Iceland and the West

Sept 0

$3739 D

Plus Boston to Reykjavik

Fri, Sep 7, 2018

Iceland Air #630Boeing 757-200

Economy

From:

To:

Reykjavik, Iceland → Boston, MA

Fri, Sep 14, 2018

Iceland Air #631Boeing 767-300

Economy

From:

To:

Sept 08 Golden Circle Tour After clearing customs your coach will be waiting to take you on the you to visit some of Iceland‘s most stunning sights; UNESCO site Þingvellir National Parkdoesn’t get much daylight for most of the year. The Geysir geothermal area is named after the biggest, and now mostly dormant, geyser Geysir and all geysers in the world owe thethe active Strokkur, which shoots up a column of water up to 98 ft. into the air every few minutes. Gullfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and rightly so. The threeHvítá and falls into a 105 ft. deep canyon. For the first half of the 20th century, there were ideas about using the waterfall to generate electricity, but thankfully nothing came of it. The UNESCO site Þingvellir National Park is geologically and historically significant. Apart from being the location of the oldest parliament in the world, Alþingi, it is also a place where you can see the MidAmerican tectonic plates pull the country acultivation centre is one of Iceland’s biggest greenhouses. We will learn about the magic behind growing delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes with the aid of geothermal heat which Iceland has inuses pure Icelandic cold water for irrigation and gets help from about 600 bumblebees to pollinate the tomatoes. Tonight we will feature a Welcome to Iceland dinner.

Sept 09 Blue Lagoon, Bridge Over Continents (short stop), Gunnuhver steam vents.

Iceland and the West

Sept 07 -14, 2018

3739 Dbl $4439 Sgl

lus Iceland air $488

Boston, MA (BOS) 9:30pm

Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) 6:30am +1

Boston, MA

From: Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) 5:00pm

To: Boston, MA (BOS) 6:35pm

After clearing customs your coach will be waiting to take you on the Golden Circle Touryou to visit some of Iceland‘s most stunning sights; Geysir geothermal area, the waterfall Gullfoss

National Park as well as to learn about growing vegetables in a country which doesn’t get much daylight for most of the year. The Geysir geothermal area is named after the biggest, and now mostly dormant, geyser Geysir and all geysers in the world owe their name to it. The biggest attraction today is

which shoots up a column of water up to 98 ft. into the air every few minutes. Gullfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and rightly so. The three-step waterfall is a part oHvítá and falls into a 105 ft. deep canyon. For the first half of the 20th century, there were ideas about using the waterfall to generate electricity, but thankfully nothing came of it. The UNESCO site Þingvellir National Park is

gically and historically significant. Apart from being the location of the oldest parliament in the world, Alþingi, it is also a place where you can see the Mid-Atlantic ridge above ground. The Eurasian and NorthAmerican tectonic plates pull the country apart by a couple of centimeters per year. Friðheimar greenhousecultivation centre is one of Iceland’s biggest greenhouses. We will learn about the magic behind growing

free tomatoes with the aid of geothermal heat which Iceland has inuses pure Icelandic cold water for irrigation and gets help from about 600 bumblebees to pollinate the tomatoes. Tonight we will feature a Welcome to Iceland dinner. Overnight at Foss Hotel Reyjakvic

idge Over Continents (short stop), Gunnuhver steam vents.

Golden Circle Tour which tour allows waterfall Gullfoss, and the

as well as to learn about growing vegetables in a country which doesn’t get much daylight for most of the year. The Geysir geothermal area is named after the biggest, and now

ir name to it. The biggest attraction today is which shoots up a column of water up to 98 ft. into the air every few minutes. Gullfoss is

step waterfall is a part of the glacial river Hvítá and falls into a 105 ft. deep canyon. For the first half of the 20th century, there were ideas about using the waterfall to generate electricity, but thankfully nothing came of it. The UNESCO site Þingvellir National Park is

gically and historically significant. Apart from being the location of the oldest parliament in the world, Atlantic ridge above ground. The Eurasian and North-

Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation centre is one of Iceland’s biggest greenhouses. We will learn about the magic behind growing

free tomatoes with the aid of geothermal heat which Iceland has in abundance. Friðheimar uses pure Icelandic cold water for irrigation and gets help from about 600 bumblebees to pollinate the tomatoes.

Overnight at Foss Hotel Reyjakvic Dinner

idge Over Continents (short stop), Gunnuhver steam vents.

.

WHY IS THE WATER BLUE? The geothermal water has a unique composition, featuring three active ingredients – Silica, Algae & Minerals. The blue color comes from the silica and the way it reflects sunlight.However, and this might come as a surprise to you, the water is actually white. If you pour it into a transparent cup, it will always have a milky white color

Sept 10 Akranes, Hraunfossar, Hellnar and Arnastapi (short stops), Sunset at Kirkjufell.Drive to the Snaefellsnes peninsula from If the weather is fine and you want to stretch out your Snorrastadir– from there you will have a nice view of Eldborg will be made at Vegamót/Hotel Rjúkandi,restaurant. After lunch your next stop is the majestic glacier kilometers from there you will the sign Ölkelda taste the mineral water directly from the earth. Your next stop Ytri – Tunga, which is near the beach. Just walk a few steps on the red sand and feel the freare lucky, seals are often in this area. This evening watch the sunset at beautiful landmarkphotographed mountain in Iceland. Its isolated position jutting out into the sea makes it a focal point for tourists and seamen alike. Surrounded by beaches, tonight at Hotel Framnes in Grundarfjordurcooperates. Breakfast. Sept 11 Westfjords, including Dynjandi waterfall togenic falls in Iceland, thanks to its unusualPatreksfjörður, Sept 11 Kolugljufur, Glaumbaer turf farmA farmhouse is said to have stood on the hill at Glaumbær since the Age ofSettlements (900 AD). The present buildings vary in age; the most recent

After Breakfast depart for the includes Entrance to Blue Lagoon, Silica Mud Mask, Use of Towel, 1st Drink of your choice, Algae Masksurface, where freshwater and seawater combine at extreme temperatures. It is then harnessed via drilling holes at create electricity and hot water for nearby cthe water picks up silica and minerals. When the water emerges, its temperature is generally between 98the water temperature sometimes fluctuates beyond t

by the tension that builds up as the plates move away from eachSandvík is a small footbridge over a major fissure, margin. The bridge was built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America.continental divide on Leif the Lucky's Bridge and center and Reykjanes Geopark visitor center atsteam vents on the return trip to Reyjakavic.

On the long southern shore of the Westfjords, discover gorgeous Rauðasandur beach, with its endless golden sands of the Westfjords, discover gorgeous golden point. It is also a breathtakingly high cliff and home to more nesting seabirds that you could ever need in one day. upon Dynjandi; the largest waterfall in the Westfjords

The geothermal water has a unique composition, featuring three active . The blue color comes from the silica and the way it reflects sunlight.

However, and this might come as a surprise to you, the water is actually white. If you pour it into a transparent color. The sun simply makes it look blue! A stop will be made at the

Akranes, Hraunfossar, Hellnar and Arnastapi (short stops), Sunset at Kirkjufell.from Patreksfjörður you can see the crater, Eldborg,.

If the weather is fine and you want to stretch out your legs, turn left to the farm from there you will have a nice view of Eldborg A stop for lown)

will be made at Vegamót/Hotel Rjúkandi, time to eat something at the small restaurant. After lunch your next stop is the majestic glacier Snaefellsnjökull in A few kilometers from there you will the sign Ölkelda – at this farm you have the option to taste the mineral water directly from the earth. Your next stop on the peninsula the farm

Tunga, which is near the beach. Just walk a few steps on the red sand and feel the freThis evening watch the sunset at beautiful landmark

photographed mountain in Iceland. Its isolated position jutting out into the sea makes it a focal point for tourists and seamen alike. Surrounded by beaches, Kirkjufell has a lovely walking trail around it as well.

in Grundarfjordur. This is a great place to see the Northern lights if the weather

s, including Dynjandi waterfall

togenic falls in Iceland, thanks to its unusual triangular cascade. Tonight overnight at the Foss

Kolugljufur, Glaumbaer turf farm A farmhouse is said to have stood on the hill at Glaumbær since the Age of the

(900 AD). The present buildings vary in age; the most recent

After Breakfast depart for the Blue Lagoon. Your package at the Blue Lagoon includes Entrance to Blue Lagoon, Silica Mud Mask, Use of Towel, 1st Drink of your choice, Algae Mask The geothermal water originates surface, where freshwater and seawater combine at extreme temperatures. It is then harnessed via drilling holes at the Svartsengi geothermal power plant,, to create electricity and hot water for nearby communities. On its way to the surface, the water picks up silica and minerals. When the water emerges, its temperature is generally between 98-104°F. Owing to variables including weather and time of year,

the water temperature sometimes fluctuates beyond this range

Bridge over the continents. The lavapeninsula lies on one of the world's major plate boundaries, the Mid Atlantic Ridge. According to the continental drift theory the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are continuously drifting apart with great forces under the gaping rifts. As the platesfractures, known as fissures form

the tension that builds up as the plates move away from each other. The Bridge between two continents at dge over a major fissure, which provides clear evidence of the presence of a diverging plate

margin. The bridge was built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America.continental divide on Leif the Lucky's Bridge and take home a personalized certificate at the Reykjanes information center and Reykjanes Geopark visitor center at Duus Cultural house. A stop will also be made at

on the return trip to Reyjakavic. Breakfast and Dinner included.

On the long southern shore of the Westfjords, discover gorgeous Rauðasandur beach, with its endless golden sands On the long southern shoreof the Westfjords, discover gorgeous Rauðasandur beach,

sands. Látrabjarg forms the tip of the south, and is Europe’sIt is also a breathtakingly high cliff and home to more nesting seabirds

that you could ever need in one day. A bit further up Dynjandi; the largest waterfall in the Westfjords. It is one of the most pho

The geothermal water has a unique composition, featuring three active . The blue color comes from the silica and the way it reflects sunlight.

However, and this might come as a surprise to you, the water is actually white. If you pour it into a transparent A stop will be made at the

Akranes, Hraunfossar, Hellnar and Arnastapi (short stops), Sunset at Kirkjufell. you can see the crater, Eldborg,.

the farm Tunga, which is near the beach. Just walk a few steps on the red sand and feel the fresh sea air and if you

This evening watch the sunset at beautiful landmark Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Its isolated position jutting out into the sea makes it a focal point for tourists

Kirkjufell has a lovely walking trail around it as well. Overnight . This is a great place to see the Northern lights if the weather

Tonight overnight at the Foss Hotel

. Your package at the Blue Lagoon includes Entrance to Blue Lagoon, Silica Mud Mask, Use of Towel, 1st Drink of

The geothermal water originates 6,000 feet below the surface, where freshwater and seawater combine at extreme temperatures. It is

geothermal power plant,, to On its way to the surface,

the water picks up silica and minerals. When the water emerges, its temperature is uding weather and time of year, his range

e lava-scarred Reykjanes peninsula lies on one of the world's major plate boundaries, the Mid Atlantic Ridge. According to the continental drift theory the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are continuously drifting apart with great

As the plates diverge, linear due to stresses created

The Bridge between two continents at which provides clear evidence of the presence of a diverging plate

margin. The bridge was built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America. You can cross the take home a personalized certificate at the Reykjanes information

A stop will also be made at Gunnuhver

On the long southern shore of the Westfjords, discover gorgeous On the long southern shore

Rauðasandur beach, with its endless forms the tip of the south, and is Europe’s westernmost

It is also a breathtakingly high cliff and home to more nesting seabirds A bit further up the road you’ll stumble

. It is one of the most pho-

togenic falls in Iceland, thanks to its unusual triangular cascade. Tonight overnight at the Foss Hotel Patreksfjörður, Breakfast Sept 12 Kolugljufur, Glaumbaer turf farm A farmhouse is said to have stood on the hill at Glaumbær since the Age of the Settlements (900 AD). The present buildings vary in age; the most recent addition having been built in 1876-79, while the oldest – the kitchen, "lon pantry," and middle baðstofa – are believed to have been preserved much as they were in the mid-18th century. The passages connecting the individual units have also remained unchanged for many centuries. The form of the farmhouse as it is today is similar to that of many large farmhouses in Skagafjördur from the 18th and 19th centuries. Between 1879 and 1939, the farmhouse at Glaumbær remained unchanged; it was repaired and declared a conserved site in 1947, the year the last inhabitants moved out. An English benefactor, Sir Mark Watson, contributed a gift of £ 200 for the renovation of the farmhouse, which was crucial to its preservation. The farmhouse is built of turf, stones, and timber. The walls are built of stones and of pieces of turf layed up in a herringbone pattern, with long turf strips between the layers. The Glaumbær estate provided little rock suitable for building purposes, but it has plenty of good turf, so the walls of the farmhouse contain relatively little rock; it was used only at the base of the walls to prevent damp from rising up into them. Imported timber and driftwood were used in the interior frame and paneling. The form of the farmhouse as it is today is similar to that of many large farmhouses in Skagafjördur from the 18th and 19th centuries. Between 1879 and 1939, the farmhouse at Glaumbær remained unchanged; it was repaired and declared a conserved site in 1947, the year the last inhabitants moved out. An English benefactor, Sir Mark Watson, contributed a gift of £ 200 for the renovation of the farmhouse, which was crucial to its preservation. The farmhouse is built of turf, stones, and timber. The walls are built of stones and of pieces of turf layed up in a herringbone pattern, with long turf strips between the layers. The Glaumbær estate provided little rock suitable for building purposes, but it has plenty of good turf, so the walls of the farmhouse contain relatively little rock; it was used only at the base of the walls to prevent damp from rising up into them. Imported timber and driftwood were used in the interior frame and paneling. The farmhouse consists of a total of 13 buildings (houses), each of which had its own function. The main unit is the baðstofa, a communal eating/sleeping room, where people sat to do their handiwork. Food was stored and prepared in the pantry and kitchen. The front hall, passages, and south entrance (Brandahús) provided access throughout the farmhouse. One house provided accommodation for the elders and other members of the household. There are two guest rooms, two storerooms, and a smithy (blacksmith’s workshop). Many of the pastors of Glaumbær were skilled in metalwork. Majestic Hvítserkur, a 45 ft high monolith or seastack.

The Icelandic trolls are not Christian and don't like the sound or sight of churches or church-bells. Fortunately the troll got caught by daylight and as we all know trolls turn into stone by daylight. Another version is that Hvítserkur is actually a volcanic plug from a long time ago. The sea has eroded what was once a volcano, leaving only the plug behind. And even the volcanic plug was in danger of sea erosion and the base of it had to be strengthened with concrete. A gravel road leads down to Hvítserkur

You can either see Hvítserkur from above or walk down to it. A trail leads to it from the parking lot and from there you can see it from above. From the shore parking lot there is an easy walk down. But there is one hindrance in the summer time as the cranky Arctic tern may prevent you from reaching Hvítserkur on that route. The Arctic tern is very annoying and aggressive bird, so get yourself a stick or even better an umbrella and chase them away should they attack. As you drive along Víðidalur, you will come to Kolugil Farm which stands beside the Víðidalsá river. Just below the farm, the waters flow peacefully downwards to plunge into the deep, rugged gorge called Kolugljúfur. Their journey then sends them cascading over many waterfalls which bear the name Kolufossar Falls in honor of the giantess, Kola. It is a breathtaking sight to drive across the bridge and watch the calm waters of the river suddenly leap and tumble onwards over so many impressive falls - a sight which will leave no one unmoved. Tonight a two night stay at Hotel Laugarbakki, Hvammstangi, Iceland on the Vatnsnes Peninsula. Breakfast and Dinner Sept 13 Uninhabited Geirþjófsfjörður is just another beautiful place… The Viking ‘village’ and working replica Viking ship are great reasons to stop in to Þingeyri village. Breakfast and Dinner. Sept 14 Return to the USA Drive back, explore sites along the way, fly home. Flight departs at 5 PM driving time 3 hours. Reykjavik to Boston Sep 8 Flight FI631Economy Class Light 17:00 KEF5h 35minNon-stop18:35BOS

Tour Features: Round trip Flight Boston to Reykjavik Transportation with driver/ guide Iceland 2 nights Foss Hotel Reykjavik 1 nighgt Foss hotel west Fjords 2 nights Hotel NorthWest 1 night Grund í Grundarfirdi in Grundarfjordur 7 breakfasts 4 dinners Meals in flight Hotel taxes Photo instruction by Paul Nguyen. Admission Blue Lagoon