Hop-on/Hop-off

Decades ago, my Scandinavian geography professor offered his students 100 bonus points for sending him a post card from Iceland – "the island country that hangs like a jewel from the necklace of the Arctic Circle."

And so, it was with great pleasure that I researched the last booking for our trip – an 11-hour layover in Reykjavik before heading onto Bergen.

Airline agents highly recommended riding the Flybus 40 minutes from the Keflavik Airport into the city center. "We'll keep your checked luggage. Just be sure to take your carry-on with you," each rep said.

Earlier I asked the ladies whether they preferred to tour the city or bathe at the famous Blue Lagoon, since we'd not have time for both. They opted for the city tour.

Today I researched alternatives: the Hop-on/Hop-off Tour or the Grand Excursion.

As I delved into each web page, I discovered the two tours covered roughly the same places. The main difference was flexibility, depth and price.

The Hop-on/Hop-off bus tour runs from 10 AM to 4 PM and can be completed within one-hour should a rider decide for the minimal time allotment. If the rider decides to explore one of the 10 stops in depth, s/he may simply hop-on the next convenient bus. During this tour, English explanations are offered daily. This option costs 2,000 ISK ($25).

The Grand Excursion also offers an English-guided tour, but boasts a more in-depth explanation over a set, two-hour period from 9-11 AM and includes admission fees for all the tour stops. This option costs 3,300 ISK ($42).

I wondered: What are the admission prices? I checked into two famous buildings: Perlan (The Pearl) is a glass-dome, revolving restaurant built atop of the city's geothermal water heaters. Admission is free. The restaurant is top-notch and spendy. But reviews said, the cafeteria located one level down has a 360º observation deck that offers an incredible view of the city and attracts even locals for beverages, Italian ice cream and sandwiches. An on-site tourist shop offers a great selection of souvenirs from playing cards to Icelandic sweaters.

I think I've found our Reykjavik lunch place!

I also checked out Hallgrimskirkja – (Hallgrim's Church) the tallest building and most striking church in Iceland. Its 244-foot tower veers upward in the shape of organ pipes – reflective of the 5,000 piped organ it houses. Admission to this Lutheran church is also free. For those wishing for a lift to the tower top, the cost is 400 ISK ($5).

With that, my decision was easy. In my online cart, I put six round-trip Flybus tickets and 6 Hop-on/Hop-off Tours and checked out!

I can't wait to look for postcards. Maybe I can surprise a retired professor yet!