Overview
Features
Itinerary
Overview (Return to top)
Legend tells that the first Viking to discover the two islands in the North Atlantic Ocean wanted to keep one all to himself. So he named the smaller, greener country Iceland and the icier country Greenland, hoping that future settlers would pass by to the northeast. On this dual-city, cross-island adventure, begin in Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city. Scan the coastal waters of North Iceland for fins and flukes on a whale-watching cruise. See high-stepping Icelandic horses. In its vast geothermal region, learn how this tiny nation has harnessed its environmental “assets” -- volcanic activity, varied terrain, and rivers with changing currents -- to generate efficient hydroelectric power for export and cultivate indoor gardens. Conclude in cosmopolitan Reykjavík.
Priced from $2,795 plus air
Alumni Holidays, Inc.
For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402
Features (Return to top)
Transportation:
• Scheduled round-trip jet service to Keflavik, Iceland*
• Motor coach transfers from/to Keflavik International Airport to/from hotels, including baggage handling at the hotels
• Motor coach transfers from the hotel in Akureyri to the hotel in Reykjavík, including baggage handling at the hotels
Accommodations:
• Three nights in Akureyri at the first-class Hotel Kea
• Four nights in Reykjavík at the first-class Hotel Reykjavík Centrum
Meals:
• Enjoy an extensive meal program, including seven breakfasts, five lunches, and five dinners, in addition to in-flight dining service. Tea or coffee is included with all meals. Take advantage of leisure time to try the local cuisine independently.
• Sample authentic regional specialties at featured local restaurants
• Attend a special welcome reception
• Gather for a farewell reception and graduation ceremony, followed by a farewell dinner at the hotel
Also included:
• Informative educational programs presented by local experts will enhance your insight into the region
• All excursions
• Consultation services of a passenger service representative prior to departure
• Services of a professional campus director and expert English-speaking local guides throughout your stay
• Detailed travel and destination information to assist you in your planning
• Deluxe travel wallet
• All domestic and foreign governmental airport/departure taxes and fees*
• Automatic $250,000 flight insurance for all passengers ticketed by AHI Travel, subject to policy terms*
*Provided for air package participants only.
Itinerary (Return to top)
Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Akureyri, Iceland, aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for air package participants only.)
Day 2
Upon arrival in Keflavik, Iceland, transfer by motor coach to Reykjavik and the Hotel Reykjavik Centrum (transfer provided for air package participants only.)
Excursion: Reykjavik. Enjoy an orientation tour of this northern capital. Visit the Pearl, a unique building built atop Reykjavik's hot water reservoir, and marvel at the magnificent panoramic views from its observation deck. You will also stop at Hallgrimskirkja Church, whose distinctive tower is visible from almost everywhere in the city. This evening, attend a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3
Educational Focus: From Vikings to Icelandic Sagas
Excursion: Sagas and Studies. Journey to the small town of Borgarnes to visit the Settlement Center, which contains exhibits on the settlement of Iceland and the Icelandic sagas. Continue to Reykholdt and its Snorrastofa. Named for medieval scholar, writer, poet, and statesman Snorri Sturluson, it is a cultural center and institution dedicated to medieval studies.
Day 4
Educational Focus: Geothermal Energy
Excursion: Earth Energy. Visit the nearby town of Hellisheidi for a guided tour of its geothermal plant. Gain new insight into Iceland's renewable energy source during an informative lecture.
Day 5
Excursion: Parlaiment Plains.
Begin your day with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, where the world's first legislative body was established. Designated to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004, tribal chieftains first gathered at the open-air Althing, a natural amphitheater, in 930 and continued to meet until 1798. The park is the symbol of Iceland's independence and unity.
Excursion: Thundering Waters and Iceland's Bounty.
Travel to the Geyser Center, which boasts an array of gushing geysers, hissing steam vents, hot springs, and volcanoes. The famous Great Geyser gave its name to hot geysers all over the world. Nearby, marvel at Strokkur, The Churn, which spouts a 60- to 100-foot jet about once every five minutes. Admire Gullfoss, the impressive Golden Waterfall. In the small horticultural town of Hverageroi, see plants, vegetables, and flowers grown in huge exothermally heated greenhouses. Cross the Hellisheioi plateua to Reykjavik.
Day 6
Excursion: Journey to the Center of the Earth
Enjoy a visit to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, whose mysterious glacier served as the setting of Jules Verne's novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth." Admire breathtaking scenery and charming villages en route to the peninsula.
Day 7
Educational Focus: Contemporary Iceland -- Youthful Nation
Excursion: Whale Watching
This morning, enjoy a leisurely cruise in the turquoise waters surrounding Iceland. Try to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises as you sail along. You can also look for the many birds that live on the coast, including puffins, gannets, and gulls.
Independent Exploration: The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 8
Independent Exploration: The day is at leisure to pursue last-minute sightseeing and shopping opportunities.
Tonight, gather with fellow travelers for a farewell reception and graduation ceremony followed by dinner at the hotel.
Day 9
Transfer to the airport for the return flight(s) to your gateway city. (Provided for air package participants only.)
