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Emanuela Grieco

I am an Italian Travel Designer mostly based in Iceland.
Traveling has been my passion since I was young, being always fascinated by other cultures and people.
In 2005, after living and studying in Norway and Denmark, I got my degree in Scandinavian languages and cultures at the university in Rome and began to travel the world. I never stopped since then.
So far, I have been traveling for 20 years across more than 100 countries and lived in 12 different ones. And counting....
In 2016, after an unforgettable summer spent in Kulusuk, East Greenland, I went back to Italy to get a new degree as a Travel Designer in order to make my love for traveling becoming my job. So now here I am, on this amazing new adventure called Arctic Travel Designer, where I can finally help people making their Arctic dream becoming true.

In 2021 I published my first book: "The tiny book of traveling with an open heart.
A travel checklist, a mindful travel guide and a travel diary, all at one!".

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialise in customised experiential holidays across Iceland and Greenland. Having lived in both countries allows me to have a deeper insight about places and activities not to miss when visiting these stunning countries."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I am a globetrotter at heart, who loves slower paced travels, experiencing and taking my time to get absorbed by new cultures and people.
I mostly travel alone. My first solo trip was in 2003 when I discovered the beauty of exploring and discovering the world and simply never managed to stop since then. Traveling for me is not only a life style but it is my life in general. I simply can´t stay still in one place...and who would, when there is the entire world to be discovered out there?"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"My most beautiful travel experience has been being part of "Viking Across Africa", the first overland expedition ever to go from Iceland to South Africa.
Back in 2013, together with other 16 adventurers, I traveled for seven months across 23 countries, for 22000 miles, on an old war truck, experiencing some of the most remote places and people in the world. The experience of a lifetime!"

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Emanuela

We had an excellent trip planned by Emanuela....
Iceland | Jul 4 - Jul 15, 2026

M
Manoj G.
Springfield, IL | Reviewed on Aug 28, 2026

We had an excellent trip planned by Emanuela. She was very accessible and responsive and took into account our needs and our young children’s ages in her planning. We had a great time in Iceland!

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Sep 07, 2026
Hi Manoj,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! It was a real pleasure helping you plan your Iceland adventure. ❤️
I’m especially happy to hear that the itinerary worked well for your family. Traveling with young children always requires a little extra thought, and I really enjoyed taking their ages, needs, and interests into consideration when putting your trip together.
Thank you also for your kind words about my responsiveness and accessibility. I truly believe that good communication...
Read more

Hi Manoj,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! It was a real pleasure helping you plan your Iceland adventure. ❤️
I’m especially happy to hear that the itinerary worked well for your family. Traveling with young children always requires a little extra thought, and I really enjoyed taking their ages, needs, and interests into consideration when putting your trip together.
Thank you also for your kind words about my responsiveness and accessibility. I truly believe that good communication is an important part of creating a stress-free and enjoyable trip.
I’m so glad you had a great time in Iceland, and I hope you’ll return one day to discover even more of this beautiful country! 🇮🇸

Emanuela

Emanuela provided us with an amazing trip iti...
Iceland | Aug 17 - Aug 24, 2026

M
Maren R.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Aug 27, 2026

Emanuela provided us with an amazing trip itinerary. I was not the easiest client to work with and asked lots of questions and did a lot of revisions and she was patient and did a great job accommodating our wants. I cannot recommend her services enough

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Sep 07, 2026
Hi Maren,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was truly a pleasure working with you and helping bring your Iceland trip together. 😊
I know we went through quite a few questions and revisions, but that’s exactly what tailor-made travel is all about — making sure the itinerary feels right for you and reflects what you really want to experience. I’m so happy we were able to create a trip you were excited about, and I really appreciate your trust and patience throughout the planning... Read more

Hi Maren,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was truly a pleasure working with you and helping bring your Iceland trip together. 😊

I know we went through quite a few questions and revisions, but that’s exactly what tailor-made travel is all about — making sure the itinerary feels right for you and reflects what you really want to experience. I’m so happy we were able to create a trip you were excited about, and I really appreciate your trust and patience throughout the planning process.

Thank you again for your kind words and for recommending my services. It means a lot to me!

I hope Iceland gave you many unforgettable memories, and I’d be delighted to help you plan another adventure someday. 🇮🇸❤️

Emanuela

Amazing 5 day trip to Iceland
Iceland | Aug 10 - Aug 15, 2026

P
Patricia O.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Aug 24, 2026

Emanuela created an excellent itinerary for our 6 days in Iceland. We had an amazing private guide who drove us to all of the sights in Iceland. We felt that we had a great deal of flexibility with our schedule. I would highly recommend Emanuela!

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 26, 2026

Hi Patricia,
it is great to hear that you and Ian had a lovely time in Iceland and you were one of the lucky ones who managed to see the eclipse in the westfjrods. Glad we found the best private driver in iceland for that!
Thank yyouo for yuor lovely words. I am so happy to read you had a great time with yuor son!
All the best,
Emanuela

Kim Kim did an excellent job!
Iceland | Aug 3 - Aug 14, 2026

Susan
Susan Y.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Aug 17, 2026
Our trip to Iceland was great. Emanuela was only a message away at anytime and we felt very supported throughout the trip. Read more

Our trip to Iceland was great. Emanuela was only a message away at anytime and we felt very supported throughout the trip.

Hotel Review
Blue Hotel Fagrilundur
Bláskógabyggd
Authenticity & Character
Location
It was so quiet and relaxing.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Silfra Snorkeling Adventure
Silfra Snorkeling Adventure
Golden Circle

This is so much fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Zodiac Boat
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Zodiac Boat
Iceland

We had a great guide and enjoyed this a great deal!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 26, 2026

Dear Susan,
I am so glad to ehar that yo had a wonderful time in Iceland.
It was easy and pleasant to stay in touch with you while you were traveling and to know you were busy enjoying Iceland.
Thank you for your heartwarming review.
I hope to have you back here again one day, there is still so much more to see!

Emanuela

Iceland is a treasure! Great scenery, great p...
Iceland | Aug 1 - Aug 9, 2026

C
Carolyn G.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 11, 2026
Iceland is a treasure! Great scenery, great people, very clean landscapes, bathrooms and superb water. We loved everything scheduled that we tried and couldn’t pick a favorite. As it was peak season we were delayed at customs . Our other setbacks were some unpaved roads and working with the internet/carplay. Still we saw amazing glaciers, lava flows, geysers, thermal hot springs, waterfalls, a lava cave, hiked around a volcanic crater and learned about geologic processes and Iceland’s... Read more

Iceland is a treasure! Great scenery, great people, very clean landscapes, bathrooms and superb water. We loved everything scheduled that we tried and couldn’t pick a favorite. As it was peak season we were delayed at customs . Our other setbacks were some unpaved roads and working with the internet/carplay. Still we saw amazing glaciers, lava flows, geysers, thermal hot springs, waterfalls, a lava cave, hiked around a volcanic crater and learned about geologic processes and Iceland’s history in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The food and hotels were above average. We recommend our tour guide Emanuela for your itinerary.

Activity Reviews
At the feet of the Vatnajokull glacier
At the feet of the Vatnajokull glacier
Vík

We enjoyed seeing quite a few glaciers as the clouds had lifted enough.

Quality of Experience
Food
My husband liked his cinnamon roll and I liked my gluten free vegan chocolate cake.
West Iceland
West Iceland
Borgarnes

Great waterfalls

Quality of Experience
Explore Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Boat
Explore Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Boat
Iceland

A bit chilly despite gear provided but worth it to hear and see the glacier and icebergs.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pics taken from the zodiac by guide
Transport
Lava Show Vík
Lava Show Vík
Vík

Surprising and informative

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon
Reykjavík

Our first spa experience in 80 years and we felt so lucky and relaxed.

Quality of Experience
Outstanding facility and location
A Day at the Westmann islands
A Day at the Westmann islands
Iceland

Loved seeing the puffins from excellent viewing platforms.

Quality of Experience
Food
Gluten free options
Explore the South Coast
Explore the South Coast
Iceland

Despite rain we still had fun.

Quality of Experience
Food
Reykjavík Puffin Watching
Reykjavík Puffin Watching
Reykjavík
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Geothermal Bakery Experience
Geothermal Bakery Experience
Golden Circle
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Back to the mainland
Back to the mainland
Westman Islands

People were helpful when conditions were slippery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Good ferry service.
Transport
Depart Iceland
Depart Iceland
Iceland

The kiosk at United Airlines wasn’t working to print the luggage strips so we and many other passengers had to wait in the main line even though we had checked luggage online.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Drive back  and more of the South Coast
Drive back and more of the South Coast
Iceland

Enjoyed the promontory and more puffin and bird watching.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Not applicable
Transport
Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 14, 2026

Hi Carolyn,
Thank you for your heartfelt words. I am so happy that you enjoyed Iceland and the trip that we created together on such short notice.
Thank you for the full trust!
Emanuela

Iceland Flawless Planning, Incredible Memories
Iceland | Jun 16 - Jun 30, 2026

jennifer
jennifer m.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jul 06, 2026
The entire trip plan was designed beautifully. The driving time was constructed allowing me time to travel the entire Ring Road and the West Fjords yet it allowed me enough time to not just stop and see the sights but to participate in activities and to hike a great deal which was an important desire of mine. During the trip two scheduling conflicts occurred one totally my mistake and the other was an activity booking error. The Kim Kim team responded quickly and both issues were resolved... Read more

The entire trip plan was designed beautifully. The driving time was constructed allowing me time to travel the entire Ring Road and the West Fjords yet it allowed me enough time to not just stop and see the sights but to participate in activities and to hike a great deal which was an important desire of mine. During the trip two scheduling conflicts occurred one totally my mistake and the other was an activity booking error. The Kim Kim team responded quickly and both issues were resolved with a quick and positive outcome. Highlights of the trip included the Bike and Bath tour at Lake Myvatn, my bike guide Ragner provided an a fun and informative tour. The Zodiac Boat tour at the Jokulsarlon Glacier was a surprise highlight. Two unexpected pleasant stops were my stay at the very small village Drangsnes at the Malarhorn Guest House ( such friendly hostess) and maybe my favorite stay was the village of Seydisfjordur. I would have stayed an extra night had time allowed. The village was stunning and hiking was excellent. Spending my last night at the Sky Lagoon was a perfect wrap up for the trip. Overall the entire trip was a highlight for me, the waterfalls are each so unique and amazing and the geographical differences throughout the country are hard to describe, you just have to see it.

Hotel Review
Hótel Egilsen
Stykkishólmur

The hotel was quaint and historic

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Marta
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed was sooo comfortable. I was in a single room and it was a bit tight I was told to expect this so no surprise.
Activity Review
Around and about Isafjordur
Around and about Isafjordur
Ísafjörður

Kayaking the Fjord was beautiful. The wind thankfully calmed for the day but I would not want to kayak on a windy day. The company that provided the kayak tour also does Gravel and mountain bike tours, I did not have time to add this on but I saw groups out on the tours and it looked like fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Will was a fun kayak tour nice and he was very knowledgeable.
Transport
Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 14, 2026
Hi dear Jennifer,
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review. It was such a pleasure staying in touch with you before and throughout your trip, and I absolutely loved receiving your daily updates about all the wonderful adventures you were experiencing.
I am so happy to hear that you loved Iceland and enjoyed every moment of your journey, and that everything went smoothly overall. Thank you as well for being so flexible and understanding when the ferry was canceled. Your positive... Read more

Hi dear Jennifer,
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review. It was such a pleasure staying in touch with you before and throughout your trip, and I absolutely loved receiving your daily updates about all the wonderful adventures you were experiencing.

I am so happy to hear that you loved Iceland and enjoyed every moment of your journey, and that everything went smoothly overall.

Thank you as well for being so flexible and understanding when the ferry was canceled. Your positive attitude made it much easier to adapt the itinerary, and I'm delighted that everything still worked out so well.

It was truly a pleasure helping you plan this special trip, and I hope the memories you made in Iceland will stay with you for a lifetime. I would be delighted to help you again whenever you're ready for your next Arctic adventure!
Warmest wishes,
Emanuela

Emanuela could not have planned a better trip...
Greenland | Jun 16 - Jun 25, 2026

Leslie
Leslie H.
New Orleans, LA, USA | Reviewed on Jul 01, 2026
Emanuela could not have planned a better trip for us. From whale watching, to a coveted kaffemik, to sleeping in front of a glacier, and our fishing expedition - every single day of this trip was better than the one before. I cannot sing the praises enough of her planning this whole thing. Listening to other people while traveling, I realized we were really doing it all, and others were missing out! Read more

Emanuela could not have planned a better trip for us. From whale watching, to a coveted kaffemik, to sleeping in front of a glacier, and our fishing expedition - every single day of this trip was better than the one before. I cannot sing the praises enough of her planning this whole thing. Listening to other people while traveling, I realized we were really doing it all, and others were missing out!

Activity Review
The majestic Nuuk fjord and fish and eat at Qoqquut
The majestic Nuuk fjord and fish and eat at Qoqquut
Nuuk

This was an absolutely phenomenal experience! I caught cod and red fish. We watched them clean and filet our fish, then had an incredible fine-dining-esque meal! 10/10- do this!

Quality of Experience
the food!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 03, 2026
Hi Leslie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review about your Greenland trip and for sharing those wonderful pictures. It truly means a lot to me.
It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan this adventure, and I am so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful experience. Greenland is such a unique and breathtaking destination, and knowing that you enjoyed it makes all the effort worthwhile.
I hope the memories of Greenland stay with you for a lifetime, and I... Read more

Hi Leslie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review about your Greenland trip and for sharing those wonderful pictures. It truly means a lot to me.
It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan this adventure, and I am so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful experience. Greenland is such a unique and breathtaking destination, and knowing that you enjoyed it makes all the effort worthwhile.

I hope the memories of Greenland stay with you for a lifetime, and I would be delighted to help you plan another unforgettable adventure whenever you're ready.
Wishing you all the very best, and I hope to hear from you again in the future!
Warm regards,
Emanuela

AMAZING trip to Iceland thanks to Emanuela!
Iceland | Jun 14 - Jun 20, 2026

A
Alan S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2026
My extended family just returned from a 7-day trip to Iceland that was organized by Emanuela Grieco at Arctic Travel Designer (through KimKim). We had a FANTASTIC time. I can't speak highly enough about Emanuela and her incredible work putting together our itinerary. She is awesome! We were a group of 10 people ranging from ages 13 to 80, so it wasn't easy finding the right mix of things to do and the right pace to do them at. But Emanuela handled it all while answering our endless... Read more

My extended family just returned from a 7-day trip to Iceland that was organized by Emanuela Grieco at Arctic Travel Designer (through KimKim). We had a FANTASTIC time. I can't speak highly enough about Emanuela and her incredible work putting together our itinerary. She is awesome!

We were a group of 10 people ranging from ages 13 to 80, so it wasn't easy finding the right mix of things to do and the right pace to do them at. But Emanuela handled it all while answering our endless questions with incredible patience and great insight. Among other things, we had a fantastic food tour in Reykjavik, a wonderful trip through the Golden Circle sights along the south coast, and an incredible trip to Sky Lagoon. We especially loved snowmobiling on a glacier and going on a Zodiac boat tour at Glacier Lagoon.

If you are thinking about traveling to Iceland, get in touch with Emanuela. She is a total gem and will not steer you wrong. (She hooked us up with Siggy at Iceland Everywhere Tours to take our family around via luxury bus for the week. I'd highly recommend him as well. You can find him at www.icelandeverywhere.is.)

Thank you, Emanuela!

Alan S.
Washington, D.C.

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 03, 2026
Dear Alan,
Thank you so much for your heartwarming words.
We worked hard to make your trip a success, so it is incredibly rewarding to hear that it exceeded your expectations. I am delighted that you and your family had such a memorable time in Iceland and that you enjoyed all the glacier adventures we had planned for you. I am especially happy that you decided not to cancel the snowmobile tour in the end, and that it turned out to be one of the highlights of your trip! Those are exactly... Read more

Dear Alan,
Thank you so much for your heartwarming words.

We worked hard to make your trip a success, so it is incredibly rewarding to hear that it exceeded your expectations. I am delighted that you and your family had such a memorable time in Iceland and that you enjoyed all the glacier adventures we had planned for you.

I am especially happy that you decided not to cancel the snowmobile tour in the end, and that it turned out to be one of the highlights of your trip! Those are exactly the kinds of experiences that make an Iceland adventure so special.

I will be sure to pass your kind regards on to Siggi—he will be thrilled to hear your feedback. I know he thoroughly enjoyed showing you around and sharing his beautiful country with you.

Thank you once again for choosing us to plan your Iceland adventure and for taking the time to share your experience. It was a true pleasure helping you create these memories.

If you ever decide to return to Iceland—or even Grenland—I would be delighted to help you plan your next journey.
Wishing you and your family all the very best, and I hope our paths cross again in the future.
Warm regards,
Emanuela

6 day adventure of southern Iceland
Iceland | Jun 11 - Jun 16, 2026

Stephanie
Stephanie Z.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jun 17, 2026

The 1 day trip to Golden circle was a great experience. It was worth viking experience and guide was Greter. It was only 3 of us and intimate and informational.
The 2 day South coast was very long driving in the van. I don’t think there is any other way to have done it tho.
Overall the suggestions of what to see and do were spot on. Thank you Emanuela for planning a wonderful adult mama/daughter bonding

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 03, 2026
Dear Stephanie,
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, your kind review, and for sharing that beautiful photo of you and Lauren enjoying Vík. It brought a big smile to my face!
It was truly a pleasure staying in touch with you throughout your journey, and I am so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful time in Iceland. I hope this was just the first of many visits, as there is still so much more of this incredible country waiting to be discovered. Thank you again for trusting me to... Read more

Dear Stephanie,
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, your kind review, and for sharing that beautiful photo of you and Lauren enjoying Vík. It brought a big smile to my face!

It was truly a pleasure staying in touch with you throughout your journey, and I am so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful time in Iceland. I hope this was just the first of many visits, as there is still so much more of this incredible country waiting to be discovered.

Thank you again for trusting me to help plan your adventure. It was a real pleasure being part of your Iceland experience, and I would love to welcome you both back one day.

A big hug to both of you, and I hope to hear from you again soon!
Warmest regards,
Emanuela

Great experience in Iceland
Iceland | May 19 - May 28, 2026

B
Brian T.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Jun 04, 2026
Emanuela was absolutely fantastic. She listed to our wants and was able to create a great trip. Even while in Iceland she checked in to make sure everything was going well. Read more

Emanuela was absolutely fantastic. She listed to our wants and was able to create a great trip. Even while in Iceland she checked in to make sure everything was going well.

Activity Reviews
Inside the Volcano (Meet On Location)
Inside the Volcano (Meet On Location)
Iceland

Fantastic experience, very unique opportunity to go 450 feet below the surface. And they finished the trip off with a great bowl of lamb stew. The guides were very entertaining and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Whale Watching RIB Boat
Whale Watching RIB Boat
Iceland

We got really lucky and saw three humpback whale. They were up close only 30 feet away at most

Hvamsvik Lagoon
Hvamsvik Lagoon
Iceland

This was simply amazing, 100% recommended it to anyone looking for something just perfect

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Sep 15, 2026

Hi Brian,

It was a pleasure and very easy to connect with you and work together on your trip. I am glad to read that you had a fantastic time on the amazing experiences we selected together. Entering a volcano chamber and meeting whales is definitely the highlight of every trip to Iceland.

Thank you for your trust and kindness and best regards,
Emanuela