The Wonders of Iceland

br />An island of dramatic contrasts, Iceland is a landscape forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and hot pools reflect its volcanic nature, while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. Travel the “Golden Circle” where many natural scenic wonders are located, including Thingvellir National Park, before arriving in Vik, a small town with black sand beaches. The Icelandic people combine a reverence for their Viking heritage and ancient language with an industrialized, progressive society. Discover the spectacular landscapes and proud people of this small island nation during this fascinating journey.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
An overnight flight brings you to Iceland – an island of dramatic contrasts, and a landscape forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and hot pools reflect its volcanic nature, while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. The Icelandic people combine a reverence for their Viking heritage and ancient language with an industrialized, progressive society. Discover the spectacular landscapes and proud people of this small island nation during this fascinating journey.

Day 2: Reykjavik, Iceland
Your tour begins in Reykjavik, where you embark on a fascinating city tour that highlights such important sites as the 19th-century Parliament House, Austurvollur Square, the Hofoi House, and Tjornin Lake. Visit the National Museum of Iceland where new and dynamic exhibitions increase your knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage, from the nation's earliest settlement through to the modern day. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 3: Reykjavik - Reykjanes Peninsula - Reykjavik
During a full-day excursion, explore the scenic landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula, stopping at Bessastadir, an ancient Viking site that is now the official residence of the current president. Continue to Lake Kleifarvatn to see an amazing display of geothermal activity, including steaming fumaroles, hot springs and mud pots. Conclude your day at the famous Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal pool in the middle of a large, dramatic lava field. Enjoy time to relax and/or take a swim in this pleasantly warm, mineral-rich water.

Day 4: Reykjavik - Golden Circle - Vik**
Travel to the "Golden Circle" which encompasses many of Iceland's most renowned natural scenic wonders. Thingvellir National Park is Iceland's most historic site and one of its most beautiful places. The oldest existing parliament in the world first met here in AD 930. The park also features the geologically significant Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the American and European tectonic plates meet. Continue to the amazing hot springs of Geysir, then marvel at one of the island's greatest natural wonders, the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall. Continue south to the town of Vik, a small town set along Iceland's dramatic southern coast, where black sand beaches, crashing waves, and towering figures of black rock form an unforgettable sight.

Day 5: Vik - Skaftafell National Park - Vik
Begin the day at Skaftafell National Park, a beautiful green oasis located near the highest peak in Iceland. Later, an unforgettable boat trip* amid graceful, floating icebergs serves as an introduction to Iceland's dramatic glaciers and is the perfect opportunity to see many species of birds.

Day 6: Vik - Reykjavik
On your trip back to Reykjavik, travel across fertile pastures, sand flats and glacial rivers en route to Skogar, a small settlement located next to a magnificent waterfall. Visit Skogar's Folk Museum, which houses an interesting collection of Icelandic artifacts. Next, stop at a traditional Icelandic horse farm. Learn how Iceland's horses are directly descended from those brought by the Vikings and how Iceland is preserving this heritage.

Day 7: Reykjavik
Today is at leisure to explore the capital city of Iceland with its many art galleries and museums. You may choose to join an optional whale watching or "Super Jeep" glacier excursion. During the "Super Jeep" excursion you will travel on top of Iceland's Langjökull Glacier. Gather for a farewell dinner this evening.

Day 8: Reykjavik - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.

Don't miss our current specials: FREE Door to Door Service Now Vacations Start at HOME! Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours. On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
8/15/2010 - 8/22/2010	$1,849
9/5/2010 - 9/12/2010	$1,599
9/12/2010 - 9/19/2010	$1,599
9/19/2010 - 9/26/2010	$1,499
5/22/2011 - 5/29/2011	$1,499
5/29/2011 - 6/5/2011	$1,549
6/12/2011 - 6/19/2011	$1,549
6/19/2011 - 6/26/2011	$1,599
7/10/2011 - 7/17/2011	$1,749
7/17/2011 - 7/24/2011	$1,749
7/24/2011 - 7/31/2011	$1,749
8/7/2011 - 8/14/2011	$1,749
8/14/2011 - 8/21/2011	$1,749
8/21/2011 - 8/28/2011	$1,749
9/4/2011 - 9/11/2011	$1,599
9/11/2011 - 9/18/2011	$1,499
9/18/2011 - 9/25/2011	$1,399
9/25/2011 - 10/2/2011	$1,399
10/2/2011 - 10/9/2011	$1,399
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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