Iceland
Photo by Karen Straus
Iceland
WDHOF
June 10 – 17, 2017
From glaciers and waterfalls to
valleys and geysers, Iceland is
perhaps best known for its stunning
geological features—but the country
also offers fascinating Viking
history, wildlife like puffins and
whales, and picturesque towns and
villages. On this 8 day program
with the Women Divers Hall of
Fame, explore some of Iceland’s
most intriguing spots, including the
chance to dive or snorkel between
two continents at the Silfra fissure.
Program Highlights
• Swim between two continents as you dive or snorkel the
Silfra fissure, known for its high visibility and geological
significance.
• Visit Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, and
Gullfoss, Iceland's most famous waterfall.
• Relax at two of Iceland's luxurious thermal baths, the aptly
named Blue Lagoon and the Mývatn Nature Baths.
• Go whale-watching, where you may spot humpback, blue,
and minke whales.
• Explore Breiðafjörður Bay by boat, where you may be able
to see puffins and other seabirds.
• Learn about Icelandic Viking history during a visit to the
Eiríksstaðir Viking House.
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Itinerary
BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
June 10 - Departure
Depart the U.S. for Iceland.
June 11 - Reykjavík
Upon your arrival at Keflavík International Airport you will
be transferred to the hotel for an early check-in and some time
to rest. At noon your guide will pick you up for lunch at a
local restaurant in Reykjavík. After lunch, depart for a relaxing
afternoon at the Blue Lagoon. This well-known geothermal spa is
rich in minerals and has water temperatures averaging 37–39 °C
(99–102 °F). Later, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a local
restaurant in Reykjavík. Overnight at Hotel Hilda or similar. (LD)
June 16 - Stykkisholmur
From Skagafjörður continue to the Dalir area and Snæfellsnes
peninsula. From the charming Stykkishólmur village you can
take the “Viking Sushi” boat tour out to Breiðafjörður Bay. You
may be able spot many bird species, including puffins, kittiwakes,
terns, and guillemots. Also visit the Eiríksstaðir Viking House.
Overnight at Hotel Egilsen or similar. (BLD)
June 17 - Reykjavík
This morning visit Arnarstapi, below the Snæfellsjökull glacier and
go caving in Vatnshellir. Next transfer back to Reykjavík through
Borgarnes town and arrive to the KEF airport for your afternoon
flight. (BL)
June 12 - Þórsmörk Valley
Meet your guide in the lobby at 9 am and transfer to Þórsmörk
Valley for a full day of exploring and a visit to Gígjökull glacier.
Remote and secluded, Þórsmörk is a place of extraordinary
natural beauty and contrasts of gentle woodlands and rugged
glaciers. Overnight at Volcano Huts (single/double rooms with shared
facilities). (BLD)
June 13 - Reykjavík
Today visit the famous natural sights of Geysir, Gullfoss,
and Þingvellir. Geysir, located in Haukadalur, is the most
famous spouting hot spring in the world and the origin of the
international word “geyser.” Geysir’s bowl stretches 18 meters
across and when it erupted regularly would spout to heights
of up to 60 meters. Today it does not erupt without human
intervention, but a nearby hot spring, Strokkur, spouts about
every 10 minutes. Next visit Gullfoss, located in the Hvítá River.
Gullfoss is Iceland’s most famous waterfall, and has long been
regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. Continue to
Þingvellir, one of the most interesting historical and geological
places in Iceland. Here you can witness the rift of the European
and North American tectonic plates. Enjoy diving or snorkeling
in the Silfra fissure, where the continental plates meet and
visibility is excellent. Overnight at Hotel Hilda or similar. (BLD)
June 14 - Húsavík
In the morning board a flight from the domestic airport in
Reykjavík to Akureyri. From Akureyri drive to Mývatn Lake
and visit the nature baths. Next visit Dettifoss Waterfall, the
most powerful waterfall in Europe, and Ásbyrgi canyon in
Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, before continuing to Húsavík
village. Overnight at Húsavík Cape Hotel. (BLD)
June 15 - Saudarkrokur
Embark from Húsavík for a morning whale watching tour. This
site has produced both humpback and blue whales in recent years,
along with the more common minke whale and white-beaked
dolphin. After lunch, drive west towards Skagafjörður Valley and
the village of Sauðárkrókur. Optional horse riding at a horse farm
in Skagafjörður in the afternoon. In the evening take a tour to
Grettislaug nature pool. (It will be possible to bring food along
and have a barbecue there made by the guide.) Overnight at Hotel
Tindastóll or similar. (BLD)
Photo by Eric Hanauer
Program Pricing
$3,855 (10 participants)
Includes meals and beverages, accommodations, carbon offset,
full-time guide, in-country transportation and activities as
mentioned.
Cost does not include gratuities, items of a personal nature, or
international airfare, estimated at $1,600 from San Diego (other
departure cities available).
The fine print
Cost is based on double occupancy; for a single room throughout
the trip add $575. A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form
are required to hold your space. This deposit is refundable until
March 7, 2017 excluding a $100 cancellation fee, at which time
non-refundable final payment is due in full. Travel/trip cancellation
insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel
Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit www.travelinsured.com. Holbrook
Travel’s agency number is 15849.
This program includes optional carbon offsetting with
ClimateSafe. Learn more at holbrooktravel.com/climatesafe
For more information or to enroll:
Contact Debbie Sturdivant Jordan at 866-748-6146 or [email protected] or Karen Straus at [email protected]
http://holbrook.travel/wdhoficeland