Iceland and Greenland Itinerary

Reykjavik, Iceland, Photo by Stig Nygaard — Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

The ruggedly beautiful islands of Iceland and Greenland offer incredible contrasts and have incredibly rich traditions, fascinating histories and unique cultures. It is the land of Vikings, the midnight sun and endless glacial landscapes. At once stark and vibrant, cosmopolitan and provincial, these small countries are best explored during the mild summer months when the islands come alive after the long harsh winter. Our nine day tour combines the dramatic vistas of southern Iceland with the iceberg-studded fjords and Inuit culture of western Greenland into one incredible journey of discovery.

Reserve a place now on this extraordinary trip.

Sunday, July 3, 2011 In Transit
Depart today on your flight to Iceland.

Monday, July 4, 2011 Reykjavik
Upon arrival at Keflavik Airport we’ll be met by our Deluxe Kosher Tours representative and welcomed to the magical “land of fire and ice.” Reykjavik is the world’s most northerly capital and the home of over two-thirds of the nation’s population. The city is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the shadow of volcanic Mount Esja and although thoroughly modern possesses a very provincial feel.

Our introduction to this fascinating country will begin with a tour of the city’s main cultural and historical attractions including Bessastadir, the home of the president of Iceland, Althing, the Icelandic Parliament House and Hallgrímskirkja, a large church in the city’s Main Square. From the top of the church’s steeple there are magnificent views of the city and harbor below. We’ll also visit the Perlan, a beautiful and unique architectural landmark perched on a hill on the edge of the city. The Perlan was used as a hot water storage system for decades but has become an international symbol of Reykjavik.

In the early afternoon we’ll make our way to the Hotel Selfoss, an elegant and modern four star hotel located on the banks of Olfusa River. The remainder of the day and evening are free to relax or explore the city on your own.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011 Thingvellir
This morning after breakfast we’ll be met at the hotel and taken on a full day coach tour of Thingvellir National Park, a stunningly beautiful area located in a rift valley southwest of Reykjavik. In addition to its natural beauty Thingvellir is a very important site for historical and cultural reasons as well. In the year 930 the earliest Icelandic settlers founded one of the world’s first republican governments, the Old Commonwealth Age, and the ancient parliament building was located at Thingvellir. In 1930 the government of Iceland created a National Park to protect the ruins and surrounding area for perpetuity.

After exploring the park we’ll continuer our tour with a visit to two of Iceland’s most incredible natural attractions, the Gulfoss Waterfall and the Geysir geothermal field. Iceland is a volcanic island and the intense heat and incredible underground pressure can be experienced as the geyser shoots huge jets of water and steam ninety feet into the air every few minutes. Gulfoss is Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall and is located at the edge of a breathtaking gorge.

In the later afternoon we’ll return to Reykjavik and our hotel for the evening.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011 South Coast
Today’s adventure will take us to the southern coast of the island, a magical landscape of waterfalls and valleys, small villages and mighty glaciers. The dramatic natural features of the island are evident as soon as we leave the city and head over Hellisheidi Mountain to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the country’s most beautiful.

The southern coast’s main attraction is Thorsmork, or “Thor’s Woodland,” a stunning nature reserve shielded on three sides by glaciers and mountains. Although there are countless small rivers and streams cutting through the glade the area is perfect for walking and we’ll have ample opportunity to enjoy it on foot.

After lunch at a charming country hotel we’ll stop at Stakkholtsgja, a rugged gorge with incredible views. We’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Thursday, July 7, 2011 Reykjavik – Ilulissat
This morning we’ll be met at the hotel and transferred to the airport for our scheduled flight to Ilulissat, Greenland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site town located only 120 miles from the Arctic Circle. Upon arrival we’ll be met at the airport by our Deluxe Kosher Tours representative and taken to the Hotel Arctic, located right on the edge of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord and the world’s most northerly four star hotel.

In the afternoon we’ll be welcomed to Greenland by one of our expert guides and taken on a walking tour of Ilulissat. The town is the third largest settlement in Greenland and its proximity to the twenty-five mile long ice fjord and Jakobshavn Isbrae Glacier have made it the island’s major tourist center.

Our walking tour will focus on the geology of the glacier and the history of the town. We’ll visit the old town, the fishing harbor and the original buildings from the first Dutch trading station on the island. We’ll return to the Hotel Arctic in the afternoon and will have the afternoon free to relax at the hotel.

Tonight we’ll embark on an incredible cruise into the fjord to get a closer view of its many icebergs by ship. Because of the proximity of Ilulissat to the Arctic Circle the night sky is still dominated by the midnight sun and the red and gold colors reflecting back from the icebergs is truly an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our ship carefully winds its way through the massive blocks of ice before returning us to the harbor and hotel for the remainder of the night.

Friday, July 8, 2011 Ilulissat – Sermermiut
Today we’ll learn about the life of the original Inuit inhabitants of the island with a morning visit to Sermermiut, a settlement with incredible views of the fjord and glaciers. The settlement has become an educational center and we’ll learn about the way of life and traditions of Greenland’s native population. In the afternoon we have the option of experiencing a birds-eye view of the fjord and glacier with a helicopter trip over the inland ice cap.

We’ll enjoy Shabbat dinner at the hotel.

Saturday, July 9, 2011 Ilulissat
Shabbat is free to explore the town by foot on our own or relax at the hotel.

Sunday, July 10, 2011 Ilulissat – Rodebay
This morning we’ll continue to experience the historical way of life of the island’s inhabitants with a visit to Rodebay, a very small settlement with a population of around fifty individuals founded by Dutch whalers in the 18th century. We’ll travel to Rodebay by small ship and will visit the settlement’s original buildings including a storehouse, cooperage and blubber house that are still in use today.

We’ll return to the hotel in the afternoon.

Monday, July 11, 2011 Ilulissat – Eqip
Although the glacial fjord of Ilulissat has many icebergs there is only one that experiences regular “calving” and this is Eqip, a 5 kilometer mass of ice and snow located three hours north. Our group will comfortably travel by small ship to witness Eqip’s three hundred foot ice wall from a safe distance. We’ll enjoy lunch on the ship and if we’re lucky we’ll experience the dramatic calving as huge chunks of ice break off and plunge into the water below.

We’ll return to Ilulissat in the late afternoon and will spend the night at our hotel.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 Ilulissat – Reykjavik
This morning after breakfast we’ll be transferred to the airport for our flight back to Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik we’ll transfer to the Gran Hotel Reykjavik for the final day of our incredible journey.

The remainder of the day is free to explore on our own.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 Reykjavik – Onward
This morning after breakfast we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight.

HOTELS (sometimes similar or better hotels may be substituted)
Reykjavik Hotel Selfoss
Ilulissat Hotel Arctic
Reykjavik Gran Hotel Reykjavik

COST PER PERSON
$7,995 based on double occupancy (two to a room) for basic program
Includes air fare from: New York

ADDITIONAL COSTS

• Visa fees as required.
• Snacks or items of a personal nature
• Single Supplement – $1,295

Reserve a place now on this extraordinary trip.

ITINERARY & HOTELS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
RATES MAY BE ADJUSTED IF THERE’S A FLUCTUATION IN CURRENCY OF MORE THAN 4% FROM MARCH 1, 2010
RATES MAY BE ADJUSTED IN THE EVENT OF AN INCREASE IN AIRLINE FUEL CHARGES
RATES LISTED ARE FOR PAYMENT VIA CHECK. PAYMENT VIA CREDIT CARDS RESULT IN AN ADDITIONAL 4% PROCESSING FEE

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