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Discover the natural
wonders and geological significance of Iceland’s
glaciers, hot springs, geysers, and waterfalls. Special
presentations will add to your understanding of
Iceland’s incredible landscape, which boasts many
contrasts of nature. A tour of the capital city of
Reykjavik highlights the 19th-century Parliament House
and beautiful Tjornin Lake. In the seaside village of
Vik, a special excursion contrasts lush green pastures,
vast black volcanic sand beaches, and spectacular rock
columns that rise majestically from the sea. Visit a
traditional horse farm, look for Iceland’s well-known
puffins and arctic terns, and swim in the mineral-rich
water of a natural geothermal pool.
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Educational Highlights in Iceland |
Your Icelandic
adventure is complemented by intriguing lectures that
explore the natural history of this geologically "you"
nation.
- Learn how Iceland hopes to
become energy independent through its hydro and geothermal
power plants from expert Maria Maack. Discover why this is
an achievable goal that makes Iceland the envy of
energy-import dependent countries.
- Acquaint yourself with the geologic
energies at work in Iceland during a lecture by geologist Ari Traustia
Gudmundsson, who explains the geothermal hotspots, volcanic rocks, and
galciers that you observe through out your journey.
- Gain an appreciation for Icelandic culture
as historian Anne Yates recounts famous Icelandic sagas, painting a vivid
picture of its early history.
 Day
1: Overnight Flight
Day 2: Reykjavik, Iceland
Your tour begins in Reykjavik, where you embark on a
fascinating city tour that highlights such important
sites as the 19th-century Parliament House, Austurvollur
Square, the Hofoi House, and Tjornin Lake. Visit the
Arbaer Open-Air Folk Museum*, which comprises buildings
and artifacts from different periods, including an
18th-century turf chapel. Gather this evening for a
welcome reception and dinner. (D)
Day 3: Reykjavik - Golden Circle
Today travel the “Golden Circle” which encompasses many
of Iceland’s most renowned natural scenic wonders.
Thingvellir National Park is Iceland’s most historic
site and one of its most beautiful places. The oldest
existing parliament in the world first met here in AD
930. The park also features the geologically significant
Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the American and European
tectonic plates collide. Continue to the amazing hot
springs of Geysir, then marvel at one of the island’s
greatest natural wonders, the two-tiered Gullfoss
Waterfall. Also visit Hveragerdi, where steam from the
earth heats greenhouses that provide Iceland with fresh
produce. (B)
Day 4: Reykjavik - Skogar - Vik**
Travel across fertile pastures, sand flats, and glacial
rivers en route to Skogar, a small settlement located
next to a magnificent waterfall. Visit Skogar’s Folk
Museum, which houses an interesting collection of
Icelandic artifacts. Continue south to the town of Vik,
your home for the next two nights. Vik is a small town
set along Iceland’s dramatic southern coast, where black
sand beaches, crashing waves, and towering figures of
black rock form an unforgettable sight. Today, learn
more about the many geologic concepts that have created
the fascinating landscape of Iceland. (B, D)
Day 5: Vik - Skaftafell National Park - Vik
Begin the day at Skaftafell National Park, a beautiful
green oasis located near the highest peak in Iceland.
Later, an unforgettable boat trip amidst graceful,
floating icebergs serves as an introduction to Iceland’s
dramatic glaciers and the perfect opportunity to see
many species of birds. (B, D)
Day 6: Vik - Reykjavik
Today, on your trip back to Reykjavik, enjoy a visit to
a traditional Icelandic horse farm. Learn how Iceland’s
horses are directly descended from those brought by the
Vikings and how Iceland is preserving this heritage.
This evening, attend an in-depth discussion that
enhances your understanding of all that you have
witnessed. (B)
Day 7: Reykjavik - Reykjanes Peninsula - Reykjavik
During a full-day excursion, explore the scenic
landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula, stopping at
Bessastadir, an ancient Viking site that is now the
official residence of the current president. Continue to
Lake Kleifarvatn to see an amazing display of geothermal
activity, including steaming fumaroles, hot springs, and
mud pots. Conclude your day at the famous Blue Lagoon, a
natural geothermal pool in the middle of a large,
dramatic lava field. Enjoy time to relax and/or take a
swim in this pleasantly warm, mineral-rich water. Gather
for a farewell dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 8: Reykjavik - Tour Ends
(B)
Stay a little longer...with a 1 night pre-tour or
post-tour stay in
Reykjavik starting at $120 per person, double.
Base Rates Per Person
| Departure Date |
Tour Rate – Twin |
Tour and Air Rate |
| May 23 2006 |
$1399 |
$2019 from NYC |
| Jun 27 2006 |
$1599 |
$2589 from NYC |
| Jul 11 2006 |
$1649 |
$2639 from NYC |
| Aug 15 2006 |
$1649 |
$2639 from NYC |
| Sep 12 2006 |
$1449 |
$2069 from NYC |
| Oct 03 2006 |
$1199 |
$1819 from NYC |
*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin
occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights.
Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE
4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please
confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that
feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above.
Additional tour dates
may be available, please call us for information.
8 days, 10 meals
6 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2, 3 - Hotel Plaza, Reykjavik
Day 4, 5 - Hotel Hofdabrekka or Hotel Vik, Vik
Day 6, 7 - Hotel Plaza, Reykjavik
NOTES:
- Sample air inclusive rate is
subject to availability and may vary by airline, flight number
or routing.
- Hotel check-in on your day of
arrival is 3:00 PM. Rooms may not be available prior to that
time.
- On some dates, accommodations
may be in Kirkjubaejarklaustur instead of Vik. However, this
does not affect the included sightseeing attractions.
- The Arbaer Open Air Museum is
open from June 1 - August 31. Departures before and after these
dates will visit the Iceland Culture House.
- Due to flight schedules, a
post night may be required in some Icelandic Air gateway cities
(at an additional cost). Please inquire at time of booking.
- In order to enjoy the historic
sites, a good amount of walking is required on this tour.
- Tour price does not include
fees for a passport, which is required.
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