February 14 - 21, 2005

This tour has ENDED but here is what we did...

Join the Astronomical Society of the Pacific in the far north for a winter's night adventure in search of the aurora borealis. To further enhance your experience, the enrichment program will be led by Michael Bennett, executive Director—Astronomical Society of the Pacific.

This Tour included:

Round trip airfare from selected USA gateways • Airport/hotel transfers • Six (6) nights accommodations at the Four star, Nordica Hotel & Spa • Scandinavian buffet breakfasts daily, 1 salmon lunch and 2 special dinners • Reykjavik City tour including Hallgrimskirkja, Hofidi House and the Pearl • Blue Lagoon Tour including bathing in a mineral-rich, geothermal-heated pool • Full day tour: Thingvellir landmark, Gullfoss Falls, the Great Geyser • South Shore Tour to view Mt. Hekla with Saga Museum and Feast • Astronomical lectures & aurora watching in the mountains

Our Distinguished Lecturer was...

Michael Bennett, Executive Director, Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Click to View Slideshow

This Was Our Itinerary...

Monday, February 14 —Depart the USA for Iceland
The West Coast flights depart for Minneapolis and connect with
Icelandair to begin the Winter's Night Adventure. (In flight meals)

Tuesday, February 15 —Arrive Reykjavik
After arrival in Reykjavik, you will be transferred to the Blue Lagoon to bathe in a natural, mineral-rich pool of

Photo by Les and Mary Anderson

geothermal heated water in the middle of a lava field. Followed by a bountiful breakfast you will be transferred to the newly renovated Nordica Hotel & Spa. This afternoon a city tour will orient you to this bustling cosmopolitan city. (BB)

Wednesday, February 16 —Reykjavik Aurora
The Stargaze enrichment program begins today with a lecture and Q&A. This afternoon continue on the tour of the South Shore and viewing Mt. Hekla. Visit the Skogafossa waterfall and the Folk Museum. Finish the day in the seaside village at Stokkeseyri with a Saga dinner. Return to Reykjavik, in search of the Northern Lights. (B/D)

Thursday, February 17 —Geysers, Volcanoes, & Lava Beds
After your Scandinavian buffet breakfast travel to Thingvellir, the majestic, dual folding Gullfoss Falls and the Great Geyser. Enjoy a Soup and Salmon lunch before continuing to the huge volcanic crater lake of Kerid. (BB/L)

Friday, February 18 Reykjavik —Aurora
Today is leisure to take advantage of the optional excursions around Reykjavik such as horseback riding on the famous Icelandic horses, an Art tour led by a local artist or an excursion to the north to Akureyri. (BB)

Saturday, February 19 —Aurora
Enjoy another day of museums, shops or perhaps an excursion to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands). Venture to the South Shore tonight for the famous Icelandic lobster. Late night stargazing before some of you might partake of the all night social scene of Reykjavik. (BB/D)

Sunday, February 20 —Reykjavik
The day is at leisure for the many choices Reykjavik offers. (BB)

Monday, February 21 —Depart Reykjavik
Enjoy the spa facilities of the Nordica Hotel before your afternoon flight from Reykjavik. (BB)

Interested? Request a Brochure