DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Cruise Itinerary
DAY 1
Depart your gateway city for Keflavík, Iceland, aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for Air Package participants only.)
DAY 2 - Reykjavík
Upon arrival, transfer to Reykjavík (
Provided for Air Package participants only.) Local Flavor: Breakfast is served at a restaurant en route. Excursion: The Big Little City. Reykjavíkis the world's northernmost capital. The island's first settler, Ingolfur Arnarson, named the settlement Smoky Bay after the misty steam he saw rising from the ground. At The Pear, a glass-domed observatory atop the city's hot water reservoirs, admire a panoramic view. Then, visit Hallgrimskirkja church, the towering symbol of Reykjavík, visible from 12 miles (20km) away. Check into the Hotel Reykjavík Centrum. Independent Exploration: The afternoon is at leisure so you may familiarize yourself with the hotel and environs. This evening, gather for a private Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 3 - Bergarnes & Reykholt
Educational Focus: From Vikings to Icelandic Sagas. Discuss how ancient Norwegian sailors discovered the island, struggled to make it a homeland and were inspired to record their daring escapades. Excursion: Settlers and Storytellers. In the town of Borgarnes, tour exhibits on the colonization of Iceland and the Icelandic sagas showcased in the Settlement Center. Continue to Reykholt and its Snorrastofa. Named for the beloved 13th-century poet and politician Snorri Sturluson, it is a cultural center dedicated to medieval studies. Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant.
DAY 4 - Hellisheidi
Educational Focus: Geothermal Power. Learn about Iceland's renewable energy sources and technology export. Excursion: Earth Energy. Visit the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant near Hengill for a fascinating guided tour and lecture in this cutting-edge, eco-friendly facility. Independent Exploration: The afternoon in Reykjavík is at your leisure. Educational Focus: Meet the People. Participate in a discussion with local residents and learn about modern Icelandic life.
DAY 5 - Island Roundabout
Excursion: Iceland in a Nutshell. Travel to Thingvellir (pronounced THING-vod-lef) National Park. A monument to Iceland's independence and unity, tribal chieftains established the world's first legislative body at he open-air Althing, a natural amphitheater, in A.D. 930 and continued to meet at the site until 1798. Then, explore a thermal field bubbling with hot springs, mud volcanoes and hissing steam vents. Gaze at Strokkur, The Churn, one of the most active geysers in the area which spouts a 60-100-ft. (18-30 m) jet every five-ten minutes. Admires Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, a breathtaking glacial cascade that drops 105 feet (32 m) into a narrow canyon. Next, visit an equestrian center and get acquainted with gentle, intelligent Icelandic horses. Finally, stroll through a geothermal greenhouse where vegetables are grown. Local Flavor: Have lunch at a restaurant.
DAY 6 - Reykjavík
Educational Focus: Contemporary Iceland. In a country composed of a predominately young demographic, learn how the youth culture influences the national politics and policies. Excursion: Whale Watching. Embark on an unforgettable cruise in search of minke and humpback whales, porpoise and dolphins. Scout the skies and shoreline for puffins, arctic terns, gannets and gull. Independent Exploration: The afternoon in Reykjavík is free for your own plans.
DAY 7 - Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Excursion: Journey to the Center of the Earth. In Snæfellsjökull National Park, see its namesake conical, glacial-capped stratovolcano, the setting for Jules Verne's famous novel written in 1871. Walk along a black sand beach and drive through a volcanic cone. Local Flavor: A restaurant in a quaint fishing village en route hosts you for lunch.
DAY 8 - Reykjavík
Independent Exploration: The day is at leisure to pursue individual interests. You may visit the Blue Lagoon on your own. Tonight gather with fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception and Graduation Ceremony followed by dinner at the hotel.
DAY 9
After breakfast, transfer to the Keflavík airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Provided for Air Package Participants only.)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to operating conditions. Many excursion in this program involve an element of walking, as some of the finest attractions are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.
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