CLASSIC ICELAND
September 6 - 17, 2016An exploration of a place of dramatic contrasts and natural wonders. Steaming lava fields reflect a volcanic nature. Massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. Discover a land and culture forged by fire including sights such as the Skogafoss Waterfall, Strokkur and the Blue Lagoon. Tour escorted by Sandra Pauwels & Steve Thomas.
Tour Cost: $6,795 from Toronto - “Land only”: $6,295 - Single room supplement: $1,140 PROPOSED ITINERARY:
DAY 1- Tuesday, Sept. 6:
We depart for Reykjavik from Canada. Transportation: Icelandair. Tentative flight: FI 602 YYZKEF 905P 620A +1
DAY 2- Wednesday, Sept. 7: Reykjavik – Thingvellir – Borgarnes (B/L/D) Arriving in Reykjavik early this morning we are met by our local guide and transfer directly to a nearby hotel where breakfast will be waiting. Bypassing the capital, we drive to Thingvellir National Park where Iceland’s first (and one of the world’s oldest) parliaments was founded in 930AD, set on one of the faults that create the magnificent landscapes in this unusual country. Following a break for lunch enroute, we will drive through Borgarfjordur County to visit the waterfalls of Hraunfossar, where the water tumbles through the lava, quaint Reykholt village (home of the 13th century author Snorri Sturluson) and Iceland’s largest hot spring. En route we may enjoy views of Langjokull Glacier, before continuing on to the village of Borgarnes to check in to our hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Borgarnes or similar (2 nights)
Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd.
95 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2J1 Tel: 519-753-2695/519-756-4900 - Fax: 519-753-6376
[email protected] - www.pauwelstravel.com
DAY 3- Thursday, Sept. 8: Borgarnes – Stykkishólmur – Snæfellsnes (B/D) Our journey today will take us to the charming village of Stykkisholmur, for an exhilarating cruise to explore the natural paradise of Breidafjordur Fjord. Relax as we observe a fantastic variety of bird life, including puffins, eider ducks, kittiwakes, fulmars and the white-tailed eagle as well as the island scenery and dramatic tidal flows. We will be casting-out a small net-plough and dragging the seabed for some shellfish delicacies which everyone will have an opportunity to sample. Following a break for lunch we will continue our exploration as we drive around Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Along the north coast, there are a number of remote and quaint fishing enclaves, including the village of Stykkisholmur, beautifully situated overlooking the Breidafjordur Islands. Rounding the tip of the peninsula with the icecap and volcano towering above us, we pass Arnastapi, a region of unusual columnar basalt rock formations that have been eroded by the pounding waves. Continue through barren lava fields and past fertile farmlands and the Eldborg crater en route back Borgarnes.
DAY 4- Friday, Sept. 9: Borgarnes – Skagafjördur - Akureyri – Mývatn (B/L/D) Heading north once again, we cross over the Holtavorouheidi Pass en route to Hunavatnssyla and Skagafjordur, where we visit the beautifully restored farm museum at Glaumbaer. This county is also famous for horse breeding, so we will certainly see many of the charming Icelandic horses in the meadows. We enjoy lunch at a local horse farm, where we will have opportunity to see these tiny horses up close and to chat with the breeders and their staff. Continue along the north coast to Iceland’s second city, Akureyri, set on a beautiful fjord, and next to the waterfall Godafoss, which means “The Fall of the Gods” before coming to the small centre of Myvatn. Accommodation: Hotel Laxá or similar (2 nights)
DAY 5- Saturday, Sept.10: Húsavík – Ásbyrgi – Dettifoss (B/D) This morning, we drive to the charming fishing village of Husavik, where we shall undertake a whale watching cruise on Icelandic oak boats, with opportunities to see humpback whales and thousands of puffins. After a break for lunch we drive along the stretch of attractive coastline of Tjornes Peninsula to Asbyrgi, a horse-shoe-shaped gorge, reputed to be the hoof print of Odin’s eight-legged horse Sleipnir. Conditions permitting, there may be an opportunity to see the mighty Dettifoss, Iceland’s most powerful waterfall which thunders 44 meters into a deep gorge.
DAY 6- Sunday, Sept.11: Lake Mývatn – Dettifoss - Egilsstadir at Lake Lögurinn (B/D) This day we will explore the fascinating landscapes around Lake Myvatn, featuring fantastic volcanic formations, geothermal springs and the lake itself, teeming with bird life, particularly ducks. We will walk among the unique moon like lava formations at Dimmuborgir and explore the pseudo craters at Skutustaoir. Possible to have lunch at the Nature Baths and following that some might to use the opportunity to enjoy a bath in the Nature Baths while others might like to take a walk in the area. Our next stop is Namaskard. This landscape is so peppered with solfataras and void of vegetation that it feels like standing on another planet. We continue through the desert highlands of Modrudalur to Egilsstadir on the shores of Lake Logurinn, located in the centre of eastern Iceland. Accommodation: Icelandairhotel Herad or similar (1 night)
DAY 7- Monday, Sept 12: Egilsstadir – East Fjords – Höfn (B/D)
Today’s journey takes us south through the sheltered eastern fjords and past small fishing villages like Reydarfjordur and Faskrudsfjordur, stopping for pictures as needed. We shall visit the village of Stodvarfjordur where we will see the famous stone collection of Petra before continuing to Breiddalsvik and Djupivogur. Finally our scenic driving day takes us over Almannskard Pass to the town of Hofn where we will spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Höfn or similar (1 night)
DAY 8- Tuesday, Sept 13: Höfn – Jökulsárlón – Skaftafell – Vík (B/D) Our day begins with a drive along the base of Europe’s largest icecap, Vatnajokull, to the glacial lagoon known as Jokulsarlon, to enjoy a cruise among the icebergs. Later we shall explore Skaftafell National Park, where huge valley glaciers sweep down almost to sea level. On a short walk through the park we will see a unique variety of wild flowers that thrive on the lower slopes of the mountains. Continue over the Skeidararsandur outwash plains to the village of Vik. Accommodation: Hotel Dyrhólaey or similar ( 1 night)
Eruption of Strokkur by Andreas Tille
DAY 9- Wednesday, Sept 14: Vík – South Shore – Gullfoss – Geysir – Flúðir (B/D) Rising early we visit the Skogafoss Waterfall and the lovely Skógar Folk Museum to gain some insights into the harshness of life in Iceland over the past century including an excellent video on the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruption. After a brief visit at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, we will stop at Geysir to enjoy views of one of Iceland’s most famous highlights. Known as Strokkur, the geothermal activity in Iceland comes bubbling to the surface, ejecting a stream of boiling water high into the air every five minutes. Nearby there are numerous hot springs that send steaming water cascading across the hills. We then visit Gullfoss, Iceland’s most famous and spectacular waterfall before returning to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. Accommodation: Icelandairhotel Flúðir or similar ( 1 night)
DAY 10- Thursday, Sept 15: Flúðir – Landmannalaugar* – Reykjavík (B/L/D) Today we drive through Thjorsa river Valley with a short stop at the picturesque waterfall Hjalparfoss. From there the road takes us past Burfell mountain with its hydro station and on towards Hekla volcano, which last erupted in the year 2000. Its surrounding is clearly dominated by Mt. Heklas activities throughout the centuries and scenery gives you a truly insight of the highlands in Iceland. On the way to the colourful Landmannalaugar we drive from the base of the volcano on a rugged mountain track. The scenery en route and the landscape in Landmannalaugar will make it worthwhile as it is the biggest rhyolite massif in Iceland. Once you have arrived there and had your box-lunch, we walk through valleys with colourful steaming mountains on both sides. There is a warm pool in Landmannalaugar but you may not have the time to bathe before returning to Reykjavik as you have a long drive back to Reykjavík.Accommodation: Centerhotel Arnarhvoll or similar (2 nights)
DAY 11- Friday, Sept 16: Blue Lagoon – Reykjavik City Tour (B/D) This morning we transfer to the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s best known sights. Bring your bathing suit as we will be able to relax and refresh ourselves in the hot pools, sharing the experience with local Icelanders. A nearby heat exchange plant uses geothermal heat drawn from miles under ground to produce hot water used to heat homes and offices. The excess brine, which is quite blue in colour, fills this lovely lagoon where we can bathe in the hot mineral water. The land around the lagoon is covered with hard lava, giving the sense that we are on the moon. Returning to the city, we will explore the capital driving through the old city centre, past the parliament building and the fisheries harbour, with included visits to Perlan (the Pearl), for views over the city and the landmark Hallgrinskirkja Church. There will be some free time to explore the city centre and the National Museum which are both a short distance from our hotel. This evening we gather for our special farewell dinner in the Harpa, the new magnificent concert hall, set by the sea.
DAY 12- Saturday, Sept 17: Departure to Canada (B)
Enjoy a free morning to explore the capital before we transfer to the airport for our return flight to Toronto. Transportation: Icelandair
Tentative flight: FI 601 KEFYYZ 1030A 1225P
Tour Cost: $6,795 from Toronto - “Land only”: $6,295 - Single room supplement: $1,140
Included in the tour price are:
- Return flight, Toronto-Reykjavik-Toronto based on availability of direct flight on Icelandair; - Private coach and English speaking guide;
- Accommodation for 10 nights, standard rooms; - Porter Service at hotels;
- daily breakfast;
- 2x lunches including coffee/tea as per program; - 1x lunch-box in Landamannalaugar;
- 10 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea;
- Boat tour from Stykkishólmur to Breiðafjörður Bay; - Visit to Glaumbaer Museum;
- Visit to a horse farm;
- Entrance at Whale watching from Húsavík; - Visit to Petras Stone Museum;
- Jökulsárlón boat cruise among icebergs, Blue Lagoon entrance fee and towel; - Visit to Skógar Museum.
NOT Included in the tour price are:
-The above rates DO NOT include airport taxes and fuel surcharges, which is currently CAD$355 per person; -The above rates DO NOT include gratuities. Tipping is not as customary in Iceland as in other European countries or in North America;
- The above rates DO NOT include travel insurance. Please call the office for rates; -All expenses of a personal nature.
PAUWELS TRAVEL BUREAU LTD.
95 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2J1
Tel: 519-753-2695/519-756-4900 Fax: 519-753-6376 Email: [email protected] Ont. Reg. #1034992
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSITS:
Reservations should be made as early as possible to ensure the departure of your choice. A deposit of $750.00 is required at the time of registration. Your reservation is confirmed upon receipt of your deposit and application form. No reservations will be accepted without a signed application form.
REFUND OF UNUSED ARRANGEMENTS:
Because the rates of Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. are based on group participation, no refund can be made for any tour accommodation or tour service or tour feature not taken. If cancellation occurs while the tour is in progress, no refund can be made for the tour portion not taken. We strongly suggest that to allow for any unexpected contingencies, you purchase the all-inclusive insurance.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Refund of deposit is made if cancellation is received in writing by Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. more than 90 days prior of the departure date of the tour less a $500.00 non refundable administrative fee per person. For cancellation received in writing 90 days prior or less the following cancellation charges apply:
90 days to 46 days before departure: 25% of tour cost 45 to 31 days before departure: 50% of tour cost Within 30 days prior to departure: 100% of tour cost
RESPONSIBILITY:
Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. reserves the right without notice, to withdraw any part or all of the tour. Factors such as airline schedule changes, hotel overbookings, inclement weather, etc. February necessitate changes in the itinerary as outlined. There may also be other circumstances in which changes become necessary or advisable. Any savings realized by these changes will be passed on to the passengers, any resultant expenses shall be borne by the passenger. Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. acts only as an agent in securing hotel, transportation and other travel services and in no event shall be held responsible for the failure by any person or company to render any transportation, lodging or other travel service to be provided on the tour. All hotel, transportation and other travel services are provided to tour members subject to all the terms and conditions under which they are offered to the public generally. The acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be considered an acceptance by the tour member of those conditions. Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. also reserves the right to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour, in which case equitable refund will be made at the discretion of the tour operators.
AIR TRANSPORTATION:
Transatlantic economy flight by scheduled IATA carrier(s), based on an economy class group fare. All fares are subject to specific rules and regulations, to changes and to government approval. Deviations from the group flights are possible but subject to higher rates. Pauwels Travel will research any request for date or routing changes at the time they are requested. Should any individual rate be less than the group fare plus airline and administrative fees, the lower rate will be offered to the tour participant. Individual airfares are subject to immediate ticketing and the fare plus taxes must be paid at the time the ticket is issued by the participant requesting the change. Should the group airfare be the lowest available rate, an administrative fee of $50.00 plus any airline charges will apply.
APPLICATION FORM
Please book ___ seat(s) on the “Classic Iceland” tour travelling September 6 to 17, 2016.
Enclosed is my/our deposit of ___________ ($750 per person, plus insurance premium if taken.) I will be travelling”Land only” and will be securing my own airfare ___________.
Deposit and insurance premium, if taken, are due with registration. You will be invoiced for the balance approximately 45 days prior to departure.
WE REQUIRE A COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT (INFORMATION PAGES ONLY) VALID 6 MONTHS AFTER TOUR DATE TO BE SENT IN WITH YOUR APPLICATION FORM AT TIME OF
REGISTRATION.
PASSPORT NAME(S): Please indicate the appropriate title (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., Ms.)
Surname______________________First__________________Middle(s)_______________________________ Surname______________________First__________________Middle(s)_______________________________ If applicable, give your commonly used first name as you would like it to appear on your name tag: (e.g. “Liz” for “Mary Elizabeth”)
______________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:
______________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________Postal Code: ______________________________
PHONE: ______________________(Email)_____________________________________________________ If traveling alone, is a SINGLE ROOM REQUIRED?: YES_____ NO_____
If sharing, is there a Bed preference?: twin_______________ double_______________
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: We find the earlier a request is made, the more success we have in filling it, so please list any dietary requests, allergies, any special physical needs or frequent flyer numbers etc
here. We cannot ensure requests made 30 days or less prior to departure will be possible.
__________________________________________________________________________________________ Insurance, Please call the office for premiums then record it on application and add premium to deposit.
I /we would like to purchase (please check and record your rate):
Name:___________________________________________________ Date of Birth:_____________________ Name:___________________________________________________ Date of Birth:_____________________ All-inclusive Package _____$__________ Non-medical Package ______ $___________________________ Other__________________________________$___________ OR Decline Insurance ______
Amount Paid: _________________________
Card Number: _______________________________ Expiry: ___________ Security Code: __________ Signature: _________________________________
“I/we agree to the terms and conditions attached to the program, have indicated our insurance choice, indicated any special requests and included payment”.
Date_____________ (Signature)(s)__________________________________________________________
Please forward this completed and signed form, copy of passport and payment to: PAUWELS TRAVEL BUREAU LTD.
95 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2J1
Tel: 519-753-2695/ 1-800-380-3974 / 519-756-4900 - Fax: 519-753-6376 Email: [email protected]
