 Alumni Association Presents...
Gail Darnell • Boston College Alumni Association • (617) 552-8035 Day 1: Overnight Flight Day 2: 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 Arbaer Open-Air Folk Museum*, which comprises buildings and artifacts from different periods, including an 18th-century turf chapel. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. (D) Day 3: 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. (B) Day 4: Reykjavik - Golden Circle - Vik** Today, 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. Vik is 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. (B, D) Day 5: 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* amidst graceful, floating icebergs serves as an introduction to Iceland's dramatic glaciers and the perfect opportunity to see many species of birds. (B, D) Day 6: Vik - Reykjavik Today, 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, enjoy a visit to 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. Before arriving into Reykjavik visit Hveragerdi, where steam from the earth heats greenhouses that provide Iceland with fresh produce. This evening, attend an in-depth discussion that enhances your understanding of all that you have witnessed. (B) Day 7: 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. (B, D) Day 8: Reykjavik - Tour Concludes (B) (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Please also refer to our Privacy Policy and our Terms and Conditions for more information. *Air prices now include fuel surcharges. Taxes and fees additional.Click here for details. *The Arbaer Open-Air Museum is open from June 1st - August 31st. Departures before and after these dates will visit the Iceland Culture House. *On some dates, accommodations may be in Kirkjubaejarklaustur instead of Vik. However, this does not affect the included sightseeing attractions. *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. |
 
Your Icelandic adventure is complemented by intriguing lectures 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. *Gain an appreciation for Icelandic culture as a historian recounts famous Icelandic sagas, painting a vivid picture of its early history. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||