Worldwide Quest presents to University of Saskatchewan Alumni and Friends ICELAND CIRCUMNAVIGATION EXPEDITION CRUISE June 19 29, 2016 WorldwideQuest.com/USask
Skaftafell National Park Dear Alumni and Friends, Unspoiled nature, breathtaking landscapes and a vibrant culture Iceland has it all. This wild island boasts some of Europe s most impressive natural wonders: massive glaciers, barren highlands, rumbling volcanoes, vast lava fields, deep gorges and fjords, geysers, and thermal pools. This Iceland Circumnavigation Expedition Cruise reveals both natural wonders and the Icelandic way of living. Join us on an incredible journey starting in Reykjavik, before embarking the 224-passenger Ocean Diamond for a nine-night cruise. This super-yacht is ideally suited for our explorations and can take us deep into fjords and small harbours to reach remote places and experience innovative adventures. Daily included shore excursions, designed exclusively for our group and led by experienced naturalists, geologists and historians, bring the unique character of Iceland closer to you. You ll be hiking the volcanic coastline, whalewatching, sailing among huge icebergs, walking on black sand beaches, and admiring thunderous waterfalls. Iceland is rich in epic sagas and heroic legends; you ll learn Viking lore from onboard experts. Experience the raw power of Iceland s ice-capped volcanoes, thundering waterfalls, dazzling glaciers, and exploding geysers. Join your fellow alumni for this exciting expedition cruise. Melana Soroka Director of Alumni Relations Executive Director of the U of S Alumni Association If you have any questions regarding the U of S Alumni Travel Program or you no longer wish to receive U of S Alumni Travel information, please contact the U of S alumni office at 1-800-699-1907 or local 306-966-5186.
OUR ITINERARY Sunday, June 19: Reykjavik We arrive in Iceland s capital this morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Then we re off for an invigorating soak in the Blue Lagoon, the aqua-blue, geothermic waters famous for their healing powers. The perfect start to our trip! We check into our city centre hotel this afternoon and meet up this evening for our welcome dinner. Overnight: Hotel Plaza, Reykjavik B, D Monday, June 20: Embark the Ocean Diamond We explore the city on a guided tour this morning, starting at the Pearl where the viewing platform provides excellent views, and then continue to the Hallgrimskirkja Church, the beautiful new Harpa concert hall by the old harbour, the Parliament and Cathedral on the main square and other main landmarks. We embark the Ocean Diamond this afternoon and prepare to set sail. Siglufjördur Flatey Isafjördur Akureyri Seydisfjördur Stykkisholmur Reykjavik ICELAND Vestmannaeyjar North Atlantic Ocean Ocean Diamond Höfn boat start end Overnight: On board the Ocean Diamond B, D Tuesday, June 21: Stykkisholmur Stykkisholmur is the starting point for our explorations of the magical Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a photographer s paradise. Excursion: Travel by snowcat to the extinct Snaefellsjökull volcano glacier with our experienced guides. The glacier, featured in the novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne, is one of the most famous sites in Iceland. Humpback Whale
Akureyri Wednesday, June 22: Isafjordur The landscape of this secluded peninsula is characterized by mesas and deep, dramatic fjords. Excursion: Enjoy silence and nature on a walk on the serene little island of Vigur. This is the perfect location to observe an array of birds in their natural surroundings. Thursday, June 23: Siglufjördur The fishing town of Siglufjördur was once the centre of the Icelandic herring industry. Excursion: Visit the award-winning Herring Museum for a look at this important historic activity. Our cruise continues past the majestic mountains of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, arriving in Akureyri in the late afternoon. Go for a stroll through the beautiful town and visit the botanical garden with its impressive variety of native Icelandic flowers. Wednesday, June 24: Akureyri Today we remain in the port of Akureyri while we explore Iceland s north shore. Excursion: Travel by road to the Lake Myvatn region, a schizophrenic landscape where it s said that heaven and hell clash. One side of the lake is characterized by the rugged remnants of volcanic activity, while on the other you find fertile plains with lush greenery and a varied bird life. We ll make stops at Hverir, the boiling mud pits, Mount Namafjall and the Dettifoss waterfall. Thursday, June 25: Husavik Early in the morning we cruise past the island of Flatey with views of its beautifully kept old houses in cheerful colours and look out for 30 different species of bird including puffins. Excursion: Whale watching in Skjalfandi Bay. We may spot up to 15 different species of whale, as well as dolphins and birds. Friday, June 26: Seydisfjördur Today we explore the Eastfjords, a region filled with picturesque fishing villages, steep slopes and panoramic sea views. Excursion: Enjoy a guided hike on the lookout for possible sightings of wild reindeer and the learning about the geology and flora of the Borgarfjordur region. Common Redshank
Stadarstadur Saturday, June 27: Djupivogur This picturesque fishing village is our starting point to explore Skaftafell National Park. Excursion: We drive to Höfn and take a boat trip on the Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon. Spectacular icebergs in all shapes and sizes are floating in the lagoon formed by the retreat of the Breidarmerkurjökull glacier tongue. Sunday, June 28: Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) Located about five miles off the coast of southern Iceland, the Vestmannaeyjar Island group were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. The youngest of the islands only emerged from the sea in 1963. Excursion: Circumnavigate the island in our Zodiacs and stop at places of interest to get to know the local bird life, visit caves and, if lucky, spot whales. Then go ashore in the harbour of Heimaey, the only inhabited island of the group with some houses half buried by lava and ash. There is also an optional opportunity to play an extraordinary round of golf in a sunken volcanic crater (extra cost). Monday, June 29: Disembark Reykjavik and depart In the morning we return to the port of Reykjavik. After breakfast it s time to bid farewell to the Ocean Diamond. Enjoy some time in Reykjavik independently before we are transferred to the airport for homeward bound flights. Meals: Breakfast Note: The itinerary and accommodation described in this tour brochure are subject to change due to logistical arrangements and to take advantage of local events. OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION: ICELAND S SOUTH COAST A four night stay at the charming Hotel Stracta; nature in all its splendour surrounds the hotel in an area etched in history and culture. Saunas and hot tubs are ideal for relaxing at the end of the day. June 29: Excursion to Thingvellir National Park, Barnafossar waterfalls, Deildartunguhver June 30: Excursion to Cap Dyrholaey for great views and fantastic birdlife July 1: Excursion to the highlands and the volcanic area of Landmannalaugar July 2: Excursion to the Gullfoss Waterfall and Geyser geothermal area July 3: Excursions to the Reykjanes peninsula and transfer to the airport for departure Cost: US$1955 per person Includes: Accommodations based on double occupancy in listed hotel or similar Breakfast daily and dinner daily Transportation by off-road vehicle All excursions with English speaking guide All entrance fees
WHAT TO EXPECT Level of Difficulty: Moderate The trails that we use in our walks are usually well marked and easy to follow. Many do, however, follow the contours of the hills, valleys or cliffs and a few have steep inclines. Please note that participants who do not wish to join excursions will enjoy splendid views from the ship and will be able to disembark at each port to explore on foot. Transportation Transportation where required for shore excursions is by private vehicle. Weather The weather is quite changeable at all times of the year, and in Reykjavík there may be rain, sunshine, drizzle and snow in the same day. Summers are cool. Winds can be gusty at times and we may occasionally experience light rain. We can expect temperatures to range from 13 C - 18 C during the day with overnight lows of 6 C - 8 C. Travel Documents You will require a passport for your trip to Iceland. Please make sure that it is valid for six months after the date of your return home. STUDY LEADER Jean Iron is a past president of the Ontario Field Ornithologists and is an active member of the Brodie Club, Canada s oldest and most prestigious natural history club. She is active writing for nature publicationvs and participating in Wildlife Surveys for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and has travelled extensively in Iceland. TERMS & CONDITIONS Cancellation Policy All payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit to another trip 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are nonrefundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip. We will offer you Manulife insurvance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. Terms and Conditions For information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # 2667946).
TOUR COST Cabin Location Early booking price Regular price after Category & Features through Sept. 30, 2015 Sept. 30, 2015 O Decks 5, 6, 19m 2, US$5345 US$5595 obstructed ocean view, double bed D Decks 4, 5, 6, 17-19 m 2, US$6245 US$6495 double bed or 2 twin beds B Deck 4, 37m 2, double bed US$9245 US$9495 or 2 twin beds A Deck 7, 30 m 2, double bed US$10745 US$10995 or 2 twin beds, full size window with sliding glass door, balcony Plus US$495 per person for taxes and excursion gratuities. Group size 40 participants on board the 224-passenger Ocean Diamond Tour Cost Includes: Airport transfers at destination for passengers arriving and departing as per the group itinerary Accommodations based on double occupancy in listed hotels or similar in Reykjavik Breakfast and Dinner in Reykjavik Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily while on board Soft drinks, coffee/tea and water while on board Sightseeing tour of Reykjavik with private guide Blue Lagoon excursion Comprehensive shore excursions on exclusive basis for our group during the cruise All entrance fees Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers Fully escorted by Worldwide Quest Tour Leader Tour Cost Does Not Include: Roundtrip international airfare from your home to Iceland Airport and departure taxes Airport transfers if arriving or departing separately from group itinerary Meals not included in the itinerary Beverages with meals (other than soft drinks and water) Items of a personal nature, ie laundry, drinks, phone calls, etc. Travel insurance Visa fee Additional transport due to any emergency situation Shipboard gratuities Payment Details A non-refundable deposit of C$500 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. A second payment of C$1000 is due December 16, 2015. Final payment is due March 1, 2016. Single Supplement If requesting guaranteed single accommodation, the single supplement for this trip is an additional 75%. We would be happy to try to match you with another single traveller.
OUR VESSEL The Ocean Diamond is a modern, stable super-yacht and the ideal ship for expeditions in remote locations. This outstanding vessel was fully renovated in 2012 and offers the perfect balance of onboard amenities and expedition know-how. Due to the ship s compact size, we get to places off the traditional cruise routes to experience all of Iceland s highlights. Suite Cabin features: Double bed or 2 twin beds Private bathroom with shower and bathtub TV with DVD-player Wardrobe Safe Refrigerator Individual temperature controls Satellite telephone access Hair dryer Picture window FEATURES Lounge Observation Deck Dining Room Lecture Theatre The University of Saskatchewan and its officers and employees, do not assume any responsibility for the financing, arranging or conducting of the tour. They shall not be liable for any damages or financial loss to person or property of any description that might occur in connection with the tour, howsoever arising from the negligence, omission or otherwise for travel services arranged through Worldwide Quest International.
EXCURSION HIGHLIGHTS The quiet, low-key town of Heimaey in the Westman Islands relies on fishing to maintain its economy. Heimaey is home to around 4,500 people and 8 million Atlantic Puffins every summer. Namaskard s continuously boiling mud pits are out of this world. The surrounding landscape is strange and seems almost extraterrestrial. Falling 45m with a width of 100m, Dettifoss is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Some years ago, plans were proposed to harness the hydroelectric potential of the canyon, but they were scrapped when the surrounding lava layers were found to be too porous for a reservoir.
HOW TO BOOK Please contact Worldwide Quest for more information and to book this expedition. Worldwide Quest 1-800-387-1483 or 416-633-5666 491 King Street East travel@worldwidequest.com Toronto, ON M5A 1L9 Visit WorldwideQuest.com/USask to see our complete list of upcoming tours. ( ( BOOK NOW & SAVE BIG Book your expedition by September 30, 2015 and save US$500 per stateroom Advancement & Community Engagement University of Saskatchewan 501-121 Research Drive, Innovation Place Saskatoon, SK S7N 1K2