Program photograph
Upcoming Programs:

Iceland

September 11–21, 2010
Faculty: Reginald Garrett, Professor of Biology

Price: $3,695 per person, double occupancy, land only
$4,295 with economy class air from Washington-Dulles
$3,995 with economy class air from New York-JFK
$595 single supplement
Optional post-tour extension to Oslo, Norway
registration

Registration is Open

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Overview

Discover the astonishing natural history and rich cultural heritage of vast, unspoiled Iceland—Europe’s westernmost country and the second largest island in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a land of massive glaciers, rumbling volcanoes, spouting hot springs and powerful waterfalls, as you’ll see firsthand traveling the breadth of the country and staying in excellent lodgings. Starting in Stykkisholmur, tour the Snaefellsnes peninsula with its small fishing villages, bizarre rock formations and nesting cliff birds. In northern Iceland enjoy three nights in the region’s vibrant capital, Akureyri, situated at the base of a fjord and ringed by snow-capped mountains. Take excursions to lovely Lake Myvatn and the phenomenal national park boasting Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Then travel to southern Iceland to explore its renowned natural and historic sites, including the hot springs of Geysir and historic Thingvellir where the world’s oldest parliament was established in 930 A.D. In Skogar, visit the country museum, one of Iceland’s best, with genuine sod and timber houses that evoke the past. Complete your journey in the capital of Reykjavik, with a day of leisure to enjoy this sophisticated urban center.

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Program Highlights

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Accommodations

Hotel Hamar West-Iceland—Borgarnes, Iceland
his new 30-room hotel 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 lounge, gardens and hot tubs. Guest rooms have private bath, wireless internet access and TV.

Hotel Kea-Akureyri, Iceland
Well located in the heart of the Akureyri town, capital of northern Iceland, the 73-room Hotel Kea offers a welcoming restaurant and bar, and dry cleaning service. Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV and phone.

Hotel Ranga-Hella, Iceland
One of the best-known hotels in Iceland, this rustic yet luxurious 38-room countryside lodging sits amidst the stunning natural beauty of South Iceland. The hotel offers a restaurant specializing in Icelandic and continental cuisine, a cognac lounge and two hot tubs fed by the region’s natural spring water. Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, minibar, TV and phone.

Hotel Reykjavik Centrum—Reykjavik, Iceland
This new 89-room hotel opened April 1, 2005; it comprises renovated historic houses in Reykjavik’s historic city center. Each room is fitted with modern amenities such as satellite TV, telephone, Internet access, minibar, radio, iron and board, hair dryer, safe and tea and coffee set. All rooms have en-suite bathroom with either a shower or a bath. Hotel Reykjavík Centrum offers room service and porter service, as well as excellent facilities for business guests.

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Meals

19 meals: breakfast daily; four lunches and five dinners

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Faculty

Reginald Garrett, Professor of Biology

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Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday, September 11
Depart U.S. for Reykjavik, Iceland

Day 2 - Sunday, September 12
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.
Hotel Hamar (B, D)

Day 3 - Monday, September 13
Snaefellsnes
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 also visit a tiny parish church, 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.
Hotel Hamar (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Tuesday, September 14
Borgarnes / Akureyri
We leave Borgarnes this morning, traveling toward 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 at 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 A.D., then to the still-operating 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.
Hotel Kea (B)

Day 5 - Wednesday, September 15
Akureyri / Jökulsárgljúfur National Park
Today we visit the incredible Glacial River Canyon National Park, yet another of Iceland’s natural wonders, where we walk to jaw-dropping Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall and Iceland’s "Niagara." We enjoy a lunch, then walk around Hljodaklettar, the labyrinth of "echoing rocks" created by the spiral basalt formations of arches and canyons here. 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." Returning to Akureyri after this scenic abundance, we visit the picturesque fishing and whale-watching village of Husavik.
Hotel Kea (B, L)

Day 6 - Thursday, September 16
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. We return to our hotel in time for dinner on your own tonight.
Hotel Kea (B)

Day 7 - Friday, September 17
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 A.D. 930 to 1798—Thingvellir also sits on an active volcanic site at the spot where the fissure between the geological plates of the North Atlantic and Europe is most evident in Iceland. It’s also a gem of nature, with canyons, caves, waterfalls and ponds surrounded by snowcapped 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 Thingvellir 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.
Hotel Ranga (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Saturday, September 18
Hella / Vik
From the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara today, we take a boat ride for a better view of the rich bird life on the dramatic ocean cliffs here. (Note: Included boat trip is dependent on weather conditions, and the time of day may vary.) Among the summer residents of the headland, there is also a thriving bird refuge with puffins, guillemots and fulmars. 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 for lunch on our own and to shop for items of locally produced wool before our touring resumes at stunning Solheimajokull glacier. Then we travel to Skogar to visit the country museum, where we learn about early life in Iceland. After a brief walk to the nearby Skogafoss waterfall, we return to our hotel late this afternoon and dine there tonight. Our day will also include Seljalandsfoss, Iceland’s most photographed waterfall.
Hotel Ranga (D)

Day 9 - Sunday, September 19
Hella / Reykjavik
Traveling back to Reykjavik this morning we stop at the Mount Hekla information center and then continue through "saga" country, the setting of one of the country’s famous medieval stories. After a lunch of traditional lobster soup at a seaside restaurant, we arrive in Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik and 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 (B, L)

Day 10 - Monday, September 20
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—approximately $75 per person) for a soothing thermal bath. Tonight we gather with our fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum (B, D)

Day 11 - Tuesday, September 21
Depart for U.S.
This morning is at leisure; in the early afternoon we depart for the airport and our return flights to the U.S.
 (B)

Optional Extension to Oslo, Norway
4 days / 3 nights

Includes:

PLEASE NOTE
We will do our best to adhere to our printed itinerary. Occasionally, however, 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.

For Land-Only Guests

If you choose to purchase Odysseys Unlimited’s Exploring Iceland tour as "land only," you will be making your own international air arrangements and will join the tour at the first hotel.

While airport transfers and luggage handling at the arrival and departure airports are not included when you purchase a tour as land only, you are welcome to join our motor coach transfer to the hotel. This service will be provided to you on a complimentary basis.

To join in the transfer, you must be at the Keflavik airport concurrent with the group of arriving Odysseys Unlimited guests. Look for our representative holding an Odysseys Unlimited sign and you will be directed to the motor coach. Please note that you must be present when the coach is preparing to leave.

For Exploring Iceland, the currently scheduled flights are as follows:

Day 1
Day 2

Depart Boston
Arrive Keflavik

9:30 p.m.
6:30 a.m.

Iceland Air flight 630

Please remember that all flights and schedules are subject to change.

Upon the tour’s completion, you are also welcome to join the group transfer to the airport for your flight home.

It is important to note, however, that a motorcoach may not be used for transfers in all cases. Depending upon the number of guests arriving or departing, we may utilize taxis or smaller vans. At such times, space restrictions will preclude your joining the group transfer, and you will be responsible for your own transportation to or from the airport.

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Program Fees

Base Program
$3,695 per person, double occupancy, land program
$595 single supplement

Oslo, Norway Extension
$495 per person, double occupancy, air inclusive
$195 single supplement

Price includes:

Does not include:

$4,295 per person, double occupancy with economy-class roundtrip airfare from Washington-Dulles
$3,995 per person, double occupancy, air inclusive from New York-JFK
A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement of $595 per person, double occupancy rates.
In addition to the inclusions noted in the land-only pricing, air-inclusive price includes:

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How To Register

Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646. Or e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.

A deposit of $500 per person is required to reserve your spot. Final invoicing will be done approximately 110 days prior to departure. Final payment is due June 8, 2010.

Deposits can be made via Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover.

Early registration is encouraged as space is limited to 24 participants.

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General Terms & Conditions

Please read this information carefully, as a payment of a $500 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions.

Payment Schedule: A deposit of $500 per person confirms your reservation. The balance of your invoice is due 95 days (June 8, 2010) before departure.

Not Included in Tour Price: Airfare from your hometown to your gateway city and return; costs of passports and visas; airport, port, and departure taxes, which will be listed as separate items on your invoice and are subject to change; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals not specified; excess baggage fees; communication charges; gratuities to your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director, which are at your discretion (suggested gratuity for your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director: $10-$15 per day per traveler); optional sightseeing; and travel protection insurance.

Cancellation and Refunds:  If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your written notification. Refunds for cancellations are subject to the following per person charges: Cancel 95 days or more before departure: $200 charge; Cancel 94-65 days before departure: 25% of tour price; Cancel 64-45 days before departure: 50% of tour price; Cancel 44 - 30 days before departure: 75% of tour price; Cancel 29-0 days before departure: No refund. 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, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. will apply a $100 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure.

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

Responsibility: The liability of the University of Virginia, as sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as tour operator, is strictly limited. The University of Virginia and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchase transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing tour arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility for wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents, servants or representatives. The University of Virginia and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, the defect of any vehicle, or the negligence or default of any third party. All coupons, receipts, and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the air carriers, cruise line, and other independent suppliers. We will make every effort to operate our tours as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will select alternative accommodations of the same or better quality. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of this tour or changes in this tour.

Health and Medical Issues: We request that you be in fairly good health to participate in an Odysseys Unlimited tour. There is a considerable amount of walking, and you must be able to get on and off motorcoaches and boats on your own. If you require the use of a wheelchair or have other personal needs, you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. We reserve the right to remove anyone whose physical or mental condition, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety of the other passengers. In that event, Odysseys Unlimited and the University of Virginia assume no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour.

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