Iceland Travel Specialist | Expert Custom Trips

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Steven Callas, Travel Agent in NorthBrook, IL

Steven Callas

NorthBrook, IL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Steven Callas

NorthBrook, IL · 3 Years of Experience

Gilded Travels LLC, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(18)
100% Recommended
I never would have picked Mallorca as a vacation destination. My wife likes the beach, I like adventure. Gilded Travels created the perfect one-week itinerary that... Read More >
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Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Iceland, Reykjavik, Vik, Akureyri, Snaefellsnes

Interests:

Nature, Adventure, Wellness, Spa & Fitness, Luxury

About Me

Waterfalls and Northern Lights, Iceland
Waterfalls and Northern Lights, Iceland

The drive from the airport into Reykjavík stops most first-timers cold. Lava fields in every direction, steam rising from the ground, not a tree anywhere. Getting a trip to Iceland right comes down to sequencing. The South Coast gets busy by mid-morning, a glacier and Jökulsárlón afternoon works best with an early start, and a table at Dill in Reykjavík books out weeks ahead. None of that is hard to get right with some planning behind it.

WHAT YOUR ICELAND TRAVEL STYLE SAYS ABOUT YOUR TRIP

Every trip works better when it's built around what the group actually wants from the week.

  • Family Trips: Iceland is the trip where the kids put the phones down, and you want the itinerary to hold up when the weather doesn't cooperate. I build buffer days into the schedule, hand-pick guesthouses in Selfoss and Höfn with connecting rooms and kitchenettes, and sequence glacier hikes around start times that keep the group moving without burning out by day four.

  • Couples & Honeymoons: This trip has weight to it and the details need to deliver. September and October are the best time to visit Iceland for northern lights without the deep-winter cold, and I build around that window. A glass-cabin stay on the South Coast, a confirmed table at Matur og Drykkur, and a Fontana spa morning in Laugarvatn, placed in the right order with the right spacing.

  • Active & Adventure: You are here to do things, not watch them from a viewpoint. Silfra snorkeling between two tectonic plates in 100-meter visibility goes on the list, along with a Vatnajökull glacier hike and a Westfjords routing most travelers never reach. Recovery days get planned as carefully as the headline ones so the back half holds up.

  • Wellness Trips: You have done your research and already know the Blue Lagoon is not what you're looking for. Hvammsvík on the Hvalfjörður fjord and the Forest Lagoon outside Akureyri are where I send clients who want genuine quiet and high-design geothermal facilities without the crowds. Which one fits depends on the rest of the itinerary.

  • Remote Workers & Executives: The time zone offset with the U,S. means mornings are yours before the workday starts. I match you with apartments near Laugavegur or South Coast cabins with verified fast Wi-Fi and a proper desk setup, then build the active portion of each day into the window before your first call.

HOW I PLAN ICELAND TRAVEL WITH AS AN EXPERT ADVISOR

The property recommendations, activity vetting, and on-the-ground contacts here come from deep destination research and supplier relationships built around Iceland. Luxury travel in Iceland done well means knowing which northern lights lodges deliver on the promise, which glacier experiences are worth the early start, and which Reykjavík restaurants need a reservation made weeks out. For clients with complex itineraries or trips that need to move quietly, that groundwork gets laid before you ever pack a bag.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need a 4x4 vehicle for Iceland?
A:
For a summer Ring Road trip, a standard AWD handles the main roads fine. Winter travel, the Highlands, or Snæfellsnes in the shoulder season are where a 4x4 changes what stays accessible, and it's one of the first things to sort out.

Q: Is Iceland mostly cashless? What about tipping?
A:
Almost entirely cashless. Cards work everywhere, including remote fuel stations in the East Fjords. Tipping isn't expected the way it is back home. A small gesture for great service is always welcome but never required.

Q: Is a Faroe Islands extension worth adding?
A:
For a lot of travelers, yes. About 90 minutes from Reykjavík by air, the Faroe Islands feel completely different: sea cliffs, turf-roofed villages, a slower pace. It adds 3 to 4 solid days and fits cleanly into one itinerary.

READY TO BOOK A TRIP TO ICELAND?

When the research tabs start to blur together, that is usually time to talk. Reach out and we will map out your Iceland travel itinerary from start to finish.

Additional Languages
Greek

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
18 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 18 reviews

A perfect Mallorca experience
Reviewed By Makis S. - Deerfield, IL | Traveled to Balearic Islands ~ Spain ~ Europe
I never would have picked Mallorca as a vacation destination. My wife likes the beach, I like adventure. Gilded Travels created the perfect one-week itinerary that had us exploring the beautiful beaches, hiking through rustic mountain villages, and dining at incredible restaurants on the island. No day felt too full or too empty. It was the perfect balance. Neither of us felt like we needed a "vacation from our vacation." I definitely recommend Steven and Gilded Travels and will be using them again!
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
10/10 recommend- WORTH IT!
Reviewed By Tina K - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Patagonia ~ Argentina ~ South America
Steven was amazing to work with. I’m an anxious traveler and he made the process so easy! I’ve always wanted to go to Patagonia but didn’t even know where to start. Steven took control and created an itinerary for me that I could’ve never done myself. We worked together to tweak it a bit and next thing you know I’m climbing a glacier in Argentina! 10/10 recommend his services- WORTH IT!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Dream Trip
Reviewed By LBACE - Mishawaka. IN | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
My wife and I worked with Steven for a trip of a lifetime in Greece. Steven went out of his way to provide service in recommending destinations, things to do and activities at each island we visited. We enjoyed incredible accommodations while exploring Greek culture, food and beverage. This was a memorable journey, which wouldn't have been so easy without his assistance. we highly recommend Steven for help in planning your getaways!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Trip of a lifetime!
Reviewed By Nancy P. - Arlington Heights, IL | Traveled to Europe
My husband and I planned an ambitious European trip and Steven made it happen. He was able to take our wishes and plan an itinerary which we thoroughly enjoyed. He worked with us as we fine tuned our plans, gave us options to choose from, and answered all of our questions. We were grateful that prior to our trip he checked in to be sure we had taken care of the items we needed to handle. During our trip we experienced a train delay which caused us to miss a connecting train and Steven was able to give us guidance so we could reach our destination. It was a pleasure to work with Steven, he showed real interest in our plans, and checked in once we returned. Thanks Steven!
Steven Callas responded
"It was such a pleasure to help craft this trip for you! Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to planning another trip for you in the future!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Gratitude for an excellent experience
Reviewed By Russ H. - Orlando, FL | Traveled to Jordan | Middle East
The balance was perfect; a fantastic mix of planned activities and personal time to explore. The meetings to pre-plan the trip were concise, helpful and relevant. Lots of great moments. Petra and Bethany by the Jordan were both highlights. It exceeded my expectations.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 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

Steven is your man for Japan!!
Steven was very professional with a great attention to detail. He carefully listened to what we wanted from our first trip to Japan, and he delivered! There were 3 of us traveling and he was able to plan an itinerary that met all our expectations.
Mario H. - Chicago, IL
Dream trip to Greece
My wife and I worked with Steven for a trip of a lifetime in Greece. Steven went out of his way to provide service in recommending destinations, things to do and activities at each island we visited. We enjoyed incredible accommodations while exploring Greek culture, food and beverage. This was a memorable journey, which wouldn't have been so easy without his assistance. We highly recommend Steven for help in planning your getaways!
Larry B. - Mishawaka, IN
Patagonia anniversary success
Steve was great to work with. We planned our trip in late January for November, and he guided us through it all and stayed on top of it following up with us in the fall and even checked in on the trip and after. It was great to have an expert who has traveled there really give us his recommendations. He nailed the whole trip out of the park and was one of the best life changing vacations we have taken. It was extra special because we celebrated our 20th anniversary.
Melissa H. - Riverside, IL
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