Iceland Expert

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Andrea Francoso, Travel Agent in Scottsdale, AZ

Andrea Francoso

Scottsdale, AZ Travel Agent
Super Agent

Andrea Francoso

Scottsdale, AZ · 25+ Years of Experience

A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
5.0
(49)
100% Recommended
We have booked several cruises with Andrea as well as some complex flight itineraries... Andrea is always up to date on the nuances and the details... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Iceland, Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes, Hofn, Akureyri

Interests:

Animals & Wildlife, Adventure, European Culture, Nature, Private Travel

Suppliers:

Kensington, Hurtigruten, Luxury Gold, Ponant, SITA World Tours

About Me

The Golden Circle is magical!
The Golden Circle is magical!

Hello, I'm Andrea Andrade, your trusted Iceland expert. With a deep passion for this land of fire and ice, I'm here to help you unlock the secrets of one of the world's most captivating destinations.

As an Iceland enthusiast, I've dedicated years to exploring every corner of this enchanting island. From its rugged landscapes and pristine glaciers to its vibrant cultural heritage, my mission is to share the wonders of Iceland with you.

Why Choose Me?

  • Extensive Experience: Over the years, I've traversed Iceland's diverse terrain, from the bustling streets of Reykjavik to the remote fjords of the East Coast. I've trekked the highlands, soaked in geothermal pools, and witnessed the awe-inspiring Northern Lights countless times.
  • In-Depth Knowledge: My expertise extends beyond the tourist hot spots. I've delved into Iceland's history, folklore, and geology, providing you with rich, authentic insights into this magical land.
  • Personalized Itineraries: Whether you're an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or a nature lover, I can tailor-make an itinerary that suits your interests and ensures you experience Iceland at its best.
  • Geological Insights: Iceland's unique geological features, from volcanoes to geysers, are my specialty. I'll help you understand the forces that have shaped this extraordinary landscape.
  • Local Connections: Through my extensive network of local contacts, you'll have access to insider tips, hidden gems, and authentic experiences that most tourists miss.

**Places not to miss:**

1. **Reykjavik**: Start your journey in the capital city, Reykjavik, where you can explore its vibrant culture, visit museums, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

2. **Golden Circle**: This iconic route includes three must-visit attractions: Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between two tectonic plates, Geysir geothermal area with its erupting hot springs, and Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls.

3. **Blue Lagoon**: Relax in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, a luxurious spa surrounded by lava fields. It's a truly unique experience.

4. **Vatnajokull National Park**: This is Europe's largest national park and offers a diverse range of landscapes, including glaciers, ice caves, waterfalls, and lush green valleys.

5. **Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon**: Witness the surreal beauty of this glacier lagoon filled with floating icebergs. You can take boat tours to get up close to the ice formations.

6. **The Diamond Beach**: Adjacent to Jokulsarlon, this black sand beach is famous for its glistening ice chunks that wash up on the shore, resembling diamonds.

7. **Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss**: These two majestic waterfalls along the South Coast are easily accessible and provide fantastic photo opportunities.

8. **The Westfjords**: Explore Iceland's remote and rugged western region, known for its dramatic fjords, bird cliffs, and untouched wilderness.

9. **Akureyri**: Often referred to as the "Capital of the North," Akureyri is a charming town with botanical gardens, a geothermal pool, and access to great skiing in the winter.

10. **Landmannalaugar**: This otherworldly area in the Highlands is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and incredible hiking trails. It looks like you are on Mars with the craters.

11. **Myvatn**: Discover the geothermal wonders of Lake Myvatn, including bubbling mud pools, pseudocraters, and the otherworldly Dimmuborgir lava formations.

12. **Snaefellsnes Peninsula**: Often called "Iceland in Miniature" due to its diverse landscapes, this peninsula features a glacier-capped volcano, picturesque fishing villages, and black sand beaches.

13. **East Fjords**: Enjoy peaceful, scenic drives along the winding roads of the East Fjords, dotted with charming fishing villages and breathtaking views.

14. **Husavik**: Known as the whale-watching capital of Europe, Husavik offers fantastic opportunities to see humpback whales and other marine life.

15. **Thorsmork**: Accessible by 4x4 vehicles or hiking, Thorsmork is a valley surrounded by glaciers and rivers, providing excellent trekking routes.Remember that Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, so it's essential to plan your trip carefully, especially if you intend to explore some of the more remote areas. Additionally, respecting the natural environment and local customs is crucial when visiting this beautiful country.

Don't miss out on the chance to experience Iceland through the eyes of a seasoned expert. Contact me today to start your Icelandic exploration!

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
49 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 49 reviews

Makes each trip worry free
Reviewed By The journey is the Adventure - Prescott, Arizona | Traveled to Mediterranean ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
We have booked several cruises with Andrea as well as some complex flight itineraries... Andrea is always up to date on the nuances and the details to make each trip a success.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
11 of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Great Adventure
Reviewed By Ralph - Prescott, AZ | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Andrea is a true professional. She knows the industry and always ahas great insight on destinations. She works a lot of options in on our vacation planning_
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Testing this out
Reviewed By Drea - Queen Creek, AZ | Traveled to Croatia ~ Europe
Amazing
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Amazing Vacation
Reviewed By Monique - Pomona CA | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
Andrea was so helpful putting our package together exactly how we wanted it.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
My forever dream destination fairy godmother
Reviewed By Kissbesos - Los Angeles, CA | Traveled to Europe
I’ve been using Andrea for my world travels for some time now. She’s so efficient in helping me plan and make the right choices for my trips. Andrea is very knowledgeable and has great customer service skills, she’s good at making excellent recommendations .. Andrea is available for all my questions and concerns. I always refer her to all of my acquaintances. I just wish I had more time available to travel more.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
9 of 13 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

Client Testimonials

Our Iceland Trip!
I’m realizing that we never thanked your or sent you an update about the trip to Iceland you booked for us! IT WAS AMAZING!! ?????? We loved trekking across Iceland! We made it all the way around the snaefellsnes peninsula and the amazing sites there (found a GREAT restaurant called the “House of Food” up there!), down through landmannalaugar (we loved the hike in the middle of nowhere and the f-roads!), through Vik (and the volcano worries!), and to the glacier lagoon (breath taking!)!! We saw so many waterfalls, insane landscapes, glaciers, and mountains it was all so amazing! Truly a once in a lifetime trip! We are so very appreciative of you all setting it all up for us!! We are also very appreciative of the flowers you left us in our Reykjavik hotel and they travelled from hotel to hotel with us as well! 1200 miles of fun!! Thank you again for everything you put together for us!
Lee and Kelly T, Calif
Sri Lanka Wonderful
Andrea, We had the most amazing time in Sri Lanka. The hotels were amazing….the tour guide was over the top and the activities were fantastic…..it is a very unique and special place….you nailed it for us, and it was exactly what we wanted to do. Thanks so much and I can’t wait to book my next vacation with you.
P Kaufman, Miami Florida
Smooth and Relaxing Amalfi
It was a great trip! Very relaxing! Well, the area we all know is beautiful. The hotels in Positano and Capri were great. They were not stuck right where the action was, but they had shuttles available. For us, this was a good thing because the towns were very crowded and after roaming around we got back to a beautiful tranquil oasis. But I suppose other people might prefer the noise… Everything went smoothly. All the drivers came on time. No issues. We were happy to go to Pompei. It was super interesting and it was good to have something cultural besides beautiful scenery and beaches.
Mariana F, Key Biscayne, FL
Vietnam has been wonderful!
I want to let you know how our travel in Vietnam has been going. Our time in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An has been wonderful: remarkable accommodations, very professional and friendly tour guides, sites and monuments we will never forget. And the food! Last but not least, to have somebody picking us up at the Ho Chi Minh City airport was very helpful. And we even successfully “navigate” a flood in Hue. Now we joined our friends for the rest of our tour, currently navigating the Mekong River to Phnom Penh, but I wanted to let you know that we are happy and you did a very good job. Again thanks. I’ll call you in person when I am back.
Maria P, Westhampton, NY
Poland was great!
I’m back from Europe and just wanted to let you know that Poland was fabulous, including the hotels, and especially the food tour (Michal, the guide who took us on this food journey was absolutely fabulous!) and Chopin recital (the pianist was amazing!) in Warsaw. Every guide and driver was on time, super knowledgeable, and courteous. Sometimes the information is a bit overwhelming, of course, with all the names and dates the tour guides rattle off but I’m always impressed by the amount of knowledge they have. THANK YOU for another fabulous trip! I can’t wait to book the next one!
Georg Krammer, Berkeley, CA
France in October was amazing!
Hi Andrea, Just had to write and tell you what a fabulous trip to France you organized for our 50th wedding anniversary. Every detail was flawlessly planned as usual. I do want to let you know that all of our accommodations were wonderful and full of surprises. Your recommendation of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris was exceptional. We had to add an additional night as we didn’t want to leave. I’d really like to acknowledge the two tour guides we had in Nice and Cannes, Frank and Simon. They were so knowledgeable and such delightful companions. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with them. I hope you will pass that on to their superiors. Once again Andrea, thank you for making our travels so effortless and creating such great memories. We are your biggest fans. Until next time, David and Judy Perry
Judy Perry, Lafayette CA
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