The Northern Lights & Lava Fields of Iceland

September 18-25, 2008

Join the ASP in the far north for a winter's night tour in search of the aurora borealis. To further enhance your experience, the enrichment program will be led by a professional astronomer.

Tour includes:

• Roundtrip airfare from selected USA gateways: Boston, New York
• Airport Hotel transfers
• Five (5) nights accommodations at the 4 Star Grand Reykjavik Hotel
• One (1) night accommodations on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Scandinavian buffet breakfasts daily, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners
• Reykjavik City tour including Hallgrimskirkja, Hofidi House and the Pearl
• Blue Lagoon Tour including bathing in a mineral-rich pool, geothermal-heated water
• Full day tour: Thingvellir landmark, Gullfoss Falls, the Great Geyser
• South Coast of Iceland tour to view Mt. Hekla and Icelandic Folk Museum
• Overnight Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Astronomical lecture and night sky viewing
• Aurora watching in the countryside
• Optional excursions: Westman Islands, Art tour with local artist

ITINERARY

Thursday/Friday, September 18/19, 2008 — Depart the U.S.A. – Iceland
An early evening departure from the USA to begin the Icelandic adventure in search of the aurora borealis.

Upon arrival, we are transferred to the Blue Lagoon to bathe in a natural, mineral-rich pool of geothermal water. After breakfast, check-in at the Grand Reykjavik Hotel. After a rest, a city tour will orient you to this bustling cosmopolitan city. (BB)

Saturday, September 20, 2008 — Geysers, Volcanoes, & Lava Beds
After breakfast, travel to Thingvellir, the majestic, dual folding Gulfoss Falls and the Great Geyser. Enjoy lunch before continuing to the volcanic crater lake of Kerid. (BB/L)

Sunday, September 21, 2008 — Reykjavik – Aurora
The astronomical enrichment program begins today with a lecture and Q&A with the expert. This afternoon, we tour the South Shore, viewing Mt. Hekla. Visit the Skogafossa waterfall and the Folk Museum. Dinner at the seaside village, Stokkeseyri, and northern lights hunt. (B/D)

Monday, September 22, 2008 — Reykjavik – Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Aurora
The cone-shaped, ice covered stratovolcano, Snaefellsjokull, has captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” in 1871. The Peninsula consists of an ancient lava flow, creating tormented surfaces with caves and depressions and covered with moss, ferns, marsh grass and tiny flowers. Many believe that it is one of seven power centers of the world. Fishing villages, small farms, tiny churches offer up serene beauty back dropped by the western slope of the glacier and volcano. The fantastic birdlife offers puffins, cormorants, white tailed eagles, eider ducks and more. (B/L/D)

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 — Snaefellsnes Peninsula -Reykjavik – Aurora
Continue to explore the Snaefellsnes beauty before returning to Reykjavik this evening. (BB)

Wednesday, September 24, 2008 — Reykjavik
Today is at leisure to take advantage of the optional excursions around Reykjavik, such as horseback riding on the famous Icelandic horses or perhaps an excursion to Vestmannaeyjar. The astronomical program continues tonight as we continue our search of the aurora. (BB/D)

Thursday, September 25, 2008 — Depart Reykjavik – U.S.A.
Take the optional City Scenes Tour before our flight from Reykjavik for fresh air and exercise.(BB)

For a general interest form, and registration, please contact MWT Associates at tours@melitatrips.com or visit their website at www.melitatrips.com

Please note, individuals who sign up for a trip with reference to the ASP will be added to our mailing list unless you email us with a request to be removed. You can also view our privacy policy for additional information.

Privacy & Legal Statements | Site Index | Contact Us

Copyright ©2001-2008 Astronomical Society of the Pacific