Company Logo for Arctic Travel Designer
Specialists
Reviews for Arctic Travel Designer
Traveler Photos

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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

Emanuela was amazing to work with. Highly recommend.
Iceland | Oct 15 - Oct 19, 2025

Amber
Amber P.
Tampa, FL | Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025
Emanuela was amazing to work with from start to finish. Always responding quickly and having all the answers we need! She planned us the perfect trip and took into account everything we wanted to do. One of our excursions canceled before our trip and she informed us quickly before the trip happened and was able to book something else in a timely manner so we didn’t miss out. While we were in Iceland having her as a point of contact was very helpful as we once felt lost and we almost... Read more

Emanuela was amazing to work with from start to finish. Always responding quickly and having all the answers we need! She planned us the perfect trip and took into account everything we wanted to do. One of our excursions canceled before our trip and she informed us quickly before the trip happened and was able to book something else in a timely manner so we didn’t miss out. While we were in Iceland having her as a point of contact was very helpful as we once felt lost and we almost immediately sent us the exact address of where we needed to go and we enjoyed all the restaurant recommendations. Highly recommended using Kimkim if you want to have a stress free trip where you can just show up and go and not have to think much about it. Highly recommended.

Activity Reviews
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon
Reykjavík

Our favorite lagoon! The 7 step ritual was a really cool concept and as someone with a husband who doesn’t love just floating and doing nothing it was the most enjoyable to have something to do and go through it was clean and organized. We really enjoyed this lagoon experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ice cave tour under Katla glacier
Ice cave tour under Katla glacier
Vík

Our favorite thing we did! There’s stunning views all the way around and the ice caves literally look like out of a movie set. It was stunning from start to finish.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Northern Lights tour with your driver
Northern Lights tour with your driver
Iceland

It was so amazing, the lights were the strongest the night we went they’ve been all year! Our tour guide canceled our trip the first night due to low visibility which we appreciated him not just taking us out anyways and wasting our money. He was honest and waited for a better night and it was perfect!

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

Iceland done right and awesome experience.
Iceland | Aug 27 - Sep 4, 2025

C
Carol V.
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2025
We just returned from 8 days in Iceland that blew us away with the beauty of the country. We did many activities - lava tunnel tour, ice cave tour, whale watching, boating among the glaciers, helicopter tour. Each one was so exciting and elevated our experience with the “fire and ice” that is Iceland.
Emanuela at Arctic Travel put the whole trip together for us and was endlessly patient as we tried to plan the perfect trip. It worked! We started the trip with a visit to the blue lagoon and...
Read more

We just returned from 8 days in Iceland that blew us away with the beauty of the country. We did many activities - lava tunnel tour, ice cave tour, whale watching, boating among the glaciers, helicopter tour. Each one was so exciting and elevated our experience with the “fire and ice” that is Iceland.
Emanuela at Arctic Travel put the whole trip together for us and was endlessly patient as we tried to plan the perfect trip. It worked! We started the trip with a visit to the blue lagoon and ended with a visit to the sky lagoon. Both great and would do it the same way again. Perhaps one of the biggest thrills was seeing the northern lights which we hadn’t expected as it was only end of Aug. but Sept 1 the lights were out in full and it was just the icing on a delicious cake.
Emanuela stayed in touch with us the whole trip and quickly dealt with a couple small issues so so could keep the trip going with just positive vibes.
Thomas was our tour guide and driver and he went out of his way many times to make our experience the best it could be. I would definitely recommend Kim Kim , Emanuela and Thomas. Perfect combination.

Activity Reviews
Private transfer to the airport
Private transfer to the airport
Reykjavík

Thomas - our guide and driver for the entire trip, picked us up for the return trip to the airport. He was very personable and flexible. He made sure that we got there on time every time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Helicopter tour- waterfalls and valleys
Helicopter tour- waterfalls and valleys
Reykjavík

We got so lucky today. The sun was shining and not many cloud in the sky. Perfect day for a helicopter ride.

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

So interesting and informative. Well worth doing and seeing this lava tunnel.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Katla Glacier Ice Cave Private Tour
Katla Glacier Ice Cave Private Tour
Iceland

This tour deserves 10 stars. Our guide Rafal did an awesome job to plan the whole experience. We loved it but must admit that it was a private tour which I think was the right choice. If you are going to splurge on a tour, this is the one I would do private.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Sep 09, 2025

Hello Carol,
Thank you so much for your beautiful review. It just made my day to read it and to know that you and the ladies had a great time, after all the planning we did together!

It has been truly wonderful to connect with you from the beginning of our conversation, and I am very happy to know that Thomas did a great job and you had a lot of fun.

Please feel free to connect again if you return to Iceland or if you and the ladies decide to visit Greenland, and I will be very happy to help you again with the planning.

All the best to all of you!
Emanuela

A once in a lifetime trip!
Iceland | Aug 2 - Aug 10, 2025

P
Patricia A.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

A once in a lifetime trip! Emanuela helped us plan an amazing vacation that fit everything we asked for into an active 8 day adventure.

She was in touch along the way to make sure all was running smoothly. We deeply appreciate her and would recommend her and Kim Kim to anyone looking to plan an unforgettable experience.

Our only issue was that some of the driving maps took us to the incorrect spots (off by a couple of km). But it was easily fixed.

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Sep 09, 2025

Dear Patricia,
I am so happy to ehar that you and your family had a wonderful time in Iceland, full of life memories and precious moments together. Thank you so much for your beautiful review and I hope to have you back again one day, here or in Greenland, wo knows....

Greetings from Iceland!
Emanuela

A Great, Relaxing Trip
Iceland | Jun 27 - Jul 1, 2025

Dan
Dan E.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025
As a single parent, it was tough for me to design a trip while working and doing housework. My girls were excited about visiting Iceland, but I was overwhelmed with options/decisions to be made. That's where Emanuela came to our rescue! She responded quickly with a great plan that the kids loved. Once we arrived in Iceland, she was communicative and responded quickly if I had questions or concerns. We left feeling that we got a good first taste of Iceland -- now we want to go back! Read more

As a single parent, it was tough for me to design a trip while working and doing housework. My girls were excited about visiting Iceland, but I was overwhelmed with options/decisions to be made. That's where Emanuela came to our rescue! She responded quickly with a great plan that the kids loved. Once we arrived in Iceland, she was communicative and responded quickly if I had questions or concerns.

We left feeling that we got a good first taste of Iceland -- now we want to go back!

Activity Reviews
South Coast Day Trip
South Coast Day Trip
Reykjavík

Our driver was a local, super informative -- and funny! Enjoyed learning a little more about this fascinating place from a local,

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon on small groups
Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon on small groups
Reykjavík

Clean, well-organized, and tons of fun. Our driver was very informative and helpful, and he was prompt.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Icelandic Lava Show
Icelandic Lava Show
Iceland

One of the highlights of our trip. The host of this show was very informative, and it was amazing to see real lava in person after watching so many hours of Floor is Lava at home!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Reykjavík Puffin Watching
Reykjavík Puffin Watching
Reykjavík

This activity was really cute. My kids loved the binoculars onboard and the very informative Puffin expert.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 31, 2025

Hi Dan,
I am so happy to read that you enjoyed Iceland with your daughters and that you wish to come back.
I'll be always happy to help you again.There is so much more to see and do!

Thank you again for choosing me and my little Arctic Travel Designer!

Emanuela

Second Trip
Iceland | Jun 2 - Jun 11, 2025

Megan
Megan D.
Siloam Springs, AR | Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025
This is my second trip to Iceland planned by Emanuela, and it was somehow even better than the first one! She did a fabulous job planning both trips. On this trip, we started off with two days of orange advisories for the wind. Emanuela rearranged some things at the very last second to help keep us safe. When we finally did go out there were so many campers and cars were flipped on the side of the roads from wind. Emanuela kept us up to date on everything important and was there for us... Read more

This is my second trip to Iceland planned by Emanuela, and it was somehow even better than the first one! She did a fabulous job planning both trips.

On this trip, we started off with two days of orange advisories for the wind. Emanuela rearranged some things at the very last second to help keep us safe. When we finally did go out there were so many campers and cars were flipped on the side of the roads from wind. Emanuela kept us up to date on everything important and was there for us during both trips.

Her recommendations were beyond stellar—we had one of the best meals of our lives at Slippurinn in Heimaey on our anniversary at Emanuela’s suggestion. Our three favorite things aside from all the food and spending time together were the glacier lagoon boat ride, whale watching, and the food walking tour of Reykjavík.

Go to Iceland and let Emanuela plan it for you—you won’t regret it!

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco