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OLLI at University of North Carolina Wilmington presents:
Inspiring Iceland
Day 1: Thursday, August 08, 2013 Overnight Flight
Fly overnight to Iceland, a place of dramatic contrasts • Steaming lava fields reflect a volcanic nature • Massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords • Discover a land and culture forged by fire and ice.

Day 2: Friday, August 09, 2013 Reykjavik, Iceland - Tour Begins
Begin in Reykjavik where you have the choice of two fascinating tours • You may opt to set out on a bicycle trip that explores the old town, the heart of the city and the old cemetery, one of the most beautiful places in all of Reykjavik • Or you may choose a personal walking tour of the city’s old section that features Hallgrimsskirkja church, City Hall, the harbor and Reykjavik’s oldest building, home of the Kraum Icelandic Design Center • Tonight, get to know your fellow travelers at a popular local restaurant • Dine on gourmet cuisine from across Iceland including the traditional Icelandic fish buffet, a favorite of the locals. (D)

Day 3: Saturday, August 10, 2013 Reykjavik - Golden Circle - Reykjavik
Travel the Golden Circle, a route which encompasses many of Iceland's most renowned natural wonders • Marvel at the beauty of the Gullfoss (Golden Falls) Waterfall, a stunning 100 foot double cascade • Journey to Thingvellir National Park, the nation’s most historic area and where the world’s oldest existing parliament first met in AD 930 • Here you also stand upon one of the globe’s most geologically significant landscapes • Gaze out over Thingvellir’s rugged rift valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet • Return to Reykjavik to explore the city on our own • Later, you may choose to learn more about Iceland’s volcanoes and how important they are to the country during an optional tour to Volcano House. (B)

Day 4: Sunday, August 11, 2013 Reykjavik - Grundarfjordur
Set out on a journey to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula • En route, catch a glimpse of Hallmundarhraun, the largest lava field in this region • The lava emanated from a few craters on the northwestern slopes of the Langjokull (long glacier) • See the first toehold of vegetation which has started to regrow close to where the eruption began • Visit the Settlement Museum and explore the Saga of Settlement of Iceland • Delve into the life and works of the famous Viking and poet Egill Skallagrimsson • Continue along the peninsula as you embark on a true Icelandic cultural adventure • Visit with a family that keeps alive a 400-year-old tradition of catching and preserving Greenland shark • See the fishing boat that was used by their grandfather as you share in their unique way of life • Visit the tiny farmer’s church and explore the museum to learn more about Iceland’s deep relationship with this trade • Complete your experience by trying your own piece of “hakare,” cured shark meat • Travel to the fishing village of Grundarfjordur and board a traditional oak fishing vessel • Cruise the harbor and head out to Melrakkaey Island, a Puffin sanctuary* • Relax as you watch these delightful birds and immerse yourself in Icelandic fishing practices during a demonstration by your captain • Experience the life of the locals as you overnight in this quaint fishing village. (B, D)

Day 5: Monday, August 12, 2013 Grundarfjordur - Akureyri
Continue the adventure as you head to the north of the country • En route, stop at the home of Erik the Red, now a museum • Imagine yourself a part of his grand explorations before he was exiled to Greenland • Upon arrival in Akureyri, enjoy some time to independently explore the city center of this “unofficial” capital of Northern Iceland. (B)

Day 6: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 Akureyri
Today is your choice • Enjoy immersing yourself in the nature of Iceland on your horseback riding excursion • Or, spend the day reflecting and relaxing in the geothermal Myvatn Nature Baths • Enjoy the evening at leisure in Akureyri. (B)

Day 7: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 Akureyri - Reykjavik
Leave Akureyri behind as you take a short flight back to Reykjavik • Travel out to the Reykjanes Peninsula, home of the Blue Lagoon • Slip into a natural geothermal pool in the middle of a dramatic lava field • Relax in the warm, mineral-rich water • Take the remainder of the day to explore on your own. (B)

Day 8: Thursday, August 15, 2013 Reykjavik
Today you get to choose from two amazing activities • Try an adventure on the water during a deep sea angling expedition • Or, perhaps set out on a volcanic cave hike • Tonight, enjoy a short ferry ride to Videy Island to dine at Videyjarstofa (Videy House), the original residence of Skuli Magnusson • Skuli, known as “The Father of Reykjavik,” founded Iceland’s first industrial enterprise, woolen workshops, which led to the development of the country • Surrounded by Icelandic history, enjoy works of culinary art with each course. (B, D)

Day 9: Friday, August 16, 2013 Reykjavik - Tour Ends
Depart for home with many incredible Icelandic memories. (B)




August 08 - August 16, 2013
9 Days • 10 Meals
7 Breakfasts • 3 Dinners
Highlights: Reykjavik, Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Puffin Cruise*, Blue Lagoon
Rates Per Person
Double: $4549, Single: $5199,
Triple: $4519
*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Raleigh Durham Intl Airport,Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges,Hotel Transfers.
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $220 per person.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 3 Plaza Hotel Reykjavik, Reykjavik
Day 4 Hotel Framnes, Grundarfjordur
Day 5 - 6 Hotel Kea, Akureyri
Day 7 - 8 Plaza Hotel Reykjavik, Reykjavik
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Gain a local’s perspective as you explore Reykjavik by bicycle.
  • Journey to the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall – one of the world’s most incredible cascades.
  • Meet a family with a rich history in “shark farming” and try an Icelandic delicacy, cured “hakare.”
  • Relax in the warm, mineral-rich water of the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal pool set in a large, dramatic lava field.
  • Travel to the “Golden Circle” which encompasses many of Iceland’s most renowned natural wonders.
For more information call
 Amy Keith
University of North Carolina Wilmington
(910)962-4034
keithaw@uncw.edu
Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
Reykjavik
Volcano Dinner • $65.00
Visit the Volcano House and discover just how important volcanism is to Iceland. Learn about the island’s last two eruptions. Enjoy a short documentary that provides context on these famous events before you visit the geology exhibit. Participate in a talk on how the various types of eruptions leave behind vast lava fields that will last for thousands of years. Next, enjoy dinner at a local “hot spot.” Savor a delicious three course dinner of fresh regional cuisine.
CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancellation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $220 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:
Inspiring Iceland
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs.
Clothing & Packing Tips
You may opt to pack wash cloths as they are not readily available in international hotels.
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost.
Currency
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted, to inform them that you are traveling and to determine if any charges apply for each transaction. You may exchange your money at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, and at most hotels. In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. At the hotel or in the city usually offer a better currency exchange rate than airports. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. The currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Krona. It may be difficult to exchange cash in denominations higher than 50 USD. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it is the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
Highest elevation on tour is 600 feet in the Skogar Region.
Helpful Hints
Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
Bring a camera, memory cards, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
Luggage
Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) is allowed on tour. We also encourage just one carry-on bag per individual (for carrying items that might be needed during the day’s sightseeing excursions or camera/video equipment). Dimensions for carry-ons should not exceed 17" x 12" x 10", allowing it to fit under the seat or in the overhead rack of most motor coaches. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both the outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection”) to cover these eventualities.
Meals
Most meals are included as indicated in your document itinerary. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise their travel counselor at the time of booking and also the tour manager upon joining the tour. When information is provided, every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. Please be advised that the average cost of meals (not inclusive of tax and gratuity) that are not included in your tour are as follows: breakfast 15 to 20 USD, lunch 18 to 30 USD and dinner 28 to 50 USD. Water is safe to drink in Iceland.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? We have pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/d/43/r/CV/mcms.html
Smoking
Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions.
Time Zone
Iceland is 5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
Transportation
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.
Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests. This fosters communication and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.