Presented by Roger Williams Park Zoo

Day 1: Sunday, September 05, 2010
Overnight Flight
An overnight flight brings you to Iceland – an island of dramatic contrasts, and a landscape forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and hot pools reflect its volcanic nature, while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. The Icelandic people combine a reverence for their Viking heritage and ancient language with an industrialized, progressive society. Discover the spectacular landscapes and proud people of this small island nation during this fascinating journey.

Day 2: Monday, September 06, 2010
Reykjavik, Iceland
Your tour begins in Reykjavik, where you embark on a fascinating city tour that highlights such important sites as the 19th-century Parliament House, Austurvollur Square, the Hofoi House, and Tjornin Lake. Visit the National Museum of Iceland where new and dynamic exhibitions increase your knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage, from the nation's earliest settlement through to the modern day. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Reykjavik - Reykjanes Peninsula - Reykjavik
During a full-day excursion, explore the scenic landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula, stopping at Bessastadir, an ancient Viking site that is now the official residence of the current president. Continue to Lake Kleifarvatn to see an amazing display of geothermal activity, including steaming fumaroles, hot springs and mud pots. Conclude your day at the famous Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal pool in the middle of a large, dramatic lava field. Enjoy time to relax and/or take a swim in this pleasantly warm, mineral-rich water.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 4: Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Reykjavik - Golden Circle - Vik**
Travel to the "Golden Circle" which encompasses many of Iceland's most renowned natural scenic wonders. Thingvellir National Park is Iceland's most historic site and one of its most beautiful places. The oldest existing parliament in the world first met here in AD 930. The park also features the geologically significant Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the American and European tectonic plates meet. Continue to the amazing hot springs of Geysir, then marvel at one of the island's greatest natural wonders, the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall. Continue south to the town of Vik, a small town set along Iceland's dramatic southern coast, where black sand beaches, crashing waves, and towering figures of black rock form an unforgettable sight.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 5: Thursday, September 09, 2010
Vik - Skaftafell National Park - Vik
Begin the day at Skaftafell National Park, a beautiful green oasis located near the highest peak in Iceland. Later, an unforgettable boat trip* amid graceful, floating icebergs serves as an introduction to Iceland's dramatic glaciers and is the perfect opportunity to see many species of birds.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 6: Friday, September 10, 2010
Vik - Reykjavik
On your trip back to Reykjavik, travel across fertile pastures, sand flats and glacial rivers en route to Skogar, a small settlement located next to a magnificent waterfall. Visit Skogar's Folk Museum, which houses an interesting collection of Icelandic artifacts. Next, stop at a traditional Icelandic horse farm. Learn how Iceland's horses are directly descended from those brought by the Vikings and how Iceland is preserving this heritage.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 7: Saturday, September 11, 2010
Reykjavik
Today is at leisure to explore the capital city of Iceland with its many art galleries and museums. You may choose to join an optional whale watching or "Super Jeep" glacier excursion. During the "Super Jeep" excursion you will travel on top of Iceland's Langjökull Glacier. Gather for a farewell dinner this evening.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 8: Sunday, September 12, 2010
Reykjavik - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
Today Breakfast is included.

September 05 - September 12, 2010

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
	Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 3
	Centerhotel Plaza, Reykjavik
DAY 4 - 5
	Hotel Hofdabrekka**, Vik
DAY 6 - 7
	Centerhotel Plaza, Reykjavik
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• Hotel check-in on your day of arrival is 3:00 PM. Rooms may not be available prior to that time. Due to flight schedules, a post night may be required in some Iceland Air gateway cities (at an additional cost). Please inquire at time of booking. Singles are very limited on this tour and are subject to availability. ** On some dates, accommodations may be in Kirkjubaejarklaustur instead of Vik. However, this does not affect the included sightseeing attractions. The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. * The glacier cruise on Day 5 operates early-May to mid-September, weather permitting. It may be substituted with a lunch when the cruise is not operating during the off-season. Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures prides itself on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing sturdy walking shoes.
• Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays.
• This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing airfare with your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.