Iceland Adventure:
Discovering the Land of Fire and Ice		 June 25 - July 2 , 2010

There is no brochure mailing for this program. You can find the information you need on this website.

Register Now

EXPEDITION SUMMARY

Journey to the land of the Midnight Sun and explore its unique landscape forged by nature's powerful forces--volcanoes, winds, glaciers, geysers, and tectonic plates. Discover the mystical landscape at Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where Jules Vernes set part of Journey to the Center of the Earth. Take scenic treks on black sand at Djupalonssandur, wander past the Gullfoss waterfalls, hike in the World Heritage Site Thingvellir National Park, and gather around the eruptions at Geysir Hot Springs. Raft on the Hvita River through canyons, observe wildlife on a private boat cruising among the remote Breidafjordur islands, and soak in the Blue Lagoon's geothermal waters. Iceland never ceases to enchant!

Back to Top

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

The adventure includes several options for hiking, ranging from easy to moderate to more challenging, usually on uneven terrain and is best suited to people who are comfortable walking at a good pace a few miles each day. The walks near glaciers will have rough, rocky terrain. It is advisable to bring lightweight hiking poles or a lightweight walking stick for support.

 Back to Top

TEMPERATURE / WEATHER

Icelanders have a common expression -- "If you do not like the weather, wait 15 minutes." As a result of the warm Gulf Stream coming into contact with cooler Arctic air, the weather is changeable, with rain and storminess a constant possibility. Regardless, late June is an opportune time to visit Iceland; the days are long and the temperatures are at their most pleasant. The average daytime temperature is 56 F, and the average nighttime temperature is 46 F. There are, on average, 10 inches of rainfall in June.

CLOTHING AND PACKING SUGGESTIONS

We recommend planning your travel wardrobe around casual, practical, and comfortable clothing that can be layered to provide you with maximum comfort and flexibility. Because of the active nature of our travels, fancy dress is not necessary anywhere on our journey. You may want to bring one outfit that can be dressed up for the welcome and farewell receptions, depending on your personal preference.

Light-weight hiking boots and/or sturdy walking shoes are essential - sneakers are NOT sufficient on Icelandic terrain. Please note that if you do not having hiking boots, tour staff reserve the right to prohibit you on certain walks/hikes. To avoid the risk of injury, your boots or shoes should have treaded soles and should provide good ankle support.

Please bring a complete waterproof, breathable outfit (trousers and a jacket with hood) which you can pack into a light backpack along with the rest of your day gear, such as your camera and bottled water. It is advisable to have your day pack, outdoor garments, and camera clearly marked with your name. We strongly recommend that you do not wear jeans while hiking.

TRIP DETAILS

Dates:
June 25-July 2, 2010

Cost:
Double rooms: $5,380 per person
Single rooms: $6,375 per person

Includes:

Does Not Include:

 Back to Top

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

June 25 and 26: New York/Reykjavik, Iceland/Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Depart on an overnight flight to Reykjavik. Upon arrival, have breakfast at a nearby hotel before travelling to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a mystical landscape where Jules Verne set part of his book Journey to the Center of the Earth. En route, stop at Borgarnes to learn about the Egils saga. Continue on to the fishing hamlet of Arnarstapi for a cliff walk and see the rock pillars of Dritvik Cove. Check in to the hotel early this afternoon and have time at leisure. Gather for a welcome dinner. Hotel Budir (B, D)

June 27: Stykkisholmur/ Breidafjordur
This morning at Dritvík Creek, hike along the black volcanic beach Djupalonssandur. At Gufuskálar, see unique 13th-century artifacts from the fish processing industry and walk out to the cliffs of þúfubjarg to view the birds nesting and resting on the cliffs. From the charming harbor town of Stykkisholmur, take a private boat trip to explore the deserted islands of Breidafjordur. Numbering nearly 3,000, the islets shelter seals, dolphins, puffins, and other seabirds. There are some opportunities for angling. Have dinner on board the ship and enjoy the midnight sun. Hotel Budir (B, L, D)

June 28: Borgarfjordur/Thingvellir National Park
Travel to the fertile Borgarfjordur region, stopping to see the largest hot spring in Europe. Arrive in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Iceland's parliament was established in 930 A.D., and hike before dinner. Hotel Valholl (B,D)

June 29: Thingvellir National Park
Spend the day exploring the park on foot. Stand on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the mighty juncture of the American and European tectonic plates. Also, meet with a park ranger for a presentation about Thingvallavatn Lake. Hotel Valholl (B, D)

June 30: Geysir/Gullfoss/Hekla
Travel to Geysir hot springs and the Gullfoss waterfalls, a spectacular two-tiered glacial cascade. Later this morning, raft through the rapids and serene canyons on the Hvítá River. After lunch, meet a local farmer and tour his property visiting his greenhouse and watch a horse show featuring the famous breed of Icelandic horses. Check into a country hotel. Optional evening activities include swimming in the town's geothermal pool or horseback riding. Hotel Hekla (B,L,D)

July 1: Reykjavík
Explore the beautiful and historic Thjorsardalur valley. Stop at Hjalparfoss waterfall and visit a Viking replica to learn about these early settlers. From the Viking ruins at Stöng, hike to the spectacular Gjain waterfalls before driving to Reykjavík. Check into the hotel. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner. Hotel Borg (B, D)

July 2: Reykjavik/New York
Take a walking tour of downtown Reykjavik this morning. En route to the airport, stop for a soak in the invigorating geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. (B)

 Back to Top