Fire & Ice
Secrets of Iceland
June 13 – 22, 2003
SMALL COUNTRY,
BIG SPIRIT
Iceland is a rather unfortunate name for this land of exquisite beauty and sharp contrasts.
The reason why the Norsemen who first came here gave such a bleak
name to such a green country is a mystery. In the Viking Sagas,
however, there is a legend that the first explorer to discover
the island wanted to keep it all to himself, so he named a green
country “Iceland” and a frozen wasteland “Greenland,” hoping that
future immigrants would chart their course further north. Who knew
Vikings were such practical jokers?
Once
you experience Iceland you’ll understand what early settlers were eager to protect.
Iceland holds an aura not found elsewhere in the world. Majestic landscapes,
twisting coastlines, deep fjords, intricately carved mountains, belching mud
pools, steaming hot springs, blinding glaciers, heavenly waterfalls and hellish
volcanoes all contribute to the sense that the land has just emerged from Mother
Nature’s forge.
Two years ago, Toto Tours offered an introduction
to some of the most exciting adventures Iceland offers, and the tour sold out
nearly a year in advance. In 2003 we return to Iceland, now on our list of favorite
places, to undertake an expanded adventure that delves far beyond the confines
of the southwestern quadrant of the island and the capital city of Reykjavik.
We head to the remote northern region of the country with a multi-activity adventure that takes you right into the midst of nature.
Enjoy whale-watching, bird-watching, horseback riding, a snow-cat glacier excursion,
scenic hiking, swimming in geothermal springs, and the freshest seafood harvested
from one of the purest environments in the world!
This
magnificent country is perfect for a summer fling! The sun will be shining almost
24 hours per day. Everyone speaks English, so you won’t have translation problems
when you plunge into the vibrant gay social scene. Revel in an electric green
landscape, full of wide open spaces, and discover Europe’s best kept secret—Iceland.
SPECIAL ICELANDAIR BOOKING INCENTIVE
All participants in this tour will have a chance to win free travel
to any European Icelandair destination in 2004 (certain blackout
dates apply). Two drawings will be held during the Farewell Dinner.
The Grand Prize winner will receive the free ticket on Icelandair,
and the runner-up will receive a $250 travel voucher to apply toward
the price of a future Toto Tour. With a maximum of 20 tour participants,
you have an excellent chance of winning the Grand Prize!
ITINERARY
Friday, June 13, 2003
Leave
Home / Travel Day
Today is a travel day.
All Icelandair flights depart this evening from Boston (BOS),
New York (JFK), Baltimore (BWI), and Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP).
We have negotiated great rates with Icelandair, and international
airfare is included in the tour cost. (See "Group Airfare" section
below.)
Saturday, June 14,
2003
Arrival
in Reykjavik
Early morning arrival
into Keflavik International Airport. All inbound Icelandair flights
from the U.S. arrive at roughly the same time. Once all participants
have gathered, we board a motorcoach for a 45-minute transfer to
Reykjavik across
the extensive lava fields just south of the city.
After
breakfast at our hotel, enjoy a free morning to rest up from jet lag. Our group
will gather in the hotel lobby at 2pm for a 2-hour walking tour of Old Reykjavik with
its narrow cobblestone streets, Parliament building, old churches (including
the country’s largest) and harbor. In the evening, Toto Tours hosts a Welcome
Dinner at our hotel. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Sunday, June 15, 2003
Þingvellir
National Park / Snow Motions
Take a full-day excursion
focusing on the scenic natural wonders for which Iceland is justly
renowned. Begin with a 2-hour walk through the National Park of
Thingvellir,
the open-air Viking parliament for centuries. This is the only
place on the planet where you can literally walk from North America
to Europe across the Atlantic Continental Rift.
After Þingvellir, head to the highland desert Kaldidalur
and reach Iceland’s second largest glacier. Enjoy a 90 minute snow-cat drive and a seafood buffet followed by a snowmobile
romp. This was an incredible highlight of our previous tour to Iceland! In the
afternoon visit waterfalls, hot springs and travel through Borgarfjörður—the Viking Saga Valleys. Overnight at a quaint, Country Hotel in Western
Iceland. (All Meals)
Monday, June 16, 2003
North Iceland
/ Horses & Hiking
From Western Iceland
head north driving through green pastures, old lava, nicely sculpted
valleys and fjords before arriving in Skagafjörður, known as the “valley
of horses.” After a brief orientation about Icelandic horses,
which are distinguished from all other horses in the world by having
one additional gait (a smooth cruise somewhere between a trot and
a gallop), enjoy an hour-long horseback ride (suitable for beginners). Hike
into the valley of Oxnardalur, where we walk up to a small hidden
lake with the peaks of Hraundrangar above us (this region is often
called the Icelandic Alps). Continue on to Eyjafjörður, the longest
fjord in Iceland, where we will have an Icelandic barbecue and
overnight at a farm hotel with a great view over the fjord. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Tuesday, June
17, 2003
Lake
Mývatn / Whale Watching
We start our day with
a stop at Godafoss (waterfalls of the gods) before we head to the
wonders of Lake Mývatn (midges lake), a haven for all manner of
birds—especially ducks. Hike to the top of the 2500 year-old
Hverfjall (hot spring mountain), one of the world’s few craters
that looks like those found on the moon. From there continue walking
toward the bizarre lava formations at Dimmurborgir (dark cities),
the boiling grey mud pots of Námaskarð, and the still-steaming
lava fields in a crater called Hell.
This afternoon we arrive at the fishing village of Husavik,
where we embark on an evening whale watching excursion with a high probability
of seeing minke whales, harbour porpoises, dolphins, and fin whales among many
others. Late evening return to our Eyjafjörður hotel. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Wednesday, June 18,
2003
Highlands
of Iceland / Golden Waterfall and Geysir
After breakfast our group
heads south over the highlands of Iceland, with a far-off view
of two of the country’s bigger ice caps, Hofsjökull og Langjökull. Suddenly,
in the middle of nowhere, we come upon the geothermal zone of Hveravellir
where we can take a dip in a natural hot pool.
Returning to the fertile region of South Iceland, visit
the powerful Gullfoss (golden waterfall), which falls nearly 150 feet into the
White River canyon, and Geysir Park. The Icelandic word Geysir is used internationally
for “spouting hot springs,” such as these (and Old Faithful in Yellowstone).
Upon arrival at our country hotel, the rest of the day is free. (All
Meals)
Thursday, June 19,
2003
South Coast
Adventure / Folk Museum / Lobster Feast
Traveling south through
some of Iceland’s prettiest countryside we visit two impressive
waterfalls. You will even be able to walk behind Seljalandsfoss as
it drops from an overhanging lava cliff. This afternoon we travel
overland to the Dyrholaey Promontory where we ascend to
a viewpoint to see the fantastic 225-ft. granite sea stacks just
off the coast. Our adventure-filled day also includes a walk to
the foot of a glacier, a Folk Museum, and ends with a Lobster Feast
at a cozy seaside restaurant. Return to our country hotel for overnight. (All
Meals)
Friday, June
20, 2003
Return
to Reykjavik
After breakfast depart
for Hverageroi, a town of 1500 people who have made a living by
harnessing geothermal energy. Greenhouses provide the bulk of Iceland’s
homegrown produce, and several in this area are open to visitors.
We pass the lake of Kleifarvatn and its geothermal areas on the
Reykjanes peninsula, where in 2000 (after an earthquake) new hot
springs appeared. Arrive in Reykjavik around 1:00 pm today, check-in
to our hotel and the remainder of the day is free. (Breakfast)
Saturday, June
21, 2003
Free
Day / Farewell Dinner
Today is entirely at
your leisure to explore, shop for souvenirs, or partake in optional
adventures (like horseback riding) which our outfitters can arrange.
This evening Toto Tours hosts a farewell dinner at the city center
restaurant Naust. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Sunday, June 22, 2003
Blue
Lagoon / Departure
The morning is free to
relax or sleep after a night of revelry. Hotel check out is at
12 noon, then we head to the amazing Blue Lagoo, to luxuriate
in the volcanically-heated, mineral-rich waters. We transfer from
there to the Keflavik airport in time for our return flights
home. (Breakfast)
GROUP AIRFARE
Economy class airfare on Icelandair
from the East Coast is included in the tour price. Click on your
preferred departure city below to see the flight schedule from
that airport:
Please note that airport taxes and security charges are not included
(these will cost approximately $93). There is a $70 supplement to
fly from Minneapolis. Those returning to JFK will need to extend
their stay in Iceland by one additional day as service is not available
on Sunday, June 22nd. Amtrak cooperates with Icelandair to offer
$35 one-way rate from Philadelphia to BWI airport. Let us know if
you would like us to book this service.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Reykjavik: Hotel Skjaldbreið (3 nights), a 4-star hotel conveniently located in
the heart of the city.
West Iceland: Hotel Bifrost (1
night), a simple country hotel beautifully situated amid the rolling
hills and sweeping mountains in the heart of Viking Saga country.
The hotel amenities include a restaurant and bar.
North Iceland: Sveinbjarnargerði (2 nights), a simple farm hotel used as a children’s
boarding school during the cold winter months, with basic but comfortable
accommodations.
South Iceland: Efri
Brú (2 nights), a new, 37-room working farmhouse/guest
hotel centrally located to all of South Iceland’s prime attractions.
Breakfast and dinner are served in the spacious dining room.
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements—For citizens of the United States and Canada, no visas are necessary. All you
need is a valid passport.
Immunizations—No immunizations are required, but it is wise to have your inoculations up
to date. Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements—Your airport departure tax will be included in the cost of your Icelandair ticket.
WHAT TO BRING
Iceland’s name and northern location influence the packing list. Even summer weather
can be quite cool, so light woollens, wind/rain proof jacket and
coat are essential. Wearing a number of layers is best, as items
can be added or removed as need be when temperatures change quickly.
Dress is fairly casual, though Icelanders tend to be very image
conscious. Most pubs, bars and restaurants are casual, although
a few fancier nightclubs and eateries require a coat and tie (none
of these are on our itinerary).
Suggested Packing
List:
____ Proof
of citizenship. Passport needed.
____ Dressy, casual
outfits for Reykjavik dinners and nightlife.
____ Sturdy hiking
shoes.
____ Walking shoes
or sneakers for towns.
____Pants & long-sleeved
shirts (6 - 7).
____ T-shirts (6
- 7).
____ Shorts (2
pairs).
____ Jeans (3
pairs) for hikes and horseback riding.
____ Wind/rain
proof jacket & pants.
____ Coat & thick
sweater.
____ Scarf, hat, gloves.
____ Sunglasses
/ sunscreen / lip balm.
____ Personal toiletries.
____ Swimsuits & beach
towel for hot springs, public pools and Blue Lagoon.
____ Camera, batteries & plenty
of film. These are expensive in Iceland.
MONEY MATTERS
The monetary unit is
the Icelandic “krona”. Bills come in denominations of ISK 5000,
2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are ISK 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. MasterCard and
Visa are
widely accepted; American Express is less common. On December
21, 2002, the exchange rate was 82.79 ISK to the US dollar (interbank
rate).
Taxes and Tipping
Tipping at restaurants
and bars is not expected. However, we will make a collective tip
to our driver and guide during our Farewell Dinner. Budget at least
$50 U.S. each day for out-of-pocket expenses.
Why Is Iceland So
Expensive?
Iceland’s geographic
isolation and harsh climate make it virtually 100 percent dependent
on imports for everything
except meat, potatoes, fish and dairy products. While virtually every conceivable
item is available, import
tariffs inflate retail prices considerably.
LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation
with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions:
Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for
any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical
expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person
from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign
a
standard liability form.
The
tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member
of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or
without notice. Guaranteed departure with 6 people.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the "Reservations" link
above. Print the form, fill
out the information requested, sign and mail it to Toto Tours with
your $500
deposit
check. The balance of $2,765 (double) or $3,265 (single) is due 80
days prior to departure (by March 28, 2003). Tour registration is
not complete until we have received both the form and your deposit
check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form
of payment. An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto
Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable
to: Toto Tours, Ltd.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure
Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional
sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active
participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They
are:
