Delaware Nature Society Wonders of Iceland

Wonders of Iceland__May 24 - 31, 2009

Day 1: Sunday, May 24, 2009
Overnight Flight

Day 2: Monday, May 25, 2009
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 will be included.

Day 3: Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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 will be included.

Day 4: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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 will be included.

Day 5: Thursday, May 28, 2009
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 will be included.

Day 6: Friday, May 29, 2009
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 will be included.

Day 7: Saturday, May 30, 2009
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 Langjokull Glacier. Gather for a farewell dinner this evening. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Sunday, May 31, 2009
Reykjavik - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation. Today breakfast will be included.

Highlights...
Reykjavik • Blue Lagoon
Golden Circle • Thingvellir NP
Skogar Folk Museum • Skaftafell NP Nature Cruise • Icelandic Farm

8 Days • 10 Meals:
6 Breakfasts • 4 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $3,869
Single $4,369 • Triple $3,839

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.

*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from J.F Kennedy Intl-New York, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $440 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers

Not included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $150 pp
Click Here for Details

Forms to download:
Important Reservation Information
Registration forms

For more information call:
Joe Sebastiani
Delaware Nature Society
302-239-2334 ext. 115

Educational Highlights
in Iceland

Your Icelandic adventure is complemented by intriguing talks that explore the natural history of this geologically "young" nation.

• Learn how Iceland hopes to become energy independent through its hydro and geothermal power plants from expert Maria Maack. Discover why this is an achievable goal that makes Iceland the envy of energy-import dependent countries.

• Acquaint yourself with the geologic energies at work in Iceland during a lecture by a geologist who explains the geothermal hotspots, volcanic rocks and glaciers that you observe throughout your journey.

Please Note:
• To make your trip more hassle-free, 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.
• 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.
• 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.