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    • Clean Energy and a Changing Climate in Iceland
    • Literary Ireland

Clean Energy and a Changing Climate in Iceland

October 7–13, 2023

Pricing: $5,795 per person; For a single room add $625
Registration opens Feb. 13
Trip is limited to 25 participants

For more information, contact ATA at 877-298-9677 or Reservations@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. Learn how Iceland has captured this heat to become a global leader in alternative energy and used innovative technology to extend a limited growing season. Examine the effects of climate change firsthand while visiting a glacier with a local expert. Explore the island nation’s unique geology, with opportunities to learn about plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and glacial formation and retreat. Observe some of Iceland’s local wildlife, with exclusive opportunities to view puffins at a rehabilitation center; the whales that swim just off the coast; and even the unique, gentle Icelandic horse. 

Questions?

Please contact ATA at:
Toll-Free Number: 877-298-9677
Reservations@academic-travel.com


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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 with an expert.
  • 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.
  • Ride a ferry to the seldom-visited Westman Islands, home to the world’s largest colony of puffins and – several decades ago – a volcanic eruption. While there, visit a whale sanctuary and enjoy an exclusive tour of a puffin rehabilitation center with an opportunity to talk to the scientists responsible for their care.
  • Experience local arts and culture with a guided art walk past Reykjavik’s colorful murals; a private musical performance with a local musician; and a visit to the Skogar outdoor museum, showcasing traditional Icelandic homes, churches, and farm houses.

Trip Host: Toby Shepherd

Toby Shepherd is the Chautauqua Lake Project Manager at Chautauqua Institution, which is part of the Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative (CCI).

Toby Shepherd

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

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 

What’s Included?

  • All accommodations for the duration of the tour
  • Meals, as noted in the itinerary (B-breakfast; L-lunch; D-dinner; R-reception)
  • All sightseeing and visits as noted in each itinerary
  • Expertise of a Chautauqua expert, ATA-hired tour manager 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
  • A group transfer from the airport for those arriving according to the designated itinerary
  • Quietvox listening devices to facilitate audibility and social distancing on tour
  • Fully vetted program that meets COVID-19 health and safety protocols
  • 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

Midgardur by Center Hotel is ideally located in downtown Reykjavik, at the end of the city’s main business district. Comfortable and stylish rooms incorporate contemporary design. The hotel features a gym and full-service spa with an open-air thermal-water hot tub. The hotel offers live music on Thursday evenings as well as several on-site bars and restaurants, including the Sky Bar with views of the Reykjavik Harbor. 

Hotel Ork is located in Hveragerdi, Iceland’s hot spring capital, near many of the country’s most scenic attractions. The property offers well-equipped facilities in beautiful surroundings. Rooms are spacious and bright with modern furnishings. The property 

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