Chautauquans in Iceland

Clean Energy and a Changing Climate in Iceland

August 28–September 2, 2027

Pricing: $7,995 per person; For a single room add $1,225

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For more information, contact ATA at 855-395-6100 or CHQtravels@academic-travel.com

Overview

Perched on the rift between North America and Europe, Iceland is a constantly changing land of fire and ice, where molten lava has cooled and geothermal energy beneath the surface fuels hot springs and homes. With your Chautauqua Institution expert Mark Wenzler, learn how Iceland has captured this heat to become a global leader in zero carbon energy and used innovative technology to extend a limited growing season. As the Peter Nosler Director of the Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative, Mark shares his expertise as you examine the effects of climate change firsthand while visiting a glacier, along with a local guide. Explore the island nation’s unique geology, with opportunities to learn about plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and glacial formation and retreat. And experience Icelandic cuisine with fresh bread baked beneath the earth, dinner at one of Iceland’s first restaurants, and during an interactive cooking class featuring local ingredients and recipes.

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Trip Highlights

  • Tour one of Iceland’s geothermal power plants, see an innovative carbon capture project, and learn how the country runs almost entirely on renewable energy.
  • Experience the benefits of Iceland’s rich geothermic possibilities with bread baked beneath the earth and a relaxing soak in natural geothermal hot springs at the iconic Blue Lagoon.
  • Witness the effects of climate change first hand as you approach Solheimajokull Glacier.
  • See some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes, from gushing geysers that spout water 200 feet into the air to stunning glacier-fed waterfalls and rugged volcanic rock formations.
  • Experience local arts and culture with a guided art walk past Reykjavik’s colorful murals; a visit to the Skogar outdoor museum, showcasing traditional Icelandic homes, churches, and farm houses; one of the country’s oldest restaurants.

Trip Host: Mark Wenzler

Mark Wenzler serves as the director of the Climate Change Initiative at Chautauqua Institution. Under Mark’s direction, the Climate Change Initiative has three primary areas of focus: Developing robust programming for the Institution, focused on nature, climate, sustainability, and environmental stewardship; advancing the Institution’s work to protect and restore the ecological conditions of Chautauqua Lake; and helping advance a Climate Action Plan for the Institution’s operations. Before Chautauqua, Mark served as senior vice president for conservation programs at the National Parks Conservation Association, a not-forprofit organization working since 1919 to protect and enhance America’s National Park system for present and future generations.

Mark also directed the climate and energy programs at the National Environmental Trust. He is a lawyer who began his career as a deputy attorney general prosecuting environmental cases for the New Jersey Division of Law, Environmental Practice Group, and later joined the Public Justice legal advocacy organization to represent organizations and communities in pursuing environmental justice against polluters.

Mark volunteers as chair of the board of trustees of Experience Learning, a high-alpine wilderness-based nonprofit focusing on experiential learning adventure programs for children and adults. He also volunteers as secretary of the board of directors of Climate Ride, a nonprofit that runs multiday cycling and hiking adventures around the globe, raising awareness and funds to fight climate change and advance a just and sustainable future. Mark resides in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. He is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys backpacking, bike touring, backcountry skiing, paddling, wilderness running, and adventure travel.

Mark Wenzler

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 1

Welcome to Iceland 

Arrive at Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik early this morning and head to breakfast at the nearby Viking World, which contains a life-sized recreation of a ninth-century Viking ship and offers beautiful views of the surrounding bay. After, drive along the winding and rugged coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula, home to the Reykjanes volcano. The landscape here is dotted with fissures, faults, lava shields, and other intriguing formations. Stop along the way to enjoy a soak at the famous Blue Lagoon, situated amongst the region’s dramatic lava fields. Here, you can unwind from your flight as you float in its warm, bright blue waters. After, visit the small town of Grindavik, which was evacuated in November 2023, following a volcanic eruption. Witness the powerful unfolding story of streets touched by molten rock and observe the impact that this has had on the village’s traditional fishing heritage. Continue to Reykjavik and settle into your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and presentation by Andri Snær Magnason, one of Iceland’s premiere authors and filmmakers, whose lyrical book on climate change, “On Time and Water,” was just adapted to film by National Geographic.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjvaik

Day 2

Powering a Nation 

Start your day with a guided tour of the Hellisheiði Power Plant, one of the world’s largest geothermal energy facilities and site of an innovative project (“Carbfix”) to address climate change by taking carbon dioxide from the air and turning it into rock. Learn how engineers leveraged Iceland’s unique location atop shifting tectonic plates and their underlying volcanic activity to capture heat from deep within the Earth. Continue to Laugarvatn, a small town in the southern part of the island, where you will enjoy a surprising benefit of Iceland’s geothermal energy with an unusual snack: bread baked underground using natural geothermal heat. This dark bread is a specialty that is prepared in pots and buried in the hot sand where it steams naturally and is served warm straight from the earth. Lunch is at the Friðheimar Tomato and Horse Farm, where geothermal heating sustains year-round greenhouse cultivate despite Iceland’s short growing season. Enjoy a vine-to-table lunch featuring farm-fresh tomatoes, along with an opportunity to meet the farm’s distinctive Icelandic horses. Next, visit Gullfoss, the iconic “Golden Falls.” Then, explore the Geysir hot spring area, where the aptly named “Great Geysir” can shoot water over 200 feet into the air. A short walk leads to an overlook above Brúarhlöð Canyon, revealing dramatic rock formations sculpted by glacial meltwater. Later, travel to Selfoss, a welcoming riverside town along the Ölfusá River and an important regional hub for South Iceland and a gateway to the Golden Circle and South Coast. Check-in to your hotel before joining Mark Wenzler for a presentation. Gather for dinner featuring traditional Icelandic recipes and local ingredients in one of Iceland’s oldest restaurants, opened in 1901.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel South Coast

Day 3

Land of Fire & Ice 

Depart the hotel early this morning to head southeast toward Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano that erupted in 2010, disrupting air travel to and from Europe. Arrive at the Solheimajokull Glacier for a short glacier hike and a chance to learn from a local guide about how glaciers shape the landscape and how climate change is causing them to retreat at an alarming rate. After, head to nearby Vik, the southernmost village in the country. The landscape is striking for its black basalt beach and cliff formations. Have lunch together at a local café in the center of the charming village. Visit the Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you may spot puffins on the cliffs at Dyrholaey. Then, spend time at the Skogar museum, which showcases a variety of homes, churches and farms built in the traditional Icelandic style. Return to the hotel with time for dinner on your own this evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel South Coast

Day 4

Thingvellir, Where Continents Collide

Begin your day with a presentation from Mark Wenzler this morning, exploring Iceland’s clean and innovative energy system. Continue north to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along Iceland’s “Golden Circle.” Thingvellir translates to “Fields of Parliament,” in recognition of the park’s fascinating history as the site of the world’s first democratically elected parliament in 930 A.D. The park encompasses a rift valley marking the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Take a short hike through Thingvellir and neighboring Nesjavellir, with a stop at peningagjá or the money fault. Return to Reykjavik this afternoon. Check-in to your hotel with time at leisure to explore the city. Those who choose can leave the city late tonight for a chance to witness and learn about the awe-inspiring aurora borealis as waves of light dance across the darkened night sky in vivid colors.

*The optional Northern Lights excursion departs at 9:00 p.m. from your hotel for an additional cost (approximately $225 per person). While participants will travel to an area without light pollution, visibility of the Northern Lights depends on weather and atmospheric conditions. As such, refunds are not available in the event Northern Lights are not seen. Participants will return to the hotel between midnight and 1:00 a.m.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjvaik

Day 5

Murals and Meals

Reykjavik is home to a thriving street art scene. This morning, embark on a walking art tour to observe some of the city’s most vibrant murals. After, enjoy time on your own to continue exploring the city. Those who choose can enjoy an indulgent afternoon at Sky Lagoon, one of Iceland’s newest attractions – an oceanside geothermal lagoon, located in Reykjavik alongside the North Atlantic Ocean. Tonight, join a local chef to celebrate your journey together during a hands-on cooking class featuring local ingredients, like fresh Icelandic fish and free-range lamb.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjvaik

Day 6

Departure

After breakfast, transfer independently to the airport for your journey home.

Included Meal: Breakfast

What’s Included?

  • All accommodations for the duration of the tour
  • Meals, as noted in the itinerary
  • All sightseeing and visits as noted in the itinerary
  • Expertise of a Chautauqua expert, ATA-hired travel director, and local guides throughout the tour
  • All gratuities for on-tour guides, drivers, hotel, and restaurant staff as part of the group program
  • All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted
  • Quietvox listening devices to facilitate audibility and social distancing on tour
  • The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
  • Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
  • Emergency evacuation insurance

Accommodations

Fosshotel Reykjavik (3 Nights)
Ideally situated in the heart of Reykjavik’s business district, the Fosshotel Reykjavik offers four-star comfort just steps from the lively Laugavegur shopping street and within easy walking distance of the city’s top cultural and historical attractions. This modern hotel serves as a perfect home base for exploring the capital’s striking architecture, rich history, and vibrant arts scene. Many of the well-appointed guest rooms offer sweeping views of the city skyline and Faxaflói Bay. On-site amenities include two restaurants and a fully equipped fitness center.

Hotel South Coast (2 Nights)
The modern South Coast Hotel is conveniently located in central Selfoss, near the town’s new city center and within easy reach of South Iceland’s major natural attractions, making it an excellent base for Golden Circle and South Coast exploration. Public amenities include a well-equipped fitness room and a relaxing wellness and spa area with sauna and hot tubs, ideal for unwinding after a day outdoors. The hotel offers a breakfast area and lobby bar, with many restaurants in walking distance. Guest rooms are modern and comfortable, decorated in clean Nordic style with warm colors, wood accents, large windows, and contemporary furnishings.