Solstice Tours
Solstice Tours
5
Full view
About
Solstice Tours is your key to traveling in Iceland on your own terms, be it during the Winter, in the Summer – or at Solstice. Do you feel like being more flexible and going with the flow? We make the trip personal and to suit your interest. Do you want to see something more out of the ordinary? If a pre-organized package tour is not exactly what you're after, your option is having Solstice Tours design your own adventure
Similar Experiences
Travelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
281 reviews
Excellent
277
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2
WWTravelers
1 contribution
Feb 2020
Six of us did a Solstice Tours private charter from a Thursday afternoon airport pickup until a Sunday afternoon drop off. Jon Frosti did a fantastic job in all regards - prompt, knowledgeable of all the sightseeing highlights, history, culture, professional pictures of the group with northern lights, etc. and all in a large Mercedes Benz Sprinter that had WIFI and snacks. Jon made an extra effort to plan and use our time as efficently as possible. Everyone enjoyed his pleasant demeanor throughout the tour. This was the second tour with Jon for one of our group. Highly recommend.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy G
Ardsley, NY3 contributions
Aug 2022
My family and I just returned from a trip to Iceland. We used Solstice Tours, specifically Jon Frosti for 3 full days. He made our trip exceptional. He was knowledgeable and pleasant to be around all day, interacting but also respectful of family dynamics. We had a medical emergency that he responded to with the urgency and calmness that was necessary. He created an atmosphere of enrichment and fun. I would highly recommend him.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg B
Santa Fe, NM2 contributions
Aug 2021
We just finished a truly spectacular five-day tour of the southern coast and southeast of Iceland with Jon Frosti of Solstice Tours. Every aspect of the tour was extremely well planned and organized. We were able to thoroughly enjoy a tour seeing the best of the waterfalls, glaciers, ice caves, mountains, and volcanoes without worrying about a single thing. Our trip was really spectacular and truly a trip of a lifetime! Jon knows Iceland like the back of his hand, and we were delighted with all of the hotels and restaurants he recommended along the way. Jon drives a spacious custom-outfitted Mercedes SUV that was as comfortable as it was capable. Not only did Jon take us to the front door of every attraction, but he was also consistently thoughtful about dropping us off at the front door of every café and hotel we visited. Jon is personable and extremely knowledgeable. This is our second tour with Solstice Tours, and we wouldn’t go with any other guide.
Written August 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzie B
Soquel, United States7 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
This was the best tour in Reykjavik. Jon was so kind, knowledgeable, and flexible! We hired Jon for 2 days and saw so much plus areas that were certainly a surprise! 100% the best tour guide!! Thank you Jon. Such a great experience!!
Written September 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NI_TravelAddict
1 contribution
Jan 2014 • Couples
Having read the great reviews for solstice tours we requested a tour 2 months ahead of our planned trip to iceland. At first we received a confirmation of our trip and then we had a tentative email saying that as we were a party of 2 they would see if we could share the trip with 1 or 2 other couples. Nearer the time I tried to get confirmation several times via email (had a reasonably quick response to initial request). 5 days before the trip I sent a straightforward email just asking for confirmation one way or the other. Then I finally rang the day before to be told that would not be accommodating as they were fully booked!! I mentioned that a simple response to my emails requestng confirmation would have been helpful and was told they had been "too busy". Frankly this is lousey customer service and if you are a party of 2 I suggest you look else where.
Written March 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
04Kelly
St. Petersburg, FL15 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
We all agreed on this trip that Iceland is a place not to miss if you want to see the true beauties of nature.
Now if you want to see the real Iceland, take a ride in Jon Frosti's luxury mini bus made for a max of 12 passengers. We booked Jon for a private trip overnight and a single day trip for our group of 6 adults, 2 in their mid 50's and 4 in the 23-30 yrs old range. If you look at the pricing for some of the big bus tours you will see Jon is quite competitive and you will see so much more! You won't regret going with the personalized tours Jon offers.
We asked for some easy hiking, and we got much more! To start off, Jon picked us up promptly at our hotel in Reykjavik. We took the Golden Circle route then continued on to The South Shore then Jokulsarlon. We stopped at a number of gorgeous waterfalls, each unique and beautiful. Some we could do a small amount of hiking up to see up and get some fabulous shots. The Golden Circle was great and a day trip most visitors do. Iceland is so much more than the Golden Circle though and you will see what I mean once you head out away from the city. We stayed overnight in Hali, right by the glacier lagoon. We were able to stop on the way in to the hotel to catch some fabulous photos with the sun starting to go down. Hali is a great spot for a stay. The hotel was comfortable and delicious comfort food.
Jon was able to change our schedule around a bit the next day and helped us arrange a glacier hike. That was not to be missed! Definitely up there with my favorites of the trip! We were all alone with our guide in this amazing scenery. The ice takes on beautiful colors of blues and grays. It was an easy hike on the glacier.
After the hike, we bought tickets for the boat ride in the glacier lagoon, where we could see these beautiful ice sculptures up close and hear about how the glaciers are receding. Book your trip soon!
We walked afterwards to Diamond Beach, where the glaciers head out to the open ocean, break up and end up as chunks on the black sand. Lovely!
We took a drive to the Black Sand Beach, a not to miss site. I thought I had seen a black sand beach with diamond beach, but there is no comparison. The rock formations are stunning, as well as the beauty of the beach. As an added bonus, we saw puffins!! It was late in the season for them. We think it was the young ones trying out their wings before heading into the open ocean.
Waterfalls were in many locations, 10000 on the island! We never got tired of seeing a new waterfall. Some had lush greenery and others were in the rock formations and lava landscape.
On a separate day trip, we drove to Langmannulaugar. We stopped at the Geothermal Plant outside of the city on the way out. Very interesting and worth seeing. We drove behind Mt. Hekla so we got a good view of this volcanic mountain and the surrounding lava fields. We were always amazed at how high the sheep could climb up the mountain side!
We saw the most amazing lava fields with moss growing on the rocks. The plants were thick and cushiony. It was just surreal. This was a favorite spot for two of our group.
We stopped along the way and took a visit with some Icelandic Ponies. Very cool!
Again we saw some amazing landscape, that you won't see anywhere else.
We hiked in the highlands of Landmannalaugar. It was an easy hike for most. The vistas from the top were breathtaking. Many fissures in the rocks where steam was escaping.
On the way back to the city, a favorite stop was at a secret oasis. A lush green space in the middle of harsh rocky landscape. There were photographers there capturing the natural beauty of the area the best they could.
I think I gave you an overview of our trips with Jon but I couldn't possibly cover it all. It's a trip we won't soon forget!
Now if you want to see the real Iceland, take a ride in Jon Frosti's luxury mini bus made for a max of 12 passengers. We booked Jon for a private trip overnight and a single day trip for our group of 6 adults, 2 in their mid 50's and 4 in the 23-30 yrs old range. If you look at the pricing for some of the big bus tours you will see Jon is quite competitive and you will see so much more! You won't regret going with the personalized tours Jon offers.
We asked for some easy hiking, and we got much more! To start off, Jon picked us up promptly at our hotel in Reykjavik. We took the Golden Circle route then continued on to The South Shore then Jokulsarlon. We stopped at a number of gorgeous waterfalls, each unique and beautiful. Some we could do a small amount of hiking up to see up and get some fabulous shots. The Golden Circle was great and a day trip most visitors do. Iceland is so much more than the Golden Circle though and you will see what I mean once you head out away from the city. We stayed overnight in Hali, right by the glacier lagoon. We were able to stop on the way in to the hotel to catch some fabulous photos with the sun starting to go down. Hali is a great spot for a stay. The hotel was comfortable and delicious comfort food.
Jon was able to change our schedule around a bit the next day and helped us arrange a glacier hike. That was not to be missed! Definitely up there with my favorites of the trip! We were all alone with our guide in this amazing scenery. The ice takes on beautiful colors of blues and grays. It was an easy hike on the glacier.
After the hike, we bought tickets for the boat ride in the glacier lagoon, where we could see these beautiful ice sculptures up close and hear about how the glaciers are receding. Book your trip soon!
We walked afterwards to Diamond Beach, where the glaciers head out to the open ocean, break up and end up as chunks on the black sand. Lovely!
We took a drive to the Black Sand Beach, a not to miss site. I thought I had seen a black sand beach with diamond beach, but there is no comparison. The rock formations are stunning, as well as the beauty of the beach. As an added bonus, we saw puffins!! It was late in the season for them. We think it was the young ones trying out their wings before heading into the open ocean.
Waterfalls were in many locations, 10000 on the island! We never got tired of seeing a new waterfall. Some had lush greenery and others were in the rock formations and lava landscape.
On a separate day trip, we drove to Langmannulaugar. We stopped at the Geothermal Plant outside of the city on the way out. Very interesting and worth seeing. We drove behind Mt. Hekla so we got a good view of this volcanic mountain and the surrounding lava fields. We were always amazed at how high the sheep could climb up the mountain side!
We saw the most amazing lava fields with moss growing on the rocks. The plants were thick and cushiony. It was just surreal. This was a favorite spot for two of our group.
We stopped along the way and took a visit with some Icelandic Ponies. Very cool!
Again we saw some amazing landscape, that you won't see anywhere else.
We hiked in the highlands of Landmannalaugar. It was an easy hike for most. The vistas from the top were breathtaking. Many fissures in the rocks where steam was escaping.
On the way back to the city, a favorite stop was at a secret oasis. A lush green space in the middle of harsh rocky landscape. There were photographers there capturing the natural beauty of the area the best they could.
I think I gave you an overview of our trips with Jon but I couldn't possibly cover it all. It's a trip we won't soon forget!
Written September 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
goddess2230
Pennsylvania273 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
After reading so many positive reviews, we knew this was the choice for us. We booked both the Golden Circle and the Aurora northern lights tours. After a hiccup in our flight arrival that morning, Jon was more than gracious enough to pick us up as his last stop in the morning so we were able to make the tour.
The smaller tour with Jon was so much better than being on a large coach bus. There were about 8 of us in the van and it was just perfect. We got to walk the perimeter of a crater, see the geysirs erupt, visit a geothermal power plant, see 3 stunning waterfalls, and visit the national park. He even had spikes for our shoes so we could walk around easily on the ice. Being a small group, we also had the experience of visiting a greenhouse for tomatoes and stopping by a farm for fresh made ice cream.
Jon was so knowledgeable on everything relating to the history of Iceland and knew all the best spots to visit. He would even give us tips at each stop so we didn't miss any hidden gems. He dropped us off a little after 5 and returned around 9 to chase the northern lights.
The ability to see the northern lights was one of the main reasons we came to Iceland, and it did not disappoint. We were lucky enough to have a high activity night and once the activity began, it was incredible. Just enough breaks in the clouds allowed for amazing views and seeing them ripple through the sky was a once in a lifetime experience. Once they would disappear, we would hop back into the van and chase it around the island. At one point, Jon even had hot cocoa to warm us up. Best of all, he emailed us a dropbox link to enjoy his photos and so we could grab pics with ourselves in them.
This tour was top notch and worth every penny. Jon is a fantastic guide who is full of knowledge and makes the experience truly special for everyone. I would highly recommend taking a tour with him and experience Iceland and it's beauty. We hope to return during the summer, and Jon's other tours will be top of our list.
The smaller tour with Jon was so much better than being on a large coach bus. There were about 8 of us in the van and it was just perfect. We got to walk the perimeter of a crater, see the geysirs erupt, visit a geothermal power plant, see 3 stunning waterfalls, and visit the national park. He even had spikes for our shoes so we could walk around easily on the ice. Being a small group, we also had the experience of visiting a greenhouse for tomatoes and stopping by a farm for fresh made ice cream.
Jon was so knowledgeable on everything relating to the history of Iceland and knew all the best spots to visit. He would even give us tips at each stop so we didn't miss any hidden gems. He dropped us off a little after 5 and returned around 9 to chase the northern lights.
The ability to see the northern lights was one of the main reasons we came to Iceland, and it did not disappoint. We were lucky enough to have a high activity night and once the activity began, it was incredible. Just enough breaks in the clouds allowed for amazing views and seeing them ripple through the sky was a once in a lifetime experience. Once they would disappear, we would hop back into the van and chase it around the island. At one point, Jon even had hot cocoa to warm us up. Best of all, he emailed us a dropbox link to enjoy his photos and so we could grab pics with ourselves in them.
This tour was top notch and worth every penny. Jon is a fantastic guide who is full of knowledge and makes the experience truly special for everyone. I would highly recommend taking a tour with him and experience Iceland and it's beauty. We hope to return during the summer, and Jon's other tours will be top of our list.
Written March 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globetrotter752
Melbourne, Australia97 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
Before I give you my opinion on Jon and his legendary Solstice Tours, you're best knowing the amount of research that went into finding this company. I read almost every review for every company in Iceland, and then I realised, Iceland's tourism scene is driven by either large bus companies with herds of people or super-exepensive private Jeep tours that are no doubt brilliant, but are those hotted wheels and chrome handles all the necessary?
And then I found Jon. He offers two solutions - you either join his very reasonably priced small group day tours (with a maximum of 10 tourist) or you rent his whole service and tailor a solution to meet your needs. As a first timer to Iceland, I was most keen on the more common sights so decided to join a small group tour of the Golden Circle and the South Shore. Both tours were done in 1 day and to our advantage, we only had 1 other group on our first tour and then the second tour we had Jon all to ourselves!
When we're hiring a guide, we all expect to tea up with someone knowledgeable and enjoyable, but with Jon, he takes this service to a whole new level. On our second last day, we had previously been unlucky with aurora visibility, but Jon knew how desperate we were to share a glimpse of that emerald sky, so one evening he picked us up from the blue lagoon (at no extra cost!) and he kept driving until we were lucky enough to see rays of green shine through the clouds! Jon didn't have to go that extra mile, so I'm very confident that he will be the highlight to your stay. Jon's tours are world class. I will definitely be back.
Chad, Jena & Sonia
And then I found Jon. He offers two solutions - you either join his very reasonably priced small group day tours (with a maximum of 10 tourist) or you rent his whole service and tailor a solution to meet your needs. As a first timer to Iceland, I was most keen on the more common sights so decided to join a small group tour of the Golden Circle and the South Shore. Both tours were done in 1 day and to our advantage, we only had 1 other group on our first tour and then the second tour we had Jon all to ourselves!
When we're hiring a guide, we all expect to tea up with someone knowledgeable and enjoyable, but with Jon, he takes this service to a whole new level. On our second last day, we had previously been unlucky with aurora visibility, but Jon knew how desperate we were to share a glimpse of that emerald sky, so one evening he picked us up from the blue lagoon (at no extra cost!) and he kept driving until we were lucky enough to see rays of green shine through the clouds! Jon didn't have to go that extra mile, so I'm very confident that he will be the highlight to your stay. Jon's tours are world class. I will definitely be back.
Chad, Jena & Sonia
Written January 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
6ocicats
Maryland55 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
I first contacted Jon at Solstice Tours on 17 March 2012 to set up two days of tours for September 2012. In my first email I clearly stated we wanted airport transfers on 10 and 13 Sept and tours on 11 and 12 Sept. Jon first confirmed airport pick up on 11 Sept, and tours on 12 and 13 Sept, but could not confirm the return to the airport.
After eventually getting the dates correct, on 29 March Jon confirmed pick up on the 10th, tours on the 11th and 12th.
On 15 June I again contacted Jon to request a change in one of our tours. When he responded on 19 June he stated he would be able to do airport transfers on 10 and 13 Sept, and tours on 11 and 12 Sept.
On 17 Aug I emailed Jon to reconfirm our arrangements. He informed me that he would only be able to pick us up at the airport and do a tour on the 11th. He was unavailable for the 12th and 13th. This was the first time I had heard from Jon that he was changing our previously-agreed schedule. After I expressed my surprise at the change in plans, Jon said he had cancelled our less expensive tour in favor of a more expensive private tour for another group.
I responded that, if we had known there was an issue, we would have changed to a private tour. Jon answered that if we were willing to pay the private guide price that he would stick with the original plan and find someone else to do the replacement tour for the other people. He also said he was available on the 13th to take us to the airport.
At that point I cancelled all our arrangements with Jon and booked with another, more reliable, private guide who does not cherry pick his clients nor change arrangements without first informing his clients.
After eventually getting the dates correct, on 29 March Jon confirmed pick up on the 10th, tours on the 11th and 12th.
On 15 June I again contacted Jon to request a change in one of our tours. When he responded on 19 June he stated he would be able to do airport transfers on 10 and 13 Sept, and tours on 11 and 12 Sept.
On 17 Aug I emailed Jon to reconfirm our arrangements. He informed me that he would only be able to pick us up at the airport and do a tour on the 11th. He was unavailable for the 12th and 13th. This was the first time I had heard from Jon that he was changing our previously-agreed schedule. After I expressed my surprise at the change in plans, Jon said he had cancelled our less expensive tour in favor of a more expensive private tour for another group.
I responded that, if we had known there was an issue, we would have changed to a private tour. Jon answered that if we were willing to pay the private guide price that he would stick with the original plan and find someone else to do the replacement tour for the other people. He also said he was available on the 13th to take us to the airport.
At that point I cancelled all our arrangements with Jon and booked with another, more reliable, private guide who does not cherry pick his clients nor change arrangements without first informing his clients.
Written September 24, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Trip Advisor reader
This is really a much simpler incident than the client describes. There was a double booking that day and we contacted the client to tell her that. We apologized and offered to redirect her booking to another tour operator. The client, however, did not give us any room to do that. Again, we apologize for the double booking - we are a small company and our biggest asset is our name and good reputation.
Sincerely
Jon Frosti
Written October 18, 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DLKNYC
New York City, NY10 contributions
Aug 2015
We spent four days with Jon. He was a joy to be with. Very informative. He is obviously still very excited and enthusiastic about everything Iceland. He took us to great places we would have never gone to on our own. I can't imagine having a better experience with a guide. Put yourself in his hands and you will have a wonderful Icelandic experience.
Written August 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H9327FVchristines
Waterloo, Canada
Hi Jon
My son Sam and I came and toured with you about 7 years ago in late August for 3 days. We met your artist friend Ari (not sure of spelling but you told us it meant "Fire") thank you for creating the memorable 3 day tour for us. He was just 15 and will never forget it. We are thinking to come again in 2018. We would like to look at the best travel time and we'd like to contact Ari too if possible. Ideas?
Written November 8, 2017
Will be in Reykjavik 11/2 and 11/3 would like to do a Golden Circle tour combined with a Northern Lights tour. Is? that possible
Written October 15, 2017
I will be in Reykjavik Nov 28 for several days. I want to see the northern lights, blue lagoon, and city tour. I am a travel agent. Please advise. Thank you.
Written October 14, 2016
Hi, there! My fiance and I are visiting Reykjavik for a couple of days around November 20th, 2016. We are looking for a private tour guide to show us, and take us, to the stunning sights, and ideally take our engagement pictures. I am a photographer, so I have the equipment and knowledge, we just need someone to snap the pictures! Any suggestions?
Written October 1, 2016
jillandjohn2016
Denver, Colorado
Jon - how do we get in touch with you about booking a tour? You come highly recommended.
Written August 1, 2016
You can email us info@solstice.is and our website is: solstice.is
Written August 2, 2016
alj984
Newcastle, Australia
Possible to see northern light from 23 - 29sept ?. Also how do u book the tour as there is no option to book any tour on the website
Written April 13, 2016
Sandy G
Edmonton, Canada
What is the best tour for 4 people who have a one day stop over in Reykjavik beginning of September?
Written June 14, 2015
Gostaria de programar um passeio como Jon, Goldn Circle tour ,enviarei o meu hotel ,irei em abril-2015
Written March 16, 2015
Hi Vera
I do not speak Portuguese
Best would be to email: info@solstice to schedule a tour
Kind regards
Jon Frosti
Written March 23, 2015
Please could you advise if you have hair dryers in the apartments or are you able to borrow from reception
Written January 30, 2015
We were looking to come to Iceland beginning of September and be there for 9 days. Wondering what the cost would be in dollars to get a good taste of all the beautiful sights. We are in our late 60's but in good shape. We look for spectacular scenery and not museums or city life. Does your company put together a trip and can we tell you our must sees?
Written January 24, 2015
Hi zooyLonglsland
Sorry for the late reply - This is the first time I get a question here through TripAdvisor
Yes I do customized private tours for many days as you are asking about - We are now fully booked from September 7th to 10th so if you are asking for continuous 9 days it would have to be after the 10th
Price per day as a private guide for up to 4 persons is 100.000 ISK
Best if we are to continue with this is to go through email
info@solstice.is
Hopefully this can work for us
Kind regards
Jon Frosti
Written February 5, 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 10