Magical Iceland

Transfer by bus from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik. We drive to the city for a relaxing swim in the geothermal pools followed by a 2 hour walking tour of Reykjavik. When the rooms are ready we have time to relax before heading out for our Welcome dinner. Tonight we take a boat from the Old Harbour over to Viðey Island for a short guided tour. It was inhabited as far back as 900 AD and we learn about its 1000 year history. After, we enjoy dinner on the island at the Viðeyjarstofa (Viðey House) before returning to Reykjavik.

Today we visit a geothermal power plant with an expert guide. Iceland sits over a rift in continental plates. The high concentration of volcanoes in the area provides geothermal energy which generates heat, hot water and electricity for over 87% of Iceland.

From here we do the Golden Circle tour. We visit Thingvellir National park, or Þingvellir (Parliament Plains). The Alþing or general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. In 1928, a law was passed that protected it in 2004, and it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the Park, we walk between the tectonic plates of America and Europe. From here we head to visit Geysir, a hot spring that erupts periodically. The name comes from the old Norse word “to gush,” as it shoots boiling water up to 300 feet in the air. Next, we stop at the Gullfoss (or Golden) waterfall. It is situated in the south of Iceland on the Hvítá (White) river which is fed by Iceland´s second biggest glacier, the Langjökull. The water plummets down 105 feet in two stages into a rugged canyon whose walls reach up to just over 229 feet in height.

Our last stop is to the Fridheimar greenhouses, which use geothermal heating. They are run by a husband (an agronomist), wife (a horticulturist) and their 5 young children. Dinner on our own. Tonight will also be in the area of the Golden Circle.

Today we take in the interactive exhibition of the Lava Center Museum, where visitors learn about the volcanic and tectonic forces which created and continue to shape Iceland.  There is also a 360 degree viewing platform to see two of the large volcanoes, Hekla and Katla. From here we will fly to the town and archipelago off the south coast of Iceland called the the Westman Islands, in Icelandic known as Vestmannaeyjar. There are 14 islands, the largest, Heimaey, has a population of over 4,000. The other islands are uninhabited except for a few cabins used during hunting season. Fishing, bird hunting and are the main source of sustainability. There are some cows and sheep on the island but farming is more of a hobby now. In January of 1973, the volcano in the island called Eldfell (meaning Hill of Fire), erupted covering 400 homes when the island evacuated. Nearly one-third of all the homes and buildings had burned or been covered under the lava and ash. After the eruption, the landscape was drastically changed. Lava covered the oldest part of the town and the size of the island had increased by more than three-quarters of a mile. For several years heat from the lava was harnessed and used to heat the homes in the town, which led to an eventual unified system of heating on the island. We have a tour of the island before flying back to the mainland and heading to Vik for the night.

Our day begins with a visit to to Reynisfjara, the black sand beach with basalt rock formations. We can also see the trolls in the sea. According to local Icelandic folklore, these large basalt columns were once trolls engaged in trying to pull ships from the ocean. However, as bad luck would have it, the dawn quickly arose, turning the trolls into solid stone. On to Dyrholæy, a cliff top lighthouse with lovely views. The view from there on the coastline is amazing and in June there are a lot of puffins flying around. Finally we stop at the glacier, Solheimajökull. This is a place where we can get up close to a glacier. We return to our hotel in Reyjkavik. (B)

Today we begin our day meeting a member of Parliament and hearing about the politics in Iceland. From here we visit a local couple to learn about Icelandic wool and the popular Icelandic sweaters. We have a knitting demonstration at their farm. After, we experience an amazing adventure, going into Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjokull. We ride to and from the tunnel on the glacier in specially modified vehicles. We return to the city for dinner on our own. Return to our hotel for the night.

Today we meet a professor to learn more about Iceland. After, we drive by the Höfði House. It was the location for the 1986 Reykjavík Summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan of the United States and Mikhail Gorbachev of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. That effectively was a step to the end of the Cold War. Within the building, the flags of the United States and the Soviet Union are cross-hung to commemorate the meeting. It is now offices and not open to the public. We have a special show today at Ruv, the Icelandic Public Broadcasting station, hosted by Maine Public’s own Jen Rooks. After the broadcast we head to the new Marshall House, the recently opened center for visual arts. The name comes from the Marshall Plan, the post-World War II economic recovery package from which Iceland received generous development funds, used to build this former fish meal factory. One section is The Living Art Museum (Nýló), non-profit, artist-run museum and association, venue for events, exhibitions, performances, discussions, research and the grassroots arts scene. Also in the Marshall House is the Kling and Bang gallery which introduces emerging and established, national and international artists and their works, which challenge the context and content of creative thinking. From here we head to the Botanical Gardens, for a visit before returning to our hotel and have time to pack and relax before our Farewell dinner and overnight in Reykjavik. (B, D)

Transfer from Reykjavik to Keflavik. Depending on flight departure, there may be free time in the morning to see a little more of the city.

• One private transfer to and from the airport
• Guide throughout the tour
• 6 nights accommodation
• Breakfast included
• Welcome and Farewell dinners
• Visit as listed in the itinerary
• Flights to and from the Westman island with the tour
• Lectures as listed in the itinerary
• All entrances and admissions
• Tips for the driver, guides and for all meals listed in the itinerary
• Porterage at airport to and from the bus and the same at the hotel

• International flight
• Additional meals and beverages not listed on itinerary, or not part of the chosen menu at meals
• Harpa concert tickets will be organized for those interested
• Individual hotel expenses (mini bar, room service, laundry, Internet, optional gratuity for hotel housekeeping staff, etc.)
• Anything not listed in the itinerary