best time possible. There was some confusion in my itinerary (caused by the company) on the last day of tour. However Hodei was super helpful in sorting it out for me, and even helped drop off my luggage to my accommodation in Reykjavik while I was on the bus to the Blue Lagoon.
My whole experience of Iceland couldn't have been more enjoyable and seamless.
Thank you Hodei! :)
Having the details so well planned and such an excellent guide made the trip seemless. Hodei was able to move us through day with such gentle diplomatic comments. His sense of humor, knowledge and w…Having the details so well planned and such an excellent guide made the trip seemless. Hodei was able to move us through day with such gentle diplomatic comments. His sense of humor, knowledge and willingness to research answers to queries, enhanced our love of Iceland. Hodei is a real asset to the Arctic Adventure team.
I
Very interesting and informative tour. Hodei was very knowledgeable about each stop and really made the tour an exceptional 6 Day experience.
P
I literally fell in love with this country. Many beautiful places. But all but be worth less with a bad guide. Hodei is the best guide i can think of. He not just explains the normal activities but al…I literally fell in love with this country. Many beautiful places. But all but be worth less with a bad guide. Hodei is the best guide i can think of. He not just explains the normal activities but also gives you information during the trip. He even played some Podcast and Storytelling during longer driveways. We expected the sights we saw on the internet. We not just went there but many more. He offered to wake us up if he'd see norther lights. And asked at every suiting time if we're ok and if he can do anything to make us feel more comfortable. Just had the best time of my life.
The land was beautiful and I had a great time visiting the island but the trip was made perfect by our guide Hodei. He added such a friendly and personal touch taking our small group to his favorite p…The land was beautiful and I had a great time visiting the island but the trip was made perfect by our guide Hodei. He added such a friendly and personal touch taking our small group to his favorite places making us feel like we were locals instead of tourists. He always kept us busy and on time from location to location acting as our friend not just a guide. You can tell he honestly cares about our experience and how much fun we are having. Can’t say enough about Hodei
D
Hodei was a fantastic guide! He was incredibly kind, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We appreciated him recommending different restaurants and foods to try, he was polite and had a good sense of…Hodei was a fantastic guide! He was incredibly kind, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We appreciated him recommending different restaurants and foods to try, he was polite and had a good sense of humor. He made the tour more fun and felt like we had a friend with us at all times. His driving was great, we never felt unsafe or thrown around. The stops were well planned and thought out so it made it seem like we were doing less driving than we really were and he always made sure we were fed and had plenty of bathroom breaks. The accommodations were okay. Some better than others. I feel very satisfied with everything that we saw and all the history Hodei has taught us. Thank you so much Hodei!
M
Hi,
The 6-day tour of Iceland with Hodei Orueta as our guide was one of the best experiences ever. My mother and I travelled to 26 countries and we consider ourselves a bit of a "world traveler". Eac…Hi,
The 6-day tour of Iceland with Hodei Orueta as our guide was one of the best experiences ever. My mother and I travelled to 26 countries and we consider ourselves a bit of a "world traveler". Each of the 26 countries we went to was unique and we have amazing memories about all of those trips, but this excursion to Iceland marked the rest of our lives. Everything was perfect!
The daily planning of all the sites that we visited, all the activities, the hotel accommodations, meals and entertainment were flawless. We loved everything we saw: waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, geysers, glacier lagoon, lava fields, hot springs with geothermal water, the small farms with horses, sheep and lambs….. the entire Icelandic scenery was just breathtaking!
We were so fortunate to have Hodei as our guide and driver! He is very knowledgeable and he drove us to a lot of sights and explained the different aspects of Iceland’s geography, history, culture and traditions. He very nicely handled a bus full of very diverse visitors.
Artic Adventures also did a great job answering our questions prior our departure to Iceland.
We highly recommend this tour and our guide Hodei.
Matt & Cristina
M
Overall, excellent! Definitely recommend Hodei as a guide, and suggest you always follow his recommendations for food (though a touch pricey). The last day or so involved more traveling that noteworth…Overall, excellent! Definitely recommend Hodei as a guide, and suggest you always follow his recommendations for food (though a touch pricey). The last day or so involved more traveling that noteworthy spots, but the first four days more than make up for it, between puffins, glaciers, waterfalls, hikes, and more.
It was the best trip ever, Hodei made this trip worthwhile. He is very knowledgeable in the history of Iceland and always ready to answer any questions we may have.
A true example of an excellent …It was the best trip ever, Hodei made this trip worthwhile. He is very knowledgeable in the history of Iceland and always ready to answer any questions we may have.
A true example of an excellent tour guide.
~brenda
S
We had a fantastic time. Hodei was a great tour guide. He was very informative and he ensured the safety of everyone on the bus including my senior citizen mom. He recommended great restaurants and we…We had a fantastic time. Hodei was a great tour guide. He was very informative and he ensured the safety of everyone on the bus including my senior citizen mom. He recommended great restaurants and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him and the other great people on our tour. Hodei is clearly very passionate about Iceland and it showed in his commentary. He was also a great driver. We felt very safe with him!
J
Great itinerary, wonderful sites to see, well worth the trip. Tour guide Hodei (Oh-day) was friendly but didn't give us enough information about dinner options ahead of time. Mostly it's either goin…Great itinerary, wonderful sites to see, well worth the trip. Tour guide Hodei (Oh-day) was friendly but didn't give us enough information about dinner options ahead of time. Mostly it's either going with what he likes or figuring out the meal options ourselves after we check in to the hotel. Overall it's a good trip.
H
Tour provided a great overview of Iceland. Most days were packed with great sites to see. Highlights for me were the Glacier Walk, Whalewatching, the Glacier Lagoon as well as the awe inspiring landsc…Tour provided a great overview of Iceland. Most days were packed with great sites to see. Highlights for me were the Glacier Walk, Whalewatching, the Glacier Lagoon as well as the awe inspiring landscape. Hodei, our guide was the perfect blend of local knowledge, very approachable with any and all questions and most of all FUN. 18 perfect strangers seemingly became long time friends in a mere 6 days and that was a direct result of the environment created by Hodei.
B
We just had a lifetime adventure trip with Artic Adventures. Our family group of 12, ranging from 14 to 81 years was treated to a tour that will go down as one of the best. Our guide, Hodei, was inc…We just had a lifetime adventure trip with Artic Adventures. Our family group of 12, ranging from 14 to 81 years was treated to a tour that will go down as one of the best. Our guide, Hodei, was incredible and was the main reason the trip was sooo fantastic. Our 6 day ring road adventure could not have been such a great experience if not for Hodei. He was patient, caring, knowledgeable, great guide, excellent driver, and an all-round nice guy. Our group consisted of our 12, plus various others making a total tour size of 19. The van was comfortable and the itinerary was loaded. That was a good thing because we travelled over 2300 kilometers. Hodei added stops along the way which were not on the itinerary, including making a long trek to find us Puffins. I cannot say enough about this trip and our guide, Hodei. Both were awesome. Add this adventure to your bucket list, you will be glad you did.
7 Day Complete Iceland
Our guide Hodei was fantastic - he was really helpful and patient; and he also took us to all the new places, as well. The itinerary was well planned and we were able to cover most of the famous and s…Our guide Hodei was fantastic - he was really helpful and patient; and he also took us to all the new places, as well. The itinerary was well planned and we were able to cover most of the famous and scenic spots. The trip included everything I was expecting for and I am extremely glad that I joined it. Highly recommended!
K
Bad Tour, say 15 peoples max but end up 19 peoples put them all into one small mini bus for 8 days, my hand carry bag need to put on the dirty floor.
A
Troll Expeditions and our guide, Palli, set the standard for participatory touring around Iceland. We had a wonderful 8 day tour of important sights, and we were informed and entertained throughout t…Troll Expeditions and our guide, Palli, set the standard for participatory touring around Iceland. We had a wonderful 8 day tour of important sights, and we were informed and entertained throughout the time. The climb on the glacier and the whale watch boat were the highlights.
The activity I was most looking forward to--exploring the ice cave--did not happen. I assume this was due to weather, but the issue was never even raised. We saw a glacial moulin, which I feel like wa…The activity I was most looking forward to--exploring the ice cave--did not happen. I assume this was due to weather, but the issue was never even raised. We saw a glacial moulin, which I feel like was being passed off in place of the cave experience. Our guide and the rest of the tour exceeded expectations, so I don't want to complain. Still, I feel like there should have been some communication, as well as a refund regarding the missed excursion that was advertised. Ultimately, that is why we chose the tour that we did. As a whole, however, we had an amazing time.
M
The trip was well planned and it was a terrific experience.Lodging was very good.
3 Day - Iceland in a Nutshell (Iceland Bucket List)
Very good and interesting tours with a lot of variety. The tour guides were both friendly and knowledgeable and took an interest in their work doing their best to give useful information about the pla…Very good and interesting tours with a lot of variety. The tour guides were both friendly and knowledgeable and took an interest in their work doing their best to give useful information about the places visited. Highly recommended
P
Great tour! The guides were very informative.. plenty of time to see things...accommodation very good!
A
Had the most disgusting tour experience. Guide "Eagle" was a rude, condescending bully, who spoke constantly about hating tourists, the northern lights etc. Tour included a visit to a farm the was not…Had the most disgusting tour experience. Guide "Eagle" was a rude, condescending bully, who spoke constantly about hating tourists, the northern lights etc. Tour included a visit to a farm the was not in the itinerary and was awful. The sites were beautiful, but the service provided was anything but. GO ELSEWHERE FOR A TOUR IF THIS MAN IS YOUR GUIDE.
M
4 Day - Best of Iceland Package
Very well organized. Excellent, knowledgeable guides. Driving conditions were at times challenging and all did a terrific job to ensure safety and comfort. Iceland is a rugged, diverse, beautiful coun…Very well organized. Excellent, knowledgeable guides. Driving conditions were at times challenging and all did a terrific job to ensure safety and comfort. Iceland is a rugged, diverse, beautiful country and we felt that our 4 day excursion allowed us a good glimpse of the lifestyle and natural surroundings. We enjoyed the sense of humour and general positive attitudes of the fellows handling the snorkelling excursion. We will definitely return to Iceland and book a longer adventure trip package including accommodations to allow us to see more of this land of fire and ice, trolls and elves. Thank you! Max & Tam from Ontario, Canada
X
Wonderful tour, fabulous guide. We enjoyed it immensely.
K
Exceptional tour guide. Last day a little bit of a let down after 2 amazing days
J
Great overall tour - we saw some amazing locations around Iceland. Our guide Hodei was great, easy to get along with, and calmly kept us on track to see it all. Stunning locations in a lovely country.
R
The group size was small enough to keep it personal. The tour had a very large number of sites included in it compared to other similar packages. Hodei was an exceptional guide and driver. He helped g…The group size was small enough to keep it personal. The tour had a very large number of sites included in it compared to other similar packages. Hodei was an exceptional guide and driver. He helped guide us to additional sites when time allowed and guided us to great restaurant choices. I certainly recommend the small boat upgrade for whale watching, well worth it's price. The whole tour was awe inspiring. I can not wait to revisit. Once again Hodei was a great guide. Now for the not great part. The hotel in Dalvik was marginal. No television and no working in room internet. That said all hotels were neat and clean. The breakfasts were convenient but European style, a warm food option would help start the day. I feel that tours are always a compromise, that said there was little compromise, mostly reward.