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DATES & PRICES
| Ship Outside | Ship Balcony |
|---|---|
Accommodation DetailsA cabin with a window or porthole to view the outside. |
Accommodation DetailsA cabin featuring a verandah, or balcony, that allows you to step outside without going to a public deck. |
DATES & PRICES
| Ship Outside | Ship Balcony |
|---|---|
Accommodation DetailsA cabin with a window or porthole to view the outside. |
Accommodation DetailsA cabin featuring a verandah, or balcony, that allows you to step outside without going to a public deck. |
Activity note: Walking with luggage from airport terminal to bus; driving to Viking World, Blue Lagoon, hotel; about 50 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Those who wish to swim in the Blue Lagoon, pack bathing suit in carry-on luggage; towels provided, slippers, bathrobes, spa treatments are available at an additional cost. Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Breakfast: At Viking World.
Morning: We will board a bus and set out on a field trip to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula that runs along the Mid-Atlantic Rift. The Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates that meet here are drifting apart, and this geological wonder is considered volcanically active. After remaining dormant for more than 800 years, Mount Fagradalsfjall, a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula, erupted in March 2021. The eruption lasted for several months, altering the nearby landscape by adding 10.3 million cubic feet new lava.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: We will reboard the bus and continue our Icelandic learning adventure at the Blue Lagoon, where we will have an opportunity to soak in the mineral-rich, geothermally-heated waters. (Entrance fee and towels included at Blue Lagoon; slippers and bathrobes available at additional cost.) There are other “blue lagoons” but this one is truly unique. The stark volcanic terrain that surrounds it creates an otherworldly feeling. The lava field is surely natural, but in fact the lagoon owes its existence to a geothermal power station built in 1975. Superheated water from a nearby lava flow feeds into the power plant system and finally flows into the lagoon, where the temperature stays between 98°-104°F (36°-40° C). Minerals from the underground geological layers account for the coloration. Not only is lounging in the waters delightfully comfortable, the minerals and white silica mud are reputed to provide benefits for skin conditions. Next, we’ll continue our ride to central Reykjavik to check in to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. Port stops are subject to change as weather and ocean conditions could affect the progress of the vessel. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The time in each port is set by the cruise line. The cruise line reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice. Zodiac landings will depend on weather and sea conditions. The order of sites visited as well as when free time takes place may vary according to circumstances at the time of the program. We will have a lecture aboard ship and several field trips exclusively for our Road Scholar group; other lectures and field trips will be open to all. Included meals on land will feature local cuisine with water; other beverages will typically be available at personal cost. Aboard ship, we can choose from chef-prepared entrées with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 185 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We’ll set out from the hotel by bus for a full-day field trip around the Golden Circle. Our field trip will begin with an exploration of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. It was here that the Althing, an open-air representative assembly, was established in 930 CE. It is the world’s oldest existing parliament. Thingvellir is considered the most sacred place in Iceland due its historical significance and for the fact that this is also the meeting point of the American and European continental plates.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Moving on, we’ll reach Gullfoss — golden falls — the most famous waterfall in Iceland. Water from the Langjökull glacier flows into the Hvítá (White) River. When it reaches the great Gullfossgljúfur canyon, it falls in two stages more than 100 feet (32 meters). We’ll then continue our ride to Geysir, where the active Strokkur geyser bursts forth every few minutes in a cloud of steam. Returning to our hotel in the late afternoon, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on a bus at approximately 8:15 a.m; driving about 4.6 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time depending on traffic. Walking up to 1 mile indoors and out throughout the day; urban terrain, cobblestones.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will check out of the hotel and walk to a nearby venue for an expert led lecture on Iceland’s past and present. We’ll then board a bus and ride to the National Museum of Iceland. The charming museum traces the history of this remote island nation from the Settlement era to the modern day. Our field trip will continue with riding and walking in Reykjavik. We will see sites such as the historic Höfði House, site of the 1986 summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev that precipitated the end of the Cold War. We will also drive by Lake Tjornin, a small lake in downtown Reykjavik known for its birdlife, as well as walking through the Parliament House and City Hall with its large topographic map of Iceland.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon: We will have some time for independent exploration in downtown Reykjavik before meeting up at an announced time and place to transfer to the ship for embarkation. We’ll then transfer to the port and embark the Ocean Diamond. Cabins will be available after completing embarkation procedures. We will participate with everyone on board in the mandatory safety drill when announced. Then, continue becoming familiar with the ship.
Dinner: Aboard ship in the main dining room.
Evening: Evenings aboard the Ocean Diamond will typically include gathering for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity. This evening, we will hear from team leaders on safety measures and have a port talk on Stykkisholmur.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus, on/off a Snowcat open air-vehicle; driving about 95 miles throughout the day, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time. Walking on glacier, distance according to personal interest, approximately 5 hours; rugged terrain, cold temperatures; dress warmly, bring sunglasses, sunscreen.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We’ll step ashore this morning at Stykkisholmur, a small town on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Jules Verne’s adventurers in “Journey to the Center of the Earth” began their journey in the crater of Snæfellsjökull. We’ll board a bus at the pier, then change to a Snowcat that will take us 4,600 feet up onto Snæfellsjökull Glacier that lies atop a volcano. We will learn more about Iceland’s volcanic geology through the spectacular variety of lava formations visible in the landscape. On a clear day, the glacier offers a fantastic view over Hellissandur and Breidafjörður Bay. We’ll ride back to the ship at after our field trip.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. You might like to explore the charming, eco-conscious, small town of Stykkisholmur that dates back to the 1500s.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: We will gather for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 95 miles throughout the day, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 1 mile in Thingeyri; elective 1/2 hour moderate walking to Dynjandi waterfall; uneven, hilly terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Morning We will step off the ship for a Road Scholar exclusive field trip, board a bus, and ride to a recreated Viking village in the town of Thingeyri, for an interactive view of Viking history in the Westfjords. We’ll take a short walk to the ruins of the Viking meeting place, Thing, or “parliament.” Then, at the Skalinn Viking Center, we’ll learn more about everyday Norse life through hands-on experiences with authentic hand-sewn clothing, bread-baking, and a taste of Icelandic Viking beer. We’ll hear tales of Icelandic Viking tradition from local experts in traditional dress and sample some classic Viking snacks.
Lunch: At a local community house.
Afternoon: Next, we will ride to see the thunderous Dynjandi, the highest and most impressive waterfall in the Westfjords. Returning to the ship, we will gather for a lecture on topics related to the program theme.
Dinner: Aboard ship. Captain’s Dinner.
Evening: We will gather for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity.
Activity note: Getting in/out of Zodiacs with assistance from staff; possibility of rough seas. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain on Hrisey, paved roads in Siglufjördur. Note: Zodiac field trips are dependent on favorable weather conditions. Wear warm clothing; boats are not enclosed.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We’ll step ashore in Siglufjörður and walk to the town’s Herring Museum where we’ll learn about Iceland’s fishing industry. The work of herring salting is traditionally accompanied by song and dance, and we’ll see a performance of these folk traditions by local “Herring Girls.” We’ll then have some independent time to explore the town on our own. Returning to the ship, we will set sail at lunchtime.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We will gather for a lecture on topics related to the program theme. The captain will determine whether sea conditions are suitable to make a landing at the island of Hrisey in the Eyjafjörður fjord. We’ll aim to make landfall by Zodiac in the late afternoon to explore on foot and get a sense of what life is like in this remote locale. It is believed that up to 40 bird species nest on the island mid-April to mid-August with the ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) most prominent. Some can only be counted in a few pairs while others are in thousands. The main reason for this unusually large concentration of birds is that all hunting of birds and gathering of eggs is banned on the island and there are no natural predators such as foxes, minks, mice or rats. We will also visit the oldest house in Hrisey, the House of Shark Jorundur. Here, we’ll see an exhibition about the history of the island and the history of shark fishing in Iceland in earlier centuries before returning to the ship.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: We will gather for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity.
Activity note: Getting in/out of OAK boat with assistance from staff; possibility of rough seas. Wear warm clothing; the boat is not enclosed.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: As we round the Northwest corner of Iceland, we’ll anchor in front of Flatey: “flat island.” Less than 1.5 miles long and a little over one-half mile wide, Flatey is home to many bird species, especially Arctic tern and puffin. There are no cars and sheep roam freely. Depending on the weather, it may be possible to take Zodiacs ashore before returning to the ship.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Husavik is considered by many to be the whale-watching capital of Iceland. We’ll enjoy a Road Scholar exclusive field trip on a traditional wooden harbor boat to watch for the gentle giants. The wonders of nature are on display in the beautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay, sheltered by the stunning mountains of Husavik. We’ll then take a scenic drive from Húsavík to the beautifully restored Turf House of Grenjaðarstaður, where we’ll step back in time with an exclusive Icelandic folkloric experience. In the past, Grenjaðarstaður was the manor of the county, with the total area of its dwelling houses covering about 8,500 square feet. The dwelling houses were inhabited until 1948, then abandoned. After a thorough renovation in the late 1950s, this charming folk museum was made open to the public. We will go inside the museum for a wonderful glimpse into the past of Iceland’s traditional farming methods and way of life. We’ll also visit the country church on the property.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: We will gather for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 150 miles throughout the day, approximately 3.5 hours riding time. Walking distances up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain. Bring bathing suit and towel (from ship) for Mývátn Nature Baths; lockers are available for rent.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We will board a bus and ride to one of the most beautiful spots in northern Iceland, the Lake Mývátn area. Today’s field trip through an area of extreme contrasts, teeming with fauna, starts at the spectacular Godafoss Waterfall. From there we’ll continue to the pseudocraters of Skútustaðagígar, and the impressive lava formations of Dimmuborgir, said to resemble a collapsed citadel. In Icelandic folklore, Dimmuborgir is said to connect the earth to the infernal. The mineral-rich water of the lake is an ideal habitat for fish and birds.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: To complete our field trip, we’ll visit the Mývátn Nature Baths in the Lake Mývátn geothermal area with an opportunity for a relaxing geothermal bath in the quiet of the countryside. We’ll then ride back to the ship for a lecture on topics related to the program theme.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: We will gather for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 125 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking during field trips.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: At sea as we sail towards Seydisfjördur, we’ll gather for a lecture on topics related to the program theme.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Narrow fjords, jagged mountain peaks, remote farms and small fishing villages are some of East Iceland’s characteristics. Today’s Road Scholar exclusive field trip by bus will begin with a journey inland from Seydisfjorður, via the mountain road Breiddalsheidi, to Stöðvarfjorður. We’ll learn about the diversity of Iceland’s geology at a charming museum, located at the former home of a beloved local resident aptly named Petra, who had a lifelong fascination with the minerals she encountered while exploring East Iceland. When her collection outgrew her house, she created the beautiful educational garden we will explore today. We’ll also hear a lecture on Icelandic crafts by a local expert, riding back to the ship at the end of our field trip.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: We will gather for a presentation exclusively for our Road Scholar group.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 220 miles, approximately 5 hours riding time. Getting in/out of amphibian boats. Wear warm clothing; boats are not enclosed. Walking up to 1 mile; uneven terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Today’s field trip from Djupivogur will take us to the magnificent Glacier Lagoon of Jökulsárlon. Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, and these large icebergs float on the lagoon. The lagoon itself is not very wide, but it is up to 750 feet deep which makes it the deepest lake in Iceland. Breidamerkurjokull is an outlet of the Vatnajokull glacier. We’ll board a specially-equipped boat and ride amid the huge icebergs in the picturesque scenery of Jökulsárlon.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Our field trip will continue. We’ll then ride back to the ship and gather in the Observation Lounge for a Road Scholar exclusive activity. When announced, we will have the mandatory disembarkation briefing.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: We will gather for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 13 miles approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 1 mile; uneven, little hilly terrain. Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Note: Zodiac field trips are dependent on favorable weather conditions. Wear warm clothing; boats are not enclosed.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: In Vestmannaeyjar — the Westman Islands — we’ll board Zodiacs and set out on a field trip at the coast of the volcanic island of Heimaey. We’ll be on the look-out for caves, birdlife, and perhaps even whales.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Next, we’ll step ashore at Heimaey and board a bus at the pier for a panoramic exploration of this unique and fascinating landscape. The effects of the 1973 volcanic eruption are still visible, with half-buried houses and a dramatic crater. Heimaey is also known for its diversity of birdlife. We’ll finish our field trip at Eldheimar Volcano Museum. This unique museum tells the story of the 1973 Heimaey eruption, the emergence of Surtsey island in 1963, and the geology of the Vestmannaeyjar Islands.
Dinner: Aboard ship. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening: We will gather for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity. Prepare for disembarkation and departure tomorrow.
Activity note: Ship scheduled to arrive in Reykjavik at 8:00 a.m. For those who purchased airfare through Road Scholar, there will be transfers to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) based on final flight times.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: After disembarkation, either transfer to the airport based on final flight times, or enjoy some free time for independent exploration in Reykjavik. Our Group Leader will tell us where to meet for transfers to the airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!