Volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, lakes, geysers, ice-blue glaciers and mountainous terrain contrast sharply with green meadows and oceanic coastlines to create dramatic, captivating landscapes. Explorations of plate tectonics, varying environmental conditions, and alternative energy production will be explained as we visit iconic areas like the Gunnuhver mud pools, Reykjanes Peninsula of volcanic rock and lava, Golden Circle, Skógafoss Waterfall, Vatnajökull Glacier, Thorsmörk Nature Reserve, and the Blue Lagoon. Viking heritage, the Icelandic language along with the folkloric sagas will weave together the natural history and human endeavors of this land of fire and ice.

• Visitthehomeofhalfoftheworld`spopulationofAtlanticPuffin.

• ExplorethegeologicalwondersofIceland`sdramaticandvariedgeologyincludingtoweringwaterfalls,burstinggeysers,massiveglaciers,andvolcanoes.

• ExaminetherelationshipsbetweenIceland`sdiverseterrain,naturaldisasters,andsociety.

• GetatasteofIceland`suniqueculturalhistorywhilelisteningtofolkstoriesandsagas.

• Visitalocalpowerplanttogainanunderstandingofthermalenergyproduction.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

ICELANDFairmontStateUniversityJune 2 - 10, 2019

ICELAND

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to Landmannalaugar traveling along a breathtaking road with incredible scenery, stopping for photos along the way. In the base camp it’s possible to bathe in the natural hot springs. Continue to Hella for dinner and overnight. Overnight at Hestheimar Farm. (BLD)

JUNE 9 - REYKJAVIK Today, drive from Hella to the Blue Lagoon with time to enjoy the thermal springs and learn about how the lagoon was formed and the wonders of geothermal seawater. Stop at Reykjanes Power Station to gain insight on how geothermal energy is harvested. Continue to Reykjavik and stop at a settlement exhibition to learn about Viking history and culture. Opportunity for a quick stop to photograph Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore on your own. Overnight at Hotel Cabin. (BLD)

JUNE 10 - FAREWELL! This morning is at leisure to explore Reykjavik (bus to museums included). Iceland’s capital city is the nucleus of the country’s rich culture and arts scene with a backdrop of snow topped mountains, churning seas and crystal clear air. It’s a special place to explore or just relax and people watch. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving this evening. *Hotel check out is at noon. (B)

JUNE 2 - IN FLIGHT Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Iceland.

JUNE 3 - HVOLSVÖLLUR Upon arrival into Reykjavik you will be met at the airport by your guide. Drive to the Reykjanes Lighthouse and Gunnuhver mud pools before continuing on to the bridge between two continents. The Reykjanes Peninsula is an area of volcanic rock and lava with numerous clefts and gorges. It lies on the margin of the Eurasian and North American plates and is directly connected to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Along the shore, low cliffs alternate with sandy beaches where ocean waves sweep unhindered onto the coast. On the way to Hvolsvöllur visit the new Lava Centre where you can explore the largest interactive and high-tech educational exhibit of volcanic activity in all of Europe. Dinner and orientation this evening at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Hvolsvöllur. (BLD)

JUNE 4 - HVOLSVÖLLUR Today, explore the Golden Circle beginning at the Gullfoss waterfall. Known as the Golden Waterfall, Gulfoss is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe with thousands of tons of icy water thundering majestically into a deep canyon. Next, visit the Geysir area, home to numerous hot springs, fumaroles and geysers. Finally, head to Þingvellir, the site of the world’s oldest democratic parliament, as well as the dividing fault line between two of the earth’s tectonic plates and the last stop on your Golden Circle exploration. Afterwards, visit the Secret Lagoon and Freidheimar Greenhouse for lunch and a horse show. Overnight at Hotel Hvolsvöllur. (BLD)

JUNE 5 - VIK This morning after breakfast, head east and take the ferry boat to visit Heimaey Island. Explore the Eldheimar Museum, and learn about lava flows and how they contribute to the control of nature. While in Heimaey embark a boat tour around the island to see lava formations and caves. Walk on the hill close to the harbor to see the new lava and evidence of where the seawater was used to stop the lava flow. In the evening return to the mainland via ferry and board the coach to travel to Skógafoss Waterfall, one of the country’s largest waterfalls. Overnight at Hotel Katla. (BLD)

JUNE 6 - HOF This morning depart for Dyrhólaey Reserve for a hike and the opportunity to observe puffins. Make a stop at Reynisdrangar Beach to see the basalt needles along with Reynishverfi Beach to see hexagonal basalt columns. Continue further east, towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur, stopping en route to visit Church Floor (Kirkjugolf ). Continue to the rivers of Skaftá, which have nearly all dried after a glacial river flooded in 2015, originating underneath the Vatnajökull Glacier. The flood claimed a lot of land, leaving behind only sand and mud. Take in beautiful views as you continue the drive east on the way to your accommodation. Upon arrival, visit Svartifoss in Skaftafell National Park, one of Iceland’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty dominated by the Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. Overnight at Glacier Lagoon Hotel. (BLD)

JUNE 7 - HOF Today, travel further east stopping at the Jokulsarlón Glacial Lagoon for a boat ride that allows for close-up views of floating icebergs. The lagoon, located at the edge of the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, was created when the glacier began receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean; ever since it has been increasing in size at varying rates due to glacial melting. It recently became named the deepest lake in Iceland, at over 248 meters (814 ft.). Continue along the beautiful scenery provided by the Vatnajökull Glacier and stop at one of the glacier tongues. Later this afternoon explore and hike through Skaftafell National Park. Overnight at Glacier Lagoon Hotel. (BLD)

JUNE 8 - HELLA Today, head back west amid iconic rhyolite mountains. Drive in the direction of Eldja, where you’ll stop and walk to the waterfall. Continue

BLD=BREAKFAST,LUNCH,DINNER

ITINERARY

THEFINE PRINTPrice is based on double occupancy. For a single room throughout the trip, add $820 per person. A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form are required to hold your space on the trip. This deposit is refundable minus a $100 cancellation fee until February 27, 2019 at which time final non-refundable payment is due.

$6,350 (9 participants)Price includes accommodations, meals, entrance fees, and activities listed in itinerary, non-alcoholic beverages with meals, private vehicle transportation unless otherwise noted in itinerary, full-time guide for duration of program and gratuities for guide and driver.

Price does not include international airfare from Pittsburgh estimated at $650, gratuities not mentioned, and items of a personal nature. Other departure cities available.

PROGRAMPRICING

FORMOREINFORMATION OR TO ENROLL: Contact Debra Hemler at dhemler@fairmontstate.edu or visit holbrook.travel/fairmont-ic19

Holbrook Travel purchases Travel Protection on behalf of all participants traveling in 2018 or beyond. These plans help provide coverage once the trip has departed and offer benefits for Baggage/Personal Effects, Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses, Emergency Evacuation and more. Visit holbrooktravel.com/travelprotection for more details.

Optional additional coverage is available in the form of the Group Deluxe Plan, which offers benefits for Trip Cancellation/Interruption, in addition to many other insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. If interested in this optional plan, we can provide you with rates and plan details.

TRAVELPROTECTION