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Iceland - North part of Atlantic Ocean

June 18 - 26, 2009

Legend has it that the first Viking to discover the two islands in the North Atlantic Ocean wanted to keep one all to himself. So, he named the smaller, greener country Iceland and the icier country Greenland, hoping that future settlers would pass by to the northeast. On this dual-city, cross-island adventure, begin in Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city. Scan the coastal waters of North Iceland for fins and flukes on a whale-watching cruise. See high-stepping Icelandic horses. In the vast geothermal region, learn how this tiny nation has harnessed its environmental “assets”—volcanic activity, varied terrain and rivers with changing currents—to generate efficient hydroelectric power for export and cultivate indoor gardens. Visit cosmopolitan Reykjavík and Thingvellir National Park, home to the world’s first legislative body.

Day-by-Day Itinerary*
Day 1 Depart your gateway city for Akureyri, Iceland. (Flight provided for Air Package participants only.)
Day 2 Transfer by motorcoach to the Hotel Kea (Transfer provided for Air Package participants only.) Independent Exploration: The afternoon is yours to explore or relax after your journey. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 Educational Focus: From Vikings to Icelandic Sagas. Excursion: Akureyri. Visit the Botanical Garden, then see the modern twin-towered Akureyri Church and stroll along Listagil Street, lined with artist’s shops. Next, travel outside the city to a traditional farm. Meet the residents and learn about the unique challenges to farming in this climate. Independent Exploration: The afternoon is free to pursue your own interests.
Day 4 Educational Focus: Commercial Fishing and Conservation. Excursion: The Gentle Giants. In Húsavík, embark on a traditional oak fishing boat. The North Iceland coast is ideal for spotting dolphins, minke and humpback whales during the summer. Afterward, tour the Húsavík Whale Museum. Local Flavor: Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Húsavík. Educational Focus: Meet the People.
Day 5 Depart Akureyri for Reykjavík. Excursion: Of Turf and Hoof. En route to Reykjavík, pass through the beautiful Skagafjördur district. Stop at the Glaumbær Folk Museum for a glimpse into Icelandic farm life from 1750-1879. Next, visit the Gauksmyri Horsemanship Center and get to know the Icelandic horse, unique in the world for its five gaits, extraordinary intelligence and hardiness. Local Flavor: A regional restaurant hosts you for lunch. Upon arrival in Reykjavík, check into the Hotel Reykjavík Centrum.
Day 6 Educational Focus: Harnessing the Earth’s Energy. Excursion: Earth Energy and the Golden Circle. Journey to Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant, the country’s largest source of hot water and electricity. Continue to Pingvellir, a remarkable geological site known for its history. Onwards, admire Gullfoss, the impressive Golden Waterfall. The famous Great Geysir is the namesake to hot geysers all over the world. Nearby, marvel at Strokkur, The Churn, which spouts a 60–100-foot jet about once every five minutes. After lunch, visit Skálholt, a tiny, but historic, bishopric village. Then, descend into Kerio, a 180-foot-deep volcanic caldera filled by a lake. In the small horticultural town of Hverageroi, see plants, vegetables and flowers grown in huge exothermally heated greenhouses. Cross the Hellisheioi plateau to Reykjavík. Local Flavor: A lunch featuring regional specialties is served at a rural restaurant.
Day 7 Excursion: Parliament Plains. Travel to Thingvellir National Park, where the world’s oldest parliament was established. Designated to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2004, tribal chieftains first gathered at the open-air Althing, a natural amphitheater, in 930 and continued to meet until 1798. The park is the symbol of Iceland’s independence and unity. Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch in the park.
Day 8 Independent Exploration: Today is at leisure to pursue your own interests. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special farewell reception, followed by a graduation ceremony and dinner at the hotel.
Day 9 Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer and flight provided for Air Package participants only.)

Iceland Brochure (pdf)

Cost: approximately $2,795 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.