NATURAL WONDERS OF ICELAND



Iceland is an island of contrasts, where extraordinary grassland and desert sand lie side by side amidst a backdrop of glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, hot pools and lava. Join us to discover the geothermal dynamics of Iceland's interior, witness her volcanic landscape, and encounter the vibrant creatures which inhabit the island's North Atlantic coastline.

In addition to diverse geological wonders, Iceland boasts a rich human legacy. According to historical accounts, the ancient Norse journeyed from their Scandinavian homeland in search of furs, ivory, and new territories. Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, was settled by seafaring Norse in 874; and it is here that we begin our search for Iceland's treasures, before venturing into a fiery landscape of lava fields, steam vents, bubbling mud pools, thermal springs, and fumaroles.

Explore Myvatn ("Midge Lake") basin, known for its magnificent scenery, unique terrain configuration, an ever-present spectacle of geothermal and volcanic activity. Mountains, lava fields, solfatara fields, pseudocraters, and glacial moraines dominate the landscape, while the vast variety of bird life, including whooper swans and Barrow's golden eye, find safe haven.

Led by experts who will discuss the region's rich variety of flora and
fauna, this intriguing program will undoubtedly capture the imagination of today's modern explorers.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Ten-day/eight-night program
Round-trip economy-class air from the United States to Keflavík Airport in Reykjavík

Reykjavík
Two-nights at the Hótel Grand Reykjavik
Visit to the old town center, including the Parliament, cathedral, harbor, Höfdi house, and Árbæjarsafn Outdoor Folk Museum
Opportunity to swim in the Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of mineral rich geothermal water

Selfoss
One-night at the Hotel Oerk
View Gullfoss waterfall, the gushing hot springs at Geysir, Strokkur hot spring and other geological phenomena
Visit the village of Hveragerdi and greenhouses warmed by geothermal water

Skaga Fjörd
One-night at the Hotel Varmahlid in Saudárkrókur
Visit historic Thingvellir on Lake Thingvallavatn and its geologically fascinating surroundings
Deildartunguhver, Europe's most productive spring
Regional History Museum
Introduction to Icelandic horses

Myvatn
One-night at the Sel-Hótel Myvatn
Exploration of Lake Myvatn area, it's strange rock formations, abundant bird life, Laxa Salmon River and Godafoss waterfall
Drive through Mödrudalur desert plateau and see the sulphur slopes, boiling mud pools, flashing colors of Námaskard Pass and the lava flows from the Krafla volcano

Egilsstadir
One-night at the Hótel Edda ME
View Petra's stone collection
Drive through mountainous wilderness ringed by extinct volcanoes
Admire the magnificence of the country's Eastern Fjords

Höfn
One-night at the Hotel Höfn
Cruise Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon dotted with huge icebergs
Walk the Skaftafell National Park
View Eldraun gigantic lava mass and the vast black sandy desert

Vík
One-night at the Hótel Vík í Myrdal
Discover Dyrhólaey natural reserve and its abundant bird life
See Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss, magnifenct waterfalls

EXCEPTIONAL VALUES:
Resident Tour Director/Guide throughout
Daily buffet breakfast and eight table d’hôte dinners
In-depth cultural study tour
Excellent opportunities for bird-watching
Deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach transportation
All transfers and handling of one piece of luggage per person
All entrance fees, taxes, and service charges
Most gratuities
Extensive pre-departure assistance; practical and cultural guide
Travel bag, passport wallet, name badge, and luggage tags

NATURAL WONDERS OF ICELAND - CULTURE

AVAILABLE FOR GROUP OR INDEPENDENT TRAVEL IN 2005 - 2006
Contact Travel Plans International at 800-323-7600 for complete details
* Additional U.S. gateways available
** Airfare from Chicago, IL

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