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Arctic Travel Designer

Emanuela Grieco: a certified Travel Designer, specialised in the Arctic region: Iceland, Greenland, Lapland, and Svalbard.

Tailor-made and experiential travels, private or self-drive tours, activities, nature, off the tourist path destinations, honeymoons, micro cruisers, meetings with the local communities, sailing, and much more in the remote regions above the Arctic Circle.

Arctic travel Designer has been awarded as Best Personal Arctic Experience 2021 by the Lux Magazine.

Arctic Travel Designer is part of the following groups: Iceland Travel Agents, Greenland Travel Agents

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent Trip Reviews for Arctic Travel Designer

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

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
Hvamsvik Lagoon
Hvamsvik Lagoon
Iceland

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

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

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
Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 07, 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

Fantastic trip, made easy through Kimkim
Iceland | May 26 - Jun 2, 2026

Michael
Michael H.
Phoenix, AZ | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2026
We worked with Emanuela Grieco to design an 8-day trip all over southern Iceland. She did a great job. We went back and forth for several weeks planning all the details. We took out what we did not want and chose what we did want. Her team made all the reservations (4 hotels; multiple events most days) and bought all the tickets. We literally had only to show up to all the places we planned. It saved us so much time from finding all the places to go and things to do. She tailored it just for... Read more

We worked with Emanuela Grieco to design an 8-day trip all over southern Iceland. She did a great job. We went back and forth for several weeks planning all the details. We took out what we did not want and chose what we did want. Her team made all the reservations (4 hotels; multiple events most days) and bought all the tickets. We literally had only to show up to all the places we planned. It saved us so much time from finding all the places to go and things to do. She tailored it just for us. Then gave us a detailed itinerary (38 pages) with plans and dining options for each day. She even gave us Google map links to easily get from point A to point B. Very happy we used Kimkim and Emanuela to handle all the details.

Hotel Reviews
Reykjavík Marina - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Reykjavík

A bit older, with beds in the not-so-comfortable range. But the location was perfect.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Basically close to everything in the downtown area.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Greenhouse Hotel
Hveragerdi

Another great location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
We did self checkin. No real interaction with staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Kría
Vík

Great location. Likely the nicest hotel we stayed at. Bathroom door is a bit wonky. Clear glass sliding door, with blacked out section only in the middle.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aurora Hotel at Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport Terminal KEF
Keflavík

Conveniently close to the airport terminal. About a 5-minute walk. Very good breakfast buffet. Room was very nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Ice cave tour under Katla glacier
Ice cave tour under Katla glacier
Vík

Fascinating to see natural caves formed by water melting in the glacier.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Inside the Volcano (Meet On Location)
Inside the Volcano (Meet On Location)
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Reykjavík Puffin Watching
Reykjavík Puffin Watching
Reykjavík

The puffins are cute, but the visit is very passive. We sat in the boat and watched them float, dive for food, or fly. Would not do this again.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Food Walking Tour
Food Walking Tour
Reykjavík

A nice sampling of some of the local places and foods.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling at Silfra fissure
Snorkeling at Silfra fissure
Iceland

This was really the highlight of the trip. The water is 35 degrees Fahrenheit/1.7 celsius. Crystal clear. Because it is coming straight from glaciers higher up, after filtering through miles of underground lava layers, it is also very clean and pure. We all took long soothing drinks straight from the spot where we put in.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Zodiac boat tour among the icebergs
Zodiac boat tour among the icebergs
Iceland

Great fun. Lot's of titanic moments, when the boat hits the tiny icebergs and one hears the scraping. But we did not sink and nobody fell out. The face of the glacier is huge. And the seal we came upon hardly gave us a second thought before going back to sleep on his own private floating island.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
ATV to Black Sand Beach and Plane Wreck
ATV to Black Sand Beach and Plane Wreck
Iceland

Another must do. The black sand beach is amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 07, 2026

Hi Michael and Austin,
Thank you for yuor detailed feedback, which I found very helpful.

We did a great job working on your trip together, and I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed your time in Iceland and loved the snorkeling tour. That is such a unique experience in life!

Feel free to get in touch again if you decide to come back to Iceland or if you decide to visit Planet Greenland and I will be very happy to help again.

Best regards,
Emanuela

Memorable vacation due to the efforts of Emanuela and her team
Iceland | May 23 - May 31, 2026

Prathap
Prathap C.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 02, 2026

Emanuela and her team need to be commended for making our vacation in Iceland to be remembered for as long as I live. It was incredible to the experience the nature's beauty in Iceland. Trip planning, route tips, hotel accommodation, food spot recommendations and precautions to be taken, provided by Emanuela and her team were on the spot, helpful and made our trip more enjoyable, relaxing and stress free. Keep up the good work !!

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 03, 2026

Hi Prathap,
Thank you for your heartwarming words and review.
I am very ahppy to hear that you had the trip of your life here in Iceland and that I helped to create lifelong memories.

All the best to you and the group. It has been a true pleasure to connect with all of you.
I hope to have you back here again!

Emanuela

Iceland Trip
Iceland | May 23 - May 31, 2026

R
Radhika R.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 01, 2026
Emanuela did an outstanding job planning our Iceland trip. From the very beginning, she worked with patience, professionalism, and attention to detail, helping us organize every aspect of our journey.
The itinerary she put together was thorough and well organized, making our entire journey smooth and hassle-free. Everything went exactly as planned, and we never ran into any issues along the way. Her recommendations for hotels and activities were excellent, and the car arrangement was...
Read more

Emanuela did an outstanding job planning our Iceland trip. From the very beginning, she worked with patience, professionalism, and attention to detail, helping us organize every aspect of our journey.
The itinerary she put together was thorough and well organized, making our entire journey smooth and hassle-free. Everything went exactly as planned, and we never ran into any issues along the way. Her recommendations for hotels and activities were excellent, and the car arrangement was comfortable and convenient.
What impressed us most was her responsiveness and dedication to customer service. When we experienced issues with our wireless network, Emanuela immediately reached out to her local contacts and ensured the problem was resolved promptly.
Thanks to Emanuela’s hard work and attention to detail, we were able to relax and fully enjoy our vacation. We truly appreciate all her support and would highly recommend her to anyone planning a trip.

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 02, 2026

Dear Radhika,
Thank you so much for your beautiful review and for taking the time to write it.Your kind and heartwarming words truly made my day!

It was an absolute pleasure connecting with you and helping plan your unforgettable journey to Iceland. I'm delighted to hear that the trip lived up to your expectations and created such wonderful memories.

Thank you again for your trust and for sharing your experience. Wishing you many more amazing adventures ahead, and I hope our paths cross again for your next journey!
Warm regards,

Emanuela

My son and i had an amazing trip organized by...
Iceland | Dec 29 - Jan 4, 2026

A
anne w.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on May 06, 2026
My son and i had an amazing trip organized by Emanuela to Iceland around christmas break/new years eve.
She made it so easy for us. i had an idea of what i wanted to do, but gave Emanuela a general description of the activities we liked and she was able to match them perfectly. We based ourselves out of Reykavik, with daily tours to all the main attractions. And then she added a hot springs trip for NYC Eve day that was wonderful. When i changed the departure date to be a day later, she...
Read more

My son and i had an amazing trip organized by Emanuela to Iceland around christmas break/new years eve.
She made it so easy for us. i had an idea of what i wanted to do, but gave Emanuela a general description of the activities we liked and she was able to match them perfectly. We based ourselves out of Reykavik, with daily tours to all the main attractions. And then she added a hot springs trip for NYC Eve day that was wonderful. When i changed the departure date to be a day later, she switched things around for me and suggested a 2 day tour out east to go hiking on a Glacier. this was the highlight of the trip. i didn't have to worry about a thing, and followed the itinerary. I would not have thought to hit the blue lagoon right off a red eye; but she highly recommended it and being one of the first people in the Blue Lagoon at 8am in the darkness and then watching the sun rise around 10am was an amazing way to start the vacation. Also Icelend for NYE was a wonderful time to go. Very little snow to hinder driving and the weather was cold but nothing out of the ordinary for someone that lives in the NYC area/USA. i wore my fancy ski pants a lot, sweater, jacket, boots and hat and was very comfortable.

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on May 07, 2026

Hi Anne,
I am so happy to read the review of yuor trip after so many months. It truly made my day!
Thank you so much for your heartwarming words, and very happy to hear that you and your son had the best Winter vacation in Iceland.

I hope to have you back again here one day.
Emanuela

Emanuela was extremely helpful - we had multi...
Iceland | Nov 29 - Dec 5, 2025

R
Rebecca L.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Dec 18, 2025
Emanuela was extremely helpful - we had multiple tours cancelled because of bad weather but she managed to reschedule everything without disrupting our trip and we ended up seeing everything that we wanted to. Thank you so much Emanuela for helping us plan an unforgettable trip and making sure we had the best time! Read more

Emanuela was extremely helpful - we had multiple tours cancelled because of bad weather but she managed to reschedule everything without disrupting our trip and we ended up seeing everything that we wanted to. Thank you so much Emanuela for helping us plan an unforgettable trip and making sure we had the best time!

Hotel Review
Hotel Reykjavík Saga
Reykjavík
Authenticity & Character
P
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco

Perfect Trip, Can’t Wait to Return
Iceland | Nov 29 - Dec 7, 2025

Kyle
Kyle P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 12, 2025
Everyone we interacted with was friendly and helpful, so first of all GREAT job by Emanuela, our local specialist. Our tour guide Mica, who led our 2 day tour to the Snaeffelsness Peninsula, was really charismatic and knowledgeable, and did a great job setting expectations about drive time, meals and accommodations. Seeing the northern lights from Sky Lagoon and climbing on the glacier/in the ice cave with Anna from Troll Tours were highlights. We also really enjoyed whale watching,... Read more

Everyone we interacted with was friendly and helpful, so first of all GREAT job by Emanuela, our local specialist.

Our tour guide Mica, who led our 2 day tour to the Snaeffelsness Peninsula, was really charismatic and knowledgeable, and did a great job setting expectations about drive time, meals and accommodations.

Seeing the northern lights from Sky Lagoon and climbing on the glacier/in the ice cave with Anna from Troll Tours were highlights.

We also really enjoyed whale watching, eating bread cooked in the vents at the horse farm, the tomato soup at Fridheimer green house, and alllll the waterfalls.

Our favorite spots in Reykjavík were Kabarett (where we saw a terrific poetry reading), the Phallological Museum, Fish Mrkt and Mat Bar. Seeing everything lit up for Christmas was so lovely, and we loved strolling around the city center and looking at all the art.

I also want to thank the staff of the Storm Hotel, who were so welcoming to us each of the three times we checked in. The breakfast there was lovely, as well. It was a great way to start each day.

Oh and the Blue Lagoon and Silica Hotel were just as advertised. What a perfectly otherworldly gateway to the rest of our adventure. I’d recommend everyone start there if they can.

Hotel Review
Silica Hotel
Grindavík

The floors are warmed by the volcano, and the hot pool has a swim-in entrance. Great breakfast, too.

Authenticity & Character
Location
At the edge of a fairly fresh lava field. With a sprinkling of snow it feels like you’re on the moon.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Snaefellsnes Peninsula on small group tour- Day 2
Snaefellsnes Peninsula on small group tour- Day 2
Reykjavík

Jaw-droppingly beautiful at every turn. Also: seals!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lava Cave Explorer Tour
Lava Cave Explorer Tour
Iceland

Hugo, our guide, was really funny and fun. He knew a lot and really packed in lots of information.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
West Iceland and Lava Cave on small group tours - Day 1
West Iceland and Lava Cave on small group tours - Day 1
Borgarnes

Mica was our favorite guide of the whole trip. Borgarnes was really cute, too.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Comfortable mini bus with working WiFi, usb chargers, seatbelts and speakers
A Day at the Blue Lagoon
A Day at the Blue Lagoon
Grindavík

The pictures you’ve probably seen of this place are unbelievable, and yet somehow they don’t come close to doing it justice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco

A wonderful Iceland trip !!
Iceland | Oct 30 - Nov 4, 2025

venita
venita b.
Singapore | Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025
Emanuela was in touch and quick in responding from the start of doing my bookings to the end of my trip. It was very reassuring having someone assist in every aspect and make my solo journey manageable despite my torn meniscus of my knee. Only part of the trip was the hotel which I expected to be better but overall it’s not too bad and very near the pick up points. What stood out of the whole experience was the exceptional details of the trip provided plus the guide even on what to pack-... Read more

Emanuela was in touch and quick in responding from the start of doing my bookings to the end of my trip. It was very reassuring having someone assist in every aspect and make my solo journey manageable despite my torn meniscus of my knee. Only part of the trip was the hotel which I expected to be better but overall it’s not too bad and very near the pick up points.

What stood out of the whole experience was the exceptional details of the trip provided plus the guide even on what to pack- and I was so well prepared due to that.

I would highly recommend Kim Kim and specialtiy Emanuela if anyone wants to plan their trip.

Thank you so much for an amazing experience

Activity Reviews
Ice cave tour and back to Reykjavik - Day 2
Ice cave tour and back to Reykjavik - Day 2
Iceland

A once in a lifetime experience with no guarantee the next group will see the same ice cave . This trip was suitable for anyone and if I who is asthmatic and had a torn meniscus of my knee can do it, so can anyone. A tip though, if you are claustrophobic, just doing the glacier walk is sufficient .

Quality of Experience
amazing view, easy walk and breath taking scenery
Guides, Drivers and Staff
A very good guide - amazing how he maneuvered the giant jeep towards the glacier
Transport
Northern Lights Group Tour
Northern Lights Group Tour
Reykjavík

The northern lights were kind of disappointing as I expected to see more but the tour guide on two different occasions were relentless in chasing them and I got to see a small portion which is better than nothing! Kudos to the tour guides !

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Dec 03, 2025

Hi Venita,
So great to hear that you had a fabulous time in Iceland, after all teh attention to the planning we did together.
Glad that you appreciated all the attention I put into creating the perfect tip for you and the extra services I provided.

Thank you for your heartwarming review. It just made my day!
All the best to you!
Emanuela

Emanuela was the Best!
Iceland | Sep 12 - Sep 24, 2025

Brian
Brian H.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025
I recently decided to visit Iceland but didn’t know much about the country, so I started researching things to do there. While browsing online, a chat box popped up asking what I needed. After entering some general information, I was connected with Emanuela from KimKim Travel. She asked me a few questions about my interests and travel goals, and I explained that I wanted her to design a trip for a best friend visiting Iceland for the first time. Within a day, Emanuela sent me a... Read more

I recently decided to visit Iceland but didn’t know much about the country, so I started researching things to do there. While browsing online, a chat box popped up asking what I needed. After entering some general information, I was connected with Emanuela from KimKim Travel. She asked me a few questions about my interests and travel goals, and I explained that I wanted her to design a trip for a best friend visiting Iceland for the first time.

Within a day, Emanuela sent me a complete itinerary featuring some of the most incredible sights and experiences in Iceland. As I reviewed her recommendations, I was amazed by the variety of unique and fascinating activities she included. A few days later, I reached out to her to adjust the schedule based on my arrival and departure dates, and she quickly provided a revised version that was absolutely perfect.

Once I approved the plan, Emanuela took care of all the bookings and confirmed every detail. She was incredibly attentive, ensuring everything matched what I envisioned for the trip. Before my departure, she sent me the final itinerary, all reservation details, and her personal contact information in case I needed assistance during my travels.

What truly impressed me was that Emanuela even checked in during my trip to make sure everything was going smoothly. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care made the entire experience seamless and stress-free.

I highly recommend Emanuela and KimKim Travel for anyone planning a trip to Iceland!

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco