Reykjavik Marathon
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Reykjavik Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital, is a little-known gem of a destination. Relax in the swirling steam of geothermal swimming pools. Dine on fresh fish in one of many celebrated restaurants. Explore galleries and museums filled with fascinating Icelandic and international works. Enjoy nature’s own artistic palette awaiting you in the nearby countryside.
The country is a natural wonderland with its volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls and ancient mountains. Learn how Iceland’s unique geology has been sculpted by fire and ice over eons. Straddle two continents as you step onto the Mid-Atlantic ridge, the boundary between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Choose either the marathon, half-marathon, or 10K distance and be joined by hundreds of Icelanders. You will experience perfect running temperatures and the cleanest air imaginable since the entire city is heated with geothermal energy.
The Reykjavik Marathon is an AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel World Age Group Qualifying Race.
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday, August 20
Arrive in Reykjavik. Transfer on your own from the Keflavik Airport to your hotel via the FlyBus+. You can purchase this ticket when you arrive at the airport. The balance of the day is at your leisure. You will be met at the hotels by your Marathon Tours & Travel hosts!
Thursday, August 21
Today we will go “Inside the Volcano” Our guide will lead us on a 45-minute hike across lava fields to the Base Camp, where we will prepare for our trip 400 feet down into the dormant Þríhnúkagígur Volcano. Once inside, you will have 30 minutes to explore this unique natural phenomenon before you ascend back to the surface from the volcano’s magma chamber. Back on the surface, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Icelandic meat soup or vegetable soup and hot coffee/tea/chocolate, prior to our return hike through the lava fields.
When we arrive back in to Reykjavík we will be dropped off at the race EXPO for your bib pick-up. The balance of the day is at your leisure (Breakfast and lunch is included)
Friday, August 22
A relaxing pre-race day as we explore the dramatic landscapes of the south of Iceland on a 9 hour tour from Reykjavik. Experience diverse nature at its best with waterfalls and black sand beaches. Walk behind the cascades of Seljalandsfoss, hike to the top of Skógafoss and enjoy a walk on Reynisfjara black sand beach with the Reynisdrangar rock formations. You will depart at 8:00 a.m. and return around 5:30 p.m. (Breakfast is included)
Saturday, August 23
RACE DAY!
The marathon and half-marathon start at 8:40 a.m. followed by the 10K at 9:40 a.m. In the evening, enjoy Culture Night and the fireworks. (Breakfast is included)
Sunday, August 24
Today enjoy the “Golden Circle” tour of the Icelandic countryside exploring the country’s natural wonders. First a stop at Thingvellir National Park where the world’s oldest parliament met and then to Gullfuss (Golden Falls), a magnificent waterfall. After Gullfoss we travel down the road to visit Geysir, from where the word “geysir” originates. After lunch (at your own expense) we continue to Hveragerdi where harnessed geothermal power warms greenhouses nurturing fruits. Finally we end the tour at the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak in the world famous hot springs. (Breakfast is included)
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Thursday, August 21
Arrive in Reykjavik. Transfer on your own from the Keflavik Airport to your hotel via the FlyBus+. You can purchase this ticket when you arrive at the airport. The balance of the day is at your leisure. You will be met at the hotels by your Marathon Tours & Travel hosts!
Friday, August 22
A relaxing pre-race day as we explore the dramatic landscapes of the south of Iceland on a 9 hour tour from Reykjavik. Experience diverse nature at its best with waterfalls and black sand beaches. Walk behind the cascades of Seljalandsfoss, hike to the top of Skógafoss and enjoy a walk on Reynisfjara black sand beach with the Reynisdrangar rock formations. You will depart at 8:00 a.m. and return around 5:30 p.m. (Breakfast is included)
Saturday, August 23
RACE DAY!
The marathon and half-marathon start at 8:40 a.m. followed by the 10K at 9:40 a.m. In the evening, enjoy Culture Night and the fireworks. (Breakfast is included)
Sunday, August 24
Today enjoy the “Golden Circle” tour of the Icelandic countryside exploring the country’s natural wonders. First a stop at Thingvellir National Park where the world’s oldest parliament met and then to Gullfuss (Golden Falls), a magnificent waterfall. After Gullfoss we travel down the road to visit Geysir, from where the word “geysir” originates. After lunch (at your own expense) we continue to Hveragerdi where harnessed geothermal power warms greenhouses nurturing fruits. Finally we end the tour at the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak in the world famous hot springs. (Breakfast is included)
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Extensions
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Post-Race Extension | August 25 – 28, 2025
Borgarfjord and Snæfellsnes
Travel to the north and west from Reykjavik to explore the scenic Borgarfjord and Snæfellsnes peninsula. Enjoy beautiful scenery with waterfalls, lava fields, hot springs, volcanic craters and small picturesque towns.
Monday, August 25 – Today is a free day for you to explore more of the beautiful city of Reykjavik. (breakfast included)
Tuesday, August 26 – Following breakfast, be ready to depart (9:00 AM) for our drive to the Borgarfjord region, which sometimes is called Saga Land due to its rich history and beautiful nature. Highlights of the day include:
- Visiting the Hraunfossar waterfall. This unique waterfall is created by cold springs of subterranean water seeping through the lava and falling into the Hvita glacial river.
- Witness Deildartunguhver hot spring, the most voluminous hot spring in Europe. It provides 180 liters per second of 100°C hot water.
- Hike along the scenic Nordura river that runs through the Borgarfjord valley. Visit more waterfalls and the hidden oasis aptly named Paradise.
- Do an easy hike to the top of Grabrok. The crater was formed by a fissure eruption about three thousand years ago. The view from the top is stunning; across lavafields, lakes, rivers and towards nearby mountain ranges.
- Explore Borgarnes town, the only town in the Borgarfjord region (population: 1,900). The town offers a variety of great restaurants, an outdoor geothermal swimming pool, a wonderful museum dedicated to the settlement of Iceland and much more.
- Learn about Egill Skallagrimsson, an Icelandic Viking poet and the protagonist of Egil´s Saga, one of Iceland´s most famous sagas.
Overnight at the Hotel Borgarnes. (breakfast included)
Wednesday, August 27 – Today we travel further west to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Highlights of the day include:
- An easy climb to the top of Mt. Helgafell, which gives us breathtaking views of the surroundings and three wishes if we think good thoughts and don’t look back on our way up.
- An afternoon sailing tour from Stykkisholmur town out on Breidafjordur bay (Viking Sushi Tour). The beautiful bay has numerous skerries with varied bird life and whales. On the tour the crew scoops up scallops, sea urchins, crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers for you to taste along with a glass of white wine.
- Visit to Bjarnarhofn shark farm. The most famous shark farm in Iceland – learn how Icelandic fermented shark is prepared and have a taste if you dare!
Return to Borgarnes in the late afternoon and overnight at the Hotel Borgarnes. (breakfast included)Thursday, August 28 – Today, we drive from Borgarnes to Keflavik International Airport with stops along the way. Arrive in Keflavik in time for your international flight home. Note: all flights should be in the late afternoon. (breakfast included)
(itinerary is subject to change)
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Packages & Rates
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Reykjavik Tour | Five-Night Package | August 20 – 25, 2025
Features:
- Everything included in the Four Night Package (detailed below)
- An additional night hotel accommodation (August 20)
- Inside The Volcano Half Day Tour (Thursday, August 21)
Reykjavik Tour | Four-Night Package | August 21 – 25, 2025
Features:
- Four nights hotel accommodations from August 21 – 25
- Daily breakfast
- All hotel taxes
- Full day South Shore Excursion Tour (Friday, August 22)
- Post-Race Pizza Party
- Full day Golden Circle/Blue Lagoon Tour (Sunday, August 24)
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel staff
- Local tour guide and driver gratuity
- Guaranteed race entry is additional
NOT Included:
- Airport transfers from/to Keflavik Airport (KEF)
- Additional gratuities not referenced
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Roundtrip Flights to Iceland
Post-Race Extension Borgarfjord and Snæfellsnes | Three-Night Package | August 25 – 28, 2025
Features:
- Three nights hotel accommodations from August 25 – 28
- Daily breakfast
- All hotel taxes
- Private coach and expert guide
- Local tour guide and driver gratuity
- Transfer to Keflavik Airport (KEF) on August 28 (flight must be booked for late afternoon)
- Sightseeing and admission as per itinerary
Not Included:
- Gratuities not referenced
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Airfare:
You will want to book your airfare into and out of Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Reykjavik Airport (RKV) is the domestic city airport and only services domestic flights and flights to Greenland and the Westman Islands. Icelandair offers non-stop service from several US and Canadian gateways. Some gateways do not offer service every day of the week.
Please contact Nicole at nicole@marathontours.com or by phone 617-242-7845 for questions or quotes on airfare.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents
2024 Rates (all prices in US dollars and per person) – 2025 Rates Coming Soon
Additional nights available upon request.
Five Night Package | August 20 - 25, 2025 Double Occupancy Single Occupancy CenterHotel Plaza with Volcano $2355 per person $3420 Thingholt by Center Hotels with Volcano - On Request Only $2445 per person $3610 Four Night Package | August 21 - 25, 2025 Double Occupancy Single Occupancy CenterHotel Plaza $1600 per person $2450 Thingholt by Center Hotels - On Request Only $1825 per person $3065 Post-Race Extension | August 25 - 28, 2025 Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Three Night Extension - CenterHotel Plaza $1405 per person $1780 Three Night Extension - Thingholt by Center Hotels - On Request Only $1420 per person $1895 Race Entry Fee Marathon $125 Half-Marathon $80 10K $55
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Hotels
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Perfectly located in the city center, The Plaza Hotel offers comfortable rooms and a spacious lobby area with a hotel bar. Perfect for relaxing after an eventful day in Reykjavik!
Please note: This hotel is located less than a 5-minute walk from the entrance of the Reykjavik Marathon.
The interior design is inspired by the Icelandic nature and is a great example of Icelandic contemporary design. Thingholt has been nominated as the boutique hotel of the year by the World Travel Awards and voted as the best hotel in Reykjavik by the TripAdvisors Traveler’s Choice Awards.
Please note: This hotel is located less than a 5-minute walk from the entrance of the Reykjavik Marathon.
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Event Information
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Race Date: August 23, 2025
Race Time: 8:40 AM – Marathon and Half-Marathon; 9:40 AM – 10K
Course: The marathon and the half-marathon are both one lap. Both races are together for the first 18.5K, then they split (the last 10K of the marathon goes nearly the same route as the beginning of the race). The 10K race is the first 10K part of the marathon course. The courses go westward out of the city center for about 3 km and then turn eastward along the seashore with a beautiful view of the mountains north of Reykjavik.
After about 15 km, the course turns again west and winds through the city center, completing the loop. The course is 60% flat and 40% rolling and has been certified by Mr. John Dislay, an official AIMS measurer. The total difference in altitude is only about 30 meters. Every 5km is clearly marked.
Temperature: Average temperatures range between 45F and 55F.
Entry Fee:
- Marathon: $125
- Half-Marathon: $80
- 10K: $55
Time Limit: The course time limit for the Marathon is six (6) hours and thirty (30) minutes. Race Rules
Number Pickup: The group will meet and walk together to the Expo on Thursday, August 21 to pick-up your bib. If you are on the five-night package, you will be dropped off at the expo after the Inside the Volcano Tour. Return to hotel will be on your own. (Taxi or 40-Minute Walk)
Awards: Every runner who finishes receives a medal.
Running Shoes: Although not mandatory, you may consider training and bringing trail shoes for the race. The trail is raked, but you will still come across rocks and potentially thorns. Regular running shoes are worn by the majority of participants.
Difficulty: Moderate 60% flat and 40% rolling hills
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: Airfares are constantly changing and we can quote you by phone the lowest rates and most convenient flights for these packages. Land Prices may change due to currency fluctuations. Prices are in USD.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with a deposit of $500 per person must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment must be received before June 1, 2025.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features. Entry fee is additional.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. Cancellations must be made in writing (email is acceptable). Cancellations after June 1, 2025 are subject to a 100% cancellation charge. Airline tickets are nonrefundable once ticketed. Race entry fees are nonrefundable.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Testimonials
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"Wonderful experience..." - 2022
Wonderful experience in a magical place.
"The pre-trip communications were superb..." - 2022The pre-trip communications were superb with info on the city, things to do, places to eat and lots of info on the race. The list of restaurants was very helpful.
"I loved this trip!!" - 2022I loved this trip!! Iceland was absolutely incredible. I feel our bus tours were excellent and gave us a picture and taste of this wonderful, magical land. Sigrun was the best! The race was well organized. So awesome to be a couple blocks from the start!
"...an exceptional experience at a fair price..." - 2022Marathon Tours & Travel delivers an exceptional experience at a fair price.
"It was really an incredible trip..." - 2022It was really an incredible trip. Nicole and Allyson were always available and full of info and enthusiasm — I was extremely impressed and they made the whole experience wonderful. The day tours were really well-done and Sigrun was possibly the best tour guide I’ve ever seen — knowledgeable, fun and creative in her stories and approach. She made the days excellent. The hotel was good and perfectly-located.
"Iceland was a wonderful, fascinating place to visit..." - 2022Iceland was a wonderful, fascinating place to visit. Easy to get to and, in many ways, quite different from my US experience — very different history and culture and terrain; and, in other ways, familiar and comfortable — European, speaking english, nice people. That made it a great getaway for a long weekend, with a little marathon in the middle
"Good balance of personal time and scheduled activities..." - 2022Good balance of personal time and scheduled activities. Great communication from trip leaders–never a doubt as to where to be at what time. Airport transportation to/from was great. Pre-trip communication excellent.
"Well done, Marathon Tours!" - 2018Well done, Marathon Tours! This was my first trip overseas with your company and I really enjoyed it. I especially like the fact that you specialize in planning trips around races. Running and traveling are two of my interests. You showed me there is a way to do both!
"Nicole's amazing! She goes the extra mile..." - 2018Nicole’s amazing! She goes the extra mile in responsiveness and making sure everyone has an enjoyable experience! And thank you Jeff for going above & beyond! Truly grateful for always an amazing experience and seeking ways to improve! Awesome just to relax. Loved all the stops, so breathtaking! And Culture Night was a huge bonus! Cannot say I would take anything out. Overall the perfect experience, and already thinking ahead to my next Marathon Tours endeavor.
"I thought all the excursions were great..." - 2018I thought all the excursions were great. They truly provided us with the overall land scape of Iceland. The Blue Lagoon was very special. The tour guides were very knowledgeable of the itinerary and were available for any questions we had during our trip.
"100% reason I did my first trip with Marathon Tours was Nicole..." - 2018100% reason I did my first trip with Marathon Tours was Nicole. I simply sent an email that I was interested to learn more and within 24 hours I had an email and a voicemail. I make decisions and choose so much in my life based on first impressions! So glad my first impression of Marathon Tours was based Nicole’s customer service and grateful the rest of the pre-trip and trip itself lived up to that first impression!
"Marathon Tours' representatives are always available to answer question..." - 2018Marathon Tours’ representatives are always available to answer questions from the moment one signs up for the trip up to final trip notes before one departs their hometown. I have always experienced the same level of professionalism.
"Snaefellsnes extension tour: it had two things I really was pumped about..." - 2017Snaefellsnes extension tour: it had two things I really was pumped about – the Viking Sushi tour (i love that kind of fishing experience stuff) and the Shark Museum (I recently just published a book about sharks and was dying to try hakarl that was in the book and frequently mentioned on my show.) Also Stykkisholmur was just a great local town, a lot less touristy and a lot more character. The public pool there is super underrated and it’s such a treasure!!!
"There honestly isn't a single thing I didn't like..." - 2017So many things to list. Weather was a total blessing – nothing like 5 days of sunshine and blue skies with 60-degree weather. Planning was superb – never had to worry about where to be. This made the more nervous members of my travel party feel less anxious. The race course was beautifully laid out, easy to follow. Iceland itself was positively wonderful – the scenery, the stops on the tours, the people we meet, the ease of the experience – so laid back. There honestly isn’t a single thing I didn’t like.
"The tour guides were informative, professional and fun..." - 2017The tour guides were informative, professional and fun. They did just the right amount of talking and not-talking, allowing for the occasional cat-nap. Nicole and Jeff were awesome. The after-race pizza party was superb! Loved hearing about the 7 continent runners. Both beer and pizza were delicious. Great, positive, runner-vibes were flowing around the room. Good fun.
"...I was completely confident in their knowledge..." - 2017As a first time traveler with Marathon Tours, I was completely confident in their knowledge and they gave me simple answers to beginner questions. Enjoyed having everything done for me so I could see and experience as much of Iceland as possible.
"Exceeded my expectations..." - 2017Exceeded my expectations. However, I must say that this was my 5th trip with MT, & every one exceeded my expectations!
"This wild, breathtakingly beautiful country..." - 2016This wild, breathtakingly beautiful country with its scenic Reykjavik marathon now became my no 1 marathon touring destination.
"I liked that I didn't have to worry about anything..." - 2016I liked that I didn’t have to worry about anything, details were taken care of and tour guides were available to answer questions. I liked that it was a relaxed tour where we could choose how much we wanted to participate and also had time to do our own things. I thought the local tour guides were fabulous and I learned a great deal from them. The race was fantastic and the highlight of the tour.
"Iceland is an amazing place, everything about it fascinates me..." - 2016Iceland is an amazing place, everything about it fascinates me. The tour guides we had with the group really added a lot as well. I felt that we got to experience a lot of things during the time with marathon tours and everyone was very helpful and friendly.
"The Icelandic people are truly some of the nicest I've met in the world..." - 2015Everything! The waterfalls, the fun people, getting to see so much of the country in a short period of time, but at the same time not feeling like I didn’t actually get a vacation. The Icelandic people are truly some of the nicest I’ve met in the world! Also the Blue Lagoon is just awesome.
"We got to see a lot of beautiful countryside..." - 2015We got to see a lot of beautiful countryside. The marathon was nice. The Icelandic tour guides had a great sense of humor. We learned a lot about Iceland, its people and its culture. Thank you!
"Love the staff! They are warm and welcoming..." - 2015Love the staff! They are warm and welcoming… True professionals! They gave us our individual space, yet kept the group moving as a whole… This unique ability made for the perfect tour experience!
"Thank you so much for the arrival brunch..." - 2014Thank you so much for the arrival brunch! The brunch allowed me to meet some of the other folks that were on the tour and allowed me to feel comfortable with my surroundings right away. The hotel location could not have been better. The Plaza is right in the middle of all the action, and with Culture Night after the race, it allowed for easy to and from all the partying and my room. The tours themselves were breathtaking!! In all honesty, I usually find tour leaders to be boring so I usually don’t pay attention, BUT our Iceland tour leaders were the BEST! Having knowledge of their area and culture is always important, being able to present the information enthusiastically, with humor, all while being very inviting to questions and small talk is just good ‘ol talent. The places we toured were made even more beautiful and I felt a greater appreciation for the scenery because we were given such good background material from our tour leaders.
"There was never a time that I felt any negativity about my trip to Iceland..." - 2014There was never a time that I felt any negativity about my trip to Iceland. This is due to 2 major factors that Marathon Tours does for the customer. First, they are very knowledgeable of not only their schedule, but also Reykjavik’s other scheduled excursions, flights, events. I pretty much had to do no planning except to say what I wanted to do, and options were laid out to me. Second, their lightning quick response to any questions or concerns I had gave me no time to worry about other thoughts except knowing that the trip would be an absolutely amazing time!
"We appreciated how well organized everything was..." - 2013We appreciated how well organized everything was. We were never left wondering what or where to be next. The run was my highlight, my husband liked the tours best.
"The race is great, very flat and fast if you like..." - 2013The race is great, very flat and fast if you like. Running along the sea wall with the wind and the rain felt great especially after 10 miles when the salt water in the mist hit your lips, it was great.
"It is a stunningly beautiful country with lovely people..." - 2012Iceland! It is a stunningly beautiful country with lovely people and a vibrant Reykjavik. Being there for the festival added another wonderful dimension.
"Overall a wonderful experience..." - 2011Overall a wonderful experience. Loved the Icelandic country, people and their culture. Tours, guides, MT&T staff were exceptional, knowledgeable and available for questions or advice. The hotel was nice, the race was awesome!
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Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championship
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This event is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship Qualifying Race. If you achieve the automatic qualifying time for your age group, found here, you’ll be invited to the 2025 Age Group World Championship race (destination still to be announced). For more information on the Age Group World Rankings and Championship click here.
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Meet the Reps
Nicole Langone
Senior Trip Designer | Administration Manager
Nicole Langone
Senior Trip Designer | Administration Manager
Nicole joined us in 2011 with eight years of professional experience in international and domestic group travel and flight management. From middle school age, she has had the travel bug and loved being on the road and exploring new places.
With a year abroad and sometimes intentionally getting lost on a quaint cobblestone pathway in Belgium or Germany, it was the true history and beauty that struck a chord within her that keeps her travel passion still alive. Nicole currently manages marathon trips to Berlin, Rome, Reykjavik and Tokyo and also serves as Administration Manager.