Iceland is a small island country about the size of Kentucky that lies in the North Atlantic Ocean just below the Arctic Circle. Its size, location, and beautiful landscape make Iceland a popular choice for travelers interested in an adventure cruise.

Iceland contains a splendid array of scenery, a true wonderland for the eyes. One could expect to encounter (depending on where you went) lush rolling hills, glaciers valleys, vast desert like landscapes, steaming fields/springs and bubbling pools of mud.The country, in short, is geologically stupendous, with 780 hot springs, 22 active volcanoes and 250 geothermal areas.

The country has two distinct seasons. Peak tourist season is from June to August. From September onwards, facilities start closing down and transport diminishes, with snow cover already making some sections impassable. However, the advantages to traveling in the off season include empty tourist attractions, frozen waterfalls, and seeing the spectacular aurora borealis. Flights to Iceland are also notably cheaper.

Shopping in Iceland can be a fun and interesting experience full of unique products and merchandise, including handknit clothing, bath and beauty products, and foods.

Visitors to Iceland are able to receive VAT tax refunds on purchase of over 4000 Icelandic Kronur (ISK). With receipts from Icelandic shops, refunds can be attained from international airports or abroad, in either cash or credit card refund. Look for the tax free logo when shopping in Iceland.

Woolen products are everywhere in Iceland due to the large amount of sheep present in the country. World renowned for quality and warmth, Icelandic wool is tough enough to stave off the harsh winters in this northern country, located slightly below the Arctic Circle. Woolen articles of clothing are ideal in Iceland, especially outside of the summer months.

The most traditional of souvenirs is an Icelandic sweater, readily available at both high end shops and tourist gift shops. The Icelandic sweater or Lopapeysa is recognized by its yoke design. The yoke, or decorative collar lining the neck opening, comes in many colours, both traditional and more modern brightly coloured wool, especially found in children's sweaters.

Other common woolen items include hats, gloves, scarves, and socks which all make great Icelandic gifts. Hand knit wool products can be found virtually everywhere in Iceland.

Almost any season is a good time to plan an Iceland tour. Temperatures vary relatively little from summer to winter. In Reykjavik, the average July temperature is a cool 51° F, while the average January temperature is an only slightly chillier 31° F. Snow falls on the landscape about 100 days each year in the northwest, while the southeast sees only 40 days of snowfall.

Visitors from Western Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not need visas to travel to Iceland. Travel in Iceland is a little more expensive than European destinations.