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 - Tour Begins
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 modern day. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner. Following dinner enjoy a show about the history of Iceland before you retire for the evening.

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 or perhaps 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. Travel across fertile pastures, sand flats and glacial rivers en route to Skogar, a small settlement located next to a magnificent waterfall. Visit the Skogar Folk Museum which houses an interesting collection of Icelandic artifacts. 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. Before dinner enjoy a tasting of specialties of Iceland, shark meat and Brennivin (Iceland’s national drink).

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 - Grundarfjordur
This morning enjoy a 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. Next, enjoy a journey to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Upon arrival to the fishing village of Grundarfjordur, board an old fishing vessel and enjoy a cruise in the harbor. The cruise will take you out to Melrakkaey Island, a Puffin sanctuary***. Sit back and relax as you watch the Puffins on the island. On the return to shore, take some time to learn how to fish from a local fisherman. Overnight in a quaint fishing village.

Day 7: Grundarfjordur - Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Reykjavik
This morning enjoy the journey along the shore of the peninsula viewing charming fishing villages, pebble beaches and breathtaking cliffs. Stop in the village of Arnarstapi to view the full beauty of the region with massive cliffs overlooking the ocean. Here you may choose to take a short walk to the caves to view the waves rushing in. Witness from above the true power of Mother Nature. Continue on your journey around the peninsula to view a seal colony. Next, stop at Hallmundarhraun, the largest lava field in this region. The lava came from a few craters in the northwestern slopes of the Langjokull glacier. See the beginning of vegetation which has started to grow close to where the eruption began. Enjoy the journey to the city of Reykjavik.

Day 8: Reykjavik
Today it’s your choice of included activity. You may opt to embark on an adventure on the water - a whale watching cruise**** - or explore the land while on a volcanic cave hike. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Day 9: Reykjavik - Tour Ends
Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/27/2012 - 6/4/2012	$2,049
6/10/2012 - 6/18/2012	$2,149
6/17/2012 - 6/25/2012	$2,149
7/8/2012 - 7/16/2012	$2,349
7/15/2012 - 7/23/2012	$2,349
8/12/2012 - 8/20/2012	$2,349
8/19/2012 - 8/27/2012	$2,349
9/16/2012 - 9/24/2012	$2,049
9/23/2012 - 10/1/2012	$2,049
10/7/2012 - 10/15/2012	$1,949
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
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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