Tag: Icelandic Quilting Workshop

Festival of Quilts in Britain

Tour Leader: Gina Perkes

Day 1
Fly to London, England

Icelandair Plane

Tour members check in for their flights to London  in the late afternoon and evening .

Departures are from about 20 US and Canadian cities and are included in your tour package. These are overnight flights that arrive at London’s Heathrow Airport the following morning.

Day 2
London

Participants arrive  at Heathrow Airport from the United States and Canada

After clearing customs the tour members will be met by Gina Perkes and transfer together to the city of London.

Check in to the Strathmore Hotel.  You will be staying 4 nights at this hotel.  

After resting after your long journey meet at the Glamis Lounge Bar in the hotel to meet your fellow travelers. Enjoy a “Welcome to England” dinner at Earl’s Restaurant in the hotel.

Day 3
London - City Tour

Continental Breakfast is served in your hotel. 

Today‘s excursion takes you to The Tower of London, a UNESCO listed attraction. You will travel in the company of an expert tour guide and explore highlights like the White Tower, The Tower Green (sight of royal executions), the crown jewels and more.

Lunch is included at Brewdog Outpost Power Hill, a typical London pub.

The afternoon excursion takes you to London’s famous Victoria & Albert Museum will be one of the highlights of your tour. The V&A is the world‘s leading museum of Art and Design. It houses an amazing collection of antique quilts, including some of the earliest examples of European quilting, dating back to the late 14th century. From luxurious courtly robes to a quilt stitched by 21st-century prison inmates, the V&A holds a rich variety of objects created through quilting and patchwork.

Dinner is on your own this evening.

Day 4
Free Day in London or optional Downton Abbey tour

Breakfast is served in your hotel. The day is free without a program.

For those who wish, we offer a day tour to the famous Downton Abbey TV locations.

Program as follows:

Visit Cogges Farm, the location of Yew Tree Farm in the Downton Abbey series. You will feel like you are stepping back in time to a farm from the 19th century.  Visit the manor house kitchen, farm buildings, the orchard and farm animals.

Pass through Shilton and Swinbrook, two delightful villages featured in the show.  The region is known as the Cotswold’s, a protected area of outstanding beauty.

Enjoy a cup of tea, scones or homemade pastries in Bampton where Mrs. Crawley’s house is located. Continue on thru the countryside to Highclere Castle, the real life Downton Abbey. Visit the magnificent aristocratic rooms (state rooms, dining room and grand staircase) and beautiful gardens that make up the estate.

Day 5
London - Windsor

Breakfast is served in your hotel.

Check out of the hotel and head for Windsor, a drive of about 1 hour (24 m).

Arrive at Windsor Castle, one of the oldest and largest occupied castles in the world. Since it was founded in the 11th century it has been home to 39 monarchs. Queen Elizabeth II spent most of her private weekends at the Castle.

Here a multi-media tour will take you through the State Apartments and Semi-State rooms, sharing the history and highlights of Windsor Castle.
A visit to the fabulous Windsor Castle is a royal treat! Since William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress here over 900 years ago, this has been a royal palace and residence.

There will be time for lunch during the day and a visit to Liberty of London, one of the capital‘s iconic stores.

In a beautiful Tudor-revival building you‘ll find high-end fashion, luxury home ware and Liberty‘s own fabric line.

 

Day 6
London - Birmingham- Festival of Quilts Show

Breakfast is served in your hotel.

Depart by motorcoach from London to Birmingham. Arrive at the NEC where the “Festival of Quilts” show takes place.You will have a 2 day admission to the show. Spend the remainder of the day at the show then transfer to the Hyatt Regency Hotel your home for the next two nights.

The Hyatt Regency is located in the heart of Birmingham The Atria Restaurant  offers superb  evening  cuisine.  The Gentlemen and Scholar Pub serves a menu of tasty bar snacks and mains.

Day 7
Birmingham - The Festival of Quilts Show

The Festival of Quilts is Europe‘s leading patchwork and quilting event attracting over 25,000 visitors annually from around the world. The show is a celebration of quilting in all its forms, with over 300 exhibitors offering essential suppliers, galleries of quilts from leading international makers, workshops, talks and demos, plus a magnificent display of over 800 competition quilts.

An optional excursion will be offered for the non quilters to Stratford on Avon and The Cotswolds. Stratford on Avon is best known as the birth place of William Shakespeare. This town is steeped  in history and charm

Day 8
Birmingham - Kendal - Cockermouth - Lake District

Breakfast at hotel then check out and depart from Birmimgham heading north for the Yorkshire district. Arrive in Kendal the gateway to Englands famous Lake District. Proceed thru the Lake District National Park, a world heritage site.

Arrive in Cockermouth  and check in at the 4 star Trout Hotel. Afternoon is free to explore the many specialty shops and art galleries.  Dinner at the hotels Derwent Restaurant.

 

Day 9
Cockermouth - Galashirls - Loch Lochy - The Great Tapestry of Scotland

Enjoy a delicious English breakfast buffet style,  Depart Cockermouth and soon enter Scotland.  Arrive at Galashiels to visit The Great Tapestry of Scotland.   The tapestry was created by a 1,000 people across Scotland  a visual account of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture from its formation to the present day.

Lunch at the Salmon Inn in Galashiels then continue on through the highlands.

Arrive at Whispering Pine Lodge for a two night stay. Dinner at the lodge.

 

Day 10
A Day in the Scottish Highlands

Breakfast at Whispering Pines Lodge. You can spend the day at the lodge to rest and relax or enjoy the spa , go hiking, fishing, horse riding or kayaking.

Or spend the day at Cameron Square in nearby Fort Williams this is the largest town in the highlands and is the place for those who like to shop, socialize and have a tasty meal.

We offer a optional tour to the Isle of Skye which includes a two hour wildlife boat cruise to view eagles, seals and whales.

Dinner at Whispering Pine Lodge at the beautiful restaurant overlooking Lake Lochy.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 11
Doune Castle - Gartmore - Edinburgh - Scottish Highlands

Breakfast at Whispering Pine Lodge then depart for the last phase of your Scotland journey.  Travel through the highlands and quaint villages to arrive at Doune Castle.  Doune Castle is one of the  best preserved Great Halls in Scotland. This has been used for many film locations such as Ivanhoe, Monty Python and the Outlander.

Lunch at Woodside Pub & Restaurant. Free time to shop in a typical scottish town then continue on to Edinburgh.

Check in at the Apex City Edinburgh Hotel located at the foot of Edinburgh Castle. Dinner on your own.

Day 12
Edinburgh City Tour - Duvcot Textile Studios - Free

Enjoy breakfast at Apex City Hotel then depart for a tour of Edinburgh.

Visit Edinburgh Castle, a stronghold that was once the residence of Scottish monarchs. The castle stands 443 feet above sea level and overlooks the city of Edinburgh.

Visit Duvcot Studios, the world re-known tapestry studio, a landmark for contemporary art, craft and design.

Tour ends today on The Golden Mile where the afternoon is free without a program. The Golden Mile is jam packed with things to see and do.

Tonight is your “Farewell to Scotland” dinner  at the Metro Restaurant located in the hotel with a view of Edinburgh Castle.

Optional tour of the “Military Tattoo.” The Tattoo celebrates the skills and talents of military bands  and cultural performers from around the world.There will be bagpipes, drums and kilts – clear evidence of Scottish patriotism.

Tour extension available.// Spend an additional day in Edinburgh, to shop and pursue your own interests. We will provide an additional night at the Apex City Hotel with breakfast and a private transfer to the airport the following morning.

Day 13
U>S>A / Canada - HOME

Festival of Quilts in BritainBreakfast is served at Apex City Hotel then check out.

Depart for Edinburgh International Airport.  Departure from Edinburgh by various airlines.

Arrival in U.S. and Canada in the late afternoon or early evening.

Christmas Markets In Bavaria & Northern Lights In Iceland

Day 1
United States - Iceland - Munich

Icelandair Plane

Tour participants travel from the U.S. to Munich Germany on a overnight flight which arrives the following morning.

 

Day 2
Munich

Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik

Noon  Arrival in Munich’s Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC). You will be met by your illustrious Bavarian tour guide Maximilian Bukszpan. Transfer to the traditional 4-star Hotel Platzl, located in the heart of the city. Hotel Platzl is located in the historic old town between famous Hofbrauhaus the Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz, where the Christkindlmarkt takes place.

Spend time this afternoon with Max exploring the Christkindlmarkt. The traditional Christmas Market at Marienplatz dates back to the 14th century and is considered the most original and authentic in Munich, where about 40 such markets take place annually.

Rest and relax at your hotel before a “Welcome to Germany” dinner at Hofbräuhaus, “The World‘s most famous Tavern” – built in 1589 and accommodates up to 5,000 revelers. Have fun! (D)

GERMAN TOUR GUIDE:  Maximilian Bukszpan is the Bavarian expert tour guide who will meet the group on arrival in Munich and stay with the group until you leave Munich for Iceland. “Max” is a native “Münchner” who has traveled the world. For the last 20 years he has offered his services as private tour guide throughout Bavaria, – including Munich, Rothenburg and Nuremberg.

 

Day 3
Munich-Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Palace day tour

Christmas Market

Today visit the fairy tale castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, created by Germany’s 19th-century King Ludwig II. Admire Bavaria’s magnificent scenery as you journey to Linderhof, Ludwig’s rococo-style hunting lodge and last home. Take the interior tour of Linderhof before continuing to Neuschwanstein. Upon arrival at Neuschwanstein you will see a picture book castle of turrets and chambers that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Maximilian will be in his element during this tour where his local knowledge will be of great value.  Return to Munich and the Hotel Platzl.

You are on your own for dinner. (B)

Day 4
Munich – Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Munich

Depart from Munich along the Romantic Road for further adventures.  Your first stop is historic Dinkelsbuhl. Tour Dinkelsbuhl then enjoy lunch at the Weib’s Brauhaus, known for their amazing Frankonian Cuisine. Visit the Dinkelsbuhl Christmas Market then continuing on to  Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Check in at Hotel Altes Brauhaus located in the midst of the medieval walled town, surrounded by winding cobbled streets. You will spend two nights in Rothenburg. Dinner at nearby Restaurant Glocke – one of the best in town. (B,L,D)

Day 5
Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenberg”

Enjoy breakfast and then depart with Max on a walking tour of Rothenburg. Christmas time turns Rothenburg into a dreamy Christmas village, cobble stoned streets, medieval buildings and markets.

Your tour ends at the “Alt-Rothenburger Reitersmarkt”, one of the most popular advent markets  in Germany. You will be greeted by brass bands, gingerbread and mulled wine.

Remainder of the day is free…lunch and dinner on your own.

Quilters may sign up  for a quilt class with Susan Nagy.  (B)

 

Day 6
Rothenburg - Nuremberg

Nuremberg

Depart Rothenburg for the short drive to  Nuremberg, Bavaria’s 2nd largest city after Munich.

Take a tour of Nuremberg – Max is in charge. Proceed to the infamous former Nazi Party Rally grounds of  immense proportions that stand as vivid testimony of the megalomania of the National Socialist regime. Visit Courtroom 600 at the Palace of Justice, the site of the  “Nuremberg Trials”, where Nazi war criminals were sentenced to death by the International Military Tribunal in late 1945.

Lunch on your own. Enjoy a walking tour through  Old Town Nuremberg.   Once a center of the Holy Roman Empire, and a cradle of the German Renaissance Explore the enchanting Old Town with its fantastic regional food and drink, and the greatest Christmas Markets in Germany. Check in to the Burghotel located in the heart of the cities old town.

Dinner at Alte Kuch n’ & Im Keller  where you will be transported back in time 800 years to medieval times.  Arrive with an adventurous spirit  a open mind and a healthy appetite. A tour highlight you will not ever forget.   (B,D)

Day 7
Nuremberg

Northern Lights

Breakfast in your hotel then enjoy a free morning.  Max and Janice are there to help you explore, shop and enjoy.  Proceed to the Nuremberg Christmas Market  with over 180 stalls selling quality gifts. This Germany’s largest Christmas market and originated in medieval times first mentioned in 1628.  Lunch and dinner are on your own.  (B)

 

 

Day 8
Germany - Reykjavik, Iceland

Icelandic Horses

Breakfast at the Burghotel then depart for Munichs Franz Josef Strauss Airport for your flight to Iceland.  Say farewell to Max and Germany.  Depart around 1 pm for Iceland for a 3 to 4 hour flight.  Your Icelandic tourguide, Dorothea Gudbjornsdottir will meet you upon arrival and be with you until your return flight to the U.S.A.  Depart Keflavik for Reykjavik, the capital and check into the Hotel Laugavegur your home for three nights.   The hotel is located on the main shopping and restaurant street.

Enjoy a hearty dinner at the Restaurant Loa  well known for serving genuine Icelandic cuisine.  (B,D)

 

Day 9
Thingvellir-Geysir-Gullfoss-Fridheimar-Icelandic Horses-Reykjavik

Renowned Icelandic Quilting Master Gudrun Erla

Buffet breakfast at your hotel then depart for Thingvellir, the natioal shrine of Iceland and the site of the ancient parliament, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Proceed to Geysir Geothermal area, where you will see any number of bubbling, spouting and boiling hot springs in eerie moonlike landscapes. Visit Geysir, the first geyser for which all geysers are named. See Strokkur geysir erupting every 4-8 minutes. Drive on to nearby Gullfoss, the majestic waterfall, one of the world´s most scenic. 

Lunch at Friðheimar Farm an amazing greenhouse complex, followed by a horse show that provides an insight into the story of the remarkable Icelandic horse breed.  Enjoy a “Meeting with the Horses.”

Continue to the Thingborg Wool Center where you can buy beautiful Icelandic sweaters, scarfs, mittens, etc.  Return to Reykjavik and dinner is on your own.   (B,L)

 

 

 

Day 10 & 11
Reykjavik - USA

Blue Lagoon Hot Springs

DAY (10)

REYKJAVIK

Breakfast at the Laugavegur  Hotel and then depart on a tour of Reykjavik with Dorothea.See all the major attractions, including the House of Parliament, National Theater, and Harpa Concert Hall.

Lunch is on your own. You may opt for a coupe of Icelandic hot dogs…the worlds best! The afternoon is free without a program or you could book a whale watching excursion.

Your Farewell to Iceland dinner  will be served at the Reykjavik Kitchen located near your hotel. (B,D)

 

DAY  (11)

ICELAND – U.S.A.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast then check out of your room.

Depart the Hotel Laugavegur for the  Reykjanes Peninsula, where both the Blue Lagoon and Keflavik Airport are located. Arrive at the Blue Lagoon for a optional visit and dip (2 hours) in this spectacular outdoor spa oasis. Tour members who opt not to visit the Blue Lagoon will proceed to Keflavik Airport and early check-in for their flight to the United States.

There is lots of interesting shopping as well as a wide choice of restaurants for lunch to enjoy prior to your afternoon flight to the various destinations in the U.S. and Canada. (B)

 

 

 

 

European Patchwork Quilter’s Tour

Day 1
U.S.A. to Iceland

Begin in Iceland
Begin in Iceland

Departures from various airports in the U.S.A. including:

Boston, Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, Newark, New York, Orlando, Seattle, Washington, DC, Toronto & Vancouver for your nonstop/overnight flights to Keflavik Airport via Icelandair. The airline will be adding more departure cities and we will update this list as they come on board.

A tour with Mary Kerr to Iceland-Germany and France. Mary is an American Quilter’s Society certified appraiser. She is a quilt historian who lectures and does workshops focusing on quilt history. On arrival in Iceland meet Eythor Bjorgvinnson, your local tour guide. Eythor will be proud to show off his homeland Iceland, featuring many of the attractions of this unique country – majestic waterfalls, boiling hot springs, volcanos and glaciers.

After your Iceland visit continue tour to Heidelberg, Germany // St. Marie aux Mines (Alsace-Lorraine, France) // & European Patchwork Meeting // Paris, France

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2
Reykjavik, Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik
Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik

Early morning arrival at Keflavik Airport. Clear customs and then take a short drive to Viking World, a museum that features exhibitions about the time of the Vikings. Breakfast is served at the museum. Depart from the museum for Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, located just 32 miles from the airport. Once in Reykjavik, head directly for Hallgrimskirkja, the tallest and largest church in Iceland. You’ll get a great view of the city, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains from the top of the water tanks that supply the city with hot water.

After tour check-in at the Center Hotel Plaza, located on the main square in the heart of the old city, The hotel is perfectly situated to enjoy all that the Reykjavik city center has to offer. Enjoy a “Welcome Dinner” at Restaurant Apotek. (B,D)

Day 3
Reykjavik, Iceland

Downtown Reykjavik
Downtown Reykjavik

Today is free to enjoy on your own without regimentation to pursue your own interests. Reykjavik is a lively, colorful city with plenty to do to keep you busy. Many options are available to you such as: (B)

* The Whale Museum and a Whale Watching Tour
* Visit the National Museum of Iceland or the Harpa Concert Hall
* The Saga Museum
* The National Gallery + many other art museums to choose from
* The famous geothermal spa “The Blue Lagoon”

Day 4
Thingvellir - Geysir - Gullfoss - The "Golden Circle"

Gulfoss
Gullfoss

Depart Reykjavik after breakfast for todays tour of the “Golden Circle” which includes:

* Thingvellir National Park – this national shrine of Iceland has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thingvellir is the location of the oldest Parliament in the world, first assembled here in 930 A.D.
*Geysir Geothermal Area – the hot springs area famous for the first geyser ever mentioned in text: the one for which all geysers are named. The Strokkur Geyser erupts every 4 to 8 minutes.
*Gullfoss – the roaring and magnificent waterfall “Gullfoss”, a major highlight on the tour

Check in at Country Hotel Laekur for dinner and overnight stay. Time to hit the outside hot tub to round off a busy day. (B,L,D)

Day 5
Thorsmork

Heydalur Activities”
Thorsmork

Today you will visit Thorsmork, a hidden valley between three glaciers. You reach this verdant nature reserve by crossing lava fields and glacial rivers in a modified “Monster” truck – a exhilarating but safe experience, an adventure of a lifetime. Thorsmork is a popular place for hikers. The “Ring of Basar” is a easy 1.5m walk. Buffet lunch is served at Volcano Huts in Husadalur. On your return visit Gigjokull glacier with its giant icicle ravines – a good introduction to the “Land of Fire and Ice.” Continue to Thingborg Wool Center where high quality Icelandic sweaters and other wool products can be found. Drive by shortest route to Keflavik. Check in at Hotel Keflavik****. Dinner at KEF Restaurant. Dinner at KEF Restaurant. Wake up calls for Northern Lights if appropriate. (B,L,D)

Day 6 & 7
Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg, Germany

Day 6
Early morning flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Clear customs and meet your guide, Angela, who lives in Heidelberg. Angela will tell you about the Rhine Valley, the mighty river, the Lorelei and the wine industry in Germany. Arrive in Heidelberg, the oldest university town in Germany and proceed to the Hotel Weisser Bock****. Dinner in the Alstadt at the Red Ox Inn, built in 1703 and still owned/operated by the same family for 170 years. Enjoy good German food and music…visitors who have raised a glass here includes Mark Twain, John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe…an eclectic mix! (B,D)

Day 7
Visit Max Beck Textile Museum to view an extensive collection of antique quilts. The afternoon is free except for a White Fleet cruise on the River Neckar. On this 50 minute excursion you will get fascinating impressions of Heidelberg ad the castles of Neckar Valley.  (B)

Day 8
Colmar in Alsace, France

Kaysersberg, France
Kaysersberg, France

After breakfast at the hotel depart for a 2 hour walking tour through Heidelberg with Angela. Visit the Church of the Holy Spirit as well as Germany’s oldest university. Say goodbye to Heidelberg and drive south on the “German Wine Route” passing through the heart of the Palatinate (Pfalz).

Cross the border into France in the direction of Strasbourg, the capital and seat of the European Parliament. Continue west to the “Gateway to Alsace’s Wine Route”…lunch in the picture postcard town of Obernai. Afternoon arrival in St. Marie aux Mines, the venue of the Patchwork Meet (Quilt Show), the largest event in Europe that is devoted to quilting.  Transfer to nearby Colmar, a photographer’s dream, with its labyrinth cobbled lanes, flower lined canals and  timber-framed houses painted in a rainbow of pastel hues.  It is the quintessential Alsatian town, brimming with traditional restaurants and surrounded by vineyards and medieval castles. You wll stay at the 4 star Le Marechal Hotel, built in 1565 ad located in “Little Venice”, one of the most attractive quarters of the old town of Colmar. A  particularly charming feature of this hotel is the delightful restaurant “A l’Echevin”, where you will  enjoy dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 9
St. Marie aux Mines, France

Marie aux Mines, France
St. Marie aux Mines, France

After breakfast at your hotel transfer to the show in St. Marie aux Mines. The entire day is devoted to the Patchwork Meet. Transfer to your hotel in Colmar. Dinner own your own in town.

24th EUROPEAN PATCHWORK MEETING
This important quilting event was launched 26 years ago to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Jacob Amman’s founding of the Amish community in St. Marie aux Mines. Quilting has played an important role in Amish life ever since, making St. Marie the perfect location to celebrate the best that contemporary patchwork quilting has to offer. The event has developed to become the largest festival in Europe attracting over 22,000 visitors. (B)

Day 10
Alsace Countryside - Paris, France

Alsace Countryside Paris, France
Alsace Countryside Paris, France

Breakfast at hotel then take a walking tour of  “Little Venice, the historic old town of Colmar. Proceed to the countryside and visit the village of Riquewihr, the most authentic and beautiful of France’s storybook towns.  Continue today’s journey  in the direction of Paris. Arrive in Paris and check in at Hotel Monsieur Cadet. This elegant boutique hotel is well located in the 9th district, close to shopping and entertainment. Dinner is suggested at one of the many nearby bistros. (B)

Day 11
Paris, France

Paris, France
Paris, France

Breakfast then depart for a 4 hour city tour of Paris that includes the old Marais district, the Latin Quarter with the Sorbonne University, the Luxembourg Gardens and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

The afternoon is free without a set program. If Paris is new to you just sitting in a sidewalk cafe sipping an aperitif or simple people watching in the splendid atmosphere of this remarkable city is a good choice. For the more ambitious a visit to the famous Louvre would easily fill the afternoon. Beneath the Louvre is a major shopping center.

Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 12
Paris, France

Paris, France
The Palace of Versailles

Today is the last day of your tour and is at your leisure to spend as you wish. For those in Paris for the first time and would like to see more of the many wonderful attractions that Paris has to offer – we offer optional tours to “The Palace of Versailles” and the “Moulin Rouge Dinner Show”.

Option 1) The Palace of Versailles – One of the most famous monuments in the world, the residence of the kings of France, Louis XIV, XV and XVI and their courts from 1682 to 1789. The Palace is over 721,000 square feet – for a comparison the White House is 55,000 square feet. The Coronation Room, the Queen’s bedroom, once occupied by Marie Antoinette, the Hall of Mirrors and the Gardens of Versailles are yours to explore on this tour.

Option 2} Moulin Rouge Dinner Show – A short drive from your hotel. Experience the most famous cabaret in the world in this atmospheric theater with a dazzling spectacle of drama, dance and music. Enjoy a fine french meal and champagne for a truly indulgent experience. (B)

Day 13
Paris to Home

A leisurely breakfast in your hotel then time to pack and say bye-bye to your new friends. Transfer from the Hotel Monsieur Cadet to Charles de Gaulle Airport. (B)

Late afternoon arrival in the United States and Canada.

Iceland in Summer

Day 1
United States – Iceland

Godafoss “Falls of the Gods”

 

Departures from:

Baltimore MD, Boston MA, Chicago IL ,Denver CO, Detroit MI , Halifax-NS, Minneapolis MN, Nashville TN, Raleigh-Durham NC,   Seattle, WA, Newark NJ, New York NY,  Toronto & Vancouver CAN, Washington DC,  for your nonstop/overnight flight to Keflavik Airport via Icelandair .

Day 2
Keflavik, Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik
Icelandic Horses

Arrive at Keflavik Airport in the early morning. Clear customs then take a short drive to Viking World, a museum that features exhibitions about the times of the Vikings – Breakfast is served at the museum. Depart from the museum for the Hotel Berg the perfect place to rest after a long overnight journey. “Welcome to Iceland” dinner tonight in the hotels Fiskbarinn Restaurant. (B,D)

 

 

 

Day 3
Keflavik – Reykjavik – Hestheimar

The Adored Puffin
Thorsmork

Depart from Hotel Berg and head for Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, located just 32 miles east from the airport. Once in Reykjavik head directly for Hallgrimskirkja, the tallest and largest church in Iceland. A statue of Leif Eiriksson is aligned directly in front of the church, a gift from the U.S. commemorating the 1,000 anniversary of the Icelandic parliament and a tacit acknowledgement that Leif beat Christopher Columbus to North America by almost 500 years.

Your tour will include the Parliament Building, the National Theater and the main seat of government. Visit the harbor area, where older buildings have been retrofitted as boutiques and restaurants.  Leave Reykjavik and travel along the main route through southern Iceland.  Pass green farmlands where the Icelandic horses will be grazing along the roadside.  Arrive at farm Laekjartun to learn about Uppspuni a mini-mill operated farmers Hulda and Tyrfingut who will explain how the wool from the Icelandic sheep is processed into fine yarn.

Continue on to the hamlet of Hella and check in to Hestheimer for a three night stay.  (B,D)

Day 4
"The Wilds of Iceland" / Thjorsardalur Valley

Beautiful Icelandic Landscapes
Magnificent Gullfoss

Rise and shine-enjoy breakfast at Hestheimar.  Depart for Thjorsardalur Valley a good introduction to the “Land of Fire and Ice.” Located at the edge of the Icelandic Highlands where you will find the largest lava field in Iceland and spectacular waterfalls. This valley is within clear sight of the active volcano Hekla. Visit Haifoss, the tallest waterfall in Iceland.

Lunch at Hotel Highland restaurant Hrauneyjar.  Return to Hestheimar where you can enjoy the outside hot pot or the sauna. Dinner at Hestheimar.  (B,L,D)

Day 5
Waterfall Gullfoss-Hot Springs Geysir-The Icelandic Horse

Heydalur Activities”
Skogafoss

Depart Hestheimar after breakfast for a full days excursion.

Visit Gullfoss a majestic waterfall, next the Geothermal Geysir that erupts every 4-8 minutes.

Drive on to Fridheimar Farm an amazing horse breeding complex and greenhouse. Enjoy a delicious lunch and afterwards a horse show.The show gives you a insight into the remarkable Icelandic horse.

Depart for The Icelandic Horse World where you will have the opportunity to interact with the Icelandic horse and take a ride into the beautiful Icelandic nature. Return home and dinner at Hestheimar. (B,L,D)

Day 6
Seljalandsfoss-Skogafoss-Vik-Reynisfjara-Kirkjub/Ejarklaustur

Icelandic Horses
Herjolfur

Breakfast in Hestheimar then continue your trek through southern Iceland.

First visit today is to beautiful Seljalandsfoss and Skogsfoss waterfalls, two of the most beautiful in Iceland.

Continue on to Vik I Myrdal (the southernmost village in Iceland) for lunch at the highly rated Halldorskaffi.

Proceed to Reynisfjara to the black sand beach You will also visit the Dyrholaey rock arch  Your last drive today takes you to Kirkjubaejarklaustur to check in to the Hotel Laki for a two night stay. Dinner in hotel.(B,L,D)

 

Day 7
Kirkjub/Ejarklaustur-Jokulsarlon-Glacial Lagoon Cruise

Geysir Geothermal Eruptions
The Adorable Puffins

Breakfast at Hotel Laki then depart for Jokulsarlon.

Board a amphibian boat on   Iceland’s deepest glacial
lagoon for a 30 minute excursion.  The lagoon is 150 feet deep and has enormous icebergs with huge blocks of ice breaking off  the glacier.

Once back on land continue to Skaftafell where you can enjoy a easy hike to Svartifoss waterfall. Lunch at Hotel Skaftafell.

Return to hotel Laki (dinner in hotel restaurant Gigur). (B,L,D

 

 

Day 8
Kirkjub/Ejarklaustur-Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

Reykjavik
Reykjavik

Breakfast at Hotel Laki then depart for Landeyjahofn and board the ferry Herjolfur for Heimaey in the Westman Islands.

You have not been to Iceland if you have not been to the Westman Islands, a archipelago of 15 islands – off the beaten path of most tours.

The islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions 11,000 years ago.  The biggest island, Heimaey is the only permanently inhabited one and is the home to approximately 4300 people.  Visit the Volcano Museum and the lava fields.  Lunch is at “Gott Restaurant”.

After lunch explore Heimaey. Visit the Volcano Museum, Elephant Rock, and the lava fields at Eldfell (Fire Mountain).

Check in to Hotel Westmannaeyjar for two nights. Dinner at Einsi Kaldi (Einar The Cool One). (B,L,D)

Day 9
Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

Renowned Icelandic Quilting Master Gudrun Erla
Reykjavik In Summer

Today take a exciting excursion for 1.5 hours by boat around Vestmannaeyjar.  With a excellent view from the ocean you can see the cliffs teeming with puffins and other birds.

Lunch at Canton Restaurant, Chinese food served the Icelandic way.

After lunch you will hike (1.3 mile loop) to Eldfjall Volcano that erupted in 1973.

Dinner tonight at “Slippurinn Restaurant”.  (B,L,D)

Day 10, 11, 12
Westman Islands - Reykjavik

DAY 10

Depart after breakfast from the Westman Islands for Heimaey Harbor and board the Herjolfur ferry to the mainland.

After arriving at the mainland proceed by shortest route to Reykjavik. Remainder of day is free. Lunch and dinner are on your own.

Check in  time at Center Hotel Plaza is at 2 PM for a two night stay. (B)

DAY 11

Full day Reykjavik

Today is a free day in Reykjavik without regimentation to pursue your own interests. Reykjavik is a lively, colorful city with plenty to do. Optional Whale Watching Excursion, a Deep Sea Fishing Excursion or for quilters participate in a quilting workshop. Farewell dinner in Center Hotel Plaza bar.  (B ,D)

DAY 12

Reykjavik / Thingvellir Ntl Park / Home

Breakfast in your hotel then check out. We have saved the best for last. A visit to Thingvellir Nationnal Park.

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Icelandic Parliament was established here  in the year 930 AD.

Depart Thingvellir after your visit for the airport at Keflavik and check-in for your flight home. (B)

END OF TOUR

**Send us a email at (dkorat@aol.com) or call (864-263-7962) and we will e mail you the tour presentation with all the detailed information about this tour.

 

 

 

Today is a free day in Reykjavik without regimentation to pursue your own interests. Reykjavik is a lively, colorful city with plenty to do. Optional Whale Watching Excursion, a Deep Sea Fishing Excursion or for quilters participate in a quilting workshop. Farewell dinner in Center Hotel Plaza bar.  (B ,D)