Iceland - The Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland:

Iceland is a land of adventure with waterfalls, hot springs, elves, volcanoes, lava beds, fjords, glaciers, geysers, along with black sand beaches, and picturesque Nordic towns and cities. We will have a chance to do lots of hiking, sightseeing and tasting exotic foods. Summer in Iceland lasts from late June through late September so we will have lots of time to experience the midnight sun, and a rare opportunity to pack as much into every day as humanly possible, with 24 hours of daylight during the summer months.

We’ll see outstanding natural wonders when we visit Geysir, Iceland’s most famous area for thermal activity. View “Strokkur”, one of the most active geysers, and “Gullfoss” (Golden Waterfall), Iceland’s most famous waterfall, followed up with a visit to a real working farm. When we visit the Golden Circle, we will enjoy scenic drives along with the geological and historic sites of the island and includes a drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park. A remarkable geological site, it is one of the few spots in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is seen above water. The amazing canyon that runs through the park is a meeting point of two of the earth’s tectonic plates.

Iceland’s location between two tectonic plates means the country has one of the highest concentrations of active volcanoes in the world. There are 30 active volcano systems in Iceland, and the country tends to see an average of one eruption every five years. Most of the time these are harmless (they’re known as “tourist eruptions”), offering spectacular photo opportunities while causing minimal damage. The most popular volcanoes to visit in Iceland include Helka (which has erupted over a dozen times since the days of Viking settlement), Eyjafjallajökull, and Öræfajökull (Iceland’s tallest).

Tour Highlights:

This trip is a little different than our normal trips outside the US and Canada. We will be lodging in one hotel the entire week and taking day trips aboard a luxurious motor coach. This is the best of all worlds; we get to see the country and don’t have to pack and unpack each day. Below are some of our highlights:

• 7 Meals: 5 breakfasts and 2 dinners
• Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided
• Included city tour of Reykjavik with a local guide
• Experience a full-day adventure of volcanoes, waterfalls, geothermal activity and nature, with a local guide, on the included South Shore excursion
• Discover the Reykjanes Peninsula and its geothermal activities with a local guide on this included full-day excursion
• Relax in the Blue Lagoon (entrance included)
• Enjoy a virtual flight as you ‘Fly Over Iceland’
• On a full-day included Golden Circle tour with a local guide, see the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the “Geysir” and more natural wonders

NOTE ON AIR: We will travel by bus to Orlanda, where we pick up our non-stop flight to Iceland. Air credit is $400 if you choose to make your own arrangements. Please note you will be responsible for travel to and from airport to lodging if you do choose your own air package.

Lodging: to be confirmed

NOTE: This trip WILL sell out so don’t delay or you may find yourself on a wait list… Please complete a trip application with a deposit of $500 and mail to: Pattie Housewright at 10008 Bentley Way, Tampa, FL 33626