Iceland
The Best of Iceland: A Country of Beautiful Contrasts
Program No. 3342RJ
Traverse the wonders of Iceland with locals and scholarly experts, delving deep into a landscape of stunning geological features, glaciers and bubbling thermal pools.
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jul 9 - Jul 19, 2024
Starting at
6,099Jul 20 - Jul 30, 2024
Starting at
6,299Aug 6 - Aug 16, 2024
Starting at
6,299Aug 16 - Aug 26, 2024
Starting at
6,299Aug 30 - Sep 9, 2024
Starting at
6,199Sep 14 - Sep 24, 2024
Starting at
6,199DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jun 4 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
7,079Jul 9 - Jul 19, 2024
Starting at
7,079Aug 6 - Aug 16, 2024
Starting at
7,279Aug 30 - Sep 9, 2024
Starting at
7,089Sep 14 - Sep 24, 2024
Starting at
7,089Sep 21 - Oct 1, 2024
Starting at
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11 days
10 nights
27 meals
10B 9L 8D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Borgarnes
Borgarnes
4
Reykholt, Borgarfjördur Region
Borgarnes
7
Lake Mývatn
Akureyri
9
Akureyri, Fly to Reykjavik
Reykjavik
At a Glance
Named by a Scandinavian explorer inspired by the beauty of icebergs bobbing through a fjord, Iceland is in fact not very icy at all, boasting abundant vegetation, a veritable menagerie of wildlife and stunning geological features. Journey through Iceland’s north, south and west with native experts who introduce you to their country’s history, music, food and traditions. Learn about the sagas of Icelanders and explore a dramatic landscape, from the coast to the Blue Lagoon.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to 3 miles per day, most days on uneven and hilly terrain.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Witness geology in action in the “Land of Fire and Ice” and visit a geothermal power plant.
- Enjoy a scallop fishing demonstration on a boat excursion in the Breidafjördur and take a bite out of another Icelandic delicacy: shark.
- Experience 1000 years of Icelandic history at the Borgarnes Settlement Center.
Suggested Reading List
(16 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of Iceland: A Country of Beautiful Contrasts
Program Number: 3342
Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings
This history of the Vikings tells their story through a series of innovative maps and excellent photographs. It traces the routes of 9th-century Viking merchants and explorers throughout Europe and the New World.
North: The New Nordic Cuisine of Iceland
Catering to a rising interest in Nordic cuisine, this cookbook celebrates Iceland’s food alongside its haunting landscapes, portrayed in starkly beautiful, full-color photos.
A Naturalist's Guide to the Arctic
A primer on Arctic climate, geography, plants, birds, mammals and insects in a single nicely written book. It's a highly recommended, enthusiastic guide to natural history throughout the Circumpolar North.
Last Places, A Journey in the North
Millman explores the culture and history of the Faroes, Iceland and Greenland in this hilarious account of his travels in the wake of the ancient Vikings.
Island on Fire: The Extraordinary Story of a Forgotten Volcano That Changed the World
Two science writers discuss the political and natural ramifications of the 1783 eruption of Iceland’s largest volcano, Laki, which led to global death, famine and even revolution. Great for the geologically minded but accessible to all with an interest in volcanoes.
The Sagas of Icelanders
Nine sagas and six tales composed between the years 1000 and 1500, including an account of Leif Eriksson's voyage to North America, all newly translated.
The History of Iceland
A history of Iceland from the Viking-era through colonization, independence and the 20th century. Karlsson draws on the sagas and rich literature of Iceland in presenting this comprehensive history.
Letters from Iceland
Written with fellow poet Louis MacNiece, this quirky, under-appreciated masterpiece captures the spirit of Iceland, its people and landscapes.
Iceland, Land of the Sagas
Krakauer and colleague Roberts hike and climb around Iceland in this classic travel narrative, reissued as a paperback and featuring Krakauer's color photographs. The book interweaves the natural and cultural history of the island with the authors' own adventures.
Independent People, An Epic
Rich in local color, this great mock-epic by the Icelandic Nobel Prize-winner features the indelible Bjartur of Summerhouses, a hard-headed, independent-minded sheep farmer.
Names for the Sea, Strangers in Iceland
A stranger in a strange land, British novelist Sarah Moss captures the spirit of Iceland in this tale of a year in the Reykjavik with her husband and two children.
Iceland Adventure Map
A detailed map at a scale of 1:465,000, printed on handy tear- and water-resistant paper.
Insight Guide Iceland
This guide emphasizes culture and history, with wonderful photographs, maps and essays from experts.
Ring of Seasons, Iceland, Its Culture and History
A longtime resident of Reykjavik, Lacy weaves tales of family life, anecdote, lore and history into this illuminating personal portrait of Iceland.
Jar City
Indridason's first moody police procedural finds Reykjavik detective Erlendur Sveinsson investigating the brutal murder of a lonely pensioner and the man's connection to the deaths of a number of young women. Made into a darkly superb film.
Butterflies in November
Scorned by love, a quirky, unapologetically independent 33-year-old woman takes a spontaneous trip along Iceland’s Ring Road, her best friend’s 4-year-old deaf-mute son in tow. Evocative of the Icelandic spirit.
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