Iceland Travel Specialist

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Maria (Ree) Lesher, Travel Agent in Portland, OR

Maria (Ree) Lesher

Portland, OR Travel Agent
Super Agent

Maria (Ree) Lesher

Portland, OR · 2 Years of Experience

In Search of Elsewhere Travel, an independent agent with Cornerstone Collective dba Cornerstone Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(20)
100% Recommended
I had always organized my trips myself, but this year I was so overwhelmed by questions that I needed help. That's when I contacted Ree, who... Read More >
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Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Iceland

Interests:

Cruises, Bucket List, Car Travel, Culinary & Foodie, Eco-Tourism

Suppliers:

Viking, Globus, Norwegian Cruise Line, G Adventures, Princess Cruises®

About Me

Visit Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Visit Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, Iceland

Iceland blew me away in all sorts of ways. Before visiting, I thought I knew what to expect—glaciers, waterfalls, maybe a quick soak in the Blue Lagoon. But standing there in person felt like stepping onto another planet. The Blue Lagoon wasn’t just turquoise; it was milky blue, steaming against black lava fields under a sky that changed by the minute.

We rented a car and spent ten days driving Iceland’s Ring Road, circling the island and watching the scenery transform constantly—one moment moss-covered lava fields, the next towering cliffs, black-sand beaches, or glittering glaciers. The main road in Iceland is safe, well-maintained, and easy to drive, making it perfect for independent travelers who want to explore at their own pace. Along the way, we discovered charming villages, cozy guesthouses, and family-run cafés serving Icelandic fish soup and warm rye bread. Once you leave Reykjavík and the Golden Circle, a different world unfolds—raw, wild, and full of geothermal wonders, hiking trails, and quiet fishing towns tucked into dramatic fjords.That journey completely changed how I see travel.

Iceland isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. It’s standing beneath waterfalls so powerful they vibrate in your chest, soaking in hidden hot springs while the Northern Lights dance above, or chatting with locals about life on a volcanic island shaped by fire and ice. Every region feels alive, every day different, and every moment awe-inspiring.

As an Iceland Travel Specialist, I design custom Iceland itineraries that capture the country’s highlights and hidden gems. I help travelers experience Iceland confidently—whether you’re chasing adventure, seeking relaxation, or combining both. My personalized Iceland vacation planning includes detailed routes, handpicked hotels, and unique excursions. You’ll see iconic sites like the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Reykjavík, and explore beyond—to places like Snæfellsnes Peninsula, East Fjords, and Vatnajökull Glacier National Park.

Stopover with Icelandair

A great way to experience Iceland is through an Icelandair stopover on your way to Europe. Spend two to five days exploring Reykjavík, touring the Golden Circle, and soaking in a geothermal lagoon before continuing your journey. You won’t see the entire country, but you’ll experience its essence—geysers, glaciers, and unforgettable landscapes. This flexible option is perfect for first-time visitors or anyone short on time who wants to sample Iceland’s beauty without extending their overall trip.

Cruise Around Iceland

For travelers who love comfort and variety, cruising around Iceland offers a unique perspective. Expedition and small-ship cruises circle the island, stopping in remote ports like the Westfjords, Westman Islands, and the glacier-filled Jökulsárlón Lagoon. You can explore colorful harbors, hike to waterfalls, and marvel at the fjords of Seyðisfjörður—all while unpacking only once. Iceland cruises combine relaxation with discovery, revealing coastal regions most travelers never reach.

RV Adventures & Self-Drive Itineraries

Another unforgettable way to explore is by RV or camper van. Iceland’s well-marked roads, accessible campsites, and natural hot springs make it ideal for road-trippers. Wake up beside a glacier, cook dinner overlooking a volcano, or follow clear skies to chase the Aurora Borealis. Traveling by RV offers the freedom to explore Iceland’s landscapes on your own schedule, combining adventure and flexibility with a touch of comfort.Cultural & Local Experiences

My background in anthropology and archaeology helps me connect travelers to Iceland’s deeper stories. Beyond sightseeing, I curate experiences that immerse you in Icelandic culture—farm visits, traditional food tastings, geothermal bread baking, folklore tours, and local art. I love pairing nature with culture so every journey feels both enriching and unforgettable.

Why Travelers Choose My Iceland Expertise

I take care of every detail—from route planning and accommodations to local tours, guides, and seasonal highlights. I work with trusted Iceland partners to ensure seamless logistics, 24/7 support, and insider access. Whether you prefer an independent self-drive tour, a guided small-group adventure, a luxury Iceland vacation, or a Northern Lights winter escape, your trip will be tailored to your pace, preferences, and budget.

Experience Iceland Your Way

Iceland is one of the world’s most spectacular destinations—safe, stunning, and endlessly photogenic. It’s where glaciers meet volcanoes, waterfalls meet rainbows, and travelers meet the unexpected. The energy of the earth, the warmth of the people, and the silence of untouched nature stay with you long after you leave.My goal is to help you experience that same wonder—to feel Iceland’s magic, connect with its culture, and return home with stories that stay with you forever. Let me help you discover the Land of Fire and Ice—your way.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
20 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 20 reviews

A 100% positive experience !
Reviewed By Beja - Santa Monica/California | Traveled to Hungary | Europe
I had always organized my trips myself, but this year I was so overwhelmed by questions that I needed help. That's when I contacted Ree, who proved to be an excellent travel agent. My daughter and I were going to Hungary together, from where she later on was traveling to Croatia, then back to the U.S. Our journey was complicated because I needed a return ticket and my daughter needed multiple one-way tickets with seat reservations. She also needed a Flix- Bus ticket from Budapest to Split and I needed a rental car and a hotel reservation in Budapest. From the moment Ree took over the job everything seemed to work perfectly. Not only was she fast and efficient, she also took care of every details such as recommending us travel insurance, explaining the benefit of it. She has never left any of my questions unanswered and took the "or" out of the ordeal. She did her research and always came back with multiple options to choose from. When it was all done and settled , she sent us a link to "The Magic App" that had all our itinerary and documents in one place, that was so useful and easy to access. Ree was there for us all the way through our journey as she promised. She sent us a link to "Viator" where we could search for excursion activities including discount codes. I can not thank Ree enough for making our trip a 100% positive experience.
Maria (Ree) Lesher responded
"Thank you so much! This truly means a lot. I loved helping you with this trip, and I’m so glad everything came together smoothly. I’m thrilled the Magic App made things easier too. I’m always here when you’re ready for the next adventure! "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Best trip of the last 10 years!
Reviewed By Denise - Washington DC | Traveled to Dominican Republic | Caribbean
Ree made it all happen. Flawless trip!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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The long awaited trip back to Ireland
Reviewed By Tommy Tempranillo - Portland Or | Traveled to Ireland | Europe
I hadn't been back to Ireland over 40 years, after having been there 4 other occasions in the late 1970s and early 80s. I worked and lived there for over a year on one of those. Ree helped me immensely in my travel planning. She has a real professional, yet still casual way of helping you in every aspect of your plans. Thank you, Ree!
Maria (Ree) Lesher responded
" Thank you so much for the kind words! ?? It was such a pleasure helping you plan your return to Ireland after so many years — especially knowing how meaningful the trip was for you. I’m so glad I could help make the process easier and enjoyable. Thanks again for trusting me with your journey! ?? "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Girls just wanna have fun, and we DID!
Reviewed By Carolyn - Hillsboro, OR | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
Planning is always easy with Ree! Once the trip was set we couldn’t wait to go. Sailed from New Orleans to Cozumel, Roatan, Harvest Caye and Costa Maya. Ship Norwegian Escape. Many fun activities on board and great food and drink. Loved the shopping and our photo sessions!! Ree had an itinerary plan and listed our excursions together. She is very thorough with plans and easy with directions while off the ship. She is always available to answers your questions and make suggestions. I will book with her again!
Maria (Ree) Lesher responded
"Thank you so much! ?? This cruise was such a fun one, and I loved getting to experience it with you! I’m so glad all the planning, excursions, and little details helped make the trip feel easy and stress free. We definitely made some fun memories on this one — shopping, photos, good food, all of it! ?? Thanks again for the kind words and for trusting me with your travels. Can’t wait for the next adventure! ???"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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So many fun adventures!
Reviewed By jan - Ralston ne | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
Ree is amazing! Lots of fun. Very well organized . I am definitely going on other trips with her!!
Maria (Ree) Lesher responded
"Thank you so much! ?? This trip was such a blast, and I’m so glad we got to experience it together! Thank you for trusting me with the planning — and for being such a fun travel buddy too. I already can’t wait for the next adventure! ???"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

Avalon Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Cosmos Certified Specialist
Cosmos Certified Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
NCL University - Master's Degree
NCL University - Master's Degree
Princess Commodore Certified
Princess Commodore Certified
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert

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.

My Photo Albums and Videos

Iceland
View Album

    My Travel Stories

    A completely different world—this is Iceland.

    A Country That Stops You in Your Tracks: Iceland

    I don’t always tell people to rent a car when they travel—but Iceland is the exception. This is one place where having your own wheels completely changes the experience. If you want to stop when something catches your eye, change plans on a whim, or pull over just because the light hit the mountains just right, a car gives you that freedom. One ...
    Read more

    Client Testimonials

    I had the most amazing experience...
    I had the most amazing experience working with Ree with In Search of Elsewhere Travel. She is so knowledgeable and great with investigating. She helped plan two of my cruises recently. I gave her the parameters for my vacation , and she came back in just a few short days with great ideas, great itineraries, suggestions. She has vast knowledge of airlines, cruises and so much more. I am so glad I decided to use her and her expertise..
    Toni S., Hillsboro, OR
    BESbswy