Overseas Adventure Travel - Untamed Iceland 2023 YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE - Overseas Adventure Travel
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YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®
Untamed Iceland
2023
Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13)
®
Overseas Adventure Travel
The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled
1
Dear Traveler,
I can’t wait to see where my next journey will take me. I know you’re eager to explore the world, too, and our
Untamed Iceland itinerary described inside is a perfect start.
Exactly how your adventure unfolds is up to you, because you can customize it. Arrive early and stay later by
adding a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or even combine 2 or more trips. More than
80% of our travelers choose to tailor their adventure. Also, because we’re the leader in Solo Women Travel,
we’re offering 22 exclusive women’s departures in 2022.
As for Untamed Iceland, thanks to your small group of 8-16 travelers (average 13) you can expect some unforgettable
experiences.
Here’s one that stood out for me:
While I stood in awe of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and raw natural beauty, I was most impressed by its people
and their dedication to protecting the environment and to each other. You’ll see what I mean when you visit the
Search and Rescue Center—a new partner of the Grand Circle Foundation with around 10,000 individuals who
provide life-saving services, such as sea and mountain rescues, to communities across Iceland. You’ll meet with
some of the members of the Search and Rescue Center’s youth program and hear their personal experiences and
learn about what motivates them to volunteer.
You’ll also have a rare opportunity to learn about daily life when we spend a night at a family-run farm in
Hofsstadir. You’ll meet the owner, Toti, and get an intimate look into life on the farm as we walk the grounds, speak
with farm workers about their responsibilities, and hear from Toti’s daughter, Heidi, about life as a young lady
living and working on a farm in this remote part of Iceland.
So you’ll experience the true culture, we don’t shy away from controversial topics. Plus, we make sure all our
Trip Experience Leaders are “insiders” who live in the country. You may be nudged out of your comfort zone,
but you will also be inspired by the wonderful people you meet.
Thanks for letting me dream along with you about Untamed Iceland. Remember, you can reserve with confidence
thanks to our Risk-Free Booking policy: learn more at www.oattravel.com/riskfree-booking. You can also call our
Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925 to answer any question you might have.
Love and peace,
Harriet R. Lewis
Vice Chairman
Overseas Adventure Travel
P.S. I thought our 3 most popular videos about Iceland would help inspire you for the adventure ahead.
Scan the QR code next to the video to watch.
Overseas with David Conover: Iceland Created by John B., 18-time traveler Created by Nancy & Ed G., 24-time
from Fort Collins, CO travelers from Coram, NY
SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will take you directly to the video.
2
CONTENTS
A Letter from Harriet Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
The O.A.T. Difference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Grand Circle Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The Leader in Solo Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
UNTAMED ICELAND ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS:
Your Adventure at a Glance:
CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE
Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Icelandic Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
and What’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Religion and Religious Observance . . . . . . . . 75
Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary . . . . . . . . 12 Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Pre-Trip Extensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs,
Post-Trip Extensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Shipping & More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Dates & Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY
Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Facts, Figures & National Holidays . . . . . . . . 83
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. . . 51
Iceland: A Brief History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
51
No Visas Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Greenland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Rigors, Vaccines & General Health . . . . . . . . . 53
Facts, Figures & National Holidays . . . . . . . . 85
Vaccines Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Greenland: A Brief History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Facts, Figures & National Holidays . . . . . . . . 87
Tipping Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Denmark: A Brief History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch . . . . . 60
61
Optional Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communicating with Home from Abroad . . 61
RESOURCES
Suggested Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . 63
Suggested Packing Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Suggested Film & Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Electricity Abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Climate & Average Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . 71
Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
3
EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE
in Iceland
This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the
culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters
with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized
small group journeys on the road less traveled.
SMALL GROUPS: 8-16 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
(AVERAGE OF 13)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should
The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows
when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are
and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using
exceed 16 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation
people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a
reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab.
bonds with your travel mates. Personal service
from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS
transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character,
experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic
manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger
THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever
Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and
Leader is a resident of the region you are hospitality.
visiting, so you will get a true insider’s
perspective that brings each place alive—the OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES
stories, food, customs, hidden treasures With 36 regional offices around the world,
and more. we are perfectly poised to leverage our local
relationships to deliver an excellent experience
AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported
Engage with local people through visits to by our team in Reykjavik.
farms, factories, markets, and artisans’
studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals;
and more.
Witness Iceland's natural bounty at Godafoss Waterfall Share a Home-Hosted meal with a family in Akureyri, Iceland
4
THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY
Enriching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation
of your Untamed Iceland adventure.
GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) as the survival of the wild North Atlantic
VISIT Salmon population.
GCF was established in 1992 to help change
A DAY IN THE LIFE
people’s lives in the world where we live,
Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like
work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or
to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s
donated $200 million worldwide.
find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an
You’ll see GCF’s work in action when we visit exclusive, immersive experience that places
Reykjavik’s Search and Rescue Center—a new you in the heart of a community where you’ll
partner of the Grand Circle Foundation— meet various people where they live, work,
where we’ll meet with members of its youth and play; visit the neighborhood school; lend a
program to hear about the vital services hand with daily chores; and break bread with
this volunteer organization provides to local our hosts.
communities, including sea and mountain
This adventure includes A Day in the Life
rescues, unblocking roads due to ice and snow,
experience in Hofsstadir, a small town in
evaluating safety equipment, providing safety
the Icelandic countryside where we’ll get an
education, and more.
intimate look into everyday life on a family-
CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS run farm. We’ll discover the inner workings
of the property and the farmer’s small
Every culture has its joys and achievements,
businesses, learn about the iconic Icelandic
and we celebrate them all. But every place
horse, and help out with daily chores.
also has its challenges, and to gloss over them
would not do justice to those whose stories
HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES
need to be told—nor to you, as a traveler who
Stories shared. Differences solved. Taste buds
deserves more than a sugar-coated version of
engaged. Good will extended. It’s amazing the
things. So our Trip Experience Leaders will
things that can happen across a kitchen table,
lead frank discussions on controversial issues,
so we’ll break into groups of 4-5 to join a local
and introduce you to people whose stories will
family in their home for a snack or a meal.
expand your understanding.
This is a rare opportunity to witness family
For example, we’ll visit the Ocean Cluster life, learn local customs, and taste some
House in Reykjavik where we’ll delve home-cooked fare.
into the intricacies of the $3-million fish
On this adventure, we’ll connect with
farming industry. We’ll gain insights into the
Icelandic culture on a more intimate level
importance of the salmon farming industry
when we share a meal with a local family in
to the national economy when we speak with
their home. We’ll sample traditional Icelandic
entrepreneurs about their products. Then,
foods and get an authentic look into what life
we’ll hear from a local environmentalist
is really like in Akureyri as the family goes
about the risks that fish farming poses to
about their evening routine.
Iceland’s pristine natural landscapes, as well
5
You're in control with
THE FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Exclusively with O.A.T.
Your Choice. Your Adventure. Your Way.
It’s your adventure, so why not make it exactly what you want it to be? We offer an exclusive
variety of options that let you tailor your adventure so it’s completely your own. In fact, O.A.T. is the
only travel company to offer this level of flexibility and choice for a truly personalized experience.
PRE- OR POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS 2. Great value: All extensions include
Every O.A.T. adventure offers at least one accommodations, daily breakfast, and
optional pre-trip and one post-trip extension. airport transfers.
Here’s why more than 55% of O.A.T. travelers 3. Continuity and camaraderie: You’ll usually
choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension: travel with the same Trip Experience
1. You’ll maximize your discoveries—often Leader who leads your main trip, enjoying
in an even smaller group than your main more of his or her insider expertise—and
adventure (on average, 6 travelers with a more time to bond with the group.
dedicated Trip Experience Leader)—and
take advantage of your included airfare.
Optional Extensions offered with your Iceland adventure
Westman Islands: Volcanic Landscapes NEW! East Iceland’s Secluded Beauty:
& Puffins Waterfalls, Glaciers & Hot Springs
3 nights pre-trip from $1795 7 nights pre-trip from $3495
Westman Islands, Iceland Growlers, Jökulsárlón Bay, Iceland
Greenland's Natural Splendor NEW! The Faroe Islands Archipelago &
& Inuit Culture Copenhagen
4 nights post-trip from $2895 6 nights post-trip from $2995
Kulusuk, Greenland Atlantic puffin, Faroe Islands, Iceland
6
ARRIVE EARLY, STAY LATER Other O.A.T. Stopovers are available. If the
Extending your time abroad—with us or city you’re interested in is not offered, our
on your own—is the best way to broaden Regional Adventure Counselors can arrange
your experience. It’s also a practical way your airfare.
to maximize the value of the international COMBINE ADVENTURES
airfare covered in your main itinerary. You’re already overseas. Why not see more and
Expand Your Discoveries Before maximize your value by avoiding the cost and
or After Your Adventure length of another international flight? Here’s
Arrive early in the first destination on your why 2,250 O.A.T. travelers combined two or
pre-trip extension or main adventure, or stay more adventures in 2019:
later in the last city on your main adventure or • Save a total of $600-$3000 per person when
post-trip extension. By coming early, you can you combine two adventures compared to
rest after your flight and adjust—with time to the cost of taking each trip separately.
explore. By staying later, you have extra time • Apply the 5% or 6% Frequent Traveler
to relax, pack, or continue exploring. Credit you earn on your first trip to your
This option lets you take advantage of our second trip.
lower group rates, with prices from $175 per • Sir Edmund Hillary Club members save an
person per night—including accommodations, extra $250-$350 per person when booking
private airport transfer, and daily breakfast. multiple trips in a calendar year.
• Arrive early in Selfoss on your main trip for • Our Regional Adventure Counselors make all
$125 per person, per night the arrangements for a seamless experience.
• Arrive early on your East Iceland pre-trip Combine this trip with our New! Arctic
extension, or conclude your main trip or your Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard
Greenland post-trip extension in Reykjavik adventure—for a total cost of $15,190-$18,590
for $175 per person, per night per person—and save $700-$1400 per person
• Conclude your Faroe Islands post-trip versus taking each trip separately.
extension with more time in Copenhagen for
AIR PREFERENCES
$125 per person, per night
54% of our travelers customize their air
Accommodations are at the same hotels where itineraries:
you begin or end the main trip and optional
extensions, so transitions will be seamless.
• Choose your departure city and airline
NEW! Stopover in any major international city • Depart from one city and return to another
Travelers with O.A.T. airfare have the
• Upgrade to Premium Economy or
Business Class
opportunity to Stopover in popular cities.
Your price includes 3 nights accommodations, FREEDOM OF CHOICE DURING YOUR
daily breakfasts, and roundtrip private airport ADVENTURE
transfers. Here are a few popular destinations: Our itineraries provide a balance of included
• Helsinki: $695 per person activities and free time so you always have
the flexibility to participate in included
• London or Paris: $895 per person
activities, go off on your own entirely, or do a
• Copenhagen: $995 per person mix of both.
7
GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION
Changing people’s lives, one village, one school, one person at a time
GIVING BACK TO THE WORLD WE TRAVEL
Dear Traveler,
Since our inception in 1992, the Grand Circle
In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation has pledged or donated more than
Foundation, an entity of the Lewis Family $200 million to projects around the world.
Foundation, as a means to give back to
the world that had already given us so JOIN OUR GENEROUS TRAVELERS
much. We’ve pledged or donated more We consider each and every one of our travelers
than $200 million worldwide to support to be partners in our worldwide giving.
the education of young people and the Some travelers, however, are so inspired by
preservation of international treasures the schools and villages they visit, they are
and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. compelled to give more. In fact, our travelers
have donated more than $1 million in 2019
Of course, none of this would be possible
alone. And because we have no administrative
without your help. A portion of the
costs, 100% of donations are used to help
proceeds of every adventure is donated to
change people’s lives.
Grand Circle Foundation—so just as your
life will be enriched by the discoveries BETTER OUR OWN COMMUNITIES—
you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also ALL AROUND THE WORLD
help to enrich the lives of the people you’ll
In addition to the destinations where we travel,
meet along the way.
we strive to better the communities where
Thank you for traveling with us, and for we work—from our headquarters in Boston
helping to change people’s lives. to our 36 offices around the world. In Boston,
more than 99% of our associates participate
Love and peace,
in community service each year. Worldwide,
nearly all of our offices organize annual
community service events of their own.
Harriet R. Lewis
Chair, Grand Circle Foundation How you can help
To learn more about ongoing Foundation projects,
you can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, the Inside
Scoop, at www.oattravel.com/community/the-
inside-scoop. When you do, you’ll not only receive
updates on Grand Circle Foundation, but the latest news
and discoveries on all things Grand Circle and Overseas
Adventure Travel.
SCAN ME See how Grand Circle
Foundation is giving back
in this video
Open the camera feature on your mobile
device, and hover the lens over this code to
scan it. A pop-up notification will take you
www.grandcirclefoundation.org directly to the video.
8
THE LEADER IN SOLO TRAVEL
in Iceland—and Around the World
ON THIS ADVENTURE …
FREE Single Supplements: We don’t charge The leader in solo-friendly
a single supplement on this adventure and travel for Americans—by
optional trip extensions—a savings of $900-
the numbers
$1,895 per person compared to other travel
companies. But single spaces fill quickly, so
early reservations are advised. More than 50% of all O.A.T.
travelers are women who travel solo
One of our most popular trips for solo
travelers. More than 1,600 solo travelers
joined us on this adventure in 2018 and In 2022, we’re offering 30,000
2019—either independently or sharing singles spaces across all O.A.T.
a room with a mother, daughter, sister, adventures. That’s 86% more than
or friend. offered in 2019
High ratings: More than 92% of these solo
travelers rated their adventure excellent.
92% of our 30,000 single spaces
On average, half of your group will also have FREE Single Supplements. The
be traveling independently, so it’s easy remaining 8% have the lowest single
to forge special bonds as you experience supplements in the industry.
unforgettable moments together.
You’ll be in good hands, thanks to your In 2022, we’re offering 25 exclusive
dedicated local Trip Experience Leader (a women’s departures on some of our
resident of Iceland), and the expertise of our most popular itineraries
regional office team in Reykjavik.
Increased Single Space: In 2023, we have
up to 7 single spaces per departure. SCAN ME
NEW! 101+
See available FREE single space at
www.oattravel.com/ice2023.
Tips for Solo
Women Travelers
This complimentary, 96-page
booklet is a comprehensive
collection of savvy tips
specifically for seasoned women
travelers going solo. Learn about
safety for solos, packing like a pro,
the best travel apps, self-care on
the road, and more. Scan this code
to view an online copy or to request
one by mail.
9
Enhanced! Untamed Iceland
Small Group Adventure
Iceland: Selfoss, Borgarnes, Akureyri, Reykjavik
Countries: 1 | Cities: 4
Small groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included
(average of 13)
• Explore in a small group of 8-16 • 25 meals—12 breakfasts, 7 lunches,
FROM PER DAY DAYS travelers (average group size of 13) and 6 dinners (including 1 Home-
$ 4995 $ 385 13 • International airfare, airport transfers, Hosted Dinner)
government taxes, fees, and airline fuel • 25 small group activities
Including international airfare surcharges unless you choose to make
your own air arrangements (please
• Services of a local O.A.T. Trip
Experience Leader
FREE Single Supplement note due to government actions taxes
may change) • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and
luggage porters
• All land transportation and 1
Maximize Your internal flight • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit
toward your next adventure—an
Discoveries & Value • Accommodations for 11 nights, plus 1 average of $353
night in the U.S. on trips that return in
Optional extensions: September and October (does not apply
to travelers whose final destination is
Westman Islands: Volcanic
New York or Boston)
Landscapes & Puffins
3 nights pre-trip from $1795
Travel from only $599 per night SCAN ME
New! East Iceland’s Secluded Beauty: Watch our #1 most popular video
Waterfalls, Glaciers & Hot Springs for this adventure
7 nights pre-trip from $3495
Travel from only $500 per night Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover
the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will
Greenland’s Natural Splendor & take you directly to the video.
Inuit Culture
4 nights post-trip from $2895
Travel from only $724 per night
New! The Faroe Islands Archipelago
& Copenhagen
6 nights post-trip from $2995
Travel from only $500 per night
PLUS, see Dates & Prices for Stopover city options
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Untamed Iceland
10PRE-TRIP EXTENSIONS Greenland Sea Itinerary Summary
Keflavík ICE
LA Siglufjörður
N
Selfoss
Pre-trip extensions: 3 nights in Westman
Dalvik
D
Islands: Volcanic Landscapes & Puffins OR
At lan ti c af oss
Hofsstaðir Goð New! 7 nights in East Iceland’s Secluded
Oce a n Landeyjarhofn Akureyri Skutustadir
Westman Islands Lake Myvatn Beauty: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Hot Springs
Atlantic Ocean
Húsavík Dettifoss
Waterfall
POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS DAYS DESTINATION
L. Myvatn Snæfellsnes GREENLAND
I C E L A N D
National Park I C E L A N D Greenland
Sea
Fáskrúðsfjörður 1 Fly to Reykjavik, Iceland
Ammassalik
Borgarnes ICELAND
Vatnajökull . Kulusuk
Höfn lir N.P
Reykjavík gvel Gullfoss Reykjavík
2-3 Selfoss
Thin Atl an ti c Oc e an
Reykjavík Geysir
Keflavík
Blue Selfoss ICELAND No r we g i a n
4-5 Borgarnes
AY
Lagoon Reykjavík Sea
Arbaejarsafn
RW
avi k
Grind Kötlujökull
Torshavn
NO
To/From U.S. Seljalandsfoss Glacier
FAROE IS.
Internal flight
Land route At l a n t i c 6 Horse Farm • Hofstaddir
Ferry route
Atlantic Ocean Vik Ocea n U.K. Copenhagen
0 Miles 50 DENMARK
7-9 Akureyri
10-12 Fly to Reykjavik
What to Expect
13 Return to U.S.
Post-trip extensions: 4 nights in
Greenland’s Natural Splendor & Inuit
Pacing: 4 locations in 12 days with one 1-night stay
Culture OR New! 6 nights in The Faroe
Physical requirements: Travel over bumpy, gravelly, and sometimes icy roads, and Islands Archipelago & Copenhagen
walk over rugged and slippery paths. Board a boat for whale-watching during which
you may get wet.
Flight Time: Travel time will be 5-18 hours and will most likely have one connection
View all physical requirements at www.oattravel.com/ice2023
Arrive Early, Stay Later
Iceland: The O.A.T. Difference Prices below include accommodations,
daily breakfast, and private airport
transfer.
Our Best Value in 3 Years: Save up to $500 per person, and travel at the lowest
• Arrive early in Selfoss on your main trip
price and per diems in the industry.
for $125 per person, per night
People-to-People Experiences: Enjoy our NEW A Day in the Life of a family-run • Arrive early on your East Iceland pre-trip
farm to discover the inner workings of the property and the farmer’s small extension, conclude your main trip, or
businesses, learn about the iconic Icelandic horse, and help out with daily chores. finish your Greenland post-trip extension
in Reykjavik for $175 per person, per
You’ll also visit the largest cattle farm in Iceland, followed by an opportunity
night
to plant a tree in the nearby forest. Plus, enjoy a Home-Hosted Dinner with a
• Conclude your Faroe Islands post-
local family in Akureyri, where you’ll feast together on homecooked regional
trip extension with more time in
specialties and gain insight into Icelandic culture.
Copenhagen for $125 per person, per
O.A.T. Exclusives: Throughout our journey, we’ll engage in Controversial night
Topics, including conversations with local environmental experts about
the effects of climate change and fish farming on Iceland’s pristine natural
landscapes. Gain an understanding of the risks these issues pose, like the
detrimental impacts of melting glaciers and the dwindling population of the More than 91% of travelers
wild North Atlantic salmon. rated this trip excellent
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/ice2023
11Untamed Iceland
YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY
BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION
3 nights in Westman Islands: Volcanic Landscapes & Puffins
Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 4 Storhofdi hike • Boat tour • Explore
Westman Island
Day 2 Arrive in Reykjavik • Ferry to
Westman Islands Day 5 Ferry to Landeyjahofn Harbour •
Overland to Selfoss • Join main trip
Day 3 Explore Heimaey • Local
entertainment
OR
7 nights in East Iceland’s Secluded Beauty:
Waterfalls, Glaciers & Hot Springs
Day 1 Depart the U.S. Day 6 Faskruosfjordur • Controversial
Topic: The delicate balance between
Day 2 Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland
conservation & development in Iceland •
Day 3 Transfer to Hofn • Jokulsarlon Visit organic farm • Visit hydropower plant
zodiac tour
Day 7 Dettifoss Waterfall • Transfer
Day 4 Hofn • Hike in Vatnajokull to Husavik
National Park
Day 8 Explore Lake Myvatn
Day 5 Hofn • Visit Djupivogur &
Day 9 Transfer to Reykjavik •
Stodvarfjordur villages • Transfer to
Join main trip
Faskruosfjordur
Day 1 Depart U.S.
Afternoon/Evening: You’ll fly overnight from
the U.S. to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
12Day 2 Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland • Overland and natural wonders has to offer. Located on
to Selfoss the banks of the Olfusa River, it is home to
around 8,500 inhabitants.
• Destination: Selfoss
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Lunch: On your own—ask your Trip Experience
• Accommodations: Hotel Selfoss or similar Leader for suggestions on where to dine.
Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at Afternoon: Around 12:30pm, and again at
7am, featuring international options. 2pm if you have a later flight, our small group
will gather together for the first time for an
Morning: You’ll arrive in Reykjavik sometime
orientation walk around the vicinity of our
in the early to late morning, depending on your
hotel. Your Trip Experience Leader will help
specific flight arrangements. Upon arrival,
you get acclimated with the area, and point out
expect to spend about 45 minutes clearing
nearby ATMs and local markets. The remainder
customs and completing any health guidelines
of the afternoon is free to relax and settle in
your airline requires. Travelers who have
after your overnight flight.
reserved their airfare with O.A.T. will also
have their temperature checked by your Trip Later, our group will gather for a Welcome
Experience Leader or O.A.T. representative Briefing at the hotel around 5:30pm. During
before boarding your transfer vehicle, per this briefing, we will review our itinerary in
our NEW health and safety protocols; those more detail (including any changes that may
who do not reserve airfare with us will have need to occur). Our Trip Experience Leader will
their temperature checked upon arrival at the also discuss logistics, safety and emergency
hotel. You will then be escorted to your hotel procedures, and answer any questions we
in Selfoss by private car in groups of 1-2 or by may have.
private minivan in groups of 3-4, depending on
Dinner: At the hotel, around 6:30pm, featuring
the number of travelers who arrived with you.
local cuisine. Our Welcome Dinner will be a
The transfer is approximately 1 hour and 20
great opportunity to get to know your fellow
minutes, depending on traffic.
travelers and toast to the journey ahead.
Upon arrival in Selfoss, we’ll check in, receive
Evening: Free for your own discoveries—check
our room assignments, and meet up with our
with your Trip Experience Leader for ideas.
Trip Experience Leader and those travelers who
Perhaps you’d like to stroll along the Olfusa
took our Westman Islands: Volcanic Landscapes
River or explore the neighborhoods of Selfoss
& Puffins or New! East Iceland’s Secluded Beauty:
for a truly local experience.
Waterfalls, Glaciers & Hot Springs pre-trip
extensions. Depending on where we stay, the Freedom To Explore: Make the most of your
hotel may feature a restaurant and bar. Typical explorations in Selfoss on these off-the-beaten
room amenities may include wireless Internet, path activities. These recommendations are
flat-screen TVs, minibars, private bath and designed by our team of local experts with
tea- and coffee-making facilities. You’ll have women travelers in mind.
some free time to settle in and unpack. Selfoss
is the largest town in South Iceland and the • Get acquainted with American chess grand-
gateway to all that this area of rich farmland master Bobby Fischer at the Bobby Fischer
Center: Bobby Fischer was a chess prodigy
and the eleventh World Chess Champion,
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
13defeating Boris Spassky of the USSR in 1972. Day 3 Explore South Iceland •
The center in Selfoss operates as a non-profit Controversial Topic: Iceland’s
biographical museum and contains memo-
disappearing glaciers and the effects of
rabilia specifically stemming from the 1972
climate change with Stefan Michel • Super
championship—a match publicized as a Cold
Truck tour • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
War confrontation and riddled with con-
troversy. Center visitors can peruse photos, • Destination: Selfoss
scoresheets, and even a replica of the chess- • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
board used in the game. Fischer, who was • Accommodations: Hotel Selfoss or similar
granted Icelandic citizenship and lived out his
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Our activities
remaining years here, is buried nearby.
today feature a conversation surrounding the
• How to get there: A 10-minute walk. Controversial Topic of climate change and the
• Hours: 1pm-4pm, daily. profound effect it’s having on Iceland’s glaciers
• Cost: Free. led by Stefan Michel. This is an important
• Peruse masterfully handcrafted goods opportunity to discuss an increasingly relevant
at Handverkskurinn Selfossi: Travelers and pressing issue, which impacts about 10%
interested in exploring the Icelandic world of of Iceland’s land mass. Read more about this
crafting will enjoy visiting Handverkskurinn, conversation below.
a non-governmental organization founded
Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at
in 2010 by twelve local artists. Currently, the
7am, featuring international options.
center is run by eight women, all of whom
produce various crafts including clay pieces, Morning: Around 9am, we’ll depart for
wool textiles, jewelry, and more. the 1-hour ride by 30-passenger private
motorcoach operating at half capacity to
• How to get there: A 5-minute walk.
Midgard Base Camp—a family-run adventure
• Hours: 1pm-6pm, Tuesday-Friday; 12pm-
4pm, Saturday. company. Here, we’ll meet Stefan Michel—a
Swiss native and local mountaineer with a
• Cost: Free.
passion for sustainable travel—and engage
• Rejuvenate at the local Swimming Pool: in a Controversial Topic on the detrimental
Swimming is a popular pasttime in Iceland.
effects of climate change on Iceland’s glaciers.
Enjoy access to the local swimming pool in
As 10% of Iceland’s land mass is covered
Selfoss, where you can relax and witness daily
in glaciers, the continued warming of the
life. The pool is, of course, heated, and located
planet threatens to radically alter this delicate
within walking distance of our hotel.
environment—perhaps permanently.
• How to get there: A 5-minute walk.
Carbon emissions, which have been directly
• Hours: 6:30am-9:30pm, Monday-Friday;
9am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday. linked to global warming, have been on the
rise in Iceland since 2014 due to increased
• Cost: About $8 USD.
air and marine travel, the result of Iceland’s
burgeoning tourism industry. Ironically, many
of these tourists come to Iceland to see the
glaciers whose very existence their presence is
threatening. Additionally, Iceland gets about
73% of its renewable energy from hydro-power
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
14resources, which are powered by glaciers and Around 11am, we’ll board our private
glacial rivers. With such a great reliance on motorcoach and depart for the approximately
glaciers—both for purposes of tourism and 30-minute drive to our lunch spot for the day.
energy resources—climate change presents a
Lunch: Around 11:30am at Volcano Hotel,
problem to modern Icelandic society.
featuring local cuisine.
Stefan is passionate about Iceland’s unique
Afternoon: Around 12:45pm, we’ll transfer 10
landscape and educating the public about
minutes by private motorcoach to Vik Village,
climate concerns and sustainable travel. As
where we’ll get a true taste of the rugged
we’ll learn from him, the fate of Iceland’s
Icelandic landscape with a Super Jeep Tour, an
glaciers looks grim: The Ok glacier (also called
off-road driving experience led by a local guide.
“Okjökull”), once comprised of more than
Depending on the weather, we may drive to the
3,000 kilometers of ice, was the first glacier in
dormant glacier of Kotlujokull, or alternatively,
Iceland to lose its status in 2014; since then,
we’ll head to Hofdabrekku Heidi Mountain.
56 more glaciers have vanished in northern
Iceland, melting into crater lakes. Climate Around 4:15pm, we’ll make the approximately
studies predict that all of Iceland’s glaciers will 45-minute drive to the iconic Seljalandsfoss
disappear within the next 200 years or so. The Waterfall, situated along Iceland’s Ring Road.
time to act to reverse the glaciers’ tragic fate, Melting glacier water pours over a rocky cliff,
scientists urge, is now. creating a 180-foot waterfall shrouded in great
clouds of mist. Upon arrival around 5pm, we’ll
But hope is not lost: Many believe that stringent
spend about 30 minutes walking around the
government policies to lower carbon emissions
foot of the falls. Here we’ll witness the raw,
could alter the glaciers’ trajectory. At 16.9 tons
roaring power of this natural site (which truly
of carbon emissions per capita compared to an
must be seen—and heard—to understand).
EU average of 7.3 tons, Iceland’s emissions are
Seeing this waterfall will show our small group
the highest in Europe. Unfortunately, many
the effects of climate change firsthand and the
Icelandic people feel that the government is
dangers of an ice-less Iceland.
not taking appropriate actions to combat this
serious problem. Students of all ages have Around 5:30pm, we’ll board our motorcoach
gathered for weekly demonstrations in front and drive about 1-hour back to our hotel in
of government buildings as part of the School Selfoss, where you will have the remainder of
Strike for Climate movement since February your day free to explore on your own.
2019 to demand government action to combat
climate change. Dinner: On your own. Check with your Trip
Experience Leader for ideas. Perhaps you’d
Take this opportunity to ask Stefan any like to enjoy fresh lamb shank, a popular dish
questions you may have about the effects among locals.
of climate change on Icelandic glaciers and
how it will affect Iceland’s renewable energy Evening: Free for your own discoveries. Your
resources. Perhaps you’ll ask him what steps Trip Experience Leader is happy to provide
Icelandic citizens are taking at home to combat suggestions.
climate change.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
15Day 4 Explore the Golden Circle • Overland on the ground literally boil. We’ll explore Geysir
to Borgarnes for approximately 1 hour before pausing for
lunch this afternoon.
• Destination: Borgarnes
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Lunch: On your own around 1pm in the vicinity
• Accommodations: B59 Hotel or similar of the Geysir hot spring. Your Trip Experience
Leader is happy to provide you with options.
Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at
6:30am, featuring international options. Afternoon: Around 2pm, we’ll depart for a
45-minute drive by private motorcoach to
Morning: We’ll depart the hotel around 9am
Thingvellir National Park. The park sits in a
for a short private motorcoach ride to a local
major rift between two tectonic plates—the
wool studio for an interactive session on wool
Eurasian and North American. This rift creates
dying, spinning, and knitting. Because of our
a valley in the land, ringed by rocky cliffs and
small group size, we’ll be able to help craft
fault lines. The mountains surrounding this
wool products using traditional techniques
plain, dotted with canyons, caves, streams and
and speak openly with the studio owners about
springs, form a natural amphitheater. It’s not
the Icelandic wool industry. We’ll learn how
surprising that the world’s oldest Parliament
natural ingredients are utilized throughout the
was formed here.
production process, as well as why Icelanders
have become so dependent on wool products After our explorations in Thingvellir National
over the centuries. Park, we continue by private motorcoach
approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to
Around 10am, we’ll take a private motorcoach
Borgarnes, situated right outside the scenic
ride to discover more of Iceland’s marvels as
Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The town’s location
we circumnavigate the Golden Circle, a ring of
makes it an ideal jumping-off point for many
natural highlights: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir
of Iceland’s highlights, including Snaefellsnes
hot spring area, and Thingvellir National Park.
Peninsula National Park.
Our first stop will be Gullfoss waterfall, located
Upon arrival at our hotel around 5pm, we’ll
approximately 1 hour from Selfoss, which
receive our room assignments and check in.
features two tiers of rushing white water that
Depending on where we stay, your hotel may
flow into a hundred-foot-deep crevice. Each
feature a restaurant and bar. Typical rooms
day, thousands of gallons of water plummet
may offer wireless Internet, telephone, TV, and
here, and on sunny days, it’s a particularly
private bath with hair dryer.
beautiful sight to see the rainbows which form
in the mist. To help you familiarize yourself with the
town, your Trip Experience Leader will lead
We’ll spend about 45 minutes at the falls before
an approximately 30-minute orientation walk
departing around 11:45am for a 10-minute drive
around 6pm, ending at the Settlement Center
to Geysir, the geyser from which all others take
which features two exhibits on Iceland’s
their name. Geysir is silent these days, but we’ll
original settlement by Vikings and the story
witness the columns of water that shoot into
of Egil, whose colorful legend as one of the
the air from nearby Strokkur geyser. In this area
nation’s first settlers has rendered him an
of intense geothermal activity, puddles of water
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
16Icelandic folk hero. During the walk, feel free blowholes. We’ll hike along the rocky coastline
to ask questions or request more information for approximately 1 hour, taking in the natural
about any activities of interest. sights of this area.
Dinner: Around 6:30pm at the Settlement Lunch: Around 11:30am at Samkomuhusid, a
Center’s restaurant. local restaurant featuring regional cuisine.
Evening: Free for your own discoveries—check Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll depart around
with your Trip Experience Leader for ideas. 12:30pm for a leisurely 2-hour drive toward
Perhaps you’d like to spend your evening Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum. Along the way,
relaxing in the local Borgarnes swimming pools we’ll pass through a number of small fishing
(both hot and cold pools available), located just villages, including Hellissandur, Olafsvik, and
a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Swimming is Grundarfjordur. Upon arrival at the museum,
a popular pastime among Icelanders, providing we’ll discover another side of Icelandic
the opportunity to observe and mingle culture: here we’ll have the opportunity to
with them. taste a national delicacy—hakarl, made from
aged shark meat. It’s not for the faint of
Day 5 Discover Snaefellsnes Peninsula heart, but our small group size will afford us
the opportunity to learn from our host who
• Arnarstapi lava field • Conversation
will help us understand the Icelandic legacy
about the banking crisis of 2008 with
of processing shark meat, as well as the
local expert
country’s maritime history during an intimate
• Destination: Borgarnes conversation. The shark meat takes between
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 4-6 months to process and is traditionally
• Accommodations: B59 Hotel or similar consumed with “brennivin,” at one time the
only hard liquor found in Iceland and often
Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at
referred to as “Black Death.”
7am, featuring international options.
Around 3:30pm, we’ll depart by private
Morning: This morning, we’ll embark a
motorcoach for the approximate 1-hour drive
private motorcoach around 8:30am to continue
back to the hotel in Borgarnes. You’ll have
our explorations around the Snaefellsnes
about an hour of free time before our small
Peninsula, including the area that marks the
group gathers in the hotel to meet with a local
entry point to Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center
expert to discuss Iceland’s financial crisis from
of the Earth. The peninsula boasts a famous
2008 to 2011.
glacier-peaked volcano, black-sand beaches
and rock formations, making it an optimal place During this turbulent period, the nation’s three
to discover the natural beauty of the country. major commercial banks collapsed, leaving
a wake of economic depression and political
Around 10:30am, we’ll arrive in the fishing
turmoil. Relative to the size of its economy, this
village of Arnarstapi, known for its constantly
systemic collapse was the largest of any country
changing weather. The village is situated
throughout history. Local currency depreciated
along a coastline punctuated by unique
and it became difficult for families to pay off
geologic features like arches, basalt cliffs, and
debts that were issued in foreign currency as
the exchange rates became less favorable. Over
9,000 families lost their homes, more than
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
1770% of the local people lost their savings, and comparable to those detailed below, including
protests ensued. Take the opportunity to ask the opportunity to enjoy a farm-fresh lunch
this local expert any questions you may have with farmstead owners, meet local farm
about the banking crisis and resulting financial workers and Icelandic horses, explore the
collapse, such as how the financial crisis led to family-run farm, and enjoy and overnight
the largest wave of emigration that Iceland has experience.
seen this century. Perhaps you’ll ask what steps
Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at
are being taken to protect local communities
7am, featuring international options.
against future economic crises. Our discussion
will wrap up around 6:30pm, and you will have Morning: After breakfast, we’ll depart
the remainder of the day free to explore on Borgarnes around 9am for the approximately
your own. 1-hour and 45-minute drive by private
motorcoach to the Burial Rites monument to
Dinner: On your own. Check with your Trip
hear the haunting story of Agnes Magnusdottir,
Experience Leader for suggestions. Perhaps you
the alleged murderess of her lover Natan
will venture to Englendingavik, a cozy, historic
Ketilsson and the last person to be executed
restaurant on the bay, which specializes in fish
in Iceland during a double beheading in 1830.
and lamb dishes.
We’ll uncover the complexities of the chilling
Evening: Free for your own discoveries. tale captured by author Hannah Kent in her
Your Trip Experience Leader is happy to novel, Burial Rites.
provide ideas.
Then, around noon, we’ll depart for the
approximately 1-hour and 15-minute drive
Day 6 Burial Rites monument • A Day in by private motorcoach to a family-run
the Life of an Icelandic horse farm farm in Hofsstadir for our NEW A Day in the
• Destination: Hofsstadir Life overnight experience, where we’ll meet the
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner owner, Toti, and his family. During our stay,
• Accommodations: Hofsstadir Country Hotel we’ll get an intimate look into everyday life on
or similar the farm and learn what it’s like to live in such a
remote area.
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Our agenda today
features our NEW A Day in the Life overnight Lunch: Around 1:15pm upon arrival at the
experience at a family-run farm in Hofsstadir. family farm.
This unique opportunity provides a window
Afternoon: After lunch, our discoveries will
into rural Icelandic life, as well as time to get
begin with a guided tour of the grounds
to know the hard-working locals who live
where we’ll meet members of Toti’s family
and work here. We’ll also have the chance to
and learn about their small businesses. This
learn about the iconic Icelandic horse, a vital
a great opportunity to experience life in the
livestock that has made life in this remote
Icelandic countryside firsthand as we learn
land possible. Read more about this exclusive
about farming practices and hear from the farm
experience below.
workers. Then, around 2pm, we’ll venture to
Activity Note: Depending on your departure, the nearby stables to meet Icelandic horses first
some groups will spend A Day in the Life on a brought to the country by Viking settlers.
different family-run farm. Activities will be
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
18The Icelandic Horse is a breed of horse their life on the farm. Perhaps you’ll take this
developed in Iceland by Norse settlers in the 9th opportunity to ask Toti what inspired him to
and 10th centuries. These settlers venerated the dedicate his life to farming.
horses in North Germanic mythology, as they
were crucial to the survival and advancement Day 7 Travel overland to Akureyri •
of their civilization. As most horses would not
Controversial Topic: The impact of wind
thrive in Iceland’s harsh climate, the Icelandic
farming on Iceland’s natural landscapes
Horse developed unique characteristics
with Gudmundur Sigurdsson
that make it suitable for the often severe
environment through centuries of selective • Destination: Akureyri
breeding. Historically, they were intended • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
to assist local farmers with sheepherding; • Accommodations: Icelandair Hotel Akureyri
however, today, they are also used for leisure, or similar
showing, and racing. These horses were bred
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s activities
from ponies, so they tend to be small in stature.
feature a conversation surrounding the
Despite their size, they are known to be hardy
Controversial Topic of wind farming led by
and long-lived, and the government aims to
clean energy expert Gudmundur Sigursson.
maintain their good health by outlawing the
We’ll examine why Iceland is an ideal place for
import and export of horses, minimizing the
harnessing this type of renewable energy, but
risk of disease. During our 1-hour visit, we’ll
also why some locals are afraid this practice
learn about the history of this iconic horse and
will negatively impact tourism—an industry
have a chance to see how the horses are trained.
that constitutes roughly 10% of the country’s
You may also have the opportunity to speak
GDP. This is a remarkable opportunity to glean
with the farmer and take a ride.
insight into relevant issues facing modern
At about 2:30pm, we’ll continue to the largest Icelandic society. Read more about this
cattle farm in Iceland where we’ll talk with the conversation below.
farm workers about their responsibilities and
Breakfast: Served at the guest house beginning
lives. We’ll spend about an hour exploring the
at 7:30am, featuring international options.
cattle farm where we’ll hear about the history
of cattle in Iceland. Morning: After breakfast, we’ll depart around
9am for a little over an hour drive by private
Then, around 5:30pm, we’ll journey back to the
motorcoach to Siglufjorour, a fishing village
farm and have the opportunity to settle into
nestled in a narrow fjord along the coast of
our accommodations. The facilities include
northern Iceland. Upon arrival, we’ll visit two
a restaurant, bar and lounge. Typical room
local museums, beginning with the Herring
amenities include Wireless Internet, a private
Era Museum, the largest maritime museum in
bath and countryside views.
Iceland. Witness eleven different types of boats,
Dinner: Around 6:30pm at the hotel, featuring a documentary about herring fisheries, and
local cuisine. more. Then, we’ll continue to the Folk Music
Centre, opened in 2006 by Reverend Bjarni
Evening: We’ll gather with Toti or a member Thorsteinsson, where we’ll be introduced to
of his family around 7:30pm to hear Icelandic Icelandic folk music through the Reverend’s
folk stories and learn more about his family and
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
19extensive collection of CDs and videos of Due to its island location and its rocky,
people singing, chanting, or playing musical unforested terrain, Iceland’s unique
instruments. topography makes it ideally suited for
harnessing the wind as a source of energy,
Lunch: On your own around noon—consult
and many local and international companies
with your Trip Experience Leader for ideas.
are beginning to make plans for the
Perhaps you’ll rub elbows with the locals
construction of new wind farms. However,
at Fish and Chips, a popular quick service
most local Icelanders are opposed to the idea of
restaurant known for its namesake dish.
constructing unsightly wind farms across the
Afternoon: Around 1pm, we’ll depart by private country, believing that spoiling the beauty of
motorcoach for an approximately one hour the landscape will harm not only the aesthetic
and 15-minute drive to Akureyri, Iceland’s appeal of these treasured vistas, but also
second-largest urban area. Situated on the decimate Iceland’s booming tourism industry.
northern fjords near the Arctic Circle, Akureyri
We’ll get an intimate, firsthand perspective
is improbably sunny and enjoys a mild climate
of this controversy during our conversation
in spite of its location. Upon arrival, we’ll
with Gudmundur Sigurdsson, the managing
check in to our hotel and receive our room
director of Vistorka. Gudmundur has dedicated
assignments. Depending on where we stay,
his career to finding new sources of clean,
the hotel may feature an outdoor swimming
sustainable energy, and is closely familiar with
pool, golf course, and on-site restaurant.
the challenge of striking a balance between
Typical room amenities include a telephone,
producing renewable output and preserving
flat-screen TV, wireless Internet access, and
the unique Icelandic scenery that people from
private bathroom with hair dryer.
all across the globe travel to see. Recognizing
After settling in, we’ll embark on a 30-minute the issues posed by widespread wind farm
orientation walk through the town with our construction, Gudmundur and the experts at
Trip Experience Leader around 3pm, which Vistorka are dedicated to exploring new avenues
includes a visit to the Botanical Gardens—a of renewable, clean, sustainable energy. In
peaceful garden showcasing local and particular, Gudmundur is investigating how
international flora. The orientation walk is to use Iceland’s raw resources and the waste
an ideal time to glean ideas from your Trip generated by households and power plants
Experience Leader about what sort of activities to create environmentally-friendly biodiesel
you’d like to seek out. fuel and affordable energy for all the people of
Iceland and the country’s future generations.
Our orientation walk will conclude around
3:30pm at the offices of Vistorka, a company During our 1-hour conversation with
dedicated to bringing green energy solutions to Gudmundur we’ll examine both sides of
Iceland, where we’ll engage in a Controversial the controversy surrounding wind farms in
Topic as we learn about the contemporary Iceland. While only a handful of windmills
problems surrounding wind farming with currently exist in the country, local and
a local clean energy expert, Gudmundur foreign energy companies are beginning
Sigurdsson. to realize the potential of this lucrative
market and are currently planning to build
up to 50 more across the island. While the
idea is widely unpopular amongst Iceland’s
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
20population—80% of the citizenry opposes new Evening: Free for your own discoveries—check
construction—some locals are excited by the with your Trip Experience Leader for ideas.
prospect, eager to embrace the new source of
Freedom To Explore: Make the most of
energy and to lower their high electricity costs
your explorations in Akureyri on these
(we’ll learn more about the issues surrounding
off-the-beaten path activities. These
the price of electricity on the island later on
recommendations are designed by our team of
in our adventure when we visit a greenhouse
local experts with women travelers in mind.
in Hveragerðiand).
• Experience the creative spirit of Iceland at
On the other side of the coin, the majority of
Akureyri Art Museum: Founded in 1993, this
Iceland’s populace is fiercely opposed to new
centrally-located museum was originally
wind farm construction. Many of the farms are
home to a dairy and later converted to display
planned to be erected at some of Iceland’s most
art. Notable artists that have had their work
treasured sites of natural beauty, including
shown here include Icelanders Erró, Kjarval
Akureyri. Local Icelanders want to preserve
and Louisa Matthíasdóttir, American Spencer
these natural heritage sites—in fact, 28% of
Tunick, Israeli video artist Guy Ben-Ner, and
Icelanders say that they would be willing to
French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson.
spend $100 in the name of preserving their
lands in public trust to protect them from • How to get there: A 10-minute walk.
corporate development. The problem, they • Hours: 10am-5pm, Monday-Saturday.
say, is not only aesthetic, it’s also about the • Cost: About $8 USD.
bottom line, as tourism accounts for roughly • Gain an understanding of Icelandic life at the
42% of Iceland’s economy. How many travelers exhibition Into the Arctic: Opened in 2017,
will still want to come if these one-of-a-kind this exhibition aims to give insight into life
glaciers, volcanic fields, and black-sand in the north, including an introduction to the
beaches are spoiled with rows of unsightly lives of native peoples, samples of typical
windmills? ships and airplanes, as well as old navigation-
al equipment and even clothes from ancient
Gudmundur will share his expertise with us for
times. You’ll also have a chance to examine a
20 minutes, then we’ll have the remainder of
collection of maps and charts of Iceland and
the hour to ask questions. Take advantage of his
North Europe—the oldest of which is believed
deep knowledge to learn about wind farming as
to be between 300-400 years old.
an alternative energy source, what other types
of renewable energy are being considered and • How to get there: A 20-minute walk.
how they compare to wind farming in Iceland. • Hours: 11am-6pm, Monday-Friday; 11am-
5pm, Saturday-Sunday.
Around 4:30pm, we’ll bid farewell to
• Cost: About $12 USD.
Gudmundur and enjoy about 2 hours of free
• Glimpse the religious side of northern Iceland
time this afternoon in Akureyri. You may
at Akureyrarkirkja: Also referred to as “The
choose to may remain in town to make your
Church of Akureyri,” Akureyrarkirkja is a
own discoveries or return to the hotel on foot
prominent Lutheran church located on a
with your Trip Experience Leader.
hill in the center of the city. Constructed in
Dinner: Around 6:30pm at the hotel, featuring 1940, this landmark church was designed
local cuisine. by Icelandic architect Gudjon Samuelsson
and contains a 3,200-pipe organ, as well
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
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