Day 1: Overnight Flight
Discover Iceland, a land and culture forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. In this land of many natural wonders, enjoy the rare opportunity to see the aurora borealis – one of nature’s most dazzling light displays, also known as the northern lights.
Discover Iceland, a land and culture forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. In this land of many natural wonders, enjoy the rare opportunity to see the aurora borealis – one of nature’s most dazzling light displays, also known as the northern lights.
Flight take off
delayed around 4 hours. Sat next to a couple that live in Pittsburgh and work at Pitt. Turns out he is a
vice chancellor in the medical school. No wonder he didn’t say much when I asked him what he
did. LOL
My flight arrives
around 7am in Kevelik and I am met by a guy with short cropped hair, and ear piece and a long black trench.
He doesn’t speak much English. He lets me exchange some money and we are out
the door into the blackness to a van where I am the solitary passenger. As the
van whisks off I am hoping we are going to Reykjavic and that I wasn’t mistaken
for some KGB operative. As we fly through the black streets I can see from the
window the jagged white landscape and note there are no trees. We arrive at the
hotel and I realize I have lost my first pair of gloves already…sigh. I meet
Jeff our guide and fortunately the room is ready and I can rest/shower before
our walking tour begins. Oh yeah and complete the “homework” assigned by Jeff.
Our guide for the week, Jeff. We soon will know the two catch phrases of the week: where are twenty one and twenty two and twenty one and twenty two here...we roll!
Our guide for the week, Jeff. We soon will know the two catch phrases of the week: where are twenty one and twenty two and twenty one and twenty two here...we roll!
Built by Iceland’s
most famous architect, Guojon Samuelsson his design is characterized by the use
of basalt pillars and modern functionality. He also built the National Theater.
Iceland spends approximately 3-5% of their GDP on culture.
Parliament Building
Things we learned
along the way: The Icelandic language is a pure language – virtually unchanged
from the time of the Vikings and one of the most difficult to learn. But
apparently, according to our guide, if you can master the Kling On language of
Star Trek you will have no problem with Icelandic. You probably won’t get a
date, but you will speak Icelandic. Because the language has not changed it is
possible for the average person to read the stories of Nordic life in the
Sagas. These stories have proven to be surprisingly close to what has been
found in archeologic digs.
The oldest Lutheran Church
Day 3 Reykjavik/Golden Circle/Seljalandsfoss Waterfall/Vik
Travel the incredible Golden Circle, a route that encompasses many of Iceland’s most renowned natural wonders. Journey to Thingvellir National Park, the nation’s most historic area. Icelanders gathered here in A.D. 930 and established on the world’s first parliaments. Find yourself standing upon on of the globe’s most geologically significant landscapes. Thingvellir’s rugged rift valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site marking the point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Experience the eruptive energy of the Icelandic landscape with a stop at the geothermal fields of Geysir and Strokkur. Then, marvel at the beauty of the Gullfoss(Golden Falls) waterfall, a stunning 100 ft double cascade. Next, see the beautiful Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous and picturesque waterfalls with a walkway behind it. Continue southeast to Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland, surrounded by beautiful valleys, beaches, cliffs and mountains. After dinner, amidst the peace and stillness of rural Iceland, search for the auroa borealis – the elusive northern lights.
Travel the incredible Golden Circle, a route that encompasses many of Iceland’s most renowned natural wonders. Journey to Thingvellir National Park, the nation’s most historic area. Icelanders gathered here in A.D. 930 and established on the world’s first parliaments. Find yourself standing upon on of the globe’s most geologically significant landscapes. Thingvellir’s rugged rift valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site marking the point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Experience the eruptive energy of the Icelandic landscape with a stop at the geothermal fields of Geysir and Strokkur. Then, marvel at the beauty of the Gullfoss(Golden Falls) waterfall, a stunning 100 ft double cascade. Next, see the beautiful Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous and picturesque waterfalls with a walkway behind it. Continue southeast to Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland, surrounded by beautiful valleys, beaches, cliffs and mountains. After dinner, amidst the peace and stillness of rural Iceland, search for the auroa borealis – the elusive northern lights.
The Golden Circle is
so named by ABC news in 1986 when they were covering the closed door meetings
between Reagan and Gorbachev to map out the end of the Cold War. Thousands of
media were camped out with nothing to film but a closed door. In order to fill their
time with something to cover they followed this route and since it was a
circular route of important sites they named it the Golden Circle.
After much internal
fighting and bloodshed among the Viking settlers, they decided to convene
annually at Thingvellir and established a parliamentary system of government. At
the beginning and end of the annual meetings the law keeper would stand on the “law
rock” and proclaim the existing and new laws from memory. Not sure what
happened to the law keeper if he messed up. Christianity was adopted and
proclaimed here and churches and clergy started popping up everywhere to
demonstrate the laws were being kept.
The North American and
Eurasian tectonic plates meet here and the earth’s crust is the thinnest here
than anywhere else on earth. The movement of the plates is divergent (as
opposed to convergent as in CA), meaning the plates are pulling apart and new
land is created.
Then to the Golden
Falls so named because in the waning hours of daylight (3pm) they appear
golden. 
Off to Geysir and Strokkur and the
geothermal fields. Fomerols, mudpots and geisers…oh my!
And finally today in
the waning light we see Seljalandsfoss. Apparently Tolkein’s nanny grew up on a
farm next to the falls and regaled he children with tales of fairies and trolls
which became his inspiration for Middle Earth.
Out to look for
northern lights after dinner. Twenty plus virtual strangers freezing in total
darkness looking up. Our photographers Lynn and Alana capture them on their
cameras to prove that green haze was in fact the elusive lights.
Day 4 Eyjafjallajokull Volcano/Skogar Museum/Vik
Drive along the scenic shore to the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano
visitor center. Learn about the family’s struggle to live during and following
the dramatic 2010 explosion of the infamous Eyjafjallajokull Volcano that
brought European flights to a halt. Visit Skogar Folk museum which contains an
outstanding collection covering all aspects of Icelandic life including farm
and domestic artifacts, as well as turf built hoes. Nearby is the impressive
Skogafoss waterfall, one of the largest in Iceland. Later view Reynisfjara, a
black volcanic sand beach surrounded by basalt formations, cliffs scattered
with caves and rich bird life including the Fulmar, Black Guilemot, Razorbill,
Gannet and various types of seagulls. See the unique natural rock formations at
Dryholaey. After dinner, gaze at the sky in search of the northern lights, a
truly spectacular sight. 
Reynisfjara Beach. Must watch our
for rogue sneaker waves lest you be dragged out to sea in the North Atlantic.
Apparently there are stupid tourists every so often that do not heed the many
warnings and have met this fate.
Day 5 Jokulslon Glacial Lagoon-Skaftafell National Park- Vik
Travel to Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, filled with floating
icebergs. Explore this extraordinary landscape and perhaps see some seals
swimming in Arctic waters. Travel to Skaftafell, getaway to Vatnajokull
National Park. The largest national park in Europe, Vatnajokull is known for
having Iceland’s highest mountains; an Alpine environment and the Vatnajokull
glacier, Europe’s largest. After dinner continue searching for lights.
Iceberg Fun
Day 6 Vik – Blue Lagoon- Reykjavik
Drive to the Reykjanes Penninsula, known for its rugged landscape, lava fields, numerous hot springs and home of the Blue Lagoon. Take a dip in the pleasantly warm, mineral rich waters of the geothermal pool, located in the middle of a dramatic lava field. Return to Reykjavik for your farewell dinner and overnight stay.
Some of the Star Chasers
Twenty one and Twenty two present...we roll