Day 1
Saturday, October 7: 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. Continue to Reykjavik and settle into your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and presentation from your expert.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Midgardur by Center Hotel
Day 2
Sunday, October 8: 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 hot from the earth. Next, we will stop at Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Falls. This waterfall is one of the most recognized sights in Iceland. You will also see the Geysir hot springs, a field of geysers where the appropriately named “Great Geysir” can shoot water over 200 feet into the air! After, take a short hike to the overlook atop Brúarhlöð Canyon, for a breathtaking view of the unusual rock formations. Lunch today is at the Frioheimar Tomato and Horse Farm, where you will learn how a combination of greenhouse horticulture and geothermal heating is used to extend Iceland’s limited growing season. Enjoy a vine-to-table lunch featuring farm-fresh tomatoes, along with an opportunity to meet the Icelandic horses. Head inland to Hveragerdi, Iceland’s hot springs capital, and check in to your hotel where you will have dinner as a group.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Ork
Day 3
Monday, October 9: 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 where you will learn from a local expert 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. After lunch, spend time at the Skogar museum, which showcases a variety of homes, churches and farms built in the traditional Icelandic style. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Ork
Day 4
Tuesday, October 10: Westman Whales & Puffin Preservation
Board a ferry and sail to the Westman Islands, a cluster of islands that is known for its large colony of puffins as well as the whales, seals and various seabirds that frequent the area. After a short tour of the island, you will visit the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary, which supports research and education about Beluga whales and helps preserve and protect their natural habitat. The Whale Sanctuary provides a more humane alternative to more traditional marine mammal entertainment centers and strives to serve as an international model. While there, enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to the animal hospital, where an animal care specialist will share details about their efforts to rehabilitate and care for puffins. Enjoy a late lunch as a group. Then, visit the Eldheimar Museum, dedicated to the 1973 volcanic eruption on the island of Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands. The eruption buried hundreds of homes (one buried house is still visible from the museum) and earned the island the nickname “Pompeii of the North.” After you will have some time to explore the island on your own. Return to the mainland for dinner as a group.
*Note that visiting the Westman Islands is weather dependent; alternative programming will be provided if we are unable to visit the Islands today. Puffins are less prevalent in October, though the group will see puffin at the rehabilitation center.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Ork
Day 5
Wednesday, October 11: Thingvellir, Where Continents Collide
Your clean-energy tour continues at Ljosafoss Hydropower Station, which made it possible for homes in the region to stop burning coal for cooking. Ljosafoss is one of eighteen clean and renewable power plants operated by Landsvirkjun, Iceland’s national power company. Here, you will learn about Iceland’s efforts to “power the future” through its commitment to renewable energy. 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. This afternoon, continue to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital and largest city. Check in to your hotel for a presentation by your expert and enjoy 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 $100 per person). While participants will travel to an area without light pollution, visibility of the Northern Lights depends on clear skies.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Midgardur by Center Hotel
Day 6
Thursday, October 12: Murals and Music
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, celebrate your journey together with a final celebratory reception with a local musician, followed by a farewell dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Midgardur by Center Hotel
Day 7
Friday, October 13: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey home.
Included Meals: Breakfast