Compare Fjords, Lagoons & Sounds: Discover the Natural Wonders of Iceland and Greenland by Road Scholar vs Natural Wonders of Iceland - Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1
Departures
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive Reykjavik, Welcome, The Blue Lagoon
Reykjavik B,L,D Radisson Blu Saga Hotel
Activity note: If you wish to swim in the Blue Lagoon, please remember to pack your bathing suit in your carry-on luggage. Towels will be provided. Slippers, bathrobes and spa treatments are available at an additional cost.

Breakfast: At the Northern Light Inn, approx. 15 miles from the airport. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals.

Morning: After breakfast, drive to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing bath in its mineral-rich, geothermally-heated waters. The Blue Lagoon, located just 40 minutes outside of Reykjavik, was accidentally formed in 1976 during operation at a nearby geothermal power plant. In the years that followed, people began to bathe in the unique water and apply the silica mud to their skin. Those with psoriasis noticed an incredible improvement in their condition. Today the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most popular tourist destinations and features a research and development facility searching for cures for other skin ailments using the mineral-rich water. At the Blue Lagoon, you will learn the history of the volcanic eruption that formed the surrounding landscape 800 years ago, and how the Blue Lagoon itself came to be. Enjoy some free time to bathe in the lagoon. Fully refreshed, coach to Reykjavik to check into your hotel.

Lunch: Enjoy a 2-course light lunch at Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon.

Afternoon: At 5:00 PM, meet in the hotel lobby for the program orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Enjoy a three-course set menu welcome dinner inclusive of tea, coffee, water at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3
Reykjavik, The Golden Circle
Reykjavik B,L Radisson Blu Saga Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: This morning you will depart on a full day journey from Reykjavik on this popular route which covers over 185 miles from Reykjavik to central Iceland and back. Stop at Thingvellir National Park, home of Iceland's first parliament, Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall), and the spouting spring area of Geysir, after whom all geysers are named.

Lunch: At a local restaurant featuring a two-course set menu.

Afternoon: Field trip through the Golden Circle continues, concluding at the program hotel in the late afternoon.

Dinner: On your own. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Reykjavik, Flight to Kangerlussuaq, Embark Ocean Diamond
Kangerlussuaq B,D MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Following breakfast, enjoy a lecture —“Iceland: Past and Present"—by a local expert before visiting the National Museum of Iceland. This charming museum traces the history of this remote island nation from the Settlement era to the modern day.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Enjoy a bit of free time to see and do what interests you most before joining the group to transfer to Keflavik airport for your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq to embark the MV Ocean Diamond. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities provided in your first Information Packet or ask your Group Leader for ideas.

Dinner: Aboard the ship. All meals are served in the ship's main dining room. For dinner, you will enjoy a 3-crouse meal and can choose from one of the three chef-prepared entrées. Coffee, tea and water are included in all meals about the ship.

Evening: At leisure. Evenings on board the Ocean Diamond typically include a presentation or concert by the ship's expedition team.

Day 5
At sea
At Sea B,L,D MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Enjoy the Arctic summer and admire the contrast between majestic icebergs and the riot of colors ashore. Join your Group Leader for an onboard presentation.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities and activities.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: Enjoy live entertainment provided by your Icelandic guides.

Day 6
Ilulisaat, Greenland: Icefjord Cruise, City Walk & Museum
Ilulisaat B,L,D MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Originally founded by the Danes as a trading post in 1741, Ilulissat is Greenland's third largest town, with over 4,500 inhabitants. Enjoy a walking excursion along the harbor, to the 18th-century Zion Church, and on to the town's museum.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: The Ilulissat Ice Fjord is the mouth of Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the few glaciers in Greenland that reaches the sea. It is also one of the most active glaciers in the world. As an outstanding example of the last ice age of the Quaternary Period, and for what it allows us to understand about our planet's climate, it was designate a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Experience an unforgettable cruise to the mouth of the Ilulisaat Ice Fjord, where an underwater moraine (collection of glacial debris) catches many of the large icebergs creating a 'bottle-neck.' The only way for icebergs to cross the moraine is by pressure from behind. You'll see firsthand why Ilulissat means “icebergs” in Greenlandic.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Uummannaq, Greenland
Uummannaq B,L,D MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: This morning the ship will call in Uummannaq. Traditionally a hunting and fishing village, and also home to a canning factory and marble quarry, Uummannaq is the 11th largest town in Greenland with a population of just over 1200 people. Visit the town's museum which tells fantastic stories from the region. Particularly interesting is the museum’s exhibition of Alfred Wegener’s expedition on a propeller-driven sled on the Ice Sheet. Wegener became world-famous due to his theory of continental drift. His aim was to build a scientific station in the middle of the Ice Sheet. The museum also houses copies of the famous Qilaktisog mummies, which were discovered in this area in 1972.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: At leisure to explore the small town or to enjoy the ship's amenities.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Eqip Glacier
At Sea B,L,D MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: In the morning the ship will sail to the Eqip Glacier. Situated approximately 100km north of Ilulissat, Eqip Sermia Glacier is one of the only places is Greenland where you can sail so close to a calving glacier.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities and activities. Join your Group Leader for an onboard presentation.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: Enjoy live entertainment provided by your Icelandic guides.

Day 9
At sea
At Sea B,L,D MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: The Greenland Sea is home to numerous seals, walruses and whales. Keep your eyes open as we sail along the island’s scenic west coast. Join your Group Leader for an onboard presentation.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the activities and amenities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: Enjoy live entertainment provided by your Icelandic guides.

Day 10
Nuuk, Greenland
Nuuk B,L,D MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and its oldest town. Founded in 1728 by Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede, Nuuk combines Arctic traditions and European urbanity. With around 16,000 inhabitants, Nuuk is considered as a bustling metropolis compared to the rest of Greenland’s cities and settlements. This morning's coach excursion includes a walk around the old city centre and a visit to the new suburban area of modern architecture. Cap of the morning with a visit to the National Museum of Greenland which exhibits 500 year old Inuit-mummies discovered in Qilakitsoq 40 years ago. Following the museum visit, coach to the small Inuk Hostel to learn about local hunting traditions and are invited to sample a variety of Greenlandic specialties. Meat from marine mammals, game, birds and fish has been the main ingredient in Greenlandic food for generations. The tasting will depend on what has been caught; a variety of fish, muskox, seal amongst other delicacies are staples of the Greenlander diet.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: At sea. Free time to relax and take in the arctic scenery.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Narsarsuaq, Greenland; Qassiarsuk Viking Ruins
Narsarsuaq B,L,D MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: At sea. Relax on board as the ship sails for Narsarsuaq.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: The small settlement Qassiarsuk boasts some of the most interesting ruins from the Norse period of Greenland history. Erik the Red settled here after he had been outlawed from Iceland. He named the new land "green land" because the region around Qassiarsuk is characterized by inviting fjord landscapes and green, fertile valleys. See the ruins of the first Christian Church in Greenland and visit the reconstructions of a Viking longhouse. The Greenland ice cap produces 250 million tons of icebergs each summer and their final journey begins when they break off from glaciers and plunge directly into crystal-clear fjords. Near Narsarsuaq sail through the Qoroq Ice Fjord in local boats, weaving through hundreds of icebergs with a mesmerizing view of the Qoroq glacier off in the distance. Cruise in between the icebergs and sail into the fiord to see the glacier in the distance. Here the captain will cut the engine to enjoy the arctic scenery and the silence.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Prince Christian Sound
Prince Christian Sound B,L,D MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Prince Christian Sound, near the southernmost tip of Greenland, separates the mainland with the Sangmissoq (Christian IV Island) and other islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago. It is around 60 miles long and narrow - sometimes only 1500 feet wide, and there is only one settlement along this sound - Aappilattoq (population 132). Cruising through Prince Christian Sound offers beautiful scenery including glaciers, icebergs and steep mountains often more than 4000 feet in height.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: Continue cruising through Prince Christian Sound.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: Enjoy live entertainment provided by your Icelandic guides.

Day 13
At sea
At Sea B,L,D MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Sail across the Denmark Strait towards Iceland, following a maritime route used by Norse settlers more than 900 years ago. While en route, attend fascinating presentations by our expedition team. Or just relax and watch whales, dolphins and seabirds from the deck of your cabin.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities and activities.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: Enjoy live entertainment provided by your Icelandic guides.

Day 14
Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands), Pompeii of the North
Westman Islands B,L,D MV Ocean Diamond
Activity note: Zodiac excursions are dependent on favorable weather conditions.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Enjoy a panoramic coach exploration around Heimaey Island. See the effects of the volcanic eruption of 1973: half-buried houses and the volcanic crater. It’s a unique and fascinating landscape with diverse birdlife. The excursion ends at the volcanic center. This unique museum tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption in 1973, the Surtsey Island in 1963 and the geology of the Vestmannaeyjar Islands.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: Travel by Zodiac around Heimaey Island for a different perspective of this stunning locale. Be on the look out for caves, birdlife and hopefully whales.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare belongings for tomorrow's disembarkation and departure.

Day 15
Reykjavik
In Flight B
Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Ocean Diamond is scheduled to arrive in Reykjavik at 8:00 AM. Upon disembarkation, enjoy a panoramic coach excursion of Reykjavik. See historic Höfði House - sight of the 1986 meeting between Reagan and Gorbachev that precipitated the end of the Cold War. Visit the Perlan, one of Reykjavik's most recognized landmarks, and also the city's hot water storage facility that has a deck providing a 360° vista of Iceland's capital city. Coach by Lake Tjornin, a small lake in downtown Reykjavik and teeming with birdlife, as well as the Parliament House and City Hall, worth a visit for its large topographic map of Iceland. Enjoy some additional free time in Reykjavik. Make sure to pop into the stunning Harpa Music Hall. This concludes our program.

Lunch: Free time for lunch on your own

Afternoon: Transfer to the Keflavík International Airport (KEF) for late afternoon flights returning to North America. Group flights are currently scheduled to depart at 5:00 PM. If you are arranging your own flights, we recommend coordinating your flights so they coincide with the group departure. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1: The Smoky Bay of Reykjavík

Welcome to Iceland. On arrival at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel on your complimentary Insight shuttle operated by Gray Line. Join your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:15 for a Welcome Drink served with canapés.

Fosshotel Reykjavík.

Day 2: Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Vík

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun. Later, travel on to the ancient bishopric of Skalholt and see the historic church, set in a remote location amid magnificent natural scenery. Continue to the hot springs at Geysir and the mighty Gullfosswaterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls. In the afternoon, visit the majestic south coast waterfalls ofSeljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing to your hotel in Vik.

Hótel Kría, Vik.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: By Glaciers and Icebergs to Höfn

Travel along the southern coast of Iceland, beside the black sand beaches and basalt rock formations.Continue through the National Park at Skaftafell and see the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.Travel on to the luminous blue icebergs of Lake Jökulsárlón, the highlight of the day. This dramatic setting was featured in two James Bond films.Arrive in the small harbour town of Höfn, an active lobster fishing hub. From here, your Travel Director will lead a short orientation.Dine at your hotel's restaurant tonight and experience what the local produce has to offer.

Hótel Höfn.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Eastern Fjords to Egilsstaðir Relaxed Start

Explore yet another face of Iceland, as you drive through narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs and past small fishing villages. Catch a glimpse of Friar Island, once the home of Gaelic monks who settled here before the arrival of the Vikings. Continue to the lakeside town of Egilsstaðir.

Icelandair Hotel Herad, Egilsstadir.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: By Desert, Lakes and Divine Waterfalls to Akureyri

Continue on to the beautiful Lake Mývatn and explore a wide spectrum of geological formations and the concentrated geothermal activity produces mud pools and spectacular coloured deposits. This afternoon is a taste of the local rúgbrauð, a sweet and dense rye bread which is buried underground and baked by the heat from nearby hot springs.After an introduction how they use the Dimmuborgir lava fields for the cooking process enjoy a sample of the delicious bread served with butter. Continue to Akureyri where you have the evening to relax or explore at your leisure. Perhaps embark on an optional whale watching experience? (available during whale season)

Icelandair Hotel Akureyri.

Breakfast

Day 6: From the Capital of the North to Borgarnes Relaxed Start

Enjoy an orientation of Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, first established as a trading centre in 1602. Travel past mountains, waterfalls and green coastal regions. Later, continue on to the southwest coast of Borgarnes.

Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park

Travel along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull National Park, known as the Jewel of West Iceland and home to the country’s most famous volcano. See the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. En route, admire the impressive landscapes of Búðir, offering a mixture of sandy hills, black lava fields and a yellow beach. Next, take a stroll along the sea cliffs of Arnastapi with its unique column rock formations and take in the beautiful scenery.

Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Thingvellir, Blue Lagoon and on to Reykjavík

Journey south to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, discover Reykjavik's top sights on a walking tour with your Local Expert and stop along the way to sample local specialties.This evening, delight in a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant where you round off your journey through one of the world's most naturally beautiful places.

Fosshotel Reykjavík.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 9: Farewell Reykjavík

Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.

Breakfast