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Winter Escape

Iceland

November 14-19

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6 Day Affordable Iceland with Northern Lights Pursuit

Escorted Package Includes:

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Round trip flights New York-Keflavik, Keflavik-New York
 

  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges

  • 4 nights accommodations

    • 2 nights Hella

    • 2 nights Reykjavik

  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges

  • Hotel porterage

  • Arrival and departure transfers

  • 9 meals: 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners with wine

  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern motor coach

  • Services of English-speaking guide throughout

  • Entrance fees per itinerary

Special Features:

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  • Tour the Geothermal Energy Exhibition at the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant

  • On the South Coast, view stunning scenery including volcanoes and spectacular waterfalls

  • Visit Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Geothermal Area, home of the Strokkur Geysir

  • At the remarkable historic site of Þingvellir, visit the site of the world's oldest parliament

  • Enjoy the warm soothing waters of the world-famous geothermal Blue Lagoon

  • Search the skies for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), among the most spectacular phenomena on earth

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Please note: Northern Lights tours are subject to correct weather conditions and solar activity. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. If the tour is canceled locally, we will attempt to offer another Northern Lights tour on an alternate evening, conditions permitting. The Northern Lights tour departs in the late evening and may not return until after midnight.

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Day 1 & 2

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Iceland 

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DAY 2, Tuesday - Reykjavik City Tour, Village of Hella, Search for the Northern Lights. Arrive in Iceland and meet your Tour Manager. Your flights should arrive between 6 AM and 8 AM on Day 2. Transfer to Reykjavik, the world's most northerly capital, surrounded by incredible landscapes and countless natural wonders. Your tour begins with a refreshing breakfast and orientation meeting at Harpa Concert Hall. Your discovery of this modern city begins with a drive past the Old Town Center, Parliament, the Cathedral and the bustling harbor area. See Hofdi House, site of the 1986 Iceland Summit where Reagan and Gorbachev met and view Hallgrímskirkja Church, whose striking steeple is a Reykjavik landmark. Then, stop at the Pearl vantage point for great views of the capital area and beyond. Depart from Reykjavik to visit the Hellisheiði Power Plant at the foot of Mt. Hengill Volcano, where the Earth's most brutal forces are harnessed and converted to clean energy for space heating. Afterward, continue to the peaceful village of Hella nestled amidst the stillness of rural Iceland. Your hotel is situated far from Reykjavik's city lights, making it an ideal place to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) when the skies are clear. After dinner, if conditions are right, meet your Tour Manager to search the skies for the Northern Lights*


Overnight: Hella
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

DAY 3, Wednesday - South Shore Adventure
Today as you travel along the South Shore, enjoy the gorgeous mountain views including snow shrouded Hekla, the country's most active volcano, as well as the famous Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. Continue through the region where one of the best known of the Icelandic classical sagas, Njál's Saga, is set. Stop at the spectacular Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, tumbling over high rock escarpments. Savor lunch at a local restaurant before passing through Vik, Iceland's most southerly village. Make a stop at Dyrhólaey, a magnificent rocky headland with dramatic sheer cliffs with views of south Iceland's black sand coastline. On the return trip to Hella, visit the Lava Centre in Hvolsvollur with its interactive exhibits and astonishing imagery. Dinner tonight is at your hotel.


Overnight: Hella
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 4

DAY 4, Thursday - Gullfoss, Geysir, Þingvellir, Search for the Northern Lights. Explore today some of Iceland's most renowned natural wonders. Begin at Gullfoss (The Golden Waterfall), one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe with thousands of tons of icy water tumbling majestically into a deep gorge. Then, on to the Geysir area with its numerous hot springs, fumaroles and geysers, including the world-famous Strokkur Geysir - watch it erupt every few minutes spewing hot water high into the air. At the remarkable geological and historical area of Þingvellir, visit the site of the world's oldest democratic parliament founded in 930 AD, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the stunning canyon that runs through the park, stand on the dividing fault line between two of the earth's tectonic plates. Lunch follows at the family-run Friðheimar Greenhouse, a unique cultivation center. You'll be astounded by the magic behind growing delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes and cucumbers with the aid of geothermal heat. A short and informative talk is followed by a tomato tasting. Return to Reykjavik with time to relax before this evening's private drive to the countryside to continue your quest for the Northern Lights*


Overnight: Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 & 6

DAY 5, Friday - The Blue Lagoon
A truly unique experience awaits you today at the spectacular Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of mineral rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field. The high levels of silica and minerals give the lagoon its vibrant rich blue color. Enjoy a refreshing bath or swim in the pleasantly warm water reputed for its healing properties. The facilities include modern changing rooms and showers, an indoor geothermal pool, an on-site restaurant featuring local favorites and boutiques with seawater products to take back home. Return to Reykjavik in the afternoon. Tonight, join your Tour Manager for a reception at your hotel.


Overnight: Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

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DAY 6, Saturday - Depart Iceland
Transfer to Keflavik Airport for your departure flight


Meals: Breakfast

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Is This Trip Right For You?

This moderately active, adventurous program is intended to offer an introduction to Iceland and give you the opportunity to search for and perhaps view the Northern Lights. Different from any other program, because of the extreme climate and unpredictable weather conditions, you should be prepared for itinerary and flight schedule changes. The included Northern Lights tours, which run between 2-5 hours, depart between 8:30-9:30 PM and often extend late into the evening as exact schedules depend on local weather conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. When known in advance, typically by 5 PM, that the Lights will not be visible on a given evening, a tour will be rescheduled for an alternate evening when feasible. Tour guides will vary on each excursion. If the Northern Lights are not visible during your included tour, we will attempt to offer another tour the following evening if conditions permit. You can expect to walk over rough, uneven terrain in dark conditions, and therefore proper winter clothing and footwear (crampons or ice cleats to avoid slipping) as well as a flashlight are essential for your safety and comfort. Do not expect bathroom facilities at the sites. We suggest to carry tissues and hand sanitizer.Meals may be expensive as most of Iceland's food is imported. Most flights arrive to Iceland between 4:00-7:00 AM, however hotel check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Only the pre-purchase of a hotel night will guarantee early check-in. 

Climate & Clothing

Iceland - Spring and Fall: 30-50°F; Summer: 50-60°F; Winter: 25-35°F.

Daylight hours will vary significantly throughout the year. Between April - August, daylight will range from 15-22 hours. Between November - February, daylight will range from 4-7 hours. In March, September and October, daylight will range from 9-13 hours.

Bring comfortable walking shoes and hiking boots, a sweater, clothes you can layer, an all-weather jacket, and an umbrella. Gloves/mittens, a waterproof parka, a hat, and waterproof hiking boots with good treads and warm socks are essential when visiting during winter. Ice grips or non-slip cleats which fit over shoes or boots are also strongly suggested. A flashlight is recommended for Northern Lights excursions. Be sure to pack your swimsuit if you plan to visit the Blue Lagoon.

Know Before You Go

Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.

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Passports and Visas

It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
 

Traveling with Friends or Family?

If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, the tour may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. 
 

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