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ICELAND

The Best of Iceland: Land of Beautiful Contrasts

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Road Scholar
Program #3342RJ

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12 Days | 11 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Itinerary for Sep 1 — Sep 12, 2013

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Day One: Sunday, September 01 - In Transit 
In Transit: International overnight flight from US/Canada.

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Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: The Northern Light Inn is a small and friendly hotel located less than 1 mile from the Blue Lagoon, 15 minutes from Keflavik International Airport and 45 minutes from Reykjavik. It is located in the majestic lava landscape of Reykjanes Peninsula, Southwest Iceland, directly under the Aurora Borealis geomagnetic green belt.

Contact info:
Blue Lagoon Road 1
Grindavik, 240 Iceland
phone: +354 426 8650
web: www.nli.is

Room amenities: Each room has a geothermal shower, Icelandic down comforter, telephone, satellite television, hair dryer and free wireless Internet access.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a panoramic restaurant, laundry services and free wireless Internet. It is located nearby the Blue Lagoon and a swimming pool and fitness center.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Two: Monday, September 02 - Reykjanes Peninsula / Blue Lagoon 
Arrive To: Arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Transfer to hotel for breakfast.

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: After breakfast we take a drive along the coastline of the Reykjanes Peninsula where we will see the old Reykjanes lighthouse. Afterward we will check-in at the hotel.

Lunch: Hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Welcome introduction followed by a swim in the Blue Lagoon, said to have demonstrable healing powers, especially against skin diseases and arthritis.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Lodging: Northern Light Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.

Contact info:
Egilsgata 14-16
Borgarnes, 310 Iceland
phone: +354 437 1119
web: www.hotelborgarnes.is

Room amenities: Each room has a mini bar, hair dryer, radio, telephone and television.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, fax machine, telephone, a computer in the lobby with Internet access, and wireless Internet in the lobby.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Three: Tuesday, September 03 - Akranes / Hvanneyri 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Departure for Akranes, where we have a lecture on the Icelandic fishing industry. Visit a fish processing factory and the fish market.

Lunch: Lunch at a country restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit Hvanneyri, an Agricultural Science Center for a lecture and introduction to Icelandic agriculture. Arrival and check-in at hotel.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Lodging: Hotel Borgarnes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.

Contact info:
Egilsgata 14-16
Borgarnes, 310 Iceland
phone: +354 437 1119
web: www.hotelborgarnes.is

Room amenities: Each room has a mini bar, hair dryer, radio, telephone and television.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, fax machine, telephone, a computer in the lobby with Internet access, and wireless Internet in the lobby.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Four: Wednesday, September 04 - Reykholt / Borgarfjördur Region 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Departure for Reykholt, homestead of the famous Saga writer, Snorri Sturluson. Lecture: "Snorri Sturluson, Middle Ages & Struggle for Independence."

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: After lunch we take an excursion through the Borgarfjördur region. Stops include Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most prolific hot spring; Hraunfossar, rare and beautiful waterfalls; and Borg, the homestead of Viking/poet Egill Skallagrímsson in the 10th century.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: Evening entertainment at hotel with folk music and dancing.

Lodging: Hotel Borgarnes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.

Contact info:
Egilsgata 14-16
Borgarnes, 310 Iceland
phone: +354 437 1119
web: www.hotelborgarnes.is

Room amenities: Each room has a mini bar, hair dryer, radio, telephone and television.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, fax machine, telephone, a computer in the lobby with Internet access, and wireless Internet in the lobby.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Five: Thursday, September 05 - Stykkisholmur / Boat Ride and Scallop Fishing 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Lecture: "Contemporary Iceland." Depart for Stykkisholmur, a fishing village on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: Take a two-hour boat ride among the islands of Breidafjördur with some scallop fishing and tasting. This will be followed by a visit to farmer Hildibrandur’s tiny church at Bjarnarhöfn for a taste of his special Icelandic delicacy, shark.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Lodging: Hotel Borgarnes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.

Contact info:
Hafnarstraeti 87-89
Akureyri, 600 Iceland
phone: +354 460-2000
web: www.keahotels.is/home

Room amenities: Each room has satellite television, radio, hairdryer, mini bar, wireless Internet access (for a fee), and coffee & tea making facilities.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a bar, restaurant, laundry service, free wireless Internet in lobby and bar area, computer with Internet in lobby, and discounts to the nearby gym and spa.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Six: Friday, September 06 - Textile Exhibition / Icelandic Horse 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Depart for Akureyri, North Iceland. En route we stop at the textile exhibition at Blönduós.

Lunch: Lunch at Olafshus Restaurant.

Afternoon: Enjoy a visit to the Glaumbær Folk Museum before we venture out to a horse farm, where we will become acquainted with the Icelandic horse. Arrival at hotel.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Lodging: Hotel KEA

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.

Contact info:
Hafnarstraeti 87-89
Akureyri, 600 Iceland
phone: +354 460-2000
web: www.keahotels.is/home

Room amenities: Each room has satellite television, radio, hairdryer, mini bar, wireless Internet access (for a fee), and coffee & tea making facilities.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a bar, restaurant, laundry service, free wireless Internet in lobby and bar area, computer with Internet in lobby, and discounts to the nearby gym and spa.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Seven: Saturday, September 07 - Akureyri 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Lecture: "Geology of Iceland."

Lunch: Hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Lecture: "Flora and Birds." Sightseeing excursion through Akureyri, followed by free time.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: Departure for evening entertainment.

Lodging: Hotel KEA

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.

Contact info:
Hafnarstraeti 87-89
Akureyri, 600 Iceland
phone: +354 460-2000
web: www.keahotels.is/home

Room amenities: Each room has satellite television, radio, hairdryer, mini bar, wireless Internet access (for a fee), and coffee & tea making facilities.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a bar, restaurant, laundry service, free wireless Internet in lobby and bar area, computer with Internet in lobby, and discounts to the nearby gym and spa.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Eight: Sunday, September 08 - Whale Museum / Whale Watching Excursion or Local Museum 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Departure for Husavik. Excursion to the Whale Museum, where we have a short lecture on the whales and other marine life in the waters surrounding Iceland.

Lunch: Lunch at Restaurant Salka.

Afternoon: If weather permits, embark on a Whale Watching Excursion! If the weather does not permit, enjoy a visit to the excellent local museum that houses a folk museum, a maritime museum and a natural history museum.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Lodging: Hotel KEA

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is a first-class hotel in the heart of Reykjavik. It is located on one of Reykjavik's oldest streets, Adalstraeti, in a newly renovated building, the oldest part of which was built in 1764. During renovations, the remains of a Viking longhouse from the Settlement Period were found. In 2006, an attractive exhibition center opened under the hotel, where the longhouse's remains are on display together with related exhibits. Among the finds excavated were Iceland's oldest human remains, dating from approximately 870 AD.

Contact info:
Adalstraeti 16
Reykjavik, 101 Iceland
phone: +354 514 6000
web: www.hotelcentrum.is

Room amenities: Each room has a satellite television, telephone, high speed wireless Internet access, mini-bar, radio, iron and board, hair dryer, safe box, and tea & coffee set.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, lounge with cafe and bar, wireless Internet access, laundry service, fax machine, and pay phone.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Check out time: 12:00 PM

Day Nine: Monday, September 09 - Lake Myvatn / Fly to Reykjavik 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Depart for a full day at Lake Myvatn, one of the richest nesting grounds for wet birds in the world. Pseudocraters, solfataras, craters and volcanoes make a fascinating geological study.

Lunch: Lunch at Sel Hotel Mývatn en-route.

Afternoon: Fly from Akureyri to Reykjavík. Check-in at hotel and settle in.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Lodging: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is a first-class hotel in the heart of Reykjavik. It is located on one of Reykjavik's oldest streets, Adalstraeti, in a newly renovated building, the oldest part of which was built in 1764. During renovations, the remains of a Viking longhouse from the Settlement Period were found. In 2006, an attractive exhibition center opened under the hotel, where the longhouse's remains are on display together with related exhibits. Among the finds excavated were Iceland's oldest human remains, dating from approximately 870 AD.

Contact info:
Adalstraeti 16
Reykjavik, 101 Iceland
phone: +354 514 6000
web: www.hotelcentrum.is

Room amenities: Each room has a satellite television, telephone, high speed wireless Internet access, mini-bar, radio, iron and board, hair dryer, safe box, and tea & coffee set.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, lounge with cafe and bar, wireless Internet access, laundry service, fax machine, and pay phone.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Check out time: 12:00 PM

Day Ten: Tuesday, September 10 - Arbær Open Air Museum 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Guided excursion of Reykjavik, including the Arbær open air museum.

Lunch: Lunch in downtown Reykjavík.

Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: Departure for evening entertainment.

Lodging: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is a first-class hotel in the heart of Reykjavik. It is located on one of Reykjavik's oldest streets, Adalstraeti, in a newly renovated building, the oldest part of which was built in 1764. During renovations, the remains of a Viking longhouse from the Settlement Period were found. In 2006, an attractive exhibition center opened under the hotel, where the longhouse's remains are on display together with related exhibits. Among the finds excavated were Iceland's oldest human remains, dating from approximately 870 AD.

Contact info:
Adalstraeti 16
Reykjavik, 101 Iceland
phone: +354 514 6000
web: www.hotelcentrum.is

Room amenities: Each room has a satellite television, telephone, high speed wireless Internet access, mini-bar, radio, iron and board, hair dryer, safe box, and tea & coffee set.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, lounge with cafe and bar, wireless Internet access, laundry service, fax machine, and pay phone.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Check out time: 12:00 PM

Day Eleven: Wednesday, September 11 - Hellisheidi / Þingvellir / Gullfoss / Geysir / Skálholt 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: A full day excursion. We will visit the geothermal power plant at Hellisheidi, admire Þingvellir (the former site of parliament), marvel at the majesty of Gullfoss (the golden waterfall), appreciate Geysir (the geyser from which all others take their name), and explore Skálholt (the ancient bishopric).

Lunch: Lunch at Hotel Gullfoss en-route.

Afternoon: Continue full day excursion.

Dinner: Farewell Dinner at a downtown restaurant.

Lodging: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Twelve: Thursday, September 12 - Departures 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Morning at leisure.

Lunch: Hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Transfer to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) for departures.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


Free Time Opportunities


Reykjavik
Reykjavik Bike ToursTake a guided bike tour of Reykjavik.
For additional information, visit: www.icelandbike.com
The Culture HouseSome of Iceland's most wonderful national treasures are on display in the Culture House's featured exhibition, "Medieval Manuscripts: Eddas and Sagas."
For additional information, visit: www.thjodmenning.is
The Settlement ExhibitionThe Settlement Exhibition provides insight into the environment of the Reykjavik farm at the time of the first settlers.
For additional information, visit: www.minjasafnreykjavikur.is
Akureyri
Akureyri MuseumExhibitions provide the visitor with ample information in various forms and themes equally about the history of the fjord from settlement and but also the history of Akureyri and its development from the 19th century.
Botanical gardensDiscover a wide variety of both Icelandic and foreign flora.
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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•10 nights of accommodations
•30 meals: 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 8 dinners
•7 Expert-led lectures
•16 Field trips
•3 Performances
•1 Flights during the program
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