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This escorted tour for 2012 combines travel to Iceland and Greenland. Experience these two exotic arctic islands in the north, although very close in distance, their unique landscapes and cultures differ greatly. The easy access to Greenland directly from Iceland makes this combination perfect.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrival / pre night and overnight stay in Reykjavik Nordica Hotel for the next 2 nights.
Accommodation: In Hilton Reykjavík Nordica Hotel.
Transfer: From Keflavik Airport to your hotel (not included).
Day 2 - Reykjavik Sightseeing - Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue LagoonMorning sightseeing tour around Reykjavik City, to the old town centre, the harbor, the Pearl and the Cultural House, where we will see the original Saga manuscripts, recently added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
Next travel to the Reykjanes Peninsula, a geothermal field with hot springs, steaming vents, mud pots, volcanic vents and an old explosion crater filled with unusual green water. Visit large bird cliffs and black sand beaches, as well as the famous Blue Lagoon, set in the middle of the black lava field.
Accommodation: In Hilton Reykjavík Nordica Hotel.
Day 3 - Geysers - Gullfoss Waterfall - Thingvellir UNESCO heritage site
Passing volcanic landscape with impressive views and geothermal fields where plumes of steam rise to the sky on the way to Thingvellir National Park. The Park is an ancient site of the original parliament and a geologically fascinating area.
Walk down the rift valley caused by the separating North-America and Eurasian tectonic plates. Then head to the famous Geysir hot spring area and view boiling mud pools and one of the most active geysers in the area, Strokkur, spouting up to 30 meters. Continue to Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe. We visit a horse breeding farm with a geothermally heated greenhouse, learn about the Icelandic horse and its special qualities and taste local products.
Accommodation: In Hotel Selfoss.
Day 4 - Thjorsardalur - Mt. Hekla - Landmannalaugar
Travel to the valley of the Saga Age farms, Þjórsárdalur, an area greatly affected by the 1104 eruption in Mt. Hekla, Iceland´s most famous volcano. We stop at the ruins of the ancient farm Stöng that was buried by ashes from the Mt. Hekla eruption.
Travel on through this valley with its extensive birch woods, to the dramatic scenary and untouched wilderness of the highlands. Arrive in Landmannalaugar, an area with an amazing range of colors, where the landscape is made from the beautiful multi-shaded rhyolite. You have the option to bathe in a natural warm pool.
Accommodation: In Hotel Selfoss.
Day 5 -Ilulissat, a UNESCO heritage site
Fly to Ilulissat from Reykjavik and arrive around noon to this picturesque town. It has a beautiful location at the mouth of a long ice fjord, filled with enormous icebergs from the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere.
After check-in, enjoy a walking tour in the centre of the town with your local guide. Learn about modern life close to the Arctic Circle and join in the feeding of a sled-dog team, where the owner will demonstrate dog-sledding and tell about the nature of sled-dogs in Greenland.
Accommodation: In Greenland
Day 6 - Boat tour to Eqi Glacier
Very few places in Greenland are as beautiful as the Eqi glacier, which squeezes out in a fjord north of Ilulissat. Sail to the very edge of the glacier’s frontline rising 80-90 meters above the surface of the sea. While enjoying lunch on board the boat, watch as big chunks of heavy ice break off the glacier and trembles intensely into the sea.
The crashes are enormous and the sight of the icebergs falling into the water, not to mention the sound, is impressive.
Accommodation: In Greenland
Day 7 - Old Settlements
In the morning, hike to the remains of the old settlement Sermermiut, situated by the Icefjord. Listen to the story about life and customs of the Greenlanders before European arrival, whilst enjoying incredible views of the icebergs in the fjord. The afternoon is open for own activities, such as visiting museums in town. Numerous optional excursions are also available that can be arranged on spot.
Accommodation: In Greenland
Day 8 -Optional Tours and Travel Day
The morning is free for own explorations. Enjoy the vistas of beautiful icebergsin the fjord or complete any final shopping for tupilaks or other handicraft souvenirs. Transfer to the airport in Ilulissat and flight to Reykjavik, followed by a transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: In Hilton Reykjavík Nordica Hotel
Day 9 - Departure
Transfer to Keflavik Airport (not included)
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Maximum number for each departure is 25 persons.
Excluded:
- International flights
- Transfers to/from the International Airport in Keflavik
- Beverages
- Optional tours
- Blue Lagoon bathing fee
Departures every Tuesday on
| Pre Night |
Tour departure |
Note |
| June 26, 2012 |
June 27, 2012 |
Guaranteed |
| July 10, 2012 |
July 11, 2012 |
Guaranteed
|
| July 17, 2012 |
July 18, 2012 |
|
| July 24, 2012 | July 25, 2012 | |
Prices per person, valid June 1 - August 31, 2012
Double standard: € 2.800.- per person
Single standard: € 3.220.- per person
Note:
Due to the high demand of this tour, it is imperative that you book at least 4 weeks prior to tour departure during the high season. Bookings made on shorter notice cannot be guaranteed.
Children Rates:
Infants 0-1 year: Free of charge
Children 2-11 years, sharing a room and/or traveling with a guardian: 50% discount of listed price
Children 12 years and older: Full price.