Exploring Iceland 2015 Travel Brochure

exploring BEAUTIFUL & MAJESTIC Iceland

11 Days / 9 Nights

September 5 - 15, 2015 It’s a surprising, even astonishing land; one of massive glaciers and rumbling volcanoes, bubbling mud holes and powerful waterfalls; hugely abundant bird life and just 300,000 people; and where the sun never sets for six splendid weeks. It’s also perfect for exploring in a small group, as we discover traveling the breadth of the country and staying in excellent lodgings.

FROM NEW YORK/BOSTON/WASH DC

$4,298 per person (Land & Air)

FROM FORT MYERS/CHICAGO

$4,698 per person (Land & Air)

LAND ONLY: $3,695

ASK ABOUT OTHER DEPARTURE CITIES!

The Renaissance Academy of FGCU 1010 5th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 239.434.4838 (tel) jguerra@fgcu.edu email www.fgcu.edu/racademy

Exploring Beautiful & Majestic Iceland – September 5 - 15, 2015

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Day 1 - September 5: Depart U.S. for Reykjavik, Iceland Day 2 - September 6: Arrive Reykjavik/Borgarnes Upon our early morning arrival in Iceland’s capital, we meet our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and enjoy a scenic drive to our hotel in Borgarnes, a small town on the shores of Borgarfjorour. Along the way we stop for breakfast then reach our hotel, where we have time to rest and have lunch on our own. This afternoon we get our first real taste of Iceland’s raw beauty as we embark on an excursion to Deildartunguhver , site of the country’s largest thermal spring; and also to Hraunfossar Falls, beautiful and unusual cold springs that well up through the lava landscape and cascade into the Hvítá River. From here we visit the Reyholt Cultural Center, a historic site based on the life and residence of saga writer Snorri Sturluson who lived here between 1206 and 1241.

We return to our hotel late this afternoon and enjoy a welcome dinner there tonight. A ccommodations: Hotel Hamar; Meals: B, D

Day 3 - September 7: Borgarnes/Snaefellsnes Peninsula Today we encounter the stupendous scenery of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We begin on the south shore where we walk along the shell sand beach at Budir, surrounded by a vast lava field. We also explore the bizarre rock formations along the rugged shore at Arnarstapi, site of thousands of nesting cliff birds. After stopping for lunch – a traditional fresh seafood soup – at a rustic oceanfront restaurant, we visit Djupalonssandur where we see the haunting remains of boats that once took local fishermen to sea. We then have the opportunity to taste shark at the home of a local farmer who processes this former Viking delicacy himself. Late this afternoon we return to Borgarnes; tonight we dine together at the hotel. A ccommodations: Hotel Hamar; Meals: B, L, D

Day 4 - September 8: Borgarnes/Akureyri We leave Borgarnes this morning, traveling towards the northeast countryside across highlands, dales, and fjords, through varying landscapes ranging from cattle farms to lava fields, to the volcanic region surrounding Lake Myvatn. We make two stops along the way: first to Gauksmyri Horse Farm to see Icelandic horses, a unique variety that has been bred only with other Icelandic horses since first brought here by the Vikings in 800 CE, then to the stilloperating 17th-century Vidimyri church constructed of sod. Midafternoon we reach Akureyri, capital of Iceland’s north region and where we stop for lunch on our own. This afternoon we tour this urban gem by coach and on foot, visiting the botanical garden and Akureyrarkirkja church, with its unusual interior. After checking in at our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. A ccommodations: Hotel Kea; Meals: B

Exploring Beautiful & Majestic Iceland – September 5 - 15, 2015

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Day 5 - September 9: Akureyri/Lake Myvatn Today we travel to beautiful Lake Myvatn. One of the world’s natural wonders, Lake Myvatn and its environs of bubbling mud flats, lava fields, and lunar-like volcanic craters comprise a national nature reserve that ranks among the most beautiful sights in a country overflowing with natural beauty. Our explorations here begin with a stop at Godafoss, the stunning “waterfalls of the gods” named for the carvings of Norse gods tossed into the water when the country was declared Christian (and paganism forbidden) a thousand years ago. This afternoon we make our way to the active volcano areas of the lake, including the boiling mud pots at Namaskard, the bizarre lava formations at Dimmuborgir, the explosion crater at Viti, and the flat volcano system at Krafla. You’ll want to bring your binoculars, as this is also a popular area for bird watching. From here we drive across the rugged Myvatn Desert to witness yet another of Iceland’s natural wonders: jaw-dropping Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall and Iceland’s “Niagara” with its thunderous falls cascading at a rate of 200 tons per second. After this spectacle we return to our hotel in time for dinner on your own tonight. A ccommodations: Hotel Kea; Meals: B Day 6 - September 10: Akureyri/Jökulsárgljúfur National Park This morning we drive to the picturesque fishing and whale-watching village of Husavik for our morning excursion: a birding cruise. We embark on a boat for a better view of the rich bird life on this island, aptly named for the thousands of puffins who congregate here. Sailing out of Husavik harbor we pass a small cliff near the town’s lighthouse where we see kittywake and possibly Black guillemot. As we proceed to the island we may see Artic tern, fulmar, and Arctic skua wheeling above, and if we are lucky, Great skua and gannet as well.

We also have a high likelihood of spotting Common guillemot, razorbill, and we may see Red-necked phalarope. Among the summer residents of Puffin Island, a thriving bird refuge: 200,000 puffins and Long-tailed duck, Eider duck, Purple sandpiper, and cormorants.

Greylag goose occasionally join the throng, too. (Please note: this included boat trip is dependent on weather conditions and on whether the annual puffin migration to the open ocean occurs early. From mid -August, some of the abovementioned bird species migrate to warmer, southerly locales. The puffins generally depart around the middle of August and the Arctic tern by the end of August). Following this scenic overload we have lunch together and return to Husavik.

This afternoon’s excursion takes us to Jökulsárgljúfur National Park where we enjoy a walk around Hljodaklettar, the labyrinth of “echoing rocks” created by the spiral basalt formations of arches and canyons here. (Please note: the visit to Hljodaklettar from May to mid-June is dependent on road conditions). Then we drive to incredible Asbyrgi, also in the National Park, a huge canyon enveloped by towering walls; in the middle of the partially wooded canyon sits a huge hoof-shaped rock called “The Island.” After our park touring, we return to our hotel in Akureyri. Dinner is on your own tonight. A ccommodations: Hotel Kea; Meals: B, L

Exploring Beautiful & Majestic Iceland – September 5 - 15, 2015

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Day 7 - September 11: Akureyri/Reykjavik/Hella This morning we transfer to the airport for a flight to Reykjavik, where upon arrival we board a coach for the drive to Thingvellir National Park. Revered for its historical importance – this is where Iceland’s Althing, or national assembly, met in open-air sessions from 930 CE to 1798 – Thingvellir also sits on an active volcanic site at the spot where the fissure between the geological plates of North America and Europe is most evident in Iceland. It’s also a gem of nature, with canyons, caves, waterfalls, and ponds surrounded by snow-capped mountains. We learn about Iceland’s historic parliament (the world’s oldest), and walk along a gorge into the rift valley itself. After lunch at a local restaurant, we depart for Great Geysir, the most famous of Iceland’s geysers; then continue on to Gullfoss, Iceland’s immensely popular “golden” waterfall with its spectacular two-tiered cataract. From Gullfoss we drive down to the country’s southern coast to the beautiful agricultural area of Hella, one of three main regional centers in South Iceland. Accommodations: Hotel Ranga; Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 - September 12: Hella/Vik After a morning walk along the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara, lined with columnar basalt-filled caves, we visit picturesque Seljalandsfoss, Iceland’s most photographed waterfall. Then we travel to Skogar to visit the country museum, where we learn about early life in Iceland. From here we walk to nearby Skogafoss waterfall, known for its rainbows on sunny days. After lunch on our own at the museum we continue on to the lovely town of Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village surrounded by green hills, a massive icecap, the sea, and Katla, a notorious volcano. There’s time here to shop for items of locally produced wool before our touring resumes at stunning Solheimajokull glacier, often called the “sliding glacier” for its rapid advance in the 1990s.

We return to our hotel late this afternoon and dine there tonight.

Hotel Ranga; Meals: B, D

Day 9 - September 13: Hella/Reykjavik Traveling back to Reykjavik this morning we pass through “saga” country, the setting of one of the country’s famous medieval stories – Njáls saga. Upon arrival in Iceland’s capital, we enjoy a lunch of traditional lobster soup at a local restaurant and then embark on a city tour. Sites include Hallgrimskirkja, the country’s largest church, with a sculpture garden and from its tower, excellent views of the city; Parliament house, the town’s oldest street, and the harbor. After checking in at our well-located hotel in the city center, the evening is at leisure; dinner tonight is on your own.

Hotel Reykjavik Centrum; Meals: B, L

Exploring Beautiful & Majestic Iceland – September 5 - 15, 2015

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Day 10 - September 14: Reykjavik Today is at leisure to explore and enjoy Reykjavik as we wish.

It’s a sophisticated European urban center, with museums and galleries; theater, symphony, and dance; boutiques and restaurants. Interesting sites include Old Town, the Arni Magnusson Institute where Iceland’s historic sagas are kept; Nordic House designed by renowned architect Alvar Aalto; and the National Museum, which celebrates Nordic culture and Iceland’s history. You may also join an optional tour to the Blue Lagoon (at additional cost – approx. US$105 per person) for a soothing thermal bath in waters rich with silica, sulfur, and other minerals. Tonight we gather with our fellow travelers to celebrate our adventure over a farewell dinner. A ccommodations: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum; Meals: B, D

Day 11 - September 15: Depart for U.S. This morning is at leisure, perhaps for some last-minute shopping; in the early afternoon we depart for the airport and our return flights to the U.S. Meals: B

IMPORTANT NOTE: We will do our best to adhere to our printed itinerary. Occasionally, though, unexpected obstacles – and opportunities – may arise that will force us to deviate from the itinerary as written. We would ask you to be open-minded and flexible should we vary the itinerary slightly. In addition, please note that airline schedules are subject to change. We will provide you with updated flight information closer to your departure.

This tour involves some full days of touring and considerable walking, often along uneven terrain or gravel paths. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy this tour to the fullest.

Optional tours are offered subject to availability and may require a minimum number of participants to operate. Costs for optional tours in Iceland are given in U.S. dollars and listed as approximate because of currency exchange rate fluctuations. Tours can be paid for in local currency, U.S. dollars, or charged to a credit card.

Your Tour Price Includes

Tour Highlights Include:           

Accommodations in well-located, atmospheric small hotels Stunning, unique natural scenery Touring the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula Charming Akureyri Godafoss, “waterfall of the gods” Lake Myvatn’s mud flats, lava fields, and volcanic craters Dettifoss, Iceland’s “Niagara” Glacial River Canyon National Park Thingvellir National Park Dramatic bird-watching coastal cruise Sophisticated Reykjavik

       

Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; flight within itinerary 9 nights’ accommodations in First Class and unrated hotels 19 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners Extensive sightseeing as described, including all -entrance fees Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director Private motor coach transportation throughout your trip Luggage handling for one bag per person Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

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Iceland Hotel Accommodations Icelandair Hotel Hamar Hamar Golf Course, 310 Borgarnes, Iceland Phone: 011-354-433-6600; Fax:011-354-433-6601; www.icelandairhotels.com The contemporary Icelandair Hotel Hamar sits on a golf course a short distance from Borgarnes Center and is a well-located base from which to visit the scenic attractions of West Iceland. Hotel amenities include a restaurant and bar, internet access, laundry services, gardens, and hot tubs. Each of the 30 guest rooms has a private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV, and phone.

Hotel Kea Hafnarstraeti 87-89, 600 Akureyri, Iceland Phone: 011-354-460-2000; Fax 011-354-460-2060; www.keahotels.is Opened in 1944, Hotel Kea stands in the heart of Akureyri, the capital of Northern Iceland, and offers a restaurant and bar, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, and laundry and dry cleaning services. Each of the 104 guest rooms has a private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV, and phone.

Hotel Ranga Sudurlandsvegur, 851 Hella, Iceland Phone: 011-354-487-5700; Fax:011-354-487-5701; www.hotelranga.is One of the best-known hotels in Iceland, this rustic yet luxurious 51-room countryside lodging is located on the banks of the East-Ranga Salmon River amidst the stunning natural beauty of South Iceland. The hotel offers a restaurant specializing in Icelandic and continental cuisine, cognac lounge, and bar; massage facilities; three hot tubs fed by the region’s natural spring water; and laundry and dry cleaning services.

Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access; mini-bar, TV,and phone.

Hotel Reykjavik Centrum Adalstraeti 16., IS-101 Reykjavik, Iceland Phone: 011-354-514-6000; Fax:011-354-514-6030; www.hotelcentrum.is Opened in 2005, the Hotel Reykjavik Centrum comprises three renovated historic houses in Reykjavik’s historic city center. Designed in early 20th-century Icelandic fashion, the 89-room hotel offers a restaurant, bar, and café; internet access; and laundry and dry cleaning services. Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, ironing facilities, mini-bar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

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EXPLORING BEAUTIFUL & MAJESTIC ICELAND Enclosed is my/our non-refundable deposit for $__________($750 per person) for _____ person/people on the “Exploring Beautiful & Majestic Iceland” tour departing the USA on September 5, 2015 and returning on September 15, 2015. I/we understand the final payment is due on or before June 2, 2015. Your deposit may be paid by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, VISA, or personal check. This excursion is limited to 24 participants. Please mail this completed form as soon as possible to: The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Attention: John Guerra, 1010 5th Ave South, Naples, FL 34102.

(PRINT CLEARLY)

Name: (Tr aveler #1) Address:

Name: (Tr aveler #2) Address:

Tel: Email: Emergency Contact Name #1: Emergency Contact Tel #1:

Tel: Email: Emergency Contact Name #2: Emergency Contact Tel #2:

 I/We wish to reserve AIR & LAND for $4,298 pp (Roundtrip air from JFK; BOS; IAD; including airline taxes, fuel surcharges and fees)  I/We wish to reserve AIR & LAND for $4,698 pp (Roundtrip air from RSW/ORD; including airline taxes, fuel surcharges and fees)  I/We wish to reserve LAND ONLY for $3,695 per person  I prefer single accommodations for an additional cost of $695 (Single accommodations are limited)  I have the following special requirements (including dietary):  I am travelling alone but will share a room with ____________________________________________  I/We wish to reserve a Business Class upgrade on the international flight (price available upon request & subject to change) I/We have read and understood this brochure and agree to be bound by its terms, policies and conditions:

Signature:___________________________________

Date:_______________________________________

Signature:___________________________________

Date:_______________________________________

PLEASE ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOUR DEPOSIT IMPORTANT: THIS IS A MODERATE EXERTION TOUR. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE ABLE TO WALK, STAND AND CLIMB STAIRS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. I understand that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is unable to accept any person as a tour passenger who may require special attention because of a medical condition unless they have a companion traveling with them who can provide whatever services and assistance is necessary. I further understand that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU cannot accept or retain any person whose health or general deportment impedes the operation of the tour or affects the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other tour passengers. I accept sole responsibility for determining that I am in good physical and mental health and am able to participate in group touring. I further certify that I have read and agree with the General Terms and Conditions associated with this excursion.

Method of Payment (Circle One) – Make Checks Payable to Odysseys Unlimited Check

American Express

Discover

MasterCard

VISA

Card/Account #____________________________________ Exp. Date___________ CCV___________ Name As It Appears On Card: ____________________________________________________________ Signature:

________________________________________________________________________

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Explore Beautiful & Majestic Iceland September 5 (Depart USA) – September 15, 2015 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS Please read this information carefully, as payment of a $750 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following General Terms and Conditions. Please retain a copy of these General Terms and Conditions for your records.

Tour Cost: Total tour cost, air and land, fr om J FK, BOS or IAD is $4,298 per per son, $4,698 per per son fr om ORD or RSW. Land -only cost is $3,695 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is required with your signed application. Final payment in full is due on or before June 2, 2015. The single supplement is $695. Tour costs, which are based on current exchange rates and a group size of 24 participants, are subject to change. Airline taxes, departure fees, and fuel surcharges are subject to change and will affect the total cost of the tour.

Upon reservation you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport. In the event an air line ticket is issued with incor rect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.

Luggage: Only one car r y-on and one checked bag per person is accepted on tour.

Documents: U.S. citizens ar e r equir ed to have a valid passpor t for this tour , valid for at least six months after the conclusion of the t our .

Cost of Tour Includes: Round-trip airfare; 9 nights' accommodations in First Class and unrated hotels; 19 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners; Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; Services of a private Tour Director; Private motor coach transportation; Luggage handling for 1 bag per person; Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers.

Cost of Tour DOES NOT Include: Roundtr ip air far e fr om any depar tur e point other than those listed her ein or with the pur chase of a land-only tour package; costs of passports, visas, personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals and beverages not specified; airline baggage fees; communication charges; airline transfers when purchasing a land-only package; gratuities to your Tour Director (suggested gratuities: $10-$15 per traveler, per day), which are at your discretion; optional sightseeing ; and travel protection insurance.

Cancellations: All deposits ar e non-refundable. If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your written notification. Cancellations received 95 days or more from the date of departure will be subject to a $300 processing fee plus any and all additional charges dependent upon the obligations of The Renaissance Academy of FGCU to its suppliers and the airline refund policies. Cancellations received at or within 94 days of departure are subject to the following schedule of cancellation fees: 94-65 days prior to departure - 65% of the tour cost per person; 64-30 days prior to departure - 85% of the tour cost per person; 29 days or less prior to departure – 100% of the tour cost per person. If a guest makes any changes within 94 and 30 days prior to departure to either their departure city and/or the optional post-tour extension, a $150 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties will apply. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure.

Travel Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Tr avel insur ance is strongly r ecommended. Compar e and pur chase insur ance at www.squaremouth.com or contact your personal travel agent. Neither the Renaissance Academy nor Odysseys can offer travel insurance.

Medical Conditions: If you or a member of your par ty suffer fr om any physical challenge or medical condition, you must check with your doctor about the advisability of traveling abroad and make this known to us before you book. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants, but are not responsible for denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants and other independent suppliers.

Smoking: Smoking is NOT per mitted in the hotels, on motor coaches, or other modes of tr anspor t used by the gr oup.

Responsibility-Tour Participation Contract – IMPORTANT: The Renaissance Academy of FGCU does not pr ovide tr avel ser vices or act as the agent of any provider of travel services. The liability of Florida Gulf Coast University, as a sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as a tour operator, is strictly limited. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is not responsible or liable for any of the services provided for/by Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. or any other travel agency, or for any of the services of hotels, motor coaches, trains, vessels, aircrafts or other forms of transportation that may be used in connection with the tour. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under its control. All arrangements for transport, accommodations, and services are made upon the express condition that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity of any kind occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including without limitation, any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as an airline, cruise line, train, hotel, restaurant, tour operator/supplier, ground handler, etc., including their employees, agents, servants or representatives, who is to or does supply any goods or services to the tour. Without limiting the foregoing, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates are not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, war, quarantine, criminal activity, the defect of any vehicle or for any other cause beyond their control. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU reserves the right to change the itinerary of the tour or to substitute similar quality hotels or airlines without prior notice. If the tour is cancelled by The Renaissance Academy of FGCU for any reason, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates shall have no liability beyond the refund of all tour participant deposits received by them, net of any and all expenses due to suppliers and the airline refund policies. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, in its sole discretion, may increase the tour price in the event costs increase. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU may decline to accept or retain any tour participant as a participant on the tour at any time. Airline tickets may be sold in conjunction with the services of any airline. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers, cruise line, and other independent suppliers when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of or changes to this tour. The parties agree that Ft. Myers (Lee County) in the state of Florida shall be the venue for any disputes arising out of this tour. A signed FGCU General Release and Waiver Agreement is required from each participant prior to departure.

Important Note: When you pur chase a “land only” package, air por t tr ansfer s and luggage handling at the ar r ival and depar tur e air por ts at the beginning and end of the tour are not included. Should you be at the arrival airport and departure hotel concurrent with the group of arriving Odysseys Unlimited travelers, you are welcome to transfer with the group at no charge, providing additional seating is available. However, please note that the motor coach cannot wait for you; you must be aboard when the coach is leaving. Business Class upgrades apply ONLY to the international portion of your itinerary.