ICELAND WINTER DELIGHTS MARCH 17-21, 2019 TRIP SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS Exploring Iceland's stunning landscape, including seeing the scars of the 2010 volcano Visiting bubbling mud baths and spouting geysers in one of the most geothermally active areas in the world Riding an Icelandic horse and learning why they are so popular Experiencing walking on a glacier as we learn how they are made Looking at the night skies in search of Northern Lights - a possibility. Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Mar 17-21, 2019 Location: Reykjavik, Iceland Cost: $3,095.00 Activities: Multisport Arrive: The morning of March 17 in Reykjavik, Iceland Depart: The afternoon of March 21 TRIP OVERVIEW Iceland Winter Delights is a visit to the land of fire and ice and so much more! We'll spend five days exploring the southern portion of this beautiful island, experiencing its spectacular sights and activities. Our days will be packed; we'll tour Reykjavik, walk on a glacier, ride an Icelandic pony, feast on Icelandic specialties, keep on the lookout for elves, and experience the evidence of Iceland's geothermal activity in all its many forms, from geysers and volcanoes to thermal baths at the Blue Lagoon. We'll definitely be watching each night for those Northern Lights and hope that happens; but even if the lights refuse to show, we'll come away with a deep appreciation of this most magical of countries. RATING Any healthy active woman. None of our activities are strenuous but our days are very full. WHAT'S INCLUDED An English-speaking Icelandic guide (there will not be an Adventures in Good Company guide on this trip) Four nights double occupancy accommodation All meals listed on the itinerary Private vehicle and driver for trip itinerary One hour ride on an Icelandic pony Glacier hike with crampons Admission to the Blue Lagoon Not included: Airfare to/from Iceland, arrival shuttle, alcoholic beverages, guide and driver gratuities
OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 MARCH 17, SUNDAY Your first meeting will be in the hotel lobby at 10 am with Sola, your Icelandic guide. After introductions, the adventure starts with a driving tour of the city, including stops at the 'Pearl' and Hallgrimskirkja Church. Sola will introduce the history and the culture of this beautiful city and Iceland and answer all the questions you may already have. Stopping for lunch you'll have your first experience of Icelandic specialties, before returning to the hotel for a few hours of relaxation or more touring on your own (Reykjavik is a great city for walking). Sola will make sure you know where all the museums, interesting sites, galleries and exhibits are as well as the famous hot dog stand (maybe an afternoon snack?) For those of you who arrived today, you may not be able to check in until 2pm or later but reception will be happy to stow luggage while you either explore or hang out in the lobby. Dinner tonight is included and Sola will meet you in the lobby at 6pm to walk to dinner. L, D DAY 2 MARCH 18, MONDAY After enjoying an extensive buffet breakfast, Sola will pick everyone up for what promises to be the start of four very full days. Today's tour is commonly known as the Golden Circle, one of the most popular tours in Iceland. And no wonder! It showcases Iceland's dramatic scenery, human history, and geothermal activity. The tour begins with a drive to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of Iceland's Parliament between the years 930 and 1798. Thingvellir is also one of the few places in the world where you can see the effects of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pulling apart. We will spend about 1-2 hours walking and viewing in the Thingvellir area. The next stop is the Geysir hot springs, known for bubbling hot springs and spouting geysers. The highlight is undoubtedly Strokkur, the most active geyser of the area, spouting up to 75-100 feet. The buffet lunch offers both hot and cold Icelandic specialties. Then it's on to Gullfoss waterfall, where the Hvita River plunges steeply down into a deep, meandering gorge, creating one of Iceland's most dramatic waterfalls. From Gullfoss a drive through classic Icelandic farmland brings us to Hotel Fljotshlid on the farm Smaratun where we will stay for two nights. This family-run farm and hotel Smaratun is located in the beautiful Fljotshlid area with views of Eyjafjallajokull volcano. The people who run the farm are wonderful AND they have an amazing cook. The farm, with no light pollution around, is a great location to look for those famous Northern Lights! At some point during our stay at Smaratun we will visit a neighboring farm to meet and ride the beautiful and friendly Icelandic horses. The sturdy and surefooted Icelandic breed is the original Viking horse and is famous for its fifth gait, the smooth tolt. B, L, D
DAY 3 MARCH 19, TUESDAY Today we'll explore Iceland's South Shore. After a hearty breakfast with homemade bread and other wonderful selections, we start our adventure along the south coast of Iceland. First we stop at the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the waterfall. Then it's on to Solheimajokull glacier, but not just to look at it. We'll strap on crampons and, equipped with other glacier gear, a professional glacier guide will demonstrate how to walk safely in the crampons before leading an exploration of the amazing world of the glacier. After refueling with a hearty lunch in the small village of Vik, there will be time for a visit a woolen goods store and the black-sanded beach. On the way back to Smaratun, we'll stop at Skogafoss waterfall and Dyrholaey promontory. Another delicious dinner, comfy bed, and - maybe - the Northern Lights, ends our day. B, L, D DAY 4 MARCH 20, WEDNESDAY Today we pack a picnic lunch and we explore the magnificent nature around Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano that erupted in the spring of 2010. We will hike to waterfalls and into canyons and explore the dramatic gullies and ravines that dissect the west face of the volcano. Other areas to be explored include the historic Fljotshlid region, the site of one of Iceland's most beloved sagas, the Saga of Burned Njal. Sola will regale us with folktales and dramatic stories of viking lore as we hike in this beautiful region. Before returning to Reykjavik, we will stop in Eyrarbakki fishing village and have a delicious langoustine lobster dinner at the renowned Red House restaurant. We will arrive in Reykjavik in the evening. B, L, D DAY 5 MARCH 21, THURSDAY But wait, there's more! On our way back to the airport for an afternoon/evening flight home, we'll stop at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland's most well known destinations. But we'll do more than look: we'll soak up the scenic beauty and enjoy breathing the fresh air while relaxing in the warm geothermal seawater. What a fitting way to end our Iceland journey! We'll return to the airport in time for our afternoon flights. And if we haven't seen the Northern Lights? We'll just have to come back for another try. B
ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE Flights: You will be flying into Keflavik International Airport (KEF), which is located approximately 60-75 minutes from Reykjavik. From there it is easy to get into Reykjavik on the Flybus, which can be pre-booked and costs about $40.00. Details will be included in the PreDeparture. If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Phillip, Scan East West Travel, at barbara@scaneastwest.com or call 206-209-5831. ACCOMMODATIONS 2 nights at the Center Hotel Midgard, located near the city center 2 nights at Hotel Fljotshlid (Smaratun), a family-run guest ranch Vegetarian options for this trip will be limited. Other types of dietary needs cannot be accommodated unless supplemental food is brought. WEATHER The rule about Icelandic weather is that it is VERY changeable and fickle. The weather that you wake up to in the morning is probably not the weather you will have all day. Always be ready for rain/snow and wind. It will usually be somewhat colder in the areas outside of Reykjavik. Average temperatures for March are 28-46 degrees Fahrenheit. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page.
PACKING LIST OUTDOOR CLOTHING: Temperatures on this trip can range from 20 to 45, and with the wind chill it can often feel colder. We recommend dressing in layers from long underwear to a wind-proof outer layer. If you have questions about what to bring or what you can make do with, please give us a call (toll free) 877-439-4042). 1 pair light to mid-weight hiking boots that are waterproof 2-3 pairs hiking socks: wool or synthetic equivalent 2 pair liner socks: silk or synthetic equivalent (only if you routinely use them) 1 2 long sleeve synthetic shirts (For clothing, see Notes on Packing List for details. 1-2 pair lightweight, quick-drying hiking pants. 1 pair lightweight long underwear top and bottoms 1 medium-weight wool/fleece sweater or shirt 1 warm down/fleece jacket 1 rain jacket with hood and rain pants See Notes on Packing List for details 1 warm hat and gloves: wool or fleece. 1 buff or neck gaiter 1 wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap for rain/sun INDOOR CLOTHING: 1 pair comfortable shoes to wear when we re not hiking. Athletic shoes or sandals work well. Underwear/nightwear Casual clothing for around the lodge and going out to dinner in Reykjavík Bathing suit for hot tub and Blue Lagoon ESSENTIALS Passport and Xeroxed copy 1 bandana 1 one-quart water bottle Sunglasses with case and retention strap Sunscreen and lip balm with at least SPF 15 1 day pack large enough to hold your supplies for the day See Notes on Packing List for details 1 Pack Cover for day pack or line your pack with 1 large trash bag for waterproofing. Small flashlight or headlamp Watch/travel clock TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, personal hygiene items, contact lens paraphernalia/glasses - if you wear them Personal patch kit See Notes on Packing List for details Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. OPTIONAL PERSONAL GEAR Trekking poles Ear plugs Your favorite snack
NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 1 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera, etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1800 and 2400 cubic inches (24-30 liters) with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fannypacks and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended.