experience iceland! - land of fire and ice€¦ · northern lights mystery tour: join a mysterious...
TRANSCRIPT
Saratoga Arts and Soroptimist International of Saratoga County
Present:
Experience Iceland! - Land of Fire and Ice
March 27 – April 2, 2015
Unique, distinct, mysterious, legendary - Iceland remains a well-kept travel secret. Exploring Iceland’s
glacier-scapes, steam chimneys and roaring waterfalls, it’s not difficult to imagine trolls and elves from
Icelandic lore peeking out from hidden lava fields. Iceland’s raw natural beauty rates as one of the
world’s truly unique wilderness environments. Combined with world class farm to table/sea to table
cuisine, it’s an island nation waiting to be discovered by discerning travelers.
Edventures staff traveled to Iceland in April so it could create a wonderful itinerary for your enjoyment.
We hiked a glacier; gazed into the night skies in search of the aurora borealis; caught the mist of
roaring waterfalls; became intrigued with the country’s use of geothermal power (No oil tanks in the
harbor! No chimneys on rooftops! Pristine atmosphere!); we sought out the local cuisine; and checked
out hotels. We selected one where you can have breakfast and enjoy the view of Reykjavik’s harbor as
the morning sun lights up the water and city. We hope you will enjoy Iceland as much as we did. We
have selected a March departure to provide an enhanced opportunity for travelers to view the aurora
borealis
Tour land price is $1799 double occupancy and includes:
Five nights in superior hotel rooms (double occupancy) at the Center Hotel Arnarhvoll;
Private motorcoach for group excursions;
Full time English speaking tour guide/manager;
Breakfast daily, welcome dinner and farewell banquet;
Entrance to all museums and attractions per itinerary;
Gratuities for guide/driver;
Extensive pre-departure material; and
Limited group size.
We will visit the Viking Museum, the National Museum of Iceland, an Icelandic horse farm, enjoy a
Reykjavik city tour, join locals at a thermal outdoor swimming center, and tour a geothermal plant. The
full day “Golden Circle Tour’ includes: Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
Gullfoss Waterfall and the famous geyser geothermal area.
We have arranged for several optional tours: The Aurora Borealis Night Adventure; a visit to the Blue
Lagoon Thermal Spa; a Glacier Hike; and a Horse Riding Tour.
The airfare from JFK to Reykjavik is $700. You can make your own air arrangements, and meet us in
Reykjavik, or book group air with Edventures.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 – Friday, March 27, 2015
We will depart JFK airport this evening for our 5.5 hour direct flight to Keflavik Airport, Reykjavik.
DAY 2 – Saturday, March 28, 2015
We arrive in Iceland in the morning. A private motor
coach and our Icelandic guide will meet us at the
airport and bring us to our first stop, the Vitinn
Restaurant, just ten minutes from the airport where we
will have a traditional Icelandic breakfast. After
breakfast we will head to Reykjavik, the capital city of
Iceland. We will begin our visit with a scenic tour of the
city including the historical residence of Icelandic
presidents and the harbor area where fishermen have
been landing their catch since the 14th century. We will then have a short walking tour and point out
key attractions in this small, walkable city. After checking into our hotel, mid-afternoon you will have a
chance to rest or explore on your own. The renowned Harpa symphony hall (built in 2011) is just across
the street from our hotel and we will be visiting it later as part of our tour. This dazzling geometric
structure sits like a jewel on the waterfront.
Welcome group dinner this evening.
DAY 3 – Sunday, March 29, 2015
Reykjavik City Tour and Geothermal Swimming Pool
On our guided tour we explore the city from one end to the other. We will see the old town center, the
Parliament, the Cathedral, the harbor, the Pearl and Höfði house, the summit site of 1986 where
Presidents Reagan and Gorbachev met to begin discussions that ended the Cold War. We drive past
the city's salmon river which is an irrefutable proof that Reykjavík is a pollution free capital. We will
stop at the National Museum of Iceland which offers a variety of fascinating exhibitions and one
permanent display which illustrates the story of Iceland’s past, from the medieval days of Viking
settlements to current contemporary culture. To understand how Icelanders cope with long winters,
the tour ends at Reykjavik's largest outdoor swimming pool in Laugardalur which is heated with water
from natural hot springs under the city. Here you can enjoy a swim with the locals before returning to
your hotel.
Afternoon at leisure.
If you sign up for the optional Aurora Borealis Night Adventure, you will go tonight.
DAY 4 – Monday, March 30, 2015
Reykjanes Peninsula Tour
After breakfast we will meet our motor coach and guide for sightseeing
tour around the Reykjanes Peninsula, a geothermal wonder where
lighthouses outnumber villages.
We will spend time at the bridge between continents where you can walk
from the Eurasian tectonic plate over to the North American plate. Next
we will stop by Gunnhver Hot Springs before our scenic drive to visit the
Viking World Museum.
Nowhere on earth is the junction in the earth's crust
between the European and American tectonic plates as
clearly visible as on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The area is a
veritable hotbed for recreational activities. The dramatic,
rugged landscape features volcanic craters, caves, lava fields,
geothermal waters and hot springs, in addition to a variety of
restaurants, museums, churches, lighthouses and festivals.
Great landscape photo ops!
Day 5 - March 31, 2015
Golden Circle Tour, Icelandic Horse Farm Visit and an in-depth look at one of Iceland’s famed
Geothermal Power Plants
Golden Circle Classic
The Golden Circle Tour will take you to:
Thingvellir National Park, a remarkable historical and geological site, which is located by Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland. The beautiful canyon running through the park is actually the meeting point of two of the earth's tectonic plates. Furthermore, in this area the oldest form of parliament had met since 930.
Gullfoss Waterfall (the Golden Waterfall) where you will see thousands of tons of icy water thunder majestically down in double falls into a deep canyon.
Geyser geothermal area where bubbling hot springs and geysers are abundant. Here you'll find also Strokkur, Iceland’s Old Faithful, which spouts more than 100 feet.
Our next stop is at Fridheimar Horse Farm for a professional display of the history and gaits of the
Icelandic horse. We will learn about one of the most magnificent horse breeds in the world, a breed
that has been intertwined with the culture and history of the Icelandic nation through the centuries.
We will be able to get close to the horses, take pictures and chat with the show riders.
Next we will also explore a typical greenhouse and taste some of the local produce. Our last stop will to
visit the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant. Icelander‘s use of clean, green geothermal energy has
long surpassed any nation in the world. More than 90% of all houses in Iceland are heated with
geothermal energy. Ground snow removal is not done with shovels and plows but by the ingenious
use of the geothermal heat rising from the ground. The Hellisheidi Power Plant combines a high tech
exhibition and a guide who explains the extraordinary ways in which geothermal energy influences
every aspect of Icelandic daily life.
Day 6 – April 1, 2015
Today is at leisure. You can book any one of the optional tours, you can head back to the geothermal
swimming pool or enjoy the Blue Lagoon.
Shop, hike, swim, explore....its your day to choose!
Tonight will be our farewell group dinner.
Optional tours:
Northern Lights Mystery Tour:
Join a mysterious after-dark tour where we will search for the Aurora Borealis. Dark winter nights (far
from the glow of the capital city) with a clear sky are prime for the elusive magical sighting. If you do
not see them on your first night out, you can rebook for the next or another night of your stay at no
added cost.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Price: $50.00
Riding Icelandic Horses:
Get to know the Icelandic horse and its characterisitic tolt gait
while riding through fields of lava near Mount Helgafell or Lake
Hvaleyrarvatn. Suitable for those new to horse riding as well as
for more experienced riders.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Price: $95.00
The Blue Lagoon:
Enjoy a peaceful time at the Blue Lagoon, an incredible outdoor
geothermal spa set in an otherworldly setting where lava and
thermal water meet and complement each other. The Blue
Lagoon's warm water and natural active ingredients of mineral
salts, silica and blue green algae help you relax and unwind while the Blue Lagoon white silica mud
gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin. The mineral salts balance and relax body and soul. After having
enjoyed all the amenities of the Blue Lagoon, your coach will take you back to Reykjavik.
Duration: 3-7 hours depending on how long you wish to stay
Price: $70.00 (approximate) Includes transportation and general entrance to the geothermal lagoon.
Hiking a Glacier:
Always dreamed of hiking on a glacier? Well, this is your chance!
Less than two hours drive from Reykjavik is Eyjafjallajokull
glacier.
After putting on the necessary crampons (included) and learning
how to use the basic ice equipment, you will take a moderate
hike on the glacier (approx 3-3.5 hours). Discover incredible ice
formations, ridges and crevasses. Ice climbing is not included in
this tour.
On the way back the group will stop at a picturesque waterfall for photo opportunities.
Duration: 9 hours
Price: $200. Includes equipment.
Day 7: Departure
Morning at leisure, transfer to Keflavik airport at 1 pm for approximate 5 pm flight.
Optional: Blue Lagoon tour upon departure.
P.O. Box 1404, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(607) 387-3322, [email protected]
TOUR RESERVATION FORM
Iceland - March 27 – April 2, 2015 To reserve your space, please complete this form and return it with a deposit check of $500 made out to
Edventures.
Mail it to: Edventures, LLC, P. O. Box 99, Trumansburg, NY 14886. Sorry, no credit cards.
Tour Price: Land Only $1799 per person double occupancy
Names(s): 1. 2.
Address: City: State/Zip:
Telephone: Email 1:
Email 2:
Cell phone 1: Cell phone 2:
Name of roommate (Edventures is not responsible for finding roommates):
Passports must be valid for six months beyond travel dates.
Please provide passport information EXACTLY as it appears on passports
Surname Given
Name(s)
Title
(e.g., Jr.,
I, II)
Date of
Birth
Passport
Number
Expiration
Date
Nationality
Country that issued your passport:_____________________________
Check those that apply:
____ I prefer a single room for an added cost of $125.
____ I would like Edventures to arrange my airfare with a departure on 3/27/15 and return
on 4/02/15 at a rate of $700.00 all fees and taxes included.
_____ I will make my own air reservations.
_____ I will use the bus to and from Saratoga Springs and JFK. (Estimated cost is $180.) I will join the bus at Saratoga Springs Albany Airport.
_____ I want to sign up for the Northern Lights Mystery Tour for an added cost of $50.
_____ I want to sign up for the Icelandic Horse Riding Tour for an added cost of $95.00
_____ I want to sign up for the Blue Lagoon Spa excursion for an added cost of $70.00 (estimate)
_____ I want to sign up for the Hiking the Glacier Tour for an added cost of $200.00
To assure your space on the trip, reserve early!
Please read the Conditions and Responsibilities page and sign below.
We have read and agree to the conditions and Responsibilities Policy.
Name: _____________________________ Date: _____________
Name: _____________________________ Date: _____________
CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Edventure, LLC, Saratoga Arts (SA)
Soroptimist International of Saratoga Co. (SISC) DEPOSITS, CANCELLATIONS, AND REFUNDS Payment in full is required when bookings are made less than 75 days before the departure date. Notification of cancellation must be made in writing, with the cancellation date being the postal service postmark date. At the time we receive your notification, the following charges apply: (charges are per person) 90-74 days before departure:$150 plus Edventures, LLC costs and charges by suppliers 75 days before departure $200 plus Edventures, LLC costs and charges by suppliers. After this point, you will be refunded whatever amount we can recoup from all of the suppliers who have been paid. Trip cancellation insurance is available and is recommended. Refunds for services that are voluntarily not used will not be made. TOUR AND AIR RATES The right is reserved to change any route or arrangements should conditions necessitate, to offer substitutes of equal value, or to cancel the operation of any scheduled excursion. Individual transfers for those arriving or departing independently are not included in the land cost unless otherwise stated. Air fares may be increased because of tariff changes or fuel surcharges. All rates quoted are based on current tariffs and on the current value of foreign currencies in relation to the United States dollar, and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes before the departing dates. RESPONSIBILITY Edventures, LLC, of Saratoga Springs, NY, SA, SISC, and its agents act only as agents for the various companies whose facilities are made available through the program. Edventures, LLC, SA, and SISC assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any hotel, lodge, aircraft, vessel, carriage or other conveyance that is used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the passengers; neither will they be responsible for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicle or accommodations or for any reason whatsoever, or through the neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the services involved in the tour. The right is reserved to decline or retain any person as a member of any tour at any time, in which event an equitable amount will be refunded. The right is reserved to cancel any tour before departure, in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the participant. Although every care is taken, Edventures, LLC, SA, and SISC, its agents and suppliers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to baggage. It is therefore advisable to effect separate baggage insurance. Edventures, LLC, SA, and SISC can accept no responsibility or liability for any monetary, physical, or psychological injuries of any nature whatever arising from or caused by acts of terrorism, civil strife and disturbances, war, insurrection, or other upheaval and unrest of whatever kind and nature that may occur during the tour. Edventures, LLC, SA, and SISC, its agents and suppliers can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, terrorism or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. All tickets, coupons, and orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to the foregoing and to any and all terms and conditions under which the means of transportation and/or other services provided thereby are offered and/or supplied. The airlines providing air transportation are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the passengers are not on board their aircraft or conveyances. The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies and the purchaser of these tours and/or passengers. ASSUMPTION OF RISK I am aware that travel, whatever it may be and by whatever means, contains some inherent risks of injury, illness or death, which may be caused by forces of nature, negligence or actions of others, or other agencies. I recognize that such risks may be present at any time before, during and after the trip in which I am participating, arranged by Edventures, LLC, SA, and SISC. I am aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible during some or all of the time during which I am participating in the trip. I have read the schedule of activities and other information provided, and recognize and accept risks thereof. I understand and agree on behalf of myself, my dependents, heirs, administrators, and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth under the “Conditions and Responsibilities” and to release and hold harmless Edventures, LLC,SA, and SISC, and any of its officers, employees, agents, or representatives, from any and all liability for delays, injuries, or death, or for the loss of or damage to property, however occurring in relation to the trip.
Edventures, LLC, P.O. Box 1404, Saratoga Springs, NY, email: [email protected]