Reykjavik! Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland and it is chock-full of museums

NCE Iceland & Westman Island Tour
                              August 18-26, 2021
                       Tour Director: Samantha Mandel
Contact:
Samantha Mandel
NCE Travel Director
mandels@newton.k12.ma.us
(857) 636-0921

Trip Itinerary:
Note that this is an outline itinerary. There is built-in flexibility to make modifications
based on the group’s desires.

August 18 (Day 1): Reykjavik
Explore the city – museums, restaurants, galleries, bars, and nightlife!

Arrive on your own according to your schedule, and check into your hotel in
Reykjavik! Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland and it is chock-full of museums,

restaurants, galleries, bars, culture, and nightlife. You can choose to explore the city
on your own, or with Samantha as a guide. Samantha will be taking those who are
interested on optional excursions such as:

   •   2-hour guided walking tour
   •   Visit the Perlan – great 360 degree views of Reykjavik!
   •   Lighthouse
   •   Museums
   •   Sculpture garden
   •   Arbaer Open Air Living History museum

For those who are interested in music or a show, we will work with you to make
those bookings.

Spend the night in comfort in Reykjavik.

August 19 (Day 2): Golden Circle
History, Geology, Waterfalls, Geysers, Rift Valley and Volcanoes!

For our first day outside of Reykjavik, we will travel with our dedicated bus and
wonderful guide Eyja to see some of the best-known natural phenomena in Iceland.

   •   The first stop will be Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between
       the rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (where two continental tectonic

plates meet), and explore an area which plays a huge role in Iceland’s
       heritage.
   •   Then, our knowledgeable guide will take us to the Althing, the world’s oldest
       Parliament which was founded in 930 AD. This is also the site where Iceland
       converted to Christianity and declared its independence from Denmark.
   •   Our next stop will be the geothermal valley of Haukadalur, where we will see
       powerful geysers among many bubbling hot springs. Strokkur Geysir erupts
       every 10 minutes or so, to heights that exceed 20 m (66 ft).
   •   Then we will visit Iceland's most popular attraction, the mighty waterfall of
       Gullfoss. A pathway will take us to the water's edge, so we can observe the
       incredible power of the falling water!
   •   We will continue to the volcanic crater of Kerið, which is well worth the visit.
       The crater rocks are incredible shades of red and orange, in sharp contrast to
       the water in the bowl which is a vivid blue! It’s a sight that you won’t soon
       forget.
   •   We will see Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you can walk all the way around
       for some great photos.
   •   Tonight, we take a beautiful ferry ride to the remote and picturesque
       Westman Islands! We may see some puffins along the way.

If this sounds like a lot of driving, don’t worry! Iceland is a small country and we
will be spending more time off the bus than on.

Stay on the picturesque Westman Islands. Go for a walk and see some puffins!

August 20 (Day 3): Westman Islands!
Puffins, Pompeii of the North, and More!

   •   Today we experience the ethereal beauty of the islands by sea! Our gorgeous
       boat ride around the island will show us puffins (aww!) and maybe also
       whales!

•   For those who desire, we’ll visit the Pompeii of the North museum, which
       contains fascinating exhibits on the excavation of eruptions and geology and
       volcanic activity.
   •   Want to stretch your legs? Today we can take a walk with our incredibly
       knowledgeable guide through a lava field to a volcano! Eyja will tell us all
       about the geography of the region and how these unique islands were
       formed.
   •   Spend part of the day at your leisure to see the History Museum or Whale
       Museum (all walking distance from our hotel), or enjoy a longer guided hike
       with Eyja and Samantha.
   •   Tonight, we take the ferry back to the mainland and stay near beautiful
       Skógafoss Waterfall.

Stay the night near majestic Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls.

August 21 (Day 4): South Coast & Glacier!
Black Sand Beaches, Rock Formations, Glaciers, and Boat the Glacier Lagoon!

   •    Today, we will participate in a beautiful glacier hike! This was one of the
        favorite activities for last year’s group. The hike will include walking and a
        small amount of elevation, so it requires good mobility and the ability to walk
        for 2 miles at a pace of 1 mile per hour. It does not require previous glacier
        hiking experience or athletic levels of physical fitness.
  •    Then we head to the coast of Vik, where we will admire the black volcanic
       beach and the dramatic Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar rock formations.
  •    We’ll drive along the South coast, passing stunning volcanic deserts and an
       incredible view of the Vatnajökull glacier.

•   We will go for an exciting zodiac boat ride that gets us up close and personal
       with the icebergs of one of Iceland’s most famous and beautiful attractions,
       the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon!
   •   We will walk along Diamond Beach, where small ice floes wash up on the
       shore and sparkle like gems.
   •   We will stay near the lagoon and enjoy our gorgeous natural surroundings
       and a delicious meal.

Stay the night near the Glacier Lagoon in the heart of Icelandic nature.

August 22 (Day 5): Eastern Fjords & Horse-back Riding!
Breathtaking fjords, fascinating history, and a unique breed of horses not found
anywhere else!

   •   Today, we will have some of the most spectacular views of the trip. We will
       go on a rollercoaster ride around the rolling hills and seemingly countless
       fjords of the eastern coastline. These fjords are breathtaking! The great
       Vatnajökull glacier lies to the west, visible as we cross the high mountain
       ridges to make our way north. We’ll take photo stops!
   •   The many idyllic fishing villages en route make for perfect rest stops. We will
       have many opportunities to learn more about Icelandic history and culture,

for example by visiting the fascinating Icelandic Maritime and Fishing History
       Museum.
   •   The East Fjords are also home to some of the greatest diversity of wildlife in
       the county. They have many incredible bird-watching sites and seal colonies,
       and the east is the only place in the country where you can spot herds of wild
       reindeer.
   •   This afternoon, we have some choices! We can enjoy the fjords from
       horseback with the Eldhestar, Iceland’s special sturdy breed of horse, take a
       guided boat ride through the fjords to see wildlife, or do a beautiful nature
       walk. If the group’s wishes are divided, we may split the group so that
       everyone gets to do their activity of choice.

   •   Tonight, we will enjoy a specially included (and delicious) group meal. Brave
       souls can try shark, reindeer, and Black Death!

Stay the night in East Iceland, one of Iceland’s most pristine and least populated areas.

August 23 (Day 6): Dip in the Thermal Baths, Canyons, and a Lake!

•   Today, we will head to the Lake Mývatn area, an area known for its unique
    and stunning geothermal landscapes.
•   First, we will enjoy one of the highlights of the trip, a soak in the geothermal
    Vök Baths! The hot water here is so pure, it’s certified as drinkable. Think
    Blue Lagoon, without the crowds.
•   After our relaxing soak and lunch, we will visit Dettifoss. Set in a canyon in
    the middle of a lunar-esque landscape, this is the most powerful waterfall in
    Europe.
•   Then, we will continue on to a very different kind of geothermal site: the
    Namaskarð Geothermal Site. The rainbow-colored bubbling earth and
    powerful natural steam vents are like nothing you’ve seen before!
•   Tonight we’ll stay by the beautiful Lake Mývatn, one of the prettiest areas in
    Iceland. You can explore the lake right from our hotel!

Stay the night by beautiful Lake Mývatn.

August 24 (Day 7): Geothermal Sites, Whale Watching & Fishing, or Beer
Factory!

   •   We’ll start the day off with a visit to Goðafoss Waterfall, a liquid stunner that
       often offers up rainbows! This waterfall played a key role in Iceland’s
       transition from paganism to Christianity.
   •   We’ll enjoy lunch on our own in the city of Akureyri, known as the “capital of
       the North” and a hotspot for restaurants, shopping, views, museums, and
       more.
   •   A la carte afternoon: Travelers will have the choice of going horseback riding
       on the special Icelandic breed of Eldhestar OR whale-watching and fishing
       with Icelandic fishermen (brave souls can process shark!) and eat the fish we
       catch OR travelers can visit a brewery & bathe in beer at an Icelandic beer
       spa!
   •   We will stay near the beautiful seaside village of Hvammstangi.

Stay near the beautiful seaside village of Hvammstangi.

August 25 (Day 8): History, Waterfalls, & Wool Factory!

   •   This morning, we will take a tour of an Icelandic wool factory. We’ll have
       plenty of time for shopping for discounted wool souvenirs!
   •   After our wool factory visit, we’ll have some of the most delicious food of the
       trip for lunch.
   •   Next, we see our last two waterfalls of the trip, Barnafossar and Hraunfossar.
       Instead of coming from a river, these powerful spring-fed waterfalls come
       right out of the ground!
   •   We’ll visit Snorrastofa, a medieval research institute where Iceland’s most
       famous poet, politician, and historian, Snorri Sturluson, wrote the saga
       Heimskringla and the bible of old Norse mythology Edda in the 13th century.
       An expert researcher will give us a tour, including a visit to Snorri’s still-
       extant 13th-century hot tub!
   •   We’ll spend the night in Reykjavik and enjoy the city cultural offerings once
       more.

Stay the night in comfort in Reykjavik.

August 26 (Day 9): Blue Lagoon and Departure

   •   This is departure day, but depending on the time of your flight you can
       choose to see more of the sites in Reykjavik or get in some last-minute
       souvenir shopping.
   •   For those who are interested, we can also book a Blue Lagoon visit on this
       last day since it is on the way to the airport. We’ll include the Blue Lagoon
       booking at no extra cost to you. If you choose this option, make sure you
       book an evening departure flight!

Virtual Information Sessions
August 25, 2020 from 7-8:30pm
September 24, 2020 from 7-8:30pm

To sign up for an information session and receive the Zoom link, please register
here: http://www2.newtoncommunityed.org/travel2021/

Pricing (see below for discounts!)

   • 9-day Trip: $3,599/person
   • $649 surcharge for single occupancy

Discounts

Early-bird discount: Save $100 if you pay by the early-bird deadline of October 15,
2020.

Pay-in-full discount: Save $50 is you pay for the trip in one installment by the regular
registration deadline.

Discounts can be stacked; i.e. you can take advantage of both the early bird and pay-in-
full discounts!

Note that if you choose not to take advantage of the pay-in-full discount, your payment
can be spread out over multiple installments as outlined below.

The following is included in the price:
   ! Hotels
   ! Bus
   ! Expert local tour guide
   ! Two group meals
   ! All logistics handled
   ! Seminars on Icelandic history, culture, language, and literature (sagas!)
   ! Community experience & good company
   ! Cheery Newton Global Education Manager!
   ! Breakfast every day
   ! Entrance to all non-optional sites listed on the itinerary, and entrance to Blue
       Lagoon if desired

To secure your spot:

      1) Email Samantha Mandel at mandels@newton.k12.ma.us of your intent to
         register and let her know if you will be paying in full or paying a deposit.
      2) Write out your deposit check for the correct amount. Checks can be made
         out to Newton Community Education with “Scotland” in the memo line,
         and mailed to “Newton Community Education, c/o NCE Travel, 457 Walnut
         Street, Newton MA 02460.”
      3) Register for the trip online at
         http://registration.xenegrade.com/nce/coursedisplay.cfm?schID=15924

      The installment payment schedule is as follows:

      $1,200 due immediately to secure your spot (add $349 for a single
       room) spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

        Deduct $100 if we receive your check by the early bird deadline of Oct. 15,
       and/or deduct $50 if you pay in full!

       $1,200 (add $300 for a single room) due December 15, 2020

        $1,199 due February 16, 2021

If you withdraw from the trip before May 1, 2021, you will be charged a $250
cancelation fee, after which we will refund all deposits we've made on your behalf that
we are able to get back from vendors. No refunds will be possible after May 1,
2021. Should NCE need to cancel a trip for traveler safety (for instance, because of a
pandemic), we will return all monies we are able to get back from vendors and there will
be no cancellation fee. See the FAQs below for more information about NCE's careful
stewardship of fees and efforts to ensure refundability of payments. Travelers are highly
encouraged to purchase travel insurance policies that meet your specific needs.

FAQs

Do you think it will be safe to travel COVID-wise in 2021, and how will our trip
fees be handled in case it’s not?
We have no crystal ball. Our hope is that summer 2021 is far enough out that we will
once again be able to travel safely. Here are some precautions we will be taking
with your trip fees:

   1) Flexible Vendor Refund Policies: We will be waiting as long as possible to put
       down payments for vendors (e.g. hotels) and negotiating up front to get
       flexible cancellation policies wherever possible. This ensures that in the
       event we need to cancel, we can get most of our money back. Because NCE
       makes arrangements individually with each vendor instead of working with a
       travel agency, we are able to be much more nimble about securing refunds.
       Iceland hotels and vendors are particularly amenable. The 2020 Iceland trip
       was canceled within 2 months of its departure date and we were able to
       secure 100% refunds for our travelers.
   2) Flexible NCE Refund Policy: If NCE cancels a trip due to health & safety
       reasons, we will get you all the money back we can, with no cancellation fees
       from our end, regardless of the date. For instance, this year’s trip to Iceland
       was canceled due to the pandemic and we were able to provide 100%
       refunds to all travelers. We can also offer advice with airline refunds. For our
       three canceled trips this year, all travelers have either received or are in the
       process of receiving 90-100% airline refunds.
   3) Recommending Travel Insurance: Now more than ever, we are recommending
       that travelers purchase travel insurance. In order to be sure of coverage in
       case of a pandemic, travelers should purchase “Cancel for Any Reason
       (CFAR)” policies. The best travel insurance deals are usually available within
       14 days of making your first deposit for the trip.

How about health and safety precautions for COVID-19? How will this trip
accommodate for those?
That question is difficult to answer for a trip occurring so far out. Hopefully by
summer 2021, we are clear to go! NCE will closely monitor all recommendations and
guidelines and will err on the side of caution. If there are precautions to be taken,
we will take them. If the trip becomes unsafe, we will cancel.

How much are flights to Iceland?
Not much. As of July 2020, roundtrip flights are available near our dates for $268
(flights for August haven’t been released yet).

Can Samantha help me with my flight bookings?
Of course, Samantha is always happy to advise if you have questions!

Why doesn’t NCE make group flight bookings?
Paradoxically, pricing for groups is often higher than for individual tickets since airlines
take the average price of their lower- and higher-priced seats in group bookings. Also,
because many travelers choose to come early or stay late, allowing individuals to make
their own flight arrangements affords maximum flexibility.

Since this is an NCE program, will there be an educational component?
Yes! Samantha will offer a pre-class of Icelandic history, sagas, and basic Icelandic
language on an optional basis for those who are interested.

How about the food?
Icelandic food is delicious. They have amazing seafood but also lots of other options,
and you can try delicacies like puffin, whale, and shark! We have accommodated a
variety of dietary restrictions in the past.

I have friends/family who also want to come. Do they have to live in Newton?
No! Our only requirement for travelers is that they be 18+ with a valid passport.

I definitely think I'm coming on this trip. What should I get started on besides
registering?
Make sure you have a valid passport that is good through the end of November
2021.

Will Samantha give us information about what to pack and how to prepare?
Yes she will, not to worry! She has taken many groups of students and adults
abroad, and will tell you everything you need to know - packing lists, using money in
Iceland, health and safety, insurance plans, phone plans, etc. etc.

What is the maximum number of travelers you can take?
25.

What is the minimum number of travelers you need to run the trip?
15.

How many people will there be per hotel room?
The base price assumes double occupancy. If you don’t know anyone else on the trip
but wish to have a roommate, Samantha can pair you up according to availability
and your preferences. If you would prefer your own room, we would be happy to
accommodate you. There would be an extra cost of $649 associated with that.

Is the trip geared towards a particular age range/fitness level?
NCE travelers usually encompass a range of ages, and we strive to create trips that
are not physically demanding. That being said, we cannot change the fact that
certain sites will include walking, sometimes on uneven surfaces and sometimes on
an incline. In order to fully participate in this trip, travelers should be able to walk 1-
2 miles a day and 1 mile at a stretch. However, participants are always welcome to
opt out of program activities. If your abilities do not match the above-listed physical
guidelines but would still like to participate in the trip, please discuss with
Samantha. You may be able to participate with the exception of a few activities.

Questions?
Contact Samantha Mandel, NCE Travel Director, at mandels@newton.k12.ma.us.

What do NCE Iceland travelers have to say about their
experiences?

"It was the best group trip that I have been a part of. Samantha was our smiling leader,
always on top of the details for each participant and the group, making sure things
happened smoothly. We were in good hands with Samantha, she is extremely
knowledgeable.”
-Jane D.

“Wonderful trip. I loved it, loved it, loved it. Amazing sights, great people, good
weather, good food, knowledgeable guide. The fact that this trip had so many travelers
from Newton and the surrounding area was a bonus. It was nice to have the opportunity
to meet the travelers in advance of the trip.”
-Lesley M.

"Superb. Would be happy to travel anywhere with Samantha! She was steady, patient,
helpful, informative, and inspired confidence and community building. I hope to continue
to see her.”
-Lorri L.

"I have been on several group trips before and this trip was even better than I expected.
The value was excellent and I especially enjoyed making new friends in my community!”
-Lisa J.

An amazing, educational, super-fun trip and CONGRATULATIONS on a job
exceptionally well done! We are fans. :-)
-Jim H.

This might just be the best trip I've ever taken… and I’ve traveled a lot! I look forward to
another adventure next year, wherever you end up taking us!
-Ron S.

As long as timing works for us, you can pre-book us on any future trips you do! Superb!
-Ken B.

I would follow Samantha anywhere! I loved this trip! I’ll be coming on your next one
wherever you go!
-Carol Ann F.

This is a wonderful addition to the already varied offerings of the Newton Community
Schools. Make this a staple of NPS offerings!
-Celia M.

The group of people were terrific… going with a local NCE group was very positive.
-Laura R.